Afraid yet

Chapter one- Badass

I don't know what i would call myself other than badass, maybe rebel but I was chipping off vampires for the world so helpful no matter what you call me. I am Asha Banks, I'm told that my attitude is what makes me such a pian in the ass, but hey fighting unnatural creatures all the time doesn't give me a cheery view. My best friend tells me that my attitude is going to get me killed and she isn't so happy about my vampire slaying either, but I'll get to her later. I'm seventeen born and raised in Spokane which was a boring city before I found out about vampires and what really happened in the shadows.
          And I found myself in the shadows right now snooping around for my next prey, silver stake at the ready, I strained my ears for footsteps but it was eerily silent.  I stepped into a long alley hoping to catch my prey by surprise , but my ninja skills are apparently not as good as I thought. A fist flew out of know where hitting me in the left temple , birdies danced in my vision as I fought for consciousness. My opponent stood laughing in the entrance of the alley. Bitch, i thought. I put my scared face on and made a whimpering sound that caught the vampires attention. The large vampire was pale and I could see all of his features, crooked nose, red eyes and a sinister smirk he look to be in his mid twenties but I new he was much older. He stood taller and walked towards me " You are going to be a delicious snack, we might even have some fun before." Ewww seriously does every vampire always think like this. I hoped my face looked terrified.
        " please don't hurt me , I'll do anything just don't hurt me" I whimpered. The vampires malicious smile grew.
     "This is going to be fun." He said wickedly. I silently moaned wondering how stupid vampires are. The vampire stopped arms length away, he smelled of death and sweat . One more step is all I needed. The vampire took a final step and I kicked out at his knees and he stumbled back, a surprised look on his face made me smile determinedly. Anger flashed across the vampires face as he raced forwards hands reaching for my neck, but I was fast. I slashed his forearm, and a pained looked crossed his pale face he shrieked in agony. Silver burns them that's why is the most efficient weapon used. A swift kick to the stomach gave me the opening to stake the vampire but he saw me coming and thrashed violently, a clawed hand collided with my shoulder, piercing the skin. I howled angrily and attacked him again kicking out his knees, the vampire tumbled to the ground . I jumped on him before he could get up and I fought to keep him down as I staked him sliding the stake easily between the ribs. The vampires face contorted in pain then went slack.
        I was breathing hard and my shoulder had blood trickling down, I guess that's the end of my hunting for tonight. I stood up slowly looking around cautiously wondering if anyone heard his screams. Spokane was a busy city by day but at night only partying teens and the creepy kind of people were out. I dragged the body behind some trash cans, the sun would disintegrate him in the morning. I made my way to my apartment that was in a brighter part of town and bolted the door, not that I was afraid a vampire would come busting through but better be safe than sorry. The apartment was silent the lights were all on and a soft purr came from down the hall.
           My best friend, Raine Polls, was my exact opposite. With my stick straight, fiery red hair that reaches my mid back and murky green eyes were as Raine has black flowing hair that goes just past her shoulders and has piercing ice blue eyes. Our parents were friends from the beginning and Raine and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember but when our parents were killed by vampires three years ago it only brought us closer, a relative of Raine's bought us the apartment so that they would not have to look after us, my relatives haven't said a word to me since the funeral . They blame me for my parents deaths, that is partly why I hunt vampires but also because its a hell load better than whatever other girls do in there spare time . Really other than that I'm like any other teenager, I go to a high school within walking distance and do what all normal teens do. My marks have never been to high except for P.E of course, and all my teachers hate me but who doesn't. I found Raine blow drying her hair in her room.
    " what the hell happened to you" she questioned looking warily at my shoulder as I said she wasn't totally on board with my vampire slaying and didn't try to hide it.
      " fighting evil creatures of the night isn't risk free you know". Raine sighed and stood up going to get the first aid kit. The apartment was small but cozy and Raine and I have made it feel as close as home as possible.
         " What happened this time" Raine questioned coming back into the room with the first aid kit, she rummaged through it pulling out some antiseptic and gauze.
        " I made the vampire mad and he clawed me" I said stupidly. Biting my lip as the antiseptic stung my shoulder.
         " where did you find one this time"
         " didn't need to, he found me" Raine rolled her eyes at my remark. " he was in the alley between the café and the thrift shop, I was trying to surprise him but jokes on me" I was still dizzy from that punch and I hoped I didn't have a concussion, that would set me back in my huntings for sure. When our parents were killed Raine was terrified and grieving whereas I was fuming with anger and was out for revenge, later that month I went on my first vampire killing spree hoping that all the self defence classes would be enough. They weren't. I was almost got killed before someone heard my screams and called the police, that only made me madder and I worked harder and took tons of karate and fighting classes. I learned that vampires have insane speed and strength and can heal fully within hours. That's what makes them such a bitch to kill, after a few more kills I got the hang of it and I have killed too many vampires to count.
