CHAPTER TWO
Evan backed away, but he didn’t go far. Somehow he bumped into some else behind him, and for he moment he thought there was a second man, but he found himself staring into the same eyes he had been staring into a few seconds ago. How that was possible, he didn’t know. And he didn’t care at that moment. He had other things to be worried about. He opened his mouth to say something, but the man’s powerful hand grabbed his neck, cutting off air from entering his lungs. Shocked by the man’s strength, Evan’s phone slipped from his hand, but before it did, he caught a glimpse of the man’s face.He had a venomous sneer on his face…. And his teeth…. Evan couldn’t see clearly, but….Were those fangs? His eyes…. This wasn’t the time to think.
Evan tried to fight back, pushing desperately with his hands and legs but his efforts proved pointless. He felt himself suddenly pushed and held against a pole. Then he felt something sink painfully into his neck, like two sharp needles, digging into his carotid artery. Evan tried to scream, but the man had a death grip on his throat. He could feel his strength leaving his body. Blood oozed from his neck and from the strangers mouth and dripped all over his shirt, mixed with the rain and fell to the floor. A minute later, he wasn’t fighting anymore and the stranger let go of him. Evan Desmond’s lifeless body slid slowly and soundlessly to the ground. “Did you guys hear?” Vivian said to Isabella and Emily as she rushed to join them at the bar. Isabella rolled her eyes before she turned to face Vivian. The three of them were students at Maddox University, Greenville, and they all worked evening shifts at the bar and grill that had just opened up three days a week. It was almost eight o’clock, and Isabella knew that soon the place would be filled with customers, as evenings and nights were the busiest part of the day. She didn’t have time for Vivian’s chatting, and that was something Vivian was really good at doing.“I’m guessing you are going to tell us anyway, so just tell us so we can go back to work already. What did you hear Vivian?” she asked, looking like she was already bored with the topic and Emily giggled. “A guy died last night, idiot” Vivian replied. “His name was Evan David… Desmond… Or something I guess. Anyways he was a student too. They said some girls found him on their way to school this morning and called the cops. Scary, isn’t it?” Isabelle picked up a glass from the counter and began to wipe it with a towel. “Yes, I heard about that too. Really tragic. I heard they said it was some kind of animal attack…. We all really need to be careful, because if there’s some weird animal out there attacking people, I definitely don’t want to be a victim” “It’s such a shame though” Emily cut in. “I passed by his hostel off camp this evening on my way here, and there were pictures, candles and flowers…. There were so many of them that the thought just made me so sad…. All those people, unhappy. Looks like a lot of people are going to miss him.” Vivian sighed.”Oh please” she said, gesturing with her hands, “College kids are just too dramatic. I saw the hostel and the crowd. There’s no way that he knew that many people.” Isabella shook her head and glared at Vivian, a look of disbelief on her face. “Wow, Vivian, can you please not talk like that. Someone just died. Jeez, anyone who heard you would think that you were in some kind of competition with him or something.”Vivian simply rolled her eyes, giving the impression that she was done with the topic. “Okay, Mrs perfect” she said. “I’m going back to work” She turned and walked quickly to the couple who had just finished eating and were requesting for their cheque.Emily and Isabella stared at each other in disbelief. “Don’t listen to her,” Emily said. “You know how Vivian is. She can be very annoying sometimes and she might talk carelessly, but you know she’s really good inside and can’t really hurt anyone. That’s all that matters” Isabella nodded in agreement.”I know” she replied and picked up another glass. “Still, sometimes, I just want to punch her in the face” Emily chuckled. The vampires arrived at the meeting venue one after the other. They passed up the quaint old stone staircase to the long banqueting hall with its paneled oak ceiling, which in these modern days had been transformed into a bright, pleasant drawing-room, from the windows of which was presented a marvelous view of the hills beyond.Samson Perry looked around the huge paneled hall in which he sat and frowned. He did not want to be here, and he couldn’t wait for this stupid meeting to be over. But he couldn’t leave just yet. Some one…. Some idiot among them, had been hunting humans, feeding and leaving a trail of bodies behind them…. And now a meeting had been called. That kind of attitude didn’t bode well for other vampires. Especially if someone got caught in their carelessness and blew their cover. And doing something like this, was exactly the kind of thing that could out them all to humans. The humans already had their theories about the incident. The news called it an animal attack, but it was just a matter of time before someone started to dig deeper. A matter of time before someone would want to know what kind of animal just drained a person of blood, and Samson was in no mood for that kind of drama.If things kept going this way, it would be a matter of time before some hunter came around town to sniff around. Samson didn’t want that. Honestly, all he wanted right now was to live his cursed, immortal life in peace. And another fight with hunters wasn’t going to get him that. He was done with that kind of life. He had people he cared about now. People he didn’t want to lose and that made him vulnerable. Samson Perry wasn’t a perfect man. Hell, he was a One Hundred and Fourty three year old vampire, and in those years, he had done some things he wasn’t so proud of. But that wasn’t the point. Right now, someone was going to blow their cover simply because he couldn’t feed without murdering innocent people.CHAPTER THREE Samson was tall, heavily built and had a commanding presence. His dark hair was short and thick, and he had dark, piercing eyes. Eyes that looked very angry in that moment. Those eyes were focused on right now on Jacob Saunders, and Jacob glared right back at him. Vanessa, Samson’s friend who he regarded as family, nudged him with her elbow. He didn’t reply and she had to nudge him again before he finally turned his attention to her. “Stop it” Vanessa said sternly. “Stop what?” Samson replied, although he knew exactly what she was talking about. “Stop giving Jacob that look” she said. “I know that look, Sam. And it’s the look you have on your face when you are angry and about to murder someone.” Samson gritted his teeth and slowly returned his gaze to Jacob Saunders, who was now preoccupied with Maddison. He was flirting with her obviously, and Madison laughed heartily, like he had just shared the funniest joke in the world with her. Vanessa scoffed as she watched
