1  Chapter OneThe Hunt                   

          The night was young.  I slowly opened my eyes to the darkness that shrouds me.  My gums and teeth ached, my throat was dry. I leaped down from my perch and stretch, my alabaster skin glowing in a ray of stray moonlight. My companions began to stir from their slumber. One by one they dusted the day's sleep off of their clothes.

"Come on now, the night won't last forever," 

I spoke to the darkness.

"I'm hungry," I said, walking towards the door of the crypt we called home. 

Opening the door let the night air in.

"Come on, Lesser, five more minutes. I just got comfy," Leijone whined as he pulled his blond and white hair over his eyes.

"Fine, I'll hunt alone, do as you wish." I growled, running my fingers through my long brown hair.

I walked through Silent Pines Cemetery to the street gazing at the full moon. "Wolves will be out tonight best be on my guard." I thought to myself as I jumped over the stone wall.

The roads were clear, not a soul in sight.

" Great now I'll have to travel for my prayer tonight."

I kicked a rock as I walked down the road. It was a dead night. There was always someone out and about even at this late hour but not tonight. The road was eerie and quiet, say for the sound of my boots on the pavement. So I decided to take the shortcut through the woods  to get to town. 

As I walked past a few bushes and saplings I could smell the stench of a werewolf. 

"If he doesn't bother me I won't have to kill him." 

I said out loud as I made my way deeper into the woods. 

I found a few light snacks. A rat here, a bird there.

After discarding the remains, I decided to stop for a bit in a nearby tree to write in my journal. I climbed a nearby tree and made myself comfortable. Just as I lifted my pen something ran by me so quickly it was a blur.

I sat and waited a moment. I listened and finally heard the sound of what seemed to be a little girl looking from something in the dark. I  watched her closely. She had medium length black  hair that was in a braid and wearing a black sweat suit,and looked no older than seven. a flashlight in one hand and pushing branches aside with the other.

"Where did that ball go?¡"

She whispered to herself. 

 "Dads, going to kill me."

The little girl said as she looked under a bush her brown skin lit up by the flashlight. She was a cute little thing. I couldn't bring myself to pray for a child so I stayed concealed in the trees. The wind picked up causing the leaves to russell on the branches   

 I took a deep breath ,enjoying the crisp night air.Then it hit me.

 A sweet scent I hadn't had the pleasure of smelling in centuries.  A flood of memories came crashing down on me. 

A woman with raven hair standing by a statue of Venus.She's smiling. Then the image fades to her looking at me in horror crying. The last memory, she's gone all she left was a note. As the scent began to drift away I found myself crying. From my left eye I had shed a single crimson tear. 

"Annett... why do you choose to haunt me now." 

I said out loud as I wiped away the tear. The girl now was right beneath me. Again that sweet smell found my nose. 

"No! She can't be!" I thought as I took in her scent. My heart pulsated in my chest. A bittersweet pain filled my body. I looked around to see the werewolf that I sensed earlier was close... To close.

"They are hunting.... her!" 

Just as I realized what was going on beneath me I jumped down from the tree startling the girl. She dropped the flashlight causing it to break, and was about to scream when I grabbed her and covered her mouth. 

"I'm sorry for scaring you, but if you want to live keep quiet and hold onto me."

I whisper in the girl's ear. She nods wide eyed, looking in my direction.  I released her and she grabbed onto my belt and jacket. 

"What's out there? She asked, her voice shaking. 

"Some very hungry puppy."

I replied, waiting for a noise from the enemy.

I stood with one hand on the girl's shoulder. I looked in all directions, but not a single sound.

"I grow tired of this game dog show yourself! What do you want with this girl?"

I shouted into the emptiness. There was a long pause then a pair of glowing white eyes appeared before me.

"That is no business of yours vampire. Give us the girl and we will not harm you."

The voice was deep and beast-like. 

"I'm sorry I don't like your answer!" I shouted as I grabbed her and ran.

"Whats going on!" The girl screamed as she clung to me.

"Nothing, just close your eyes it will be over soon."

I said picking her up and carrying her. I sprinted to the street where I knew there was no cover for him to hide.

I put her down behind me and took my jacket off and placed it around her shoulders. In doing so I got a good look at her.

She had gotten a few scratches while I was running through the woods but she said nothing. She stared back at me with deep brown eyes ,as if she were in a trance.

I crouched down so I was at her eye level.

"Are you okay?" I asked as I rubbed some dirt off of her face.

