[Series 2] The Haunting Reflection {Chapter One - Plan A}

CLAIMER'S NOTE: THIS STORY, CHARACTERS, PLOT, IS MINE (A.L.C.). COPY-WRITTING WILL BE HANDLED BY THE FEDERAL LAWS.1

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I stared at the small note upon my bed, everything seemed completely stopped. "Vence!" I called, tossing my gaze over my shoulder. My red-haired love looked up, his eyes all-knowing, and very careful. "What is it?" He asked, standing to his feet. I blushed in embarrassment as he towered over me. He was at least over two-hundred years old, maybe 150 at the least. While I was at 16. His hands trailed around my sides, gripping the piece of paper I was hiding from him. "What's this?" He asked, his lips near my ear. I let him have it, knowing he'd get it one way, or another. "It's a letter, from the Mountains," I whispered, fearing for his rage to come out. I may have only seen it once, but it was a scary sight. 3

He swiped his nails over it, opening the envelope easily. I watched as he pulled out a small card. It was blank on one side, but on the other, it had simple script;4

'A Challenge is not over, until there is a Winner.' ~ Mountain Vampires.5

"Damn it all." I heard his tone of voice and flinched slightly. "What is it?" I asked, turning on my heel. He caught my waist quickly, hugging me close. "Z, CC, come over here," he said, pulling me along with him. I was embarrassed on how handsome he's gotten, and he was all MINE! Hehe! 6

"What is it, Vence?" Z asked, pouncing from the couch to our side. CC grinned his little creepy smile, looking at us. "Yeah? What's the 411?" I tilted my head, knowing how grown my brother, dad, and other Vampire family was, they even developed special powers. 7

I clung to Vence's arm, leaning my head against his bicep. "It seems Estance has challenged us." Vence tossed the card to bother CC and Z, who shared it over to themselves. "Well? What's the plan?" I turned my head to see Vence's unsettled expression. "I guess we're going to go. We need to settle this. Aries, you OK with that?" His fingers lingered onto my cheek before running through my hair. "Yeah, let's go show Dad."8

My hair whipped around as Vence carried me onto the top of a Oak tree, settling me on a strong branch. "Why did you bring me here, Vence?" I asked, smiling lightly. He took my hands in his, still wearing those stupid gloves. "I want you to take these off, you can see, now."
"Why couldn't I before?" I questioned, unbuttoning the wrap-around. "I didn't think you could handle it . . . Aries, trust me, you probably wouldn't of." I stopped before lifting the leather, eying him suspiciously. "I'm not gunna blow up, am I?" I asked, teasing in my tone. He growled protectively, his own smirk lingering. "No, but I'd put you back together again." I blushed lightly, removing his gloves.9

"What . . . What are these?" I asked, turning his hands within mine. There were several ink markings. "It's my birth markings, they each stand for my clan, and what they stand for. This also ables me to channel all my energy into my hands, it's sorta a power source, really." I continued to stare at the black ink, mistified by the creative looks. "Aries . . ." I knew that tone. I lifted my head, seeing his soft eyes. I pulled him close, hugging him tightly. His arms made their way around my waist, he in-hailed deeply at my throat, kissing it softly. "Your my drug, Ari."
"I know, and your mine." I ran my fingers through his hair, closing my eyes. "Don't be afraid, Vence. We'll beat them."10

That night, I sat upon my bed, watching Vence sleep on his side. We usually selpt with each other for comfort, no sexual purposes intended. His face was full of wonder while he dreamed. I let my finger tips slowly caress his cheek. barely remembering the coldness I felt like the first time. He smiled lightly, opening his eyes. "Ari?" He yawned, reaching his arm around my waist. I smiled gently, leaning over to kiss his forehead. 11

His lips caught mine in a longing kiss. I held myself up with my arm, while the other tangled into his fire locks. "Eeew!" I raised my head, parting our lips. A very sleepy Z was walked into the room, making a face. "Silly, Z, go back to bed," I chimed, seeing he was sleep walking. "Na na na . . . " He trailed off, his knees practically buckling under his own weight. "Your brother is odd."
"Humph, your telling me." I trailed my eyes back to Vence. "Have you went to sleep at all?"
"How could I? Your face is to adorable," I said, trying to find a good excuse. He chuckled, tugging me beside him. "Right. Well, your an angel when your asleep, so there." I pouted lightly, receiving a gentle kiss on my bottom lip. "Your too cute, Ari."
"Thanks! I try," I mumbled, snuggling into his chest.12

Even if this is our last night in the school, until we come back from the Mountains, it wasn't sad. Being in the arms of my protector, my teacher, my love. This was all the more I could bear. I clung onto him, this was just to blissful to leave now. Two years, we've been truthful, and waiting to one-another. Vence promised that when I was ready, he'd turn me into one of them. He really didn't mind the fact I wanted to live forever with him, but he also was a bit afraid, for I will have my clock stopped permanently, no go backs. I don't care. I want to be with Vence, Z, Alex, Jay, and everyone else. "I love you, Aries Luna Lunar." I broke from my thoughts, hearing Vence's honey-sweet voice. "I love you, too. Vence Welington," I whispered, kissing his collar bone.