Blackness of the light-hearted.

My mother was a vampire, my father, was a human, he was my mothers “chew toy”. My father killed my mother when he found out her secret. He tried to kill me too, but I was too quick, I ran into the basement, grabbed a shotgun, and I waited. It didn’t take long before he came into the basement looking for me. “Piper” he called. “Come on out I’m not gonna hurt you.” Silently I snuck up behind him while he spoke. 1

“Yeah right dad I saw what you did to mom.” I said. As he turned to look at my face his eyes met mine. He gasped. My eyes were red and full of rage and anger. 2

“I’m sorry you had to see that piper- 3

“Save it! I’m part vampire too!” suddenly the gun rang in my hands, and my beloved murderer of a father fell on the floor…….dead. 4

I woke up screaming, Jordan was up beside me, when I quieted down, he held me close to his chest, and rocked me while I cried against his chest. When I finally stopped crying he told me, “Piper, you need to see a doctor for these dreams you’ve been having.” 5

“I know……..but I don’t have the money, or the time, Because of the stupid vampires!!!!!” 6

“Honey, they are YOUR people.”7

“I know I just can’t go to the doctor…….Jordan I’m scared.” “They are your people and one day you will take control over them.” 8

“I know, but what if they kill you when I’m not looking?” 9

“They wouldn’t, because I’m yours and you’re their soon to be ruler.” 10

Chapter one11

I ran as fast as I could, but I knew I would have to push myself more if I was gonna catch this vampire. I ran and I jumped into the air doing a front flip, bringing down the vampire, as I did this I brought my blades down into the monsters heart. My words while I did this were “sorry bro.” As he turned to ash underneath me I could hear Jordan’s breath. “One down one million to go,” Jordan laughed. We walked in silence. In the distance I heard a scream, a woman’s scream. I took off running again, heading in the direction of the screams. As I turned the corner, I saw a young girl about eighteen years old on the ground holding her neck, there was blood squeezing through her fingers.12

As I carried her down the road, she fell into a deep sleep. When I walked in the door, shadow ran up and smelled the girl; a growl in the back of his throat rose up into a bark. “What’s wrong with shadow, piper?” Jordan asked looking at the girl in my arms.13

“This girl was bit by a vampire, she might change soon, we can’t let that happen, get the serum.” Jordan ran into the bathroom and grabbed a vial with an orangish, yellowish liquid. He came into the room and poured the substance down into the girl’s mouth.14

The girl woke up, and she got out of the bed and walked over to me. She gently touched my shoulder, I jumped up and pulled my blades out and pointed them at her, then I looked into her eyes, they were full of fear, hurt, and confusion. “Sorry, you startled me,” I said as I put my blades away.15

“Oh…….I’m sorry, where am I?”16

“My house, Safe with me and my husband, and our dog.”17

“Oh. You saved me, I remember you!”18

“Yes I saved you; do you remember anything that happened?” I motioned her to a chair next to me, she sat down.19

“Um well I was walking in the alley and a handsome young man about nineteen years old, walked up to me, he asked me if I could take him to the diner down about five blocks from the alley.”20

“Then what happened?”21

“We walked and talked, then………then he grabbed me by my shoulders and turned me to face him. Then he leaned in and kissed me, I kissed him back. He backed me up against the wall, and started to kiss me down my jaw until he got to my neck. Then he…….he bit me,” she put her head in her hands and began to shake. 22

“I heard you scream……you need to watch yourself better.” 23

“I know.”24

“What is your name?”25

“Isabel.”26

“I’m piper and my husbands name is Jordan. How old are you?”27

“I’m eighteen. How old are you and Jordan?”28

“I’m nineteen and Jordan is twenty.”29

“You guys are so young. A little too young to hunt vampires don’t you think?” she said looking at me, it was a challenge.30

“Sweetie, I’ve been hunting vampires since I was seven, I think I know more about them than you.” I said giving her a cool look. 31

As I lay in my bed reading a book, Jordan came in. “Piper, Isabel is asleep.”32

“That’s good…..” 33

“What’s wrong?”34

“She told me how she was attacked…..I know who it was.”35

“Who is it?”36

“Ch-charlie.”37

“Who’s Charlie?”38

“The vampire who tried to make me love him.”39

Jordan climbed into the bed beside me. “You know we still haven’t discussed having kids.” Jordan said with a mischievous smile on his face. I playfully punched him in the arm. “I told you a thousand times, I’m not ready for kids, not with us chasing vampires.” We fell into a deep slumber with his arms around me in a protective way.40

I woke up to shadow’s growling, I knew something was wrong.41

I walked into the kitchen and I saw Isabel sprawled on the floor, a needle not even 2 feet from her hand…drugs. 42

“Jordan!” I yelled as I pulled Isabel’s head into my lap. I heard his footsteps coming toward the kitchen where we were. He saw me and Isabel; he also saw my eyes full of confusion, hurt, and even a little rage. 43

“What happened piper?”44

“I think it was drugs that she injected into herself, take this to a lab and find out what was in it,” I said as I handed him the needle.45

“You got it.”46

I sat there looking at Isabel’s face. How could she sleep knowing she has tried to kill herself? I wondered as Jordan walked into the room.47

“Heroin,” He said looking at a file, which was probably the lab result.48

“What? She was injecting her self with heroin?” I almost screamed as I spoke. “Stupid,” I mumbled. 49

Isabel began stir, her eyes fluttered open. I coughed, she looked directly at me.50

“You have issues,” I told her.51

“Excuse me?”52

“You do drugs, you kissed a total stranger, and you have 3 needles of heroin in your purse.”53

“You went through my purse?”54

“Yes….and I know who attacked you.”55

“Who attacked me?”56

“That’s for me to know and you to never find out,” I said as I walked out of the room.57

“Jordan…I’ll be home around midnight.”58

“Where are you going?”59

“To deal with something, actually someone; don’t follow me.”60

“Be careful.”61

I leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips. Then I turned and grabbed my blades and my gun, and walked out the door.62

“Come on answer the phone Charlie.”63

“Hello?”64

“Charlie?”65

“Piper….what do you want?”66

“How did you know it was me?”67

“I’d know your voice anywhere.”68

“Meet me at the church on 24th street.”69

“Why should I? Oh I get it you just want me back.”70

“Hahahaha, you’re hilarious, just come on over here I’m waiting for you.”71

“Ok I’ll be there” 72

Click73

I sat in a dark corner in the Lady of Sorrow’s church, waiting for my prey. I heard footsteps, but no breathing, he was here. “Time to play,” I smiled a mischievous smile as I whispered this. 74

I waited till he was in my sight, I walked over to him. As I walked toward him, I saw a white bundle in his arms. “What is it,” I thought.75

“Piper, I believe you left this with me.” He said as he handed me the bundle. I gently pulled the white blanket over and in my arms was a baby, my baby.76

“Charlie, why did you bring her?”77

“Well she’s your baby.”78

I turned and walked away, I was to sick and upset to look or talk to him. I walked down the street to my home, with a sleeping baby in my arms. What was I going to tell Jordan?79