"Yes thank you!"

She said with a smile.

"Good ,but we might be out of the woods but we're not out of trouble yet. Stay close."

I said turning towards the woods. Slowly the werewolf steps forward. He was a tower compared to me.

"Hand her over!"

The beast Snarled.

"What if I wish to keep her?"

 I replied sarcastically.

"Then die vampire!"

The wolf howled then swung his claws at me. I took a half step back then kicked him. He then swung at me blindly. I ducked and uppercut him. He dropped like a stone.

Then from nowhere I was blindsided by another werewolf. He tackled me to the ground ,grinding my face into the asphalt. The girl screamed, drawing the attention of the first wolf. As I struggled to get his friend off of me he lumbered towards her.

He was almost upon her when I finally kicked his friend in the balls and pushed him off me. 

I ran and lunged onto the other werewolf landing on his back.  I plunged my claws into him ,getting his full attention on me.

"Goddamn mosquito!" He roared as he tried to shake me off. He somehow managed to grab me and fling me to the ground. I landed with a crack. The wind was knocked out of me. I gasped for air.

"My back! He broke it!" I hissed in pain unable to move.  I lay on the ground trying to focus on my healing, when two more werewolves emerge from the woods. 

They slowly walked up to the girl,she was frozen with fear. I tried to get up. My back still hadn't fully healed. 

"Dammit I don't have enough strength to heal it! I didn't feed enough."

I cursed as I rolled onto my stomach. 

"Stupid vampire you're outnumbered." 

A wolf with a scare over it's right eye said as he stood over me. He picked me up by the back of my neck.

I winced in pain.

"Boss what should we do with him?"

He chuckled as he began to squeeze my neck.

"Leave him. He isn't a threat to us anymore."

Said the werewolf closest to the girl. 

"What are we going to do with her? 

The wolf asked as he dropped me.

"We are taking her to our leader. She is very important. " He looked at her and was about to grab her when she let out a bloodcurdling scream. I felt my energy return. I slowly stood up and ran as fast as I could to her, grabbing her and pulling her away from the werewolfs clutches.

"You can run but you can't hide from us vampire!"

The wolf with the scar shouted after us.

I stopped and put her down just a few miles up the road.

"Are you okay!?"

The girl asked me as she pulled at my sleeve.

"No I'm too weak to fight them, we are going to die if I don't feed soon." 

I said breathing hard.

"Take my blood then"

The little girl said.

"What?! Do you understand what you're saying?"

I glared at her.

"We will both die if you don't do this. There is no time to explain. Take enough to get me home."

She said rolling up her sleeve. She pressed the soft skin of her wrist to my mouth. I took in her sweet familiar scent. My fangs lengthened on their own. I was about to sink them into her arm but I quickly took her wrist and pierced it with my thumb nail. She yelped in pain. 

I quickly brought her wrist to my lips and drank until she grew weak in her knees. I closed the wound and could feel my body healing itself, and my powers returning. 

"Thank you." I said as I pulled my jacket closer around her.

"Shit we're too late."

I turned around to see the werewolves had caught up to us.

"Can't believe he drank from her." The wolf with the scar said with a growl.

"Ready for round two?" 

I said cracking my neck. "Get him I'll get the girl."

Scar said. The other four werewolves lunged at me. 

With a smile I swung my hand through the air sending them flying into the ditch in the side of the road.

"Do you think any of you are a match for me at my full strength!?"

 I said slowly walking up the scar faced wolf.

"Didn't know I was that strong did you?"

I drew a dagger from my boot.

"Have at me beast!"

I shouted, taking my fighting stance.

He charged me, but instead of goreing me he decided to throw a punch at me. I grabbed his wrist and began to squeeze. He let out a howl as I began to break the bones in his hand and wrist.

"What should I do with you? "

I asked him with the biggest devilish grin I could muster as I drove my blade into his shoulder. 

"I'll make an example of you!"

I said slowly twisting his arm behind his back. I could feel the bones and cartilage giving way.

He growled and then whimpered as the bones snapped. 

"Gaze upon your comrade!  If you continue to hunt the girl I will destroy you as well!

I then placed my foot on his back and wrenched his arm off. He screamed as he rolled about the ground clutching his bloody stump. The other wolves fled with their tails between their legs. I threw down the extremity, picked up my dagger and walked over to the girl who was now sitting on the ground.

"You did it." She smiled weakly. "No we did it. If it weren't for your blood they would have killed me and who knows what their plans we're for you." I replied. 