           " well you won't be wearing any tank tops for a while now" Raine smirked a mischievous glint in her eyes.
            " Hey my dress code is not that bad" I smiled. Okay not true but I was fit and had a rockin body and my clothes were not whore worthy.    "And at least I don't dress all boring " I laughed.
      " speaking of clothes what should I wear tonight "
       " why, where are you going "
       " Remember I'm going out with Tony tonight for dinner "  ohhhhhhh that's why she was taking so much time with her hair, Tony was her new boyfriend and they spent a lot of time together. I have had anyone special in my life maybe because I had no time for a relationship or because of what I do with my spare time. It never really bothered me because I'm like a free soul , under nobody's rules. Raine always tried to hook me up with some random guy because she never gets why I can't be in a relationship.
          "Wear a blouse with jeans, you've been dating for two months you don't need to dress up"
          " I want to make it look like I try to look good" but she took my advice and wore a red blouse and black slacks . When Raine left the apartment was peacefully silent and I was ready to take a shower and just sit back and relax, my muscles ached from all of my fights lately they were unusually getting harder and there seemed to be a lot more vampires around lately. Should I contact some of my hunting buddies to check to see why vampires were all coming now. I decided against it, wondering if I was just jumping to conclusions. A slight tingling flew into my stomach, Wow maybe I need to get out more or attempt to talk to new people. A hard knock brought me out of my thoughts " well speak of the devil " I mumbled to myself, as I crept to the door checking the peep hole, I saw nothing. I slowly unlocked the many locks and opened the door just enough to look around and make sure there was no vampire coming for vengeance, but instead saw the hottest guy ever, he must have been 6'4 and had light brown hair and bright blue eyes.
          "Can I help y---"
         " watch your friend the vampires have heard about all the young girls here and are coming in from every where, and you might want to cut back on your little Huntings the vampires are hunting in groups now" the mysterious man said sharply, he turned abruptly and strode down the hall.
 
And I just stood there astonished, I wasn't sure if that was a threat or a warning the way he said it there was no way to tell. But I would never risk Raine, I ran to my room gearing up just in case. I hurried down the stairs hoping Raine and Tony were still at the restaurant that was just down the street. Along the way I started wondering how that guy new about vampires and my hunting's only few people new about both. And he new were we lived. Either this guy was a stalker or was very educated on us which could also count as a stalker. I reached the small restaurant apparently just in time Raine and Tony were leaving , nothing looked out of the ordinary but I'll follow them home to be safe. I walking about twenty meters away from them just far enough away not to hear there conversations but close enough to see any threats, when we were half way home I could hear a scurrying in the alley beside us . I leapt into the dark and wet alley and was astonished at what was ahead of me, three large male vampires stood at the end of the alleyway , they all looked very happy with themselves for luring me in. Oh shit how was I to finish of these guys and keep Raine safe and stay alive.
         " Raine " I screamed " run , get home and lock the door, only open it for me" if I make it, the vampires winced at my screaming either because it hurt there sensitive hearing or because if anyone heard me I might ruin there meal. There was no escape, if I ran I would not get very far and running into a store might put others in danger. So the only other option was to stay and fight.
       " You come with us quitely and nothing will happen to your pretty little friend " I highly doubted that they would ever get to Raine , and I new that if they ever subdued me that I would probably die a long and painful death.
        I walked cautiously forwards to the three vampires, hopefully they thought that I was going to just come with them. Apparently not, they hissed and bared their teeth. They were smarter than most and I hoped they weren't old vampires because then there even faster and stronger. I need a new plan, I remembered my silver throwing knives I had strapped to my chest. I grabbed for them as the vampires started circling me, they didn't even see me coming when I whipped out my knife and flung it at the vampire in front of me it hit him in the right shoulder, he screamed as the silver burned and looked down in horror at the hilt protruding from his chest I threw another one at the same vampire hoping that it would be easier two kill two vampires than three. The first vampire sank to the ground as the silver knife sank into his heart, I was surprised that the other two vampires hadn't attacked me yet they must really want me alive.
           The other two vampires stood at the entrance of the alley way blocking any escape. I just stood there waiting for one of them to attack , but no one moved it was like they were waiting for someone , which I took as a bad sign. I needed to dispatch of them fast and get out of here, I jumped towards the smaller vampire but then lashed out at the large one. Catching him off guard , he stumbled backwards and I took that to my advantage kicked him to the ground staking him before he new what had happened .
