5

Ivan and Co. go on vacation and Ivan meets a girl.

After we stop imitating hyenas we compose ourselves and head for the Elders' Chamber. We can hear yelling and fierce debate coming from within, but we enter the wolves' den nonetheless. The room go silent instantly.

"This had better be of success." Silvermain growls impatiently

"My lord we believe we have found the Vampiric Coven residing here. We believe it to be underground. The sewer system to be more precise." Raze says without showing the slightest ounce of fear of the lycanthropic leader

 "Intriguing. Please explain your thinking gentlemen." an Elder called Bloodlust calls out calmly. Bloodlust is in his mid-sixties. He has a head of stark black hair, is incredibly masculine, and wears a custom made blood-red suit.

"Well, my lords and ladies, we figured that if the vampirics chased Daimian and Ivan all the way to past the club they must be gutsy or swelling in numbers." Raze explains, "So if there are so many vampiric in the city why aren't out scouts seeing either them or their victims? We rationalized that they would have to hunt people others wouldn't knowtes missing, the homeless. And with this why aren't we seeing them as they hunt? Because they are hidden from us as well as the lethality of the sun's rays. By hiding in the sewers they can go anywhere in the city, hide the bodies of their prey, and be sheltered from the sun as well as our eyes."

We have a seat while the council of four begin to debate yet again. In the council there are two men, and two women There's Silvermain, who looks just like Daimian but balder, older, and more well kept, and Bloodlust was the second male. The woman composed of Essence and Luna. Essence was a lightly tanned woman in her sixties with long brown hair and the eyes of an eagle, wearing a very shiny, yet kinda creepy black dress with a spiderweb design. Luna was the youngest council member at the age of thirty-four with short dark purple hair and matching makeup.

"Daimian, Ivan, Taylor, and Raze your efforts have paid off greatly. While the council discusses our next course of action you boys may have a week of vacation time. Go out and enjoy yourselves, especially you Raze. I can't remember the last time you stepped out of the Den."

"But my lord, I have work to d-" Raze starts to plea

"That's an order Raze, not a suggestion. GO, and if I catch you here before we summon you, I will personally inject silver-nitrate into your veins as you sleep. Understood?"

"Yes Lord Bloodlust." Raze says, sounding almost like a puppy.

We start our vacation by going out and getting Raze some up-to-date clothes and convince him to dye his hair, on a condition, he got to choose the color(s). We finally fitted him with some faded, black jeans and a T-Shirt with the logo from the band Offspring on it.

"This is my favorite band." Raze explains as we move through check-out sluggishly "Most of the time when I have mountains of paperwork, I lock the door to my quarters and crank these guys. It helps me concentrate."

"You may be thirty something but you've the mind and body of an eighteen year old." Daimian mocks

We smuggle Raze back into the Den so he can dye his hair. It ends up being black with bright red tips. His hair was short and spiky, a good look for him really. Then we set off for the Den's garage.

"Well boys," Daimian smiles "this is where I split. It's a vacation, which means my break from Ivan. So I'm going to get a room at a nice hotel and relax."

"So that's what the new suit is for." I tease

"What? You think I've got a hot date or something? Who's to say I don't?" Daim says followed by laughter

We all say good-bye then split up to set out and really relax.

The first day we just went out and hiked on some of the trails that criss cross whidbey island and grilled out at a shelter the Den owns.

The next day we spend a good portion of the day playing video games. The Elders like to make sure everyone in the Den is happy and content so they have a few bank accounts that have each accumulated a good bit of cash. We're talking ten-millions. Now with the Elders' permission you can dip into the stash and enjoy yourself. That night we decided to go out to the local drive-in theater. They weren't playing, but they were good movies nonetheless. The first one was Sleepy Hallow, then Friday the 13th the first and classic, finishing with an equally classic Rob Zombie's Halloween. Yep it was Halloween time yet again, but I couldn't participate in the fun and games this year, it's a full moon. It's usually pretty easy to forget about my lycanthropy and not being able to change at will. I was still bound to the the will of la luna, a.k.a. the moon. All lycanthropes, partial and full, are chained to the cycle of the moon, but full lycanthropes are able to store solar energy like a battery by bathing in solar/lunar light. Full lycanthropes don't go out very often because an elongated time in the sun, roughly eight hours on "empty", will force them to change. But being a half lycanthropes, Taylor and I don't run that risk.

