Bleed (Sequel to Vampire Queen)

Chapter Nine

Hailies P.O.V

I sat on the ground, picking at the scarce grass as I look at Feltri play with Wayne and Tristan. I see her run around as I hold the bear close and shake my head.

"How do you know this girl?" Shane asked me. I look at him quickly and sit up.

"She's the youngest of three," I whisper. "She, being the dare devil she was, jumped off her swing and onto the frozen lake. I had dared her to do it, and she did. Her brothers watched as she broke through the ice and-and... she drowned. She died at seven years old."

"Wow," Eli whispers to me as we watch her playfully punch Tristans thigh. "How old were you?"

"Old enough to know what I did caused her death, and she died because no one saved her." I say harshly as I sigh. "Old enough to know what death was and to know she was too young."

"It's in the past," Shane says softly and I look at him. "You cant change it."

"I know that," I say as my voice cracks. See, she and her brothers were in the adopted house. My mom, she was going to adopted Fefe. She was going to be my sister. Secretly, I knew mom was going to adopt her for a different reason than she gave."

"What was the reason?" Tristan shouted and I sighed as they came over and sat down to listen.

"She said it was so that the house wouldn't have to... Y'know," He nods at my answer and I shrug. "I think she had a different reason."

"And that is?" Wayne edged me on. I pull Fetri onto my lap as she closes her eyes and yawns.

"I never really found out," I shrug and kiss her head. "But I will, someday."

"So, let me get this straight," Eli says as he watches me. "Your almost adopted sister, is Feltri?" I nod and he slowly does the same in return. He looks down in thought as I stand up with her in my arms.

"I'm ready to get to that town," I say to them. They watch me walk with a tired Fefe and I kiss her forehead. "And take care of Feltri."