           The other vampire roared in rage at me killing his buddy. He moved faster than the other two and he shoved me down to the ground, my head hitting something hard and I saw stars for the second time this night. The vampire was on top of me in seconds pinning my arms painfully to the ground, that gave him an opportunity to bite my neck. I fought for consciousness and also I struck out my legs hoping to hit a soft spot, pian flashed across his face as I kick him in his happy place. His grip loosened just enough for me to roll him over so that I was on top of him, I had to admit that he was good he fought me the whole time after being cut by the stake multiple times, defending my shots at his heart and almost bucking me off. I finally found the perfect opening when I slashed his cheek with the stake he screamed so loud even I winced, but I slid the stake into his heart and his face slacked after a second of pian. I was panting so hard my lungs hurt, I rolled off the dead vampire and just laid on the ground for a minute.
            Everything hurt, this had to be a new record for me, four vampires in one night . Jesus I need a drink, I got up slowly ignoring the searing pian, I shuddered remembering that the vampires had seemed to be expecting company. I had to get out of here fast. I looked at the mouth of the alley noticing a group of shadows, oh no please let that be help . I don't think I could fight any more vampires. Five vampires stood at the alleyways opening, holy shit I have never seen so many vampires before and I was terrified. This is where I die, I thought .
             Then all the sudden a loud thump came from behind me, the vampires all looked surprised, and I was afraid to look behind me. The person or thing came up behind me and stood beside me, I peeked through my hair that had come loose in my first fight , I was mistified when I saw the same man that had warned me earlier standing beside me a look of rage and determination on his face. He was also geared up for a fight, a gleaming sword in his hand, who the hell carries around a sword, he looked ready to fight all of these vampires single handedly. If the vampires were scared they didn't show it as they moved forward as one going for the bigger threat, mystery man. Three male vampires went for him while a male and female came at me, I was slower than usual but still alert and I saw the males fist aiming at my head and I managed to dodge it my shoulder taking the brunt of his hit. I stumbled though, but I kept my footing and steadied myself for another attack.
             The female hand went for my neck most commonly they tried to break your neck so there would be less fighting, but I quickly ducked under her hands and slid my stake up into her heart and she fell on top of my, dead. I stood up flipping her off my back. The male vampire was seething with anger at the loss of what must have been his mate. I backed up slowly towards the entrance of the alley. My back hit something hard and sturdy, looking out of the corner of my eye I saw mystery man fighting two vampires, the third lay at his feet decapitated. We fought back to back for a few minutes the only sound was of the raging battle until,
        " What the hell were you doing " grunted mystery man.
        "You told me to watch my friend, who the hell are you anyways" I argued back. There was no answer for awhile. He took down his second vampire just as mine fell to the ground dead. We moved together as one to fight the last one, he was the hardest to subdue but mystery man pinned him to the brick wall and gave me a shot at his heart. And then it was finished, there were bodies everywhere and we were both panting like messed up dogs but we survived me and whoever he was.
        " Who are you" I panted, I had to sit down I was so tired, but mystery man stood tall with his back to me.
        "Nobody you would know" he said coldly.
         "Ya, I sorta got that, but how do you know me" I replied, mystery man spun around so fast I almost raised my stake.
         " I'm Calum ,  I've known you for a while now , Asha" Calum said solidly. I don't know which was scarier how cold his voice was or that he new my name. "Do you think you can walk? ". He questioned, his voice some what concerned.
            " Not sure, I hit my head pretty hard during the first fight"
          "I know I was watching you, you really should hunt with a friend it would help a lot". Ugh, why did I need to hear that.
          "Well I'm going home" I said cheerfully, pulling myself up, or at least trying to. I stood up my legs wobbling, I saw Calum's arm shot out to steady me, and then I saw nothing.
          I woke up, eyes blurry. I flinched at the cold hand touching my forehead. I tried clearing my vision but it seemed like I was looking through a dirty window, I sensed Raine nearby making a whole lot of noise. And hell, my head was throbbing so bad my ears were ringing.                             "How long have I been out" I asked groggily, my voice sounded raspy and my mouth as dry as sand paper. Raine jumped at the sound of my voice, she spun around a concerned look spread across her face.
         " Your friend said you would be out a lot longer, but you've been out for a day and a half. Your friend brought you in and I thought you were dead" Raine looked horrible, black shadows under her eyes and she looked unusually pale.  "He carried you in here and left only saying what happened and what to do, did you make him mad he was on fire?"
