CHAPTER 19- Vampire in the Pack
The next morning I woke up at my usual time. I gather up all my stuff and change into my clothes for the day. I take the costume like Hunter requested. I get a little excited from it. I’m not sure I will ever really use it but it’s a prospect.
I link Carlos that I am ready and he says he’s on the way. Zoe is used to me disappearing before she gets up. She will just call me later. I call Jay when I get outside. He picks up at the first ring. “I didn’t sleep at all, is that normal?”
“Yeah, you need a lot less sleep now. I’ll be there soon.”
“I’ll meet you out front.”
I click the phone off and Carlos pulls in front of me. I gave him the address. We make it there silently, my dad probably let him know everything that is going on and not just my safety. Jay is out front with two bags. I can see his mom crying from the window. I open the door for him and Carlos loads up his bags. “What did you tell your parents?”
“That I needed space. It didn’t go over well, but I didn’t know what else to say.” He looks sad as he turns back to his mom. He blows her a kiss, yeah he’s a bit of a mama’s boy. I think it is cute. All guys should love their mothers that much.
“I’m sorry that you have to go through this. It isn’t fair for someone to just be thrown into this life with no options. It shouldn’t have happened. There are actually rules against this sort of thing. That woman is going to have a lot to answer for.” I tell him as I slide back into the seat.
“It wont change what happened. So I guess you better start explaining some things. Start with the werewolf stuff.” He gets comfortable in the seat.
“What do you want to know?”
“Separate fact from fiction, that would be nice.”
I chuckle at his response. He is trying to be serious but I see the fun Jay poking through. “So we can change into our fur any time of the day or month. Not just on a full moon. We are completely in control when we shift, we aren’t savage beasts. We are stronger than humans. Can see better and smell better. We live in packs, that’s why I could never bring any of you guys home. I live in a pack house, which houses many families. It would have been too hard to explain.”
“I am assuming that vampires are different there.”
“Yeah, they are usually nomadic. They travel alone unless they change someone then they stick together for a bit. They are definitely not supposed to leave their newly changed behind. It can be very dangerous. Especially if the person doesn’t understand what is going on. A new vampire goes through a blood lust stage. They can’t control themselves, all they see is blood. Thankfully you didn’t reach that stage before talking to me. I don’t think you would have been able to live with yourself if you did.”
“How much longer do I have before I hit this blood lust stage?” Panic flashes across his eyes.
“I would say a couple of days. We have a room set up for you and you will have plenty of blood to get through. After that you will need to make sure that you have blood on a regular basis or it can happen again. That is what we think might have happened with you. At least we are hoping that and not that she is just going around changing people on a whim.”
“How long will I be in this blood lust?”
“At least three days. Since we have a full supply of blood for you it shouldn’t be more than that. If we didn’t, it would have taken longer.”
“What other changes should I be concerned about?”
“Not really anything too detrimental. You are going to be stronger, so you will have to watch your strength. Since it was a day walker you shouldn’t have too many changes.”
“What if it was a night walker?”
“Then you wouldn’t be able to go out in the daylight. You would have blood lust more often and have to drink more blood. You would pretty much have to kiss any normal life goodbye.”
“I guess I lucked out then. I got the good vampire. So if you bit me, would I be some sort of hybrid?” He gets a silly look on his face.
“Sorry, we can’t be changed. We are born. So if I bit you, you would just have a nasty bite until it healed.”
“Can I see your wolf?”
“Not in the car. Carlos wouldn’t like that.” I chuckle at my own joke.
“Duh. Later. So do vampires have mates too?”
“No, it’s a werewolf thing. We mate for life. Vampires just kind of have a mate for a time. They live a lot longer. I have even known some that are with humans for years.”
“Will I meet other vampires?” I can’t tell if he is liking the idea or not.
“We have some pass through on occasion. Not very often. I am not sure if my dad invited any to my birthday but it is possible. He is inviting everyone.” I roll my eyes at that.
“Well, that explains why none of us were invited. Does your dad not like humans?”
“Actually he wants us to coexist with them. The problem is that humans can’t know that we exist. Every time in history that they found out about us, there were mobs and mass killings. Humans are kind of unpredictable like that. You can tell one or two, but as soon as the rest of the population knows they go crazy. I think they are more scared of not being at the top of the food chain. Not that my kind eat theirs, but you know hysteria.”
“Do I have to drink human blood?” He sounds grossed out from the prospect.
“No, any blood will do. As a matter of fact the blood we have stocked is werewolf blood. We don’t have access to human blood. Vampires have ways around that. We haven’t taken the time to figure that out. Didn’t ever really have a need for it.”
“How long will I be able to stay with you guys? Are vampires not really allowed?”
“You can stay as long as you like.” I give him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “I am due to take over the pack in a couple of years. I say you can stay for as long as you want. Besides, how could I live without my best friend?”
