In the Darkness

It was night, darkness filled the house and the tense atmosphere could’ve been cut with a knife. It was silence and the only small light was coming from downstairs, from the living room where Eric stand on the floor, looking at the burning fire from the fireplace. His eyes were trailing every detail of it, trying to get his mind off Stella and the news he got from the boys. He couldn’t believe she transformed, she lost it and she…became what she’s been once.

“She will kill me.” He whispered closing his eyes and laid back on the floor.

“She won’t.” Eric opened his eyes and looked up to see Nate walking in and pouring himself a glass of blood.

“She hates me. I’ve left her for her human sister and let myself fall on Rebecca’s charm.” Nate rolled his eyes and smirked.

“That’s true. You’re just an idiot.” Eric glared up at Stella’s brother. “Don’t forget I am her older brother. I know better, what I say is better, I am better. Maybe I’m calmer and I don’t seem like a dangerous vampire. But I am.” Eric roller his eyes and closed his eyes back after hearing Nate’s footsteps walking up the stairs.

There passed just a few minutes when he felt a breeze.

“Do you want another drink, Nate?” He asked amused but he didn’t get a response so he opened his eyes. He was surprised to meet Stella’s eyes. “Are you here to annoy me?” He asked, every word full of venom. The girl only smirked.

“No. I actually wanted a drink. The bars are full of humans and I do know there are vampires who want my help.” Eric got on his butt and looked at his once upon a time fiancée. “I know everything that happened, Eric. I’m not sick, I just remember everything. From the beginning, where you broke my heart and when I moved back to Firehole with Nate and Adrian.” He couldn’t get his eyes off her. She looked the same but she was so different. She was shining in a strange light.

“I thought you hate me.” She scoffed while getting herself a glass of blood.

“I do.” She said turning fully to him. “And I do want to kill you. But first I’m going to provoke a massacre.” She smiled wickedly and flashed out the door. Eric got up and flashed upstairs into Nate’s room.

“She’s up to something.” But there was no Nate.

Meanwhile, Stella was on her own, walking purposeless through the city. It was a nice night. She looked up at the moon to see it was full and shining brightly. She smirked and knew exactly where to go.

Her feet stopped when she arrived in front a huge house. She tried to look as normal as possible and jumped on the roof. There she got on her stomach and let herself trail down in air, to a window. She looked in to see darkness and a fast beating heart. She smirked again sadistically and opened the window. She waited on the roof until she heard no beating heart inside the room anymore. She flashed to the nearest bar and entered, looking as slutty as possible. Once she opened the door every eye turned to her. She felt two vampires in and smirked. She went directly to the bar and ordered a bottle of tequila. The bartender looked taken back by her request. Stella rolled her eyes and gave him one of her stern looks.

“Hello, Cherie.” She didn’t have to turn her head to see him because she already knew Liam was there, curious what she would answer. If she even had an answer…

“Liam…” She started but stopped to drink down half of the bottle. The bartender was amazed at the tiny girl. “I bet you’re here for an answer.” The vampire nodded even if she couldn’t see it.

“Yes. That’s what I had in mind. But I can wait.” He didn’t even see the change in her behavior or the radiating superior feeling she threw everyone.

“Then I guess the wait is over.” She turned and smiled flirty at him. She walked out, the bottle in one hand, the other dragging Liam. They walked for a while, the other vampire in the shadows, watching them. She smirked. Everything was going according to the plan.

“So…” He turned to face her but she stopped him with a kiss. He gave in, obviously. When she backed down she could hear steps running fast in their way. She backed off more and jumped on a tree. Liam looked curious and amused at the vampire. She smirked and titled her head onto one side as an innocent kid.

“Bye bye, Liam. I would say it was nice to meet you…” She paused and pouted. “But I would lie.” The pout changed in a stoic face when a werewolf came crushing on Liam. He tried to fight it but the wolf was powerful. He bitted the vampire and killed him, ravishing his body into pieces. When the werewolf left and when the zone was safe enough, Stella jumped back down. She glanced at Liam’s head, which was bloody and still had the eyes opened. She turned her eyes back in front and flashed to the vampire from the shadows. She forgot what his name was and she didn’t really care in that moment. He tried to run but she was too fast. She caught him and threw him into a tree. Her nails were gripping his neck tightly and for once, the vampire felt as he was living a nightmare. She smirked sadistically again and glared at him.