After the first movie Taylor and I run to the concession stand to grab more popcorn and soda. On the way there we saw a girl and a few guys talking, hanging out, the normal teen thing to do at the movies. Try to be the coolest of the cool and show off, pathetic. In school Taylor and I weren't popular people, in fact I doubt we were even liked. We would have been grouped as other. Too cool for the nerds but too nerdy for the cool. I'm a punk, Taylor is an...ex-jock I guess, then a few others like Ryan the techno guy and Daniel the commando, like I said other. Taylor and I absolutely despise skaters, it's a personal thing not worth getting into details.

We wait in the tremendously long line. We talk about the movie and it's actors, though the director is out hot spot, and that branches off to other conversations. We start on sleepy hollow and end on Twinkies. We finally get to order and get a jumbo popcorn, three regular sized drinks, and some candy for a good measure and the full movie experience.

Walking out we hear a bit of yelling and look over to see the group of kids. They look about our age, about sixteen or seventeen.

We hear one of the guys say, "Come on babe, we're at the drive-in, it's what you do."

"No Jeremy The only reason I agreed to go on this date with you is because you're my brother's best friend! I'm not going anywhere near your lips." The girl says sternly

"Come on, one kiss." Jeremy urges

"Absolutely not!" The girl says louder than I think she meant to, then tries to walk away but Jeremy grabs her arm and pulls her back and begins whispers to her obviously angry.

I look back at Taylor and set my stuff on the table, "I'll be right back."

I hear the last bit of what Jeremy has to say as I walk over, "...so God help me you're kissing me whether you want to or not."

"Hey, Jeremy is it? I believe the girl said no. I suggest you let go of her and walk away." I say calmly as if this were an everyday thing

"Oh yeah? And what if I don't, skinny?" He lets go and walks towards me, chest puffed

I grin wickedly, "I thought you'd never ask." I strip off my leather jacket to reveal my armory

"You think a few toys'll scare me away? Only a coward needs weapons."

I glance back at Taylor who yells out, "That was a bad move buddy, this guy has fought people ten times scarier than you."

"Your friend better shut his mouth before there's trouble." Jeremy cracks his knuckles

I raise an eyebrow, "Kinda late for that don't cha think? There was trouble as soon as you put your fat fingers on that girl over there." I say pointing at the girl, apparently highly confused

Jeremy throws the worst punch I've ever seen, I easily grab it with a hand and spin him around, raise the arm in the air and apply pressure, threatening to snap it in two. Jeremy thrusts his other elbow and hits me in the ribs. I stumble backwards and catch my breath smiling. I throw a distraction punch that Jeremy falls for and blocks it, I put in my real punch and hit him square between the eyes. His head snaps back and I hit him in the gut, knee him in the face when he doubles over, left hook, right hook then step back so he and catch his breath cause I'm having too much fun making him look like a fool.

"Had enough big guy? I can stop now or I can really lay into you."

Jeremy spits blood, "Bring it shrimpy."

"Just for the record, that's gross. And you're not fooling anyone with this tough guy act. Oh and I'm taller than you...shrimpy." I chuckle

Jeremy charges with surprising speed, but I'm able to step out of the way  and he runs into the light crowd encircling us.

"This way sweetheart." Hoping to draw out as much anger as possible

He swings out at me wildly with all his might. I deflect and dodge them all.  I finally grow bored of our game and make my move. I deflect one of his punches and push on the back of his head and the front of his legs with a foot and send him onto the ground in a single flip. I mount him, hit him hard a few times then lace my fingers together, raise them high and bring them down fast, stopping centimeters from his face.

I lean down and whisper to him, "Now I am going to get off you and you are going to get into your car and drive home. You are going to tell no one about this. If anyone asks about it you will deny anything ever happened. Got it?"

Jeremy nods quickly, and I stand. He scrambles to his car, gets in, and drives off in a hurry. I dust myself off and walk over to the girl.

"You okay?" I say modestly, taking a soda from beside me.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, he was a real creep." She extends her hand, "My name's Saundra by the way."

