rjschoicesstuff

[rjschoicesstuff]

[rjschoicesstuff]

Blood of the Covenant: Chapter 4

A rewrite of Immortal Desires

rating/warnings: MATURE CONTENT (18+), violence, blood, death of family members, vampire hunters

word count: 7.6k words

book and pairing: Immortal Desires, NB!MC x M!Cas x M!Gabriel

tags: @choicesficwriterscreations

Series Masterlist

The next week is pretty drama-free. Most of my time is spent with Libby and Jade, preparing for our performance. During my free period, I sit at an empty table on the quad, sketching for my art class. 

“Boo.”

I flinch a little, but I know who it is immediately.

“Really? That won’t work on me twice.”

Cas chuckles and drops onto the seat across from me.

“You’re blocking my view,” I say without looking up.

“I am the view, sweetheart.”

I roll my eyes at that.

“I thought you weren’t gonna be around for a while. You couldn’t last more than 3 days without me?”

“You wish, human.”

“I don’t have to wish. You’re proving it by showing up everywhere I go,” he frowns, and I don’t look away as he stares me down.

“You’re way too bold for a human,” he finally says.

“Maybe humans aren’t as weak as you think.”

He scoffs and rolls his eyes, “yeah, right.”

That’s when I notice something in his hands.

“What’s that? A camera?”

He looks a bit embarrassed for a second before nodding his head.

“I, um. I take pictures. Sometimes.”

“You’re a photographer?”

“Uh, I guess. It’s been a while and I haven’t really had anything interesting to take pictures of so I was just wandering around. Waiting for inspiration to hit, I guess,” he shrugs awkwardly.

“Can I see?”

He smirks at that, his usual smugness returning, “I’ll show you my pictures if you show me what you’re drawing.”

“Deal,” I hand my sketchbook to him, and he hands me his camera. 

I didn’t expect Cas to be into photography. He keeps surprising me every time we meet. His photos are very Cas. Most are black and white, pictures of the woods at night, a black cat sitting in a tree, trees during a storm, grungy pictures of a skateboard, graffiti. I scroll through the pictures until the latest one makes my breath catch in my throat.

It’s a picture of me, taken a few minutes ago, sitting at this bench, engrossed in my drawing, hair blowing in the slight breeze. I’ve never seen myself look like this, so beautiful, lost in my own world. Is this how Cas sees me?

“Wow, you’re so down bad,” Cas says. When I look up, Cas has a smug grin on his face. My book is open to the page where I was practicing facial features an hour ago. The page that is covered in him and Gabe. Fuck I completely forgot about that! I should have remembered before handing my sketchbook over to him!

“Whatever,” I say, snatching it out of his hands as my face burns from embarrassment, “and I could say the same about you.” I hold up his camera, showing him the picture I was looking at.

Cas only smirks, “I like taking pictures of pretty things. Can you blame me?”

I close my sketchbook, avoiding his eyes.

“How did you get into photography?” I ask, desperate to change the subject.

He’s silent for a minute, looking down at his camera, and just when I think he won’t answer, he speaks quietly, “Photography is the only human part of me I’ve kept around.”

Before I can question him further, the school bell rings, signalling the end of free period. 

“Better get to class, Tiny. I’ll see you around.”

—-------

After school, Libby and I walk together to an empty classroom where we’ve been having dance practice. Libby is a total sweetheart, and it’s been nice to have a normal friendship around here. Jade is already there when we arrive, in the middle of recording a dance video for her instagram. 

We practice for half an hour before sitting down for a much needed break.

“It’s too bad this is a talent show and not a competition, we’d eat everyone up!” Jade says.

“Ugh, I don’t have the energy to worry about a competition. That’s way too much pressure right now,” Libby grumbles.

“What are we thinking for our costumes? What should we wear?”

Jade grins, “of course our future fashion designer is worried about costumes. What do you suggest?”

We spend the next few minutes coming up with costume ideas. Libby falls silent besides me, and when I look at her, she’s staring blankly at the floor.

“Libby? Whats wrong?”

“Oh, uhh… it’s nothing.”

Jade nudges Libby, “come on, tell us.”

She glances at me before quickly looking away.

“You’re both bisexual, right? How… how did you know?”

“I always knew,” Jade says, “I don’t know how to explain. In middle school, my friends would talk about boys, and I mean I agreed with them. But when I spoke about girls the same way, no one else felt the same. And then I realized that not everyone thought that way. Why do you ask, Libs?”

“I think I might like girls…”

Jade and I gasp in unison.

“Oh my god! Who's the lucky girl?” Jade wiggles her eyebrows at her.

“No one!” she blushes, avoiding eye contact, “it’s just something I’ve been thinking about for a while. I’m not even sure right now, I’m… kind of confused.”

“That’s okay Libby, you don’t need to have all the answers right now,” I say, “It took me a while to figure it out.”

“It’s just… All my crushes were guys. When I mentioned the possibility of liking girls to my ex, he totally shut it down. He said I couldn’t be bi if I was in a relationship with a guy.”

“Ew, what the fuck.”

“Oh yeah, Libby’s ex was a total douche. We’d been begging her to break up with him for a month.”

“Well he’s totally wrong. Bisexuality doesn’t go away from being in a straight relationship. Or a queer relationship, for that matter.”

“Yeah, just ‘cause I’m dating doesn’t Aiden doesn’t make me straight. I hate when people say things like that.”

“Has anyone ever said that to you, Devi?”

“Well, I’ve never been in a relationship before. But I’m nonbinary, so technically I’ll never be in a straight relationship.”

“Is it hard dating as a nonbinary person?”

“I haven’t really tried dating. But since I like presenting in a feminine way most of the time, most people assume I’m a girl and I’m just saying I’m enby to be trendy.”

“Ugh, that must suck. Gender doesn’t equal clothes,” Jade grumbles.

“Oh, don’t even get me started. I could go on for hours about how gender is just a performance and an ever changing social construct.”

“Thanks for answering my questions, guys.”

“Of course, Libby.”

We get back to practicing. By the end, we’re all sweating and exhausted. 

“I have to get going, guys. I have to meet Gabe in the library for a student council meeting,” Libby says.

“I’ll come with you. I was thinking of getting some studying done.”

We wave goodbye to Jade and head to the library. The library has become one of my favorite things about Crimson Beech. It’s a separate building on the school campus, but in a small town, it’s the only library. I set my stuff down at a table in the corner of the room while Libby makes her way to another table, where Gabriel and a few others are seated.

The last time I was here, Gabriel and I found the Journal of William Pierce. I’m hoping to find more information on supernatural creatures. Based on what Cas said a few days ago, the creature that attacked me can’t be a vampire, so I want to figure out what else exists.

I go back to the section where I found William Pierce’s journal and begin looking. I walk back and forth among the aisles for 10 minutes and find… nothing. None of the books suggest anything supernatural. I groan out of frustration. Of course there’s nothing, if the covens are willing to brainwash and kill humans to keep their secrets, why would they leave books about them in a public library? If I knew of a specific person, like Pierce, maybe I’d find something. But I don’t.

I go back to my table and open up my laptop. If I’m here, I might as well get some homework done. I refuse to fall behind on my classes because of all this. After only a few minutes, I find myself mindlessly staring at my laptop screen. I highly doubt that there are no books on the supernatural. Wouldn’t they need the information? What about their history, their ancestors, where their powers come from? There must be recorded information. Maybe not in a public library, but it must be kept somewhere. In the Nexus, maybe? Or perhaps somewhere else?

I groan and drop my head in my hands. Obviously I can’t just go into the Nexus. If the vampires realize I’m trying to get more information on my own, they’ll kill us.

“Divakshi?” I look up to see Gabriel, gazing down at me worriedly.

“Hey Gabe, how was the council meeting?”

“It was fine,” he says, taking a seat across from me, “what’s wrong?”

I sigh. “Nothing. I’m trying to get some work done but I keep getting distracted. Hard to stay focused when your life is in danger.”

He nods sympathetically.

“Why don’t we study together? We can hold each other accountable.”

The next half an hour, Gabriel and I sit in comfortable silence, doing our classwork. I’m glad, I really don’t want my grades to drop. I’ve worked way too hard in high school to fuck up in my final year. I have to survive, I have to graduate, and I will move to NYC to go to fashion school. No matter what happens.

—-------

That weekend, I try to ignore the lingering paranoia and head over to the hospital to meet my mom for lunch. We haven’t spoken properly since the last time I was here, two weeks ago. She’s been busy with work, and I’ve been busy with school, dance practice, and festival planning. With a brisk knock, I slip into her office and hold up a bag of food. 

“Hi mom! Hope you’re hungry.”

“Hi beta! I’m just wrapping up my report. Come on in.”

“Still working on the woods murder?”

She sighs and looks up at me. 

“I’m officially calling it an animal attack. Dr. Junius has been adamant that we close the case this week.”

“Good.”

She looks at me sternly.

“Devi, I don’t understand why you’re being like this. I really didn’t want to involve you in my cases, but now that you’ve seen what's going on, how can you tell me to stop investigating? You insisted for years that these attacks were not done by animals!”

“Why didn’t you want me involved in the cases? Because you wanted to keep me safe, right? I just want the same thing! And how do you know that this case is related to dad’s? Maybe this one is just animal attacks.”

“They are related.”

“What? How do you know?”

She doesn’t respond and instead looks back down at her notes.

“Mom! How do you know?!”

She doesn’t look up from the crime scene photos, her finger subconsciously stroking the victims hair.

“The forest rangers haven’t found a single animal in the area that could’ve caused this. I set up a meeting with the sheriff to-”

“You did what?!” 

She jumps at my outburst.

“Mom, you're a medical examiner, not a private investigator! I can’t lose you like Dad and Arush, we already talked about this! And… Crimson Beech is a small town. Small town politics won’t like you sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong!”

She narrows her eyes at me.

“Speaking of things being where they don’t belong… the school called a few days ago to make sure you were feeling alright. Apparently you left in the middle of an Autumn Festival meeting? And then you came home late looking like you’d been in the woods, which, if you recall, we’ve also talked about. Twice.” 

She pauses for a second, waiting for me to interject. Instead, I take a bite of my food and chew slowly. She sighs. 

“Where were you last week?”

“I was…getting a tour of the town with Cas. He was just showing me his favorite place in town, and we sort of lost track of time-”

“Wait, whose Cas? I thought you were head over heels for Gabriel?”

