Till I Awaken

Part 1: Chance

Fangs

The music shook the ground with loud screams, along with the jumping, yelling people with their hands in the air. I could barely hear myself think. The songs seemed to go on forever. Finally the band addressed the audience and walked back stage. I put my fingers on the headset I had on my head.

    “Turn off the stage lights and on with the house lights.” I instructed.

    “Roger that.” they answered. Seconds later the lights changed.

    “Great show, you were born to be a stage manager.” a male voice said. I turned around and a male I recognized stood before me. My shock shook through me.

    “You!” I gasped. He smirked.

    “Miss me?” he asked with humor and mystery. At first I wanted to pass out, then I remembered who I was talking to. I took a deep breath and composed myself before responding.

    “What are you doing here?” I asked. Keeping a composed expression on my face. He reached for my hand, lifted it up, and kissed it.

    “What? I can’t come visit the girl I adore every once in a while?” he asked with more humor. Notice he said ‘adore’ not ‘love’. I shot my hand away.

    “You didn’t answer my question.” I stated. He chuckled, but after seeing my serious expression he became serious too.

    “Ronin called me in. Says vampires are back in town. I have to keep them in control, find the source.” he explained. I always knew about the vampire world, thanks to Chance, being half vampire half human. Back in the day he came to this city seeking Ronin, the head of a vampire correction society, a.k.a my moms new lover. That’s how I came to know Chance, he and Ronin were at my house making ‘plans’. I started falling for Chance, but one day I followed him to the east park when I saw him ‘drinking’, I knew after that. And Ronin and Chance made me swear not to tell anyone, ‘protecting my mom from the horrible truth’ Ronin said. I helped them in their society clan thing for two years. Chance and I grew stronger, and I truly believed that he loved me. About a year ago Ronin assigned Chance to a different location, but Chance made sure my heart was broken. I lost my virginity to him, and my dignity. I got over him quickly, erasing all vampire business from my life. Till now...

    “Why did he send you? Wasn’t Rio packed full of enough vampires for you?” I asked. He didn’t make eye contact with me.

    “I volunteered.” he muttered. I hid my flush.

    “Why?” I asked. He shrugged.

    “I figured it was time to set things right.” he answered.

    “I don’t think you can make it right.” I replied.

    “Give me a chance to redeem myself. Let me take you out to dinner tomorrow.” he tried. He was trying that charmer voice he used to make me fall for him.

    “Oh, yeah, you take two years out of my life, along with my virginity, what’s one night more?” I said coldly. His eyes flashed anger and pain for only a split second before he composed himself.

    “Suit yourself. Call me when you change your mind. Or better yet, tell Ronin so he can transfer the message.” he responded. He turned and started walking.

    “I don’t talk to Ronin anymore!” I called. He stopped. “There’s no point in being here, Chance!” I yelled. “Go back to Rio!” he turned, smiling.

    “I wasn’t in Rio, I was in Beijing! At least half the time. You can’t hide from vampires, Beverly.” he called back. I stalked towards him angrily, he walked to me with amusement.

    “You know what Chance! You can do whatever you want here! I don’t care! Go make another young girl fall for you, sleep with her, then leave again. I don’t care! I actually did something with my life, instead of mourning over you! Or running around looking for vampires! So just leave me alone for good! Kay?!” I yelled. I was careful to say ‘vampires’ because of witnesses. He stared down at me, he always hovered over my shorter frame.

    “Fine. But don’t come crying to me for help when the vampires resurface on you.” he snapped. He started walking away. “Oh and by the way. I may be half vampire, but I’m also half human, emotions and all.” he said before disappearing into the darkness. There was a click in my ear. My headset.

    “Bev, the place is cleared out.” they said on the other side. I focused back to reality, looking around.

    “Alright. Clean up, let’s call it a night.” I instructed. I turned off my headset and packed everything up. As I was heading to my car the cold stale night stabbed me all over. Winter was still trying to finish. I pulled out my car keys when I saw a dark figure by my car.

    “I’m here to give a message.” a husky voice said. When they spoke I saw their gleaming white fangs. I froze, too shocked to move. “You know Chance Bassett. I need you to tell him to lay off or we’ll really shake this town up.” he said.

    “You’re the reason he’s here. You’re the vampires he’s tracking.” I stated, not a question. I said it with anger. How dare they bring him back! He stood up straight and walked to me. Using his cold hands to push my hair back from my neck, I felt his cold breath on my neck.

    “I really wish I could feed. But you’re the only person who can deliver this message. Goodye for now, Beverly.” he said in my neck. By the time he was gone, I was shivering. Damn vampires! Once you get out of their business they suck you back in. I drove quickly home, storming inside. Finding Ronin and my mom in the kitchen. I pointed to Ronin.

    “I need to talk to you!” I yelled. Both their eyes widened. “Alone!” I snapped. My mom looked at Ronin as if for approval and he nodded. She left the room, I waited until the TV was on to speak.

    “Well, I’m surprised you’re talking to me-”

    “I was stopped by a vampire.” I interrupted. He froze.

    “What?!” he whispered.

    “After Chance left from our lovely reunion, a vampire confronted me and told me to tell Chance to back off...” I told him the story detail for detail.