[S.C. Bloodlines, CH 16] [Amelya] (Sapphire Sanctuary, Sapphire’s Room) Gruff barking or whining caused Amelya to roll over. Taking a yawning stretch, while rubbing sleep away from her eyes. Crusty tear residue also flaked away as she sat up. Watching Nela the vary large grey wolf female, scratching at the floor and flailing. It made sense, regular dogs had dreams. Why wouldn’t werewolf’s. Then she felt the shuffle next to her and her heart jumped. Looking over at the lump she pulled the covers away. Disheartening it was to see the young hunter boy Newt blissfully snoring softly. Drool leaking from his open mouth onto his arm. “Yuck” She mouthed to herself the realization of the night before smacking her like a run away train. Cleo was gone. Taken by the originals immortal father. Slumping back into the bed she grabbed the nearest pillow, gripping it close to her chest. At the same time the door slowly creaked open. A low growl rising in the pit of the wolf, yet she was still in deep snoreland. “Nela it’s just me” Jayden’s low voice called as his familiar face slipped around the wooden doorframe. With a grunt and yawn Nela stretched out, still very much in her wolf form. Peculiar , since she could have shifted back at any moment. Yet she would then be laying naked on the floor, which caused Amelya to giggle a bit thinking about having to deal with seeing the curvy woman’s body again. “Everyone out here is ready to head towards the Ruby sanctuary.” Jayden rubbed his neck looking at the slumbering boy. “Might want to wake him up” “I’ll wake him up when I’m ready” Amelya snapped back, unsure herself why it came out so harshly. Of course her outburst caused the boy to turn, opening his eyes at her and letting out a yawn. “Sorry Newt I didn’t mean to wake you” She rubbed his cheek of droll with her hand like a loving mother. “They are so cute when there that age” Nixole’s voice was low and giddy. “So you can just take control whenever?” Amelya ignoring the questioned “what I do” look on Jayden’s face and spoke to herself. “I am strong enough to do that yes. But it’s not necessary unless your life is in danger.” Nixole said quickly. “I’m sorry for acting like a mom” “Are you ok?” Newt was giving Amelya the same dumbfounded face as Jayden. “I’m fine. Just missing Cleo” Amelya yawned honestly, shaking away the fact that Nixole could do whatever at any time. “We’re gonna get her back” Jayden stood at the edge of the bed as Nela shifted back. Covering her private areas with her hands. “Couldn’t you have done that somewhere else “ He huffed angrily, motioning for Newt to avert his eyes. “Just cuz you don’t like big boobies in the morning don’t spoil it for everyone else” Nela shot back, grabbing her clothes off the floor, shooting Amelya a wink. Which of course caused her cheeks to flush as she averted the boys eyes. Watching Jayden’s eye roll but still seeing her change out of the corner of her eyes. “Who didn’t like boobies in the morning” she giggled to herself. Not even an hour had passed before they set out. Nearly thirty vampires of newly turned origins and the handful of their group. Newt was at the front of the group, brandishing his friends bow and his own knife on his hip. Like a young warrior. Amelya smiled behind him as Sapphire’s gaze fell on her. “Can we talk about whatever that was yesterday?” Sapphire inquired, while Sampson nodded back to her. Tapping his cane against a rock to get Monticello to pay attention as well. “Which part?” Amelya asked, faking a sense of obliviousness. “You downed nearly a hundred hunters in a second…” Sapphire’s eyes pleaded for the truth, as Amelya met her gaze. She sighed. “Can I tell them?” She questioned into her mind. “My daughters won’t harm you” Nixole’s voice penetrated the depths of her unease. “What about how that boys dad can pull flame pistols out his ass like an anime character?” Monticello’s voice called out from a few steps behind them. “All will be explained!” Amelya’s eyes rolled back as the words left her mouth. After a second a smile passed over her face as she gazed at Sapphire. “How are you my lovely daughter?” Nixole’s voice sounded weak but Sapphire gasped as she gave Amelya a huge hug. It had been so long since she’d seen or even heard from her mother. Long before Onyx was locked away. “I’m doing well” She started unsure of what was to come. “Don’t lie daughter. I see your house is in shambles. It will recover” The words came out flat but she could tell they were concerned. “So you are the witch that created us all?” Monticello questioned, quickly catching up to the group. Newt had been holding Amelya’s hand prior to the take over but now had let it slip away. Cautiously moving toward the southern wolf girl Nela. “I accidentally created all of us…. Just trying to save those I held dear. It’s a curse more then a gift” Her voice was soft again as if lost in thought. “I’m happy to have this gift” Jayden mumbles to himself. “I already explained it to Amelya. I created the vampires, then the wolves to help protect them. Then one of my daughters fell in love with a human man and gifted him and his companions the five cursed weapons. Creating a whole new type of human infused with some of our powers.” Her words seemed to draw them in more. “There were two separate wars of the shadow clans before Onyx decided he was to be supreme leader. The wolves wanted freedom, then the humans wanted to wipe us out. Hunters and Wolves hardly made it out of Onyx’s regime.” “My father is one of the cursed hunters. It’s a tattoo passed down in my family to the first born son in the death of his father….” Newt added in, laying on the back of Nela’s large grey wolf. “ Something I only recently learned… since I’m the youngest of five….” “That sounds cool” Sampson said out loud, his cane digging into the soft dirt every few steps. “It’s an abomination….” Nixole’s hissed, her words caught the young boy off guard and he cringed at her tone. Causing Nela to whine a bit, letting him know she’d protect him. “My child who did that was cast away from the rest. She brought shame on us all. Giving humans the power to kill us all” “It gave them a leg up in the supernatural world” Sampson said simply, looking back at the witch who had hold of Amelya’s body. “Love makes you do things out of your own best interest. Much like you with Onyx.” “He didn’t used to be power hungry. Once he was a man who’s smile brightened even the darkest storms” She said sadly. “Maybe it was immortality that did it” Jayden added in. “Your plan will work. But we need all the children who sided together awake and ready to fight” Nixole spoke up again and Sapphires eyes caught a glimpse of doubt. “What happened to the banished daughter?” Amelya spoke to the witch inside herself. “She gave up her immortality to save her human. From there I believe she died” Nixcole gave up her hold on their body and Amelya fell onto her knees into the mud. All around their little convoy the trees hung over granting them cover. “My witch friend is only a mile or so out now. We should reach her hut by nightfall” Monticello grimacing looked at the shoulder with a look of deep regret. It wasn’t a hut, it was a huge mansion that hadn’t quite weathered the test of time. Vines had grown up and around the place. Windows had been lost to the winds, it was a desolate place. “Are you sure a witch lives here?” Newt questioned as the long line of vampires stopped at the large hanging steel gates. One of them hardly hanging on to it’s rusted hinges. Monticello slowly weaved to the front of the group, stopping just before the gate. “Elmara! It is your long time friend. Please grant us sanctuary on your forgotten lands” As he spoke the wind started to pick up. Casting all the girls hair into the air, causing shivers across Newts body. Even thought the wolf’s warm fur was so close to him. “You bring with you an army? Yet you ask for sanctuary?” A voice tested by time itself called as a small woman of a dark complexion appeared out of the element. Standing in the middle of the garden behind the gate. A white head scarf covered her silver hair. Her white eyes fixed on Amelya as she reached the gates. “Powerful people you bring with you my old friend. I give you and only you the invitation to join me in the garden” The frail old woman waved her hand as a wooden rocking chair appeared behind her. Monticello sighed and stepped onto her property, quickly bowing as she struggled onto the chair. Everyone else just watched. “It’s been far to long” She waved her hand again and another chair, a table and a tea pot appeared. “Come, have some tea with an old friend. Tell me what became of your arm and how you ended up way out here.” At the gates Sapphire was instructing everyone to set up camp. Tents had started to go up as the sun started to set. Amelya hadn’t left the gates edge watching the two people, trying to make out their words. “The boys held up pretty well” Nela’s voice sounded from behind her yet she didn’t turn. “Sampson is helping him secure a tent.” “Thank you” She said absentmindedly, still focused on the conversation Monticello was engaged in. “If your going to stand that close you might as well join us!” Elmara’s voice startled them both. Yet she was Looking straight at them with glassy white eyes. “She’s blind” Nela whispered catching up to Amelya as they entered the garden. Neither of them uttered a word as they crossed the garden. Two seats appearing with a tea cup for each of them. “I’m blind not deaf girly” The old witch chuckled a bit to herself. “You seem to be possessed?” The woman looked right at Amelya as if she could see her. “I…” She stumbled with her words and Monticello reached a hand out to her. “The immortal mothers soul resides in you. Must have been put there when yur was newly birthed. Strange that is.” She cocked her head to the side. “One of the most powerful of my kind to ever walk this earth. Some said she was marked by a voodoo priest at a young age.” The old witch shuffled in her chair as Monticello cleared his throat. Yet the old woman didn’t advert her gaze, a knowing smile forming. “I don’t trust many vamps. Wolves have been long gone from my area for a long time. But I warn ye about that witch. She’s more powerful then you can comprehend.” “I still need a bewitching.” Monticello said in a low voice, trying not to make the old woman upset by his intentions. “That will come at a cost. Why didn’t ye ask the other witch to do it for yeah? Especially after that power move?” The old woman cocked her head to the side looking from Monticello to Amelya. “I didn’t want to chance it” He grumbled. “I figured as much. Your payment then?” She asked. “I don’t have anything? What do you have in mind?” Monticello scratched the back of his neck knowing the price she’d asked last time. He’d given her two bags of vampire blood. He never asked what it was for, just accepted it. Bleed himself into a blood bag and gave it to her. “I have a niece…. She’s nearly fourteen. I’d like y’all to take her with you. She’s just starting to gain her power.” Monticello looked at each of the girls with a terrified look. “She’s human. Are yah mad?” “Yah got that hunter boy over der. I don’t see why she wouldn’t be safe?” The woman looked back at Amelya. “I’ll protect your niece with my life” Nela spoke up before anyone else could. “I’ll even grant you a blood oath.” “You are a very honest person. I can see that just by looking at you dear. No need for that. I take your word” The woman smiled, her whole mouth filled with golden teeth. “Put your arm out Monti. I will grant you a golden gift, that will morph with your mind. Use it to protect those around you and anyone else who needs your gifts.” Air once again returned to the garden, sweeping around them with the force of a forming tornado. Closing them off from the outside world, blinding them. Amelya felt a brittle hand reaching out to her in the swirling darkness. “Your birth was the beginning, broken apart by distance. Seeking themselves and the world. One in day the other of the night. Together they can bring about a new end.” The woman’s words sounded just beside her ear. As if she was floating next to her. Then it all came to a crashing halt. The table fell, crashing down onto the ground. Then cups flew after with crashes as each was stopped suddenly from falling. On the floor where the cups had crashed a young woman lay sleeping. Black hair of a ravens feather reached out in all directions. Her young figure sunk into the mud, Nela moved to her side. Scooping her up in a flash. “There’s something…” Amelya was cut short by a terrible tremor that ripped across her body. Causing her to wail into the night.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 3] Abruptly Sam pushed Amelya off the couch onto the floor. Causing a loud crash to wake up the other girls. Off course looking over at her bed Sally was cuddled up with Maddness laying on her stomach. Both looked fairly awake already. “Where’s that girl?” Sam asked looking around the room. “What girl?” Everyone spoke in unison. “She was….. well. Maybe I was dreaming.” “Dreaming about girls ehh” Sally laughed. “Not like that” “Lesbi-honest. Y’all ain’t right” Amelya shook her head, yawning and stretching. “Not cool” Maddness tossed a pillow with so much force it blew Amelya’s hair as it passed her face. “Why you mad though?” Sam shook her head. “Everyone in this room knows you be tasting each other’s cookies” Sam burst out laughing as they both turned bright red. “Your just mad nobody’s tasted your cookie” Maddness spat back. “Do you want to?” Sam shot back and Sally took the bait. “Is that an offer?” She giggled causing Maddness to crack her in the ribs with an elbow. “Ouches” “So what we doing today?” Sam tossed the covers off the couch and stretched. “Stay in bed?” Sally gave Maddness a wink. “Not in my bed. Ya little nasties!” She threw the pillow back, catching them both off guard. “I need some Tylenol, my brains throbbing “ “Don’t you need a brain to say that” Sam shouted and Maddness snorted. “Snappy now aren’t you” Sally joked, pushing Maddness to the edge of the bed. Nearly sending her spiraling down onto the floor. Maddness wasn’t giving up without a fight, which took a turn for the worst when Sam pushed them both over the edge. “See I win” She giggled walking out into the hallway with her cami and baggy sleep pants combo. Slamming into Gabe who just left the bathroom. Knocking Sam to the floor he stood over her. His mouth sitting right against her neck. “Sorry” he mumbled, pulling himself off her. Sam just layed there. The girls all cracking up from the open room door. “Not exactly how you wanted it” Sally called back and Sam let out a loud exasperated sigh. “Shut up.” She snapped, catching her bearings. After about an hour more of the girls teasing Sam about Gabe. They were all packed into Sally’s four door jeep. Which of course had been a gift from her rich uncle Chad. The mall was only about a half and hour drive, which was made in complete silence. Sam was still fuming at our lovely friend couple for always teasing her. Stepping into the mall a red haired girl nearly ran into us. Sam was the first to speak. “Watch where your going!” She shouted after the girl that nearly knocked Maddness down. “You okay?” Sally asked, gripping her cheeks. “That was rude” She huffed, starting off towards build a bear. Maybe we were way to old, but it was still cool watching the little kids excitement. Watching from the window, they heard a gasp behind them. “No, we shouldn’t. She’ll be pissed.” One of the boys voices spoke. “She’s mine” The other one seemed to be arguing as we turned to him pushing Gabe almost clearly across the long mall benches. “Great, Gabe” Sam slightly fell back as he came closer. “Your very pretty” Gabe’s friend looked intently into Amelya’s eyes. “Jayden. Your sister will kill us both. Let’s go!” Gabe grabbed the boys arm, forcefully pulling him away. “Sorry guys” Gabe mumbled. “Why’s your brother so weird?” Sally was the first to speak once they were far enough away. “New friends seem just as weird” “Enough about Gabe!” Sam shouted, storming off toward the open shops. “Not sure. Jayden’s cute though” Amelya giggled as Sally fake vomited. After hours of walking through stores, trying stuff on and ultimately only finding a few outfits each that they liked. They were sitting in the food court waiting for the couple to return from the bathroom. “I’m so mad your brother fell on me this morning” Sam started out. “You been thinking about that all day haven’t you?” Amelya giggled a bit, slurping up her pineapple smoothie. “Yesss….. kinda.” Her face was a little red as Amelya made eye contact. “Like all crushes, it will go away” “What if it doesn’t? What if he never sees me as more then his little sisters friend” “Girl code states, brothers are off limits anyway” Sally added in leaning over the banister with Maddness in toe. “Does the girl code even apply to Lezzies “ Sam pushed off the bench and disappeared into the crowd of people in the mall. “Rude!” Maddness shouted after her but it fell on deaf ears. “You know I don’t care right?” Amelya wasn’t looking in their direction, but focused on where Sam disappeared. “I’d be happy one of my best friends is with my brother” “Speaking of brother” Sally was looking at Gabe and a red haired girl walking in the crowd. “Looks like Sam has some competition now” It was almost as if the red haired girl heard her, because she looked right at Sally with an intense glare. Freaky right, they were way to far away for that to be possible. The Sam and Gabe thing, had started a year or so ago. After a late night party became Sams first kiss and crush. Of course she hadn’t told anyone else but I heard it from Gabe and his friends. Weirdly though it had always seemed he enjoyed their little cat and mouse game. Guess he found another cat. “Sooo what’s next?” Sally bubbled looking at a cute outfit in Victoria secret. “Cute undies” Maddness giggled and I was quickly the third wheel. Watching them flirt and pick out stuff was getting tiring. I needed to text Sam and see where she’d gone off too. Grabbing a few cute items to try on I left the trio. Headed straight to the changing rooms. “Only those four items”the counter girl asked as I stepped into the closest changing cubicles. Changing into the first two sets I found them to be a bit small. Maybe my bum was finally growing. “You have a cute bum” A voice said without a single sound of movement. “Who are??” She managed to blurt out nearly falling to her but watching every angle. “Of course you silly” “Sally Maddness. This isn’t funny” “Calling me other girls names. Also rude, for future reference “ A giggle and then the door opened into my cubby. Her gaze seemed familiar, eyes dancing across my body. Leaving warmth wherever they stopped. Purplish eyes, must be contacts. But other then that she was flawless, definitely a fifty on the scale to ten. “That looks amazing. You should buy it” She cooed, slipping into the cubby and right into Amelya’s personal space. Inches from her personal space, only a lips length away. Kissing and biting her lip while she inched in. “Our first kiss last night was spectacular….. I need you” “Wait first kiss” Before Amelya could file a complaint, the girls lips where pressed against hers. Memories started to flood back.