Chapter two80

“You have a baby?” Jordan said with a surprised look on his face.81

“Yes.”82

“Since when?”83

“Since ten months ago.”84

“What? You had a baby before we got married?” he asked in a cold and icy tone. 85

“Jordan I told you he wanted me to love him, and I did for a while until I met you and had her.” I said my tone as icy as his.86

“You could have told me!” 87

“You’re right I could’ve told you. But she was an accident! Look I’m not going to argue with you about this, now we can raise her as if you are her father or I can raise her and you will just be a stepparent, your choice.”88

He began to pace he was really concentrating.89

“Alright she will be our child.”90

“Well you got your wish we have a kid.”91

Jordan didn’t look at me or even talk to me that much. But I could tell he loved our daughter, Lauren, like she was his own child.92

“Why aren’t you happy we have Lauren?” I said when I walked up beside him to make me some coffee.93

“I am happy.”94

“No you’re not, because if you were then you would be talking to me and spending more time with the both of us.”95

“You’re right I’m not happy because you didn’t tell me you had her!”96

“Well excuse me for getting pregnant accidentally!”97

“Whatever.” Now that made me mad. I grabbed his shoulders and pulled him against me, he was so close I could feel his breath on my face. 98

“Jordan, I love you….nothing is ever going to change that.”99

“Are you sure?”100

“Positive.” I said, then I rested my head on his shoulder, I was tired I haven’t fed in six days. Jordan realized what was wrong, picked me up, set me on the couch and went to get a pack of blood out of the fridge.101

“How’s Isabel?” I asked.102

“She’s fine. I think she’s still in shock from us realizing that she was doing heroin.”103

“She has no brain……I’m going to go do a record check on her.” I said getting up from the couch.104

“Ok. I think it’s time to get Lauren, so I’ll go get her.”105

“Her name is Isabel Rodriguez, born in New York, raised in Montana. She went to prison twice in two years, one for drug abuse, and one for car jacking. Dang this girl is very, very stupid. What’s the point of having a life-------’’ I asked Jordan when I walked into the bedroom; he had Lauren in his lap.106

“Mama!” she said almost falling over trying to crawl over to me.107

“Hi baby,” I said while picking her up. “How’s my big girl?”108

“Good.” She said patting her tummy. “Daddy got me so food.”109

“Well that’s good, but it’s almost your bed time.” She began to pout. She was so adorable when she pouted.110

Jordan could see from the look in my eyes that there was another, another vampire, for me to go kill. He came and took Lauren out of my hands and put her to bed. 111

“Who is it this time?” he asked wanting to know what I was up against.112

“So far I know his name is Josh, he has a lip ring. So he should be easy to find.” I said not looking at Jordan; I was looking at the room Isabel was in.113

“Jordan is it just me or is Isabel being a little too quiet?” 114

“Let’s go check.” We walked silently to the door and I gently pushed it open. I could hear her breathing; she was asleep. 115

“Well at least we got her the serum before she could change.” He said trying to cheer me up. 116

“Yeah,” I said walking into our bedroom, “I have to find something to wear.” I said looking through my clothes. After about twenty minutes I finally decided on an ac-dc shirt and jeans.117

“He’s at the bar off i28.” I told Jordan, it was easy for me to find because that’s where all my victims go; just to find a midnight snack. Before I grabbed my purse, I walked over to Jordan, who was sitting on our couch, and sat in his lap. I twisted until my face was eye level to his.118

“I love you,” I whispered as I pulled his face to mine. 119

“I love you too,” he said just before our lips met. When our lips met the same sweet sting that had run through me the first time we kissed ran through me again. I pulled away reluctantly, and got up, grabbed my purse, a knife and walked out the door.120

As I walked into the bar, I smelled beer, sweat, and even a hint of perfume. I could see Josh on the other side of the bar, looking straight at me. He motioned me to come over there. I put up a finger to tell him to hold on. I walked up the bartender and ordered a beer. When I got my beer I walked over to Josh whose eyes never left my face. I knew what he was thinking, but did he know what I was thinking? I sat on the stool next to him and set my beer down. 121

“Hi.” He said.122

“Hey.” I said in a sweet, innocent voice.123

“So are you from here?” he asked looking at my pale neck. I was hoping that he would try to get me to get out of the bar with him. And after about an hour he finally asked. So here I am in the car with a vampire who will soon be wishing he had never been alive, I plan to torture him until he begs me to kill him. He parked in front of this old worn down house. What would we be doing in here? I wondered when we got out. I heard him come up behind me, but I didn’t pay attention, my attention was on the house; for some reason this house seemed so familiar. Suddenly, I feel Josh pick me up, and hold me in an unbreakable grip until we got to a room upstairs where he set me down on a mattress. I would let him have his way first, and then it’s my turn. I closed my eyes and felt him fumble with my jeans.124

“You seem to like this,” he said noticing the smug smile on my face.125

“Well, what you’re about to do to me will come back to haunt you.” I said opening my eyes and looking at his face. Before he could react, I kicked him in the jaw with my right foot. As he stumbled back I zipped up my jeans and crouched down, ready to pounce if he comes near me. He spit out blood on the floor. 126

“You’re gonna wish you never did that, girl,” he said charging at me. I punched my left fist into his face, as he grabbed my hair and pulled. I gasped from the sharp pain in my hand; I broke my hand on his face! I brought my right knee up, hitting him in his manhood. He screamed and fell to the floor gasping, and holding himself. I stood above him and reached behind my back to grab my knife. As I grabbed it he began to wiggle so I clamped my legs tight around him, to hold him still so I could drive the knife through his heart. I slammed down the knife, with all the strength I had left, into his heart. He screamed a blood curdling scream as he turned to ash.127

Chapter three128

As I walked to the bar where my car was, I realized that I was crying, from the pain shooting up my arm. I got into the car and drove home. As I walked into the door shadow came and jumped on me hitting my hand, I screamed in pain. Jordan came running out of our bedroom. He gave me a confused look, and then he looked down and saw my hand. He came over and gently picked my hand up, I gasped. He looked up at me and motioned me to go sit down. He turned on the light as I sat down on the couch. He sat down beside me and took my hand and examined it.129

“What happened?” he asked looking at me.130

“Josh grabbed me by the hair because I kicked him in the face, and when he pulled my hair I punched him in the face and my hand broke.” I said, wincing as he began to wrap up my hand. When he was done he just sat there holding my hand.131

“Jordan, what’s wrong?” I asked, while putting my uninjured hand on his face.132

“I got a call from the hospital, right after you left, my mom and dad died.” He said looking up at me. I could see the tears welting in his eyes. I pulled him to me, and he buried his face into the hollow part of my neck. I could feel his tears streaming down my neck and torso. I hugged him tight until he stopped shaking. He finally lifted his head from my shoulder, and began to wipe the tears from his face. I grabbed a blanket from behind the couch with my good hand and wrapped it around me and Jordan. We sat like that for about thirty minutes before I asked him to come to bed with me. Later, when the lights were out I curled up against Jordan and buried my face in his chest as he put his arm around me, to hold me to him.133