         I had a feeling that 'my friend' was Calum, and if I made him mad it was probably because I could have ruined his big male pride seeing as he had to drag a beat up young girl to her apartment.
        "Ugh I feel horrible" I groaned trying to sit up.
        "You have a minor concussion, but other than that your just cut and bruised" Raine shivered "When I heard you screaming I almost turned around and came after you" I gave her a stern look and she smiled slightly.  "But I knew what you always told me, if you say run than I run. I just felt so helpless not being able to help you when you always take care of me"
       " Raine your helping me now if it wasn't for you I probably would be a lot worse" I thanked.
       "Oh I'm just the clean up crew then, huh." Raine joked, getting up and walking towards the small homey kitchen "Do you want a sandwich?" My stomach growled in return " I'll take that as a yes" Raine set on making me my favourite sandwich, laughed.
       I was left alone aching all over and I feared that more people might know about my vampire huntings, I was still shooken at the remembrance of how the vampires had seemed to be hunting me and Raine down, how when the three vampires had seemed to be waiting for something and that minutes later five more vampires showed up.
         "Raine do we still have the extra locks in the pantry" I called into the kitchen.
       " Ya, I think we have two or three more. Why are you going to add even more to the door, you know Tony already thinks your crazy for having two on it."  I sat up slowly shaking off the wave of dizziness, I swung my legs over the side of the bed , I was wearing shorts so that I could see all the blackish blue bruises and scabbed cuts that scattered my legs. I wouldn't be able to wear shorts to school either.
        "Asha don't even think about getting out of bed you'll faint again, if you want those locks up so badly I will put them up myself, you just need to rest and your not going to school for a week" Raine said sharply walking in from the kitchen with two sandwiches.
        "Yes ma'am anything you say ma'am" I said reaching for my BLT , Raine shook her head." Thanks" I said with my mouth full of food, jeez I was starving.
        " Who was the guy who carried you in here?" Raine asked, I nearly choked on my food.
         "What?" I squeaked, Calum carried me here. How is that even possible he didn't fight as many vampires as me but still I weighed 130 pounds  and I was 5'7, wow this guy must have been fighting a lot longer than me , I also wondered were I could get my hands on a sword like his.
        "Are you feeling all right? Asha you look like your in your own world." I snapped out of my thoughts and looked at Raine who was fumbling around in the medicine cabinet.
       " An Advil would be nice for my head, but after that I'm getting out of bed I can't sit down any longer" I called to Raine who came back with an Advil and a glass of water handing them over to me, I quickly swallowed the pill and then chugged the rest of the water. I felt the Advil kick in minutes later and almost felt as good as new, I hastily got out of bed being careful not to bump any of my bandaged cuts. Only then did I see the folded note on the bedside table.
       "Raine, who is this note from"  I asked. Picking it up and unfolding it, there was about half the lined paper was filled.
      "Ya, the guy-" I cut her off.
      "Calum, his name is Calum and he help me kill a couple vampires" I said.
      "A couple"  Raine said alarmed " I thought that vampires never travel and hunt in groups, how many did you fight?"
      " They usually go solo but this must have been an unusually large group, nine."
      " Holy shit that many how did you make it?" Raine sat down at the table, face pale. If I was her I would be scared too that many blood suckers so close to home. I didn't mention how the vampires had seemed to all come at me, there had to be easier pickings than me.
      " My usual, flirt with them" my failed attempt to lighten the mood. Raine gave me a serious stare.
       " I fought the four that came at me first and when five more came along I didn't know if I could finish them off, but then Calum jump down from the roof and helped me then I guess I passed out." I spit out. How do you jump off a roof any way that must have been a fifteen foot drop. You couldn't drop that far without at least spraining an ankle, unless I thought, he could be superman.
        I looked down at the note in my hands and read:
    Asha,
               You must have many questions. Stay away from the vampires for a while, you're causing quite a stir and the vampires think that turning you will be the best thing that happened to them, there is a lot of money set for whoever finds you and turns you in. They know they can bribe you with Raine, so watch her carefully. I already know what you can do.
  Calum
I sat down and closed my eyes thinking I was about to faint, vampires are made not born and if you got turned a vampire drained your blood and then fed it back into you. I would rather die than become one of them. I'm going to have to be on guard round the clock, a sinking feeling in my stomach made me look up at Raine fondly, I think I may have ruined her life, tooken away her freedom and made her a target. I'm going to protect her with my life if that's what it takes.
          " Raine can you come here a minute?" I said shakily.  She had gotten up when I was reading the note and was brushing her teeth, but when she saw my face she immediately spit out the toothpaste and sat beside me.
