A Vampire Tale

Chapter 14

Brenda

-The next morning-
I woke up in my bed to the sound of birds chirping. Yesterday's party was fun. I got to hang out with my cousins, eat cake with Trey, and got some candy in my party bag. I took a five minute shower and got dressed before walking into the kitchen. "Morning mom, where's dad?" I asked her.

She put down the crossword puzzle from the newspaper down on the table. "He had to leave early today. He's stuck getting all those old books ready in front of the store." I took a bowl of the cupboard and a spoon from the drawer. Trey walked inside as I reached for Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and swiped it before I can get it.

"Hey. That was mine," I complained. He took my bowl and poured the cereal, followed by the milk.

"It's good too. Would you like some?" he asked as he took another bite. I frowned at him before grabbing a new bowl, spoon, and Reese's Puffs Cereal. This was his favorite so I decide to tease him back.

"It looks great, but I prefer the delicious taste of peanut butter and chocolate."

When we finished, Taylor stopped by holding a folder in his hand. "Hey Taylor, what's that?" I asked him as he walked inside.

"Sorry, but I'm here under association business. Where's your mom?" he asked seriously.

"In the kitchen, why?" He wouldn't answer my question as I led the way into the kitchen. I wonder what's in the file. Whatever it is, it must be important if Taylor's delivering it.

"What died before is now reborn. Let no harm come to those we love," Taylor said, waiting for a response.

"Banish the evil to protect the good. We will fight until the safety of the innocent no longer needs protection," mom answered back. Taylor nodded and handed her the file.

"What's going on here?" Trey asked as he took another spoonful of cereal to his mouth.

"Kids, I need to talk to Taylor alone for a moment. Go start your chores," mom told us.

We shook our heads no. "No secrets in the family. Your rule, remember?" I told her.

She rolled her eyes and opened the file. "What does that man want now? I haven't been in service for years," she said as she read the reports.

"He wants you to return to our services. We need more people like you," Taylor told her.

"More people for what?" I asked them.

"Can I tell them?" Taylor asked.

Mom shook her head no. "I'll tell them. Why don't you take a seat, Taylor?"

He nodded and took a seat by Trey. "When I was fifteen, I learned about the existence of several monsters that I thought were only real in stories. I was attacked by a werewolf one day but was rescued before I could get bitten. The team that saved me took me to a building, I didn't even know existed, hidden in the woods. I was fascinated with their work so I became one."

She took a sip of her coffee before continuing . "Anyways, I joined the association and became a well known hunter. It wasn't until after I met your father that I had to retire." I looked over to Taylor for confirmation.

He nodded and said,"it's true. She was one of the best hunters around in the werewolf division. That's why you actually have a chance to join, Trey." I immediately turned to my brother.

"You were going to join? Why?" I asked him.

"I was thinking about it. I haven't actually decided what I wanted to do," Trey answered.

"The only reason why he has a chance is because he actually knows two hunters who are still connected to the association. you mom might be retired, but my boss wants her back," Taylor told me as if it wasn't a big deal.

"He could die, Taylor. Trey didn't have his whole childhood to train like you did," I told him.

He stood up from his chair. "Look, just because he doesn't have any experiance, doesn't mean he won't get a master to train him. They won't let him die," he said, sounding irritated.

"Enough! Both of you, be quiet." Mom shouted at us.

"Trey gets to decide what he wants to do. If you two can't stop debating, I'll give you something to debate about!" I closed my mouth, refusing to say anything.

"I'm going to do it. Sounds like an honorable job," Trey says as he finished the last of his cereal. I walked out of the room, dragging Taylor behind me.

"Why would you offer him that job? You, yourself, know it's dangerous," I told him.

"Every hunter is from a family of another hunter. It was open for you or him," he answered.back.

"Why one of us? My mom isn't a hunter anymore," I asked again.

He shrugged. "I don't make the rules. I follow orders."

He checked the time on his cell phone then turned to the door. "I got to go. My business here is concluded, and I promised to meet them," he said as he opened the door.

"Meet who? Where are you going?" I asked as I held onto his arm. He looked back at me with his mysterious eyes and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a necklace with a small pink flower charm.

"Is this for me?" I asked him.

He nodded and placed it aroud my neck. "This flower represents you. It's so delicate and fragile, yet dangerous and strong." I blushed as he kissed my forehead goodbye.