“I’m sorry,” I whispered into his chest. He brought a hand up to my face and gently touched it, and then he put his hand under my chin and tilted my face up to look at him. As I looked into his eyes I saw something I didn’t want to see, anger. He brought his mouth down gently onto mine. I lifted my arm and put my hand on his cheek, and then it moved to the back of his head to hold him to me. When we pulled apart we were both trying to catch our breath.134

I woke up to shadow’s kisses, some that were really slimy. I turned and expected to see Jordan lying beside me but I wasn’t shocked to see he wasn’t there; he obviously woke up with Lauren and let me sleep in after my rough night. I got out of the bed, walked across the room and grabbed my robe. I walked downstairs to the kitchen and made me some hot tea; Jordan and Lauren were eating cereal. Jordan had his eyes on my back as I poured my tea, I could feel them on me. I found his look uncomfortable when I turned around, he was watching my every move, analyzing me for some reason. I know he’s never seen that look of pain on my face before; I was really good at hiding my emotions.135

Later on, in our bedroom I was getting clothes out of the closet when Jordan came in.136

“What was that about?” I asked not looking at him.137

“What was what about?” he asked giving me a confused look.138

“Oh, don’t you play that look on me,” I said beginning to laugh, “why were you watching me like that?”139

“Well, I was just seeing if it looked like you’ve had a kid.” He said looking down. I walked over to the bed and sat down beside him, and I ruffled his hair with my good hand while I asked,140

“What does that have to do with anything? All this running around chasing vampires has got me my beautiful shape back.” He took my hand off his head and put it in his lap and rubbed his thumb over my knuckles but stopped at my ring finger, and saw my wedding ring; I had moved it over to the other hand so it would cause anymore pain to my left hand. It hurt really badly when I took it off. I pulled my hand away and used it to pull Jordan’s head over to me, to kiss me. A few seconds after our lips met, I began to fall back; pulling Jordan on top of me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist, while his hands went to my back to pull me more against him. A sound other than our harsh breathing brought me back to reality, I turned my head so I could see the door with one black eye; Isabel was standing in the doorway, watching us.141

“Oh my God! Isabel in all your years of life didn’t you learn how to knock?” I asked getting angry; it was then that I realized that Jordan had got off me. Before I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth, I walked over and shut the door, when I walked into the bathroom I looked in the mirror, and wasn’t surprised to see a transparent reflection, considering I’m half human, my reflection will still show a little bit. I picked up my toothbrush, and began brushing my teeth. Jordan walked into the bathroom and put his arms around my waist. He began kissing my neck, which really tickled, and I began to laugh. While I laughed I spit toothpaste on the mirror. When I bent over and spit out the rest of my toothpaste, I felt Jordan’s hands rub my hips. I began to feel all tingly. He began to pull me out of the bathroom; I relaxed against him as he slowly dragged me to the bed, where he laid me down. He leaned over kissed me; then began kissing my neck. I felt a moan begin at the bottom of my throat. I blindly grabbed his head and pulled his mouth onto mine. I felt a fire ignite inside of me. He obviously could tell because he began to take off his shirt, and I began to take off mine. As I did this I blew out the candle on our night stand; the rest would happen in the dark.142

I woke up and found Jordan’s hand resting on my naked hip. I looked up and expected to find him asleep but he was awake and staring down at my face. I snuggled against him and he murmured something I couldn’t quite hear.143

“What did you say?” 144

“I said last night was fun.” I began to giggle.145

“Jordan,” I said picking my head up to look into his eyes. “I love you.”146

“I love you too,” he said right before he kissed me. I began to lean against him as he pulled me to him to deepen our kiss. When we pulled apart we were both breathing hard. He smiled at me and I smiled back. He began to caress my cheek, my neck, my shoulders and my back. I closed my eyes and set my head on his shoulder. We heard Lauren begin to cry, we both sighed. I got up and wrapped a robe around me and walked out of the room to go get Lauren. When I came back Jordan had put on a pair of boxers and was sitting on the bed, looking at us. I set Lauren between me and Jordan and pulled the blankets up over my shoulders and Jordan did the same on his side of the bed, he reached over Laurens sleeping body and took hold of my hand and gave it a little squeeze. I wove my fingers into his and I squeezed back. When I was sure that they were both asleep I closed my eyes and went to sleep. When I woke up I found that Jordan and Lauren weren’t in the bed, I felt a leap of panic arising inside of me. Then I heard Jordan’s voice in the living room and I relaxed. I got up and slipped on a t-shirt. When I walked out of the bedroom, Lauren crawled over and wrapped herself around my legs in a hug. I smiled down at her. When I finally got her off of my leg, I walked into the kitchen and got an apple out of the fridge. I bit into the apple and chewed; my eyes on Jordan’s face. He was watching Lauren do a puzzle. I looked up and saw Isabel walking out of the hallway. She gave me a look of alarm; she knew I was still mad at her. I watched her over my apple she shuddered when I coughed. I saw Jordan tense up when Lauren walked over to Isabel and hugged her. Isabel glanced at me then quickly turned away when I looked into her eyes. Shadow walked over to me and scratched my leg. I looked down at him and he ran to the back door; he had to use the bathroom.147

When I turned around I saw that Isabel had left, she probably went to her room. She’s been in there ever sense I found her passed out on the floor. Jordan just looked at me like I slapped him; I threw him a stare that asked “what?” I realized that I had finished my apple; I walked over to the trash can and threw the apple core away. I motioned Jordan to follow me into our bedroom. He put up a finger and picked up Lauren.148

“Leave her with Isabel, she could use some company.” I said.149

“Ok.” He said as he walked down the hall toward Isabel’s room. I walked into my room and took off my t-shirt, so I was only in my black bra and panties, and layed down on the bed. Jordan walked into the room and saw me. He walked over to the bed and layed down beside me and put his hand behind my neck. I looked into his eyes and smiled, he smiled back. He leaned down and kissed me; I slowly wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself up to meet his kiss. I pushed him onto his back, and I sat on top of him. When my lips found his again, I felt his hand run up and down the back of my leg. I rubbed my hands up and down his bare chest, I felt his muscles contract wherever my hands went. I smiled against his lips. I started to pull away but he put his hand on the back of my neck and held me to him. His lips slowly trailed down my pale neck, down to the top of my black bra. I felt him begin to pull back the cup, exposing my breast. I arched my back as he brought his head to my breast. I heard a moan that I didn’t realize was mine. Jordan’s hand snaked its way to cup my150

butt;then he flipped me onto my back. I groaned and arched my back even more. Before I realized he had let go of me he was back .Except his boxers were off. His hand grabbed my thong and stripped it off. Jordan’s moan was a151

lot harder and louder than mine but close enough. Like my hand had a mind of its own it worked it way between Jordan’s thighs as he gently bit my nipple. I groaned unthinkingly and rubbed. He 152

arched his back and ripped off my bra. Jordan’s hands grabbed mine. He was strong even as a human. I suddenly found my arms over top of my head. He held them down with one hand and reached with the other to spread my legs. I wanted to grab him and make him thrust into me. But when I writhed beneath him he smiled and held on tighter. His hot breath was in my ear as his hand reached into my secret folds and pinched. I gasped in delight but also in shock. I could see his smile as my hips moved in time with his fingers. Oh God! I screamed internally. Both his hands rested on either side of my face when a hard jab hit into my inner secret core. My head rested on Jordan’s shoulder we were both breathing hard. Jordan’s hand trailed up and down all over my body as he moved rhythmatically inside me, making me groan and move along with him. His lips pressed just under his last biting place and he kissed upward. Then stopped and bit again. This time hard. 153

