The Flames in Their Dead Hearts...

Pink Ties and Bejeweled Bottles

"Looks like we're going for a ride, boys!" David cheered. We all cheered and headed up the steps. 

"Amber, I'm really glad that you aren't terrified of us, and that you're joining us," Marko says. He gave me a smile. "Come on, we're going to the boardwalk! You can meet Max, and he will answer all your questions. He can be a little snappy at times, but usually, he's ok."

"Sounds good. I think the joint is finally wearing off... Now I can at least function and think properly, looks like I need another one, Marko," I laugh as I nudge his shoulder. He raised his eyebrows at me and laughed. 

"Maybe, you won't even need one after I'm finished with you," he smirked. That was something I did not expect...

"Finished with me? That could mean lots of things, Marko. Try being a little more specific?"I laugh. It's kind of fun prodding him, to be honest. He rolled his eyes and picked me up. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT!" I yelled. He was surprisingly strong, surprising for someone with a smaller figure like his. 

"No can do, young lady!" He said in a slightly sing-song voice. He continued to carry me up the stone steps, even while I was trying to kick my self away. I was laughing and trying to break free from his grip. Once we were outside, Marko finally put me down. I punched him in the shoulder for payback. 

"Hey! That hurt my feelings!" He said as he put his hand over his chest, trying to fake-looking offended. It obviously wasn't accurate as all of us started laughing. "You guys are so mean, and Amber, you have a strong ass punch..." He laughed.

Marko hopped on his bike and revved up the motor. He held out his hand once again, and I rolled my eyes. "I told you, I know how to get on!" I said as I swatted his hand away. I swung my leg over and wrapped my arms around his waist. His cropped shirt revealing his lower torso. His skin felt cold, and I could feel him tense his abs as my fingers were held against his skin.

"Ready, sweetheart?" Marko shouted over all the noise. I nodded in response. Next thing you know, we're speeding off into the night. 

The wind flowed through our hair, making it look like we were leaving a trail behind us. Marko's hair kept slapping my face, and I can't exactly swat it away this time. I buried my face into his jacket, trying to keep to wind off my eyes and his hair out of my mouth. "Your hair keeps getting into my mouth, and it's not exactly gourmet!" I mumbled through his shoulder. He laughed and shook his head. 

We reached the boardwalk and the guys parked their bikes near the entrance sign. We start walking to VideoMax... Not the most original name, but hey, the guy is probably 1,000s of years old, who can blame him?

Once we reached the store, the number of cool decorations kind of shook me. I thought that this place would kind of dull, but definitely not. There were plastic TV designs that were the color of highlighters hanging from the ceiling. 

"I told you, boys, not to come in here..." A voice said from behind the corner. David leaned in and told the clerk something. I'm assuming the man is Max. He had these large glasses and a baby pink bowtie. His suit was a yellow checkered color. His store was cool, but his style...not so much. Max nodded and waved us over to the back of the store. I don't know what David could've said that made him comply so easily. We walked past the countertops and the horror movie stand. He led us to a room in the back, there were no windows and a bunch of old books.

"So, you know about us, and you want to join us. Tell me, why do you want to be one of us...?" 

"I- uh, well, I think vampires are cool, and it's a small price to pay for living forever and being able to fly and stuff. I've always wanted to be one. When I was younger, I used to make up little spells and tried to become vampires with my best friend. My parents thought I was crazy!" I spoke. I was being quiet in order not to annoy him. I mean, he's terrifying!