Vampires Rule

by K. C. Blake

  The pain subsided. He climbed to his feet and held a hand out. Silver shook her head, taking another step away from him. Why was she moving further away? Why didn’t she trust him?

  Uncontrollable anger surged to the surface.

  She screamed.

  He lunged, swiping at her with invisible metallic claws. They cut through her arm. Blood seeped through the pink material. She tried to get away, but he chased her. She circled a tree; he was faster. He caught her and a vicious growl erupted from his throat. He wanted to kill her.

  Silver locked eyes with him. A weird sensation gripped him hard. It was an uncomfortable feeling, not exactly painful but bad. He wanted to finish her off, but he couldn’t move. Every muscle in his body froze. He couldn’t even move his lips to ask her what was happening, not that he needed to. A horrible revelation sparked to life in the back of his mind. He knew exactly what was happening to him.

  Silver was sucking his soul out.

  ****

  Jack woke covered in sweat, pulse racing, throat closed so he couldn’t scream. It took him a moment to remember how to breathe. He sat up in bed and looked around the lamp-lit room. Scattered remnants of white material caught his eye. He’d ripped his sheets to shreds. He didn’t have to wonder what sort of werewolf power he was going to get anymore. The invisible claws had become part of his anatomy.

  Silver talked in her sleep, and he turned into a werewolf in his. They made quite a pair. He grabbed his cell before remembering the note he’d written her. He couldn’t call and tell her about his dream. He couldn’t ask her what she thought about him tearing his sheets apart. The last voice in the world she wanted to hear belonged to him.

  Blanca hissed at him from a far corner in the room. No wonder she didn’t like him anymore. She probably smelled the part of him that was changing into a werewolf. Vampires kept cats for one reason: to warn them when werewolves were nearby. Poor thing was probably more confused than he was.

  “It’s okay, Blanca.” He leaned off the bed, rubbed his fingers together to attract her attention. “Come here. I’m not going to hurt you.”

  “Jack?” Billy tried to twist the doorknob, but it didn’t budge. He banged on the door. “Jack, why is this locked? Are you okay? Let me in.”

  Jack got out of bed and headed for the door. His hand touched the knob before he remembered the sheets. He couldn’t let Billy see those. Billy wouldn’t wait for an explanation. His kid brother would run a stake through him or shoot him before he could utter a single syllable in his own defense.

  “Jack, what is going on in there?”

  “I’m trying to sleep,” he mumbled. “What do you want?”

  “I heard you yelling and thought you were being killed. Let me in.”

  “Just a second.” Jack raced to the bed, gathered the tattered fragments with both hands. He wadded them into a loose ball and shoved them into the closet. Billy kept knocking, demanding immediate entrance. A white corner peeked out from under the closet door. Jack opened it again, kicked at the sheets until he got them completely inside.

  He hurried to his bedroom door and opened it with a tired sigh. “I had a nightmare. Okay? I’m sorry if I woke you, but everything is fine in here.”

  “Woke me? I thought you were getting killed in here. A normal person might hear screams and think someone is having a nightmare, but in this family a scream usually means that person is getting his throats torn out.”

  Jack couldn’t argue with the logic of it.

  Billy put a hand on his shoulder. “You sure you’re okay, kid? Your face is pale and sweaty.”

  Jack shoved the damp bangs off his forehead. He desperately wanted to confide in his brother. If Billy wasn’t a hunter, maybe he would be able to trust him with the truth.

  “When did you get home?” Jack asked. He leaned back against the door, arms folded. “Did you catch anything tonight?”

  Catch or kill? Whatever.

  “I’ve been home a few hours, and I really don’t want to talk about hunting with you. I’m afraid you might have a conflict of interest if I decide to hunt something you used to hang out with.”

  Did that mean Billy knew his friends were still in town?

  Billy asked, “How are things going at school?”