“I am not going to betray my family for someone like you. Scum that fill the world with impure blood. There are just a few nobles. Matt is one of the few members of family I have. He will get killed just whenI say so.” She glared for the last time at the poor vampire and in a flash, grabbed his heart out. She threw the body away as it was garbage and even walked over it, no remorse behind. She glanced at the moon for the last time and saw it shining as proudly as before. She smirked. The night didn’t finish yet.

The Curse

There went just a few hours until Nate and Alex met with James and Adrian to talk about the…new situation.

“I can’t believe you!” Adrian glared at both vampires. He was more than furious. James looked pretty calm, sitting on the chair with a bottle of blood in hand, glancing between the two younger and quite guilty vampires and the slayer.

“Actually, I can’t believe this happened either.” The three males turned their eyes on the much older and powerful vampire, who got off the chair and looked rather interested in the details of his bottle. “Earlier today she asked me about Matt.” Alex’s eyebrow quirked up instantly. However, Nate and Adrian didn’t have a clue about the so called person.

“Matt?” Adrian finally asked. Alex’s head bent down and on one side, not very happy. He was ashamed of something. James watched him from the corner of his eye while Nate was visibly staring.

“Oh. You don’t know about him either. What a pity.” Nate glared at James, making the older male smirk. His change of mood annoyed everyone there. However, Alex was a little curious how James would keep his cool in front of Stella. The last time, it went pretty good. He didn’t even move. But that wasn’t the original. That was just a small part of what Stella Blanche was. And Stella Blanche was the Devil.

“Alex…” James started again after a long pause. “Why don’t you inform our dear friends about your old teacher?” Nate’s head turned to Alex in a flash. The poor man didn’t know what to do anymore so he did the only thing he thought he should’ve from the start.

“I lied, which is something normal in the vampire world.” He smirked, trying to loosen up, but the atmosphere was too tense. “After Stella supposedly died and you disappeared with her” He said looking to Nate.”…I didn’t know what to do. She transformed me without a purpose. I was supposed to be just a memory but she wanted me to live forever. Always be her friend, her companion, a replacement.” He glared down at his shoes, something disturbing crossing his mind. “I’ve always been a replacement for Eric. I tried to think otherwise but I couldn’t. That was the truth.” He chuckled darkly but it could’ve been heard a small glimpse of sadness. “I was her plan B.” Nate closed his eyes and sighed.

“Get to the subject already.” He was growing impatient. He just wanted to hear who the hell that Matt man was and go search for Stella. Or maybe just go upstairs and sleep. He was damn tired.

“Patience is a virtue…” Nate and Adrian glared at him and were almost ready to punch him. “Alright, alright. I will take this seriously. Matt Gregory had a brother…Aaron. He married this girl from Paris, Beatrice. They had two children, who Aaron turned into vampires. Now…put the two together and let’s see the result.” James rolled his eyes but let himself smirk at Alex’s personality.

“What’s happening here?” The four men looked to the entrance and saw Eric, curious and worried, coming in.

“Listening to life stories.” Nate mumbled rolling his eyes clearly annoyed. Adrian wasn’t far and James was enjoying a lot the annoyance Alex, most definitely, radiated. Eric got curious and went closer. “Well?” Nate asked Alex. “Aren’t you going to continue?”

“Matt was Aaron’s brother. Who’s Aaron?” Eric raised an eyebrow.

“Aaron Blanche. Stella and Nate’s father. Anything else?” Nate and Adrian’s eyes widened.

“He’s…he’s…my uncle?!” Eric’s eyes widened too and glance at his own uncle. James just kept a stoic face the entire time.
“What did you tell Stella?” Alex asked James. He shrugged.

“Exactly the same. “ Alex’s glare deepened.”And that Matt was the rebellious brother.” Alex rolled his eyes and found himself glared at by Eric and Nate.

“I didn’t have a purpose in life after she faded away. I was walking through Europe when he found me….”

It was dark and the cigarettes’ smoke was intoxicating but the people in the bar didn’t care. Alex was at the bar, drinking his tenth shot of tequila. The bartender was a curved and pretty girl who was continuously glancing at him or giving him worried looks.

“Can I have another one?” She looked at him perplexed but poured him another one. He drank it up in a second.

“Are you alright? How many fingers do I have raised?” He looked up at her and chuckled.

“I’m sober. I don’t get drunk so fast.” She nodded slowly, not really believing him. “But you have three fingers raised, for you information.” She rolled her eyes and smiled, going to another customer. Alex sighed and closed his eyes.