"Well Saundra it's nice to meet you. I’m.. Derrik and this is Walter." I gesture over to Taylor, making a sorry face when Saundra isn't looking

"Nice to meet you." Taylor shakes her hand after i do

"You two seem familiar, have i seen you at school before?"

"No, no. Our dad home schools us. We actually moved here from Russia." I say frantically

"Really? That's awesome, can you speak some for me?"

"Personally I kinda suck at it. But my brother knows a boatload of it." I look at Taylor, "Walter would you mind speaking a little Russian for the lady?"

"Not at all." Taylor says then begins by saying what translates to "you owe me" then some more common phrases. I just smile and listen along with Saundra.

"Wow, that's awesome! So why'd you guys move?"

"Our dad is a drummer in a small band and they came here hoping to get themselves known. Hey do you need a ride home?" I lie, hoping she won't ask for the band's name

"I guess I do now, hahaha. Thank you so much Derrik."

"You stay here with my brother and I'll go ask our friend if he can give you a lift home." I run off to the car and explain the story to Raze

"First off I think you're nuts for picking fights in public and Daimian is going to find off the handle when he finds out."

I wince, "We don't have to tell him do we?"

"Fine, but I'm not taking any heat if he finds out. But yes I can take her home after the movie, now if you don't mind the movie is getting to the good part. Go team Voorhees!"

"Yes, and I'm the crazy one." And jog off laughing to myself

"So my friend says he's fine with taking you home." I announce as I jog up

"That's great. Thank you again guys." Saundra cheers

"No problem." Taylor and I say at the same time

On the way back to the car with an extra soda for Saundra, I can't help but study her figure. She's about five foot six with blonde hair down to her shoulders, wore glasses and had a great... figure. Yea, let's just go with that. When we reach the car I introduce Saundra to Raze.

"Raze?" Saundra says almost mockingly

"It's a nickname. My real name is Eddy, but I prefer you call me Raze."

"Well, Raze, I can't thank you enough for doing this."

"Don't mention it, I'm happy to help out." Raze says modestly as we all pile into the car. Raze and Taylor up front and Saundra and myself in the back.

It was nice, anytime anyone got killed Saundra would get up close to me and squeeze my arm. I couldn't help but to glance over and admire her beauty. One time she caught me admiring.

"Face is a little higher Derrik." She says playfully, sending my face into a deep shade of crimson

I clear my throat and apologize for my rudeness. Raze and Taylor struggle to stifle a chuckle.

"Don't worry about it, I'm used to it. Plus I think you're kinda cute."

Once she says that Taylor and Raze's heads snap around with their mouths wide open. Now Saundra and I are the ones laughing.

"Well if you think I'm 'kinda' cute, how about going out on a date sometime?"

"That'd be great. When would you like to go?"

"How's Friday at around sevenish? I can pick you up and we can go out for dinner."

Saundra smiles and lays her head on my shoulder and we watch the rest of the movie in silence. Oh yea, I'm smooooth... or at least I try to be.

After the movies we drive Danny home then head back to the vacation house. When we get inside I immediately start talking.

"Did anyone else notice something fishy about Jeremy?"

"Like what?" Taylor asks confused, "Seemed like another meathead jock to me."

"Like the fact that he should've run for the hills once I took off my jacket. And normal teen would've seen my weapons and taken off. Plus while we were fighting i think it should've registered that no one of my size should be able to hit like that. There's something wrong with him. No, i don't think Jeremy wanted a kiss, but maybe a quick snack."

"You think that Jeremy was a Vampiric?" Raze asks intrigued with my theory

"Exactly so. I'm keeping my eyes open on my date and see if she's being hunted. At the movies I was looking for scars that might say if she's already infected. I wasn't checking her out... completely."

"Daimian would be proud that his paranoia has been passed onto you." Raze smirks

"I think you're doing a good thing, especially for the girl. If she's being hunted, it's best you protect her from out cousins. But don't spend the entire date jumping at every skitter, you know what to look for, so have a good time. This'll be good for you." Taylor says

"Thanks man. Well I'm going off to bed. How bout you two?" I yawn

"Yeah, I think I'll hit the hay as well." Taylor says

"Well then I bid you two a good night. I'm still nocturnal and still have hours of energy in me. I think I'll go hit a bar or club."