“Mom! I am not ‘head over heels’!”

“Oh, come on! I just want to know who you’re hanging out with. Tell me about him, please?”

I know she’s changing the subject on purpose. But I am running out of ideas on how to deter her from this case and I’m getting tired of not being able to tell her anything like I used, so I decide to indulge her a little.

“Cas is… misunderstood. He acts all tough, he’s got so many layers! I know he’s just a big softie deep down.”

“Great, just what every mother wants for her kid… an onion.”

“What? Mom!” I can’t help but laugh at her comment.

“So Gabriel and Cas? Seems like you’ve been busy~”

“Oh my god, mom.”

She nudges me, “Come on, tell me how school is going. How’s dance practice?”

I tell her about everything, about Gabriel and Cas and the Autumn Festival committee, basically everything except the vampire stuff, and she tells me about her new coworkers. It feels so good to be able to talk to her again without worrying. We used to be so close, but I’ve kind of been avoiding her since the Nexus trial. After some time, I clear out our trash and head out.

I’m about to leave when I hear the faint sound of an acoustic guitar coming from the children's ward, along with the sound of singing. I know that voice. I follow the sound down the hall and peer into a hospital room. Inside, I find Gabriel sitting at the edge of a bed, guitar in hand and eyes closed as he sings to a group of kids in hospital gowns. He has the voice of an angel, and he looks totally at peace. I lean against the doorframe and take a moment to admire him. He looks heavenly, his skin glowing in the afternoon that streams through the window. His fingers strum the strings with practiced precision.

A little girl notices me and waves for me to come in.

“He’s really good!”

“Yeah he is.”

At the sound of my voice, Gabriel opens his eyes, seemingly stepping back into himself. He ends the song, and the kids clap enthusiastically.

“Good news, friends. Looks like we’ve got a special guest with us today! Everyone, this is Devi.”

“Ooh! Is Devi your girlfriend?” a young boy calls out.

“Josh!” Gabriel blushes and shoots me an apologetic look. 

I grin and stoop down to the boy’s level.

“Gabriel hasn’t asked me to be his partner yet. But how about I check back in with you when he does?”

“How many minutes is that gonna be?”

I smirk and look back at Gabriel.

“Yeah, Gabriel. How many minutes?”

“Well, that depends… what number says ‘I’m interested’ without seeming too desperate?”

The kids quickly lose interest in us and move on to their toys, and Gabriel takes the opportunity to put his guitar down.

“You were incredible, but what’re you doing here?”

“I volunteer in the children’s ward as much as I can. The kids are great, and… I like giving them something to be happy about.”

That’s the cutest shit I’ve ever heard.

“That’s so sweet. And you were really connecting with the music. It felt personal.”

“I guess that song just speaks to me. Music in general has really been a saving grace for me after everything I lost. It’s how I get the courage to tackle a new day.”

A little boy comes up to us and taps on Gabriel’s knee.

“Can you play us another song, Gabriel?”

Gabriel grabs the neck of his guitar and looks at the boy with a gentle smile. My heart melts at the sight. 

“Of course. What would you like to hear next?”

“I want to hear you sing with Devi!” a little girl calls out.

“Oh no no, I don’t sing.”

“Pleeeeaase?” She pouts at me from her bed, eyes wide with hope.

“Uhhh...” How am I supposed to say no to that face?

“How about I teach you to play the guitar instead? I think you’d be good at it, and the kids are a great audience,” Gabriel offers.

The kids all let out a cheer when I agree.

“Why don’t you take a seat and we’ll see what you got?”

…Would it be totally inappropriate for me to sit in his lap in front of the kids? I look at Gabriel’s pretty angelic face for one second, and decide that I don’t care. Fortune favors the bold, as they say.

“This seat taken?” I ask, slipping into his lap. 

Gabriel fights the obvious smile spreading across his face as he adjusts to play the guitar around me. 

“All yours,” he whispers in my ear. My face burns at the proximity and my heart races in my chest.

“Oooh, does that mean they’re married?” Josh asks.

“I call flower girl!” the girl from earlier says.

Gabriel and I dissolve into a fit of giggles as each kid assigns themselves roles in our imaginary wedding, and he rests his chin on my shoulder, murmuring so only I can hear. 

“I was thinking we’d honeymoon in English Lit. class. The desks are roomy, and it’s well within our budget.”

“Those kind of great ideas are why I’m marrying you.”

We both giggle again, before Gabriel leans back slightly, starting a simple tune on his guitar. He looks at me with a mischievous glint in his eye, then turns to the kids.

“What do you think, friends, do you want to hear Devi play it?”

“Do it! Do it!” the kids cheer.

“Isn’t it a little early to start teaching them peer pressure?”

“You say ‘peer pressure’, I say ‘encouraging others to go beyond their comfort zones.’”

I laugh and roll my eyes.

“How about we do some easy chords? E minor to G to A minor to C.”

As Gabriel walks me through a basic chord and short rhythm, I watch his fingers move easily over the strings, feeling safe in the circle of his arms. He takes my hand and moves it onto the strings, his chest firmly pressed against my back as he checks my positioning. The light touches send goosebumps up my arms.

“Alright Devi, show me what you’ve got.”

“Right. First it was… A minor to C.”

The kids giggle and cover their ears as I play all the wrong chords.

“Oops. I guess I need a little more help from Mr. Gabriel, huh, kids?” I say, biting back a smile.

They all shout their agreement and Gabriel laughs. He places his hands atop mine and guides me through the tune once more, though I’m more focused on his touch than the strings. My heart jumps when he leans in and whispers, only loud enough for me to hear.

“Very subtle.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I obviously just need some more hands-on training.”

With his guidance the notes ring out loud and clear, and when he takes his hands away, I keep playing. 

“Hey, I’m doing it!”

“Can we have some praise for Devi, please?”

The kids all cheer and high five me, and Gabriel chuckles, wrapping his arms around my torso.

“Remind me, what were you saying about peer pressure?”

As I consistently play the melody, Gabriel begins to sing along, his voice low and gentle. A delightful chill runs over me as I feel his warm breath against my neck. I close my eyes for a second, still playing, and bask in the feeling of his strong arms around me and the comforting sound of his voice. I could easily stay here for the rest of my life with no complaints.

The kids begin singing along and making up their own lyrics to our song, and I take the opportunity to lean back and talk to Gabriel. 

“I think I see what you mean about music being a saving grace. I just feel so… in the zone.”

“Music’s always been my happy place. I’m just glad I got to share it with you… especially since that was the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen.”

The brush of his lips against my earlobe causes me to jolt and play a wrong note, but I quickly pull myself together. Gabriel happily rests his chin on my shoulder as he continues singing, and I’m unable to wipe the smile from my face. When the song comes to an end, the kids cheer.

“That was awesome!”

“Devi, will you come back to visit us again?”

“Gabriel looks super happy having you here with him!”

Silly kids playing matchmaker. I look over at Gabriel, who puts a hand over his forehead, trying not to laugh. 

“Well, I’m super happy with Gabriel too.”

I take his hand in my own and lace our fingers through his, and the warm smile he gives in return is enough to make my breath catch in my throat.

“I’m glad. I know things have been hard since you moved here, but more than anything I’ve wanted to put a smile on your face in spite of it all.”

“Well, you picked the best helpers.”

“Only the best for you.”

I duck my head to hide my smile, and high-pitch giggling fills the room.

“Awww, they’re so cute!”

“More like BARF. Don’t they care about cooties?”

We both try to ignore the comments, but burst out laughing anyways, hands still entwined. 

Suddenly, Gabriel tenses, eyes on the doorway. I turn, following Gabriel’s line of sight out to the hallway, where Lewyn stands by the nurses station, eyes locked firmly on mine. Whatever peace I felt is shattered and my hands start shaking.

“Are you cold? I can get you a blankie!” a kid asks.

“Oh, no, I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine…”

“Tell you what, friends. How about I take Devi home now and play an extra song for you next week?” Gabriel suggests.

“Awww man!”

“I’ll be back, promise. So keep practicing your singing!”

Gabriel ushers me out of the room and away from Lewyn’s unrelenting stare. In the hallway, he puts an arm around my shoulders. I can’t help but lean into him, grateful for the security I feel around him. 

“Let's get you out of here. My favorite place in town is bound to put a smile on your face.”

Shortly after, Gabriel pushes open the door to an arcade filled with pinging machines and flashing lights. I have to yell to be heard over the music.

“Whoa!”

“Isn’t it great? I work here on the weekends with Libby.”

He points over to Libby across the room reloading the coin machine, and when she notices us, she stuffs a wad of bills into her zip-up pouch and bounds over. 

“Leave it to Gabriel Adalhard to bring his paramour to work of all places. What is this, date number one? Two?”

I meet Gabriel’s eyes, and my face warms as a blush rises to his cheeks as well.

“Er, no comment…”

He steps a little closer to me as he answers Libby.

“This is me showing Devi the new VR game we just got in. We’ll be in the back when you clock out.”

“I do detect a ‘leave us alone’ behind all that Adalhard charm. Message received loud and clear. Have fun you two.”

She leans towards me, still talking loud enough to be overheard over the pings of nearby games. 

“Wish I could stick around to see how much game Adalhard has when he’s trying to impress the person he has his eyes on, though.”

My face warms again and Gabriel groans besides me.

“Goodbye, Libby.”

Libby laughs and wiggles her fingers at us, then heads to a nearby table that's just flagged her down. Shaking his head, Gabriel points to the far end of the room. 

“Ready?”

“To show you home-court advantage doesn’t exist when it comes to video games? Definitely.”

Laughing, he brings me over to a big TV screen in the back and hands me a set of VR goggles.

“What kind of game is this?”

“Its called Monsters in Manhattan. Zombies have taken over Times Square, and we’re two of the only survivors. 

“So your idea to distract me from monsters in my life is to show me monsters in HD?”

 I watch in amusement as panic spreads across Gabriel’s face. I reach out to touch his arm, giggling. 

“I’m kidding. But can I just say, I didn’t peg you for a gamer. Chess club, maybe…”

With a good natured roll of his eyes, Gabriel gets into a ready stance, aiming a grin at me. 

“Just get ready to have my back, okay? These things come at you pretty fast.”

Gabriel and I slip on the headsets as the screen counts down. For a moment, everythings dark, and the  music of the arcade fades away. Then, the hustle bustle of New York floods my ears.  A native shoves past me, shouldering me out of the way. 

