The Boy Next Door *On Hold*

35

Brooklyn POV
*A FEW DAYS LATER*

My dad was on the phone when I came downstairs.

"I- my-" he sighed heavily and turned to face me. "Let me talk to her and I'll call you back."

I grabbed a muffin off the counter.

"What happened?"

"The agency wants me to come in."

"Okay so go... I'll be fine."

"That's not the problem."

"The mission is two weeks." He paused. "They're repositioning me to  Hawaii. If I went I would miss your graduation."

My heart dropped.

"Then don't go." I said. My dad has missed to many things in my life because of his job. Dance recitals, soccer games, science fairs, you name it, he's probably missed it.

"That's the problem. The only other person that could take this mission is Z's dad."

"So what's the big deal?"

"He's not as experienced, there's a lot at stake."

If my mom was still her I'd tell him to take it but I haven't seen my mom since I was 6. She walked out on us about two months after I turned six. She gave me a locket with a picture of us in it and told me she loved me and she would find a way to come back but she never has.

My dad doesn't like talking about her. Just bringing her up in conversation changes his whole mood.

From then on I've taught myself to be a lady and grew off of my other friend's moms and their information.

"I don't want you to take it."

It's either he takes it and missed one of the greatest landmarks in my life or Mr. Coleman takes it and puts the whole world at stake.

"Then I won't take it."

I walked over to my dad and pulled him into a hug. I was about to say something when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." I said.

I opened he door to see Val and slammed the door in his face. He stuck his hand out, catching it.

Stupid vampire reflexes.

"Come with me." He said grabbing my arm and pulling me out of the house.

"I'll be back dad." I called over my shoulder.

"Ok."

Val pulled me down the street towards his house.

"Let me go. I'm not going in there." I said struggling against his grip.

"He's not home relax."

I planted my feet on the ground and refused to move but Val proceeded to pull me along. I repeated this action but this only cause him to get frustrated and pick me up.

I pounded on his back as he marched into his garage and closed it behind him.

"This is harassment." I said bluntly.

"Then talk to me."

"I did. I just said this is harassment."

"No I mean talk to me like you used to. Stop being a bitch."

I raised my eyebrows. Val has never used this type of language with me. Especially not to describe me.

"Oh I'm sorry for having feelings."

"I didn't say-"

"BUT YOU DID! CAUSE APPARENTLY I'M A LITTLE-"

Val's gaze met mine. "Sit." He said pointing to the chair that was now behind me.

I involuntarily did as I was told. I knew he was controlling me. I would never give into his wishes that easily when I'm mad at him.

"Now listen to me."

"Whatever it is I did, or you think I did; I'm sorry. You know I would never hurt yo-"

"You know he tried to turn me." I said softly. I clenched my fists. "He tried to turn me into one of you." My voice was raising with every word. I closed my eyes to prevent the tears from falling. "He bit me Val. He told me that I had about two weeks before the officials found me and took me away to kill me." I opened my eyes to see Val by my side. "He wants me dead. And if the officials don't do it, he'll do it herself. He's gonna make me suffer long and hard."

Val reached to out to grab my hand but I pulled away.

"Don't you dare touch me."

I tried to stand but I was basically glued to my chair.

"Lynne you know I can help you."

The tears were falling uncontrollably now. "No! How oblivious could you possibly be?"

"What?"

"I don't want to be a vamp-"

"Well if you don't you're gonna die!"

His words stung but I wasn't going to give in.  "Can I go?"

"Brooke, let me help you."

All of a sudden there was a loud clap of thunder and the garage door flew open.

Val looked alarmed and used his telekinesis to put my chair in the back. I bit my tongue so I wouldn't scream. I knew I was in serious danger now.

"Where is she?" I heard a manly voice ask.

"Where is who?"

"The hybrid."

My heartbeat sped up. That was me.

"Val you can't protect her forever." John said, most likely smirking.

I could hear footsteps coming in my direction. I closed my eyes wishing I was invisible. A hand was placed on my shoulder and I was yanked out of my chair. I let out a small whimper in pain.

"What's you're name?" The man asked. He was tall and buff and he had dark hair and... Really dark brown eyes.

"B- Brooklyn."

"Last name?"

"Dovolani."

The man smirked at me before he placed his hand on my forehead and I blacked out.