Crimson Gold

Part 1: Chapter 6: Bonding and Decisions

3rd Person POV

Mercer House

"Sparkling... vampires..." Alex said disbelievingly. "You've got to be kidding me."

"And here I thought you two were unbelievable," Dana commented.

"Believe it," Ryan said, shaking his head. "I'm surrounded by sparkling vampires."

Alex shook his head. "I... I've got nothing. Supernatural Virus's like us are one thing, but supernatural vampires?"

"It's pretty supernatural," Ryan said with a grin.

"Ryan, what have I told you about making bad puns," Dana warned.

"To only do it to annoy dad," Ryan replied with a grin.

"Exactly."

"Can you two be serious?" Alex asked.

Dana looked at him innocently, and Alex sighed. "As long as these vampires don't pose any threat... I guess you're alright. Still, you'd better be careful."

"Aren't I always?" Ryan asked. After a few seconds, he added, "On second thought, don't answer that."

Dana shook her head. "First rumors of Greene still being alive, then sparkling vampires? Between the two of you, Alex, I think we've pretty much covered everything crazy that could go wrong."

"Look," Ryan said. "I trust them. They'll keep my secret. And I'll keep theirs."

"Then why are you telling us?" Dana asked in amusement.

Ryan sighed. "Because dad'd kick me across New York Zero if I didn't tell him, and you'd figure it out anyway."

"Damn right," Alex muttered. "Well, as long as they don't try anything, I suppose we'll let them be. Speaking of the Cullens, have you made any moves on that Alice girl yet?"

"Dad!"

"Your dad's right, Ryan," Dana told him sternly. "Honestly, I was expecting nieces and nephews by now."

"Not you, too," Ryan groaned. "And I don't even know if she likes me back! And even if she did—"

"Which she does," Alex interjected.

"—I'm not even sure how I feel!" Ryan finished. "That, and Jasper and Edward would probably skin me alive for even thinking about liking Alice."

"Well, you're not skinned alive, are you?" Alex asked in amusement. "Give it time. If it's meant to be, it'll happen."

"And besides," Dana added. "if a Nuke couldn't take down your father, I'm pretty sure you can handle a group of vampires."

"And I don't think you'll have to worry about getting infected by a vampire bite," Alex noted thoughtfully. "Due to the Blacklight, I doubt vampire venom would even be enough to give you a headache, much less turn you."

"I hope you're right," Ryan sighed. "So, how are things back home?"

Alex's face darkened. "More rumors about Greene have surfaced. I think she might make a comeback if we're not careful. You don't need to worry about us. As long as we're around, we'll keep her in check. You just need to focus on your life in Forks."