Blood Leak

DEATH OR LIFE1

-Black Cross HQ-2

“;Privates Tara and Tala please report to General Josh’s office immediately!” Tara and Tala where sitting at their lunch table when they heard the announcement. They had reported to the General’s office to get their assignment and they found out… they where going on a Vampire hunt.3

-Some where on a New York street-4

Two girls were walking through the city when they spotted a strange figure lurking in the shadows watching them.5

“Tala glance to the left but act like nothing is wrong.” Tara whispered.6

Tala glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw who Tara was talking about.7

“The guy in the shadows?”8

“Yeah him. Does he look off to you? He is pale and he trys to stick to the shad-.” Tara made the mistake of looking right at him. He must have noticed because as soon as she did he took off.9

“Come on! He is making a break for it!” Tala grabbed Tara’s arm. They took off running down the street. When the strange man ran into the alley and disappeared they followed.10

Tala was part vampire. Her dad was one and her mother was human. They; along with Tara’s parents; were part of the Black Cross. But Tara and Tala’s parents died. To this day no body knows exactly what happened.11

Tala had dark shining green hair that was almost past her hip; she had darker than dark purple eyes that could drill into your head and could make anyone (or thing) tell the truth. She was wearing a black skirt with a tank top.12

Tara on the other hand has dazzling blue eyes that could charm anyone (or thing) into believing anything she says and layer blond hair with red streaks in it. She was wearing a pleated skirt with a t-shirt.13

Apart they were dangerous.14

Together they were deadly.15

“Tara I saw him run down there.” Tala yelled from her spot ten feet away.16

“Go on after him, I’ll meet you there,” Tara yelled back deciding to take a short cut. Tala nodded and then took off at un-human speed. Tara made several sharp turns before coming to the spot where Tala and the vampire where struggling on the ground. Tara pulled a stake out from her messenger bag. It was made of wood, and when stabbed into a vampire’s heart will paralyze them until it is removed. She threw it to Tala who caught it in her teeth. Seeing the stake the vampire let go of Tala and ran towards Tara. That is until he looked into her eyes. “Stop! Don’t move. If you come closer I will kill you. We don’t want to hurt you.” Tara said hypnotically. Taking the opportunity Tala drove the stake into the vampire’s heart. Tara took out a cell phone and called the boss.17

“Hello? Black Cross office how may I help you Private Tara?” An older woman’s voice asked sweetly from the other end.18

“;Put me through to Josh’s office!”19

“Yes ma’am one moment.” The voice responded.20

Tala pulled on Tara’s skirt harshly. Tara snapped aroung, “What?!?” She hissed.21

“This isn’t the subject!”22

“What are you talking about? This is the guy Tala.” Tara said turning back to the phone. Tala grabbed her arm and swung her around.23

“This ISN’T the subject! He is a decoy. Newly turned about 3 days ago if I am correct. He still has the bite marks. If he was our subject he wouldn’t have them. The marks disappear after one generation we’re looking for someone who has been around for generations.”24

“Hello. Tara I hope you have had a successful mission?”25

“We will need more time sir. We found a decoy and got a little side tracked.”26

“Very well. I guess we have to pick up that decoy. Good luck.” Josh replied he always had a soft spot when it came to her.27

Tara shut the phone. “Ok so where do you think this guy is?”28

Tala shrugged. “There is a blood bar a few blocks away…” Tara looked at her curiously.29

“Thirsty are we?” Tara joked lightly. Tala growled shaking her head, letting her hair fall over her face. They began walking towards the destination Tala claimed the smell was coming from. A young girl with pale blond hair bumped into Tara.30

“Excuse me ma’am.” She revealed a single fang before dashing off into the crowd.31

“Vampire!” Tala whispered grabbing Tara’s hand pulling her through the busy New York crowds. Tara’s feet where literally inches above the ground, despite the fact they where running at 65mph Tara never even touched another person. Tara closed her eyes, and brought her other arm up to shield her face from the wind. After a few seconds Tala came to a stop. “I am going on ahead, you stay here and hide.” Tala said letting go of Tara’s arm. Tara shook her head.32

