Ren Vampire Spy (Book 1 of the Ren Series)

A LINE IN THE SAND

As Ren got to her yard she stopped and thought hard about Grandpa.  Come to the front door, open the front door, she thought.  After about five minutes of trying she was ready to give it up as a failed experiment.  She crossed the yard and reached for the front door.  She missed the knob as she reached.  Instead Grandpa was standing on the other side of the open door.  Ren stifled a laugh and thanked her Grandpa for opening the door.

“You're welcome Sweet-pea.  So, what's so funny?”  Grandpa smiled at Ren.

“Well Grandpa, please don't get angry but I was outside and sent you a command to open the door.  I didn't think it would work without me seeing your eyes or at that distance.”  Ren shrugged her shoulders and raised her hands as if to say who knew.

Grandpa gave her a stern look and told her, “It is rude and mean to use mind control on family members without permission.”  Then he laughed.  “You shouldn't be able to do that.  Most vampires with that gift can only do it when they can see their victim.  You not only couldn't see me but you were a good two hundred fifty feet away from me.  Your gifts are very strong.  Do you want to work some more on your other gifts?”

“I'd love to but I didn't do my homework last night and I have to get caught up.  I also want to go to the meeting tonight.  That doesn't leave much time.  How about tomorrow?”

“Sure tomorrow will work.  So tell me what did Bronson do?”

Ren explained the day to Grandpa and the announcement they there were going to hunt the kids not in school today.

Grandpa erupted in a string of curses that Ren had never heard before.

“Grandpa,” Ren spoke with authority to her Grandpa.  “Grandpa, control yourself.”

He snapped out of his blue streak and looked a bit meek as he realized what he was saying.  “I'm sorry Ren.  I really hate hunters.  I know I shouldn't talk like that.  I'm sorry.”

“It's OK Grandpa.  Besides I learned a few new words today.”

“Oh Ren please don't ever use words like that.  It only hurts you in the end.  Promise me Sweet-pea.”

“I promise.”  She raised and hand and made the sign of the cross across her chest.  “Cross my heart and hope to die.”  Then she laughed in an attempt to relieve the tension.

Grandpa smiled and joined in.  “Well you had better get that homework done and maybe catch a small nap before the meeting.

“Yes Sir,”  Ren headed up the stairs to do homework.

At dinner time Mother gently shook Ren's shoulder and woke her.  “Dinner's ready Ren.”

“OK Mother.  I'll be right down.”  Ren sat up and wiped the sleep from her eyes.  She looked at the clock.  She had slept for two hours.  She felt much better.  When she turned the corner into the dining room she saw her father sitting at the table.

“Father,”  Ren ran toward her father and tripped over Odin who was spread out on the carpet.  “Odin, I'm gonna bite you if don't stay out of peoples way.  Odin looked at Ren and with a hummmph and laid back down where he was.

“I guess he told you,”  Father laughed out.  “I can tell who's boss in this house.  So what's for dinner?”

Mother was quick to answer.  “Tonight we have for your dining enjoyment pan seared t-bone steak, extra rare, with a side of blood sausage and for desert blood pudding.”  The look on her face was one of pride in the job she had done making dinner for her family.