       "Asha what's wrong you look like you saw a ghost" Raine said disturbed, but she needed to know that her life is at stake. I handed her the unfolded note, she read it quietly and when she finished her face was ghostly white.
       "I'm so sorry Raine"  I said putting my head in my hands, how could I do this to her.
       " Asha why are you sorry, you've done nothing wrong."
       " I took away you're freedom and your safety, and now there are humans and vampires looking for us" humans rarely helped vampires but a few wanted eternal life so they could do their dirty work by day too.
       Raine gave me a shaky smile " I bet you will fix this and start a vampire apocalypse, and for freedom I didn't have much from the start anyways"  True. I was almost always tailing her and she had a curfew.  I sighed, Raine said she had to go to school so that was the end until she gets back. Now I was rummaging through bins in the pantry looking for the extra locks, yes I was some what paranoid but this would hold back a snooping human or a ravenous vampire.
The locks were at the very bottom, and I was very glad to find them I was dizzy and hungry all over again. I had to stop and take a break every so often, but when I finally got the locks in place relief washed over me. I felt a hundred times safer. Only minutes later there was a soft knock on the door. I jumped, and immediately grabbed my stake and baseball bat both would work if needed, I walked cautiously to the door looking carfully through the peep hole. I leapt back a giant blue eye was looking back through the peep hole at me.
         " What the hell do you want" I shouted not knowing who or what was out there.
         " Asha, it's me" said a calm voice that I recognized immediately as Calum. I opened the door not unbolting the locks I had put on earlier, baseball bat still at the ready.
        " uhhh can I help you" I groaned mentally, realizing that we were both staring at each other. He was looking at me with wonder and I was staring at him like he was a projection trying to lure me out so that the vampires could get me.
       " Can I come in?  I need to talk to you" He said almost didn't ask, more like he told me to let him in. I not to trusting with people I barely know, I look at him scrutinizing. He just smiled and put his hands up as if I was a wild animal, I started unlocking the bolts one by one and by the time I finished I was almost embarrassed to let him in seeing as I was covered in scratches and bruises, I must look crazy. Calum invited himself in, heading for the couch and taking a seat.
      "Take a seat if you want" I mumbled more to myself, shutting the door and only locking one lock just in case, turning around I saw Calum was staring at me again.
      " what" I said, manners aside.
      " your still carrying a baseball bat, and I didn't expect you to be up and around so fast but I guess your use to that" was that a compliment or an insult, probably both. Seeing as I was a teenage girl that lived with her best friend and fought vampires I let it slip by.
      " And don't make me use it" I warned putting on my scary face. Calum chuckled, how is this the same man who jumped off a roof and fought vampires, how was he so happy or so it seemed.
      " Your thinking that I'm to nice to be the man who fights vampires" He said reading my thoughts, I felt a blush sneak up my neck. "Well that's only because I'm in a good mood, wait till you see me in a bad mood." He said mysteriously, I hope I don't see that side.
       "So what did you want to tell me." I said getting down to business.
       " not the most trusting" Calum muttered to himself  " well, remember how I told you that you that vampires were trying to capture you and that you have to watch Raine carefully" Calum asked his face stone serious.
       "Ya, what about it" I leaned against the table not feeling completely safe sitting down yet, I studied Calum closely trying to see if his expression was hiding something but his face was unreadable.
       " we have a new problem everything is hunting you , demons, werewolves, everything you name it."
       "What" I almost yelled "why, what did I do to make them so mad."
        "The vampires used compulsion to make them all want to capture you." He said an angry glint in his eye. I knew a lot of paranormal creatures that were myths in stories, thousands of different demons and territorial werewolves. Panic rose in my throat.
        "We have to go get Raine, she's at school and I'm not prepared to fight anything" I rush grabbing my jacket, Calum followed closely behind me. We half walked half ran, I ignored the pain from my injuries. We hopped into his black SUV, I cringed at the fact that I had just jumped into a strangers car defensless but if it was to save Raine I didn't dwell on it to long. We arrived at the school just before her break ended, I sent her an urgent text telling her to come to the front parking lot immediately. Five minutes later I couldn't see her, I called her phone, pick up, pick up I begged silently. It rang five times before going to her voicemail, I hung up. I glanced hysterically at Calum, hundreds of silent messages passed between us. He quickly undid his seat belt.