Someone screamed from the room over. Jordan and I both sat up. It was Isabel’s voice. I grabbed for my robe and blades. Jordan snatched my gun. We stepped out into the hall. “Isabel?” he called. But I knew she wasn’t here I couldn’t smell her scent at all. Lauren was crying in the middle of Isabel’s room. I reached for her and picked her up. I rocked her on my hip. “Shh”, I tried to soothe her. “It’s okay”. I looked over to Jordan. He was by the window seal. Immediately I could see the worry, pain, and anger in his eyes. The anger was the only emotion I hated and feared. “Jordan?” I asked hesitantly. He turned to me picked Lauren up out of my arms and handed me a note as he left the room. I put down my blades and read: 154

My dear Piper,155

I hope you know what this means. After all you are mine. Intelligent; Dear sweetheart I do wish to see you soon. But you’re probably busy with you hubby and new screwing plans. That’s okay babe I understand. But don’t spoil my fun with my new toy. If I can’t have you no one can. And I will haunt your life ‘til you realize you cannot escape me. If you need anything more you have my cell. Or we could just meet in person. And you can show me all of your anger. I’m sure I can put it to good use. Anger is a passionate emotion after all.156

Charlie,157

I looked at the note for a few seconds, and then I walked out of the room. I watched as Jordan laid Lauren on the couch and cover her up. He stood up and looked at me; I looked into his eyes, which were filled with anger. I walked up to him, still looking into his eyes, and reached behind him and grabbed my lighter. He looked at the lighter then looked at me. I lit the lighter and put it up against the note.158

“Don’t believe anything in that note,” I said as I threw it into the fireplace.159

“I don’t, but he seems to really want you.” He said not looking angry anymore.160

“I will never want him. You know that, right?” He nodded but the answer wasn’t enough. It felt like he was lying. ”Jordan?” I said.161

He looked at me meeting my gaze. I felt like crying but that was stupid. I didn’t want to show him how much it hurt me the way he was watching me. Like I had betrayed him and I was doing it again. It’s not like I’m hurting him, I thought. But then realization washed over me. That was exactly what was happening! I was hurting him. Guilt spread over my expression. I turned to hide it hoping he hadn’t noticed just yet.162

He had though. “Piper,” he whispered. I turned and choked back a sob. He came towards me slowly. Like showing a lioness what he was doing so as she wouldn’t bite his head off. Was I the lioness? Biting hard down ripping him apart every time Charlie reminded him and me of my past relationship .Bad girl, I scorned myself. Very bad girl .Charlie was bad. Was I just as terrible? Jordan rapped his arms around me and the guilt exploded making me tremble. 163

“I do trust you Piper. You are strong. I love you,” he whispered huskily in my ear. Tears weld up in my eyes. But, defiantly, I blinked them back.164

“I love you, too” I replied .For it was all that was left to say. It was the truth; My truth.165

Isabel was gone. Charlie had made me cry and not for the first time either. I was pissed .Definitely pissed. He was not going to get away with anything now. Not this time. Isabel might have made wrong choices but no one deserved to die or to be forced into a lying love. I’d found Jordan, it was only fair Isabel get her life back and find her someone too.166

The darkness was good cover for me. Or it would’ve been if I was dealing with a human. But I wasn’t. Not this time. I reached Charlie on his cell about two hours before. He knew that I’d be calling him after his little note.167

“Hello,” he answered breezily. 168

“Where the hell is she?” I hissed. “I swear to freaking god if you did anything to Isabel-“169

“Babe!” he interrupted. ”No .No .My little Bell’s is just fine. For now” .He added.170

“Charlie, where are you? We need to talk, now!” I was yelling almost screaming to the top of my lungs. He laughed, low and hard. Like stone, cold, cold stone.171

“Meet you at my house then.” Then he was gone. I growled at the phone. The dead line. He’ll be dead soon, I soothed myself. 172

It’ll all be over then. I need to do this if not for Jordan or Lauren or Isabel then for myself.173

Charlie was in front of me now. I restrained myself from doing anything rash. I would savor this kill. He’d caused me and my family so much pain. He would learn before he died. I would teach him who not to mess with .Me especially.174

I slowly came out of the darkness on the porch, with my blades unsheathed. I stood directly behind Charlie, and smiled at the thought of cutting his throat out, whether with my blades or ripping it out with my teeth. He slowly turned around to look at me, I saw he was smiling, that pissed me off even more.175

“Where’s Isabel?” I demanded through gritted teeth.176

“She is safe in my bed, waiting for me, at the moment.” He replied happily.177

“I won’t do anything to you if you just give her back,” I lied.178

He laughed “Of course I’ll return her. But what will I get in the process?” Damn, he’d called the bluff. I knew what he wanted.179

Not Isabel in his bed but me. I looked down and smiled. I set my blades down, reluctantly. I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his neck, and said “Well, let’s negotiate.” At first he wanted Lauren, then for me to kill Jordan. We finally came to an agreement that pleased him.180

“Me,” I choked out the word. His smile widened.181

“I knew you would see it my way,” he said as he bent down and kissed me firmly on the lips. I recoiled from his caress but he would not release me. I cursed myself in my head; too quick .I’d acted too fast. He lifted me from the ground and I gasped as he trailed his hands down my legs. Trailing across and over my richly pale thighs. Again I cursed myself as I could not fight him off when he began to strip off the leather strings running across my legs. I panicked inside my head. My body senses betrayed me. As I felt heat go to my folds and correct thought float away.182

“That’s right,” he told me. “Be a good girl. Do what I say and your family won’t get hurt. ” 183

My right mind returned and I realized what he was doing. My bra and leather strings were almost all off. I nuzzled his ear and pretended to reach around and scratch his back. But instead I reached for my blades. His hands locked iron around me and swiftly yanked me farther away.184

“Now why do you still wish to kill me?” he mumbled licking my neck. My body shivered with need. I could feel his vampire blood running through my skin. I pulled away reluctantly. He smiled and hauled me back.185

“Stop,” I begged. He continued, not listening. Damn him! I had to plead and still he would not let me separate myself from him. I wanted Jordan. In my head I screamed for him. I had never needed rescuing before but I needed it now. It was so hard to fight him off. For one because I was not only fighting him but my own body, too.186

Chapter Four187

Tears of anger raged in war-like paths down my cheeks. “Stop,” I rasped. I shoved on his chest trying to push him away. I was crying and sobbing.188

His eyes were absolutely glowing red. My blood boiled under my skin. Fear cloaked over me and he could smell it.189

