Bark Or Bite

Chapter 3

The wind crashing into me hurts as my feet take me farther from Ian's house. A vampire? Does he think I'm stupid? And even if he is, why wouldn't he tell me?

I stop in my tracks. A dark figure stands motionless in the road in front of me. It stands still, solid. My foot steps back, ready to turn and run. Then it moves. It takes one long stride towards me, then another. I scan my surroundings quickly and realize that I have no idea where I am.

The heavy footsteps echoe through the empty street. I run. My blood pumps through my veins furiously as I try to reach the main part of town. I feel a hand on my waist spin me around violently. "Arghhhh!" I scream as loud as I can. The hand snaps to my mouth, muffling my cries. A street light flickers and I catch a glimpse of his face. Nik.

He stares at me, eyes a deep red, teeth bared, fangs out. I feel my temperature rising. I feel the fear subside from my pulsing rage. My eyes focus and I can see everything clearly. I hear the cars from the street around the woods. I feel my teeth sharpen in my mouth. What the hell is happening? All of my rage focuses on Nik. His eyes widen with fear. He takes off lightning speed off of the road and heads for the woods, but I am hot on his trail. How am I running so fast? Questions flood my brain, but all I can see is red. The only thing my mind is on is killing Nik.

"Grrr." I hear a loud snarl coming from my right. Another one comes from my left. I swivel my head quickly to see two guys running next to me, a little bit slower. They wear the same furious expression that is plastered on my face.

One of them yelps a warning. I stop, confused. Nik keeps running right off of a ledge. He jumps fearlessly into the water, out of sight.

A deep rumble comes from one of the guys' chest. "I'm sorry alpha. He won't get away next time." Did he just call me alpha?

"What? Alpha? What are you talking about?" I stare at the 6'3", buff, brown eyed boy towering over me.

"Uhm, nothing I'm sorry."

"Dude, you suck at lying. Just tell me. How do you know me and why did you call me alpha?" The boy is obviously lying. His stuttering and rubbing the back of his neck gives him away.

"I can't say anything. I was sworn to secrecy." He blushes.

"What's your name?"

"Cameron." He speaks quickly.

"Alright Cam. After I figure out what's going on, I'll find you." I smile at him.

"Yes ma'am." He smiles back right before running off with his dark haired friend.

I sprint all the way home. Surprisingly, I didn't get tired after reaching the street. Confusion floods my mind all at once. Nik, the rage I felt towards him, my speed. Ian. Oh, Ian. I don't know where to start with him. Do I apologize for running out like that? No. He should be the one apologizing for keeping a secret like this from me for three years. I mean, what's a relationship without trust?
*************

I walk through the front door of my house, looking at the wall clock. My eyes focus to the darkness of the living room. 10:26 P.M. Mom and Dad must be asleep already.

I trudge up the stairs to my bedroom. Why can't we be normal, lazy people and get a house without stairs? It's not that I get tired or anything, I just prefer not moving...ever.

I throw my jacket on top of my dresser and bend down to put my phone on the charger. I strip to my underclothes and pull my sheets back. My questions would have to wait until morning.

I start to sit when I feel a cold hand grab my arm. I am suddenly trapped on all sides by a body. Awkwardly, it was comforting. I almost scream, but then I get a whiff of my favorite scent. Ian. My breath gets caught in my throat as I struggle to think. My mind is telling me that I should be angry at him, but my heart is telling me to stay.

"Ian" I try to move from his strong grip, but I fail.

"No, Hannah, Please." He pleads.

"Let me go, Ian." I regret my words as soon as I feel the air hit my body from his embrace being gone.

"Tell me. Everything." I had to stay focused. I don't care how cute he is or how bad I feel when he has to beg. He is going to tell me.

He sucks in a deep breath. "Hannah, I'm a vampire. I have been since 1864. When I was a little boy, my father was a miner. When I turned sixteen, he took me with him. There were rumors about vampire sightings, but we thought they were just rumors. A vampire hid deep underground. My father, being in his 50's, had a heart attack. Trying to help him slowed me down. My father died and the vampire bit me. Our rescue crew heard us screaming and came. The vampire ran, leaving me bleeding, confused. They took me to the hospital. I drained every last one of the doctors and nurses. I left, embarrassed about what I'd become. I never looked back. The only reason I did was because Charles called and told me about the werewolf clan who returned. I came back to keep balance." He pauses. I take the opportunity.

"So, your parents are dead. Charles is not your uncle. You're a vampire." He nods. "Where does that leave Nik?"

"When I was bitten, I had no control of my emotions or thirst. Being the annoying older brother he was, Nik pissed me off. I turned him in his sleep. He hates me every second for it and he will forever. Forever is a long time for a vampire. To get me back, Nik became the monster I never wanted either of us to be."

His words sink in. Vampire.

"Wow, Ian. Out of everything you told me, I still don't understand why you didn't tell me."

"Because Hannah. You're a werewolf. Our love is forbidden. Forget being just a werewolf, you're an alpha. Your council would kill me. Tear me to shreds on sight. I figured if you didn't know I was a vampire, you'd never leave me. Your trigger isn't activated until you meet a vampire you want to kill. That's exactly what Nik knew was going to happen. You're already in transformation. By morning, you'll hate me." I watch his head drop. His eyes shut tight, fighting back tears. "That's not even the worst part. All werewolves are mated to someone, another werewolf. You're meant to love someone that isn't me."

He opens his eyes and I melt. They are glossy with tears. His crystal blue eyes have a hint of red in them.

"Hannah, I will always love you."

"I love you too, Ian."

His strong hands wrap around my waist. He pulls me close, laying his head on my shoulder. I take in his mesmerizing scent and kiss his cheek. Falling backwards, he lays on my bed, dragging me with him. He wraps himself around me.
I fell asleep in his arms.

Thank you so much for reading. Comment #Ian or #Nik for your favorite brother?

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