“Hey!”

They turn around at my outburst, revealing cloudy gray eyes, mouth opened in zombified horror. 

“Here we go!” Gabriel exclaims beside me.

The zombie sprints at me, and as Gabriel spars with a zombie at my left, I look around for a weapon. I grab a slice of hot pizza from a vendor nearby and shove it into the zombies mouth before smashing it into the side of the vendor cart.

“Nice moves!” 

Another angry zombie charges, but Gabriel remains calm and stoops to move a heavy manhole cover. Seconds before the zombie grabs him, he steps out of the way, sending the zombie plunging into the deep. 

“Right back ‘atcha!”

As more zombies fill in, I get more physical, unleashing a series of attacks on them. The square fills with zombies, and as one of them tries to hop on my back, Gabriel steps in the way. The zombie sinks its teeth into his neck, and “Game Over’ flashes across the screen. I take the goggles off, relieved to be back in the arcade. 

“That was fun!”

“Not bad for your first time playing.”

“Yeah. remind me to add you to my ‘apocalypse survivors’ group chat later, ‘cause that was awesome!”

I turn to see Libby sitting nearby, and the two of use slide into her booth

“Thanks, but Gabriel was really killing it. It looked so easy, like he wasn’t even trying.”

“That’s because he wasn’t. I watched him beat this game in half an hour last weekend.”

“Wait, what?”

“I wouldn’t say I beat it…”

“Okay, hot stuff, game’s up. You’re just being modest for Devi’s sake.”

“Libby!”

“So you’re saying he took the dive? I wasn’t that bad.”

“Of course you weren’t!”

“He’s just better.”

I look over at Gabriel and smirk.

“I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“What do you say we go again? I promise I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”

“You’re on.”

“I say we take it off two player mode and let you each show what you can really do.”

Libby toys with the settings, and a short while later, Gabriel straps on the headset. Together, Libby and I watch the viewing screen. The background loads, and without any preamble, zombies are everywhere. Without hesitation, Gabriel roundhouses, uppercuts, and stomps them into submission. I could totally do that too.

“Whoa, it’s like watching a completely different game!”

“I think he’s showing off a little, but yeah. Must be the famous Adalhard genes kicking in.”

At the mention of his last name, Gabriel tenses, and a zombie breaks through his barrage of attacks. The monsters descend, and though he puts up a fight, it’s all over in seconds. He whips off his headset and heads towards us.

“Libby, Devi doesn’t want to hear about that.”

“Hear about what?”

“Haven’t you heard? Our Gabriel’s descended from vampire hunters.”

My eyes shoot over to Gabriel, who goes completely still. Libby keeps talking, oblivious.

“According to town legend, there was a Captain Adalhard who was a huge deal in Crimson Beech back when the boogeymen roamed the earth. He was a protector for the whole town, and wiped the vampires all out. Gabriel’s a chip off the old block.”

Next to me, Gabriel refuses to meet my eyes. His reaction says it all, and I can’t help but think back to Cas’s outburst in the gym last week about my talisman.

“‘Captain Adalhard’, huh? There must be some truth to the tale. I’ve seen the statue in school. The vampire vs. vampire hunter story must have come somewhere, right?”

I continue to stare at Gabriel, but he doesn’t say anything. Libby clears her throat.

“I guess it could be, but I can’t say for sure since it’s not my family history.”

A man calls for Libby from another part of the arcade. She waves bye to us and heads off, leaving me alone with a stony silent Gabriel.

“So… Can we talk about this?” he heaves a sigh.

“Outside’s probably best.”

I follow him to a bench out front, and as I settle onto the seat, Gabriel takes a deep breath.

“Before you ask, yes I’m the descendant of Crimson Beech’s most infamous vampire hunter. There, my secret’s out in the open.”

“So it’s true? Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“It’s… not something I like to talk about. I don’t know much of my family history, but what I do know is that some great-great-grandfather of mine was a chief vampire hunter. He’d been involved in thinning out the vampire population in this town back when they were running rampant.”

I shudder, remembering the chilling accounts of the town's vampires in William Pearce’s journal. 

“He was good, really good. He got the vampire population down to a controllable number, giving the humans a fighting chance… and then he hunted the remaining vampires for sport. He would torture them and..and… keep their heads.”

“Their heads?! Yikes…But why do you feel bad about it? You haven’t gone vampire hunting, have you?”

I study Gabriel, but his gaze remains in his lap, his hands clenched into fists. When he speaks, his voice is full of quiet rage. 

“No, but sometimes…sometimes I wish that I could. That talisman is the last relic of my family. The vampires took everything from me. I hate vampires. And I hate that I do. But most of all…”

I watch as his fingers shake, but right as I’m about to reach out to reassure him, he turns his pained gaze to me.

“I hate that sometimes… I don’t feel bad about what my ancestors did to them.”

His face crumples, and he looks so ashamed.

“Oh, Gabriel… I understand.”

A wave of empathy rushes through me as I think about my own family. I don’t know what that creature was, but it took away the people I loved most and I know I feel the same anger towards it.

“You lost so much, it makes sense that you would feel this way.”

Gabriel lets out a sigh of relief, some of the tension leaving his body.

“So you don’t think I’m crazy?”

“Of course not. You’re allowed to feel how you feel. They hurt you. You don’t have to pretend that they didn’t.”

I take his hand in mine and squeeze in reassurance. He gives me a weak smile.

“To be honest, it’s a relief to have gotten all this out in the open, at least. Thanks for listening.”

“Hey, we’re a team, remember? Two humans who know this town's deep dark secrets have got to stick together.”

I turn to face him fully. I’m once again overcome with the feeling of wanting to open up. I want to tell him about my family, and to tell him that he’s not alone. That we’re not alone. But when I open my mouth, my throat runs dry and I can’t find the words. Again. I’ve never talked to anyone about this, aside from my mom and Priya. Now, I guess I just… don’t know how.

Oblivious to my inner turmoil, Gabriel gives me a sweet smile and squeezes my hand in thanks.

The sun sets around us and I sigh and climb to my feet. 

“I’m happy to lend an ear, especially after how much you’ve helped me, but if I don’t get home at a reasonable hour, my mom’ll finish me off before any vampire has the chance.”

“Lemme walk you. I know a shortcut.”

As night falls, Gabriel leads me behind an old stone church, standing imposingly with all the lights out for the night. For the first time that night, Gabriel smiles.

“The arcade is my favorite place during the day, but at night, nothing tops this…”

He lifts some branches out of the way as I step down a pathway, the brick walls overgrown with vines. I take in the sight of the wild-looking plants and patches of flowers growing over the broken stones. Upon further inspection, I realize the stones are gravestones.

“‘I know a shortcut’ he says, and it’s through a fucking graveyard. Should I be worried?” I joke.

Gabriel winces. 

“I thought about how much I dumped on you earlier, and I thought I should give you a little context, and a little more town lore if you’re up for it.”

“Ooh, town lore? Why didn’t you say so before?”

He chuckles. “This church has been here since Crimson Beech was founded. My family’s lived in this town for centuries. There’s even a family plot in the back. My favorite part of the cemetery, though, is the moonflowers.”

With a grin, he reaches over my shoulder to a vine behind me covered in flowers, their pale white petals seeming to have an otherworldly glow in the moonlight. Gently, he plucks one off the vine and offers it to me. Ever the gentleman. I take the moonflower, and my fingers brush against his. He meets my eyes, and under the moonlight, the flower’s glow lights up his face. He looks heavenly under the moonlight.

“Thanks.”

“Any time.”

With a sigh, Gabriel steps back, much to my disappointment. His gaze moves to the ground for a moment, and when he looks back up, he looks almost guilty.

“Devi… I know it’s none of my business, but I can’t keep this in anymore. I know you left the gym with Cas last week.”

“Oh… that…”

“It’s your life, but as the only Adalhard left, I feel like it’s my job to look out for everyone. And I was really worried about you.”

“Listen… I can take care of myself. I really appreciate you looking out for me, and I know you feel all this pressure, but I’m not weak or helpless.”

“I know you’re not, but it’s different with a vampire.”

“I wasn’t defenseless. I have the talisman, remember? It would’ve warned me if Cas wanted to hurt me. It didn’t react at all until-”

I cut myself off, knowing immediately that I slipped up. From the look of Gabriel’s face, I know he caught it too.

“Until…what?”

“...Until a member of a Venandi hunting party confronted us in the woods and warned Cas to stay away from me.”

“That Venandi is right. Cas should stay away from you. He’s using you for his own sick amusement. And I don’t know where that leaves you when he gets bored.”

I consider his words for a moment. Maybe I’m being utterly naive, but I didn’t get the feeling that Cas was using me for amusement the way he says. At least I don’t think so.

“Gabriel… I think you’re wrong about him. He’s reckless, and I know he’s dangerous, but he’s also young at heart. I could feel that when I was with him.”

“And I think your trust in him is misplaced.”

“That may be, but who I spend time with is my decision. Gabriel, please, just…trust me.”

He smiles ruefully.

“It’s not you that I don’t trust…”

He lets his sentence trail off as he takes me in, and I get the sense that he’s looking deep into me, mulling over everything I’ve told him tonight.

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to leave the vampire stuff alone completely. And I can’t fault you for being curious. I like that about you. And that’s probably what he likes about you too.”

He says the last part under his breath, so quietly I’m not sure if I was meant to hear it. Before I can say anything, he bumps his hip against mine and points to a row of graves, a smile tugging at his lips.

“That curiosity is the whole reason I brought you here. See those graves over there?”

“What about them?”

“They’re completely empty. Vampires use them to keep their immortality a secret.”

“No fucking way.”

“Way. If you’re interested, I’ll tell you what I’ve learned about the graves and the vampires they belong to. Consider it a peace offering for being in your business.”

“Hell yeah I’m interested!”

Unable to contain my excitement, I start off down the row of graves. Gabriel laughs as he moves quickly to keep up with me. As I walk, I read out the names and dates I see.

“Anna Margaret Marymount, born 1873, died 1915…Francis Pratt, born 1601, died 1650…these things go back centuries!”

“I wasn’t kidding when I said the church is as old as the town itself.”

I crouch down and sweep away dried flowers and dead leaves from two nearby stones.

“Lloyd Jansen and Alma Zhang.”

“Also known as Astoria and Lewyn. Well, their earlier 1900s identities, at least.”

“You’re kidding. ‘Lewyn’ and ‘Astoria’ are aliases? Why?” 