“You let her go away so easily? I’m disappointed.” Alex opened his eyes and turned his eyes on the left.

“I’m not interested in a one night stand.” The newcomer chuckled.

“Caught in an old relationship?” Alex rolled his eyes and called the bartender again. She smiled at him and at the new customer. Both men gave their own orders and turned back to talking with each other.

“More like a one side relationship.” The man chuckled again and drank up his alcohol.

“What was so special about her?” Alex looked back at the man, his eyes holding a superior gaze, most likely from being around Stella so much.

“Deep green eyes that sparkled every time she would smile or glint mischievously into the dark, her innocent personality yet she could’ve killed anyone in one swift motion, her bright shining smile and so on and on.” The man started to laugh and patted him on the back.

“Lovesick, huh?” He got closer to Alex and let his eyes redden. “Vampires don’t have feelings, Alexander.” The younger vampire widened his eyes. “I can teach you the true meanings of the vampire world. You just have to say one small word.” Alex looked rather shocked to the other vampire. “Do we have a deal?”

“What do you get from teaching me how to be a…vampire? I’ve fell in love with one, my best friend was one, her brother was one and her…boyfriend was also a vampire.” The still unnamed vampire smirked.

“Stella Blanche is one intriguing creature, isn’t she?” Alex widened his eyes again. “Matthew Gregory. Her uncle.” Alex’s mouth hang open, completely speechless. “Let me tell you this. Never trust a female, mostly when she’s actually a vampire. But…” He paused for a second, time his smirk got bigger. “Stella is a rarity. She was born to be somebody. Maybe not for humans, but definitely for night creatures. She holds the curse and just she can control it. I can teach you and you can help her.” Alex looked quite shocked and at the same time, relived to meet him.

“Yes. My answer is yes.” Matt smirked, knowing exactly how much fun he will have and what a vampire he will make from Alex. 

“And that’s how I met him and how everything begun. The end.” Alex bowed while Eric and Nate, who meanwhile sat down, stood there reflecting over the information.

“A…curse? What do you mean with curse? Wait…that’s how you learned so many things about our family!” Alex nodded while Nate’s eyes reddened. He wanted to punch Alex so, so bad.

“Tell us about the curse.” Adrian ordered, his hands crossed over his chest, his face expressionless.

“Why ask him when you can ask me?” Everyone turned their heads to see Stella.

“It seems this house turned into a HQ.” James mumbled rolling his eyes. Stella trailed her bloody eyes over everyone in the room. However, they stopped when she met Eric’s face. She smirked sadistically and walked slowly to him.

“Eric…nice to see you so troubled. You can’t even imagine how delighted I am when you’re hurt.” She whispered the last part into his ear. Her eyes trailed to Alex and went and kissed him. Poor vampire didn’t even know how to react. She stopped before he could. She licked her lips and walked past Eric, feeling their eyes staring into the depts. of her soul. That was just the beginning. “The real story has just begun.” She mumbled loud enough for them to hear while she ascended the stairs.

“The curse is Stella herself.” Alex mumbled, his eyes staring at the place the girl has just walked out of.

Dear diary: I lost control

Meanwhile, Stella was rather relaxed in the same place James left her. She closed her eyes and, unconsciously, smelled blood. She furrowed her eyebrows and cracked her knuckles. The smell was getting closer rather fast. The human was running. She stood there like a statue until the human bumped into her from behind. It was a young teenage girl. Stella could smell the quantity of adrenaline the girl had. She was scared shitless of something.Also, someone was searching for the teenager from what the vampire could hear.

“I…I’m s-sorry.” The girl looked up at the vampire, who was struggling to keep control. The human looked down at her bloody ankle and the bruises on her arms. Stella could smell them. She knew she couldn’t stop anymore. She needed it more than ever.

“Found you!” The girl turned scared to the man behind both females. He looked tired, maybe from running, but at the same time he had an insane expression. His face had bruises, most likely from the girl who tried to defend herself. He started to yell something at her but Stella’s ears could listen just to their beating hearts.

“Help me.” The girl whined to the older female. Stella didn’t even move. The man snickered.

“Well, well, well. Two birds at once. This is going to be interesting.” The smaller girl started to cry and grabbed Stella’s hand tightly. The man grabbed the teenager from her wrist and began pulling her into him. Stella grabbed the hand the girl had a grip on and pushed the man away. He glared at her and pushed her, hard. Stella didn’t see that coming and stumbled back. That was it. Someone dared to push her, had the intention to hurt her. She opened her eyes, red eyes, and gave the man a stern, superior look. The glare the man had intensified. “Wench…” He mumbled, taking the scared girl.

