Mom arrives, approaching me with a concerned expression. “What’s going on, Liam?”
I steel myself and plunge ahead. “I’ve seen a vampire in town. Actually, I’ve seen two.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Two? Liam, this is serious. Where did you see them?”
I recount the details of Selene and the other vampire and then tell her about the stolen blood.
“So, there’s more than one vampire here, and they’re organized. We need to inform the council immediately,” she concludes.
“That’s what I was thinking. We can’t ignore this.”
Mom pulls out her phone. “Stay vigilant, Liam. We’ll figure this out.”
While she’s on the phone, my mind keeps going over the scene between the two vampires. I want to know what they are up to. And if there are more vampires in town.
After Mom finishes the call, she looks at me seriously. “Liam, promise me you’ll be careful. Vampires are dangerous and can be unpredictable.”
“I know, Mom. I’ll be cautious. But I need to find out more about Selene and the others. There’s something off about them.”
Mom’s eyes narrow sternly. “Liam, I know you’re curious, but remember what happened to us. Remember Mariya’s injuries? You do not want to underestimate vampires.”
I grit my teeth, remembering. “I won’t, Mom, but I need to understand what’s going on.”
She sighs, her gaze softening. “Just be careful, Liam. And if things get too dangerous, don’t hesitate to step back and call for reinforcements. Your safety is top priority.”
I give her a small smile. “I will. Thanks.”
As she leaves, I’m left alone with my thoughts. The council will handle the situation, but my curiosity about Selene gnaws at me. Mom’s warnings echo in my mind but so do my unanswered questions. She’s right. This is a precarious situation, dangerous, deadly even. But I can’t just leave it behind. I have to uncover the truth about these mysterious vampires.
Chapter 8
Selene
The night wraps around me like a velvet cloak as I sit in my car, sipping on the tumbler of blood. Katya’s words echo in my mind, ominous and unsettling. “The return will bring freedom to all vampires.”
She can’t mean that vampires are planning to come back here. Not after so long.
It’s no secret that vampires want to freely roam the streets rather than hide in the shadows, but “the return” sounds ominous. I wish I had stuck around and asked a few more questions before bolting.
I lean back in the driver’s seat, the leather creaking beneath me. The street is quiet, the only sounds the distant hum of the city and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. I wonder what my parents would say about all of this.
The answer comes too easily – they would side with Katya. They were always traditionalists, clinging to the old vampire ways. The idea of a coven for survival, especially with wolves on my tail, would be their go-to advice. But they’re gone now, and I’m left to deal with this mess on my own.
The return, freedom, a coven – it’s a lot to take in. But something about this whole situation feels off. I can’t put my finger on it, but a nagging doubt lingers in my mind.
The tumbler is empty, and I toss it into the passenger seat. The metallic tang of blood lingers in the air as I start the car.
I’m driving along feeling more energetic and happier than I have in a long time. Maybe it’s the blood – I’ve had seven bags in just four hours. A smirk plays on my lips. Looks like I might need to pay a visit to the hospital again. Robbing it feels oddly liberating.
The city lights blur as I speed through the streets, the thrill of the night coursing through my veins. I pull into a dark alley, away from prying eyes. The night air is cool against my skin as I step out of the car. My senses heighten, and the city sounds fade into the background. This is my world, my domain.
I contemplate my next move. The hospital is tempting, but something tells me I need more information before diving into another heist. Katya mentioned other vampires, patiently waiting. Are they allies or enemies? Can I trust them?
My phone buzzes, interrupting my thoughts. I glance at the screen – a text from Annie. “Hey, Selene! How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”
I smirk, typing out a quick reply. “I’m good, Annie. Just enjoying the night. Don’t worry about me.”
With that, I pocket the phone and take a walk around the block. It seems like a good way to gather my thoughts. I find a secluded spot, perching on a bench. I close my eyes, letting the night sounds envelop me. The distant hoot of an owl, the rustle of leaves – it’s twilight’s symphony, and in the silence, I seek clarity. The return, the coven, the wolves – it’s all intertwined. But is it a path I want to follow?