"Raze I wouldn't take you for a drinker. You know they don't sell spiked blood shots in town, right?" I laugh then turn on my heel and go to bed.

On Friday I borrow a slightly less flashy car than Raze from the garage and go to pick up Saundra.  We drive to a modest restaurant and we talk about school and Saundra asks about Russia. I describe it from pictures I've seen and what Taylor has told me.  After dinner we stop by the beach and just walk along the sand. (I'm not really the romantic type, but did as she wished.) Along our walk we took a seat on some dry driftwood and looked out at the water and the three quarter moon reflecting off it's surface. Then I go and ask a stupid question.

 "So have you ever noticed anything weird about Jeremy?"

 "What? Why do you want to know about him?"

 "It's just odd that... I think... never-mind." I look away

 "Oh My God," Saundra gasps "you're gay aren't you."

 "What?! No, I was just asking because I thought he was a... well. You know what never-mind, you'd think I'm insane or something."

 "No I won't. Tell me Derrik." She says synthetically

 "You have to promise to  listen and at least consider what I have to say."

 "Okay, I promise." Saundra says with an odd look

 "What if I were to suggest that Jeremy is a vampiric...umm vampire, and that my brother and I, along with our friend, were werewolves."

 Saundra clears her throat. "That's an interesting story. Do you care to elaborate why you think this?"

 "Okay, ummm. I'll start with Jeramy. First off, he wasn't the least bit afraid of me when I took off my jacket the other night, even though I was loaded with weapons."

 "So he's stupid and high on himself. This makes him a vampire?" Saundra says cautiously

 "Okay, I think it'd be easier to explain my brother and myself. Actually I think it'd be better just to show you, it's a little hard to explain. Follow me." I walk over to a tremendously large piece of driftwood. "You think I can lift this?"

 "Of course not. It probably weighs 500 pounds at least, you'd have to be crazy to think you could lift it." She stops abruptly when I lift it up over my head with a bit of effort.

 "Believe me now? Please do cause this is a bit heavy."

 "What the hell is going on! How'd you do that?"

 "I told you, I'm a werewolf. Need more proof? Look into my eyes." I say and turn my eyes from blue to a wolven yellow. "I can't morph completely at will but I can still alter small features when under direct sun or moonlight. I don't risk doing this during the day in case it accidentally triggers a transformation."

 "Wow." Saundra pauses for a moment "What else can you do?" She asks shakily

 "Well I can turn my fingernails into claws and can grow my canine teeth out to what they would be." I gloat

 "Do it." Saundra challenges me, and I do allowing her to poke and prod at me

 "So you believe me now?" I smile somberly

 "I don't know. This is hard to accept."

 "Okay, well while I'm making confessions, I lied to you the other day... several times. Walter isn't my brother, actually that's not even his name. Mine isn't real either." Confused anger flashes across Saundra's face "My name is Ivan Burman, his is Taylor Livingstine. It was a security measure, I'm sorry."

 "You lied to me? Security from what? How do I know you're not lying to me again?"

 "I just exposed myself as a lycanthrope to you. Why would I lie about something as petty as a name? I suspected Jeremy to be a vampire from the jacket thing and they never travel alone. I didn't want a bystander to hear my real name because, well I'm well know by the vampirics, they don't like me. Plus I did used to live here when I was human, you probably do know me from school."

 "Okay, okay. I guess I understand that. But why do you keep calling vampires vampirics?"

 "That's the proper term for them. For werewolves it's lycanthrope.

 "Sounds like a disease." She manages to giggle

 "That's probably because it is." I look at my watch. "It's getting late, I'd better get you home so you don't get in trouble."

 "But I want to know more about you, the vampirics, and the lyca-watsits."

 "Lycan-thropes. Tell you what, come by my place tomorrow  and I'll tell you everything I can. It's out in the rural area. You can look up directions online" I say and give her the vacation house's address

 "It's a date." She says and leans to kiss me

 When we get back to her house to drop her off it's five to ten, she barely makes it back in time. When I get back to the house I tell Raze and Taylor what I've done. They were not happy in the least.

Author's Note

How's it read? Does it make sense?