“No! We are a team, I am going with you.” Tara protested.33

“Stay here I can handle a silly little “night stalker”, I mean come on even his name is cheesy.” Tala said smugly.34

“Well at least take this with you.” Tara said handing Tala a wooden stake. Tala rolled her eyes and took the stake. In a blink Tala was gone.35

Tala threw open the wear house doors and walked steadily into the room.36

“Welcome half-bread, daughter of Epiphanes.” A loud voice rang out of the walls. Tala shivered, why did that voice sound so familiar? Several vampires rushed from the shadows grabbing her arms. A figure proceeded in front of her “I am Xerxes, a close friend of your father’s. You know he had always told me how he dreamed of having a heir one day.” Xerxes’ voice grew harsher, “Then you came along. How sad, you where a half bread.” Xerxes moved closer gently brushing her face with is finger. Tala bit his hand, blood seeped into her mouth. “Good, huh? Don’t worry I will make sure that you fulfill your father’s wish.” Xerxes said first prying the stake from her hands “We don’t want anyone to get hurt now do we?” He then pushed away strands of her hair from her neck. She bore her eyes into his trying to penetrate his immoral soul. However her eyes wielded no effect on him. The gold in his eyes seamed to reverse her gaze. Tala hissed, struggling to throw the other vampires off.37

“;Please don’t squirm it only makes this harder.” Xerxes said pressing his lips to her neck. Tala’s veins froze; her heart skipped a beat before he bit down. It scared her how easily his fangs pierced her skin. She felt blood slowly being sucked from her body and in its place venom.38

Finally he drew away, smiling as he did. “It’s been a pleasure.” Tala felt her knees growing weaker. Xerxes snapped his fingers and the vampires let go of her, running out of the door as they did. Tala collapsed withering on the floor. She screamed out, a blood curdling scream. Hearing this Tara jumped up from her spot behind the dumpster and ran as fast as she could towards the warehouse.39

“Tala! I am coming! Hang on!” Tara screamed; she could tell something was seriously wrong. Not fifty yards away she could see Tala on the floor. Her body convulsed erratically. She screeched in pain, it was unimaginable Tala lost consciousness of the world around her. Her nails turning into skin shredding claws, and her fangs growing several inches at a time. Tala let out another howl of pain. Franticly Tara grabbed the phone from her bag, calling the agency.40

“Help please help! Some- something is happening to Tala!”41

“This is Dr. Carter what is happening to her?” A voice said calmly.42

Ice like fire raced through her veins stealing all the warmth her body still had. Tala clawed and scratched the floor, trying to scrape away the pain in her heart.43

“Her… nails they have grown… so have her fangs… she is screeching as if she is being burned alive.” Tara exclaimed tears falling down her face as Tala continued to change.44

“Tara I want you to listen closely. Get OUT! Now! I believe she has been bitten… get out and as far away as possible she can kill you! She has no control! Go!”45

“Why? She is already part vampire. Why does it matter?” Tara asked her hands shaking violently.46

Dr. Carter seemed terrified. “That isn’t my point,” Tala gave another loud screech. “Her human side is being weakened and her vampire side is trying to take over. Based on our facts right now she is more dangerous than ANY vampire you have EVER faced. GET OUT!”47

Tara shut the phone.48

The thirst came. It happened so suddenly Tala couldn’t control it. It was one hundred times worse than ever. Instantly she became aware of a heartbeat. Bolting up Tala lunged at the sound, unable to see the person she was attacking was her childhood friend. Tara screamed, not because she was potential prey for Tala but because a man crashed through the roof grabbing Tala by the shoulders. Tara couldn’t tell what he was saying, but it seemed like he was humming a lullaby in her ear.49

“T-t-t-ala?” Tara stuttered trying to process the situation. Based upon her experience she took a mental picture of the man’s profile. He had hazel hair that reached just below his chin, and black soulless eyes. He was tall and lanky; but still muscular. Tala snarled like a dog starved of not just food but love.50

“Who- who are you?” Tara asked.51

“That doesn’t matter. Leave NOW! You can’t help her now.” He replied. His voice was cold; but it flowed like silk.52