“Vampires need to leave town for a few decades at a time so the townspeople don’t realize they’re immortal. Sometimes they do it by ‘dying’ and taking a new name.”

“They fake their own deaths? That’s so dramatic!” I’m smiling gleefully at the prospect. “Do you think they gave themselves mundane deaths? Or something super over the top?”

“They strike me as the type to love drama.”

“If I were a vampire, I’d definitely come up with something crazy. Volcanic eruption? Backflip accident? Death from shock after a particularly bad hair day?”

“Here lies Lloyd Jansen, who exited this life doing what he loved most… fighting a bear.”

Gabriel and I laugh until we can hardly get our words out.

 “Oh my god, can you imagine Lewyn being a flower child in the 70’s?”

Gabriel and I burst out laughing again.

“I won’t be able to get the mental image of him putting on eyeliner while listening to The Sex Pistols out of my head, ever.”

“Ohmygod ohmygod, please tell me Astoria got ‘The Rachel’ haircut in the 90s.”

“I’m pretty sure she’d kill you for even suggesting it.”

“I’d been wondering how the vampires have lived here for so long without any humans realising. I guess this answers that.”

We finally get ourselves together and continue down the row of graves.

“That one belongs to the cashier at the supermarket. Oh, and that one’s the postman’s.”

“Uh, considering I know both are very much alive, I’m guessing…”

“Yep, vampires.”

“Seriously? They’re both so nice.”

“Vampires can’t be bloodthirsty all the time, or they wouldn’t stay a secret.”

“I guess that makes sense…”

“To be honest, it’s the nice ones who make my feelings towards vampires the most complicated.”

“Yeah, I can see why. But that sounds like torture. Can you imagine spending an eternity listening to Karens try to use expired coupons? It’s a wonder there isn’t a murder at the Save-Plus everyday.”

“Not saying I agree, but I do understand.”

Gabriel brings me to a nearby grave, and a pained look crosses his face.

“‘Sara Adalhard’.” 

“My grandmother.”

Dried flowers surround the grave, and the grave stone itself is covered in moss and specks of dirt. I can’t make out the date or any other details. I reach over and wordlessly touch Gabriel’s arm.

“She’d been doing a lot of research into the family, said she was working on some genealogy projects. That’s how she learned about vampires. I don’t know how long the Adalhard family’s vampire hunter past had been buried but when she uncovered it, it was the beginning of the end…”

He clears his throat roughly, and when I look over, his expression is tight. Haunted. 

“Hey, you don’t have to tell me all this.”

“I want to. You’re the only one I can talk to about this. It helps, really.”

“Then I’m listening.”

He takes a moment to steady himself, his eyes never leaving his grandmother’s stone.

“Once she learned the existence of vampires, that they were here where we lived, she told me the truth. The Sensory talisman was a family relic she uncovered in her research. She gave it to me to keep me safe.”

I look down at my wrist, where the talisman rests against my skin.

“She also found out the Adalhard hunters had a whole stash of silver-based talismans that they used to torture the vampires they caught.”

“Did she collect them all?”

“No. When she figured out the location, she found the stash empty… sometimes I wish she never learned about any of it. If she hadn’t maybe things would’ve never ended up the way they did. And if she hadn’t given me the talisman, then maybe she and my sister…”

Gabriel doesn’t finish his thought, but he doesn’t have to.

“Gabriel, I’m so sorry.”

I can practically feel his sadness, and in an effort to comfort him, I reach out and cup his cheek in my hand. My fingers caress the soft skin of his cheek, and his eyes flutter shut as he leans into my touch, completely vulnerable and open.

“Thank you for trusting me with this. With everything you’ve told me tonight.”

“I… I was afraid that if I told you these things, you might see me differently. And that you might not like what you saw.”

“That couldn’t be further from the truth. The more I learn about you, the more I want to be there for you, be here with you.”

He grips my hand in his, as if my palm cradling his face is the only thing holding him together. As we part, I look down at my sensory talisman. 

“Gabriel… I feel weird holding onto something so personal of yours. You should take it back.”

“No! I want you to keep it. It’s important to me that you’re safe, and I’ll do what little I can to assure that. Starting with that talisman.”

I’m so overcome with a feeling of gratitude for him, I could cry.

Suddenly, the vines nearby rustle, and I practically leap out of my skin. Gabriel jumps in front of me… as a bird takes off into the night.

“Okay, nature, thanks for scaring the living crap out of me!”

Gabriel lets out a breath and forces a shaky laugh, looking at me over his shoulder. 

“That feels like a sign we should get out of here.”

“Admit it, you want to leave before the vampires get us, right?”

“You shouldn’t joke about that.”

Even as he says it, Gabriel grins. I decide to lean into it and put on a voice.

“They’re coming to get you, Barbara!”

He shakes his head, smile widening still.

“Okay, that's zombies. If you’re going to make light of your own safety, at least get the supernatural creature right.”

“Fair enough.”

He bumps my shoulder with a laugh before looping an arm through mine. Together, we leave the graveyard, the metal gate creaking behind us as it closes.

Later, the two of us make it to my doorstep, and with all that's been said between us, I can tell he’s as reluctant to part ways as I am.

“So, I guess this is goodnight. I guess I’ll see you at school on Monday?”

“Yeah, Monday…”

Still, neither of us move to leave. Finally, I break the comfortable silence.

“Hey, Gabriel? Let’s do this again sometime. Maybe even as a date?”

I look up at him hopefully, face warm. A grin spreads across his face, and as he steps closer, my heart races.

“So you’re saying I didn’t scare you off?”

“Actually, no. I want you to be able to trust me. I like you, Gabriel,” I say, honestly.

My words surprise him, but just as I start to think it may have been too much, he pulls me into a hug.

“I like you too. I can’t tell you how much it helps to be able to share things with you. I… I don’t feel so alone anymore,” he whispers in my ear.

We stand there for a moment, unmoving in each others embrace. The warmth of his arms around me contrasted with the cool night air makes me never want to leave… but I know I have to. 

Finally, we part for the night, and I practically float up to my room, head still spinning from the events of the day. But when I head to my window to draw the curtains, I pause. Looking out the window, I see a person leaned over talking to someone in a parked car. Though it’s dark, the figure is unmistakably Gabriel. But who is he talking to? Seconds later, Gabriel stands up straight and takes a step back, allowing the streetlight to illuminate the face of the driver, which is…

Lewyn. Why is Gabriel talking to Lewyn?!

[rjschoicesstuff]

Sometimes I think abt what other kind of spells cld be in tht grimoire

Nsfw ish under the cut

[rjschoicesstuff]

Her pestering him for a selfie so she can show Joy tht annoying guy

Also Joy reaction:

[rjschoicesstuff]

I was gonna do All diary entries like this initially lmfao um no thank u im at almost 20k words now

But it works so well when shes mad tho (this part is so funny 2 me)

[rjschoicesstuff]

Been drawing a lot of stuff like drawings Cas wld make of Ripley and Gabe n stuff

And here's one from river's au 🙂‍↕️

[rjschoicesstuff]

Skool pictures

[rjschoicesstuff]

Gonna take art requests again umm ur mc's, my mc's, choimses characters etc... u kno the roll

(Or fic requests) (i just like requests)

[rjschoicesstuff]

Okay finally catching up 🫡

Hahaha them and Gabriel making each other blush before the training session.. so cute..

“So you’re an only child? Must be so peaceful not having someone annoy you all the time.”

Oh man this must hurt 😭😭

Giggling at them throwing their marker at Cas 😭😭 it's what he deserves..

The manipulator thing is interesting to me!! Curious to find out if that'll also affect the mind erasure ritual thing or if they still use Cas' grimoire for that (if ur Cas is even a witch at all)

I like that there's like more internal turmoil and initial mistrust towards Cas than canon mc has.

Blood of the Covenant: Chapter 3

A rewrite of Immortal Desires

rating/warnings: MATURE CONTENT (18+), violence, blood, death of family members

word count: 9k words

book and pairing: Immortal Desires, NB!MC x M!Cas x M!Gabriel

tags: @choicesficwriterscreations

Series Masterlist

The next few days, my thoughts are completely consumed with these murders. The creature I saw killed my dad and Arush, it looked nothing like a vampire. But then…it did kind of drink their blood, right? What if…it’s some kind of super vampire? Or maybe it’s something else entirely. It stands to reason that if vampires can exist, then other creatures could too. The attack I witnessed the night of the party was Cas, but the others weren’t his doing. And Lewyn seemed convinced that the murders were done by a vampire. But does he know that for sure? Or are these murders and my family’s murder unrelated? That seems like too much of a coincidence, especially since the whole reason we moved here was so mom could investigate this case. 

I need to know more, I’m just going in circles at this point. But who do I ask? And do I even continue investigating this? My mom and I have already been threatened. Me investigating will only make things worse. But if this involves my dad and brother, I can’t just let it go. I don’t know what to do or think anymore, and on top of that I’m scared for me and my mom’s life.

Someone taps my shoulder, and I jump and spin around, but it’s just Jade.

“Whoa, sorry! Didn’t mean to scare you,” Jade says. 

“It’s alright, I was kinda lost in thought. What’s up?”

“Gabriel said you were interested in joining the Autumn Festival planning committee. We’re making posters for the events today after school, so you’re welcome to join us.”

“Great, I’ll be there.”

“Perfect! And we’ll start dance practice this weekend, okay? I’ll see you at lunch later, bye!” She waves and heads off to her class, and I make my way to my locker. 

I collect my books, still lost in thought. I close my locker, only to jump at the unexpected sight of Cas leaning against the locker next to me.

“Boo.”

“Ah!”

I drop my books in surprise, and Cas cackles loudly. Down the hall, his friend from the woods party is fighting a smile at my expense. I crouch down to pick up my books, and Cas looks down at me with a mischievous grin that boils my blood.

“Do you and your lackey really think that's funny?!”

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me I scared you?”

“Scared me? You fucking wish. Hate to say it, but it’ll take more than a lackluster game of peek-a-boo to have me shaking in my boots.”

Cas raises his eyebrows at my boldness, but I hold his gaze unflinching. He chuckles.

“You got guts, Tiny, I’ll give you that…”

Lightning fast, Cas bends down to swipe up one of my books, which I realize too late that it’s my personal sketchbook and not the one for my classes. I stand to reach for it, but he holds it out of my grasp. 