  Jack quickly went through a list of things that had happened since he’d joined the Jefferson High student body. There wasn’t anything he wanted to share with his brother. He couldn’t tell Billy about losing his temper and getting into a fight on his first day. He couldn’t tell his brother about getting detention or about the new werewolf boy, but he had to say something.

  “Do you know a teacher named Jersey Clifford?” Jack asked.

  “Never heard of him. Why?”

  “He says I look familiar.”

  Billy frowned. “Maybe he was reading newspapers back when you died, and he has a good memory. What did you say to him? I hope you didn’t make him more suspicious.”

  “I didn’t say anything. Don’t worry about it.”

  “What about Silver? Have you been hanging out with her?”

  He didn’t want to talk about Silver. A flash of her in the forest, terrified and running from him, sprang to mind. Had he dreamed of her before? Is that why she seemed familiar when they first met?

  He wished he could call and ask her about it.

  “I’m not talking to her anymore,” he admitted.

  “Why not?”

  Jack groaned. “Mind your own business. I won’t ask about your hunting anymore if you don’t question me on my personal life.”

  “Hey, let’s not forget I’m letting you live with me even though you were a vampire. I opened my home to you.”

  “This is my home as much as it is yours. In fact, being the oldest son, it should belong to me.”

  “I called in a big favor to get those papers for you so you could go to school. If you want to continue to live here, I suggest you watch your mouth.”

  Jack shoved Billy and his brother flew backwards, smacking into the wall.

  “Don’t you forget I’m older than you!” Jack yelled. “I am the firstborn. Not you. Me.”

  Billy took a swing at him, but Jack ducked. The fist flew over his head. The breeze disturbed his hair. Billy grabbed him around the waist and dropped him to the floor. They rolled around in a tangle of arms and legs, both of them trying to hit the other. They tumbled into Jack’s desk and knocked over the chair.

  Jack got Billy beneath him. A loud snarl erupted from his throat. It sounded like a wild animal, a cross between a mountain lion and a bear.

  Billy froze, his eyes widening in fear.

  Jack jumped to his feet and ran. He kept going until he was outside. Although he tried to use vampire speed, he still didn’t have that power. He stopped in the front yard and took a deep breath of fresh, cold air. The chill cooled his anger.

  He looked up at his bedroom window and saw Billy watching him. At least his brother hadn’t gone after a wooden stake or a gun... yet.

  Chapter Nine:

  TWO WEREWOLVES ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN ONE

  The thrill of being back in school had worn off. Jack emptied the coffee pot into his mug. He’d brewed it last night after his fight with Billy. Exhausted, he rubbed his eyes while sitting alone at the kitchen table. Maybe he should skip school today and try to work things out with his brother. Billy had locked himself in his room. That’s why Jack hadn’t slept. He was afraid to let down his guard in case Billy decided to grab a stake or a rifle.

  After a long, silent debate, he decided to go to school. Facing Silver on two hours of sleep was better than staying at home, possibly blacking out and getting killed by his brother. With a tired sigh, Jack rose from the table. He dragged himself up the stairs and knocked on his brother’s locked door. “I’m taking your car. I need to go to school.”

  No response.

  Jack spoke louder. “Is it okay if I take your car?”

  He pressed his ear to the door, listening for
movement. Minutes passed. He waited, impatiently tapping his foot. Was Billy asleep? The thought of his brother getting rest when he couldn’t, sparked his anger. He kicked the door. “Billy!”

  “I don’t care what you do.” Billy’s muffled words floated through the door.

  The sound of Billy’s voice startled Jack. It was close, too close. His brother was standing on the other side of the door, face pressed against the wood. Once again Jack asked if Billy would come out and talk to him, but Billy refused. His brother told him to go to school, a harsh command. Under other circumstances, Jack might have argued with Billy, told his brother he didn’t have the right to order him around, but there wasn’t anything more to say, so he left.

  He drove on automatic. Nothing registered. His eyes drifted closed a few times, but he jerked awake before hitting anything. Part of him fantasized about driving into a tree and killing himself. A vision of what his funeral might be like danced through his mind. He wondered if Billy would care. Would his brother mourn him? Would he feel bad for pushing Jack away or would he spit on Jack’s grave?