“Your shivering, Piper .”190

“And. Your point?” I retorted a little chokingly. 191

He laughed and brought his lips down on mine with a groan. I kissed him back willingly. Charlie nuzzled my neck while his hands stripped the rest of my clothes off. Charlie allowed his hands to roam over my body. Lingering at my breasts and squeezing them. I gasped against his mouth. 192

Charlie pulled me away. He moaned as he let his hands pleasure themselves. I cried out and tried to yank myself away. But it was no use, whether it was his strength or my desire I cannot say. Charlie broke away long enough to pull his clothes off. Charlie growled into my folds. All I could see was his hair. But that was enough. Because I could feel the rest of him. His tongue traced the outside of my sex. Then he reached up and moved his fingers along with it. I could feel him inside of me.193

I struggled helplessly, trying with as much effort as possible to resist. But it was impossible, although I cannot say I did not enjoy it. The next thing I knew I saw Jordan standing in the doorway, his face was twisted with pain, anger, and hatred.194

Before I could blink Charlie disappeared after whispering, “Catch ya later babe!” 195

Jordan yanked me off the bed to my feet. Suprisingly enough, he pulled me to him and kissed me full on. By the time we finished kissing we were both gasping for air. He started to dress me like a child and I let him. I was so weak from desire. I couldn’t believe he found me. I guess we are still imprinted, even though he’s human.196

I felt so guilty, but Jordan would not stand for it. He insisted it was not my fault, but inside I knew it was. I wanted to make it up to him. So, I went to Victoria’s Secret and got a very provocative Mrs. Clause outfit. It was December 23, so I had to until tomorrow night. When I walked through the door, I saw that Jordan and Lauren were decorating the tree and had hung up the stockings. Jordan just stared at me; I could feel his eyes on my back as I walked to our room. When I shut the door, I slumped down against the door and burst into tears. I heard Jordan’s footsteps coming towards the door, so I got up and ran to the bathroom and locked the door so he wouldn’t come in. I put my head in between my legs and rocked myself on the floor; then I heard a knock on the door.197

“What?” I asked harsher than I meant.198

“It’s me, can I come in?” Jordan asked sweetly. I turned and unlocked the door then turned back to my legs. I heard him open the door, and I felt his arm around my shoulders. I didn’t move a muscle. Instead I just sat there weeping quietly. After what seemed like an eternity, Jordan said, 199

“Is there something you want to talk about?”200

“No.” I mumbled. Then we heard Lauren shriek. I immediately jumped up and ran to the living room. There I saw Charlie tickling Lauren in the middle of the room.201

“You son of bitch,” I screamed.202

“Well I have visiting rights, don’t I? I am after all her real father.” He said looking Jordan dead straight in the eyes. Jordan flung himself at Charlie and once again Charlie disappeared, leaving Lauren to fall into Jordan’s arms.203

I stood there, stupefied.204

“What the fuck it’s the day before Christmas Eve and he just shows up out of nowhere!” Jordan shouted. Lauren started crying again. I walked over to Jordan and took Lauren out of his arms and carried her to her crib and gave her bottle. I went back out to the living room to find Jordan sitting on the loveseat with his head in his hands. I walked over and sat down beside him. I took his head in my hands and looked hard into his eyes where I saw all of his emotions. He pulled me to him and held me there until we heard Lauren wake up. He hopped up and went to get her. When he came back I could tell he was trying not to cry. He handed Lauren to me and said, “I’m gonna go to the bar for a little while, okay?”205

“Sure I’ve got housework I need to catch up on anyway.”206

With that he walked out the door and I heard the car start and drive away.207

I finished the decorating, cleaned the entire house, and had Lauren asleep when Jordan came stumbling through the door. It was around one in the morning and I could tell he was wasted. He fell onto the recliner. “Come here, sweetie, tell Santa want you want for Christmas.” He said, stumbling over every word. “Well, Santa I’d like you to give Mrs. Clause five minutes and then come in the bedroom, and get your present,” I said provocatively. I turned and walked into our room and shut the door. I took my time changing into that little number. Then I put on my red knee-high stockings, Santa hat, and the red seven inch heels. Then lay on the bed with my chin resting in my hands and my feet in the air and waited. I finally heard his footsteps. He opened the door and tiptoed in. I noticed he had taken off his shirt. He saw me and his eyes lit up like stars. I stood up then pushed him onto the bed, where he sat there mesmerized as he watched me. I picked up a candy cane from our dresser and started licking it up and down very slowly. I knew he was enjoying this. Then I did a strip tease by taking everything off, except the skimpy undergarments. I walked over to the bed and put my leg right in front of Jordan’s face. He ran his hand up to the top of my thigh before grabbing my waist and pulling me onto him. I hadn’t noticed that he’d taken off all of his clothes. He kissed me for what seemed like an eternity. When we pulled apart we were gasping for air. He ripped off my bra like a savage beast and started massaging my breasts with his hands. He groaned with pleasure while I giggled, this kinda tickled. Before I realized it he had my panties off and was gently rubbing his way into my secret folds. I moaned his name, loudly. He flipped me over and then he was on top of me. Once again he put my hands above my head and held them there and started to spread my legs, but I pulled my arms away. I put my arms around his body and made him thrust into me. We both groaned as he hit my inner secret core with his secret weapon. Oh dear lord, I screamed internally. Then he hit again, but harder this time. I rocked rhythmatically with him, as he drove in deeper. I slid my hands between his legs and began messaging his thighs he groaned and pressed his lips hard onto mine. I felt his hands run up to my breast and gently squeeze them, I groaned against his lips. Before I knew it, he rolled over and passed out, stone cold. “Oh shit,” I whispered, “he’s not even gonna remember this, but I’m gonna make him remember. I’ll wait till the morning.” I rolled over and pulled the blankets up over my bare shoulders. I fell asleep instantly.208

When I woke up in the morning I turned over to find Lauren laying beside me, I heard Jordan throwing up in the bathroom. I rose up out of the bed and realized that I was still naked. I tried to cover myself up as best I could, as I walked to the closet and grabbed one of Jordan’s big T-shirts. I walked to the bathroom and opened the door, I found Jordan leaning over the toilet puking his brains out. I sighed and sat down beside Jordan. I gently messaged his neck. He reached back and grabbed my hand, he held on for dear life, as he puked again, I felt him shaking. When it seemed like he had stopped puking he turned and looked at me. I gave out a cry of pity as I saw the pain on his face, I pulled him close to me, and I held him in my arms.209

“Do you remember anything of last night?” I whispered in his ear.210

“All I remember is that I left for the bar.” He answered quietly.211

“Do you want me to make you remember?” I asked.212

“Yes,” he answered uncertainly.213

I turned his head to a position where I could get a good bite. I gently sank my teeth into his smooth flesh. I felt him jerk in surprise, he tried to pull away, but I had him in an iron grip. My vampire side was coming out. I felt his nails begin to dig into my back as I began to let the memories flow into him. When I was done, I gently let go of him and pulled away. I stood up and grabbed a washcloth and wiped the blood off of my face. He looked up at me in surprise, I handed him the washcloth and he slowly pressed it against the wound on his neck. I slowly turned around and opened the bathroom door; I walked to our closet and threw on some jeans and tank top. I walked to the bed and picked up a sleeping Lauren, I carried her to her room and gently placed her into her own bed. When I came back to our room I saw Jordan sprawled out on the bed; he just stared up at the ceiling.214