“Oh, what’s this? Your sketchbook?”

“Cas. Give. It. Back.” 

“Now I’m curious. What have you been drawing that you don’t want me to see?”

I glare at him, but his smug smile only grows wider. Years ago, when my dad’s death was ruled as a wild animal attack, I sketched out the creature I’d seen in the woods that day. There is absolutely no way in hell I’m letting anyone see it, let alone Cas.

I’m just about ready to stomp on his foot when Gabriel walks up from behind him, snatches the book out of his hand, and returns it back to me in one smooth motion. 

“Back off, Cas. It’s too early in the morning for your special brand of intimidation. 

“Hello to you too. I was wondering when you’d show up to play the knight in shining armor. But you can retire the chainmail…Devi can save themself.”

“You’re right,” I take a step forward to stand face to face with Cas, pulse speeding up when he meets my eyes, “But who said I needed to be saved? I’m not afraid of a little danger.”

He looks surprised for a second, before flashing his signature smirk. 

“If danger’s what you want, I’m more than happy to help you with that.”

We stare each other down, a silent challenge filling the air, before Gabriel clears his throat.

“Somehow, I don’t think Crimson Beech High is the dangerous cesspool of danger either of you think it is.”

Before I can respond, the warning bell rings above us. Gabriel turns to me.

“Come on, let’s get to class.”

Gabriel and I make our way to our history class and settle into our seats in the back of the classroom. I’m not sure how much to tell him about what’s going on. I’m not ready to open up about my past to him, or anyone for that matter, but I still trust him to help me.  As our teacher gets into today’s lesson, I tilt my head towards Gabriel, speaking quietly. 

“Listen, I found some of my mom’s notes about the murder, and I’m scared she’s going to be a bigger target than she already is.”

“What’d you find?”

“Mr. Gabriel! Mx. Devi! Less talking, more focusing on the lesson, please.”

Embarrassment burns through me, and Gabriel sits up straight as the rest of the class turns to stare. 

“Sorry, Mr. Philips.”

Our teacher continues the lesson, and I try my best to focus. Gabriel speeds through the assignment beside me, then leans towards me again, speaking more softly.

“Hey, you don’t really look up for this. Why don’t I pull some strings and get us out of here?”

“Philips’ll never let us leave after he just started the lecture. Plus, you’re the class president. Aren’t you supposed to be setting an example?”

“It’s for a good cause. I can teach you something that’ll make you less jumpy around here.”

“I’m not-”

He looks at me with a serious gaze, raising one eyebrow.

“Okay maybe I’m a little jumpy. But how can you help with that?”

“Not to brag, but I know a few self-defense moves that’ll help even the playing field the next time any vampire tries to get rough.”

So cute of him to assume I don’t know self-defense moves myself. But I’ve never fought a vampire before, and Gabriel clearly knows more about them than I do. Plus, I’m already struggling to focus on school anyways, and hanging out with Gabriel is a much better alternative.

“Ok, I’m in.”

He grins at me, a mischief in his eyes, before putting on an innocent expression and raising his hand.

“Mr. Philips? Can Devi and I be excused? We have something important to do for festival planning.”

Mr. Phillips doesn’t even bother to turn around from the board. 

“That’s fine, go ahead.”

Gabriel and I gather our things and hurry out of the classroom. He leads me down the empty hallway to the student government room. 

“Welcome to my home away from home! I spend way more time here than anywhere else, so I’m able to store a few things here.”

He walks over to a cabinet and pulls out a duffle bag.

“What did you mean by ‘showing me a few moves’?” I smirk at him, “are you just looking for an excuse to spend time with me?”

He grins, swinging the bag over his shoulder and stepping closer to me.

“I might be. But why not both? After all, teaching you to keep yourself safe ensures that I get to spend even more time with you in the future.”

“Very practical. I like that in a guy.”

“Good to know.”

“You seem very prepared for this,” I saw, gesturing to the bag, “do you train all the kids to fight in the middle of a school room?”

“Just the ones I like. But really…” he reaches up and tugs on a cord, revealing a trap door and a pull-down ladder. My jaw drops in surprise.

“It’s one of the perks of spending so much time here, you get to know the school’s little secrets. After you.”

I climb up the ladder, which shakes as I go. Gabriel places a hand on my hip to steady me. 

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

Blushing, I steadily climb up onto a rooftop garden overlooking the woods behind the school. Vibrant flowers decorate the area, and I can see miles of trees ahead of me. It’s beautiful.

“Wow…this is my new favorite place in the school.”

“Thought you might like it up here. I come here when I just…need a break from everyone.”

He steps up beside me, and for a few blissful moments, we stand shoulder to shoulder looking over the softly rustling treetops. 

“Not many people know about this place, which makes it a great place for a covert training session.”

He pulls out some training gloves from his bag and hands them to me. I take them, grinning in anticipation.

“By the way, you should know…I’m a boxer and I’ve taken some lessons in martial arts. Don’t think I’m gonna go easy on you.”

Gabriel looks at me stunned.

“No way. Why’d you agree to come up here with me then?”

“I just wanted to spend more time with you outside of class…Oh my god, are you blushing?”

“No! I’m just-”

“You’re so cute, Gabriel!”

I grin at him and watch as his cheeks turn a wonderful shade of red. I don’t know what comes over me, but before I can even realize what I’m doing, I reach up and pinch his cheek. He looks at me as surprised as I feel. He smiles, and then, slowly, he takes my hand and presses a soft kiss on my knuckles. My heart pounds so hard in my chest I’m almost certain he can hear it.

“Now who’s blushing?” 

“That’s- I-” oh god I can barely speak.

Gabriel laughs and steps back, dropping my hand. 

“Anyways…I don’t doubt your fighting skills. But fighting a vampire would be a bit different.”

Gabriel spends the next few minutes explaining a few moves that would be useful against someone stronger and faster. I take the opportunity to study him up close, admiring the flutter of his eyelashes as his eyes focus on my positioning. His skin looks so soft and smooth…he looks up suddenly, catching me staring. My cheeks heat up again as he smiles softly at me. 

“Let’s practice.”

We spend some time perfecting the moves he taught me, but I start doubting how useful it would be against a vampire. I know I can hold my own against a human, but this is totally different.

“Gabriel…you can’t really think I stand a chance if I have to deal with a vampire again, do you?”

“You got away from Cas in the woods. You made it out of the vampire’s lair with your wit alone. You might think it’s just luck, but I think that means something. You aren’t meant to be a victim in all this. So yes, I think you have every chance.”

His words fill me with a newfound hope. 

“But you are still in danger, and I don’t want to see you get hurt. This is the least I can do to make that chance a fighting one.

His words hit me hard. We’re just two humans who know a deadly secret, and he’s doing everything he can to help me through it. With a rush of gratitude, I throw my arms around him in a quick hug. 

“Thanks Gabriel,” I let go, “next time we go to a party where our lives are in mortal peril, I’ll definitely be the one to save you.”

He lets out a laugh, which is what I hoped for.

“I don’t doubt it, you’ve got muscle. Come on, let's spar.” 

He steps away from me and casually begins unbuttoning his shirt.

“Uhhh, what are you doing?” I ask, heat rising to my cheeks.

“Taking off my shirt. I’m working up a sweat.”

I try (and fail) to avert my eyes from his sweat-glistened abs. He so did this on purpose. 

“Distracting me won’t work, Gabe. I’m not going easy on you.”

“I wasn’t trying-”

“Look sharp!”

I take a swing at him, and he reacts in the blink of an eye, blocking my strike with an exhilarating laugh. Gabriel is a skilled fighter, and we go back and forth naturally.

“I’ve definitely found a worthy opponent. It’s like you’re reading my mind,” he says.

“Well, maybe I’ve been studying you very carefully.”

I let my gaze wander up and down his toned body and he smiles bashfully. I decide that I’ve had enough sparring. When he strikes again, I dodge carefully, letting him catch me and pull me against his chest. 

“Uh oh, looks like you got me.”

I can hear his heart racing against my back, and when I lean deeper into his hold, his arm tightens around my middle. 

“We should train like this more often,” he says, his breath brushing against my skin.

“I definitely agree.”

After some time, we decided to take a break. I sit down on the floor and take out my water bottle. Gabriel drops down heavily next to me, swiping a hand across his forehead. 

“Phew, this beats gym class anyday. Can I have a sip?”

I hand him my water bottle, feeling the heat of his hand as his fingers brush mine. I can’t help but watch as he brings the bottle to his lips, tipping his head back for a long sip. My eyes trail down his body, from his neck to the chiseled planes of his abs…

“Thanks.”

My eyes snap back to his face, and I find a knowing grin. My face flames as I take the bottle back from his, my heart skips a beat when he lets his fingers drag against mine.

“Not that this isn’t fun, but shouldn’t we get back soon? It’s almost lunch time.”

“Hang on. There’s something I want to give you.” 

He pulls a piece of cloth out of his bag and unfolds it, revealing a pretty silver key with an ‘A’ on the handle. I look at him in confusion as he hands it to me. 

“What’s this for?”

“Silver is your greatest way to even the playing field with vampires. One touch and they’ll be in agony.”

I remember Cas’s screams of pain and his scars after getting the silver brand. My hand tightens around the key.

“But…won’t you need this too?”

“I’ll be fine. Besides, you’re the one in danger right now. I’d feel a lot better if you had silver on you at all times.” 

He gently covers my hand with his own and gives it a squeeze. The touch is so sweet and caring my heart trips over itself and I feel overcome with warmth for him.

“Thank you, Gabriel. Not just for the key, but for taking care of me since I got here. I think…I understand you better. You’re a protector, and in the past when you couldn’t protect your family…”

“I don’t want to let anyone down like that again. And now that you’re a target , I couldn’t live with myself if I don’t help in every way I know how.”

I’ve only known Gabriel for a week but his presence alone is enough to make me feel safe and comfortable. Like I can tell him anything and he wouldn’t ever judge me or belittle me or call me crazy. It makes me want to tell him everything. About my past, about my dad and how he was killed, about my little brother who I couldn’t protect. I want to lift the burden of keeping all these feelings to myself. Because if there's anyone in this world that would understand, it’s him. 

I turn to him, about to tell him, but suddenly I can’t find the words.

I’m not ready yet. 

Gabriel stands and holds out his hand to help me up.

“Come on, let’s get to lunch.”

