Dark Secrets

Chapter 4

"It's good to see you Lana," Cedric said in a professional tone as he nodded his head as a form of greeting.

The vampires surrounding us suddenly hushed. No one spoke with words, they all used their eyes to communicate their concern. And I was just as silent because I was frozen from his cold reaction. The awkward silence fell heavily on us. 

Finally, Cedric cleared his throat and glanced harshly at the clan members by his side. Like a match ignited by a flame, they all came to and started hustling about. One by one they stated their weak excuses as to why they had to leave.

 I continued to stand still. I had been so exhilarated to see my father just moments ago. But when he reacted in such a polished manner I questioned if this was even the same man.

By the time everyone had cleared out, I had finally found my voice again.

"Why...how...I mean...what?" I said, stumbling over my words as my thoughts ran a million miles a minute. My shoulders sagged, this was all too much to take in. Especially in such a short time. My dad looked at me, and I swore I saw a flicker of sadness and regret pass over his face.

 His eyes beckoned me towards him, but his crossed arms kept me at bay. So, I stayed where I was, rooted in place. I shuffled my feet uncomfortably. And then tucked my hair behind my ear like he used to do when he tucked me in at night. Suddenly, I heard a voice invade my thoughts.

"I understand this is all uncomfortable and overwhelming. And you have lots of questions. However, this is neither the time nor place. I wrongly assumed that I had established a safe place for us and others like us. 

However, there are things out there that can disguise themselves. Make them seem "normal" to the untrained eye. But they are not what they portray themselves to be. I have done everything in my power to always protect you Lana.

 I don't expect you to believe me when I say that though. I just need you to understand that I love you. And it almost killed me, quite literally, to stay away from you all these years so I could protect you. That's all I can say at the moment, but I will talk with you again, as soon as I can manage."

I came back to reality as soon as the last word left my mind. When I heard that voice, which I was assuming was my dads, I felt like I wasn't in my body. It was an experience I couldn't explain even to myself. I rubbed my eyes, I could feel a headache forming.

 I didn't know that was possible to experience as a vampire. As I tried to wrap my mind around all I had just heard, the throbbing in my head worsened. I looked up to ask my dad about why that was, only to realized I was alone.

 Quickly I searched my surroundings. I was still in the same area of the woods I had been in before. In the distance I could hear bits and pieces of conversations. I ran towards the sound, hoping to find others of my kind I was familiar with.

I started to feel sluggish so I slowed down to a walk. The beauty of the landscape around me helped to take my mind off of it though. I watched on in wonder, as the light fluttered through the pine trees making specks of dust appear to dance. 

The rush of the wind caught my attention next, it resembled the sound of rushing water. I did a slow spin to try and drink in all the beauty around me. It was futile of course, but as I continued in my slow spin I swore that time seemed to slow down. I was startled from my fascination by the sound of Alex and Aaliyah approaching.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The girls had shown me around camp and took me to the common area so I could feed. They told me I was allowed to get meals up to four times a day until I was able to hunt for myself. Which they informed me would be very soon if they had anything to do with it.