“So now I know what it feels like being bit by a vampire,” he said finally looking at me.215

“I asked you if you wanted to remember, you’re the one who said yes,” I answer coolly.216

“Yes, I guess I did, we sure did have fun last night didn’t we?” 217

“Yes, it would’ve been better is you weren’t so drunk,” I answered as I walked over to the computer.218

“I’m sorry, but I had to do something.”219

“No you’re not,” I shouted as I slammed my fist on the computer desk, “do you honestly think I actually have feelings for Charlie?”220

“Well, I did walk in on you two about to have sex,” he said icily.221

“I was trying to get Isabel back, besides I could never love him.” I said.222

“Whatever.” Jordan began to get up off the bed, but I got up so close to him and made him fall back again. I leaned close to his face, my canines long and pointy, I was pissed.223

“You don’t know what Charlie and I used to have, before Victoria,” I snarled. “So don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that I love him. I only love you and Lauren.” When I finished saying this I pressed my lips to Jordan’s and I lifted his head with my hands and began running my fingers through his hair. At first, he kissed me back reluctantly, but finally he kissed me willingly. I pulled back and walked out of the room, I was thirsty. He followed me, I could hear his breath.224

“I need to feed,” I told him not looking up.225

“Well we have packs of blood here.” He said sounding confused.226

“That’s donated human blood, I need vampire blood.” I said finally looking up at him. I knew that my fangs were out and my eyes burning red, I could feel it. I saw a leap of fear in his eyes. I walked to the door; before I left I turned around to see Jordan’s head in his hands. I walked over to him, I gently touched him, and I felt him flinch.227

“This is what I am,” I whispered. “I’m sorry.” With that I walked back to the door, I grabbed my jacket. I left my knives because I knew I didn’t need them.228

I walked down the Broken Alley; I could sense a vampire was here. I inhaled deeply, I knew it was a male, I could feel his eyes on me. I could feel the desire for blood building up inside of me. 229

“What’s wrong baby, are you lost?” I heard a deep male voice behind me. I smiled with my fangs showing. I didn’t answer him, I heard his feet move. A second later I felt his arms surrounded me. I quickly turned and pushed his head over and bit him, I moaned with desire as I felt his blood go down my throat. He tried to scream, but I dug my nails into his neck to silence him. He began clawing at my back. Slowly I lowered him to the ground, I unattached myself from him as I laid him down. He looked at me in surprise. I leaned over him and moved to straddle him. I wanted him to die with pleasure; so I took his hands and brought them to my breast, I heard him moan and squeeze as I reattached myself to his neck to finish him off. When I drained ever single drop of blood from his body, I got up and walked home, I felt so much better. When I came back through the door, I found Jordan sitting on the couch asleep. I smiled and walked over to him. I sat next to his sleeping body, I gently rubbed his back. He stirred and finally opened his eyes.230

“I’m sorry, I just gave in to my needs,” I said, frowning.231

“It’s ok. I know that it’s in your nature. I just wish it wasn’t.” he said rubbing my cheek.232

“I really am sorry”, guilt was plain on my face and I couldn’t hide it. I didn’t want to, not from Jordan. He continued to rub my cheek soothingly. “Charlie’s bad, Jordan. He’s really, really bad. And I will die before I let him hurt you or Lauren. It’s not fair to you that you got someone like me!” I gulped and tried to regain my calmness. “So I’m going to Charlie.”233

He took his hand back angrily. “No!” he thundered.234

“It’s too late now,” I sighed knowing he was going to resist me until the very end. “I’ll take away your memory, give you new one’s. One’s that will make you happy. You’ll completely forget about me. I promise it won’t hurt. I don’t want to cause you any more pain. I’ve been selfish enough.”235

He stood up and backed away from me. “No, Piper. I don’t want to forget you,” he replied. I tracked him across the room.236

“I’m sorry Jordan. You have no choice. But it’ll be okay I swear,”237

I tried to reassure him. He kept backing away from me. And I followed him. He lunged for the door and I tackled him to the floor. I heard the house jump as my strength crashed into the wall. Lauren woke up but I’d make this quick. So no one but Jordan would go in and get her.238

“I love you,” I whispered. Then with tears in my eyes I reared up and bit him hard on the neck. He cried out. Not from pain but in anger that he knew he couldn’t fight me. Slowly I began to drain away his memories taking them from him. With every moment passing his eyes grew more and more dull.239

When I stood up and wiped the blood from my face he was nearly unconscious. I felt guilty as I cleaned out my things into my car outside the house and cradled Lauren back to sleep. She would remember me as nothing more than an imaginary best friend or a dream of a loving mother. Then I cried as I drove away leaving them both in what I thought would be forever.240

Charlie welcomed me back knowing what I’d done. Then just like that he did the same to Isabel. Replacing old memories with new ones. Isabel went back to my house as Lauren’s older sister. Jordan’s ‘false’ memory wife would be dead in both their minds.241

“I told you it wouldn’t be that hard. Now we can be together,” Charlie nuzzled my neck holding me close. I would not cry in front of him. But I couldn’t resist him either. So I stood as still as a porcelain doll. Dead. Cold. Lifeless. I repeated inside my head.242

But as his hands ran up my arms over my shoulders and down to my ass I was anything but cold. I was warm, wet, and ready. Despite the fact that I wanted very badly to kill him and I would rather have died than spend the rest of eternity with Charlie. My body had other cravings that would not be silenced. I moaned when Charlie lifted up my shirt over my head and unclipped my bra. He captured my breasts in his hard, firm grip. I gasped and nearly cried out at the unfairness that I knew Jordan would never hold me or caress my body the way Charlie was again. In fact Charlie was rather enjoying himself so much in his victory that I envied him for it. He held me close to his hard erection. Then turned my body around and held himself at my back. He pressed himself up close to me again rubbing against me. The heat between my legs made me wetter. It felt like a dam had broken between them.243

“You will do everything I say or I will make sure Jordan will know everything that has happened between us before he dies a painful death,” he growled in my ear. Dominance, his desire for me and to control me.244

“Fine,” I allowed dying inside. “Anything as long as you stay away from Isabel, Lauren, and Jordan.” He nodded in agreement and laughed as I flinched when he tucked his hand down into my core.245

“You’ll love this,” he whispered almost affectionately in my ear. “Just do what I tell you to”. I nodded reluctantly. He got down on his knees and peeled off my pants. And my underwear went with it. His tongue shot out of his mouth and ran up my spine. I arched as he slid his hand up to cup one of my breasts. His mouth was on me, between my legs. Running up and down and across my fiery hot skin. “Ready, set,” his mouth vibrated into my special spot. “Come”. As soon as he commanded my body obeyed.246