He takes my hand. “Thanks for being here for me. I know this is not a normal day for you. I would be so lost if it wasn’t for you.”
I give him a smile. “What are friends for?”
He squeezes my hand. “Hunter better watch out or I might steal you away.” He gives my hand a kiss.
“Ha, ha. Always the flirt. Don’t worry, everything is going to be alright.”
“Yeah, I’m not so sure about that.” He gets a far away look in his eyes. He turns and looks out the window.
“So, after your blood lust is over we are going to start you on a training schedule. You will hone your skills and burn off excess blood lust. You will be able to control hunger better with training. You know like when guys are in the mood and they go for a jog instead. It’s along the same lines.” I give him a silly look. I am trying to cheer him up and I can tell that he knows I am.
“What do you know about men jogging? Do you make many men go jogging?”
“All the time.” I laugh with him. It feels nice to have my best friend with me. I am actually glad to be able to tell him everything. I wish I had this with Zoe too, but I know that isn’t an option.
We ride in silence for a while till we reach the gate of the pack lands. I link my dad and Hunter to let them know we are here. The guards at the gate tried to give us a hard time, but I told them it was cleared.
Kyle the guard that watches the front gate answers for the group of them. “Sorry, we are just on high alert since the rogue attacks and then with your birthday coming up we don’t need any more surprises.”
“I get it Kyle, but Jay is cleared to be here.” I point to the gate as a ‘let’s get a move on’ motion.
“Right away, princess.” I hate when they call me that. Luckily not many people do.
“Princess?” Jay gives me a shocked look.
“I prefer future alpha but some people think it’s funny to call me that since I am a woman so they call me princess. I hate it.”
“Boy, my best friend is royalty and she never told me.” He laughs.
“Well, at least you still have your sense of humor. I might just have to kick your ass to show you who’s boss.”
“Oh, I am sure you can kick my ass. I’m as soft as pudding.” I laugh at that. I have seen him without a shirt.
We pull in front of the pack house. My dad and Hunter are waiting there for us. Hunter comes to the door and gets me out. Jay trailing behind. “I can see that mate bond thing.” Jay laughs.
“Yeah, I feel like my life is empty when she isn’t around.” Hunter pulls me close. “Sorry about all this dude. I know this is not on the top of your list of things to happen to you.”
“Not really but, I think I will live. At least I have my best friend to help me through.” He nods towards me.
I point towards my dad. “This is my dad Alpha Derrick. Dad, this is my friend Jayden.” Jay gives him a hand shake.
“We have met a few times.” Jay nods.
My dad nods back and then turns towards the pack house. “I think it would be best to show you where you are staying and let you settle in.” We all followed my dad to the basement of the pack house. “This room is mainly just for the blood lust period. We will have a more suitable place for you to stay after that passes. I also suggest you don’t have anything in that room that you don’t want ruined. The blood lust gets a little messy. Sometimes there are violent tendencies.” He opens the door to the room and it is very simple: a bed and one night stand. The bedding is even an ugly gray color.
Jay of course jokes. “Very cheery. I should be very happy here.”
I chuckle, “Just remember it’s temporary.”
Jay gets serious. “When am I going to have to start being locked in here?”
My dad answers. “When you start craving raw meat. As far as I know it is still rare meat.”
“Yeah, I haven’t gotten to the raw stuff yet.” Jay cringes at the thought. “Where can I keep the stuff that I want to keep in good condition?”
“I’ll take it to my room for now.” I said to him, I want him to know he isn’t alone here.
“Alright, can I just have a few minutes alone down here. I am kind of having one of those moments where I need to think.”
I try to lighten the mood. “Don’t think too long you might fry something.”
“Ha, ha. Wait till I get my strength then I will be the one kicking your ass.” He jokes back.
“We shall see who is kicking who’s ass.” I smile back at him and head up the stairs with Hunter.
He pulls me all the way up to my room. Closing the door behind us. He pins me to the wall kissing me like he’s going to die if he doesn’t. “You can never be gone that long ever again.”
I giggle. “You saw me last night.”
“You should have been here wrapped up in my arms.” He mumbles against my skin. “You need to be here in my arms.” He slides his hands up my sides to emphasize his need for me. I moan out as his lips land on my neck. This earns me a growl in response. “Careful, you might get more than you bargained for.”
I slide my fingers through his hair. Relishing the feeling of him on my skin. He lifts me up and puts me on the bed. He lays his body on top of mine, grinding his body into mine. I start pawing at his shirt, trying to get it out of the way. I manage to get it over his head and his chiseled chest is left on display for my hungry eyes. He gives me a pleased look and continues to work on kissing my neck and chin. His hands are slowly pushing up my own shirt.
Just then there is a knock on the door. “UGH,” Hunter grumbles as he falls against my body.
“Who is it?” I called out.
“Your dad. I need to talk to you about this party and your friend. Meet me in the kitchen.” I can hear him walk away from the door.