—-------

After school, I make my way to the gym to find Gabriel, Jade, and Aiden making signs to advertise the Autumn Festival. I catch snippets of their conversation as I cross the gym.

“My brother started college this year so he’s moved out. He’s been so insufferable the last few weeks…”

“Am I in the right place?” I ask.

“Oh thank god! Our artistic prodigy is here to save us from Jade’s octopus drawings,” Aiden says.

“It’s a ferris wheel!” Jade argues.

“I could totally see that, it’s even got little baskets on its… tentacles.”

I take a seat on the floor and Gabriel passes me some markers and poster board. 

“Alright guys, once we’re done with these, we’ll split-”

Just then, the gym doors bust open and Astoria stomps in, dragging Cas by the arm.

“Ouch. The arm isn’t detachable, y’know.”

Astoria ignores him, instead shoving him into an empty spot next to me, before fixing Gabriel with a look that could melt steel.

“Mr. Adalhard, I have a new recruit for you. Put Mr. Harlow to work. Don’t let him leave before the committee meeting is adjourned. Are we clear?”

Before he can respond, she marches out of the gym. Honestly, who made her principal?

Cas dusts himself off and smirks at the uneasy faces staring at him. Gabriel sighs.

“Like I was saying, when we finish the posters-”

“Which are looking stellar, by the way. Is that a squid?” Cas interrupts Gabriel.

“It’s a ferris wheel…” Jade mumbles.

“We’ll split up and make the rounds to hang them up in high traffic areas around campus-”

“I call dibs on the john. My poster’ll get plenty of eyes there.” Oh he is so insufferable.

Gabriel shoots Cas a withering glare.

“Can’t you take anything seriously?”

“Right, cause hanging up some doofy looking posters is of utmost importance?”

As Gabriel continues to stare him down, Cas’s grin slips off his face. The tension is thick in the air. Jade clears her throat.

“Come on guys, let’s just focus on making the posters. Aiden, weren’t you telling us about your older brother? Starting college?” She nudges him, desperately trying to break the tension.

It works, kind of. Cas scoffs and rolls his eyes. Gabriel frowns, but doesn’t say anything.

“What? Oh, my brother, yes. I have one, yes. He’s studying data science.”

“Oh that’s cool. What about you, Devi? Do you have any siblings?”

“...no.” It’s not a total lie. The last thing I want is to answer questions about what happened to him.

“So you’re an only child? Must be so peaceful not having someone annoy you all the time.”

I wish so badly I could have that instead.

The gym doors open a crack from behind us, and Libby sticks her head in.

“Gabriel? It’s time for the student government meeting.”

Jade and Aiden immediately stand up.

“Got room for one more? I think I’m done with posters for today,” Jade says.

“I’ll be with you guys in a second,” Gabriel replies.

Libby, Aiden, and Jade exit the gym, leaving the three of us alone. Gabriel hesitates, clearly reluctant to leave me alone with Cas. I give him a reassuring smile, subtly flashing him my sensory talisman, which is still cool to the touch.

“Go. Cas and I will make a few posters. Everything’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, don’t worry. I’ll behave,” Cas says, flashing a fangy grin at him.

“If only I didn’t know you I might actually believe that.”

“The whole ‘uptight noble protector’ act is so cute, but you’re forgetting something…I know a secret about you that would make sweet Devi here think twice about walking around with such a lovely antique.”

Cas fondles my talisman, his fingertips lightly brushing my skin. His touch causes goosebumps to rise on my skin. Gabriel’s expression turns stormy.

“There are some students who require your governance, President Adalhard. Not a smart political move to keep them waiting.”

Before Gabriel can respond, I take his hand.

“Hey, you’re already late for your meeting. We’ll talk later, ok?”

“Call me if something happens.”

“I will, I promise.”

Giving Cas one final warning look, Gabriel takes his leave. Once the door closes, I whirl on Cas.

“What the hell, Cas? What did he ever do to you?”

“Digging into Gabriel’s secrets behind his back? Tiny, you’re impressing me more and more…”

“That’s not what I-”

“Don’t ask questions you don’t want answers to.”

His icy voice makes me swallow, and I remember what he’s capable of. But I have the distinct feeling that showing fear in front of him is the wrong move.

“Whatever it was, Gabriel doesn’t deserve you messing with him all the time. And what was that about my bracelet?”

“That's for Gabriel to tell you. As for me? I’m just going to sit back and see how long he can hide it.”

His stupid self-satisfied smile tells me he won’t be letting me in on the joke anytime soon, and I let out a frustrated sigh. I get back to work on my poster, glancing at Cas from the corner of my eye.

“Well, if you’re going to be hanging around me so much, you at least owe me some answers. And lucky for you, I have a lot of questions. Starting with-”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. I fail to see how this turned into me owing you anything.”

I stand my ground as he examines me. I see a gleam of humor in his eyes, and it gives me a sinking feeling.

“But if its answers you want, I can do that…if you prove yourself worthy first. Let’s get out of here. We’ll sneak off into the woods-”

“The woods? The same woods where you attacked someone?”

“Ah, brings back memories, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah. Of when you tried to kill someone.”

I don’t know if I can trust Cas after what I saw. I turn back to my poster. 

“You know, you wouldn’t be the only one taking a risk here. Revealing our secrets to give you the answers you’re looking for goes against coven rules,” he lifts up the sleeve of his leather jacket, revealing his scars from the silver brands, “and you know what happens if I get caught breaking coven rules.”

I wince, remembering his screams from the other night. Is he really willing to risk punishment to give me answers? Or is he toying with me? I do need answers…but is Cas really the one to ask?

“You want answers, you need to put some skin in the game.”

“My skin is in the game! And so is my mom’s! I’m not letting anything happen to her. No.”

“Fine.” 

He slumps into the space next to me with an exaggerated sigh. 

“We’ll just wait for Gabriel to come back and flutter around you like a nervous hen. Not my kink, but who am I to yuck your yum?”

“You talk about Gabriel a lot…I’m starting to think you’re just jealous.”

“He doesn’t have anything I would be jealous of. The only thing remotely interesting about him is his infatuation with you.”

“Are you sure that's not just your inferiority complex talking?”

“Oh, there's nothing about me that’s inferior to him,” his eyes fall to my lips, his smile still smug, “but you’re already finding that out on your own, aren’t you Tiny?”

I find myself leaning closer, the easy banter thrilling, drawing me in. I ease back upright.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He straightens back as well, a goading smile fixed in place.

“Come on, it’s just the woods. I thought you said you liked danger?” 

Cas shrugs and heads for the door, and as he goes, a chicken’s clucking reaches my ears. Stupid fucking brat. Without thinking, I quickly cap the marker in my hand and throw it at him. It ricochets off the back of his head. He turns to me in surprise.

“Ow, what the hell?!”

“Fine, I’ll come with you. Only to prove I’m not chicken.”

“You could’ve just said that. You’ve got a mean throw, New Kid,” he says, rubbing the back of his head.

“Aw, does little Cass have a boo-boo?” I ask, mock pouting at him.

“Little?” he asks, raising his eyebrow at me with a smirk. 

“Oh god.”

Cas leads me into the woods behind the school. I don’t trust him, but he’s the only one that can answer my questions right now. I avoid looking around too much and launch straight into my questions. 

“Ok first question…why do the Venandis hate the Clements? Or is it that the Clements hate the Venandis?”

“Sheesh, not one for small talk, are you?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, did you want to hold hands as we strolled through the trees?”

“I mean, if that's what you’re into…”

“Oh, shut up,” I scoff, and without thinking, I give him a playful shove. It’s only when he looks at me in surprise that I realize what I’ve done.

“Uhhh…sorry?”

“I know I know, I’m irresistible. And to answer your question, I guess it’s like asking why cats hate dogs. We’re just…different.”

“Different how?”

“The Clements are boring rule abiders who’d rather sip cold blood bags from the hospital than hunt for their blood like Satan intended!”

“Blood bags? So they’re like, vegan vampires? I think that’s honorable.”

“Ugh. Of course you do.”

“You’re a Venandi, right?”

“And damn proud of it. While the Clements like to pretend they’re human, we make use of our cool vampire abilities.”

“So…do you kill humans every time you hunt? That doesn’t really make sense, wouldn’t other humans notice?”

“We don’t usually kill humans. We actually don’t even need a lot of blood, usually a few sips from a human is enough.”

“But then…wouldn’t the human know about vampires?”

“Our coven has a psychic vampire-”

“Psychic vampires?!”

“Keep your voice down! Yes, psychic vampires. They’re called Manipulators. Usually when we hunt, we knock the human out before feeding, so they don’t see us. But in case they do see us, the manipulator can remove us from their memory. The human just wakes up in the middle of the woods with no idea of what happened.”

“Clyde said not all memories can be erased.” 

“If the memory is really traumatic or emotionally intense, it can’t be erased. People and certain details in a memory can be manipulated, like changing the memory of seeing fangs to seeing normal human teeth.”

“Interesting…” we walk in silence for a minute, before another question comes to mind.

“So what kind of abilities do you have?” 

Cas shoots me a mischievous grin. I look down for a second to make sure of my footing, and when I look up, Cas is gone.

“Cas?”

“Looking for me?”

A streak of motion cuts through the trees, and he zooms back to my side fast enough to make my head spin. Super speed and strength. Makes sense, that’s how he grabbed me away that night. He told me to run away. Why didn’t he attack me after attacking that girl? I’ll have to ask when he’s done boasting.

“And we’re not just fast. Throw something as far as you can while I cover my eyes. I’ll find it in no time.”

I grin at him, then reach into his pocket and feel around for his car keys. 

“Are you…stealing from a vampire?”

“Maybe…is the vampire mad?”

“The vampire thinks this human’s got nerves of steel.”

I grab the keys and throw them with all my might into the woods. Theres a blur in the corner of my eye, and then…Cas appears in front of me, holding his keys.

“You’re lucky I’m good at this.”

If he’s really that fast…he could have easily chased down Gabriel and I that night in the woods. So why didn’t he?

“Heeelllllooooo? Earth to New Kid. Anybody home?”

“Sorry, I was just thinking. Do all Venandis use their abilities to show off?”

“Why? Are you impressed?”

I shrug noncommittally, but I can’t help but feel that although his skills are terrifying, they’re kind of incredible too. If I was a vampire, would I have been able to save my brother? Before I can continue on the line of thought, Cas shoots me a smirk that could only mean trouble. He hooks an arm around my waist and leaps to the top of a cliff. I let out a shout, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and clinging to him as the ground disappears beneath my feet. Before my stomach is even done swooping, my feet touch solid ground again, causing a dull pain in my ankles and knees.