Waves of passion swept me away and I bucked in his arms crying out. But when I began crying out Jordan’s name he clamped his hand over my mouth and pushed himself into me. He came with a loud yell. Holding my mouth closed and squeezing my breast so hard I began to cry. I’d swore to myself I would not cry in front of him but the tears came anyway. He rolled away from me a few minutes later and dragged me up with him.247

He ordered me into the shower and when he stepped in with me I covered myself feeling extremely violated. He grabbed my arms and held them above my head planting a kiss on my mouth roughly. I tried to tear away from him but couldn’t. The water poured over both of us as he took me again. This time against my will. I’d endure this for the rest of my life just to save those I held closest to myself. To save those who I truly loved. No matter how much control Charlie had over me he could not make me forget Jordan. He could not make me stop loving Jordan. And he could not make me care about him. That thought gave me strength.248

I woke up naked in Charlie’s black satin and silk sheets. He wasn’t there. He’d never been there when I had actually chosen to be with him. He wasn’t here now when I was being forced to be with him. I got up slowly and found my things all put away. He’d been up for a while already I guessed. I grabbed a t shirt and pair of jean shorts. 249

“No!” an angry voice hollered at me from behind. I stiffened and turned and glared at Charlie. “What are you doing?” he growled.250

“Um… getting dressed I can’t walk around naked all day,” I said.251

He smiled and I knew the thought of me doing just that pleased him.252

“You will if I tell you to,” he replied. But didn’t order it. I would’ve hit him anyway if he had and he knew that would be pushing it. “I want you to wear this”, he said tossing a small bitchy sluttish skimpy black dress that was smaller than one Jordan’s football t-shirts and showed a hell of a lot more skin. I sighed and obeyed angrily. When I was done he growled his approval. His arms came around me rubbing slowly up my back. I looked behind him as he held me. Through the window I could see that it was already dark outside.253

“So I guess I’ll be living in the night now, am I right?” I asked. He touched my hair and pressed his lips where his fingers had been.254

“Yes, even though the sun just hurts my eyes and doesn’t really kill me like those stupid humans believe but I am a nocturnal creature none the less,” he replied. “And now you will be too.”255

Chapter Five256

Charlie loved clubs. He took me to a new one every night. And every night I fought with myself. To not run away. To be strong and not go see Jordan or Lauren or Isabel. I just couldn’t handle it if they were unhappy because of me. But fate wasn’t being as generous. About a month had passed since I’d been back with Charlie and he decided he wanted someone else to be with him. Apparently he got kicks from making other peoples life a living hell. His ex was a strong woman just two years older than me. Her name was Victoria. She had a nice sweet little baby boy. Jared, Charlie’s son. I felt sorry for her when she was forced to meet me and Charlie at his newest club, Bite5. 257

I noticed her the moment she walked in. She wore a small leather mini skirt and tight black tank. Her red hair was pulled back into a pony tale. Charlie spotted her too. When she neared the table he took her by the hand and pulled her onto his lap. She wiggled and tried to get free. He reached up and held onto the back of her neck. His other hand was holding mine.258

“So now that I have my two girls we’re going to have some fun.”259

“No, Charlie,” Victoria said still struggling. “I have to get back to Jared.” Charlie shook his head.260

“No, I’ve sent a friend to your house to retrieve your things and the baby is in safe care.” I watched her body go tense.261

“You bastard!” she cried. “You had no right. He’s my baby!”262

“My son, my heir, my blood and flesh,” Charlie replied. “Be good and nothing will happen to him.” I wiggled in my seat. Charlie looked at me then brought his attention back to Victoria.263

“This is Piper. The mother of my daughter. Now you two will get to know each other very well,” his face was beaming with satisfaction. Another fly caught in his web, I thought. 264

We got home later that night. Victoria and I towing Charlie. How vampires can still get drunk is a mystery to me. Finally when he was out cold in his bed Victoria and I had a chance to talk privately.265

“So you’re another one in his trap?” she inquired. I nodded quietly.266

“Yes, yes I am,” I replied. “He threatened my husband and daughter to get me. Like he’s using your son to get to you.”267

Victoria really understood everything and I grew too really like her. We became best friends. The only one we could trust in Charlie’s black world.268

“Good morning, girls”, Charlie said when he woke up. I flinched when he used his tone to order us to come to him. “Climb up on the bed”, he told Victoria. She did and he positioned her to lay on his left. While he ordered me to lay on his right side. His greedy hands found my breasts. And he stroked them while he ordered Victoria to straddle his thighs.269

“Kiss her,” he told Victoria. We both froze and he grew impatient.270

“I said kiss her.” He took my head and held it in place. Then he grabbed Victoria by her hair and smashed her lips on mine. When he was sure we wouldn’t move he let go of both our heads and reached for our intertwined breasts. He pinched two nipples. Mine and hers. Rolling them between his fingers. The pain of it was sinfully erotic. I forced myself not to pull away; I knew that if I did, I would suffer a great price. I could feel how tense Victoria was; I’m sure she could feel me too. Finally he let us pull apart.271

He turned to me when he finished kissing Victoria. He rolled on top of me. He tucked his face into my neck as he slide into me. I couldn’t help moaning as he moved against me. I felt him smile as I arched against him when he flooded in me. I gave Victoria a side ways glance, she didn’t look happy. I gently pushed my hands against his solid chest; he snarled.272

“Baby, its Victoria’s turn,” I whispered, looking at her. I saw gratefulness in her eyes. Charlie sighed and slide out of me, and lay on top of Victoria and rode her hard until she cried out in pain. I flinched and tried to move off the bed. He noticed and reached for me. Charlie slammed me back down and the bed and roughly kissed me as he pounded into Victoria and used his fingers on me. We all screamed at the same time.273

Later on, Charlie, Victoria, and I went out to the mall. Charlie wanted to get me and Victoria some new clothes. For me he picked out a black short dress with no straps that were cut on the sides from the waist down. He also got me about seven pairs of black lacey panties to match. Victoria got a dress that looked kind of like mine only a dark shade of purple and it wasn’t cut on both sides like mine. I could tell that Charlie preferred me more than Victoria. I found a pleasure out of this, I didn’t know why at first. Then I realized that he makes love to me kind of like how Jordan used to. Jordan, I shuddered at thinking of him. I closed my eyes and felt Charlie trace a finger down my cheek, my neck, all the way down to my breast.274

“Not here,” I whispered. “I want you, but not here; when we get home, just you and me.” I was lying, but he didn't know it thank god. If he did Jordan would be in serious trouble.275

“Oh baby, I’ve been waiting for you to say that since you came back to me.” My eyes popped open and narrowed at the grin on his face. I saw anger flicker in his eyes, but it was suddenly gone and filled with longing. I heard Victoria sigh; I gave her an apologetic glance. He took Victoria’s hand and wrapped his arm around my waist. While we were walking out someone walked into me. Charlie and I both turned and snarled. My snarl stopped quickly, it was Isabel. I pulled Charlie away and practically dragged them out the door. We silently got in the car, not a word was spoken on the ride home.276