         "Do not open the door for anyone but me or Raine" he didn't wait for an answer, Calum slammed the door and locked it shut before running off towards the school. If anything happens to her I don't think I could go on. What if Calum doesn't find Raine in time I have to go help. I jumped out of the SUV, leaving the door slightly ajar. I ran in the direction Calum had but after a few turns I had made my way around the whole school, where were they. I ran straight to the outskirts of the school and started to make my way around it when I heard muffled grunts from just meters away. My heart pounded with fear, please let Raine be okay. I ran towards the grunts, I desperately looked for a weapon I could use but the best I found was a large stick with the  heft of a baseball bat. Please don't let it be vampires, if it was I was dead for sure. I gasped when I saw Calum fighting two large demons that were covered in bluish grey scales with a hairy head and long claws on their hands, they smelt like rotten garbage. Raine was nowhere in sight, and I wanted to run of and find her but I had to help Calum. I came up behind one of the demons and swung the heavy stick at its hairy head, on impact a loud crack rang through the air, the demon half squealed an growled at me swinging around I saw its beaty red eyes narrow in on me. Come at me I thought, a lot more confident than I should be.
           The demon lunged at me and I dodged to the right, landing a swift blow to the head that brought the demon to its knees. I was on him in seconds hammering away at his head, I wasn't sure if was going to kill him or knock him out, but in seconds the demon crumpled to the ground, dead. I sighed in relief, until I heard a cackle behind me. I spun around, stick at the ready. My eyes widened when I saw the scene ahead of me, the huge demon had a arm around Calum's chest that held him back and a clawed hand on his throat. The demon looked smug and ready to kill, I looked into Calum's eyes and saw that he was about to break free, he gave a curt nod and I lunged at the demon yelling. It surprised the demon enough that it loosened its grip, and in that short time Calum kicked out behind him taking out the demons knee without faltering Calum brought his sleek sword down and beheaded the demon. And it was over.
          "Where's Raine" I questioned alarmed.
           " when I found her I told her to go to the car, which you were supposed to stay in" he said angrily, I just shrugged.
          "Well good thing I didn't listen to you, or else I wouldn't have been able to save your ass" Calum shot a stony glare at me. As we started out at a light jog I asked,
          "What the hell were those anyways?"
          "Golath demons known for their height and ability to track people" Calum informed still angry.
          "Why are you still angry" I asked thoughtfully. He didn't answer for awhile but he finally said.
          "When the demon got a hold of me all I could think about was how I failed you, I should have been stronger"
         "Your not invincible, and I had my ass covered you don't need to worry about me" I said shocked. I knew how he felt, when the vampire almost killed me years ago all I thought was about how I should have been better, we had to be perfect, invincible. But we weren't.
        "I know but..." He didn't get to finish his sentence because Raine ran over and threw her arms around me sobbing.
        "Are you okay, did they hurt you. Hell I'll kill them, I'll kill them all" I said furious at myself for not protecting her, I should of asked her to stay home with me then none of this would have happened.
        "Ya I'm fine, your hottie got there just in time" she whispered the last bit. I had to smile, yep she was fine, her usual self.
       "Okay then let's get out of here before anymore of those bastards show up" I said helping Raine into the front seat so that I could lay in the back. Once inside I stretched out on the back seats, I was exhausted and was ready to sleep.
      "You okay back there" Calum asked concerned, glancing in the mirror.
      "I should be asking you the same question" I replied, Calum chuckled and flashed me a smile, his bad mood must have lessened.
       "Does she ever listen" Calum whispered to Raine.
       "Not to me at least" Raine shot a pointed look at me "you were supposed to stay in bed and not get in trouble".  I smiled angelicly, and we all laughed, but then I had to tell Raine about our new problem which blanketed us in fear and anger again.
      "What are we going to do" asked Raine, I wasn't sure but I knew one way to solve one problem.
     "R-Raine you could go stay with your aunt and uncle that live in Canada, it would be far away from here and it would just be unti—" I was cut off.
      "No, I'm not leaving you" her voice rising.
      "Or" we both looked at Calum who was watching the road "We could all road trip around until we solve it, Raine could stay and be safe. But that would mean leaving all this behind".
That threw us into another argument about whether or not it would be safe for Raine.
      "Why is it only me your worried about" Raine shouted.
       "Raine what do you think we should do" I asked calmly.
      "Asha if it means we'll be together and safe, I think we should hit the road"
      "Me too." I said. And it was decided we would pack and leave our town tomorrow night before dark.
      "Calum you said 'we', does that mean you're coming with us" I asked softly.
      "Of course, I need to help you now" and with that he dropped us off at our apartment telling us to be ready for when he comes tomorrow. I was relieved and a bit flustered that we were about to go off to who knows where with a guy we met two days ago but I brushed it off he had saved my life and Raine's. Me and Raine said good night and got prepared for tomorrow, one of Raine's biggest concerns was telling her boyfriend she was leaving. As soon as my head hit the pillow I was out.