“What the hell, Cas?! You can’t just do something like that!”

“Can. Did. And now we’re here. Funny how things happen, huh?”

Impervious to my glare, he only tightens his grip around my waist, motioning with his chin for me to look away from him. And when I do, I can’t help but gasp at the sight. This far above the treeline, I can see water sparkling as far as the eye can see, stealing my breath a second time.

From up here, I see the forest as it is- just a forest. No spooky monsters hiding among the trees, just plants, animals, and us.

“This is unbelievable!” 

“Huh, you seem more fascinated than you are afraid. Most humans would have run screaming by now.”

I tear my eyes away from the view to look back at him. He seems genuinely curious, and I wonder what makes him think that all humans are so easily scared. 

“You don’t want me to leave, admit it.”

He squeezes my waist more tightly, bringing my face closer to his. 

“I find your presence surprisingly tolerable.”

“Gee, high praise.”

“You know me well enough by now to know that it is.”

“Have you ever considered that I’m the one tolerating you?”

He snorts before letting go of me, and motions to the waterfall we’re at the edge of. Water gushes over and tumbles down to a lake a hundred feet or so below. 

“Jump with me.”

I whip my head towards him. “Are you out of your mind?! Jumping up here took years off my joints. Do that in reverse and I’ll die!”

“Not if you drank a drop of my blood, you wouldn’t.”

I go still, dumbfounded, not sure if I heard clearly. But when I look at him, he looks back, expression dead serious.

“...what do you mean?”

“A few drops should be enough to experience a vampire’s heightened abilities for a little while. You’d get the speed, the strength…”

I look over the waterfall, at the lake a dizzying distance below, feeling nervous…but also kind of tempted. 

“How about I sweeten the deal? You jump, and I’ll give you this,” a golden talisman dangles from his fingers, “You don’t think Golden Boy was the only one with access to these, did you?”

I definitely want the talisman. And to experience being a vampire…the offer is too tempting to ignore.

“Ok. I’ll do it.”

“Knew you had it in you.”

I watch, transfixed, as he extends his fangs and bites his thumb. A single drop of blood wells on his finger.

“Vampire blood is potent stuff. A little bit, and you’ll boost your strength. Too much, and your frail human body wouldn’t be able to take it,” he holds his finger out to me, watching expectantly. My breath catches as I realize what I’m about to do, but at the same time, my heart thrums in anticipation. Something about being around Cas makes me loose all sense of reason. With a surge of boldness I take his hand and pull it closer. I maintain eye contact and watch in fascination as his pupils dilate when I lean forward and lick his fingertip. 

“You’re just one surprise after another, aren’t you, New Kid?” he asks, voice heavy. His fangs don’t retract, and the look on his face could only be described as hungry. I can’t help but find it exhilarating. I let go of his hand, feeling smug as he has to blink a few times to clear the glazed look in his eyes. 

“So, how do you feel?”

I frown.

“Like I have blood in my mouth. Blegh.”

“Aw, not the sweetest nectar you were hoping it to be?”

“Must sting to know your precious superior vampire blood just tastes like any old human’s- whoa!”

I gasp as a sudden rush of vertigo hits me. Cas grabs my hips to steady me as I sway for a second. Once the lightheadedness passes, every sense is vividly heightened. I can feel the wind whipping past my face, I see the tiny bubbles forming in the lake below, I can hear rustling of leaves from miles away. I take a deep breath, and I can smell everything. The ocean, the earthy scent of the forest…and Cas. The smell is faint, a little wild, and invigorating.

“Holy fucking shit.”

“What was that about superior blood?”

Even his voice sounds different, like I can hear more tones in it. I turn back to him and see him grinning at my wonder. 

“Makes your human existence seem like a pale, washed-up version in comparison, huh?”

He’s kind of right, but I’m not admitting that to him. 

Cas lets go of me and shrugs out of his clothes and starts untying his shoes.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting ready to jump. I don’t wanna get my clothes wet.”

He kicks his pants aside, then walks up to the edge of the cliff. He smirks over his shoulder at me. 

“Ready to jump?”

“Hang on, I don’t wanna get my clothes wet either.”

I reach down to lift my shirt off, then hesitate. If I take off my clothes, he’ll see my scar, and I definitely don’t want to answer any questions about it right now. I glance back at Cas, my eyes roving over his body. He has plenty of scars of his own, probably from various brandings.

“Don’t tell me you’re getting shy, Tiny.”

I roll my eyes, before finally removing my clothes and glasses. He looks me over hungrily, eyes catching on the scar just below my chest, but he doesn’t say anything. My first instinct is to wrap my arms around myself to cover it up, but instead, I stand taller. Cas smirks at me, “Damn Tiny, I guess you really are a boxer.”

“You shouldn’t have doubted me.”

“Are you really the same human that ran screaming from me a few days ago?”

“I guess I’m just not as scared of you anymore.”

I relish in the grin that graces his face. Maybe its the vampire blood, but when I look down at the water below, I feel indestructible and weightless. I take a deep breath, letting it calm me.

“Here goes nothing…race you to the bottom!”

“Huh?”

I dive before he’s ready, catching him off guard as I spring off the edge of the cliff in an elegant dive with confidence. Even as I fall, I can hear his voice clearly from the top of the cliff.

“No fair!”

Air whips around me, buffeting my body as I hurtle towards the water, but I feel completely in control of my movements. I cut through the water, plunging into the depths of the lake. It feels exhilarating. 

Looking around, I can see in the water with more clarity than wearing any dive mask could ever provide. Tall plants cling to the bottom of the lake and sway gracefully with the currents, which I can not only feel, but follow with my eyes as blue-green water flows around me. A school of fish darts by me, even more vibrant than any freshwater fish I’ve ever seen. I can see every hint of light bounce off their scales. 

I swim closer, exploring every creature and plant I can see. Little rocks and shells decorate the bottom of the lake, and I can almost see every grain of sand. Suddenly, a disturbance in the water sweeps over me. Looking over, I see Cas has landed in the lake as well. He gestures upward, signaling to meet him at the surface. With one powerful push off the bottom, I shoot through the water through the open air, Cas emerging a moment later. I can barely contain my excitement.

“Dude, did you see that?! This fish! That was… I mean… Wow!” 

He grins at me.

“Not bad, but your technique could use some work.”

“Hey!” 

I push Cas’s head down, simply intending to dunk him, but with my newfound strength he plunges straight to the bottom of the lake.

“Oops…”

Bubbles raise up to the surface where Cas had been a moment ago. I look down and see motion deep in the water. Suddenly, he breaks through the water, spluttering uncontrollably.

“What did I do to deserve that, New Kid?”

Starting to grin, I raise an eyebrow at him, and he snorts.

“Alright, I know what. But after that we’re calling it even for the woods thing.”

“Hardly the same thing.”

“Ugh, lesson learned about giving the overly enthusiastic human super strength. Big mistake.”

“Pssh, no need to be jealous just because I’m taking this life like a pro, even if I did just get a drop on you.”

“Oh, is that what you think? Well I think having you on an even playing field means I can do…this!”

He whips his hand across the surface of the water, sending a huge wave surging towards me. Before I succumb to panic, the vampire instincts take over. Everything seems to slow, the speed of the rushing water turning to a crawl. With a rush of strength surging through me, I slash out an arm, breaking through the wave and cutting it harmlessly in two. My heart is racing and I laugh, thrilled by these strange and wonderful powers.

“Cas… do I look different? Fangs?” There are too many ripples in the water to see my reflection clearly. Cas just snorts and shakes his head.

“Nope, you just look like any old boring human.”

“Oh come on…you’re into me.”

“One drop of blood and you think you’re a vampire siren or something.”

“That's not a ‘no’.”

Cas eyes me suggestively and swims closer, the wake he causes splashing against my chest. He lowers his voice, smugness radiating throughout his tone.

“Do you think it’s good for you that I’m into you?”

He runs his hand through his wet hair, causing some water to drop on his face. I watch as it runs down his chin, trailing all the way down his neck before disappearing into the waterline. I know its not good, and definitely not safe, but being here with him now, I can’t help but hold onto a little hope.

“Jury's still out on that.”

Suddenly, Cas grabs my waist and pulls me tight against his chest. Before I can even gasp, I see a blur of movement, and something brushes lightly against my cheek.

“What are you-”

“You had a leaf.”

I realize he’s holding a soggy leaf in his free hand. His other hand is still on my waist, holding me close enough to feel every line of his body against mine. Face flaming, I push against his shoulder, and he lets me go, fingertips skimming against my skin. 

“You don’t have to be so grabby about it.”

“Judging by the way your heart is hammering away like a drumroll, I’d say you don’t mind.”

Intrigued, I use my elevated hearing to listen for his heartbeat, and find it beating steady and calm. That’s kind of cool. 

“Well, judging by how touchy-feely you’ve been today, I’d say you like having me in your arms.”

This close, and with my vampire senses, I catch every subtle shift of expressions as it crosses his face. Widened pupils, a look of hunger, a shock of surprise, quickly wrangled back into a smirk. 

“Touché.”

With a far too pleased look, he pushes back through the water and climbs out onto the bank of the lake. I swim over to join him as he flops onto a patch of sunlight.

“So obviously the ‘vampires are weak to sunlight’ thing is a myth.”

He just smiles smugly, before patting the patch of grass next to him. 

“Come on, I have something for you.”

I climb out of the water, letting my eyes wander over his glistening body… until I catch his smug grin. 

“Something other than an eye feast, I mean.”

“It better be my Talisman.”

He rummages through the pocket of his discarded jacket, then pulls out the golden trinket.

“Yeah, yeah, I’d say you earned this. But be careful how you handle it. This is-”

“Gimme!”

I take it out of his hands before he can finish and press the jewel in the center. A dizzying burst of light shoots through the trees.

“Argh! Turn it off! Turn it off!”

Wincing, he manages to press the jewel again, turning the lights off. He blinks the lingering glare out of his eyes.

“This is a Disorientation Talisman. As you can imagine, that light isn’t going to make you any friends. But they’ll definitely clear the path of your enemies,” he grumbles.

He takes my hand, his touch surprisingly gentle, and carefully attaches the talisman to my bracelet. 

“By the way, is it even allowed for humans to drink vampire blood?” I ask. 