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 4] In an instant, Amelya was back at the house. The red haired girl from earlier was staring daggers. She was at their house, the girl she’d seen at the mall. Then they were just chatting it up on the couch. Seconds later she was in the mountains. The girl who kissed her hung on her every word as she explained how she got their. Her twin brother seemed unamused by his twins closeness. As they kissed and the brother rushed them. She was back in reality. Cleo was just looking at the pile of other clothes that Amelya was thinking about buying. “Her mom wiped my memory….” Amelya remembered all the previous nights events. “Lexi is going down. I’m gonna give her a piece of my mind” “I would much rather go down” Cleo winked with a giggle. “As fun as that sounds. She needs to know I’m not gonna just be kicked out of your life” Amelya gave Cleo a nudge out of the way and was soon angrily rushing out the store. Well trying to. In her heist to go find Lexi, she’d forgotten about her cloths. Which were in fact not hers. After a long chat with security and Cleo working a bit of her vampire compelling. They were ready to leave the mall. “Slow down convict!” Cleo called after Amelya. “No. I’m telling her off double now” “It’s fine boo. She’s not worth it.” Cleo cooed cutely, trying to persuade her otherwise. Instead of wasting more time, she took off running. Pushing through a large crowd of mall goer’s. “Come on Amelya!” Cleo shouted out, but Amelya knew two things. She couldn’t catch what she couldn’t see and there was no chance she’d use her speed with all these ppl around. Not that it would help much. She knew nothing about vampires, except that they were fast and ancient. Neither of which would help her in a fight. It was dumb. But her point needed to be made. After a half an hour of hunting her down without any luck. Amelya found herself outside on a bench. Wondering why she’d even tried. “Giving up now?” Cleo’s voice made her heart flutter a bit, but she didn’t turn. “Not having any luck” She shot back nonchalantly playing with her hair to hide her annoyance. “In Lexi’s defense. Her mother made the call. Figuring that two pairs out of one person could make for a lot of drama.” Cleo hopped up onto the back of the bench. Looking down with what could only be sympathetic yearning. “Whatever” Amelya went to stand quickly but only felt the restraint of Cleo’s arms wrapped around her back. “You smell so good” Cleo started, pulling her in closer. “Aren’t you worried we’ll be seen?” “I don’t care” She stuck her tongue out in a joking fashion. “And if anyone has anything to say, they can suck my butt” They both laughed a bit, Amelya settled back into Cleo’s embrace. Feeling a chill as their skin touched. “You mean my butt” Amelya giggled, fake pushing Cleo off her. “Ahem” A gruff voice called from behind them. “I’m sorry Cleo, but the heads of house Emerald want to see you both.” His features were so normal. Compared to the few vampires she’d met the other night. Like vampire gamer boy was in now. “Great” Cleo sighed. “What’s wrong?” Amelya questioned. “I’m being a thorn in my clans side. I wasn’t supposed to come here. Especially not to come to you” Cleo buried her head in her hands for a second. “Whatever”. Cleo looked from the boy back to Amelya. Eyes meeting each other’s for a second Cleo blew her a kiss. “Yuck” Conner blurted out. “Is that why the clan elders are mad. Cuz your pairs a girl?” “Never yuck us again” Cleo raised a fist to him. “I promise you I’ll make you wish for a easy death.” “Not exactly how I meant it. Sorry. Just not used to it” Conner shrugged. “They are out at the elders chambers. Doesn’t look to good.” “Yeah, mom was so pissed” Jayden leaped down from the roof, in a parkore fashion. Landing a few steps away from Amelya, eyes never leaving hers. “Quit it Jayden. We’ve already made the first contract as pairs. She’s mine” Cleo glared a him. “Kinda hot. Mad I missed it” He joked tossing up his hands in surrender. “Where’s your yuck now Conner?” Amelya said while Cleo chuckled a bit. “We need to downplay it in front of the elders. If not I’m sure we’ll get a tough sentence “ Jayden leaned against the wall, pulling a cig from his jacket pocket. “Hopefully they will see how your paired and will excuse your stupidity “ “He says that, but he seen me earlier and Gabe had to pull him away” Amelya ratted him out while grabbing Cleo by the arm. “What’s the punishment for disobedience??” “Dungeon, for a few days. Sometimes longer, without any blood.” “It’s called Drying out” Conner added in after Gabe. “That’s harsh” “Your worth it babe” Cleo let a cocky grin cross her lips, but inside she was quaking. She could already feel their unease, so far away. Once she was up close it would be so much worse. Of course running of into the mountains had taken seconds. Yet it felt like forever, neither of their heads hung high anymore. Stepping up to the large building more and more memories pooled in. All up to watching her brother drink a pool of blood that sat in the center of a huge hall. Possible the hall they were about to stand in. Guards sat at the entrance doors. Amelya wasn’t sure why? What could kill them? What would they be afraid of? “Nothing” She thought to herself cowering behind the twins as they entered the large room of the ceremony. “Ohhh she’s quite pretty” A woman’s voice called from the stage behind the pool of blood. Ten vampires sat on a line of podium above the blood pool. Something she’d missed during the ceremony. “Do you know why you all were called here?” Lexi’s mother stood up, the second chair from the right. “Yes Mistress “ The twins called out in unison like army brats. “You were told to stay away from the human girl you both share a pair bond with” “That’s rubbish. No person has ever shared a pair bond before” The same woman from earlier was far right. A grey haired woman who didn’t look a day older then thirty. “Vivian. Do you accuse me of lies? Before our court?” Lexi’s mothers voice was sharp like a blade. “I’ll settle this” A younger faced man somewhere in the middle disappeared. Appearing between the twins, his hand gripping Amelya’s throat a foot above the floor. Gasping and clawing at his hand both twins sprung in to action. Each grabbing an arm and flinging him into the air hissing as he laughed. Amelya coughed trying to suck in as much air as possible. “That proves it” he laughed gliding back down to his seat. “How?” Another man spoke up from his left side. “I didn’t let go. Their combined strength due to their pair being in trouble allowed them to toss a five hundred year old vamp skyward.” He clapped. “She may join Emerald house. I’m sorry dear for the squeeze, it wasn’t personal “ “Is that how the whole council votes?” Lexi’s mother spoke again. Cleo was mouth to mouth with Amelya as Jayden just held them both. “Enough, let them go. She’ll have her ceremony in a days time from now” It was the grey haired woman from before. “We must burn down their house and plant two bodies, they won’t be returning to humanity” “Can she live with us?” Cleo looked out over the council as if trying to spot a certain person. “What about my friends?” She gasped. Amelya was pushing Cleo away. “I have friends that I’ve known my entire life….. I don’t want them to think me dead” “Guess then you have a choice to make. Your love pairs or your friends” a gavel dropped and that was all. Amelya was carried out in Jayden’s arms, Cleo not letting go of her left hand. At the entrance the younger looking vampire stopped them. “I want you to know, they both will protect you with your life. I’ve never been bested by a youngster before. Sorry it had to come to that” He sent his hand in their direction and Amelya shook it weakly. “You nearly offed her, yourself “ Cleo hissed. “I look forward to your ceremony Amelya.” He smiled and bowed. “Please forgive my earlier behavior.” Back at her house, Cleo laid next to her. While Jayden slumped over in her rocking chair. Amelya was out, but Cleo would be here when she rose. Nobody would hurt her, ever. Especially not Monticello.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 11] [Amelya’s point of view] Life has a beginning and an end, yet she had surpassed the first end. So had the vampire Sampson had just slayed. Death hadn’t been part of her young life, Amelya could hardly breathe. Let alone take in the sight of a headless, lifeless body. Head discarded off his shoulders without much of an effort. “I’m sorry, you to had to see that. But we don’t have time to play around “ Sampson continued his wobble straight past the girls. Cleo shook her head a few times, getting a grip on herself before looking up at Amelya. “Let’s go” Cleo huffed, grabbing Amelya’s hand. “I won’t let anyone harm you” I’m seconds they were all speeding through the tree’s, as if a life hadn’t just been taken. Like they weren’t running for dear life, like they had somewhere to run too. [Jayden’s point of view] Watching as the girls fled and Sampson wobbled off after them he settled a bit. If anything they were at least safe. Leaning on the balcony he watched everyone else poor into the sanctuary. In moments everyone was packed into the main theater, all the seats filled. All of the council heads or elders sat at the back of the stage, in their massive podiums. Monticello caught his glance looking and speaking to three of the other members in a circle before his podium. As he watched he looked up, a smile crossing his lips once their eyes met. “Be cafe my dear Jayden. Stay clear out of sight” The whisper of Monticello seemed to follow a breeze across the stage to him that originated out of nothing. He just nodded and went back to his conversation. “Welcome one and all!” Mistress Verona stepped out from her podium, a strange black haired man in arms length behind her. “Tonight I have a special announcement, Onyx. Father to all of the vampire world.” Cheers rang out in the crowd. Many people stood up while clapping. Jayden could feel the unease of Monticello. “Tonight I have been reborn. Brought back regardless of all the houses. Regardless of my children. Willow and Mistress Verona came for me. They will reside over the vampire world at my side.” Onyx turned, a smile on his face. “Emerald council, you are all disbanded. I am taking over the ruling of all houses. You may all step down and join the crowd. Or perish.” The crowd chanted Onyx’s name out. Clapping and carrying on. “You have been sleep for hundreds of years. After sending us into a huge war where many of us still remember. Only a few hundred survivors made it out” An older looking woman spoke two seats away from Monticello. “You may have them all fooled, but I was there helping to bring our species back from near extinction.” “So you will not stand down?” Onyx’s smile grew wider. “Ice carcerem” A female voice called from right of the stage as ice erupted around the woman. Freezing her in place. “Thank you Willow” Onyx bowed to a woman of carmel skinned complexion as she strutted onto the stage. “As you can see. We will not allow this to go on. We are the higher species. No more will we stay to the shadows and act as if we are wrong for hunting.” Onyx walked the stage as the crowd continued to chant “Freedom”. All the smiles and waves, he was killing it with the crowd. Monticello was one of the first to leave the stage, quickly running toward where Jayden sat on the second floor. Running up the stairs he caught sight of his fearful lover. “That’s all then. He’s taken over” Jayden spoke first, turning as he approached. “We need to go. He’s going to be sending people after us to make sure we comply” Monticello shook his head. “I would never have guessed that in my lifetime he’d be back.” “Amelya knew something was up with her….. now we know she was right” Jayden followed Monticello down the hallway into a secret room on a wall halfway down the stairwell. [Amelya’s point of view] Sampson had them fazing for hours. She knew not where they were or even where they were headed. Yet her and Cleo hadn’t let go of each other’s hands. Hours had passed, night had fallen. A small side of the road dinner came into view and Sampson slowed. Coming to a stop just short of the parking lot. “She’ll need to eat….. hopefully humans aren’t to many in here” Sampson started crossing the parking lot, the girls at his heals. “You got this babe” Cleo whispered with a smile before they shared another kiss. Following hand in hand. “Welcome to the Route 52”. A girl their age smiled. Her eyes a pale blue hue, hair dark like chocolate tied in a bun, with freckles and a run of the mill black apron. “Would you like a booth?” “Yes, something in the back of possible “ Sampson answered and the followed after. “Not really a people person” Both girls covered their mouths and started cracking up. Only a handful of humans sat eating and loudly speaking to each other. Of course they all watched them pass, none of them knowing their secret. “Y’all cute together “ A southern woman spoke out. Her hair was long, tucked under a straw hat. She was smiling as they passed by. “Thanks” Cleo spoke first, waving a bit. “Come girls” Sampson called out, sliding into the last booth in the row. Amelya and Cleo rushed over to the other side as the waitress came with menus. She smiled as they ordered drinks. “We’ll we just stumbled into a worse situation…” Sampson shook his head, looking over at the southern woman from before. Who sat with two other men, all seemed to be looking in this direction. “There all bloodsuckers “ The first man across the table growled in his head. “Of course they are” The other agreed. “Eat your food. They seem to be passing through “ The females voice was so hushed but each of them caught it. “This is bullshit!” The first man smacked his hand on the table. “If Fernando was here. They would already be dead or close to it” “Fernando isn’t here. Also he’s not in charge here” She growled a bit. The other two hushed and lowered their heads. When the southern woman stood up, walking straight toward them. She plopped down in the seat next to Sampson. “Your the other species?” Amelya questioned before the woman could open her mouth. The question wasn’t harsh or even the least bit sarcastic. More like a kid who could see something nobody else could. “So my companions are correct. You are blood…” Sampson raised a finger before she could finish the word. “We are vampires. That word is disrespectful and it would be like us calling you all flee bags.” She shuffled in her seat at the obvious point he was making. “So I’d be very happy if you didn’t use that kind of foul language “ “You must be the leader?” She questioned, looking at both of the girls. “We are run aways “ Amelya yawned, taking Cleo’s arm in hers. “A very bad man will soon be chasing us “ “We heard whispers of the original vampire being brought back” She leaned back into the seat, her relaxed nature a sign that no harm might come to them. “The rumors are true. The shadow world will soon be in chaos “ Sampson shook his head. “We are cast aways. Rogue’s in our community “ The southern female looked back to the two men at the table. “ I’m Nela, those to over there are Rick and Chuck.”

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 9] Everything in the room spun for a second, Cleo was right at her side. Amelya could feel a shift as Jayden looked over toward them. “I’m gonna excuse myself. Y’all have fun” He spoke up before shooting out the door. Pain, unrest in his thoughts. Cleo was the opposite, passion and desire filled hers. “Can I tell you something…” Amelya started as Cleo closed the gap between them. “Of course babe” She giggled. “You can tell me all things” “I think something happened when I drank the blood…” “Of course it did” Cleo laughed not grasping the full extent of her word. “You turned into a vampire, duh” Cleo’s thoughts exploded across her mind. “I can hear thoughts….” Amelya watched as Cleo soaked in her words. “Your messing with me right” Cleo replied. “No, think something and I’ll tell you it” “Amelya has a cute butt” Cleo giggled to herself as she thought about it. “Really, first thing you think about is my butt” Cleo’s jaw dropped to the floor in disbelief. “Also almost everyone on the council dislikes our little union.” She added in. “Wait you can read everyone’s mind?” “Pretty much. Except for Lexi’s mothers….” “That’s even more weird.” Cleo was as surprised as ever. “So anything I think you can hear?” “I think so” “That seems problematic “ Cleo shook her head. “Guess we’ll never have secrets so that’s good” Of course they sat there for a bit, playing guess Cleo’s thoughts. Long into the we hours of the morning. When Jayden finally walked in, he was clutching two human girls. One on each arm. “Are you stupid!” Cleo shouted, grabbing Amelya by her arm. Pulling her forcefully into the first bedroom. “Why would you bring human girls here?” It took a few minutes before she could smell the cheap bath and body works perfume the girls reeked of. But the second she did, she could hear their heart beats, feel the blood running through their veins. “Now I don’t have to be alone. Y’all have your half of the house I have mine. I’ll be in the basement “ Jayden called out with the slam of a door in the distance. “I can feel their blood pumping” Amelya’s mouth hung open, her fangs growing out of her canines without an ounce of pain. “I want a taste” “No please babe. Calm down. You’d be breaking the rules on your first night. “ “Please…. Love… just a sip” She started towards the door before the girl’s thoughts came into her head. Each thought a play by play, she wanted to be sick. “Good, that stupid boy fell for it.” A voice thought, not one hundred yards away in the woods. “Stupid blood suckers” Another added in. “He’s …. “ Amelya started. “Been followed, two men it seems.” “Great, probably the girl’s dad’s “ Cleo huffed. “I’m not breaking up their session downstairs. He can fend for himself.” “No, they called him a bloodsucker. So this might be bad” “Fuck. Hunter’s probably “ Cleo shook her head. “That boys gonna be the death of us. On your first night as a vampire “ “What’s a hunter? Like Sam and Dean type hunter?” Amelya didn’t like the sound of it one bit. “God, did you really have to bring that up” Her hand rubbed her temple. “Yes kinda, I guess. They hunt all of the shadow species. Most of them regular old humans that were born into hunter families “ “If we don’t tell him, we are gonna have to fight them alone.” Of course Amelya had a point, one day zero vampire and a non-fighter didn’t amount to much. “I only heard two of them” Amelya was ducked behind the left front window. Trying to get a lock on any more thoughts they had. “Let’s get in there now!” The first one cried out. Of course they where going to run directly at the front door, no weapons. This was country wish Sam and Dean. Cleo had snuck out the back, Amelya could hear her speaking through her mind. “Going around back, let the fat one in. Then jump him, but please don’t bit him.” Definitely not fat shaming but the man was huge, like a line backer off the football teams. Tall and full of jello. Amelya had one chance once her knocked the door through, with a hearty kick. “Now” Cleo thought. Amelya lunged at him with all her strength, hitting his side and tossing him to the ground. It was like running into an air mattress filled with greasy fry oil. She was partly suppressed he ever went down. It would have been a valiant effort from her, yet as the fat one barreled through two others followed. Both younger, one holding a blade and the other with some sort of bow. “Jesus. No please!” The man cried out, falling into a small end table. Which couldn’t hold his weight for a second and snapped. Stepping up to him, trying to scurry back into the couch. Her eyes had turned black, the hunger was starting to rise. The two boys where ready for a fight. Slashing out with the blade, Amelya dodged to the side. Rolling just past one of the couches, as a bolt stuck in the cushions. “Please I beg of you. That boys got my sister. I just” He cried out, and from the smell of the room actually soiled himself. “Shut it fatty” Crossbow boy shouted. Signaling the other boy to flank around her. “Amelya they aren’t “ Cleo called out coming in the front door, holding the skinny guy by the back of his neck. “No stop!” She tossed the skinny guy at the crossbow kid. Knocking him to the floor. “Crap” Blade kid turned around, dropping his long knife. “She’s gonna eat me! The crossbow kid bellowed, before passing out. “Ewwww. Please don’t eat him” Cleo made a fake gagging noise and Amelya’s eyes turned back to normal. “They aren’t real hunters, yet they did call it.” “Our parents are hunters, I’m sure they will be along any second “ The knife boy, sat on the edge of the couch. “Ohhh really?” Cleo was confident the boys were lying. “He is lying” Amelya could hear him, praying for a way out. “So why? Did you come out here. Without a plan B” “Fat boy came into my fathers shop trying to buy weapons. We thought it would be easy…. The boy who took his sister and her friend seemed tweaked out” He shook his head. “Yet I don’t see a boy or the girls. So maybe wrong place.” “We could easily kill you…” Amelya giggled a bit, trying to sound evil. “How about we make you a deal?” Cleo had assembled the knocked out dudes outside the front door. “Like what?” He questioned while Amelya started playing with his blade. “Don’t touch the blade, it’s treated and will harm you” “We let you go… you just forget we’re here” Cleo just walked towards Amelya. “Why? We could bring hunters here to kill you?” “What’s your name kid?” Cleo asked, holding on to Amelya as her eyes flashed black for a second. “Newton….. I go by Newt…” “We can help you take them as far as the roads… not farther” “Ok, our secret “ A half an hour later and the girls where rushing home. Annoyed with Jayden for sure, all of it due to his stupidity. “Another life altering situation, come to pass” Cleo laughed, skidding to a halt next to the bedroom door. “Yeah. I see that” Amelya giggled a bit as Jayden came out the basement wrapped in a towel. “What the heck happened here?” He looked from the broken front door, to the blade, then the crossbow laid out on the coffee table. “A party thanks to you. Why would you even think it was a good idea to bring humans around?” Cleo scolded. “I wasn’t wrong. Even on day one it seems she’s already got a hold on the hunger” Jayden laughed a little. “Like I had a hold on both those girls” He thought to himself and Amelya glared at him. “Your nasty. Hope it was fun” Amelya shot him an annoyed glance and took off toward her room for the remainder of their stay. “Yeah your on clean up” Cleo had held the door open as Amelya slipped past. Once inside the room, Amelya was laying on the bed. Looking at the door as Cleo walked in. The room was fairly average sized;a few dressers, a flat screen tv on the wall, a large mirrored vanity in the corner. Definitely built for a female. “You think they will tell?” Amelya asked putting on her pajamas. “Nope, I think we just made a hunter friend” Cleo stripped, grabbing boy shorts from the drawer closest to her. “How?” “We weren’t like the stories that were told to him” “I guess your right” Topless Cleo jumped onto Amelya on the bed. Holding her close for a kiss, before being pushed off. “Gotta buy me dinner first. I’m not that type of girl” Amelya giggled, flicking after Cleo’s exposed nips. “Leave ‘‘em alone” She cried out hiding under the blanket.