“No I will NOT leave.” Tara fought back. Tala scratched at the strange man trying to get to Tara. Firmly he placed a hand on her head and pressed it against his neck. Tara froze unable to comprehend what was going on. When Tala was done drinking she slumped into the man. Tara moved forward afraid something was wrong.53

“Don’t worry. She is just tired.” The man said. Almost as if he knew what she was thinking.54

“Who are you?” Tara asked.55

Chapter 2; Charley56

He smiled. “Lets just say I am a GOOD friend of her father.” He glanced thoughtfully at Tala; still unconscious in his arms. Slowly he started to pick her up and started to walk towards the exit.57

“Wait where are you going with her?” Tara asked running after him.58

“Well I can’t leave her here so that your agency can kill her now can I? I am taking her back to my place.” He said cautiously.59

“What do you mean kill her?” Tara asked.60

“Did you really believe that they would let someone like her work for them?” He asked; he was still walking to the exit.61

“What are you talking about? She is only half vampire!”62

“You seriously are blond aren’t you?” He asked his voice turning sharper.63

“No! Yes! I mean SHUT UP! Why would they want to kill her? She is not a full vampire is she?” Tara asked having to stop for breath now.64

“What is this; twenty questions?” he sighed looking down at Tala again. “Do you think you would be alive right now if I hadn’t intervened? Does that sound like a vampire to you?”65

“Um… fine but I am coming with you. Tala is my best friend and it’s my fault she is… this way.” Tara shivered, “I won’t ever leave her again!”66

“Suit yourself. Just try to keep up.”67

“Wait!” Tara screamed. She grabbed his arm; he yanked it back.68

“If you want to come you have to follow some rules. Number 1… NO TOUCHY! I don’t like your smell; don’t get it on me.”69

“Tara turned her back to him and sniffed her armpit.70

“I don’t smell anything.”71

He blinked, “Um… yeah that isn’t what I meant. God it’s been so long.” He said, tenderly stroking Tala on the head. Tara looked at him quizzically.72

“So do you have a name I err could call you? Or do I have to call you sir?” He growled obviously annoyed.73

“Charley.” He answered grudgingly.74

“Ok well… then.” Tara stuck out her hand, “I guess we will be working together. I’m Tara.”75

“What do you want me to do with that?” Charlie asked. Tara giggled grabbing his hand shaking it up and down. Charley pulled away.76

“No touchy!” He roared loudly making Tala stir in his arms.77

“Sorry…” Tara whispered carefully.78

Chapter 3 Charley’s house79

Tala woke up with a splitting headache. She looked around the strange room.80

“Shhh! You are gonna wake her up!” Tala heard a slap and then, “I SAID NO TOUCHY!” She leaped off the couch and turned around Tara and a strange man where peering over the top of the couch.81

“Who are you? Where am I? What happened?” Tala asked pointing to Charley and then Tara.82

“Great you woke her up!” Tala yelled.83

“Me? ME? How dare you?!?” Charley replied slumping into the armchair.84

“Well I was being quite!”85

“No…”86

“Hey… um… Tara?” Tala looked around the room.87

Tara walked around the couch; she sat down next to Tala and then asked, “Tala do you even remember what happened?”88

“Not really I just remember going into the warehouse and then lots and lots of pain.” Tala started to tremble. “Who is that?”89

“Don’t you remember?”90

“Charley!” Tala jumped up and threw her arms around him.91

“Yeah, yeah missed you too.” Tara glared at him “What? I don’t mind her sent.”92

“Charley god its been ages! Is this where you live now? How did I get here?” Tala asked excitedly.93

“Well you certainly bounce back fast.” Charley laughed hugging her back.94

“He hem… I am still here you know. Remember me?” Tara complained from the couch. “I WAS THERE TOO YOU KNOW!”95

“What is she talking about Charley?” Tala asked looking innocently at Charley.96

“Err- that doesn’t matter right now. You want someone to eat?” Charley joked.97

Tala pushed him, “I don’t drink blood unless it’s necessary.” Charley chuckled and Tara just glared at him.98

