The Conversion

Chapter Ten

Hey! Long time no 'read'! (I must stop saying that... Writing it... I don't know...) Anywho, now that I have officially finished writing and posting Prank War I will be focusing my attention on finishing this story before I make a start on my next project. Yay? Cue excited squeals?... No? Okay, it was worth a shot ;) Honestly, after writing so much teen-fic, I need some bloodthirsty vamps and blockbusting action scenes. I really need it xD So look forward to more regular updates, and don't forget to tell me what you think in the comments below ;)

Chapter Ten

Jaiden's coming of age was a typical ceremony. He stood upon the podium as Aaron inducted him amongst our ranks. He swore his oath with unwavering trust and honesty, and received his branding with a firmly set jaw, strong stance and steady gaze.

A celebration followed as usual, there was a feast in which he received a specially prepared meal, the various alcohol collected over the years was brought out in rations, and amusing stories of past coming of age's that almost always involved Tal tipsy beyond repair and trying to pick up game were told. Even though he and Paul differentiated the stories every time, they always ended the same way, with Tal face down on the floor‒alone‒in a puddle of his own puke.

After that Jaiden lit a candle in remembrance of the people who couldn't share the special moment with him. In this case it was his parents, and probably many friends as well.

At that point Lacy snuck through and barrelled under the tables towards her big brother to sing a birthday song, which then turned into a demand for a bedtime story and special tuck-in.

"It's my birthday, Squirt, not yours!" he declared around the laughter that filled the hall from the little girl's orders.

"But tonight's the last night you'll be safe," she said in her clear little voice.

Deafening silence followed, because the little girl's words weren't sad or angry, they were simply there, as though she were stating a common fact.

"Don't you worry, Lace," I piped up, drawing the six and a half year olds attention. "Your brother has far too big of an ego to let himself get hurt."

"You promise, Harlow?" she implored, her gaze shockingly intense for a child.

Looking into her blue stare, I found she held more maturity than most of those twice her age. It was moments like that I remembered she'd had her parents slaughtered in front of those very eyes. And it was because of them I found myself doing something I never should.

"I promise."

Don't make promises you can't keep. Sarah's voice rung clear in my head as I noticed her stoic gaze on me, like alarm bells sounding as I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Aw, worried about me, Harlow?" Jaiden teased, fluttering his dark lashes at me.

"More like worried I'll get myself staked while saving your ass," I replied flatly, trying to push away the guilt of making a promise I could never keep to a six year old.

He didn't reply, just gave me his cocky little grin before he took his sister off to bed. He wouldn't admit it, but I had no doubt he spent the night on the floor next to her bed.

By the next morning I was a pile of raw nerves. It was Jaiden's first day hunting, and I'd received the privilege of taking him out. I was a little relieved when Tal and Paul declared they were joining us, but I was still worried. Jaiden noticed of course, and decided to rib me about it the whole day. Until we came across a cluster of vampires that is.

We backed up and ran through a quick plan, making sure Jaiden understood he was to stay at the flank the whole time. He assured us that he would, but I wasn't about to swear my life on his word.