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 15] [Jayden’s point of view] “Having done this before, I convinced myself that nerves were unusual but not unexpected “ Jayden spoke, watching Sampson looking to find the hunters trail again. “You have always been a great tracker. Don’t forget what you learned from Haricot, and don’t underestimate your opponent. I’ve never seen a human move so fast, he’s gifted for sure” “Your right” “Watch out for his guns” Sampson heard a far off rustle and was off. Zipping through the tree’s; bushes, rocks. Like he didn’t walk everywhere with a cane. Sampson was right behind the hunter. Chasing him off into the woods. This man was quick for a human for sure. Not just quick, he was smart and knew the territory and terrain. Jayden had nearly taken him down twice, each time nearly getting tagged by the black flame pistol. Now he was a few feet behind Sampson. Chasing this man towards civilization. “Stop” Sampson shouted as Jayden slipped between two tree’s, stopping just short of a thin line of wire. “Trip wires?” Jayden looked back at Sampson, thankfully. “Stay alert “ Sampson was scanning the tree line for any more. “You two shouldn’t have followed me in here??” The hunter spoke loudly. “By now my son and his friend will have taken down most of your vampires.” “The bow kid is dead…. The other one, your son. Will be our prisoner.” Sampson kept scanning the tree’s, bushes, and anything else for any movement. “Very sorry to hear. His mother will be heartbroken. My son has the blood of our line. It would be wise not to drink from him.” “We don’t want to kill you. We have enough other problems. Let’s make a deal. Your son for your surrender.” Sampson spoke again, Jayden just stood still listening for anything out of the ordinary. “He has siblings. Keep the boy, not much use to me anyway” They stood for a few moments then Sampson relaxed a bit. Letting his cane stick into the soft ground on the forest floor. “He’s gone for now” Sampson started back towards the sanctuary, at normal pace. Footsteps came from the clearing a second before Sapphire burst from the tree’s. Her small body, matted with blood. She looked like a warrior princess. “Guess he got away” She groaned, slamming a fist into a nearby tree. “Patients young one. He will be back” Sampson walked past without another word. “He knows I’m older then him right?” Sapphire looked over at Jayden. “Guess not” Jayden laughed a bit. “So any chance you know why your sister left?” Sapphire stepped closer to Jayden, hardly even coming up past his chest. “Or why Amelya is protecting the hunter boy?” “She’s protecting him?” Jayden and Sapphire continued behind Sampson. [Amelya’s point of view] A few more hunters had fled the clearing. Newt stood next to his friend for a while in silence. Tears hadn’t stopped. Warren was gone, that was for sure. Monticello on the other hand was sitting in the grass. Staring off towards the woods where Jayden has entered. “Does it hurt?” Amelya asked, getting closer. “Weirdly enough. No it didn’t hurt at all.” “So what’s next?” Amelya questioned, watching Newt from afar as she sat across from Monticello. “The Ruby sanctuary is probably the most reasonable. Maybe we stop along the way to see a witch I know. Might be able to give me a new arm or something close” “A new arm sounds good” Sampson stepped into the clearing, ignoring the boy and walking straight to them. “Your more aerodynamic now, might actually be able to beat me in a race” They both shared a hearty laugh. Jayden and Sapphire followed, but Jayden glared at the boy for a second before meeting Amelya’s gaze. “He’s not to be trusted” Jayden looked at Sapphire for back up. “We’ll all agree boy hush. Let him morn his friend” Sampson was pointing at Monticello’s shoulder. “Took that hit pretty well” “Not like I had a choice “ Monticello shook his head. “Let’s get back inside and plan our trip” Sampson looked around. “Where’d the wolves go?” Amelya scanned the clearing and caught sight of Nela’s wolf. Laying down, her fur covered in blood. She wasn’t moving. “Nela” Amelya thought and the wolves head wiped around. “Wait you can put thoughts in our minds too” Nela was just staring at the vampire girl from across the clearing. “I guess so” “Well I lost both of my accomplices” Nela’s wolf stood and Amelya could make out the two bundles of fur next to her. “I’m sorry” “We only have one wolf…. Other two died” Amelya voiced to the rest of them as they started across the field. “Darn. Those staring contests were just getting fun” Jayden blurted out. “Quill!” Sapphire shouted as the man just appeared close to us. “Yes Mistress” “Help get these bodies cleaned up” Sapphire looked back at the boy. “Burn all the hunters except for the boys friend, and bury the rest” Amelya nearly had to carry Newt down into the sanctuary, afterwords he just sat around the table silently. Everyone else seemed to be annoyed by his presence anyway. “He shouldn’t be here” Jayden hissed, tossing a blood bag to Amelya. “They know where the sanctuary is anyway.” Amelya shouted back. Sampson just stood between them. “Fight nice kids” Monticello laughed, stepping into the room with his shoulder in bandages. “Doc says the burns won’t heal. Nor the arm” “Funny, you gonna be the first vampire lizard?” Quill said stepping in behind him. “Let’s get serious “ Sapphire was sitting on the table across from Sampson, on the table legs crossed. “Cleo is gone stolen away by Onyx….. We need to hurry and revive Ruby before our older brother” “Why’s the older brother so bad?” Jayden questioned, sitting down on the table across from them. “Garnet is not only the first of Onyx kids but he’s a chip of the old block. A tyrant.” Sapphire spoke and Amelya just watched Newt. “He will kill without remorse and without a care” “So where is the Ruby sanctuary?” Jayden spoke. “The mountains, about a days way north” Monticello spoke up leaning against the doorway. “My witch will be a bit before we get there” “So what about the hunter boy?” Jayden questioned, not trying to meet Amelya’s gaze. “He’s coming with us. That’s that” Amelya stood up, grabbed Newt by the arm and pulled him off towards Sapphire’s bedroom. “I’m gonna get some sleep.” [Jayden’s point of view] “This is bullshit!” He pounded his fist on the table. “For all we know his father has a tracker or something on him. We’ll just be inviting them to the other sanctuary’s “ “Amelya is in pain…. She lost your sister to Onyx. We don’t know when we’ll see her again. Or if she will even be herself “ Sapphire’s eyes pleaded with him. “They saved him, so it’s like a piece of her….. let her have that” “If something comes out of it. We’ll be ready. But stop bringing it up.” Monticello was serious. “What’s more of a problem was all the power she released. Nela stepped in, fully clothed in jeans and a hoodie. Passing Amelya in the hallway she’d gotten a big hug. Which made it all feel a bit easier. “Sorry about the goons” Jayden tried to sound caring. “Thanks. So did anyone else know Amelya could put thoughts in someone else’s head?” Nela sat down a table away from everyone. “Wait what?” Jayden’s jaw nearly fell off. “Yeah after the fight she said my name and I heard it in my head” “We all seen the bubble and how she brought everyone to their knee’s…… her power seems to be growing “ Sampson looked over at Sapphire. “Any idea’s why her blood brings you all back?” “I have a guess but it’s not possible….” Sapphire looked around the room, wondering if they were gonna think she’s crazy. “I think her family has witch blood….. my mother could have passed to her…. She was the most powerful witch to ever exist.” “We all know the story” Monticello shook his head. “Question is, will she fight with us. Or will she be on Onyx side” Sampson held his face in his temples. “She died before Onyx became the tyrant he is now. She’ll be with us on the witch side” Sapphire shuffled a bit on the table. “You think your witch could communicate with her, when we get there?” “I don’t see why not?” “How about wolves? In our time they were servants to us…… well they were protectors” Sapphire looked over at Nela. “I was part of a single pack. I’ve never met a wolf outside of them” Nela mumbled a bit. “No one’s left of them either. “Every just calm down. We’ll head to the witch, hopefully sort out stuff with Amelya’s power and get Monticello a arm” Sampson just stood up. “Everyone relax till then. Let’s not fight amongst ourselves.” “I’ll check on Amelya” Nela said moving off the table. “Hopefully she’s fine” Jayden fazed off nearly out the door when Sapphire grabbed his arm mid stride. “No human girls and don’t leave the sanctuary “ Sapphire’s eyes blazed, knowing full well he was reckless. “I’m not that stupid.” “If you leave, don’t bother coming back” Sapphire let his hand go, and he was off. “He’s a spitfire for sure. But he’s got a good heart” Monticello stepped over toward Sapphire. “He’s just a little lost, and overwhelmed by it all. And he’s confused about himself” “Sounds like you know much about the boy” Sapphire’s eyes dug in to Monticello’s soul, until she seen it. “Your partly to blame for it.” “He’s finding himself. Being set in a thruple for your first real relationship isn’t helping” “Keep an eye on him if he leaves. The head guy might still be out there waiting and watching.” Sapphire and Monticello watched Sampson head off down the hallway. “I’ll watch him” [Amelya’s point of view] Exhaustion had long set in, Nixole power came at a high price. She was dragging walking up the stairs to Sapphire’s room. Knowing dam well Newt was close behind her. His mind blank, yet she could feel the distance and grief. “I’m sorry for your loss” Amelya pushed open the door and felt the boy lunge at her. Knocking her onto the bed. “He was my best friend…” He cried out. “I know” She rubbed his back, peacefully. “Our fathers knew each other since birth…… we were the same.” He continued. “You are not the same…. He tried to kill me, when I disarmed you. With an arrow to the back.” She tried hard not to sound harsh. “It will hurt for a while…. But eventually it will get better.” Crying into her chest and stomach. The boy needed a mother, his was not here. Maybe they should had let him go back, but his father might have been a worse fate then seclusion. “It’s gonna be alright Newt. Get some rest.” Tears started to form in her own eyes. He wasn’t the only one missing a mother. Hers was off in hiding, not that she’d been active frequently or really showed much care or initiative towards loving them. She was a busy woman, was. “It will all be ok” She whispered to him as she felt Nela slip into the room. She heard her shift, then lay on the floor. Sleep came effortlessly.

[S.C. Bloodline, CH 17] [Amelya’s point of view] “I can see her” Nixole’s voice echoed through her mind as she collapsed onto the floor. Pain fluctuating across here entire form. A ringing echoing through her ears. Nela was quickly at her side, Monticello at her heels. “What happened?” Monticello questioned his golden arm glistening in the setting sunlight. “Give me the girl!” Nixole’s voice was harsh and screeching. Before she’d even realized her body was crawling toward the young witch. Who still laid on the floor knocked out from her Aunts spell to transport her. As her hand touched the girls back a blackness enveloped them. “I knew you couldn’t resist” The old witches voice chuckled a bit out of the darkness. “She’s got powerful blood” “My blood!” Nixole gasped, a white gowned woman layed just beyond Amelya’s reach. “Your of my line? How is that?” The old woman appeared sitting cross legged in the middle of the black abyss. A smile on her face, yet her golden teeth were gone. “We come from a long line of witches. One in particular who has been gone along time. She warned of your and Onyx return.” The woman shook her head from side to side. “Onyx was your doing. You created him. We have long since been waiting. Your daughter sends her regards” As the woman spoke a figure started to form out of the blackness at their feet. A small cat formed, black as the night sky, eyes a twinkling green. “This will be your vessel! I refuse to let my niece become the plaything that you will use to destroy the immortal” The woman’s voice was powerful but Nixole just laughed a bit. “Do you understand who I am?” She stood up and in seconds whipped her left hand at the woman and she was floating. Yet she hadn’t broken out of her pose. “I refuse to let you not see my wrath”. Another swipe of her hand and the old woman’s eyes opened. The white blindness washed away leaving soft light brown eyes. Startled by her recovered sight she looked at Amelya still pinned to the ground. “I can’t move!” Fear was ripping at her voice, and her eyes darted from Amelya to Nixole. “You bring me to this prison world. Encore a beast to trap me in. Using spells I made centuries ago.” Nixole shrugged a bit looking down at Amelya. “She was going to give up a secret that you haven’t been told of an old prophecy my daughter saw.” Amelya tried to stand up but was met by some unseen force. Nixole just stared at the old woman, waiting for her to speak again. “If you knew all this then why not warn your newest child?” The woman smiled. “Newest child?” Amelya found her voice and questioned the old witch. “Children!” The old witch laughed. “I created the spell that saved my family when the old village burned our home due to my own ignorance. I had cursed the woods, helped the few humans who made it through. Gave them food and jobs. Protected them!” Her voice grew. “Then they repay me by burning my home to the ground. I reanimated everyone by sacrificing my youngest two girls to revive the rest….” “Those two girls have been reborn” The woman laughed. “The witches of the great covens have the other girl. She’s already been a huge help to us.” “Thanks for letting me know where my other daughter is” Nixole said while looking down at Amelya. “I’m sorry daughter. If not for your sacrifice none of your brothers and sisters would have survived.” “She sacrificed her young twins to revive all her other children!” The old witch laughed. “You both ment less to her.” “That’s why Onyx needed my blood and Cleo!” Amelya was struggling to her feet now. “Your father took your mate to have something over you. His witch could have easily took the blood she needed.” Nixole huffed looking back at the old woman. “What do the witches want?” “Of course they want to see the end of your precious immortal children.” The old woman struggled but didn’t have the strength to break away. “Why? Most of them have been sleeping since long before this generation of witches was born.” Nixole had lost her nerve, the power was gone. “Do you think it’s been all sunshine and rainbows since the last war? Witches have been hunted by humans. Hunted by the immortals your children created for their power or just to get them away from the immortals.” The old woman shouted, her temper getting the best of her. “You brought about the abominations, and only you are to blame.” “Let them be in peace. We all take down Onyx and destroy him for good. Then you let the rest of my children go about their lives.” “Will you willingly let his sireline die with him?” The old witch questioned. “Even those of your children who will take his side again?” “There can be peace.” Amelya stumbled towards Nixole. “Onyx has to be delt with. But killing this witch won’t do anything but further us from being able to live together.” A wave of her hand and the woman fell to her feet. Nixole looked in awe for only a minute before turning to Amelya. A sadness deep within her caused a few tears to fall from her eyes. “You both saved them all.” “You need to accept the vessel” Amelya said moving between Nixole and the old woman. “We need them on our side.” “Your giving them the power to keep me in a cat?” Nixole asked looking down at the unmoving black feline. “It’s a show of good faith. Onyx is going to be on a rampage. Showing the witches that we aren’t going to be like him will give them a reason to side with us” “Your daughter is correct.” “What if they don’t side with us? What if they side with themselves? Try to destroy all of you?” Nixole was pleading. “What if they are tired of fighting…. And just want to live?” Amelya looked back at the old woman and gave her a quick nod. “That vessel can only hold me if I allow it. So you better be right about this.” Nixole dropped to her knees next to the cat. “I’m sorry your sister and you have been cast into this shitty situation.” “Your daughters are smart.” The old woman slowly stepped over to Amelya’s side. “The other girl was quick to help your kind once her powers manifested. Thankfully she was near a coven.” “Protect them please.” Nixole started to weep. “I’m not long for this world. It took all my power to bring my niece here to you. And create that vessel. You will be needed close to them.” The old witch’s movement started to fade a bit. “I accept the vessel!” Night had fallen once Amelya opened her eyes. Nela was standing over her shouting something she couldn’t make out at Sapphire who was at the gardens gate with a handful of vamps. Ready to breach to spell protection for the garden. The cat appeared next to Amelya as she struggled to stand. Nela growled as the cat, rubbed against her leg. “Take me to Sapphire…. I need to speak to her” Then she was out again. [Cleo’s point of view] Pain was all she could feel, once the deed had been done. Being whisked away from her pair felt like hell. Yet she could still feel all of the sadness that had consumed Amelya. Light had started to shine down on them once they stepped foot in the sands. The witch hadn’t said a word to her, not that she could speak with Amelya’s blood in her mouth. The black haired man stood off in the distance. Coming toward them at a slow pace. A smile on his face once he seen Cleo. “How wonderful of you to join us” He said reaching toward the witch with his hand. There fingers intertwined and a kiss was shared. Cleo just gagged to herself trying hard not to devour her lovers blood. Watching the two exchange a lust fueled kiss or two. Before breaking apart and gazing her way. “With your silence I assume you got what we need from my daughter?” Cleo’s eyebrows raised in confusion. “Oh I forgot. You don’t know the price my wife paid to turn us all immortal and raise us from ash.” “Don’t you think you should keep it to yourself?” The witch hissed through her teeth. Onyx was quick to pull away from her grasp. A questioning look on his young face. Like the audacity of this witch to dare question his actions. “This is my youngest daughters mate. Don’t you think she’s got the right to know the history of my family?” It was a question the witch didn’t answer, just nodded. “Your old family my love” It came out of her mouth as a question but Onyx didn’t answer or acknowledge it at all. “How could she be your daughter? She’s got parents?” Cleo hissed, not believing a word of his lies. “Souls move through the either being chosen or not chosen. I do not know why? Or how? But from the moment I seen her I knew who she was.” Onyx turned his back on both women and started away in the sand. “We had ten children. Can you believe that? Only two of them inherited her power over the mystical arts.” “That’s a lot of kids” The witch groaned, rolling her eyes thinking about how they came to be. “Do you like humans?” Onyx question came as a shock to her. It was out of place, it made no sense. They were off in god knows where. Watching the sun rise in a barren desert. And the most powerful and most dangerous vampire in the world was asking about humans. “I don’t hate them…. Amelya was a human when I found her…” She answered back quickly and honestly. “You don’t have to be afraid. Your to precious to Amelya for me to do you any harm.” Onyx didn’t look back but kept his eyes on the rising sun. “I wouldn’t cause her any more pain then necessary” “So why take me in the first place?” Cleo countered. “She doesn’t know me. Unlike the others who grew up and worked beside me. Your going to be the bridge between us.” Onyx turned his smile gone. “Do you think me evil young vampire?” “You started a war against the humans…. Massacres in the name of your own power…. One of the reasons all your children were put to be dried….” Cleo wasn’t sure how to answer, so the truth would have to do. “They burned my house while we slept…. All of us were human then….. Made my wife sacrifice our young twins to bring about our rebirth….” Onyx hung his head a bit. “What kind of monsters do such a thing. We treated them like friends and neighbors. Protected them from harm…… Yet I had to listen as seven of my children burned to death….” “I thought you had eight more besides the twins….” Cleo said, questioning the math. “A butchers son was sweet on Aquamarine….. She was young but had already received her mothers gift. He’d gotten her away…. Run into the forest my wife cursed to keep us all safe….” Onyx grumbled a bit thinking about the boy. “Foolish human ran them into a pack of wolves… She was much like her mother… As they attacked her and him. She cast a spell creating what you know now to be werewolves….. at the same time her mother was bringing the rest of us back from the either” “What happened to her?” Cleo questioned as he looked up at her rage making his eyes red. “She died changing the wolves to humans and the boy to a wolf. Creating the first pack….. I wanted to end his life once I found out what had happened….. Nixole refused me. Said his life was already saved by our daughter. So they were set up to keep us from humans.” Onyx looked at his new witch lover and his eyes softened a bit. “I couldn’t save my family from those humans…. But I refuse to allow them to destroy any more of our kind….” “I’m sorry for your loss…” Cleo spoke the words and Onyx looked at her in utter disbelief. “Why do you grant me those kind words child?” The witch took a step back as he rounded on Cleo. “I do not deserve them. I a man listen as my whole family burned to death. To weak to do anything….” “You were unaware of a threat… That doesn’t make you responsible….” Cleo argued, the memory of her own father’s smiling face as hunters took his life flashed through her mind. Tears started to fall and Onyx dropped his head to the sand. Letting a long sigh escape. Her own tears and pain starting to rush back in as a wave of sadness washed over her. “I’m sorry to have scared you” Onyx stood and walked back toward his witch lover. “I don’t know what the stories and tales they tell you all now.” “It wasn’t you…. You don’t scare me. My father was killed by hunters right in front of Jayden and I when we were younger” She chocked on the words. “They scare me….” “Aquamarine didn’t die bringing back her wolf….. she merely ascended for a time. Much later she came back…. A lone group of men found her washed up by the sea…” A chuckle erupted from his body, shaking a bit his back still turned. “They became her lovers, protectors, and the first hunters of our kind…. Blessed by intricate tattoo’s that could only be passed by blood….” “After that…. She disappeared….. nobody recorded anything more about her…. To our knowledge” The witch started. “I believe she’s still out there somewhere…. Knowing that he was coming back again”

