A Vampire Tale

Chapter 38

  Taylor
"Why did I ever agree to this? Vampires who get involved with the hunters are never heard of again," Ann-Marie complained.

"Just shut your mouth," I said, annoyed with her constant complaints.

"Yeah, shut up already!" Hailey agreed. "I can't hear myself think with all your complaining."

Parker and Jason rolled their eyes, clearly annoyed as well.

It wasn't until Jason looked away that everyone grew silent. "He's here" was all he had to say before the rest of us sensed a vampire.

"I see the hunters have agreed to my demands. Oh look, they even threw in the master and my own servant as well."

Parker stepped in front of me and said "no, we didn't agree to your terms. If you think we would hand over Taylor without a fight, then you are clearly mistaken."

Samuel Marcus gave him a smirk, as if Parker had said something funny. "I do not fight those who are at a disadvantage," his eyes moved from Parker and met mine. "Just hand him over, and the humans will be returned safely." Samuel was mocking me. His eyes showed me everything he hadn't said. "I know you can't defeat me. No matter how much you try, you will always be that pathetic child inside."

I glared back at him, wanting to smack that smirk right off his face. "If you want to take me on, then fight me. I bet I can kill you before you can even touch me."

That made him laugh. "My dear boy, you should really reconsider your request. I may be an old vampire, but I am much more skilled at fighting than you could ever be." He snapped his fingers and all of a sudden, I began to sense more vampires.

Ann-Marie looked over at me. "He has hundreds, maybe even thousands of allies, Taylor. Your hunter friends will not be able to protect themselves or those humans."

As hundreds of vampires surrounded us, I smiled devilishly. "Perfect. Let the games begin," was all I said before pulling out my anti-vampire gun. The snarling vampires charged for us, their lust for blood showing in their eyes. I fired as several vampires came closer, instantly killing them one by one.

Parker ran into the crowd, one sword in his hands, and killed fifteen of them with one swing. Hailey was busy throwing knives and firing her gun at whoever got close to Jason or Ann-Marie.

Once I was surrounded by ash, Jason shouted "look out!" I turned in time to get knocked down to the ground by an amused Samuel Marcus.

"I'm glad to see how strong you've become since our last meeting. Have you been feeding recently?" he asked, already knowing the answer. "Was the girl's blood delicious enough to satisfy you."

I grabbed a handful of ash and threw it on his face. "Shut up!" I reached for my gun only to realise it was out of my reach. Before I could even pull out a simple knife, he grabbed my throat and lifted me off the ground. My lungs began to burn as I struggled for air.

Samuel laughed and said "you have a long way to go before you can ever defeat me, stupid boy." From the corner of my eye, I noticed Jason pick up my gun.

"Shoot him!" I shouted, unable to breathe.

Samuel shook his finger no at Jason. "You can't disobey me, slave. Your master orders you to give me the gun."

From what I could tell, Jason seemed to be struggling. A vampire can not defy their master. I watched as his eyes emptied themselves of all emotions. He walked forward, holding out the gun to him.

"No, Jason! You are not his servant.You have to fight it," Ann-Marie shouted. "He abandoned you and left the job to kill you to the hunters!"

Samuel took the gun from Jason and aimed at her. "Young lady, maybe in the next life, you will learn to respect your elders. Once your out of the way, Taylor will be forced to look for a new master."

She shook her head no, almost as if realizing something. "If I die, Taylor will be free to fight you. He won't have to follow anymore orders from a vampire." She looked over at me before saying "it was an honor being your master, Taylor. My final order for you is to never stop fighting. Remember who the true enemy of the hunters is." She picked up a knife and stabbed her own heart.

Samuel didn't seem too pleased about her suicidal attempt and dropped me on the ground. Pain grew in my heart as I tried to make my way unsuccessfully to Ann-Marie.

"Parker, attack Marcus! I'll gt Taylor." Hailey tried to run over, but got caught in another web of vampires.

Samuel was angry and easily tossed Parker back like a rag doll.

As I got to Ann-Marie, I held up her head as her lower body began to turn to ash. "You knew all along, didn't you? Why didn't you tell me!" I yelled.

She smiled and touched my cheek with her hand. "You never asked. A no good vampire like me shouldn't be trusted, remember. I tried hard not to get her involved too." I watched as her hands began to turn to ash as she said "good bye, Taylor. Everything I had done, was for you."

I couldn't help but let a tear fall for her. Another person has died in order to protect me. I stood up, brushed off what had remained of Ann-Marie from my hands, and turned to the man responsible. "Those who use others to fight their battles are cowards. Leave Jason out of this, and let's fight like the beasts we truly are."

He agreed and allowed Jason to return to his normal, annoying self.

"Jason, I need you to get the others out of here. You three have to go back to headquarters and tell everyone to get ready for war."

He nodded and took a step back before saying, "what about Brenda?"

I didn't bother looking back at him as I said, "tell her I'm sorry. I can't be by her side forever."

He ran off after that, taking the others with him. I ignored Hailey's glance until I was sure she was out of the area. I charged for him, using whatever I can to beat him. There will not be more names added to the list of people who have died for me. I won't allow for any more friends and family to die in my name. If there must be a war, then let me be the first to fall.