“This isn’t your lucky day.” In one flash the man was on the floor, dead, bloodsucker over him, canines deep into his flesh. The younger girl screamed as loud as her lungs let her. The vampire raised her head and looked at the teenager, smirking. “You have five seconds to save yourself.” The girl’s eyes widened. Stella’s eyes widened a little and slightly smiled. “Run.” And that’s what she’s done.

The girl was already a few meters away but the feeling that she was watched just intensified.

“1…” The voice was coming from afar. “2…” The girl was running, not having a clue where.”3…” The voice was coming closer and closer. “4.* She whispered it right into her ear. *5…” She whispered moving her head into one side. “Time’s over.” The girl’s eyes widened even more and yelled while Stella stuck her teeth into her neck.

Meanwhile, Nate and Alex went back to the Arche mansion, tired and annoyed. Not a good combination.

“She was nowhere! Not even at your house.” Alex mumbled, jumping on the couch. Nate looked down at the younger vampire and scoffed.

“You alarmed my father for nothing.” Alex shrugged. “And scared the women.” Alex shrugged again and smiled innocently at the older vampire.

“Don’t say it like you didn’t enjoy it. I was so close to kill them. So close.” He said pointing out with his fingers. Nate rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile. The two got interrupted by the door opening. In entered Stella, her face cleaned up.

“Hey, Stel!” She stopped and slowly turned her head to her brother. She stood there thinking what she should do until she chose to go over them.

“Where have you been?” Alex asked getting up and to her. She looked at him, intently. Out of nowhere, Alex looked quite different in Stella’s view. He was hotter, changed, simply different. Nate watched Stella uncertain. Something was different about her too. He felt…weird. His eyes trailed over her figure until he met her eyes. His eyes widened. She was checking Alex out. Also, when he looked closer, she had blood on her lips. He glared daggers at her and pushed her hard into the wall. Alex looked surprised at his companion. “What the hell?!” He flashed in front of Stella and looked back at Nate.

“I never thought I’ll see the day you, out of everyone, will hurt me, Nate.” Stella’s words didn’t make the older brother flinch or be sorry. He flashed in front of Alex and pushed him aside, taking Stella by her neck.

“I’m not stupid, Stella. I know you better than anyone. Did you actually think I won’t see you’ve changed? Stella Monroe doesn’t exist anymore. The true Stella broke free. The Devil broke from its cage.” Alex’s eyes widened as much as they could. He looked at the older vampire female. She simply smirked and pushed her brother away, hard.

“You can’t even imagine how good it is to be back. Freedom has never tasted so good.” Nate glared at his sister but couldn’t get up. She hit him pretty hard. She glanced at Alex and smirked. “Aren’t you happy to see me, Alexander?” She flashed in front of him. She trailed her finger down his face and to his lips. “Aren’t you happy to see the girl you’ve fell in love with?” He looked down at her with a stoic face.

“The girl I’ve fell in love with…” He bent down, closer to her lips. “…died long time ago.” She glared at him and punched him hard, throwing him next to Nate.

“You all were so afraid I will come back to life. But you never realized you were keeping me in a cage. You wanted just what’s good for you.”She glared at nothing specifically.”Have you ever thought what’s good for me too? What do I want?” There was a pause. “No.” She flashed in front of them and bent down to their level. “Now it’s the time I make the rules. The first one is quite easy to understand.” She glared down at the two vampires, her eyes red and fangs out, that superior feeling flowing down over them. “Don’t mess with me.” She flashed out of there and God knows where she went.

From Powerful Vampire to Powerful Vampire

Stella didn’t care anymore about the stupid party. All she wanted to do was going somewhere peaceful where she could think. She went to the only place she ever felt at peace: the Firehole forest. It was night, dark, cold, and silent, like a scene from a horror movie. She didn’t walk much until she chose to stop and lay down. She closed her eyes and leaned on a tree.

“What am I going to do?” She mumbled not really awaiting for an answer. But there was someone else in the forest too except the vampire female. She opened her eyes to stare into big brown eyes. “I thought you went out to eat?” James shrugged and laid down, next to her.

“What’s on your mind?” She stared in front in the distance, expecting something to happen, someone to come and say the nightmare was over and that she could open her eyes and everything would be alright and normal.

