Forever, Jared

One

Katie retreated to her room and locked the door. She didn't want to take chance on Becca returning to finish her attack. She kept the lights off. 

She opened the window and stared out into the neighborhood. Moonlight made long, finger-like shadows that seemed to reach for the house. She checked her phone. Ten forty and no calls or messages from Jared. This night was turning into one big disappointment. 

She heard Barry and Marilyn shuffle upstairs to bed. After being with people all day, it felt strange to be alone. She'd never felt this lonely before. She changed into a short nightshirt and brushed her teeth, preparing for bed. 

Katie heard footsteps coming up the stairs. She walked to the door, wondering if it was Becca. The doorknob turned. Katie held her breath and remained motionless. The doorknob rattled several times. The footsteps retreated back downstairs. 

"Sorry I'm late." 

Katie spun around. Jared was standing in front of the window, bathed in moonlight. He was wearing all black - tee shirt, jeans and leather jacket. His eyes were rimmed in black eyeliner that set his blue eyes ablaze. His pale skin seemed to glow. 

"Did you just try to come in through the door?" 

"Nope." 

"How did you get up here? Can you fly?" asked Katie. 

Jared laughed. 

"That's movie nonsense. Vampires are good climbers, though." 

Jared studied Katie's face and frowned. 

"What's wrong? What happened?" he asked. 

"It's fine." 

"Katie, I can feel you. You're scared." 

Jared approached Katie and saw the marks on her neck. He reached for her, taking hold of her injured arm. She cried out and pulled her arm away. 

"Who hurt you?" Jared's jaw was tense, his voice crackling with suppressed rage. 

"Becca, but she—" 

"GODDAMMIT!" Jared exploded, his fists clenched. "That fucking psycho! I told Barry at the press event, he needs to lock her away, she's dangerous! Where is she?" 

"At her friend's house. I think." 

Jared began to pace like a wild animal. 

"I knew I should've kept you with me. I'm the one who's supposed to protect you. That's it! Tomorrow morning, pack your shit. You're staying at the hotel with me." 

Katie hung her head. "I'm sorry I'm causing everyone so many problems." 

Jared stopped in front of Katie. His demeanor softened.

"Come here, Beloved." Jared's voice was warm and soothing. He drew Katie into his arms. 

"Becca's been crazy for years. This used to be my room whenever I came to New York to see Barry and Marilyn. I had to stop staying here. Becca kept grabbing at me and trying to get in bed with me." 

"She sick. She can't help it," Katie said. 

Jared kissed Katie's head and stroked her hair. 

"Look at you, sympathy for the devil that kicked your ass." Jared gently took Katie's injured arm. 

"Does this hurt?" He stroked his fingertips over the bruise. Katie winced. 

"It's sore." 

"Why didn't you heal it?"