  He made it to school alive, slid his brother’s four-door between a truck and a compact. Groups of students stood around talking and laughing, not a clue about the upcoming war. He envied them for their ignorance. A few of them had cigarettes dangling from their fingers and from their lips. The smell of tobacco reminded him of his friends, but he refused to dwell on those memories. Last night, about three in the morning, he’d had an epiphany. From now on he was living in the present. Leave the past in the past.

  He didn’t recognize any faces in the parking lot, and he didn’t feel like making new friends. Some of the students stared at him as he walked by. As the new kid he was still a phenomenon. He should have worn sunglasses. At least they wouldn’t be able to see the dark circles beneath his eyes.

  When he got inside the building, he went straight to his locker. Too bad he couldn’t remember the combination. His tired brain refused to function. Jack spun the lock around three times before trying a series of numbers that felt right to him. Wrong. He tried again, different digits this time. It didn’t work. He had to have his books. If he couldn’t figure it out on his own, he would have to go to the office, and starting his day in a possible conversation with Principal Hardwick didn’t sound like a good idea to him.

  He groaned and rested his forehead against the locker with a loud thump.

  “Problem?” Meghan appeared at his side. “Allow me.”

  She rotated the lock a couple times before dialing it to a series of numbers. She pulled on the metal door, and it opened. Relieved, Jack grabbed two books: Math and Biology. He also removed a notebook and three pencils.

  “Thanks,” he said. “Wait a second. How do you know my combination?”

  “It was with list of classes, and I was blessed with a photographic memory.”

  “Well, thank you again. I appreciate the help.”

  She smiled sweetly and moved closer to him. “Have you heard about the bonfire party yet?” He shook his head, and she added, “It’s going to be Friday night in the field on the edge of town. You know, the one next to the cemetery. Everyone will be there. How about you?”

  Next to the cemetery he’d been buried in?

  “I think I’m busy that night.”

  “Really?” She pouted. It reminded him of Summer. “Can’t you change your plans? I was looking forward to getting to know you better.”

  Before he could politely but firmly put her in her place, Silver came into view. He had been dreading this moment. No doubt she was going to tear him to pieces for putting that note into her pocket. He hoped she wouldn’t cry or make a scene. If she started with the tears, he would have to give in and tell her the truth, regardless of the consequences.

  Silver walked past him without a glance in his direction. She went straight to her locker, retrieved her books. Apparently she wasn’t going to confront him. Part of him wished she would. He wanted an excuse to make up with her.

  Meghan asked him out again. “Would you please go to the party with me? Pretty please with pink sugar on it?”

  He answered her in a loud voice, hoping Silver would hear him and get jealous. Maybe she would confront him then. They’d work it out. His powers could return at any second, and he would be able to protect her from his old gang.

  “Yes, I will go to the party with you, Meghan.” He watched Silver over the other girl’s shoulder. “Thank you for asking me.”

  Silver shot a dirty look his way. She grabbed a passing boy, one of the big guys who had been sitting across from her in Study Hall his first day. She shared a dazzling smile with him, and Jack experienced a rush of anger.

  “Are you listening to me?” Megan’s smile faltered. “Did you hear a word I just said?”

  He blinked at her. He could either stand around, flirting with a girl he had zero interest in, or he could put an end to this silly game and talk to Silver. It was an easy choice to make. Misery was a mild word for how he felt about losing Silver. Still, talking to her could put her in danger. He reminded himself he was staying away from her for her own good. His former friends might decide to kill her if they caught him with her, and he didn’t know when his powers would actually return.

  But he had cool new claws. If Cowboy and Summer caught sight of them, they’d leave him alone. They’d be worried that a scratch from him could kill them. They’d clear out of town so fast he’d forget what they looked like by sunrise.

  The large boy put a hand on Silver’s waist, and Jack lost the tenuous grip on his temper.