I scooped her up in my arms.

"Which way is home?" I asked her.

"All the way down this road." 

She smiled as she pointed straight ahead.

"My name is Adel. What's yours? "

She was so sweet and her scent sweeter."I'm Louey " I said flatly. 

I can't believe how this night is turning out.

After a short stroll we arrived at Adel's house. Her parents ran out to us.

"I lost your ball dad I'm sorry". 

Adel said as I put her down. "Never Mind that. All that matters is your safe." A tall black man said giving her a hug.The man looked at me sternly as he stood up from hugging his daughter.

"Adel get into the house." He ordered never taking his eyes off me. 

"Wait!" Adel said as she walked over to me. She gave me back my jacket.

"Thank you Louey. " she said smiling up at me. I smiled and patted her on the head. 

"Your welcome Adel."

She then turned on her heels and went into the house.

I turned to leave when the man called to me.

"Vampire." 

I looked at him wide eyed.

"Yes we know what you are." A woman approached me .

"Then you must be hunters." I replied as I reached for my weapon. 

"We do not want your life friend. You saved our daughter." 

He walked up to me and offered his hand. I put my dagger away and shook his hand.

"Come in we have much to discuss. My name is Benjamin, and this is my wife Lauren. " He said as his wife came forward. 

"Thank you for protecting our daughter. "

She said hugging me. I was in shock at her gesture. 

She let go of me in tears. 

She pulled her hair into a ponytail and wiped them away .

"Please come in!"

She said going into the house. Part of me was at ease; they seemed trustworthy, so I entered. They led me into the living room, where Adel was sitting. 

"I thought you had left!" She shouted and ran over to me. 

"No not yet." I said taking a set. Adel sat next to me.

"Honey, will you go in mommy and daddy's room and grab a sweater for our friend? His is pretty beat up. Oh and a wet towel. " Lauren said to Adel. Adel got up and skipped down  the hall.

"Why did you save her? Vampires aren't known to show kindness." Ben said sitting down. 

"It was her scent. She smells like someone I once knew long ago." I answered. 

"What was her name?" Lauren asked as she walked over to the kitchen 

"Her name was Annett. She was a slave that I bought and set free.... I fell in love with her but nothing came of it." I hung my head.

"Are you thirsty?" Ben asked me as he got up and walked over into the kitchen as well. "I have blood bags," he said, reaching into a cooler at the bottom of the frig. He tossed me a bag. It was cold but I bit into it anyway. 

"Thank you I needed that." I said as I lay the empty bag on the coffee table in front of me.

"Would you like some more? I'll heat this one up for you." He said pouring one into a mug.

"Thanks." I replied as Adel returned from her parents room with a towel and a black sweater.

"Hold still I'm going to get the dried blood off of you. She said sitting next to me. She gently began to wipe the blood from my forehead and neck.

"You're good at this." I said smiling. 

"I sometimes have to do this for mom and dad." She said folding the towel over to get a fresh spot on it.

"Uhm can you take off your shirt?" she said blushing slightly.

I took it off and sat it on the floor at my feet. Adel's eyes got big as she looked over my toned body.

"Turn around so I can clean your back." She said as she stood up. I turned in my seat so she could reach. 

She slowly wiped away the blood.

"You healed up nicely." 

She said then went to put the towel in a nearby basket. 

I put the sweater on that she gave me 

 and sat back in my seat.

"Go to your room for a while, we need to talk to Mr. Louey. " her father said as he brought me the mug of blood. Adel nodded then ran down the hall and up a set of stairs.

"You said her name was Annett right?" Lauren said as

She returned from the kitchen with something to drink for herself and Ben.

"Yes that's right." I answered 

Ben and Lauren looked at each other. Then Lauren pulled something from her pocket.

"Do you by chance recognize this?" She said putting an ankh necklace on the table. The silver was heavily tarnished and the necklace was frayed.

I covered my mouth with my hand as I reached for it.

I picked it up off the table. 

"Annett never forgot you, or your kindness. After slavery was abolished my family became hunters... so we could find you." Ben said with a smile.

"Tonight has been very eventful. I haven't shed this many tears since she left me. I said as I dried my eyes.

"We need your help Louey. The werewolves you encountered are a part of an ancient order that we have had the misfortune to anger." Lauren said, handing me a tissue. 

"We killed the Alpha female during a mission and now they are coming for our lives. In the event they kill us they are going to take our daughter and replace what we destroyed. " Ben interjected. 