“I think you might need to put your shirt back on.” I giggle at him. I don’t know where all this giggling is coming from but he sure the hell is bringing it out.
“One of these days I will get you alone.” He grumbles.
“Today is not that day.” I pat his shoulder as I slide out from under him.
“The day is still young.” His gruff voice says from the bed, watching me leave.
I enter the kitchen to see my dad seated at the bar. He has a grave look on his face. “I am not so sure your friend is doing so well mentaly. He might be having a little trouble grasping all that is going on to him.”
“I am working with him, dad. He had a lot dumped on him in one day. Not only did he find out that he is turning into something that he didn’t know existed but he found out his best friend is another creature altogether. It’s a lot to grasp all at once.”
“He just seems a bit depressed. You seem to make it less so for him, but he is going to really need you there for him to get through this.” He really is concerned about my friend.
“I know dad. I am not abandoning my friend. I also want the council to know about this girl that bit him. She can’t be going around doing this to other people. We don’t even have any idea if she has done this before.”
“I plan on giving them a description. I am sure they will want to talk to her at the very least. This leads to your party. I did invite a couple of vampires to the celebration. I think it would be good for your friend to talk with them about what is going on with him. They will know better than us.”
“Yeah that is a good idea.”
“How did he know to come to you?” My dad looks at me curiously.
“He asked me why I smelled like a dog. He had no clue what was going on. He said that he noticed that Hunter and I smell like dogs and everyone else doesn’t.”
“So you never told him anything about this before.” How could he ask me that?
“No dad. I have kept all of this from the humans. I wouldn’t jeopardize the pack like that. Why would you even think I would do that?”
“Because he is your best friend and everyone is going to assume that you told him about what we are and that is how he knew to come to you. I believe you, but I have to tell the council the whole story.” He pats my hand reassuringly.
“I didn’t want Jay to find out. He was better off not knowing.” I sound bitter but it is true, he wouldn’t feel this way if he didn’t know.
“I know. Well,” He tries to sound lighter. “Your party. I have the guest list finished. Most of the decorations are figured and some even put in place. The menu is complete. Is there anything that you would like to add?”
“Not really, this is more your party than mine.” I mutter that last part.
“You know this is an important time for the pack. Their next alpha coming of age and finding their mate. We are going to have a formal introduction of Hunter as your mate. Also eventually we are going to have to consider another beta for the two of you. But let’s get through what we have on our plates right now first.”
“That sounds like a plan. I don’t think I can take anymore on my plate at the moment.” I give him a smile.
“Alright that is all. You might want to go check on that friend of yours. He is going to need some help adjusting. I know Hunter has missed you, but he will have to share you for the time being.” My dad smirks. Clearly he knows that Hunter was accosting me in my room.
“I’ll go check on him now. I’ll have Hunter come with me.” I leave the kitchen and come back to my room to see Hunter in the same position I left him in. He is flopped out on my bed without his shirt. His arms behind his head showing off all his glorious chest. “I thought I told you that you should put your shirt back on.”
“You did, but I thought if you came back in here and saw me like this you might change your mind.” He raises his eyebrows at me suggestively.
“Normally I would, but we need to go check on Jay. He has a lot going on right now. He needs me to help him out.”
“UGH. You know I love your big heart, but it is a pain in the ass sometimes.” He sits up and pulls his shirt back on. “I would much rather continue where we left off.”
“I know, but good deeds first. We have our whole lives you know.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t want it now.” He grumbles out. He stands and walks to me with those hungry eyes. Grabbing me by the waist he pulls me close to him with a growl. “Mine.”
“Absolutely. Now let’s go help.” I wiggle out of his grip and lead him back down to the basement.
Jay is sitting on the bed spaced out. He has his eyes trained on the floor, but I can tell he doesn’t even see it. He is just lost in thought.
“Hey, so I was wondering if you would like a tour. You know since you are going to be here for a while.” I smile at him and put a hand on his shoulder.
He smiles back at me, I can tell it doesn’t reach his eyes but he is trying. “Sure.”
After the tour I take him back up to my room with Hunter for a movie and snacks. We pick an action movie and I am out before I even know what the point of the movie is.
UNKNOWN P. O. V.
My spy runs into my office, she looks out of breath but a small smile is on her lips. “She is back.”
I sigh in relief. She has been gone for two days. I hate not knowing what is going on with her. “Is she fine?”
“Yes, but she came back with someone. It looks like a new Vampire. He hasn’t hit the blood lust stage yet. Alpha ordered a bunch of blood for him. She has been tending to him all day. They seem to be close friends.”
I growl. “Friends.”
She confirms. “Yes, friends. They joke and play. No kissing or affection in that way. I think they even said something about being best friends.”
I nod. This is good. He will create some distance between the Beta and her. She will be around the Beta less. Have all the friends you want, princess, it will keep you busy. “Thank you, this is good news.” I can’t help the satisfied look on my face.