Later on that night, while I was alone with Charlie, I was surprised to find that I actually liked the way he rode me. As I lay under, him he drove himself into me, making me moan and pant. When he flooded me for the third time, I dug my fingers into his back urging him to go on. Finally he turned onto his back and pulled me on top of him. I rose above him and kissed him before I lowered myself onto his hard, sexy, shaft. I started slow, and then my speed increased. I felt him grab my pumping hips as I tilted my head back, my long hair brushing his legs. I felt hurt and I knew I was being unfaithful to Jordan. But I loved him and I wanted him to live. So if being unfaithful would keep him alive. I would suffer this.277

“Harder, baby, harder,” he panted out the demand. My body instantly obeyed. His head came up to my full breast and suckled, I heard my breath wheeze. 278

“Oh my God, Charlie, I’ve never felt like this with you. You’ve changed,” I panted as he gripped my waist even harder, I knew he was going to leave bruises. And I really don’t care; he’s branding me like any male vampire would if they wanted to show their possession. I hated it, I really did. I wanted to be an equal, not a possession. 279

I lay in Charlie’s tight grip, I thought about Jordan. I shook my head and pushed the thought of him away. I was with Charlie now; Jordan didn’t exist in my world anymore. I fell asleep with my hand on Charlie’s bare, muscular, pale chest. When I woke up in the tangled black satin and silk sheets, I was surprised to find Charlie still beside me. I looked up and saw him looking at me. He had a slight grin on his face. I rose up onto my elbow, still leaning against him.280

“What?” I asked.281

“You look so peaceful when you sleep.” He said. I rose up more and kissed him. I smiled at his blink of surprise.282

“What?” I asked looking confused and hurt.283

“I thought you were only with me to save that human.”284

“Well, I was at first, but now I’m in love with you all over again.”285

He smiled at me before he rolled on top of me.286

“Charlie, I think we should get dressed and go check on Victoria. And I could use some new shoes and stockings.” I said giving him a sly smile. He sighed a deep sigh and rubbed his hard member against the inside of my thighs to let me know what I was missing. I groaned as he kissed me before rolling off of me. I got up and pulled on a black dress and a matching black bra and underwear.287

We found Victoria asleep on the couch. I gently shook her to awaken her. She blinked in surprise then finally got up and stretched. She threw me a curious glance when he pulled me close. I nodded, our way of tell each other we’d tell later. Charlie took us to his personal jeweler, who made me a beautiful diamond and aquamarine ring and made Victoria a ring with diamonds and rubies. We both gave Charlie our thanks. 288

Because I'm part human, i can't just live on blood. I often had to go to the store to get enough food to last me atleast two months. But one night, it was different. When I was in the boxed food department, I could smell him, I could hear the steady beat of his heart, I knew who it was: Jordan. I slowly turned around to look at him, he was looking right back. I cleared my throat and turned around. He's not a part of your world anymore. You only belong to Charlie, I kept reminding myself while I walked to the pharmacy isles. I don't know why, but my breast have been tender to the touch, I've been getting sick, and very moody. I walked to the pregnancy test isle. I grabbed three different kinds of tests, paid for all the stuff, and left.289

When I got home, I put the food in the fridge and took my tests to the bathroom. After I took the first two, I felt the nerves in my stomach clench together. Positive? I thought, how could this have happened? Damn it all! No!290

"Charlie!" I shouted. I heard his footsteps at the door.291

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?" he asked, I thought I heard a smidge of panic in his voice.292

"Come in here." I said barely above a whisper. But he heard me, he always does. He came into the bathroom and saw boxes on the floor. I handed him the first two that I took that came back positive. He looked at them, then at me, his eyes wide open.293

"Piper, are you sure?"294

"I've got six more that I haven't used yet, if I use them, and they come back positive, it's a yes." I said not looking at him. I heard him move, I thought he was leaving, but instead, he knelt beside me and kissed me. I began to sob, my body shaking. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close. I realized that ever since I told him that I loved him, he's been acting more compassionate, I was begining to realize that he does love me. He sat with me while I took all of the other test. They all came back positive. He lifted me into his arms and spun around. He kissed the tears off of my eyelashes. I wanted to scream and beat myself unconscious. How could I?! God, I just wanted to die.295

"We're having a baby!" he yelled. He opened the bathroom door while balancing me with one arm. He found his brother, who was reading an original copy of Shakespeare.296

"Johnathon, this woman is carrying my child." he said, pure joy in his voice. I laid my head on his shoulder, he looked down at me, smiled at his brother, turned, and walked away. He walked into our bedroom. He lay me down on the black satin sheets and ranged himself over me. He brought his lips a breath from mine, I heard a little whimper that I didn't realize was mine. He lightly pressed his lips to mine. I opened my mouth to let his tongue explore my mouth, but he pulled away.297

"I don't want to hurt the baby by going to rough," he whispered.298

"I like it rough." I replied, you could hear the desire in my voice. He brought his mouth down hard on mine, I felt his hand snake up to grab the back of my neck. He pulled away from my mouth and put his head in the crook of my neck. I felt his mouth against my skin, then I felt his teeth pierce my skin. I gasped as he started to feed off of me. I arched against him when he licked my throat.299

"Oh, yeah. Since your already with child - why don't I try for twins!" he laughed. I found the strength, deep inside, to push him off of me. A red haze covered my sight as my breathing hitched up.300

"All you can think about right now is getting me even more pregnant?" I shouted, my voice getting louder with every word. He didn't say anything for a while, he just stared at the floor. When I finally realized he wasn't gonna answer me, I stormed out of the room. I closed the door with a slam and pushed my way passed Victoria and Charlie's brother. When I reached the front door, I didn't even look back as I opened it and ran out. I didn't know where I was going, but I just went wherever my feet took me. 301

About an hour later, I found myself at the old house that Josh had taken me. It seemed so familiar, like from a dream. I opened the creaky door and walked in. There was a pale blue chair by the fireplace, and a beautiful wooden table in the dining room. I walked silently up the stairs and into one of the bedrooms. I laid down on the bed and tried to relax. Outside I could hear the crickets sing and the frogs croak. Eventually I slept. When I woke up, I heard a rustling outside. I silently crept up to the window. Outside, there was a little girl with red hair, she would have seemed innocent, until she grabbed for a rat and burrowed her teeth in its throat. With a shudder, I walked down the stairs and silently slipped through the door. I walked to where the little girl was. She was shaking, but I knew she wasn't cold. 302

"Little girl," I whispered. She turned slowly, her teeth bared. "now now little one, I won't hurt you, I want to help you."303

"How can you help me," she hissed out the last word.304

"Little girl, I know what you are, for I am half your kind," I smiled at the suspicion in her eyes. "would you care to see?" When she nodded, I bared my teeth in an evil smile as my canine's extended. When her wall of suspicion went down, I slowly crossed to her.305

"Little girl, I am a dhampir, maybe the only one left."306

"I don't have a name...I've heard of you, you were wed to Charlie weren't you?" She asked, her eyes lit with excitement.307

"Yes I was. Why don't you have a name?"308

"My mother died, my father left and I was bitten by a vampire when I was eight. Thats why I am so small."309