“What do you mean that it doesn’t matter? IT MATTERS THE WORLD!!”99

“Shut up Tara! We will talk later.” Charley snapped. He glared back.100

“No Charley. We-talk-NOW!!” Tara said through clenched teeth.101

“Okay what am I missing here??” Tala asked.102

“I don’t think-.” Charley began.103

“You don’t think now is the time? Huh Charley? When do you think is the right time? When she bites someone, like she… well like she…. Tala you got BITTEN by a vampire!”104

“WHAT?!?!” Tala exclaimed. Tala’s eyes slowly started to become blank. She remembered, remembered the pain. Tala touched her now full fang.105

“Am… I?”106

“Don’t listen to her. She is just jelouse that I like you better.” Charley lied helplessly.107

“Oh my god! Oh my god-no-no-no-no!!” Tala began to tremble; Charley pulled her into his chest.108

“Is this what you wanted?!” Charley roared at Tara. He started to hum something that sounded like what he hummed into her ear that morning at the warehouse.109

“No its fine. I just have to uhh… sit down.” Tala said going over to the couch.110

“Tala---.” Charley tried to hug her but she shook him off.111

“Just give me some time…” She said as she put her head in her hands.112

Tara shrugged. “She would find out eventually.”113

“If I get out of control what would happen? Would you have to…” Tala began to ask Tara.114

“Stop it. Don’t you DARE finish that sentence. I don’t want to hear it.”115

“I agree. Don’t even think something like that. It; we would never let it happed.” Tara said soothingly.116

Tara then started to rummage through her messenger bag. She then pulled out a cell phone and started to call Black Cross. She started to dial the Black Cross number as soon as she had a good grip on the phone. Charley had never seen someone dial so fast. Almost immediately Dr. Carter picked up the phone.117

“Tara! Is Tala there? Did she attack you?”118

“No but quick question. What would happen to her if she lets say did fully turn?”119

“Well we would have to terminate her membership and probably get rid of her before she hurts anyone. Does that answer--.”120

Charley grabbed the phone out of Tara’s hand and crushed it.121

“What did they have to say?” He asked pretending he wasn’t concerned.122

“NUMBER ONE RULE WITH ME…”123

“Oh no here we go.” Tala moaned.124

“DON’T TOUCH MY PHONE!!! YOU ASS DON’T EVER TOUCH IT AGAIN OR YOU WILL HAVE SUCH AN ASS WHOPPIN THAT YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO FEEL FOR THE NEXT WEEK! You got that!!!” Tara screeched at the top of her lungs.125

Charley had ran into a corner and was rocking back and forth… “Uh… sorry?” He said. “So uh… er what did they say?”126

Tara was breathing really hard. “Well um… that doesn’t matter don’t worry about it. Josh was just mad that we got side tracked.” Tara said slyly. “Charley what do you got to eat around here?”127

Charley stood confused before he realized that she was changing the subject.128

“Oh uh…I don’t really keep food you would like here. We could order a pizza?”129

“Great! Tala I am assuming the usual?”130

“No.” Tala said.131

“Wha-.”132

“I need to go for a walk.” Tala said getting up from her spot on the couch.133

“You shouldn’t go alone though. I will come with you.” Tara said.134

Tala just shrugged and walked out the door.135

“No I am gonna go with her. What if she gets out of control again? What could you do?!?” Charley snapped. “Try to use your head.”136

Tara looked around the room helplessly.137

“I uh… okay.” She said weekly and ran into the guest room.138

“Great. Now I have two girls to deal with.” Charley mumbled getting his hat. I can’t 1) Eat 2) have to cheer up two girls one who is soooo impossible and hmmm 3) I CAN’T EAT!!!.139

Remembering Tala all alone; he turned on his heal and went at am inhumanly fast pace out the door to the one place where he knew she would be.140

Her father’s grave.141

Chapter 3142

Tara heard a knock on the main door. Assuming Charley had locked them out Tala walked to the door and opened it.143

No body was there; just a letter. Tara bent down and picked it up. Tara grabbed it and shoved the door shut. She then locked it and wet back to her room where she opened it.144

It said…145

Dear Tala,146

I am sorry that I couldn’t be there for you when you became the full heir to my throne. When you get this letter I will probably be dead. I am sorry. But I have made sure my Chevalier knows what to do and he will tell you everything you need to know. Trust only Tara and Charley. Your mother, Tara’s mother and father and I will all be killed by X147