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 14] [Jayden’s point of view] Even within the water wall prison. It burned, his whole body on fire. Cleo was completing the pairing. Of course he’d known one day it was coming. Never expected it to be this painful or forced. It was like the air around and inside became fire. Then it was gone….. all gone. The universe had all stopped, Cleo’s tear filled eyes flashed for a second before she was gone. Taken by the witch. Nela stumbled across the floor toward Amelya, stark naked. Jayden averted his eyes and took point on the doorway. Not looking back again. Yet he could hear her sobbing. But felt nothing. [Amelya’s point of view] Nela quickly came to her aide, scooping her up against warm flesh. “Sorry, cloths are gone” Nela smiled trying to comfort the poor girl. “Never had a naked girl this close before” Amelya tried to laugh but the tears wouldn’t stop. Her neck throbbing, body in shock, heart aching for Cleo. She’d been stolen away. A second later and they could hear Sapphire arguing with Jayden. “Let her in!” Nela howled. Sapphire had blood stained across her dress. She looked like a battle hardened child, yet she was older then all of them. “What happened?” Sapphire’s eyes grew wide when she seen the nakedness of Nela and the crying eyes of Amelya. “Where did your clot-“ “His witch….” Jayden spoke in a harsh, cold tone. “Cleo …” Amelya started to say. “Was taken” Nela finished, standing up. “Can Quill bring me clothes?” “The fight is hardly over. I just felt Amelya’s emotions and thought she was in trouble” Sapphire looked over at the girl. “We will get her back, but we need to survive this” Nela was shifting and flying down the hallway past Jayden. Getting back into the fight. “Are you gonna stay with her?” Sapphire looked over at Jayden. He said nothing, just flashed away toward the battle. Leaving Sapphire standing a few feet away from Amelya. “I can hear them…. They want us all dead” Amelya sat up, wiping her tears. “I don’t wanna be here….. they aren’t monsters….” A boys thoughts crept into Amelya’s mind. “I have to go out there!” Amelya shouted rushing toward the doorway. Sapphire stopped her halfway, grabbing her by the arm. Her blue eyes trying to figure out why this girl wanted to go into battle now. “Don’t get yourself killed” Sapphire tried to reason with her. “There’s a hunter boy. Me and Cleo saved him. He’s out there now” Amelya pulled clear away, speeding toward the battle in a flash. In the great room bodies still lay scattered across the floor. Yet there was no new blood. Outside she could hear the shouting, hear the thoughts of those dying, those fighting. “Amelya wait!” Sapphire was behind her. “Don’t get hurt or worse killed” Amelya was gone before the words left her mouth. Outside the smell of blood hung in the air. Human and Vampires fought. She could see bodies from each side. The blood made her mouth water, yet it burned her eyes. Then she felt his presence, the boy was ahead. Sliding in and out of small scuffles. A few cross bolts wizzing past her face. Humans with blades and swords, hand to hand fighting vampires. Sampson, Monticello, and Warren all seemed locked in fights off to her left. Each of them already bathed in blood. The hunters had come with numbers. “Get out of the battle “ Emeralds words echoed into her mind. “The human boy” Amelya shouted back. “Let him be, your blood is to sacred to sacrifice “ “No Cleo saved him” Amelya retorted. “Then she can save him again. Without your help” “She’s gone. Your father has her” Amelya was angry. “Don’t get hurt” Emeralds voice faded. Amelya was back in the battle, as if time had stopped for a few seconds. A man charging her with a blade in hand, anger and rage on his face. Until a flash of blood exploded from his chest. Jayden stood to the man’s left side. Arm covered in the red substance. “You have no reason to be out here. Go back inside” Jayden spat, taking out two more hunters. “Your not built for this.” “I am!” Amelya shouted, focusing on the thoughts of everyone around her. Grabbing at the minds of the hunters. The battle stopped in a second. Everyone of the men and woman hunters stopped dead in their tracks. Frozen in place, eyes the same white that Amelya’s turned. “Stop !” Sapphire’s voice hardly penetrated the focus as Amelya sent them all to their knees. “You will all be spared if you leave now!” Amelya’s voice had changed, it was lighter yet more mature sounding. A man in the distance stood at the edge of the range watching in horror. All of his army was bowing to this girl. “Men get ready!” The man shouted as more came out of the tree’s followed by two boys. Newt was to the right of the head hunter, his bow wielding friend on the left. “Crap” Newt mumbled to himself. “Now go!” Amelya shouted, all the men and woman hunters woke up. Looking around at each other with fear in their eyes. “No please!” One scrambled away back toward the man and the tree line. Dropping his sword on the way. A few others followed suit. Then everyone running away. Yet the next line only watched in disbelief. An arrow wizzed through the air, stopping just short of Amelya’s heart. Floating as if stopped by the hand of god himself. “Jayden get her!” Sapphire shouted again. Running towards the her. “Onward!” Quill shouted, a hunter sword in hand. The other Sapphire warriors following suit, standing between Amelya and the other hunters. While the last of the fleeing escaped. “Lay down your swords. Go with them. You cannot win here and now” Amelya’s body lifted clear of the ground. The arrow snapped falling to the ground. “Get her!” The man shouted as twice as many hunters started across the clearing. Quill and his small battalion was ready. Taking them all down, blow by blow. It didn’t take much more. The boys were pushed out into the clearing,Father at their side. “Send two more her way” The man commanded the boy with the bow. With a quick sight and pull two arrows came down in front of Amelya. Still they were deflected by an unseen force. “They are gonna kill us all” Newt thought to himself, watching the hunters fall left and right. [Amelya’s subconscious] “Kill them all” The words hung in the blackness, a light out in the distance. Fog hanging close to the ground. “Noooo not that boy” Amelya’s voice didn’t leave her mouth, yet she heard it. “The blood awakened me!” The female voice continued. “You are of my bloodline, you must not fall to these humans” “We won’t. Who are you?” “I am the witch who saved her children by giving them the darkness. Who created monsters in their father and my oldest son……” A woman in white appeared, only a few feet ahead of her. Eyes a blinding sea green, hair the color of fresh wheat, skin a mocha color. Beautiful for sure. Amelya bowed to her as she floated before her. “You were supposed to check the tablets in the crypt for Sapphire. I see you did not” “It took a lot out of me….. to revive “ “Your on the right track. I’ll be here to help you, my power is ours.” “How does that work?” “Your of our bloodline….. I gave birth to the vampires… I gave life and blood to the wolves to protect the houses…. And blood to the witches to protect humans….. my second witch daughter gave blood to the humans to make hunters…..” She shook her head. “Love does funny things to you” “Onyx has my pair…. She bonded and left willingly “ “Your pair is a girl. That’s very new” The woman danced a bit, letting her feet meet the black floor. “Technically it was her and her brother…. But I just felt safer with her….” Amelya added honestly, looking at the ground. “Do not be ashamed. You are who you are.” “Will you help us…. Defeat Onyx?” “I wasn’t there when he was taken down before…. My lover, the man I saved and made whole. Locked me away, then took my life” “That’s terrible….” “It was but I’ve long forgotten the sting of betrayal. But I refuse to let him harm our children any more” The woman smiled for a second and waved. “I am the mother of night, Nocturnal. Call me Nixcole” [Battlefield outside the Sapphire sanctuary] A flash of light brought her back, two more arrows flew in her direction. Only to be lost to the shield. She was still not in control just watching. “Amelya!!” Jayden shouted as the last two arrows bounced away. It happened so quickly, she nearly landed on her face. Nixole was gone, two arrows wizzed past her face as she hit ground. She looked over at Jayden, dodging the next two arrows. “Keep ‘em going” The head hunter shouted starting the advance with the handful of people left. Both kids ahead of him. “What was that?” Jayden asked Amelya as she dodged a hunter and Jayden took him out. “We’ll talk later” She said, sliding off toward Monticello and Sampson. Who were in fact leading the advance toward the boys and the head hunter. The handful of vampires came to a crashing haunt as they met the line of hunters. Sampson took out two quickly, letting Monticello and Warren get past. They quickly went for the leader. A cocky smile crossed his face, eyes watching the advance. Boys ready to take on anyone else who came forward. “Hunter, hit the left one. Right leg” The guy spoke so smooth, like death wasn’t on the battlefield taking people one by one. The arrow shot out the bow, hitting just short of Warrens right leg. Still they advanced, taking out another two hunters. “Again!” Another arrow hit Warren square in the knee, sending him tumbling forward. Monticello didn’t blink, and continued forward. Jayden and Amelya headed up the line. Racing against time. Sampson had just broken through the line. They jumped right over after, catching up to him in a flash. Warren lay on the ground not one hundred feet in front of the trio. The boy to his right had an arrow ready, Newt on the left had a blade. Held tightly but shakily. The man in the middle just watching. “We don’t have to do this” Amelya pleaded, watching Newt’s eyes move back to his fathers. “Your monsters. We kill you” His voice cold and unafraid. “So you’ll let them die for you?” Sampson was walking a bit closer to Warren. Monticello a bit to their right. Jayden standing in front of Amelya. “We won’t be dying here” Before anyone could move a black handgun formed out of nothing in the man’s right hand. Two shots echoed across the clearing, everyone stood still. Warren was gone, a black fire seemed to still be present burning away at what was left of his neck. Monticello dropped to the ground, the same fire burning away his left shoulder where his arm used to be. “Die!” Sampson and Jayden leaped toward the man. Who stepped to the right. Sampson took down the boy hunter, tossing his bow away. Jayden went for the man, who side stepped again and fired two shots towards the two. Neither connected, both leaving black fire to burn the weeds and grass. Amelya was quicker then Jayden, leaping she knocked Newt to the floor. Holding him to the ground, the blade falling to his left somewhere. He cried, she could feel his fear. His beating heart, fast lay pumping blood across his body more rapidly. Jayden and Sampson continued to rush the man. Who sent three more shots their way and took off into the woods. “He killed them…. Your friends” Newt cried out and Amelya didn’t let go. “I didn’t want to be here. They made me” “Hush Newt. Your fine. I’ll protect you” Amelya looked over to her side as hunter picked up his bow. Aiming it at her back. “Newt….. your gonna side with them. After all the hunters they killed?” “Don’t please” Amelya cried out. “Hunter don’t!” Newt cried out, only to see blood splatter forward from his friend. His mouth dropped, confused to the force and pain that had started to explode across his body. Sapphire’s hand hung just outside the boys chest in front of him. Her hand covered in blood. He dropped to his knees…. Blood starting to slide from his lips. Amelya rolled off of Newt, who quickly rushed to his friends side. “I’m sorry he sobbed “ Amelya just put her arm on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. “Stand back!” Sapphire was looking at Newt, ready to attack. “No, go after Sampson and Jayden” Amelya pointed to the woods as two more shots echoed through.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 8] Of course she hadn’t seen the set up for Gabe’s ceremony. Sitting in a room, away from everyone else. All the other vampires would meet her tonight, see the mess she was cast into. Hopefully join the fight to find her mother. “So we just sit here?” Amelya groaned. “Actually according to the old days of the ceremonies. We should be giving you a run down on the history of our kind” Jayden said, shuffling with his tie in front of the mirror. The room itself wasn’t much to look at, high ceilings a few couches scattered across the room, black rugs and curtains. One big coffin of a room, bathed in darkness. “So how did it all start?” Amelya sat up, her interest peaked. “Ughhhh. Must I tell the story alone” Jayden groaned, not quite getting the tie right. “A witch had a family, who she lost in a fire. She brought them back, all six children and her lover. Forever starting the six lines of sire.” “Each of her children started a bloodline. All sacred. Setting up the six houses of blood. We are house Emerald, their third daughter. Who’s body resides in this sanctuary” “She died” Amelya questioned. “Not exactly, long ago they were all dried out. Some by the heads of the houses. Others by waring factions “ Jayden sat on top of the couch picking at his suit. “That’s kinda crappy. They are the origin and they were treated like that?” “If any of them died. They would wipe out the whole house” Cleo added in hoping off her couch and falling onto the couch next to Amelya. “The council of houses couldn’t have that.” “Still that’s pretty crappy for them.” “At that point they were hundreds of years old anyway” Jayden shrugged. “So what happens after the ceremony?” “Welp. Your gonna be sent off to our parents cottage, it’s much farther out then Lexi’s.” Jayden let a cocky smile slide across his face. “Wipe that off your face. She’ll be there with me.” Cleo hissed, pulling Amelya closer. “You can just fuck right off.” “I thought we were sharing?” Jayden laughed. “No! She’s mine” Cleo was nearly squeezing her to death. “I’ve already kissed and paired to her” “Well we’ll see who….” Faster then she could blink, Cleo was holding Jayden by his tie. Dangling him off the back of the couch , while standing on the leather cushions. “You even think of defiling her, I’ll end you” Her eyes had changed from their swirl of blue and green to a black void. “I’m not playing, she’s all mine” “Don’t you think that should be her choice?” Cleo’s eyes looked over at Amelya, flashing back to their normal color as a somber image of her not being chosen flashed through her mind. She dropped him, flat onto his back with a loud thud. Not even looking back she started for the two large doors. “Please don’t leave me….” Amelya cried out, hoping off the couch and hugging her from behind. “This is all very strange and I’ve never been in to girl’s before. But your different and I want you here till and after my ceremony “ Jayden brushed himself off and just watched the couple. Knowing full well that he really wasn’t that interested. It was lol just to rile her up. “I’m sorry sis. You know I’m just pulling your chain.” He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “You already know my secret. So I don’t get why you’re getting mad” “Sorry too. I just really enjoy the feel of this….” Cleo turned and kissed Amelya quickly then looked to her brother. “Why do I feel like everything is about to get worse though…” “Like calm before the storm type stuff” Amelya questioned, leaning into another kiss. “Ok. Kill the make out session “ He joked. “So what’s the plan with my mom…. If we are all out in the boondocks, how we gonna find her” “I’m not sure we can…” Jayden didn’t mean to be negative but all the house councils couldn’t find him. What was the probability they could. “We can talk to Lexi’s mom. She’s on the council, she might be our best bet” Cleo made sure to rub Amelya’s back, hopefully to give a small once of comfort. A few hours of sitting around. Amelya and Cleo cuddled up in front of the fireplace. Jayden sitting off on another sofa, reading a book. Half jealous of their close proximity, half enviously wishing he had some to cuddle. He was one of the last of their small group left without a pair. Amelya was of course his partly, that he could feel. Yet she still didn’t feel fully his, it was confusing for sure. “Please follow me” A stranger had stepped into the room silently, a girl close in age to the other teens. Her hair was of a purple hue, still laced with black. Purple lipstick across her full lips and eye shadows and sparkles. It was time. Stepping out into the bright light of house emerald, Amelya could hardly make out the council seats. Let alone all the vampires in the crowd. All cheering like they had done for her brother Gabe only a few days before. A line of six other humans stood before her. All of them standing next to their pairs. A few of each sex, none of them looked her way. Even though she was the only one with two pairs , one being the same sex. “Welcome all” The same female vampire announcer from days before started. “Welcome to the 1764th ceremony for house Emerald “. The crowd erupted with cheers, only to be silenced when she lifted her arm up. “We welcome all the new additions to our ranks. Please let the council speak now. Head seat Verona Jones.” “Like Lizzy said. We welcome you all. A few rules need to be laid out before you all. There are four rules that each and everyone must swear by.” She paused, stepping down from the council seats. “Rule one, no unnecessary feeding on humans. Rule two, We have hidden in secret for hundreds of years. It must always stay hidden. Rule three, only the council may turn humans. Rule four, we follow the council laws to the t.” The crowd was silent, many heads in the crowd nodded as each rule was spoken. “If you wish to join us and follow our rules. Please bow” She continued. All the humans on stage bowed. Almost in perfect unison, Amelya along with them. The crowd bellowed at the new members. Only to be cut short when Verona lifted her hand. “The blood of the ancestors please” As she spoke, a large bowl and a gold chalice was wheeled out by three or four other vampires. “Each of you will drink from the chalice and then your pair will end your human life. which then you will be put out to your new families cabin for the next few months until your evaluation. Where you’ll be pulled into our ranks” Fear hadn’t quite set in until the bowl of blood came close. Amelya could only watch as each of the humans before her entered into their rebirth….. Each one looking into the eyes of their pair before being killed by them. In any other way it was a sick ritual, but it was to bring them together even further. When the vampire handed her the gold cup, she smiled at Cleo before reaching out and planting a kiss on her lips. “I want you to remember the warmth” She whispered before taking a long gulp. “See you on the other side” The blood felt hot like the first sip of alcohol she’d ever tasted. It burned her throat and flared across her body. Cleo let a few tears fall as she kissed her once more, before everything went black. Amelya could feel the warmth fading, knowing full well what it meant. Seconds later, breathing resumed but she could feel it all different. The blood smell filled her nose, wetting her mouth. A hunger starting to burn at her stomach. “Rise my child, touched by the ancestors you are” A voice called from somewhere deep inside the sanctuary. Opening her eyes, focused on every single noise in the room. Breathing of each and every vampire, then I can in one quick wave. “God that girl couple is so hot” A males voice entered her mind. “Crazy how now we have gay vampires “ Another voice slipped in. “I just want to be back at home, god these are boring “ Another and another. Till she’d heard at least one thought from everyone in the room. Looking up at Jayden and Cleo. Cleo whipping away the few tears and smiling whole heartedly. “I hated doing it, but if Jayden did it. Maybe she’d be his” Cleo’s thoughts rushed into her mind. “I’m gonna be stuck with them for the next few months. This is gonna be such a drag.” “I hope our vote went the right way” A council persons thought rushed in. “This is crazy, she has a pair of pairs” Another’s thoughts flowed in. “They are a mockery to the ancestors” “I can hear them” She whispered as Cleo pulled her to her feet. “Hear what?” Cleo whispered back, as the whole room erupted into clapping. Amelya looked over at Lexi’s mother. Stopping the loud celebration. Blankness. “I welcome you all to house Emerald! Go enjoy your first night as a newling “ As she gestured a large door above the sanctuary opened up. Letting in the night air and a cloudless sky of moonlight. Running felt endless to her, the trees a blur. Her eyes locked ahead, focused on Cleo’s back. All of her thoughts nearly unmentionable. Stepping into the threshold of the cabin warmth and the smell of clean clothes filled the air. It was like new, all of it. The smells, the feel of everything.