“When I first found out I am a vampire I never imagined it will be so…” James raised an eyebrow, amused.

“Hard?” She shook her head.

“Tiring. There are so many questions and when I finally find the answers…I realize I know nothing.” She bent her head down and stared at her fidgeting hands. “Not even my life.” James glanced at the noble from the corner of the eye.

“Your life…huh. Some things are better unknown.” She sighed and looked at him.

“Who’s Matthew Gregory?” James’s head quirked up in a second and stared at her with slightly wide eyes. “So it’s true.” She trailed, getting up. The older vampire watched the girl as she started pacing around. “He exists.” She glanced at him and stopped. “My uncle.” James didn’t know what to say. He never met the younger Gregory. That family has always lived mysteriously, in the darkness of the night. Aaron was the only one who had the guts to marry, to have children with a human and then transform all of them.

“Your family has always been a mystery. There are stories about your father, good ones, and then…there is Matt. The younger Gregory brother, the rebel.” He got up too and chuckled. “Aaron was indeed a vampire, with everything a vampire is…but Matt is another story.” He grinned to Stella and flashed away.

“Great.” She mumbled rolling her eyes.

Back in the bar, Nate was still talking with Dana, surprisingly. The girl stopped asking weird questions for her own good and simply started to talk about normal, teenage topics. That, until Eric realized there is no Stella anymore.

“Nate!” The noble brother turned his head when he heard his name being called. “Have you seen Stella?” He shook his head and trailed his eyes to a troubled Dana. The other vampire sighed worriedly and trailed his eyes over his surroundings, hoping to catch a glimpse of the female. She wasn’t there.

“Hey!” Alex came slowly, a girl at his hand, a drink on the other. “Why so troubled?” Eric gave Alex a stern look, making the younger vampire rolls his eyes. “Well?” He asked Nate, knowing Eric enough to figure he just started to hyperventilate.

“He can’t find Stella and he freaks out.” Alex rolled his eyes.

“It’s not like she went on a killing spree.” Eric and Nate shut up, their eyes widening. Dana looked between the three vampires and slowly ditched her date. Alex stared at the other two vampires in front of him and in the next second, all three of them were running out the bar, each going where they thought she may be.

Matthew Gregory

Meanwhile, Nate was pretty much enjoying his time. The new girl, Dana, was disturbing his sanity. She was pretty, even beautiful, interesting and captivated his attention. That never happened before. He even…smiled sincerely.

“So, what do you think about the welcoming team?” Dana raised an eyebrow while Nate simply waited for an answer.

“I like it.” She smirked. “It makes me feel good, paid for my drink, danced with me, it’s quite entertaining.” Nate chuckled.

“Good. How did you end up in such a city?” Dana didn’t really know what to say so she simply seemed amused by his questions. She certainly was amused by his behavior too and that was a mistake he will pay for later.

“Mom. Her work needs us to move from city to city. I’m just the unfortunate soul that has to sink everything in. She doesn’t really care about my opinions so I just shut up.” She took a long sip of her drink, making Nate’s eyes furrow slightly.

“I know how that is. I’ve been through it.” Dana raised an eyebrow and let the glass down.

“Really. Did you jump from one estate to the other? Left your home country for this shit?” Nate nodded, speechless. “What did you do?” He chuckled and shook his head.

“My father is a doctor. We always had to move. We ended up here and that’s it.” The girl nodded. She had to sink everything in; that was her job, that’s why she was there in the first place.

“Are you alone?” Nate quirked an eyebrow up. He couldn’t say he was taken aback by the question but he definitely wasn’t stupid.

“I am single if that's what you mean. But i don't need a girl as long as i have my sister." Dana quirked an eyebrow up.

“You have a sister?” Nate chuckled. That was getting easier.

“Yes. I bet you know her. She’s quite popular everywhere.” Dana looked slightly bothered. “Any more questions?” She smiled, trying to get back in a happy mood.

Anyway, that wasn’t the only problem. Stella was a magnet for troubles and dangerous situations. Like the one she was in, in that moment. She wanted to get fresh air and got out the bar. She closed her eyes when she finally found a place to calm down. It was in the back and no one could see what was happening there. She opened her eyes, her deep red eyes, when she felt danger.

“I hope you don’t think I’ll just sit around enjoying the stalking.” She heard one male laugh.

“It’s not about your wishes. Not anymore. It’s about us and what we want.” She straightened her posture, her head held high, proudly.