"We want you to be Adel's guardian. " Lauren said before taking a sip from her cup.

"Why can't a hunter do that? " I asked.  

"They refuse.  Adel is marked just as we are and they don't want any part of the mess we made. We are on our own." Ben choked back his dismay.

"Please no human will help us. She is our only child. We want her to live, Louey. You're her only hope." Lauren said in tears.

"They have found us many times, and this time we won't escape. In return we will leave you and your companions be." Ben said almost pleadingly.

I sat looking at these humans. They weren't stupid they could have kill me if they wanted but they chose not to. Then I looked down at the ankh in my hand. Adel is the descendant of the woman I once loved. I could not bring myself to turn away from her.

"I'll do it." I said wrapping my hand around the ankh. I used my power to restore the ankh to its former glory.

"Adel came here." I called her. She came back down the stairs and sat next to me.

"This is yours." I said putting it around her neck. 

"Keep it with you always. I said as I got up. 

"We will begin the paperwork tomorrow night." Ben said walking me to the door. I quickly downed the mug of blood he had given me and put the cup on the table.

"I'm happy to have met you finally Louey. " Ben said.

"The pleasure was mine,'' I replied. "Good night." I said and took my leave. 

I left the house with my head spinning. 

"What did I just get myself into. I could have gotten killed, but no I get saddled with a child!"

I thought to myself as I ruffled my hair.

Then I heard a whisper.

I looked up to see Adel leaning out of her window.

"I didn't get a chance to say goodbye." 

She said with a frown. 

I don't know what possessed me but I turned and walked back up to the side of the house. I jumped off of the central air unit, onto the roof.

She gave me a quiet applause. I didn't know what to do so I bowed. She laughed. "Come in please it's not fair I didn't get to talk to you."

Adel stepped back from her window to let me in.

I entered. I stepped into her room expecting to see stuffed toys and dolls, but instead I was greeted by a poster of Dracula and drawings of other dark creatures.

"You're an unusually little girl." I said as I sat down on her window seat.

 "You just now noticed that?  I am the daughter of hunters after all. Mom and dad told me there are good dark creatures just as bad ones. I knew you were a good one." Adel said plopping on her bed.  

"There are more bad things than good so be careful of whom you offer your blood." I said looking at her sternly. 

"Are you from Romania like Dracula? " Adel asked scooting closer to me. 

"Yes." I answered awe struck.

"Did you know him?" She asked ,getting excited. 

"He was before my time my dear. But I assure you he is nothing like the Hollywood depictions. "

I said fighting not to laugh.

"I figured. Vampires are my favorite. ``She said, looking at all the pictures  she hand on the walls. 

"Why are they your favorite? " I was completely  perplexed. 

"Because they know what life is. Many became vampires to save a loved one, or to avenge them. Many use their power to protect." 

Adel said as she handed me a picture she drew. It was of me carrying her home.

"It's beautiful, I'll treasure it." I said folding it and putting it in my jacket pocket.

"I'm glad you like it. Adel smiled. 

"I had better leave before your parents find me here." I said getting up and turning towards the window.

"They already  know you're here." She,said pushing me back down. "They are hunters after all." she gently reminded me.

"Oh right. I said matter of factly. 

"You have nine hours before sunrises. Please stay I want to get to know you." Adel said sweetly. 

I couldn't bring myself to say no so I sat there and begin to tell her about myself.

"Well first thing first. My name is Louey Lesser Bonaviage. I am of Romanian and British descent. I'm over four hundred years old , and i've been all over the world." I said crossing my legs.

"Can you speak Romanian?" She asked with a smile.

"Da draga mea. Foarte bine de fapt." I replied with a big grin on my face. 

"What did you say?!" Adel began to laugh. "Yes my dear. Very well in fact." I answered. Her laughter was infectious. I too began to chuckle heartily. Adel then looked at me. She was deeply troubled by something.

I placed a hand on her shoulder. "Will we be okay?" Adel asked me, looking almost scared. 

"Why do you ask?" I questioned." I know my parents are in trouble and no one will help. I also know if they do die I'll be left alone....  defenceless." She said with tears welling up in her eyes. 

"You are safe with me. So long as the night comes with the setting of the sun, I will protect you from monsters and men alike." I said reassuringly. 

Adel then threw herself into my arms and hugged me with all her strength. Something inside of me gave way. I wrapped my arms around her. I didn't want to let go. It felt as if I was holding Annett again.