Chapter 4148

Tara realized she had to show the letter to Tala but she didn’t know where she was.149

Grave of Epiphanes150

“Father what should I do? I am so confused. How is it that Charley has suddenly come back into my life?”151

“Tala… there you are.” A voice said from behind. It sounded very familiar almost like she had… the horrible sensation of want came. She needed blood. Tala swung around slashing as she went.152

“You! You did this to me! I will kill you I swear!” She hissed.153

Charley chuckled shaking his head. But Tala saw a face of true evil not her Chevalier. “What gave you any right? My father would never want me this way! You are no friend of Epiphanes!” Tala roared slashing again at Charley.154

“Ok 1) I am not gonna even comment on the father thing.” Charley said grabbing her arm. He pulled her so that their faces where only inches away. “You are thirsty I understand that. You are going to get this feeling a lot more than you did before.” Tala lashed out with her fangs.155

“I will drain you of all your blood then leave you to turn to dust.” She hissed violently. Charley shrugged.156

“If you are thirsty go ahead but you can’t have all my blood. I need to live too.” He said allowing Tala to bite into his neck. Slowly she felt the pain going away. Charley pulled away. “Ok that is enough for you.” Tala felt as if a haze had been lifted from her vision.157

“Charley what happened to you? You are awfully pale.”158

“You don’t remember anything do you?”159

“What do you mean?”160

“Ok we do have to talk.” Charley said. He pulled Tala into him and whispered in her ear. “Until then don’t forget youself.”161

“Tala thank god I found you!” Tara’s voice yelped as she tripped over the grave stone.162

“Tara! Hey are you ok?” Tala asked as she looked down into Tara’s blue eyes.163

“No- I mean yeah. Um… hey Charley can I talk to you?”164

“Yeah. Tala stay here.” Charley pointed to a bench. “And please, don’t move!”165

“Yes mommy.”166

Tara led the way to a statue of Mary and then she pulled out the note.167

“When you left I heard a knock on the door so I went over to open it… I thought it was you and Tala. I don’t know if I should give this to her or not.”168

Charley took the note from Tara’s outstretched had and opened it, his eyes scanned the page.169

Charley let out a sigh. “I think we should show her. She has the right to know.” Tara turned around but stopped when Charley’s hand poked her in the side. “Thanks for showing me.”170

“DON’T POKE ME!!!!”171

Chapter 5; Blood Night172

Tala we have to show you something.173

“What?” Tala looked innocently at Tara. She handed her the letter. Silently Tala read, after finishing it she tucked it into her pocket. “So what did you wan to talk about Charley?” He glanced uneasily at Tara unsure whether to say anything or not.174

“Well what do you want to know?” Charley glanced sideways again.175

Almost immediately Tala spoke.176

“What is a Chaveliar?”177

Charley sighed with relief.178

“A chavelair is a guardian in a sense. They are given the blood of a vampire. This binds him or her to the vampire who gave them the blood. The chavelair protects the vampire, gaining vampire like abilities themselves. The chaveliar will live as long or sometimes longer than their- what’s the word I am looking for…- master. If the vampire dies before the chaveliar, the chaveliar must serve his or her master’s heir. In this case its you.”179

“So… that means…” a smirk crossed Tala’s face. “You serve ME!! HA! HA! Tara I have a servant!! Oh oh I wanna dress him up in a butler outfit!!”180

“You are not taking this seriously enough Tala.” Charley said calmly.181

“Don’t worry I understand. You’re going to help us right?”182

“Sorta… kinda… in a sort yes.”183

“Hello?!?!? Forgetting about me?!?!?!?? Are you going to stay a vampire?”184

“Well… I haven’t really thought of that yet.”185

“So sit you didn’t! You tried to attack me! You-.”186

“TARA! NOW IS NOT THE TIME!” Charley roared. “We need to talk about this somewhere private.”187

“A bush rustled and Charley whipped around; threw something with lightning speed at the bushes; something screamed. Loudly.188