“And what do you want?” The two male presences walked out the shadow, smirking.

“We want you, Stella. One of the only noble families. One of the oldest vampires and a pretty devil undercover.” Her eyes furrowed into a glare.

“I am not a weapon.” One of the male vampires chuckled slightly.

“Not yet. You just need…a small nudge.” Stella flashed in front of the one who talked and raised him by his neck. “IF we don’t do it, someone else will. You will either die or help us.”

“Help you with what?” She asked through her greeted teeth. The other male vampire came behind her. It was Liam.

“Let him go, princess. We can’t harm you and we know it. Vampires like you are hard to tame.” She glared at the blue eyed vampire. “We need you and you need us. But first, we need the real Stella alive. We need her rage, her desire for revenge.” She let the other vampire go and flashed in front of Liam.

“Revenge on who?” His cold eyes stared into hers.

“Matthew Gregory.” Her eyes widened and backed off. Liam smirked. “Are you afraid, Stella? Are you afraid…” He flashed behind her and whispered into her ear. “…of your uncle?”

“What uncle?” Liam smirked and signed for the other male to leave. He did, leaving the two much dangerous vampires alone in the back of a bar full of humans.

“Aww. And here I was, thinking you already figured your family out.” He fakery pouted. “Do you really think you only had your parents? Aaron Gregory is a legend and you became one too. Like father, like daughter.” He chuckled slightly and put a hand on her back, making her flinch. Her eyes were watching every move and inside she could feel herself struggling to keep her mind blank. “On the other side…” He started and trailed his hand to her waist. She didn’t move, though. She stood there like a statue. “Matthew was…how can I put it…a badass. He loved to play, he loved women.” He stopped and used his free hand to touch her check softly. “He never ceased to amaze the elders. He never cared about your father…until you were born. Surprisingly, took a liking to you.” He trailed his eyes over her and smirked. He pulled Stella into him by her waist and leaned in to her ear. “He had a soft spot for you. He knew you have the power and you couldn’t control it. But you did learn pretty fast how it works.” She rolled her eyes and turned to face him, taking his hand off.

“Why should I believe what you say?” He chuckled and raised an eyebrow.

“Why don’t you ask your little friend, Alex? He knows your uncle rather well. He was his…’student’” He finished, pointing the quote signs. Stella’s eyes furrowed, though. She wasn’t happy with the answer.

“Why do you want revenge on him?” Liam’s eyes changed fast in red and growled.

“He killed my sister. Anyone who got near him, suffered. He thinks vampire females are just like human females. Unworthy., small miseries that need to be cleaned. But not you. You’re the exception. You are the only female he ever respected, except Beatrice.” Stella rolled her eyes, again.

“Don’t tell me. He loved her too.” Liam didn’t say anything until he started laughing. Stella simply glared at him.

“Love?! No way in hell. He liked how feisty she was, indeed, but definitely not love. He doesn’t know where you are but he knows you are alive. He knows about Nate and Eric, about Adrian and James, about everything. Do you think he would forget about his adored, dear niece? No.”

“And why do you tell me all these?” He rolled his eyes annoyingly.

“Didn’t I already tell you?” She scoffed and turned to leave. However, Liam got a tight grip on her wrist. “Think about it. If you help us, we will leave you alone.” Stella didn’t comment and just shrugged his hand off and left.

Party Night

That night was going to be eventful. Alex and Eric were ready while Nate disappeared. James didn’t give a shit so he just chose to go and look for dinner.

“Where the hell is she?” Alex wasn’t one to wait for somebody, not even Stella. He was growing annoyed each passing moment. Eric glanced at his ‘enemy’ and quirked up an eyebrow, amused.

“I thought you know her better than anyone. Shouldn’t you know she takes longer than you to get ready?” Alex turned his head and glared at the older vampire, annoyed. He was ready to say a smartass comeback but he got interrupted by the beautiful vampire, walking down the stairs. Both boys stared at her. She didn’t wear something low cut or a short dress. She just had tight jeans and a black shirt, her hair was straightened and she had a slight petal of make-up. She rolled her eyes and walked between them, to the door, on the way, closing their mouths.

“Let’s finish with this.” Both boys turned their heads and stared at the vampire beauty getting out the house. Eric was the first to get out of the trance and glanced at Alex. He was getting out from day dreaming too. The younger male nodded and went to take two special sticks.