“You should know by now that I don’t really play by the rules. It’ll have to be our little secret…if you know what’s best for both of us.”

I shiver a little, glancing at his scars before focusing back on the talisman, wondering what it means that Cas broke the rules for me. 

We lay in the grass for some time, letting the sun dry us off. 

“Are there other types of vampires? Like the Manipulators?”

“There are the Keepers. But we don’t have any in Crimson Beech. Apparently they remember all of vampire history.”

“Do all vampires… look the same?”

“Yep.” 

“Really? Even the Manipulators and Keepers?”

“Yes.”

“How-” Cas groans.

“Haven’t I answered enough questions for one day?”

“...fine.”

If all vampires look the same, then the thing that attacked my family couldn’t have been a vampire. I don’t know if that’s good or makes things worse…

Eventually, Cas’ blood wears off, and he jumps back to the cliff to gather our clothes. The two of us hike back the way we came, and while we walk, my mind starts to wander again. Cas doesn’t seem to be that bad, but he did also viciously attack a human. He’s not to be trusted, and yet he indulged my questions and gave me the talisman. Did he really attack that girl? I think back to my mom’s notes, about the mention of a second ‘animal’. He’s the one that told me to leave. Just because he wouldn’t kill me doesn’t mean he’d stop someone else who would…

“Do you only think of humans as food?”

My voice breaks his reverie, and I wait in agonizing silence as he realizes I’m talking to him, and then longer as he mulls it over. Finally, he sighs. 

“Think of it this way. There are two types of humans. The ones that live in Crimson Beech, and the ones that don’t.”

My stomach churns a bit at his answer, and I blurt out my next words without thinking. 

“So I’m nothing special? Even after you spent all day trying to impress me?”

“You wish. From where I’m sitting, it looks like you’re trying to impress me.”

His words sting and I start feeling uneasy again.

“So all that talk about me having guts and you being impressed with me was all a lie? One false move and you’ll murder me too?”

“What the hell, New Kid? I thought we were having a good time.”

I know he’s just being his typical honest, flippant self, but I can’t help but feel a pang of hurt. Recklessly, I let one more question fly. 

“And I thought you were the only vampire in the woods that night, but that isn’t true either, is it?”

Cas stops short, his jaw practically dropping to the ground as he turns to face me. 

“...what did you say?”

If there was any doubt before, his reaction all but confirms it.

“You’re covering for another vampire. I’m sure of it.”

He lets out a low whistle. 

“Is this one of your mom’s theories?”

“No. It's mine.”

“Then let me give you a little advice,” he leans towards me, flashing his fangs as he speaks, “…Don’t ask that question ever again.”

“Or what?”

“You wouldn’t want Astoria and Lewyn hearing that you’re still talking about the murders after the warning they gave you during your trial.”

“Too bad for you, I’m not the only one with a secret. After all, you wouldn’t want Lewyn and Astoria to know you’re protecting a rogue vampire, would you?”

A slow smirk spreads across his face.

“You’re even gutsier than I thought, Tiny. It’s just you and a vampire all alone in the woods, and yet here you are, threatening me.”

“You won’t do anything to me.”

He touches his tongue to the tip of one sharp tooth.

“That a gamble you’re willing to bet your life on?”

I barely have time to process the thought as Cas suddenly shoots an arm out, grabbing me and pulling me close. I thrash around in his grip, attempting to get free.

“Let me go!”

“Would you shut up? We’re about to be-”

At the same time, I feel a burning hot sensation from my Sensory talisman. A blur shoots out of the trees, slamming into Cas and knocking me to the ground.

“Harlow!”

The vampire pins Cas against a tree and snarls in his face. I fumble for my Disorientation talisman on my wrist to help him, but he stops me.

“Don’t. You’ll only alert the others.”

I freeze, heart hammering in my throat as I look between the two of them.

“Our hunting party’s close behind, you know. Some of them on the brink of bloodlust. What do you think they’d do to you to get to them?” she asks, nodding her head towards me.

“I’m more interested in what you think you’re about to do to get them, Margo.”

Cas grabs her wrists and yanks, tearing her hands free from his jacket lapels, and for a moment, the two stare each other down, Margo holding Cas’s gaze. Then, with the shake of her head, she backs down, giving Cas space to help me from the ground. 

“Nothing, of course. Sorry. It’s been… too long since my last feeding.”

“You had me worried. For a second there, I thought we’d have to turn this forest into a Venandi coven battle royale.”

“Keep hanging out with humans this close to the town limits, and we just might. Hunger clouds the mind, Harlow.”

Margo’s gaze falls on me, and even as my talisman cools off, a shiver runs down my spine. Subtly, Cas shifts to block her eye line.

“I’ll lead the party another direction, but the two of you need to get out of here. I covered for you once, Cas, but I won’t do it again. And if you know what's good for you, you’ll stop hanging around with a human.”

Before I can even blink, she’s gone, the threat lingering in her wake. Cas turns to me with a grin. 

“Close one, huh? I was sure she overheard your little theory, but I think we’re in the clear.”

“Gabriel was right, you don’t take anything seriously. Our arguing attracted a bloodthirst vampire who almost overheard us discussing something that could get me killed and you punished… why are you smiling?!”

“Cause, New Kid, the optimal word is ‘almost’. Now…” he turns around and gestures for me to get on his back, “Let’s get you out of here.”

As I climb onto his back, I can’t help but let my mind wander again. Cas just… protected me? Against another vampire? I don’t know what to make of it.

Together we bolt through the woods and back towards the school. I collect my things, and Cas leads me to his car, which still has ‘psycho’ keyed on the side.

“What did you even do to that guy to deserve that?” I ask. Cas groans.

“Fuck if I know,” he hesitates, before sheepishly adding, “might have something to do with me flirting with his boyfriend at a party.”

“What? Why would you do that?”

“I didn’t know he was taken!” He rolls his eyes, and I can’t help but laugh at him.

“Whatever. Just get in.”

We drive back in comfortable silence, and 10 minutes later he stops his Psychomobile a block away from my house. We get out of the car, and he walks me to the door. Surprisingly chivalrous of him.

“There, safe and sound, as promised.”

“Mostly. Thanks for the ride.”

His usual smirk fades a bit as an awkward silence washes over us, and he scuffs the toe of his shoe against the porch. 

“Look, I had a pretty okay time up until, well… you know.”

“Until your friends tried to eat me?” I joke.

“I was thinking ‘until you attacked my way of life’, but yeah, that too. Your delicate human psyche isn’t too banged up from that little encounter, is it? I don’t wanna be held liable for damages.”

“Pretty sure it was dinged when you found it. But I’d be careful if I were you. It sounds almost like you care. What will Margo and other Venandis think?” I tease.

“Sounds like you’re the one getting ideas, New Kid. Don’t let that imagination run away from you.”

A serious expression settles over Cas’s face, catching me off guard.

“Anyway, this’ll have to be our last date for a while. The coven’s feeding this week ahead of the Autumn Festival, and as you saw, it can get pretty dangerous.”

“Oh well, try not to miss me too much. I know how hard it’s gonna be for you to not ‘accidentally’ pop up where you know I’ll be.”

“Don’t kid yourself. We both know it's you who's gonna miss me. And I can prove it.”

I’m about to deny it when Cas suddenly leans forward, bracing his arm on the doorframe beside my head and brings his face close to mine. I let out a soft gasp as his eyes travel the length of my face and pause at my lips. His tongue darts out to trace his own lips as he eyes me, and my heart races in my chest. He huffs out a laugh and steps back.

“I told you before… your heart gives you away every time.”

I hate how right he is. 

“That doesn’t mean anything! It could just be… a mild heart attack.”

Embarrassed and red faced, I turn to the door, fumbling with my keys as Cas chuckles behind me.

“Sure it could, Tiny.”

I whip around, enticed by the banter, but just as quickly Cas had appeared, he’s gone, leaving me alone on the porch, lips tingling and a newly empty feeling in the pit of my stomach. I sigh and head back in. 

I check in on my mom before getting ready to sleep. Once I’m in bed, my mind races through today’s events. As I lay there, something Cas said earlier hangs in my mind. Was today… a date? I didn’t think I’d say this but… Cas isn’t that bad. I definitely thought he was a murderous asshole before but… he did protect me from that vampire earlier. He even gave me the Disorientation talisman so I could protect myself and he answered all my questions despite it being against the rules. Also… the woods didn’t seem so scary today. Because he was there with me.

And… he’s covering for another vampire. I don’t know what the whole story is, but he was willing to be punished on behalf of that vampire. He clearly cares more about others than he lets on. As much as it pains me to admit, I’m starting to like him…a little bit. But… I like Gabriel too. He’s such a sweetheart. He’s been doing everything in his power to keep me safe, from giving me the Sensory talisman, the silver key, and even sparring with me. I still feel like there's no one in this world that would understand me better than him. 

I sigh and bury my face in my pillow. Aside from my feelings for those two, there's also the whole issue of my mom investigating my family’s death and keeping her safe. For years since my dad and brother died, I insisted that they were killed by some kind of creature. 

She changed jobs after that, from a gynecologist and researcher on women's health to a medical examiner. I can’t believe I didn’t realize it sooner.

I want so badly to help her, but doing so would only get us killed. Dad and Arush may be dead, but mom isn’t. She’s all I have left and I can’t let anything happen to her.

And on top of that… I’ve been wondering whether I should tell the vampires about this creature that attacked my family. If it’s the same creature that's causing these murders, then maybe they should know? But they seemed to think it was done by another vampire during the trial. And the creature has been attacking humans. After seeing Cas’s powers today, I’m sure the vampires would be able to defend themselves better against that monster, right? Plus, those vampires literally threatened mom and I’s safety. Am I really obligated to tell them anything at all? I am struggling to open up to Gabriel, and he’s one of the sweetest people I know. There’s no way I could talk to those vampires about anything to do with my family.

I don’t know what to do. When did everything get so complicated?

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Golden girl ☀

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Btw @ every1 whose fics i promised to read I will but my focus has been kinda ass so theres a Delay haha 😔😔

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Ripley is rly cute when shes the Other mom

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Wanted to draw scars

bonus w tht stupid tattoo they all get

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when you like a flower, you pick it; when you love a flower, you water it daily ~ Buddha (but also Olivia 💛)

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Beautiful baby vs the nefarious onion

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Now that ID is ovarrrrrr

Which series shud I replay....