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 12] [Amelya’s point of view] Amelya ate human food, a burger with fries. While Sampson and Cleo drank soda. Nela stayed at the table, her companions watching from the other table. “So she’s not a full vampire?” Nela questioned, sipping a chocolate milk shake. “Three day’s newly turned” Cleo answered, still eyeing the girl up. Not quite sure why she was even still there and talking. “So why you running from this original?” “It’s complicated “ Sampson answered first. “I have a power that he will want” Amelya mumbled through another bite of the burger. Sampson exchanged a warning glance. “Makes sense…” “So why are you running?” Amelya asked, looking back at the two men who seemed fairly scared of the situation their leader put herself in. “Your companions seem still fairly on edge, they think your making a mistake being around us” “How do you know all this?” “She’s a mind reader” Cleo added in and watched Sampson’s mouth drop. “That’s cool” Nela gave a quick smile toward Cleo. “I bet you too have loads of fun in bed” She thought causing Amelya to turn a slight shade of red. “So why are you running?” Sampson asked again, just wanting this bad of doggy misfits to be gone. “Our pack was wiped out…. Vampires. Strong and ruthless ones.” “So not only is he back. He’s got an army” The voice sent a chill down her spine. In seconds the burger was back on the plate and she was ready to leap at him. “Warren!” Cleo hissed and Sampson stood up. “Where’s my mom!” Amelya shouted, eyes blacker then a cloudless night. “Calm down young one. Explain it Sampson “ “Wait he’s with” Cleo quickly reached and was back to back with Amelya. “Calm down you two. Warren has been working for my family for years. I gave him a call when a certain person was gonna lose their mother.” Sampson looked straight at Amelya. “He got her out in time without hurting anyone “ “Actually he nearly killed Amelya “ Cleo spat. “Sit down girls your making a scene. We’re not the only people in the place “ Nela was quick to shush them, motioning for Warren to sit down. “So you run with wolves now?” He questioned Sampson. “The girls picked them up” Sampson sat down followed by everyone else, yet Cleo still hung closely to Amelya.“So how does it look?” “It’s bad for sure. He killed one of the council seats and then told the rest of them to flee. The Emerald sanctuary is his.” Warren continued as Amelya was still locked starring at him. “The sapphire sanctuary might be the best idea” Monticello’s voice was low, Jayden was nearly carrying him through the dinner. “Jayden!” Cleo hopped up and helped him bring Monticello to sit by Amelya and her. “What’s he doing?” Jayden was looking at Warren then over at the wolf girl. “Who’s she??” “Back to the plan. Sapphire sanctuary is where we need to head. Maybe they will still be able to help. Onyx can’t be able to unite the world of vampires or it’s all going to be much worse” Sampson didn’t take his eyes off Amelya. “So how does she read minds?” “It happened the night she was changed.” Cleo added in watching her brother and Monticello. “Wait the girls got a gift?” Monticello was quick to stand back up. “We need to get to the Sapphire sanctuary now!” “Why?” Nela asked, Monticello motioned for everyone to get a move on. “They must not know we can talk” A voice echoed into her mind. “That’s fine” Amelya thought back. “Sapphire will be of help. Your blood can wake her. Please raise my family so we can take on our father.” “How can I even trust you? Knowing who your father is?” Amelya asked. “There’s a history lesson way below the Sapphire sanctuary. The truth is there” “Amelya you still there??” Cleo whispered for the third time, Amelya’s eyes where a glassy white color for a second. “Yeah” She answered. Getting her bearings back before giving Cleo a smile. “So what’s the Sapphire sanctuary” Nela questioned. “Well it wouldn’t be smart to bring you wolves with u…” Sampson started. “They need to be here. I can feel it” Amelya added in, cutting off Sampson. “That was rude” Jayden chuckled a bit. “We need to get moving. Now” Monticello lifted himself up, Jayden was quickly trailing him. “Guess that settles it.” Sampson stood up after Nela, following after Monticello. Night had fallen once they were all outside. The wolves stuck close to the girls. Nela falling in line with Amelya and Cleo. The men lead the way, off into the woods. “So they allow you to be like this?” Nela questioned with a wink. Cleo holding Amelya’s hand as they stepped into the woods. “We’re the first in our sanctuary “ Amelya answered honestly. “A lot of the older people had a problem with it, but we’re paired. So not much can be said” “Don’t let her lie. We’re all paired!” Jayden called out, winking stupidly at his sister and Amelya. Cleo just glared at him. “Hardly normal. Yet here we are” Cleo added in. “So the sanctuary is where y’all live?” Cleo gave the girl a look. “I don’t mean to pry…. Just never met Vampires till the other night” “We don’t know much about your kind either. At least we aren’t taught much” “Onyx made them slaves.” Warren cut in, which meant they were listening in. “Before the last species war, they were used to protect his family from other vampires “ “That’s terrible “ Amelya yawned, leaning into Cleo. “It was a terrible time for them. After the war, many of their packs where purged. Vampires were afraid they still held loyalty to the original family” “Some of our kind are very evil, like the ones who sired us” Monticello shook his head. “We need to actually run. Keep up wolves” In a flash all the men sped off. Amelya let go of Cleo’s hand as she disappeared behind them. Amelya watched as fur exploded across their bodies. Giant paws and ripping jaws. Nela’s wolf was a sparkling white and grey. She winked as the black and brown wolves followed her. They were just as fast. An hour or so later. They found themselves on a cliff side. Monticello and Sampson stepped out to the edge, looking over it. In seconds, three or four men appeared around them. “Who are you?” The first man stepped forward. His hair black like the night sky. Eyes a light blue and grey color. At that moment the tree wolves burst through the edge of the woods. The other three men fell back, the black haired boy didn’t even flinch. “You brought wolves with you?” He questioned. Looking over Cleo’s shoulder at the the very large beasts just laying on the floor. “We are Sampson and Monticello of the Emerald sanctuary. They are with us.” Monticello bowed and stepped toward the boy. He looked no younger then the girls, but seemed way older somehow. “God those beasts could rip us apart” One of the guys thought and Amelya chuckled. “Who are these people “ One of the others thought, stepping back. “I am Quil. Of the Sapphire sanctuary. We are a security party. “ “We all need a rest. And to speak with the council of house Sapphire” Sampson added in, turning to their party. “There is no council of Sapphire…… hunters nearly wiped us out a few months ago. Only one of the elders survived.” Quill’s face dropped a bit, looking over at the wolves again. “I pray you come in peace” “We mean you no harm son. But we need to talk to her” “Can you let them know we need cloths” Nela’s grey and white wolf ground crawled over to Amelya. Nuzzling her muzzle into her face, Cleo gave her a look. “Guys, the wolves need cloths” Amelya gave Cleo a smile and Cleo laughed. Unlike the Emerald sanctuary, the Sapphire was built into the cliffs. At the waters edge. “Once you go in, I won’t be able to speak to you. Find Sapphire and revive her” The voice of the original faded as they crossed into the doorway. “They built it all into the cliff side” Jayden mumbled following behind them. “Our leader is down below. She was hurt in the last attack a few nights ago. But the waters have healing powers.” “Is that where Sapphire is kept?” Amelya asked, watching the marble looking walls turn into a large room. Inside the room bodies lay scattered throughout the floor. Blood lined the marble. Humans and vampires lay lifeless. “They know where you are?” Sampson questioned. “Yes, two nights ago they rushed in. We only have a few older vampires left. Most of them are newly turned.” Quill continued to lead the way. Down they went, into a spiral stair case. Torches led the way into the darkness. Till an illuminated room shown down the hallway. “Mistress Emony (E - mon- e)!” Quill called out, stepping into the new room. A waterfall crashed down across the back wall. Sapphire’s made up the wall on each side of it. In the center lay a black stone casket, the woman Emony lay at its side. Nearly submerged in the water. “You all bring with you hounds of Onyx!” She shouted, her eyes glowing a light blue. “Mistress” Sampson and Monticello bowed in respect. “They come in peace as so do we” Everyone else bowed as well. Nela and the pack followed suit. “Onyx is alive.” Monticello added in. “Why have you come?” “We are all running from Onyx. Your hunter problem can be delt with.” “They will wipe us out. They have been coming for Sapphire for many a moon” Emony shook her head, defeat in her eyes. “I’ve lived a long life, just to watch our house in ruins.” “Can I” Amelya started to step down into the water. As she broke the water it started to glow around her. “Your here” A female voice entered her mind, while she started towards Emony. Whose eyes stared in amazement, mouth hung open. “Emerald sent me, your father is back. We need you” Amelya’s eyes where white as snow as she stepped in front of the casket. “Your blood…. It’s ancient “ Sapphire spoke as the top of the casket moved away. It was a girls body. Young, way younger then the teens. Probably about nine or ten years old before her change. Sapphire’s hair was a deep ocean blue. Eyes closed and skin that of an old mummy. “She will rise!” Amelya shouted into the large room, everyone watching as she moved toward the girls head. Sweeping her hair away from her face. Amelya let the top of her palm come to rest at her senior vampires lips. A blue gloss still hung on them. “You must willingly bleed for us” Sapphire’s voice hung in her ear. Without a second thought Amelya brought her arm back to her own fangs. Biting down and letting blood flow into Sapphire’s mouth. In seconds color started to return and the wrinkles faded. Pale white skin flowed across her body. Till her arm reached up, pulling Amelya closer. Still hanging on to her wrist. Baby blue eyes met Amelya’s and her hand was let go. Sapphire sat up in the casket, a worn dress hanging off her body. She just smiled at Amelya for a second, scrunched up like a scared little kid. “Thank you” She whispered. “Sapphire??” Emony quickly dropped into a bow at the left side of the casket. “I am alive again” She rubbed her fingers across her shoulders and down her tiny figure. “Mistresses please.” Monticello bowed with the rest of the crew, except for the wolves. Who seemed to understand after and bowed. “We need your help but we will first help you with the hunters” “It’s been a few hundred years since I’ve been alive. Can we just wait a day.” She bowed back at them, before leaping into the water. When she stepped on to land the men looked away. Her old dress was nearly completely hanging off. “We will get you some cloths” Quill moved off back toward the stairs.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 2] “Couldn’t you have just stayed in the room with the other two and enjoyed the movie” The redhead shook her head. “Probably not it was getting a little crowded in there” Amelya tried to lighten the mood a bit and got a giggle from the vampire girl. “So why Gabe?” Sam asked still holding on to her throat. “Well that’s not really your business but since you’re gonna die anyway.” Her face softened up a bit as she thought about it. “He was really nice to me, unlike everyone else at school” “You realize that I’m his sister and he’d probably never forgive you for that” Amelya shook her head, while a door opened in the hallway and footsteps moved toward Gabe’s room. The door opened and in walked their mom. Average height, sleepy eyed and a hundred percent not nearly understanding the situation. “Hey girls. Why you in Gabe’s room?” Her mom asked, rubbing her eyes. “And where’s your brother??” “He forgot to tell you that he slept over at my house with my two brothers “ The vampire girls voice was weird and we only watched as mom shook her head. “That boy always forgets to tell me things” She yawned. “You three better get back to your room missy. And nothing of your brothers better come up missing.” She shook her finger before noticing that she’d never met the girl. “Have I met you before?” “I’m Lexi, you met my mom a few weeks ago at the grocery store.” Again a weird tone of voice but mom just accepted it and went back to bed. “How did you?” Amelya asked. “Vampires can make humans do as they are told or believe what we say. It’s just a power we have no matter what” Lexi stood up.”So I guess I’m crashing the sleepover “ “Great” Sam mumbled as they all set off for Amelya’s room. Sam found her sleeping bag and cuddled up on the floor, Sally and Maddness had fallen asleep cuddled up on the couch and Lexi just watched them as she sat onto Amelya’s bed. “So no death tonight?” Amelya joked, flopping down onto her bed a foot or so away from Lexi. “Guess not. Your mom was pretty cool.” “Of course saved by my sleepy mom” She giggled.” If she’d known, I’d never live it down” “Sounds like my mom. Eternity isn’t fun when it’s spent being nagged at” “I can only imagine.” Amelya mumbled looking over at her sleeping friends. “Thanks for not killing us” “I was just playing, gotta wipe your minds though. Cuz nobody can know about us” Lexi shrugged. “So what happens at a sleepover? Never been to one” “Well you missed the board games and movie. Now I guess all there’s left to do is sleep” “Well, no need for sleep. So I’ll just erase and go” Lexi stood up and looked at the other three. “You wanna go first or last?” “Last I guess. Sure you don’t wanna just stay and watch something?” “Your brothers turning ceremony is tonight, I can’t miss it. Then he’ll be part of our world” “So I’ll no longer have a brother then.” Amelya mumbled. “Is it possible that I can go….. then you just wipe my memory” “It’s not like twilight little one. There will be hundreds of blood suckers there. I know he wouldn’t want you to be a midnight snack” “Please…. He really didn’t fit in, I just want to know you’re people will take care of him” “Fine.” After that she spoke to each of them, adding a bit extra to her chat with Sally and Maddness. Soon she’d thrown me over her shoulders and we were off. Wizzing through the city like a jet. Everything flying by fast but almost in slow motion. In seconds we had crossed our town and rushed up into the mountains. A huge stone building was etched into this side. Nothing like she’d ever seen before. Stopping at the entrance she fell off. Tumbling to the dirt, before sending pizza and pop all over the ground in three waves of puke. “Everyone always pukes” A male voice called from the doorway. A black haired boy stepped down the stone etched walkway. His eyes a fair grey color but his smile showed perfectly white teeth and a pair of fangs. “Jayden back off. She’s not a snack” He stopped walking down and through up his hands in surrender. “I promise. I mean no ill will to this maiden” He huffed and bit, coming closer. “Though she is……” As their eyes met Lexi could feel the need in them both. “Fuck” She hissed to herself as another vamp joined the fray. “Dear brother. Why is your pulse so….” Cleo stopped just short of the two. And stepped right up behind the girl. Rubbing her hand against her shoulders, she looked deep into her eyes. Before planting a kiss on her soft lips. “Mine!” The twins hissed in unison. “Double fuck” Lexi was at Cleo’s side as Jayden rushed his sister. Bloodlust filled his now red and black irises. “It only makes sense that twins would be drawn to one person” A man with a Kane walked quietly out of thin air. “Uncle Sampson. I’m sorry for my friends rude….” “You have just introduced them to their pair. Their actions are fair.” He pulled his black hat off, showing off his flowing silver river like hair. “This is going to surely be a long winter” “She’s only here to watch her brothers ceremony. Then she’s going back to her normal life and friends” Lexi pulled Amelya out of the grasps of the twins. “No” Cleo’s facial expression changed to nearly weeping eyes. “You can not deny them their true pair” Lexi’s mothers voice spoke from the stairs. Amelya flinched back at the sound of her voice causing both twins to rush to her aide. “I knew this was a bad idea” Lexi mumbled as her mother swept her bright red dress and stepped down to them. “This human girl is protected by house Emerald. She will not be harmed or whomever caused it will die a thousand deaths” She reached out her hand to Amelya. “I’m sorry it’s such a ruckus. Let us get you ready for your brothers ceremony” “If I may, your grace I shall not leave her side” Cleo vowed to Lexi’s mother. “Neither will Lexi, but you keep your hands to yourself. Your brother should mind his too. But you all may escort her” It was final. “So I guess your friends aren’t the only ones who are on the parade” Lexi joked with Amelya as the kiss caused her to blush. “Have you seen her though. Anyone would be gay for her” “I’ve seen her for most of my life” Lexi chuckled. “Never seen her kiss anyone like that. Guess your souls bi though. Cuz Jayden’s yours too” “Isn’t that weird” Amelya asked, pushing closer to Lexi only for the twins to walk up the stairs faster. “I’m sure y’all will figure it out. Enough about y’all. Time for my pair to join us” “Wait, that’s what happened with my brother?” “Yeah…. Sorry it’s hard to explain to a human if they’ve never seen or felt it” “So wait. I’ll get turned?” “That’s up to your thruple?”Lexi laughed.