“She’ll hate us if we kill them and don’t tell her.” Eric rolled his eyes. Alex smirked at his ‘enemy’‘s ignorance. “Does sweet Eric want to keep secrets from his ‘long lost love’?” The vampire didn’t comment and just walked out, the chuckling Alex right behind.

At the party, people were invading the bar. There were still arriving teenagers and one of them was Nate. He chose to leave earlier so he could inspect the place. However, he didn’t find anything to attract his attention.

“Hey. Um…can you help me please?” The vampire turned his beautiful green eyes to the person who touched him. He was shocked of what he saw. There she was…

“An angel…” He whispered. The girl furrowed her eyebrows together and frowned.

“What?” Nate got out of his thoughts and shook his head. However, the staring didn’t stop. “Um…is there something wrong?” Again, the vampire shook his head and focused.

“N-No. Everything’s fine. I was just…” He didn’t know what to invent. Thankfully, the girl smiled.

“Getting lost in your own thoughts?” He nodded, speechless. She chuckled under her breath and stuck her hand out. “It happens to me too. I’m Dana, by the way.” His eyes trailed from her beautiful green eyes to her bright, white smile and down to her smooth, tiny body and in the end, to her hand. Her curls were dancing while she started laughing slightly. “I don’t bite.” Nate’s mood changed in a second and smirked.

“But I do.” She raised an eyebrow while shaking hands. “Do you want a drink?” Her big green eyes shined, a secret lying behind them.

“Sure. Just show me the way.” Nate’s smirk grew and led her to the bar.

When Stella got out the car, she was stressed. She didn’t know how to act; she didn’t know what will happen or what she will see. How will she recognize the two vampires?

“Relax.” Eric patted her back and slowly led the vampire female inside. In the moment she put her foot on the floor she got hit with a huge wave of music. She took a deep breath and let herself be controlled by the natural vampiric senses.

“Let’s get this party started.” Alex smirked and grabbed Stella by the waist, leading her to the dance floor.

The time flew and hours did too. Stella got bored of just dancing with Eric and Alex, and she was sick of Sami’s glares so she walked to the bar, ready for a drink…or more. She tensed when someone stopped her from talking and ordered in her place.

“Four double tequilas.” The stranger sat next to her and smirked. “We can’t let a beautiful lady like her pay for herself.” Stella’s green eyes turned to meet a pair of blue orbs.

“And who might you be?” He smirked and put a hand on hers.

“Liam Melon. Enchanter” He grabbed her hand and kissed it. She narrowed her eyes at the new acquaintance.

“You’re one of the new kids?” He nodded his head, that stupid smirk never leaving his face.

“It’s an honor to finally meet you…” He stopped got closer to her face, crossing the personal comfort line. “Stella Blanche.” Her eyes became red in an instant while his just darkened. As simple as he arrived, he left, leaving an annoyed Stella behind.

Arche Mansion

Meanwhile, at Arche’s residence, Alex put Stella’s bed into one of the rooms. His, more exactly. He almost smiled just at the simple thought that he might sleep in the same room as her. Now that Nate had his own room, Stella could be his new roommate.

“Hello, darling!” Nate said, entering the hall. He looked worn out and couldn’t walk properly. However, he did make it to the first door, which was Alex’s room. He popped his head around the half closed door and looked around. His eyes landed on the bed he knew all too well. “What’s Stella’s bed doing here?” The younger vampire didn’t say anything, yet, Nate discovered the answer rather quick in his state. “Oh.” He raised an eyebrow trying to figure what to do next when he heard the door downstairs open. He felt instantly Stella’s mood and it wasn’t one to mess with. His eyes widened. “Oh shit.” He flashed into the bathroom and closed the door hard, locking it. Alex rolled his eyes and walked downstairs, into the living room where Stella was staring at the new surroundings.

“I remember this place…” Eric nodded. Stella’s eyes traveled slowly from the biggest object in the room to the smallest detail. It was indeed a beautiful house. It was old and rusty but the furnishings were in good condition. Stella got out of her memories when she heard the front door open and close with a big bang.

“Stella! My dear Stella!” James came to the two and smiled but it vanished in a second and back on his face was a frown. “What are you doing here?” Stella raised an eyebrow at how fast he changed his mood.

“Vampires are in town and they saw Stella.” James didn’t take his eyes from hers. “She’ll be safe here.” James nodded, still staring. “Are you alright, James?” The so called man looked to his nephew and nodded.

