Falling Stars

arrival

Chapter II

"I never want to do that again," Kallias groaned as they exited the Port Angeles airport.

It was much colder in Washington. A thick chill spread in the air that seemed to drain Kallias' spirit. He was accustomed to heat and humidity, but at least the moistness in the air held similarity to the constant rainfall of where they resided in Brazil.

He looked down at his hands. There was no glow to his skin because the light of the sun could not reach him. It was beneficial to his father, who's skin reflected like diamonds, since they now had to be conscious of hiding their supernatural nature. Kallias was unused to appearing human; unless they traveled, he could be himself.

Kallias turned towards his father. There was a deep glower on Leon's face, and Kallias was confident there was a irritated look in his father's red eyes hidden behind dark lensed glasses. They had fed in Coari; a small ship of three pirates had satisfied the thirst between the two of them.

His father had never had difficulty controlling his thirst, but it had been too long since he'd had human blood, and he took the opportunity. Kallias took the opportunity as well; animal blood didn't add to his strength, and it tasted absolutely terrible. While his father's eyes were now a bright red, Kallias' irises were framed by a ring of crimson that were a stark contrast to the cerulean.

"Don't you look ecstatic to be here," Kallias teased his father.

Leon scoffed, "Don't test me. Now we have to spend time with a bunch of vampires." He practically spat out the word.

"We're vampires, father."

"We're different," Leon turned to look at Kallias, "You listen to me when we're there, Kal. Vampires are unpredictable and dangerous. They won't be as welcoming to you and your mother."

"Of course I will. I trust you and mother."

"I just don't want anything to happen to you–"

"Nothing will happen to us, my love," Ylva placed a gentle hand on Leon's shoulder, "We can trust these vampires."

"It's best to be cautious," Leon argued, but was shushed by a kiss on the cheek.

"We will go now," Ylva instructed, "The run should not take long at all. There are other shifters in the area as well, so we will need to make introductions."

After making sure no humans were aware of them sneaking off into the forest, the three took off among the trees. His mother was quick enough out of her wolf form to keep up with the two men if they reduced their speed, but they were still blurs throughout the forest. Kallias couldn't deny that the rich smell of cedar was a comfort and the towering height of the trees provided a beautiful green canopy. It wasn't long before Kallias was able to pick up on the scent of humans again– an additional mix of vampire and wolf.

Kallias had been told that the scent of vampires and shifters were repulsive to each other, but he never had that problem– being both. To his mother and father, they both smelled enticing to one another because they were destined, but his father often complained about the scent of the other shifters they lived with. The shifters weren't all that happy about the vampire being around them either.

The two men followed his mother towards a large house, and Kallias was impressed; he'd never seen a house quite like this before. They remained outside, waiting for someone to exit the house. It wouldn't be a smart move for them to just enter with being invited; it'd start a fight.

Leon stood beside his mother; his parents created a shield in front of him, and Kallias rolled his eyes. He was perfectly capable of taking care of himself.