Tala began walking curiously toward the bush, baring her fangs as she did. Charley grabbed her arm and pulled her back189

“What’s wrong with you?!? Are you trying to get yourself killed?” Or do you just like messing with me?”190

“I was just curious! You don’t have to be so mean!” Tala said.191

Charley started walking over to the bush. He bent over and picked up a small scared figure from the ground.192

“Tell Xerxes to stay away or he will have to answer to me!” The small creature nodded and fell with a loud thump as Charley dropped him. Two folded wings opened and the creature sprang into the air flying into the night.193

“Excitedly Tala stood up and jumped in the air. Not meaning to she jumped over several tree tops. Tala began to fall and flailed her arms and legs wildly. She closed her eyes as Charley caught her in his arms. He hugged her to his chest. After a few minutes passed Tara looked quizzically at Tala.194

“What was that!!” She yelled. Charley nuzzled Tala’s neck before placing her on the ground.195

“You can’t fly sorry.” Tala began laughing hysterically. “Tala did you hit your head?” Charley asked bending down to examine her.196

“That was so- COOL! Tara you have to try it!” Tala yelled enthusiastically picking up Tara. As she was about to jump up Charley put a firm hand on her shoulder.197

“Tala, Tara’s more… delicate… than you are.” Charley said.198

“I won’t hurt her! She has to try it!” She said gripping Tara tighter.199

“Let it go Tala, let it go.” Charley said helping Tara down.200

“Thanks.” Tara muttered still shaken by the thought of being launched up in the air. Tala began outing running up a tree. Charley and Tara sighed. Tala could be so immature sometimes.201

They heard a branch break and Tala came crashing to the ground.202

“Ow… ok I am done… Charley can we go back to your place to discuss this.” Tala patted her pocket.203

“Yeah of course.”204

Chapter 5; Terror205

“Charley?” Tala asked from her spot under the covers on the couch.206

“What?” Charley replied sleepily. He had obviously been half asleep but none the less he turned around.207

“Can you tell me about-“ Tala heard the rustling of the covers coming from where Charley was laying on the floor and then continued when it stopped. “My Dad?”208

“Well… let’s see. He was a great man; honest, pure,kinjd, he tried to keep the peace between the humans and the vampire society.”209

“Vampire society?”210

“Yup. Where do you think we stay? Wwe can’t live with humans our whole lives.”211

“But you are.”212

“Yes but that is just because I am your Chaeveliar and I have to stay near to you.”213

“But, before you said ‘if we are given blood’. So did my da-“214

“No. He didn’t bite me. He saved me.”215

“What happened.”216

“I don’t know if you should know just yet.”217

“;Please Charley! I won’t be able to sleep if you don’t tell me.”218

Charley let out a deep sigh and then continued. “All right but son’t say that I didn’t warn you. I guess it started when I first met you.”219

“Me?!?!?” Tala sat up.220

“Yeah.” Tala heard Charley get up and walk over to where she was sitting on the couch; he sat down near the edge. “It started when you where about five and I was hm…” Charley started counting on his fingers. “One, two, three…” Charley mumbled to himself. “Ok I was about nine years old a little bit older maybe nine and a half.” Charley took a deep breathe and continued, “We where plaing on the swings and I guess it was the first time you had a craving for-“221

“STOP!” Tala was huddled in a tight ball shaking.222

‘ “I’m sorry.” Charley reached over and drew her to his chest. She let him hug her close.223

“Charley promise me someing.”224

“What?” Charley asked stroking her head.225

“;Promise me that you won’t ever leave me.”226

“Tala I don’t know-“ Charley let out a sigh. “Ok. I promise that I will not ever leave you.”227

“Thank you.” Was the last thing Tala said before drifting off into a deep sleep.228

Chapter 6—229

When Tala woke up she realized that she was still huddled into Charley. Tala turned her head and gave him a light peck on the cheak.230

All of a sudden there was a loud crash.231

Charley bolted up and sent Tala crashing to the ground.232

“Ow.” Tala said.233

“Charley mumbled an apology.234

The door to Tara’s room slammed open and Tara came running out.235

“EW!! CREAP!” Tara yelled pointing at the door.236

“What happened?!” Tala asked jumping ot her feet.237

“Well- hold on…” Tara came over to where Tala was standing and grabbed Tala’s arm. “Let me show you.”238