  The bell rang. Megan flipped her hair and smacked him in the face with it as she stormed off. He barely noticed. His eyes were on Silver and her groping friend. The hallway emptied fast. Silver and the guy started for one of the nearby rooms, but Jack blocked their way.

  “What do you want?” Silver asked with a deep scowl.

  “I just wanted to meet your friend.”

  “Why?”

  He ignored her. His eyes narrowed on the boy’s ruddy face as he said, “I’m Jack. And you are?”

  The boy with the huge shoulders and enormous teeth smiled. He offered his free hand to Jack. “I’m John.” His smile faded a bit. “Hey, aren’t you the guy who almost broke Tucker’s finger?”

  “That’s me.”

  “Tucker is a friend of mine.” The smile vanished completely. “What is your problem, dude? Huh? Why did you jump him like that? Are you crazy or just stupid?”

  Jack gestured to John’s other hand and said, “He touched Silver.”

  “Really?” The kid’s smile returned, but it had a mean twist to it now. His fingers tightened on her waist, and he jerked her closer. “Well, what do you know about that. It looks like I’m touching her. Are you going to try to hit me? I’m a lot bigger than my buddy Tucker. Think you can take me on, squirt?”

  A slow grin spread across Jack’s face. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Silver intervened. She knocked John’s hand off her waist and stepped between them. “Excuse me. I am not a chew toy for you two morons to fight over. Besides, I’m not supposed to be talking to you. Remember? Isn’t that what you wrote in that stupid note?”

  She stared up at him, not blinking, her face an angry mask. He turned away for a second, long enough to see Jersey standing in the doorway of his classroom. The teacher’s probing eyes narrowed on Jack. They seemed to be asking a silent question: Are you going to let that kid push you around?

  The idea that the teacher thought Jack was weak added gasoline to the growing fire in the pit of his stomach. He didn’t know why it mattered to him what Jersey thought, but it did.

  John chuckled. “You are such a loser.”

  Bam! Jack’s hands moved faster than his brain. He pushed Silver out of the way with one hand while the other plowed into John’s smug face. He regretted doing it almost immediately. How many times had his mother told him violence didn’t solve anything? It was wrong... but it felt so good. />
  John was right about being bigger than Tucker, but that only meant he fell harder. The guy wasn’t smart enough to stay on the floor. He was on his feet before Silver could get a single word out. No doubt she was going to tell Jack he was a jerk, but she didn’t get the chance. John took a wide swing at Jack’s face.

  Jack ducked. He punched John in the stomach, twice. He shoved the boy backwards until they hit the wall. John tried to get Jack’s head in a lock, but Jack was too fast for him. They struggled to subdue each other and banged into the lockers several times while Silver yelled for them to stop.

  Deep in the dark recesses of his mind, Jack wondered why he didn’t hear Jersey Clifford’s voice. Weren’t teachers supposed to break up fights?

  “What in the world is going on out here?” Principal Hardwick shouted, “Break it up, you two, or I’ll expel you both for the rest of the year!”

  Jersey leaped in as if he’d just arrived. He pulled John to the side, and his arms wrapped around the kid in a tight hug. He had John’s arms trapped at his sides.

  Hardwick glared at Jack. “This is your second day and your second fight. I have had it with you. You are not going to get an opportunity to make it a third.”

  “Sir,” Jersey said. “It wasn’t Jack’s fault. He was minding his own business when John attacked him. I heard John say something about this being payback for Tucker.”

  The three students gaped at the English teacher, mouths wide open. He wasn’t supposed to lie. John started to babble, desperately trying to tell Hardwick what really happened. Hardwick wasn’t going to take the word of a student over a member of the faculty. He gave John a week of detentions.

  Jack expected Silver to back up John’s version, but she kept her mouth shut. This would have been the perfect opportunity for her to get rid of him. Maybe she didn’t think Hardwick would believe her. Her eyes remained on Jersey’s face the whole time. She didn’t understand why he was covering for Jack either.