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 6] Amelya turned in her sleep. Waking when her arms felt a body within them. Cleo was wrapped in her covers and if she’d not known was sleeping peacefully. “I thought you didn’t sleep?” Amelya yawned, pulling Cleo tightly into her body’s warmth. “I like to pretend sometimes…. Makes me feel human again…” Cleo said honestly without turning. “We’ll your human enough for me” She kissed Cleo on the cheek and just enjoyed the moments. Hours later they found themselves still wrapped in each other’s embrace. Cleo was nearly at the edge of the bed due to Amelya’s constant movements while sleeping. “Wake up sleeping beauty “ Cleo coed, nipping at her ear. “It’s nearly noon, sleepy head” “Just five more minutes mommy” Amelya yawned without opening her eyes. “No, your done. Your done.” Cleo laughed, pushing her pair toward the center of the bed. It was a queen bed for sure. Sadly most of it was covered with clothing and extra pillows. “Can’t we just lay here for the rest of eternity?” Amelya asked, rubbing sleep from her eyes. “We could. But I think three days in bed is more then enough” Cleo whispered. A shuffle in the hallway caught their attention but it couldn’t break their mood. This was heaven, and they wouldn’t let anything ruin it. “Good afternoon “ Amelya’s mom opened the door, quickly shielding her eyes when she seen how close the girls where. “Uhmmm. Amelya “ Her mom wasn’t sure in the least bit what to say. “Mom we are both dressed.” Was all Amelya could think to say. “It’s nothing like that” Cleo gave her a quick shove. “Well sorry. I just ….. it looked. Well you two have a good day” She shut the door and rushed toward the kitchen. “That went well. What happened to compulsion?” Amelya questioned as Cleo hopped up out of the bed. Grabbing the pair of sweatpants she’d worn in, and pulling them up over her boy shorts. “Didn’t think it was needed” Cleo was clearly annoyed, and wanted out. “Guess I was wrong” “Wait. Are you mad at me?” Amelya grabbed for Cleo’s arm but fell short, falling to the floor in a lump of teenage girl and covers. Getting a soft chuckle from Cleo. “You alright?” Cleo pulled the covers away from her face, that was smushed to the carpet. “Only if your not mad at me” “Why is this such a secret?” Cleo took a deep breath, seemingly trying to keep her cool. “What’s this?” Amelya asked, pulling herself into sitting position. Rubbing her knee and cheek. “Us, stop playing dumb” Cleo raised her voice a bit. “What are we?” Amelya questioned, slowly creeping across the carpet. “I don’t know…. I just know whatever it is your hiding it” Cleo whispered, taking another few breaths. “When I join you…. I won’t have anyone anymore….” Amelya climbed up the chair Cleo sat in, stopping when she was face to face with her. “I don’t want her last memory of her daughter to be questioning everything about her” “….. I didn’t think about that….” “It’s fine. I’m not mad” Amelya kissed her pair on the lips for a second, before Cleo pulled her in deeper. A chuckle and Amelya pulled back as their tongues started to intertwine. She then used her index finger to boop Cleo on her nose. “Someone’s a little thirsty “ Amelya stuck her tongue out at Cleo before hoping off her lap and crossing the room to the closet. “What to wear?” Her closet was a small walk-in space with a light, a few shelves, and many discarded hangers. Tossing her top out into the room she giggled to herself. “Is that bad?” Cleo questioned still trying to recover from the lightheadedness of their small make out session. “Not sure I understand how that works” Amelya tossed out her bra and shorts. “I could easily show you” Cleo laughed a bit. Sitting back in the chair, gripping the armrest trying not to think about Amelya in the closet. Which only caused her to laugh harder. “See I knew you were in the closet?” Cleo laughed. “Funny” Amelya stuck her head around the corner as she pulled a hoodie over the light blue cami. “That I am” She tossed a pillow that had fallen off the bed in Amelya’s direction. It hit the wall just short of the closet. Causing Amelya to hop out, trying to pull her leggings up over her rounded posterior. “Yummy” Cleo whispered before Amelya could get a word out. “Your done” She giggled, tossing it back. “You think you should spend some time with her today?” Cleo asked, looking back at the doorway. “Not sure how good an idea that is. Especially when her whole worlds gonna crumble later…..” Amelya’s face dropped a bit, thinking about the fire coming later. “What if we both just spent the day with her? And then we wiped her memory….” “As a couple or friends?” Cleo questioned. “Is that what we are now?” Amelya slumped down into Cleo’s lap. “If that’s what you want?” “Do you want it also?” “Ughhh, why you gotta keep going with questions?” “Says you” Cleo bopped her on the nose back. “I wanna get to know you” “What do you want to know? I’ll tell you anything and everything “ Cleo snuggled into Amelya’s neck warmth. “Better not bite me” Amelya giggled. “Your so funny” Cleo tossed Amelya onto her bed in one quick swish. “So you ready to spend time with my mother in law?” “Ohhh so we getting married next?” Amelya laughed, sitting up on the bed. “Not likely, I already know you don’t put out” Cleo laughed and ran for the door in normal speed. Which Amelya wasn’t even sure was possible. “Mom! What are your plans for today?” Amelya shouted, chasing after a fleeing Cleo. Who had stopped dead in her tracks just before the living room. Amelya nearly barreled over her but stopped just behind her. “Amelya and her friend. Meet Warren. He works with me and we are planning to go out to eat tonight “ Her mom said way more bubbly then ever before. The man was tall, fair weight, not body builder but definitely not a skinny guy. His hair was black like coal but skin lighter then almond milk. Definitely a bit older then her mother, maybe more then a bit. “Nice to meet you Warren” Amelya went to step around Cleo but was stopped by her outstretched arm. “No” Cleo hissed under her breath, just loud enough that Amelya could hear. Yet the man also smiled ear to ear. “Is everything alright?” Amelya’s mom asked, wondering why the girl stopped her daughter. “Yeah mom it’s fine.” Amelya lied looking into Cleo’s terrified eyes. “What’s wrong?” Amelya had her arms around Cleo’s neck; holding her face on either side, begging for an explanation. “It’s to late, Amelya “ Cleo quickly grabbed Amelya, locking her body to her. Phasing for the large bay windows. Warren was quicker and tripped the girl as she wizzed past. Sending them both tumbling across the carpet. Amelya’s mom just screamed. Warren made eye contact and she was on the ground, out cold. “Why did they send you?” Cleo had come to rest in the corner to the left of the windows, while Amelya laid in a heap directly in front of them. A bit of blood on the window where her he’d hit the glass. She was out cold too. “Her blood smells good. Wonder if her mothers the same” “I’ll kill you if you even glance at her again” Cleo was looking from him, to the mother, and back to Amelya. “I’ve got at least two centuries on you girl. Don’t make me laugh” He sat back down. “I hope she’s worth dying over.” He lit a cigarette out of his pocket and proceeded to blow smoke in her direction. “Who hired you?” “If I told you, you wouldn’t be able to leave this room alive. So please choose your questions wisely. After this cigarette I’m going to finish my job and go” “Are you after her?” Cleo asked, watching blood starting to flow into the carpet. “If I was you couldn’t stop me.” He laughed taking another drag. “I’m going to save her…. Kill me if you have to” In a second she was at Amelya’s side. Lifting her head to survey the damage, her back turned to the most wanted hit man in the vampire world. Before now she’d only ever seen posters of him. But Amelya’s head was cut, not super deep but she’d need a doctor. “I’m gonna take her” Cleo turned to see a still burning cigarette sitting on the arm of the couch, both the hit man and Amelya’s mother gone. There wasn’t time, Amelya needed attention. She lifted her up. Resting her head in the crook of her neck and took off. Determined never to look back.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 5] Amelya woke up to Cleo cuddled up next to her. Wearing a pair of boy shorts and a hoodie. That Amelya was sure was out of her closet. Jayden was slumped in her grandma’s old rocking chair she’d inherited. “How long was I …” She started before Cleo gazed up into her eyes. “Two days hun. Lexi’s mom wasn’t to happy, but you recover much slower” Cleo continued to cuddle. “Hasn’t my mom come to check on me?” “Compulsion is a lovely thing” Jayden laughed a bit, looking over at her now. “Is Gabe here?” “Nope, he’s pretty much been at Lexi’s since the ceremony “ Cleo added in hopping up off the bed. “Newly turned and such” “Ohhh that’s why….” Amelya couldn’t imagine being one of them. “A hunter….” She thought to herself. “We don’t allow newly turned anywhere near humans, stuff gets to messy then.” Jayden stretched standing up. “So are you ….” Jayden started but was interrupted by the door swinging open. In rushed Maddness, Sally, followed by Sam. “We’ll “ Sally grinned. “What’s going on in here?” “Nothing” Amelya quickly hopped up, leaving Cleo hugging at nothing. “New friends?” Maddness yawned, walking dangerously close to Jayden. “Funny because your mom said you weren’t feeling well” “Thankfully we snuck back in.” Sally cut in, interrupting Sam. “So I guess introductions are in order” “Please lie to them…” Cleo whispered into Amelya’s ear. “I can’t” She huffed under her breathe. “Girls they are Cleo and Jayden” “Twins I’m guessing “ Sam was looking Jayden up and down. “He looks yummy” She giggled. “No he’s…..” Amelya didn’t understand where the anger sparked from, but Cleo’s hurt expression told her everything. “He’s what?” Sally questioned sitting at the edge of her bed. “Quite gay. Sorry cutie” Jayden said in a quick girly voice, much different then his normal tone. Cleo shrugged and just shook her head. “Guess it runs in the family” Sally was glaring at Cleo. “So I never seen your new friends before?” Sam asked. “We were there when she passed out at the mall. Just wanted to make sure she was safe.” Cleo slipped off the bed and over toward Jayden. “We’ll be going now” “Please don’t “ Amelya’s eyes showed how much her soul wanted her pairs around. “Definitely isn’t the whole story but whatever” Sally hugged Maddness from behind. “What’s the plan for the day?” “No plans” Amelya reached over to Cleo not caring about her friends. “We have some family stuff that needs to be taken care of. Do let us know” Jayden spoke as he moved toward the door. “Please stay” Amelya wined to them both in a low tone. As they left the girls all hoped onto the bed. Noticing the difference in Amelya. “So who are they really?” “Just people I met at the mall” Amelya added in, grabbing her remote. [Cleo’s point of view] Listening in as they slipped into the elevator. “Just people I met at the mall” Amelya’s voice caught her ears and pain erupted across her chest. “Cleo don’t worry. That’s just to keep them off her case” Jayden was quick to comfort his sister. “What if it’s not? What if she chooses them….” “She won’t “ Jayden said with a cocky grin. “Who wouldn’t choose us. Either way we need to let everyone know she’s alive” “Still pissed he hurt her” “Mrs Jones seemed like it was part of their plan” “Their plan….” Cleo and Jayden slipped off to the compound. Stepping up to the monumental buildings a few more guards sat at the entrance. “This isn’t going to go well” Jayden just shrugged as they walked through the door. Cleo as usual was much more worried. “Welcome you two” Mrs Jones, Lexi’s mother stood at the first set of pillars inside. Two men stood at her heals. “So what’s the news?” “She’s alive” Cleo hissed. “And awake” Jayden pushed his sister a bit, wanting her to play nice. “That’s good, I’m sure she’ll make a wonderful recovery “ She smiled. “So any chance she decided?” “Her friends showed up just as we started to inquire “ Jayden added in. “She was out for nearly two days. Let’s give her some time” Cleo spoke before walking away. [ Amelya’s point of view ] “So should I ask why you were all cuddled up with that girl?” Sally asked grabbing a pizza from the freezer. “You seen that” “We all seen it. We’re not blind” Sally tossed her hands up nearly losing the pizza in her dramatic show. “She seemed a bit hurt when you pulled away. You should call her” “It’s complicated. Can’t even fully understand how much “ She remembered how quickly they rushed to the door. “I remember my first girlfriend “ Sally chuckled tossing the pizza into the oven. “It’s not….” “Do you like her? Does your body and heart feel it?” Sally was sitting at the island but looking at her with the most sincere look. “Then stop worrying about everything else and enjoy it” “What’s mom…. Gabe…. Our friends “ A few tears started to form and she wiped them away quickly. “Only your happiness maters… never forget it” Before Amelya noticed Sally was hugging her, tears flowing like a waterfall……. “This is what I’ll miss” Amelya thought to herself. “I think I like her”. “So like her” Sally held her best friend like a small scared child. “She’s very pretty and seems nice” “It’s ok, I promise. We just want you to be happy “ Eating with the girls was normal. Playing around like nothing changed. Amelya on the other hand knew something big had changed. Her decision needed to made. This would be the last night….. Everyone left and she just sat in bed. Cuddled up inside herself, tears flowing like a river onto her oversized black t-shirt that once belonged to Gabe. “Hey….” Cleo’s voice called from the window. There she sat, like a hunter in the night. Eyes scanning Amelya for any sign of a struggle. “Hi” Amelya choked out through tears. “I’m sorry” Cleo was at her side in a split second, arms wrapped around her, tears starting. “I like you…. But your powers are so strong… I’m scared. How could this work?” Amelya cuddled up to her cool skin. “I don’t know…. But I’ll die before I let anyone hurt you again. I’m sorry… so sorry” Cleo looked her straight in the eyes, both of their makeup smeared. A single kiss and the world just faded around them.

[S.C, Bloodlines. Ch 1] Amelya was hard at work on her tik tok when her brother Gabe burst through her bedroom door. Nearly knocking all her pop figures from her dresser. His eyes frantically locking on to hers. “Did you hear that? Sounded like someone landed on the roof?” Gabe pushed past her, knocking her to the bed. As he scanned her window, looking down at the ground below. His breathing shallow and frantic. “No I didn’t hear anything. Why you acting weird.” Amelya shuffled up to her headboard, watching her brother pace the room. “I felt it again. Walking home from work. Someone was watching me. So I ran home.” He huffed. “Only to get here and hear whatever was chasing me leap onto the roof of the building.” “That’s like five stories up. Not possible” Of course she was right. The apartment complex they lived in was five floors high and covered nearly three city blocks. Not even Godzilla could leap onto the top of it. “It keeps happening. Every few days.” He sat down at the edge of her bed. “Walking along minding my own business then boom, chills and feeling like I’m being hunted.” “Maybe it’s Bigfoot” Amelya laughed. “It’s not funny. Im gonna call David. He’ll believe me” He moved to the door. “Thanks for nothing, some sister you are” “Sounds like you need Sam and Dean not a sister.”She continued laughing well after he’d left. Amelya was hardly gonna fall for his crap. For all she knew it was another of his and David’s plans to scare the poo out of her. Last time she’d slugged David good, giving him a bloody nose. “Have fun!” She shouted out into the hallway, closing her door and hoping back onto her bed. Now the room smelled like sweaty boy. Only her bath and body scents could help. Cherry rose was her scent of choice, a few sprits and it was back to non-boy scents. Waking up to her phones alarm, bright and early for school. She stumbled out of bed and into the bathroom she shared with Gabe. Of course his snoring echoed into the bathroom. He’d sleep till about twenty minutes before they left. While she’d always been up at the crack of dawn to do her makeup and pick out her outfit. Today felt like a lazy day. Mascara and lip stick, instead of a full blown hour of makeup. Jeans and a cami won the day, soon their mom was calling because the bus was here. Of course Gabe pushed past her running to the bus to find David, his only friend. While she could already she her squad of girls waving from the windows. Madeline or Madness due to extreme hate for her name was looking out the second set of windows. Her black eyeshadow could be seen from here. Goth is what they used to call it, she seemed a lot more witchy though. Sam was the bubbly airhead who reached puberty last year. Filling out way before the rest of us. Yet somehow she’d managed to stay close to us over the summer. Sally was last, closest friend since prekindergarten. Inseparable for sure. Taking my seat next to Sally their eyes were glued to the back of the bus where Gabe seemed to be acting out last nights events for David. “God your brothers hot” Sam shouted and the few people in the two rows behind us giggled. Amelya just shook her head while Madness let out a fake gag. “What? He’s two years older and I know he was watching me change from his side of the door last sleepover “ She turned a bit reddish in the face. “Why didn’t you tell me. My mom would have beat him” Amelya glared at her friend. “Not gonna lie. I might have left the other door cracked on purpose” She shrugged. “What a smeeze” Sally laughed, pulling Amelya down into the seat as the bus driver gave us all a dirty look. “Well in other news. My not hot brother thinks someone is following him home from work” “Kinky” Sally added in laughing harder as the bus pulled forward nearly knocking Sam out of her chair as she was focused staring back at Gabe. “Yuck. I won’t invite you to the next sleepover if your only gonna try and bed my brother “ Amelya fake gagged. Getting a laugh from Madness. “You think I got a chance??” Sam questioned, making them all laugh. Hours had passed, of course Sams new infatuation with Gabe was stuck at the center of her mind. Why couldn’t she just go after someone else’s older brother. “Ok Amelya.” Gabe snapped his fingers infront of his younger sisters face, breaking her out of her mental disassociation. “What!” She growled. “Soooo dumb question but I heard Sam and the girls might be coming back to our house later” He rubbed the back of his head, shyly. “Probably, you’ll be at work anyway.” “Actually. I got my shift covered. Got a big paper that needs to be done tomorrow.” “Great” She huffed, knowing tonight was gonna be a blast. The rest of school flew by and Amelya tried so hard not to ring Sams neck on the ride home. Instead of Sally at her side, Madness was cuddled up against her. A light snore, coming from her mouth. “Guess actually having to participate in gym today tired her out” Sam added in. “Yeah she’s so cute when she sleeps” Sally brushed her black bangs back away from her face. Everyone else ignored the gesture but watching her hand stay for a second got me wondering. The caught look on Sally’s face didn’t help much. I just grinned at her. “Cats out the bag now” I pushed Sally against the wall on our way up to my bedroom. All the other girls were to far ahead to even bother. “Pleassseee. Don’t say anything. Our moms would freak out. No more sleep overs.” A few tears had started to well up in Sally’s eyes. “No, I’d never do that” She gave her a big hug to calm her down. “I’m just happy and I’m sorry.” Happy didn’t last long because as the girls all started to watch their movie on Netflix. Of course Sam was on the move. Slipping away quietly off the couch and then out the door. Amelya took flight behind her, only to get stopped by Sally. “Just let it go. Everyone needs someone” Sally pleaded, Maddness was asleep again, this time draped across Sally’s lap. “No funny business in here. This is my bed” Amelya teased pushing past her concerned friend. Stalking down the dark hallway towards her brother Gabe’s room. She couldn’t make out a silhouette of her friend Sam. Until a loud gasp caught her off guard and she barreled into her brothers room. Nearly knocking Sam onto the floor. Instead of her brother laying on his bed, a red haired girl, she’d sworn she’d seen at school was sitting at the edge of it. Holding Sam by her throat. “Well that’s great timing.” She scoffed, letting Sam fall to the floor gasping for air. Tears falling down her face. “Who the heck are you? And where’s Gabe?” Amelya bent down to comfort Sam. “Well Gabe’s gone to join us. Sadly now you both will have to perish.” “Wait!” Sam coughed. “ I’m sorry I didn’t know Gabe was taken” “Lusting after a vampires boyfriend, not the best idea” She giggled playing with her manicured nails. “Aren’t you in Mr. Marks class. Your a freshman.”