        The next morning it poured rain, the sky was grey and gloomy, just as I felt. I look around at what had been our home for years now, and to think that we would be leaving. Even though the move wasn't permanent I still wasn't sure if I would survive it to set foot in it again. My body ached even more than it had the day before, but the sadness in my heart overwhelmed the physical pain. I called softly to Raine, but then I heard the trickle of water from the shower and realized that I wasn't at all prepared for tonight. I didn't have much but I knew that it was now or never, Raine had called in to the school to say that we were taking a three month vacation, I just hope that was enough time. I pulled out my large suit case which was always half packed with all of the necessities, and it dawned me that I had been prepared for this for years and now that the time had come I wasn't sure I was ready.
           "Asha, want some breakfast?" Called Raine. I hadn't even heard her come out of her shower.
           "That's okay, I'm going to take a shower" I replied
           "Kay, you almost packed?" She said almost cheerfully, but that was probably because she got to tag along and not go stay with her relatives. I can't believe I let her come, she is in even more danger now.
          "Ya, almost" I mumbled as I passed her. Walking into the steamy bathroom, I promised me and Raine that no matter what Raine must come first.
When the afternoon rolled in the apartment was swiped clean only furniture and our supplies were left for us to come back to, I we made, stop thinking like that, I scolded myself. Around five Calum came by to help us cram our stuff in his SUV, I was not surprised to see that he had only a large duffle bag and heavy duty backpack with him, but I'm sure he had all of his weapons stashed somewhere near him and to be honest my weapons were all kept in arms reach. I snapped out of my thoughts as Raine started singing 'happy birthday' I looked at her in confusion trying to remember what day it was. May ninth, I was eighteen now, an adult. And I forgot it but with all that happened lately, I was surprised Raine even remember. I smiled but not feeling joyous at all, I looked over at Calum who was staring at me with wonder and something else. Our eyes met, and for the first time I felt a tingling in my stomach, a flush warmed my cheeks. Five hours and two stops later, Raine had finally fallen asleep.
         "Where are we going?" I questioned softly.
         "Far from Spokane, maybe Chicago and then we will move on in a few weeks" Calum spoke, tired eyes glued to the road.
         "You know I could drive for awhile so you can sleep, I've already slept a couple hours" He agreed sleepily. We stopped at a gas station and picked up a few snacks, Raine woke up and left for the trashy washroom and Calum went to pay for gas. I got out and stretched my legs, the air was sticky with humidity. We were in a small town that must have only had five thousand people, the only people still mingling were partying teens. The sky was yellowish green from light pollution,but it was still hard to see, there wasn't so much to see anyway we were out in the middle of no where. All of the sudden an etchy feeling spread throughout me, it felt like someone was watching me, behind me. I counted to five and whipped around to see nothing but woods around me, Raine, I thought alarmed. I sprinted to the small washroom. She wasn't there, the washroom door wide open. "Raine" I shouted, running back to the car. Bam I stopped not able to move, I tried with all my might to move but I seemed frozen. A thousand images flooded my sight and they started playing like a movie. Raine with tears streaming down her face sitting alone in a hospital, Calum staring blankly at a wall barracked in his room, and a shadow looming over a an unmoving body. And then I saw me, eyes closed ten vampir crowding around me, then one leaned forwards and I opened my eyes slowly, they looked hollow and empty, the vampire threw me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing. More visions bombarded me and I was suddenly overwhelmed by the need to run. And then it was gone. A hand ruffly slapped me, the sting broke the spell and I heard Calum's frantic voice.
        "Asha! Asha, can you hear me. What's wrong."  He said shaking me.
        "I-I don't know,  I couldn't move and then— where's Raine!" I asked suddenly remembering her absence.
        "I'm right here, Asha" Raine said softly right beside my ear.
        "I started seeing you guys sad and then I saw me, d-dead" I said hysterically, looking wildly at the nearby woods, the urge to run was still strong. "Someone was watching me"I said still searching for someone or something.
        "Let's get out of hear" Calum said his eyes wide. We all scurried back to the car, I jumped in slamming the door and locked it immediately longing to have all of my bolt locks again. Raine put a warm hand on my shoulder soothing me, I pulled me knees to my chest and rested my face on the cool window. Calum tore out of the parking lot speeding of in the opposite direction, my head slamming into the window when he made a sharp right turn and swerved to avoid oncoming traffic. I placed my hand on his tense shoulder feeling little sparks of electricity, his body relaxing he glance over at me smiling his eyes still worried. We were all silent for awhile until Calum spoke up.
