WHEN SHADOWS CALL

CHAPTER 2

Soft and comfortable. Those were my first thoughts as I started to stir slowly. Moving my head and arms carefully, I allowed my other senses to explore further. A clock chimed from somewhere to my right, I opened my eyes and sat up immediately. I regretted it instantly. Bile rose up to my throat and I only managed to roll over to my left in time, retching violently into a conveniently placed silver bucket near the bed I woke up from. Sharp pain shot through my whole body, ceasing the convulsions. My body contorted violently and I let out a desperate and panicked cry, the din brought the same black-haired female into the room. Panic etched on her pale face; her eyes bright with alert as she rushed towards my side. I couldn't control myself as I jerked and twisted uncontrollably in all directions.

The female called a few names out as she attempted to hold me; a couple of people burst into the view taking in the situation. Over my cries and shouts, I couldn't hear what they were yelling about at each other. Her companions managed to restrain me though with a massive effort. Underneath their grip, cold sweat started to bead my entire face, matting my light brown hair. The veins on my neck and forearm showed while I strained to break free of the iron-clad grip over me. The other female restraining me plunged a syringe into my forearm and yelled, "DO IT NOW ARIA!"

Aria sank her fangs deep into my forearm. I let loose a fresh yell as the blinding pain punctured my entire self. As slowly as it could be, I started to feel myself relax feeling the muscles in my body loosen bit by bit. I gasped and gulped weakly and exhaustion took over. The last thing I heard was a man's strong voice saying sharply, "That's enough Aria!"

The sun was barely visible over the horizon when I woke up again. I let out an involuntary groan.

Slowly, memories of last night's events begin flooding back into my mind.

The assault in the alley, three humanlike creatures, vomit and excruciating pain...

As my motor functions start to kick in, I'm aware that I'm no longer in pain anymore. I wriggled my fingers and toes, hesitating a fraction more then, cautiously sat up. "Hey Lucas."

A quiet voice spoke out of a shadowy corner from the room and I jumped. Turning my head towards the voice, I saw a blonde figure sitting comfortably near the wall dressed in a lab coat. At first, I thought it was the same blonde female that attacked me last night but upon closer inspection, it appears to be not. I relaxed a little, only a little. The blonde female stood up and raised both her hands. "Relax Luke, I'm not going to hurt you. You're safe here."

Though she spoke calmly, it did nothing at all to soothe my nerves. Swallowing, I asked, "Where am-m I? W-who are you? How'd you know my name?"

With a small smile, she replied, "You can call me Dawn, I'm a vampire and we're in the Laurier Mansion." I stood still, gawking slightly. "We've known you ever since you were but a little child Lucas."

Stiffening slightly, I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. "I'm sorry, we?"

Dawn just flashed another smile at me. "Why don't we talk about it while we walk? I could give you a tour of the mansion," she said while beckoning me to follow her.

I planted my feet firmly onto the carpeted floor while saying a little too loudly than I expected, "I'm not going anywhere." The oaken door swung open on my right and another female, perhaps two years older than me, donning a black leather jacket with matching skinny jeans entered. Aria, I presume. Her sleek black hair sat on her shoulders in elaborate curls and a gentle smile formed on her lips as her gaze swept over to me.

"Hello Lucas I'm Aria Laurier, the rest of my family are waiting eagerly to meet you."

Through that gentle smile, I could feel authority emanating from her as she stood tall in the doorway. I stood still, taking in every inch of Aria's form. Although her skin shone pearly white in the dim lights, she looked so ridiculously pretty standing there. The jeans and leather jacket she wore hugged every curve of her body perfectly. I felt a light push behind me.

"Come on and stop gawking," smirked Dawn. I closed my mouth in embarrassment and willed my legs to move. Following the two women, I was led out of the Victorian-style bedroom, down the stairs and through several halls. All the while, Dawn introduced each section of the mansion as we passed while I stared in disbelief. To say that it is gigantic would be an understatement, this place is colossal. At last, we reached what I presumed to be the main part of the stunning mansion, the living hall. A few furniture decorated the entire space including a couple of coffee tables, a spacious couch with even a pool table in the middle.

A group of people lounged nearby the pool table, some engaged in conversation and a couple of them were having a game of pool. The voices and the sounds of the snooker balls hitting each other immediately ceased as soon as I made an appearance being flanked by Aria and Dawn. My stomach started twisting and knotting as many pairs of eyes stared unblinkingly back at mine. Aria stepped forward introducing each one of them.

"Lucas, meet my family, that's the twins Ashley and April,"; the twins shot me identical dazzling smiles while leaning against the cue sticks; "David over here,"; David gave a curt nod; "Olivia, by the couch,"; Olivia gave me a half-smile before turning back to take another sip from her cup. "Everyone, this is Lucas Ashgreene."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and managed a small stiff nod.

"Where's mom and dad?" asked Aria to the group at large. Ashley was the one who answered rather enthusiastically while she kept her eyes shining with excitement on me.

"They'll be arriving late at night, they told us to inform you and not to worry." Aria pursed her lips and nodded briefly.

I saw that everyone's eyes were on me again and I turned my gaze in any direction that doesn't involve looking at anyone. Brian's hard unblinking gaze and the twins' drooling looks particularly made me feel like I was suffocating in them.

Aria beckoned at me to follow her into the study room. Closing the door behind her, she peered at me through her almond-shaped eyes. "Don't let David scare you he's known for always being the serious one in the family, the twins can be too outgoing and unpredictable sometimes and Olivia...well, let's just say that she's not comfortable around new people."

Aria continued to survey me with some uncertainty, her stance uneasy.

"Are you okay Lucas?"

Everything was whirling around inside my head and I struggled to compose myself with all those events that had happened and those people. That's when I couldn't take it anymore and let loose.

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