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 7] [Cleo’s point of view] The city sped by in a few seconds, the mountains a moment after. Out in the forest’s only the smells passed by. Her speed was a blur, no car or human would see or feel their presence. Only one place would be safe. Yet she’d had no time to warn her. Lexi’s mother had a very large house in the city, yet Lexi always escaped to the getaway cottage she’d bought next to Marvel lake. By car it would have taken at least an hour and a half. Yet in her phase speed, it took maybe fifteen minutes. At the door she knocked hard. After a few seconds, she knocked harder. “Lexi I swear to god you better open this door!” She howled into the forest around. Thankfully her only neighbors were on the other side of the private lake. “Cleo what do you….” Lexi gasped, wearing only a bath robe. Gabe was at the door a second later, reaching for his sister for a second. Before Lexi pushed him into the house. “Cleo take him away.” Lexi motioned with her arm. Setting Amelya down on the table, she moved toward Gabe. “I don’t want to leave her” Cleo argued for a second before she seen Gabe’s eyes starting to shift to black. “Get him out now! I’ll fix her, I promise “ Lexi begged. Cleo bear hugged the new vampire, pushing him straight out the door. Phasing off into the woods. “I told that girl to leave you be” Lexi scoffed, grabbing a few things from the other room. “This is the second time you’ve nearly got dead. This is no place for humans” After an hour of doctoring, Lexi leaned back against the wall. It had taken eight stitches and a bit of vampire blood, but she’d be fine. “Is she ok?” Gabe was the first to come back inside. He looked to the floor as if he was ashamed. “She’ll be fine.” Lexi sighed. “Where’s Cleo?” “She stopped in town to pick her up some food” Gabe looked over his sister still laying on the table. “She looks so peaceful “ “She needs to be turned. Or she’s gonna end up dead. Cleo has to know this” “Cleo has to know what?” Cleo stepped into the house with a drink and Mc Donald’s. “That you can’t keep being around her if she’s not gonna be one of us. And where’s Jayden?” Lexi was focused on Cleo as she wiped Amelya’s hair out of her face. “I know… and I don’t want to share her. Not with him or anyone else ever” Cleo rubbed her stomach and she started to stir. “Wake up, beautiful!” She looked over at Cleo before scanning the room. Gasping when she met Gabe’s gaze. “Hey sis” Gabe waved a hand slowly. “Am I dead” Amelya asked, reaching up to her head. “No, I got you here safely” Cleo was quick to hold her hand. “A few stitches, but you don’t seem to have an brain damage. Hopefully the blood will help” “I feel weak… but energetic “ Amelya tried to lean forward. “How’s mom?” “Wait! what happened to mom?” Gabe was moving toward his sister, but was stopped by Lexi’s arm. “You can’t. That’s why we are out here” Lexi stepped forward, between them. “She was taken…. Warren….” Cleo made eye contact with Lexi. The fear between them solid in the air around them, chocking the air. “Who’s Warren?” Gabe asked, trying to read the two girls. “An (S-Class Fugitive). One of the most notorious killers in our entire world.” Lexi’s mother stepped into her cabin. “What in gods name is she doing here?” “Amelya was hurt, Warren nearly killed her.” Cleo was standing between her and Amelya. “That’s it. Where’s Jayden?” “Not sure. She’s mine” Cleo shot back. “This is why I wanted nothing to do with this. Tonight she’ll have her ceremony. And if I hear anything more about who’s she belongs to, you’ll both be fighting to the death.” “You can’t be serious?” Lexi questioned. “Watch me. You’ll both be staying here. To far for him to travel.” Without another word she was gone. Leaving the teens to deal with the damage. “Why didn’t you tell her about our mom?” Amelya asked nearly falling off the table. “I’m sure she heard it all. She’s good about getting information “ Lexi added in. “Get her to the sanctuary.” “She’s hardly good enough to travel.” Cleo looked at her best friend. “Especially with just me” “It’s not just you dear sister. Her mother sent me to help” Jayden appeared cocky grin on his face. “Great” Jayden put Amelya on his back, feeling her warm skin on him. It was more intoxicating then the drugs he’d enjoyed in the downtown clubs. “Her presence is intoxicating “ “Shut it or I’ll take her up on the fight to the death” “You wouldn’t dare” Jayden laughed, taking off out the door.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 13] [Amelya’s point of view] (Sapphire sanctuary, main chamber) Quill had brought Sapphire cloths, jeans and a camisole shirt. Which fit perfectly on her small figure. Amelya was hugging the steps only a foot away from the young vampires feet. “She’ll need much rest. Take her and her pair up to my chambers “ Sapphire spoke with power. Such a small girl, but the bass was of an immortal being. “Yes my mistress” Quill came over to help Cleo pull her up. “You have done well Amelya.” Sapphire rubbed her back as they passed toward the stairs. [Jayden’s point of view] Watching Cleo and Amelya move up the steps. Monticello was quick to move toward the young looking immortal. “What is the plan?” He asked, trying not to anger the girl. “We will talk after I see my people.” She cut it off, and started to follow Emory towards the stairs. After they were out of ear shot. Sampson moved closer to Monticello and Warren. Nela just stood looking out at the waterfall, her two wolves listen to the conversation. “Did you know she could do that??” Monticello questioned. “Not a clue. That girl is something else for sure. Hopefully her loyalty lies with us and not the originals” Warren added in, rubbing his temples. “She was a human a few days ago. Now she’s a vampire who can awaken originals?” Sampson looked at Jayden. “ Do you know anything about her power?” “She can read minds…. That’s all I know. This other stuff is news to me” Jayden replied honestly, knowing full well Amelya could hear his thoughts if she had enough strength. “We need to keep an eye on her.” Warren spoke next. “If she’s got more power she could be a dangerous wild card” “That girl is pure of heart. No need to worry yourself about her power or intentions.” Nela waved her boys towards the stairs. “So hopefully you all know that” Jayden agreed, he’d seen no ill will in Amelya. [Amelya’s point of view] Sapphire’s room was at the far end of the sanctuary, up over the third floor. They had only encountered a hand full of vampires crossing the sanctuary. “Our numbers are very low. Most of everyone left except for Quill and a handful are newly turned “ Emony started as the got to the room door. “Assemble everyone and bring them to the ceremony room. We will address everyone there” Sapphire bowed as Emony took off, Quill at her heels. “How are you feeling?” Sapphire turned to Amelya, having to look up due to her height. “Ok…. Drained” Amelya replied weakly. “Have you both consecrated your union as a pair?” Amelya turned a bright red as Sapphire asked but Cleo quickly turned. “No…” Cleo said flatly, looking for anything of Sapphire’s face that would change her mind on weather she liked her. “Ok. I was gonna bleed for you. So you could heal. But it could mess up your pairing “ Sapphire stepped into the room. The floor kept the same marble as the rest of the sanctuary. Except that it was inbeded with a combination of Sapphires, Rubys, and Emeralds. The bed was very large, silk sheets nearly the color of her hair. “Oh ok” Cleo spoke out, running her finger over the dusty dresser and other furniture. “Been a while since you been here” “It sucks being an original…. I watched Emerald and Ruby being tossed into their caskets. Only for me to be next…..” She dropped her head, plopping down onto her bed. “I understand though…… everyone just wants to survive…..” “Still your own house put you all in boxes” Cleo helped brush off the dust on the covers. “I should be mad…. But I’m not….. I just want to see my sisters again” Sapphire rubbed away a few tears and looked up at Amelya. “Can you read my mind?” Amelya focused on the girl but could only hear everyone around them. Fear from most of Sapphire’s people, fear from the rest of their group down by the casket…… , hope in Emony and Quill, and the wolves ascending the stairs seemed to just be along for the ride. Nothing from Sapphire….. “No I can’t “ “That’s what I figured…. I can read yours though.” Amelya shuffled a bit. “Your not sure about yourself, why you can raise us. Why you have this connection to us” “Your right….” Amelya said. “You are also head over heals with Cleo” Sapphire giggled a bit. “But you also think Nela is a very sexy wolf” Nela stepped into the room and Cleo sighed. “She is surely a fine specimen “ Cleo added in winking at the lost wolf girl. “Where you all talking about me?” She laughed. “See I am kinda jealous…” Sapphire looked at the girls. “You all seem really good friends” “Weirdly enough we only just met them yesterday “ Cleo nodded her head toward Nela and the goons who stayed outside the room. “I guess trauma brings people together “ Nela added in jumping onto the bed and letting the dust fly into the air. “Welp I’m hungry now” “Me too” Cleo said gazing at Amelya. “None of that!” Sapphire’s cheeks turned a bit red with Amelya’s. “Cleo you are ridiculous” “So you all don’t eat anything food wise?” Nela asked. “Only blood” “We’ll that’s nasty” Nela laughed. “Welp. We might need to go get some grub” Amelya tried to stand up, but quickly fell into Cleo’s arms. “Rest” Sapphire used her pointer finger like a mom. “Nela and the wolves can bring you back something” “Guess we should all leave her be” Cleo added in, sneaking a kiss as the other two headed to the door. “My people need to know I am alive” Sapphire was met by Quill and Emony as the door opened. “Sleep well beautiful “ Cleo whispered closing the door. [Cleo’s point of view] They all found themselves splitting up. Nela and the other two wolves headed for the front of the sanctuary. Cleo met up with Jayden in the ceremony balcony, with the other men. “Guess you figured she was safe without you? Or did you leave the muts to protect her?” Warren questioned as she sat down next to Jayden. Instead of a retort, she just ignored him. “There’s not nearly thirty vampires down there” Jayden changed the subject before stuff got more hostile. “We expected numbers here” Sampson mumbled honestly. “We don’t have numbers, but we surely have an original on our side thanks to Amelya “ Monticello added in. “Maybe we have more to learn before we get the numbers” “I don’t trust those wolves or the originals. Very skeptical of your girly too” Warren glared at Cleo. “Probably because your a lone act. Doesn’t work well with others” Cleo hissed as Sapphire walked out on center stage. Instead of the common cloths from her room. Sapphire was adorned with a very large sapphire pendant, a dress that matched it nearly perfectly and heels. “House Sapphire!” She shouted out to the small crowd. Everyone seemed unsure of who she was. “I am your maiden. Sapphire the original.” She smiled as a few people gasped. “Your numbers are down, I hear hunters are to blame. Fighters will be needed in the coming days to protect us.” A few people stood up, bowing at their seats. Quill and Emony bowed by her side on the stage. More started to join the bow, once they saw Emony do it. “The people are hers” Warren mumbled. “After that. We will be moving out to find my sister Ruby” “You will leave us?” A few in the audience questioned. “We will all be going. My father is close, he will be coming to find and destroy the lines that didn’t side with him” Sapphire watched a bit of panic spread like fire across the small crowd. “May I speak Mistress!” Sampson’s voice boomed across the room. She answered with a bow. “We are all from house Emerald.” Sampson pointed to everyone on the balcony. Even though Warren was actually an international criminal type and assassin for hire. “Our head of house brought Onyx back from his prison with the help of a very powerful witch. They will soon be moving this way if our assumptions are correct. He’s not interested in taking prisoners, after killing two of our council seats.” Warren scoffed. “Those old hags couldn’t fight anyway” he added in. “We will all help fight the hunters and will be there to find house Ruby” Sampson sat down after, nodding back to Sapphire. “As our new friends just stated. All of us vampires are going to be moving towards war. Together we are unstoppable “ Black smoke poured into the room from the entryway. Springing together into the center of the crowd. A head formed above her subjects, a face she hadn’t seen in many a century. “Sapphire!” Onyx chuckled as the crowd fell silent. “How are you daughter? Never mind that. Wow not many vampires in here.” The head shook around, eyes falling to the balcony. “Of course you all are here. Tisk tisk…. Sampson. Even brought your assassin buddy.” “What do you want?” Sapphire shouted as the wind inside started to whip around. “Join me. We can be a family again. Rule the whole vampire and human world with an iron fist” “I refuse “ “Well have fun trying to save Emerald. She’s traveling with me. Going to get your oldest brother.” His head continued to turn looking around. “You don’t have a chance, just leave this foolishness and join us.” “We will never let you take the world” “Well I hope you enjoy the hunters as they rip your sanctuary apart” Then silence, the smoke just gone. Like it was never there in the first place. “Warriors to the opening of the sanctuary. Everyone else stay here. “ In a split second half the entire crowd was running for the doors. “We need to find Amelya “ Jayden whispered to Cleo. “She is in Sapphire’s room” Cleo answered. “We need to help them hold the line outside. Before we worry about your pretty girly “ Warren leaped off the balcony a smile on his face. “Lord help those hunters” Monticello shook his head, standing up and following behind the assassin. Sampson in toe behind them” “Make sure you secure Amelya!” Sapphire shouted to Cleo. “Onyx might have had other motives “ Cleo and Jayden swiftly followed orders. Zipping off the balcony and out into the foyer. Then headed toward the third floor, only to be met by a hearty laugh. A barrier of water sat just outside of the door. But it was wide open. Amelya lay lifeless on the bed, Onyx’s witch just beside her. Rubbing her face and hair. “Get your hand off her witch!” Cleo screamed, smacking the water with her fists. It didn’t falter. “Your quiet the pesky bunch of little brats” She laughed, trailing her fingertips down her neck. “ I could end her right now. Save Onyx the headache “ “Your gonna die by my hands I swear it!” Jayden rushed the wall, only to slip into it. “Now what pretty?” The witch slipped her fingers away and slipped back toward the water wall with Jayden trapped inside. “Don’t hurt them…..” She cried out. “Bleed her now…… and come with me” The witch let a small hole form in the water wall. Cleo could feel and see Jayden screaming no. As she swept slowly into the room, the water still open behind her. “Take her blood with your own fangs. Then we will be off to Onyx” “Why does he need her blood?” “If you don’t , she dies. I’ll use all her blood then” The witch smiled as Cleo moved to the beds edge. It was the pairing ritual they hadn’t done. Passion between lovers of the vampire community was written and conceived through blood. A blood oath to pair. Cleo wiped away a single tear from Amelya’s eyes. She was awake, frozen in some sort of spell. Hearing and seeing it all. Cleo started to weep. Kneeling next to her head. “I love you, please forgive me” She whispered, planting a single kiss on her lovers lips. Before she turned Amelya’s neck and sunk fangs in deep. Each of them moaned for a second, sucking her blood felt like a surge of power was entering her body. It was heavenly, like nothing she’d tasted before. “Cleo!” Nela was practically naked. Falling back into human form to fit through the wall of water. “Bye” The witch hissed pulling the very smoke around her and Cleo and disappearing. [Amelya’s point of view] It was the ritual….. the bite…. Nothing before had prepared her for that. Passion and need, yet now replaced with sadness. Tears flowed like rivers, yet no sound left her mouth. Nela was off on the floor, Jayden some ways behind her. Yet Cleo was gone….. Paired to her and gone. “I guess it was all in vein” She wept.