Tara dragged Tala into her room.239

“Oh… wow…” Tala’s jaw dropped. “Wa- wa- WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!”240

“That’s just what I was about to ask.” Charley’s voice asked from his spot at the doorframe. He was bent over looking at the door which was hanging form one hinge.241

The window was shattered; the bed torn in half; the TV broken; carpet ripped as well.242

“I was asleep when I heard a crash. I woke up and looked around. There was this ‘thing’ standing infront of the window. It looked like it had wings, one large eye in the middle of its forehead and he had a hairey fave. But the rest of him was in the dark. I yelled get out but it just like cackled and started to tear things up.”243

“Wait you said a hairy face?” Charley asked scratching his chin.244

“Yeah…”245

“Xerxes’s pet… if you can call it that.”246

“Wait!” Tala yelled exitedly. “I reamember going somewhere with my dad and…” A look of horror crossed Tala’s face.247

The pain came. The craving for blood; a heartbeat near by. Tala lunged toward the sound.248

“TALA GET OFF OF ME!” Tara screeched. Tara was watching Tala’s face. Once the horror came so did the need… for blood.249

“Tala!” Charley yelled as he ran over to where she and Tara where struggling on the ground. Charley grabbed Tala around the waist and pulled her up and into his chest.250

“Get out Tara! NOW! She can’t control herself. Go!” Charley roared.251

Tara couldn’t hear charley. She was to busy looking at Tala’s fave. Instead of leaving the room she walked over to where Charley was trying to get Tala under control.252

“Tara didn’t you hear me?!? GO!” Tara ignored Charley’s warning. Instead she got close enough so that she could look directly into Tala’s dark purple eyes.253

“Tala… calm down. Please.” Tara said in a calm voice.254

Tala let out a gut wretching screech. Tara didn’t move; not even when Tala’s long nail connected with her arm.255

“Tala… please!” A tear rolled down Tara’s cheek. Then as if that one tear was the magical off switch Tala’s eyes slowed started to clear. Finally she let out a whimper and slumped into Charley. Breathing deeply Tara fell backwards into a sitting position on the ripped carpet.256

“Tara… how did you…” Charley stammered.257

“I- I don’t know…” Tara murmered. She jumped to her feet and ran out of the room.258

Chapter 7—259

“Hey Charley… you said that in exchange for blood you serve me… does that mean that I have to go all emo and cut myself?”260

Charley started to chuckle.261

“No… not exactly. Once a year I just sorta… bite you. It just feels like a mosquito bite. No pain. Don’t worry.” Charley gave Tala an encouraging squeeze on the shoulder.262

“Oh… ok that’s a relief.”263

“So…” Charley let out a loud yawn and stretched. “How long can Tara hold a grudge?” Charley glanced at the door. Ever since the attack Tara had stayed locked up in that room.264

“Depends… one time in the seventh grade she stayed mad for one week because I said something in the hall that I wasn’t sopposed to… so well… you never know it always verries.”265

“Hmm… what do humans like to eat again? Its been so long… I have forgotten.”266

“Tara is a vegetarian… she so strong. I wish I could control myself…” Tala said twiddling her thumbs. “I’ve got it!” Tala screamed jumping to her feet.267

“What?” Charley asked calmly. He’d gotten used to her sudden bursts of energy.268

“We should make her dinner! She hasn’t come out to eat… I am getting worried about her. But what to make…” She dashed over to the fridge flinging the door open. She began rummaging through it. “Charley all you have in here is… blood…and beef jerky! Ok the blood I understand but... why jerky?” Charley shrugged his shoulders.269

“Its chewy! I like chewy…” Tala moaned. Grabbing a pencil and a sticky note she began to write.270

“Go to the store and buy me these things.” Tala said handing him the list.271

Charley raised an eyebrow and curiously asked, “What are you making? Let’s see…” Charley looked down at the list and began to read out loud, “Flour, sugar, eggs, laffy taffy, laffy taffy—why do you need laffy taffy?”272