“I just had one hell of a date.” The three vampires turned their heads when they heard Alex slowly walking down the stairs, chuckling.

“Feisty date? Must’ve been nice to suck it out, huh?” James shook his head smiling.

“She talked too much. But thankfully, I shut her up.” Stella raised an eyebrow at James’s remark.

“You killed an innocent human?” James scoffed and went to the kitchen. In this time Alex went to the couch and plopped on it, both hands behind his head. Eric walked upstairs to put everything in place. Stella remained on the same place the whole time, her eyes going from one thing to another. James came back from the kitchen, a glass of fresh blood in his hand, a fresh smirk on his face.

“She wasn’t innocent at all. She planned the entire night, thinking she will get some action.” He pouted. “She was pretty. But…” He stopped and flashed in front of Stella, an evil smirk on his lips. “Not as pretty as you are.” Stella stood there, staring at James’ brown eyes. Alex started to chuckle behind the two. He knew Stella too well and was waiting for a smartass comeback or a punch. She did none. A smirk curved her pink lips and her eyes had a mischievous glint. It just appeared out of nowhere. It was clear that the vampire girl will have a few mood swings and also her personality will continuously change.

“James, James, James.” She started to walk around him, her eyes getting James in a trance. She was good, oh so good, and she knew it all very well. Her eyes were hypnotizing everyone and they didn’t even have to look straight into them. They were transmitting some sort of magic. “You know, you’re actually a pretty hot guy…” She flashed behind him and whispered into his year. “Too bad you don’t know how to use this as a skill.” James flinched and his eyes reddened but that changed in the second she put her hand on his shoulder. He tensed up and shut his mouth. She smirked and flashed to the couch where she plopped down next to a very amused Alex.

“Ouch.” James glared at Alex, making the younger vampire laugh. However, when Nate walked downstairs it emitted a different aura than he usually did and Stella raised her head in a second and glared at her brother.

“You’ve drank.” He smiled sheepishly but didn’t comment. He didn’t have the guts to. “You should’ve known by now that drinking won’t help the thirst.” He shrugged. Stella rolled her eyes and opened the TV. When Eric also came downstairs, Stella’s phone rang.

“Stella! I missed you! We haven’t talked in ages! How are you, girl?” Stella cringed at Tracy’s voice. With what was happening, she didn’t want to get her friends involved.

“I’m fine. I’ve been busy lately. Some…” She glanced up to see three pairs of eyes staring at her. James was nowhere in sight. “…problems. What’s new?” Tracy sighed.

“You didn’t come to rehearsals and Sami is mad. She was fuming yesterday! I thought she might even send fire on her nose!”

“What do you want from me?” Tracy scoffed.

“Don't need to be so direct. Tonight’s a party at Fey’s. I thought you might want to know. We’re all going to be there, the new student inclusive. Oh and I met this- -“ Stella’s eyes stopped trailing around the room and sat on her butt.

“What new students?” Tracy sighed.

“You haven’t been to school today and don’t know, of course. There are three new students. One is a girl, she’s about 17 years old and she’s brunette, curly hair, bright green eyes. But, meh. I’m prettier.” Stella rolled her eyes. “ The other two are boys. They’re pretty hot. One has short brown hair, skinny, blue eyes. The other is a shorter than the first. He’s pretty hot too. He has brown hair and black eyes. That’s weird. But guy number two is much calmer than the first. I think their names are…Liam and Will. You should totally come to the party!” Stella’s eyes went to Eric’s. She hung up and jumped on her feet.

“Two new students, both boys, both have brown hair, one has blue eyes the other black eyes. They arrived today. This is definitely not a coincidence.” Eric nodded.

“It’s not. They might be vampires.” Alex rolled his eyes.

“They are vampires. Can’t you feel it? One of them might as well be the one who saw Stella!” The vampire female bent her head down and sighed. She didn’t know what to do, it was dangerous. Eric saw how stressed Stella got over the news.

“Calm down. Nothing bad will happen. We’ll just have to wait and see what's in store.” Alex rolled his eyes and walked closer to the two.

“Or in other words…wait until one of them has the guts to start the war and get us killed.” Eric glared at the younger male vampire. Nate scoffed and took Stella’s hand.

“Come on. I sense a fight.” The female glanced between the two glaring vampires, feeling the intensity between them. She sighed and grabbed her hand back.

“Tonight is a party at Fey’s. We should go and relax. The two will be there too. We’ll get rid of them if it needed.” Everyone nodded and Stella left.