[S.C, Bloodlines. CH 10] [Amelya’s point of view ] Morning had come and gone, Cleo sat by the long windowsill when she sat up. Watching only for a second before taking off in a blur. Returning with a bag of blood, slapping it down in her lap. “Drink up babe” Cleo giggled a bit, hoping into bed next to her. “I thought we didn’t sleep…” She eyed the blood bag, but could feel her stomach turning. “Once your new body gets full used to it. You won’t “ “I kinda enjoy sleep though.” “I honestly can’t think back to before. Can’t remember sleeping” “So coffins then” Amelya laughed. “So ridiculous “ Cleo laughed. “What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve believed?” Amelya questioned, slurping at the blood bag. “That I’d be alone…. For eternity “ Cleo pushed her down on the bed, clinging to her. Holding her tightly. “We need to find my mom” Amelya pushed Cleo’s hair out of her face and started to sob. “We will figure it out, I’m sure for whatever reason she won’t be hurt” Cleo hugged her, pulling Amelya nearly on top of her. “Or why even take her in the first place?” Jayden burst through the door without knocking, shielding his eyes with his hands once he noticed Cleo. A hiss escaping Cleo’s mouth as she looked at her brother. “Don’t you know how to knock!” She shouted, pulling up the covers to her neck. “How rude” “Mom called, They are calling a meeting. Something happened at the sanctuary “ “He’s back….. you need to wake me.” A sing song voice drifted into her mind. “Who’s back?” Amelya whispered but Cleo heard it. “Huh?” She questioned her pair. “Our father has been awakened. I can feel his bloodline starting to rise” The sing song voice continued. “Get ready you two” He said coldly, leaving the room entirely with a slammed door. “Guess he’s not fond of not being chosen “ Cleo huffed, rolling away from Amelya and the covers. “I can’t believe she chose Cleo…. I’ll just keep bringing girls around. Maybe it will make her notice me” Jayden’s thoughts soared into her head. Ignoring them was the only choice. He’d get over it. Tossing some clothes on, while Cleo changed as well. Took her mind off it. It took a few hours to run back to the sanctuary. Thankfully when they arrived, Jayden was nowhere in sight. Shaking a million hands, hugs and other gestures flooded most of Amelya’s time once inside. Cleo never got to far away, smiling from ear to ear. “Someone looks good enough to eat” Monticello laughed a bit, approaching the couple. Monticello was the youngest looking out of the elders for sure. As he bowed to the girl’s, he grabbed their hands. Pulling them both closer. “I have information. Jayden came to me.” Without another word, only a smile he retreated back into the crowd of vampires. “Can you read him?” Cleo whispered but Amelya’s eyes where caught across the room. A man of a chocolate complexion with, glowing forest green eyes and jet black hair was focused on her. The man stood taller then most of the other vampires. A smirk crossed his face as his mind opened up to her. “Hello daughter “ His voice entered her mind as Lexi’s mother turned arm in arm with him. “Who’s that?” Cleo turned to follow her gaping expression and focused attention. “Never seen him before ever” Cleo admitted feeling Jayden’s presence behind them. “Don’t turn around “ He whispered.” Don’t even think about what I’m saying to you. It’s not safe here.” “Jayde….” Was all Cleo could say before she felt a hand on her shoulder. Jayden’s expression nearly lifeless. “Leave and get to Lexi. We are leaving tonight “ Without a word he was gone and Amelya was pulling Cleo towards the large opened doors through the crowd. The night air was cooler than before, leaving goosebumps their exposed skin. High amongst the cloudless sky hung the moon. “What’s going on!” Cleo pulled her arm from Amelya’s grasp. Amelya turned and planted a kiss on her lips, a few vampires gasped around them. “We need to go. I was right, Lexi’s mom is behind this all” Cleo’s face dropped. “Your wrong. She practically raised Jayden and I” It wasn’t quite disbelief, just blind loyalty. “I’m not. That was the original father of the bloodlines with her. Probably why she’s unreadable “ Amelya grabbed her again, zipping off. Until she felt the release of Cleo’s chilly grasp. “It can’t be” She started to sob. “You girls didn’t stay to long?” A sinister male voice called to then right at the line of trees to their right., “Neither did you Amed?” A semi familiar voice called out a few feet to his left. “Sampson??” Amed questioned, stepping out into the clearing. His hair was past the first bulge of muscles on his upper arm, black like coal. Eyes a light brown, focused on the girls, yet still moving between them and Sampson. “Didn’t your sister tell you all to stay put?” Amed questioned, rounding on the kaned vampire. “Don’t let my sisters quest for power get you killed” Sampson stepped forward toward the younger looking vampire. “I remember when you were first changed, don’t make me end your eternal life today” “Empty threats old man. Out of respect for your sister. I’ll allow you to turn and go about your business “ Amed took a few steps in Sampsons direction. “Wrong choice “ Sampson moved like lightning, in a flash his Kane was opened to a thin blade. The edge of it pressed against the neck of Amed. “I fought in wars before you were a spark in your fathers balls. You couldn’t comprehend what you are getting into. Just admit defeat and go back to my sister” “Never!” Amed shout was drowned out by the girls gasping , horrified by the headless body before them. “I gave him enough time to make a different outcome “ Sampson tucked his Kane blade back into its hilt and waddled towards the girl’s. “Stay away!” Amelya stood between him and Cleo. “I mean you no harm child.” She felt a barrier on his mind fall as he bowed to her. “You may find my true intentions “ It was as if she’d done it before. Her gift rushed into his mind, pulling out a few quick memories. Flashing them infront of her like a movie screen. The first was Monticello and Jayden slipping into one of the rooms of the sanctuary. Sampson slipped in behind them, slamming the door closed as their lips met. “It’s not!” Jayden was the first to speak, fear clearly clouded his features. “Save it. You need not bother me with the details. I couldn’t care less.” Sampson shook his head. “You need to get the girls and run. My sister is up to something and house onyx has been coming and going as they please” “Why would they be in danger?” They both spoke at the same time. “You don’t know it yet Jayden but Amelya’s touched by the original blood. How? I’m not sure” He rubbed his hand through his hair. “ I felt it the moment she drank the blood. My sister will want her power” “Great” Amelya grumbled being pulled back into the present. “Wow… I never guessed that’s how Jayden rolled” Amelya’s demeanor softened as she looked back at Cleo. “He’s with us”

[S.C. Bloodlines, CH 18] Trapped [Amelya’s point of view] Night had come and gone. Morning dew hung on the grass as she started awake. Remembering everything that had happened the night before. Looking up at the coming light, snoring made her turn. Even in human form the woman was cuddled up into a ball. It was chuckle worthy that the black cat vessel was rolled up at her feet. The young witch was already up, looking in her direction. “Where am I?” The girl looked frightened. Taking a look around Amelya realized they were still in the garden. Two vampires stood at the gates , all eyes watching them. With a head nod one of them took off. Probably going to get Sapphire or Sampson. Yet even from here she could make out Jayden sleeping against the closest tent. A smile crossed her face knowing that his pair wouldn’t be far. Wondering if she should give him the news once she got to him. Or just leave him to find out for himself. “Your Aunt brought you to us. Told us to keep you safe.” Amelya smiled at the girl and pointed to Nela. “She’s a werewolf and your sworn protection.” “A werewolf? Like Jacob?” They both laughed causing Nela to wake, rolling over, looking in their direction. “Yeah. But twice as sexy” She added in yawning, stretching, and shaking her butt. “I’m not sure what all you’ve been introduced to in this world yet. But we are currently running from an immortal vampire who is trying for the second time to destroy humanity” “Guess you’re all, ok?” Sapphire called out from the gates. “We still can’t come in” Jayden was quickly up and at her side once she spoke. Wiping off the grass that had stuck to him in the night. “I’m sorry about your aunt…” Amelya turned to the girl. “How could she be dead if her spell is still intact?” Nela questioned, helping the girl to her feet. “What’s your name by the way?” “Raven” She struggled to walk like a newborn foal for a second. “Any idea how to get out of there?” Sapphire questioned as Jayden and her watched them walk to the gates. “Not a clue!” Nela shouted back. Of course the black cat was quietly walking behind Nela. She gave it a glance then looked back up to Amelya. “Should I ask where the kitty came from?” Nela questioned. “You want to know?” Amelya put her hand on the invisible barrier between them and the rest of the group. “Her Aunt trapped our mother in the cat.” “Our mother?” Sapphire questioned pointing from herself to Amelya. “Yep. That’s how I can bring you back…..” Amelya didn’t look up from the cats green eyes. “How is that possible?” Nela questioned. “I was part of the youngest daughters…. Twins…. We were sacrificed to bring them back after the fire….” Again she didn’t waver from staring at the cat. “I’m sorry sister…. You must not have been old enough to get a mineral name….” Sapphire gazed at Amelya with a grin. “That just means I had a sister with me the whole time..” “Wait! Your a twin too?” Jayden nearly pushed Sapphire away, eyes gleaming with excitement. “Definitely…. Her Aunt explained that the witches have our other sister. But she didn’t tell me where exactly they are.” Amelya looked up at Sapphire and realized the huge smile that was directed at her. “She’s probably my pair…” Jayden sighed. “So sister? How are we going to get you out of there?” Sapphire asked as Sampson started to hobble their way. “Guess who finially found us?” Everyone around looked to each other for an answer. Yet nobody spoke a word. Sampson just pointed across the row of tents scattered around, to a pair of people followed by a small group. Maybe ten or fifteen people. “Gabe!” Amelya shouted out, waving. Forgetting quickly that she was stuck behind the witches spell. Which when she stepped forward knocked her back onto her butt. If Cleo had been there she’d probably been laughing her butt off. As Amelya thought about it her heart dropped for a second. She was still missing. Gabe and Lexi quickly rushed to Jayden’s side. Followed by a few vampires she’d recognized from the Emerald Sanctuary and a few she hadn’t. Lexi stopped the moment her eyes fell on Sapphire. “She’s one of them…” Lexi stuttered, griping Gabe’s hand as Newt stepped out of a close by tent. Causing Gabe’s attention to move toward the human boy. As their eyes locked Newt looked quickly to Amelya. Who stood up and smacked the invisible wall with her hand. Grabbing her brother’s attention. “Don’t even think about it!” Her eyes starting to swirl to black. “Gabe’s fine. Right babe?” Lexi pulled his hand hard, letting him lean closer to her. “I’m good” He let a faint smile cross his lips. “Yes I’m one of the sire line heads” Sapphire waved to them. “But you already met one of my siblings” She chuckled a bit and looked toward Amelya. “That can’t be true…. Your Gabe’s sister…” Lexi looked from Sapphire to Amelya, then to nearly every else. “It’s true…” Amelya answered. “So who are they?” Nela questioned looking past the group to find another larger group standing at the tree line. Amelya gasped looking at the group of men pouring out of the woods. Ahead of them three smallish, very familiar, ugly crying faces. Her friends were tossed ahead, at the mercy of these people. “Onyx was right! You all did lead us straight into your little camp. Prepare to die!” A man stepped out of the woods with a huge grin on his face and another man who stood a bit taller behind him. “We found your friends, figured they’d want in on your new life” “We’ll the little life you have left!” One of the other guys shouted out. “Gabe! Please help!” Sam cried out and it broke Amelya’s heart to watch the man kick her into the dirt. Wet tears causing the ground to mud up. Covering the left side of her face as she was pushed further. All of them sobbing. “Come save your old friends!” The vampire kicked her again in the ribs, she folded over into a ball the pain excruciating. Before anyone else could move Jayden was off. The vampire closest to him caught by his throat in the air. “I’ll end him! Let them go!” Jayden demanded. Sapphire was motioning for the men to get ready. Quickly they fell into a line behind Jayden’s advice. The two men in charge howled with laughter as Nela punched the barrier. “You bastard! I thought you were dead!” [Cleo’s point of view] “You could stop all this….. Just raise your family and enjoy your new life together….” Cleo watched as Onyx shook his head a bit. “Just leave the humans alone, take an island and just enjoy life?” Willow did worry about what the poor girl said and started off to the west. Without turning or saying anything. “I truely don’t believe that’s possible child….” He started off after her leaving Cleo in the sand. “Once you pick a future you need to see it through” Wishing she could communicate with Amelya, or just hold her for a few moments. Anything to break the cycle of grief flashing through her. She was done feeling like this…. It had been years since the last time it had crept up on her like this. “You coming?” Onyx called back without turning, knowing the girl wouldn’t dare stay back alone. They walked for four hours. The sun beating down on them, sweat pouring off of the witch. Neither of the vampires bothered by it’s effects. “Thankfully burning up in sunlight was a myth” Onyx chuckled to himself. “Or that sparkling crap” Cleo added in, as they rounded a huge sand dune a chuckle cracking through the mask. At the top a long fall entered into a stone ruin of some kind. The sight of it caused the witch to throw her hands up, thanking the spirits it wasn’t a farther journey. Once down into the first room big red stones decorated the walls and floors. Huge murals depicting a red haired man stood across the walls. “It’s not a sanctuary?” Cleo asked, waiting to hear footsteps or someone headed in their direction. “Garnet was a strange case…. He was always good when needed in times of war. But he refused to create a legacy” Onyx continued into another room ahead of them. “So he isn’t a sire head?” Cleo couldn’t help but look at the huge paintings of battles won all across the centuries. Each of them showing him ready and smiling for a fight. All he was about was taking power. “He could be, but he never did.” The second room was twice the size of the first room. Treasure littered the room, gold and precious metals, giant gem stones. It looked like a pharaoh had died and left his treasures to join him in the afterlife. As they approached the coffin Onyx gave it a push. Throwing the stone slab almost completely across the room. It cashed onto the floor and broke into large pieces. Inside a man lay, reddish brown hair flowing down the sides of his face. Across his chin a scruffy beard and mustache of red hair. His skin looked dark, sucked to the bones like a mummy. “Give him the blood!” Onyx commanded and Cleo froze up. It hadn’t even crossed her mind. She’d swallowed it earlier. Onyx was gonna fly off the handle for sure. “I accidentally swallowed it…” She said shyly looking at her feet. “Go get more!” Onyx’s voice was an echo as the witch pulled them into a smoky funnel of blackness. (Amelya) Nela was pointing to the second man that exited the woods as a plume of black smoke erupted from the sky. Billowing down to the ground at the center of the camp. Her heart jumped as Cleo and Willow stepped out of it. A smile on her face as Cleo’s eyes met hers. The witch on the other hand scanned the crowd of Sapphire’s subjects, watching the girl intently for a second. “What’s going on here?” Willows femine voice rang out across the camp. Catching everyone of guard. Onyx’s men stopped, quickly bowing to her. Yet she still continued to scan faces until her eyes met Amelya’s. “We are hunting them down as Onyx asked” The first man stood upright, looking at the witch. “I am here for Amelya.” Willows words caused Sapphires men to take a step forward. “I do not wish to fight. Onyx needs Garnet awakened.” “I refuse!” Amelya shouted and Cleo took a step towards the wall of men of Sapphire’s house. “You look trapped young one?” A sly grin crossed the woman’s full lips. “I can also allow your friends to go free? Up to you?” Cleo turned and saw the human girls she’d seen at the mall and later in Amelya’s room cowering for their lives. Jayden was only a few steps away from her holding a vampire of house black by his throat. Lexi and Gabe seemed to be completely fixed on her. “We are trapped…” Nela sighed falling to the ground. The cat quickly began licking her arm as if to offer some sort of support. Raven was quick to raise her hands ready to defend if her powers allowed. “I will bring Garnet back… If you allow my friends and i freedom” Amelya called out across the camp. Sapphire noddded quickly and the men parted ways. Giving them a clear path to the garden gates. Jayden dropped the young vampire and stood at the center of the opening. “Cleo needs to be part of the deal!” Jayden looked back at Amelya with anger in his eyes. “Don’t let the boy talk for you. He will get you all executed” The man leading the Onyx house men yelled out. “Cleo may go. I’ll tell Onyx there wasn’t another way.” Willow shrugged at them, looking back at the small army coming from the woods. “Jeb go back to the sanctuary with your flee bags. Leave the humans.” “That’s bullshit!” The guy to his right howled, his eyes turning a gold color. “You dare question me? I am the closest one to Lord Onyx.” Willows eyes honed in on the wolf, a shard of ice crystallizing in her palm. “Where is our lord?” He questioned, looking down at Sally and Madness huddled together on the ground. The wolf was quick, but the witch was quicker. As he leaped forward Sally pushed Madness away. A swift claw mark stretched across her back. Screaming out in agony and dispare the ice flew across pinning the wolf leader to a nearby tree. His eyes red with fury, the ice shard hit him between his shoulder and arm. Nela whined as Amelya reached a hand forward shattering the witches invisible barrier. Willow turned as the wall shattered, looking down at Cleo and over to Amelya. “We can heal her!” Cleo was quick to step between her lover and the witch as Amelya fazed across the camp. Eyes blacker then a clear night sky. Maddness was holding Sally who must have passed out from the pain as Nela kneeled beside them. Looking at the wound. “I need to bite her !” Nela looked back at Amelya, waiting for confirmation. “If not she’ll be part of his pack…” “Do it” Cleo spoke first, wrapping Amelya in her arms. “Please give them your blood. So we can be safe for a little while longer”. Tears started to run down Amelya’s cheeks, her eyes slowly turning back to normal color. Cleo quickly kissed her lips as Amelya held out her arm to the witch. Nela nipped Sally on her neck quickly. Watching as the wound on her back started to heal. Maddness was looking at the southern girl with a horrified expression. “She’ll be ok now. I’m Nela” Maddness let a smile break through her running eyeliner lines. “I’m Maddness” She replied. “Thank you” At that the men from house Onyx pulled the wolf from the tree and retreated into the woods. Leaving the witch alone with the rest of them. “I’m sorry about your friend” Willow spoke sincerely lifting her hand as a small cut formed on Amelya’s wrist. “I didn’t want anyone to come to harm.” “Then why are you with Onyx?” Cleo was quick to ask as blood pooled in the air. “You’ll be surprised to see where loyalties lie. I had no choice but to help him. He’s not all bad either” Willow looked at Cleo who grimaced. “Maybe once there was a huge line that wasn’t crossed between those who you’d call good or evil. But that line has long passed” “He’s a monster!” Amelya said pulling her wrist away and licking it. Once a puddle was floating in the witches palm. “That is but one opinion of him” “I bid you farewell” A plume of black smoke rose from around the witch, then she was gone. “What the hell are you into!” Sam yelled out, looking across the camp at what had transpired. Nela was helping Sally and Madness to their feet at her right. Sampson was first to move after the witch had departed. Looking from the human girls to the rest of them in attendance. “Let’s all pack into Sapphires tent. We need to get on the same page” Sampson shouted out to everyone, but only started to pick a handful of people out of the crowd. Amelya and Cleo were first to enter. Monticello held the cat followed by Raven, Jayden and the humans. Nela was still supporting Sally with Madness at her side. Lexi and Gabe were next. Sampson pushed into the tent last, his cane wildly waving as he rushed to the head of them. “Onyx will have Garnet at his disposal in a couple of hours. I’m sure those beasts went back to our sanctuary.” He looked at Nela as he spoke. “No offense to the two wolves in attendance.” “None taken.” Nela added in. “That was my old pack….” “I figured as much” Monticello said dropping the cat next to Sampson’s feet. “Onyx hates humans for killing his family…. I tried to get him to see that revenge wasn’t the answer…” Cleo was cuddled up with Amelya in the corner. “Onyx can’t be saved. Our mother new that” Sapphire looked right at Amelya. “You might have doomed us all by letting that witch lock her away” “Your mother would have taken my body as a vessel if my Aunt hadn’t locked her in the cat.” Raven shrugged a bit. “I’m sure if we go meet the witches, they will give her a vessel” “I’ve only ever heard of witches in the deep south ” Nela added in. “There are to many sides to this game” Jayden started toward the tents exit. “We should split up. Having us all together in one place makes us vulnerable. If not for the witch we’d all be in chains or worse”. As he went to leave the tent Gabe grabbed his arm. Lexi gave him a quick glance before he pulled away. “Jayden’s right.” Monticello spoke next, looking straight at Sampson. “I’ll take the boy, the witch, and the wolves and head south with what’s left of the emerald sanctuary. You all head to the Ruby sanctuary.” “He’s not right.” Sampson said leaning against his cane. “If we split up we lose numbers. He’s just trying to get to the witches and his pair. The boys blinded.” “Let him go then.” Nela smiled as she started towards Sampson. “Witches are very crafty and easily scared. If to many people come they will be ready for a fight.” “What about all the humans?” Newt must has snuck into the tent somehow. “My friends won’t leave my side. I can’t have them hurt.” Amelya pulled Cleo by the arm towards Newt at the door. “Is that wise?” Sampson questioned. “There are many young vamps out there. You yourself are one?” “Let alone a young wolf…” Nela looked over at Sally. “We need the rest of our family who sided against Onyx” Amelya sighed. “They won’t leave my side. My other friends will see to that.” “We aren’t done…” Monticello tried to stop the group as they slipped out of the tent. “Let them go. I think we all need a rest.” Sampson stepped up to his old friend. “Tell Jayden he’s going alone to warn the witches.” “You think that’s a good idea?” Monticello looked up at him a worried expression clear as day on his face. “Jayden is quick to action but hopefully this will give him some calm” Sampson watched as everyone else poured out of the tent. Sapphire was watching them both from the middle of the room once everyone else left. Sampson was the first to bow and leave, Monticello followed suit.