The Newbie (Book 2)

Chapter 1

Though it was still early in the day, the alley was dark. Nothing moved except for the leaves being pushed around by the wind. But the alley was hardly empty. I pulled my hood up higher and peered around the corner, watching for any signs of life. There was suppose to be a gathering of the branch heads here, but something wasn't right. It was too quiet.

I glanced at Jasper across the way, but he just shook his head, indicating for me to keep quiet. I nodded and couched down, checking my watch. Past 12pm. Something was definitely wrong, they should've been here by now. Suddenly, a chill seemed to run up my spine and I froze, shifting my eyes towards Jasper again. I gasped, "Jasper!" and ran to grab his arm, yanking him out of the way just as a handful of claws swiped where he'd just been standing. 

We both backed away as three vampires in floor-length cloaks emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with rage. "This is our territory," one growled. "What gives you the right to trespass? Get out!"

I looked to Jasper who lifted his chin. "We do not take orders from some coward's underlings."

This seemed to piss them off and Jasper and I took up defensive positions as they advanced towards us, baring their fangs and snarling like dogs. Then I sensed movement behind us and I realized there were more than just three. As I glanced back, more vampires appeared to be trapping us in from behind. They smirked at me and I grabbed Jasper's arm. "Time to go," I hissed.

Jasper shook me off. "Where are your superiors? Are they letting others fight in their place?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

One of the older ones spoke with a hiss. "They have learned of your knowledge regarding our assembly and have sent us to eliminate you."

"Hiding behind an army?" Jasper snorted. "Hardly seems like much of a leader." 

The vampire in the front growled and stepped forward threateningly. "Do not speak that way about the elders!" she snapped. "They are far wiser than you shall ever be and will turn this world into a burning hell from which the humans will never survive!"

Jasper and I exchanged glances of mutual understanding. That was all we needed. In an instant, Jasper had rushed forward and ripped out the throat of closest vampire, while I whirled on the ones behind us and scratched my claws across one's face, tearing their skin with an unpleasant spray of red. Then, before the group could recover from the surprise, Jasper and I were running, down the alley and out into the open streets.

*******

"Damn it..." I pulled my hood off as I stormed into the apartment, Jasper close at me heels and just as agitated. Our stakeout had been near one of Lunas' suspected hideouts that we'd been watching the last few days. There had been rumor of an assembly for the important leaders from the surrounding organization branches. No one knew what for, but we'd been able to get a location and had been keeping an eye out for unusual people. We'd hoped the rumors were more than just false gossip and had been looking forward to the chance to spy on their meeting and learn some information about their other groups, but that didn't turn out so well. "This is getting insane. It's like they knew we were there the whole time," I said.

I unzipped my blood soaked hoodie and tossed it across the back of the couch. Jasper snatched it up with a frown. "Don't get blood on the furniture," he said.

I rolled my eyes and went into the bedroom to change. "What are we supposed to do? If this keeps up, we'll never find out where their group is holed up," I said, tugging my shirt over my head.

Jaspered followed me in and sighed, glancing out the window. "I don't know, but I think our cover's blown. They know we're in the area now," he said with a frown.

I copied his frown and we both fell silent, wondering what we were going to do. If they found us that easily in an alley, it was only a matter of time before they discovered where we were living, and if that happened, we'd be cornered. I pulled a fresh shirt on and sighed. "Well, whatever happens, we can't stay here anymore. It's not safe," I said. "We need a new base of operations."

Jasper nodded without speaking. Then he snapped his fingers. "Why don't we ask Colby if he'll let us stay with him for a while?" he suggested. "It's far enough away that they won't be able to follow us, but still close by to the central branch." He shrugged. "Plus, it's been a few years since we've actually seen Colby and we could use a break."

A break sounded like an amazing idea and I couldn't resist a small smile. We'd been actively hunting the remaining pieces of Lunas' cult group for five years now. We managed to find at least one and stop it's research, but we haven't been able to get a hold of any of the other branches. They had caught on to our movements after San Diego and had been barely keeping one step ahead of us since then. With all the running around that we'd been doing, we could use a break. Melody would probably be happy to see us too. She was probably all grown up now. Man, I missed her.

Jasper pulled out his phone. "Why don't you go ahead and start packing," he told me as he dialed Colby's number. 

I nodded and went to the closet, pulling out our backpacks that we used for quick traveling. They were mostly already packed, but we always left room for extra stuff if we needed it. I thought about that as I folded clothes and stuffed them into bags. A life on the run wasn't all it was chucked up to be, but we managed, and at least we had each other. If it weren't for Jasper, I don't know what I'd have done. He'd saved my life more in the last five years than realistically possible, and vice versa. We look out for each other in ways no one else could. 

Jasper's voice drifted in from the other room and I paused to listen to the familiar, cool-headed tone he used when he spoke. 

"Yeah," he said. "Alright, we appriciate the help." There was a pause and he laughed. "No, I promise we won't wake you up in the middle of the night and there won't be any assasin attacks on your apartment."

I shook my head with a chuckle. That was Colby alright. He always asked if we were bringing the war home with us when we visited. We tried not to, but sometimes it was unavoidable. Colby was really supportive though, and was always there to lend a hand when we needed it. Honestly, Jasper and I probably would've been dead by now if it weren't for Colby having our backs. We were only an army of three, but somehow we weren't losing just yet.

I had drifted into my thoughts so entirely that I didn't hear Jasper come back into the bedroom until his hand touched my shoulder. I jumped in surprise, but he just shook his head. "It's just me," he said, understanding my reaction. We could never be too careful.

I relaxed and went back to packing. "Sorry, I just get antsy when we're suddenly on the run."

He sat down next to me to help. "I know, and for good reason. That's why we're going to Colby's," he said. He smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, making me lean into him. "Just wait. This time tomorrow, you'll be relaxing with me and Colby and Melody, and you won't have to worry about a thing."

*******

Hey everyone! So this is the start of the second book to The Newbie. I would like to state upfront before anyone gets ideas, no, this is NOT an active book. I will not be updating this story on a regular basis. I have four active books already and with classes starting up, I'll be lucky to even work with that. I will however, update per request of new patrons. So I highly suggest you look into my Patreon page if you want me to write more of this book. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! AS ALWAYS, VOTE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, AND STAY AWESOME!

-Nekoco