         "Asha what happened" he questioned. I gave him the word for word story, and he became restless like he knew something but was holding back from telling me.
         "Calum what is it, you look like you know something" I demanded.
         "I know that what happened to you is the same thing that happens to people like you and me, since we help keep the world clean of evil, trolls give us the ability to see our death to try and prevent it. I had my vision two years ago, I saw that a very old and strong vampire would torture me for months and then turn me, lucky for me I was able to hunt the vampire down and kill him. That is the only way to prevent it is to kill your killer to be" he shuddered at what must have been the remembrance of his nightmare.
        "Calum" I said slowly "I didn't see myself die or dead, does that mean that I have more visions to see or..."
        "I don't know, maybe but that gives you less time to find your killer" Calum replied, wonder tinged his voice "I have never met anyone else like you". Well that's just great, I have to go through more of those visions. I looked out the window, we were still going over the speed limit I could still see our surroundings as we passed. But there wasn't much to look at, except ... the glowing eyes staring at me, as soon as I saw them they disappeared into the dark. Maybe I was crazy and I was seeing things, but when I fell asleep my dreams were of the red eyes following us everywhere.
          It was two in the morning when I was woken up by Calum who said it was my turn to stay up and watch, Calum was so exhausted that he fell asleep as soon as I settled, stake in hand and pepper spray in the other.
         It was still pitch black outside but it seemed like Calum had parked in an abandoned parking lot, and the street light shined a little light but didn't help with th eerie feeling. Hours passed by with no activity, the sun began to rise and I could see where we were. An old store that was spray painted with graffiti, it's windows were boarded up with cracks to peek through. It must have been some variety store because it wasn't in the middle of nowhere but it was somewhat near civilizati—. The red eyes I'd seen earlier peeked through the cracks of the old store but this time they did not disappear. Fear coursed through me my eyes never leaving the red ones staring back at me as I tried to get to the drivers seat where Calum slept soundly. I crawled over to the drivers seat, sitting on Calum's lap and starting the car and stepping on the gas.
        "Jesus Christ! What the hell happened" he shouted grabbing my shoulders trying to see past me, I tried moving so that he could see but he held me in place. I drove away for a few minutes and told Calum what I had seen, when I felt like I had put a good distance between us I pulled over on a gravel side road.
        "What the hell could that be" I said frustrated running my hand through my hair.
        "Most likely a vampire, but... Asha you've been under a lot of stress lately you might just be seeing things that aren't there and—" I cut him off.
        "I know what I saw and it was real" Calum was warm against me, I had forgotten that I was still sitting on him. His warm breath tickling my neck, and for the first time ever I felt completely safe. We must have just been sitting like that for awhile because Raine cleared her throat nervously.
         "Sorry" I mumbled still disoriented from our close proximity. I hopped out of the car and made my way to the passenger side door and buckled in ready for the next mishap.
       "New plan" Calum informed "we are heading to Jacksonville, it's a quiet place and I know a few people there. A question popped into my head.
       "Why were you in Spokane? Do you live there?" As soon as the words left my mouth Calum stiffened, his body rigid. In what? Anger, pain, sadness?
      "I came to Spokane after my father came home as a vampire and turned my mother, they tried turning me too but I fought back and killed them both, I left my older sister and my nephew in Jacksonville to hunt down all of the vampires I could find. I was on a hunt of an extra large group of vampires in Spokane when I came across you who finished the job for me." He said longingly but I could hear the twinge of sadness in his voice.
        "Sorry for your loss" I said quietly and I really meant it.
       "You know what it feels like, both of you." He replied.
       "How do you know so much about us?" I questioned.
       "Your not the only one who has friends who know about everything and everyone, a couple of days ago my friend informed me that there was a young woman being hunted and I got pages of information on you" I scowled at him, was it always that easy to get a hold of personal information? And with that the rest of the drive was silent except for the occasional short conversations between us, the drive went by fast. But when night fell, Calum pulled into an old hotel and said that we would staying here I was relieved and happy that I would not be having to stay up alone and watch for attackers and that we could stop and sleep in a real bed and take a shower. Old hotel or not I was alleviated to finally move around.
      The hotel room was painted a washed out green, it had one large window and a box TV. I check the bathroom hoping that it was clean as possible. The bathroom was a murky yellow and the toilet was old and rusty but I was surprised to see the shower was somewhat clean.
      Calum had gotten the room next door so me and Raine shared the small bed together, and to be honest I was happy to finally get some one on one girl time.
     "Soooo..." Raine started "you and hottie huh, that will be a sight to see."