Tala grinned shyly. “That’s for me. It used to be my favorite.” Charley laughed pulling Tala into a tight hug.273

“Sometimes you are too cute.” He said before running out the door. It was only ten minutes before he came running back in the door and dropping the bags on the table. “So watcha making?”274

“Her favorite… I think… her mom used to make it when I came over… its REALLY good.”275

A few hours later Tara was lured out of her room by the smell coming from the kitchen. Tala had baked a cake, and was now frosting it.276

“Hey Tara! Tala baked a cake, and you won’t believe it… from scratch!” Charley exclaimed stealing a bit of frosting. Tala hit him with a wooden spoon.277

Tara started to back away. “You… made… cake? From scratch?” Tara paused. “I AM NOT EATING THAT!”278

“Aww come on! I watched and she didn’t poison it or anything!”279

“Well… all right but I will kill you if I die!”280

Charley let out a snort… “All right then.”281

When Tala was finally done she cut the cake handing a piece first to Tara then to Charley. Tara felt tears in her eyes, she ran over to Tala and hugged her around the waist.282

“Did I make it right? It was so long ago. I wasn’t sure if I got it right or not.” Tara squeezed harder.283

“No its perfect Tala! Thank you!” Tala hugged her back.284

If it wasn’t for Charley they would probably be a blubbering mess.285

“Hey this is really goooood!!!” Charley said. He began shaking from the sugar. “Lets go for a walk—no run!” He screamed grabbing Tara and Tala’s hands.286

Chapter 8287

“Charley you need to calm down.” Tara said soothingly.288

“Su-su-SUGAR!!” Charley screamed. Ever since he went running down the streat after eating the frosting he wouldn’t stop yelling. “Ha! Ha! SUGAR! What next!?! I am—,” Charley stopped shaking. “Out of energy.” Charley’s shoulders slumped.289

Tara looked down at her watch. “And it only took a wapping 2.5 hours!”290

“I know what we should do!!” Tala yelled. “Let’s go give some grapes steroids!”291

“Been there done that. Let’s go do something fun!” Tara said.292

“Oh I know!” Charley said enthusiastically. “Lets get me some more SUGAR!” Charley then added under his breath. “I need more sugar…”293

“NO YOU DON’T!” Tara and Tala yelled simultaneously.294

“So shouldn’t we be like looking for some one or something?” Tala asked.295

“Um… yeah about that… Tala we have to talk.”296

“Uh-oh what’s wrong?” Tala asked.297

“Well you see… how do I put it…” Tara wasn’t thinking more than one second when Charley cut in and said.298

“You can’t work for them anymore. They don’t want a full vampire in their little perfect club.”299

“But I—.” Tala started to say before Charley cut her off too.300

“Nothing.” He growled. “They, well they just don’t trust you.” Tala still looked confused.301

“Why wouldn’t they trust me? I am a damn private!” Charley wrapped his arms around her and spoke into her ear.302

“It’s because you are deadly, one of the pray now.” Tala shook her head.303

“But I didn’t do anything wrong! This isn’t right! I have dedicated my whole life to them and now they want to get rid of me!”304

Charley help her tighter afraid she would loose her temper and along with that… herself.305

“Tara who are you looking for?” Charley asked curiously while Tala cursed under her breath.306

“I think his name was… um… I don’t remember it was something really corney though, oh it was the Midnight Stalker.”307

“Hmm… I told Coby he was out of control. I will help you cath this last one but you have to tell them Tala died in the process. I don’t want them coming after her.308

“Charley I want you to know right away that I don’t care how much you hate or may not like me I am not leaving Tala. So if she is going to quite without a fight I am going to quite with her. We’re a team I couldn’t do this with out her.”309

But before Charley could say anything. Tala’s shaky voice asked. “Charley… is there um… you know… a cure?”310

“CURE!” Charley sounded exasperated.311

“No.” But it wasn’t Charley who answered; it was Tara. “Tala don’t think of this as a disease or anything else like that.”312

“But there has to be something to reverse the effects. Something… I mean some antidote?” Tala said, getting angry that they wouldn’t even consider it.313

“The only way is death. But you won’t be able to live again. And death doesn’t come easy to our kind.”