CHAPTER FOUR“I’m not saying I’m bettno than anyone” Samson said, speaking so everyone could hear him, “I just think we have to be careful. There is no need to kill anyone, especially when we would benefit nothing from it, except a hunter coming for us, hunting us down like animals. It’s just going to cause another fight, and the death of many people. Some of us just don’t want that drama, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way?” That last comment was followed by a series nods and agreements from some people. While others, mostly those in support of Jacob’s carelessness, kept mute. “Samson is right” Mark said. “We should try to be careful. Of course, we need to feed on human blood to survive, but we also don’t need to kill anyone in the process. Why do you have to do that when you can just feed, and even compel them to forget. We also have blood bags if you have a problem with control. So there’
CHAPTER FIVE “Harder.” He said. His request was met with enthusiasm, her slurping sounds filling the dimly lit room. He let his gaze sweep over her scantily clad body: hot curves, great ass, even a pretty face—everything he could wish for in a sexual partner. Eager to give head, she would probably swallow too. Something he particularly appreciated. But despite feeling her tantalizing tongue run up and down his cock, despite the hard sucking motion, no erection was forthcoming. Her patience was wasted on him. Nothing moved. Her head bobbed back and forth, her long brown hair brushing against his naked skin, catching in his pubic hair, but his body wasn’t in it, almost as if she were sucking off somebody else, not him. Samson finally pushed her away, hum
CHAPTER SIX A knowing smile curved the doctor’s lips. “Oh, I believe it is. You are angered so much about not finding anyone, that it’s putting a block on your sexual drive. You are sad about it and covering it up with so much anger so that no one can see that you are vulnerable” “I’m not vulnerable. I never was. Not since I’ve been a vampire.” The last thing Samson wanted to feel was vulnerability. To him it was synonymous with weakness. If the doctor wasn’t careful with his accusations, he’d soon find himself at the receiving end of Samson’s displeasure. Maybe a physical fight would relieve his frustrations. “Not in the physical sense of the word. We’re all aware of your strength and your power. But I’m talking about your emotions. We all have them. We all struggle with them. Some more than others. Especially a vampire…. You know for us, e
Perfect! A friend of Vanessa's. Sure, this was guaranteed to work!Samson fumed but he knew it was too late to call the whole thing off, and he knew that even if he tried, Mark wouldn't listen to him.He ended the call, not giving Mark a chance to elaborate any further. Great! Now that stripper from the other night knew knew about his little problem. Vanessa knew about it too. The stripper coming tonight would probably find out too. Soon all the vampires and humans in Greenville would know about it too. He’d be the laughing stock of every party, the butt of every joke.Samson Perry, bachelor vampire, can’t get it up! Very funny indeed.Well, there was no way In hell that he was going to let that happen. Definitely not going to humiliate himself further, he thought as he grabbed his keys and walked hurriedly out of the house.---------------
Samson shook his head, trying to let her know that it was no big deal. "There's no problem. I can get it fixed" he replied, handing the towel back to her. The towel didn't do much to fix the stain on his white shirt, but he didn't mind one bit.She smiled at him again, and Samson could swear he felt a clench in his gut."Can I get you something to drink" she asked, as she moved to the other side of the counter where the drinks were placed.Samson kept his eyes on her. "Yes." he said, "An old fashioned would be nice... And keep it coming"...............Isabella nodded and turned her back to him so she could face the bar. She had no idea what an old fashioned was, nor did she know how to make one. But she did know that she didn't want to embarss herself in the presence of this incredibly handsome man.She had only been working at
"Oh hello, Samson" The voice said, "Fancy meeting you here"Samson turned to the right to see Jacob Saunders, and suddenly he felt all of his anger return. The smile vanished from his face, and he was his old self again. Just when he finally having some peace of mind, even if it was for only a little while, Jacob just had to come ruin it with his presence. He hated the bastard even more."What the fuck are you doing here, Jacob?" he asked and was replied with a grin."Probably the same thing you're doing here, Sam" Jacob replied, "Soothing my nerves with some shots"His eyes casually fell on Isabella, then he added, "And flirting with the bartender. I get it, she's cute. Can I get in on some of that action?" he asked, his eyes roaming over Isabella.For some reason, Samson felt the urge to punch him in the face. He didn't know the Lady, but he didn't like the way Jacob was
"Goodnight, Mr Peter" Isabella said as she grabbed her little bag and headed out of the bar. She had bandaged up the cut in her hand and was ready to go home. "Oh honey" said Mr Peter, who was behind the desk. "It's going to rain soon. Are you sure you don't want to wait a little before you leave?" Isabella shook her head, "No I can't wait," she replied, "I have to hurry up and pick up my dinner, I have lectures tomorrow and it's already getting late. I will just hurry up, don't worry, I will be fine. I'm sure I will be able catch a bus" She rushed out of the bar and halfway to her favourite restaurant it started drizzling. Isabella hurried along. She ducked into the first restaurant she encountered,giving up any attempt to get loan's tonight. This restaurant would just have to do tonight. She looked around and saw that the place was virtually empty. The woman at the entrance attempted to show her to a table, but Isabella waved her off. “Just takeout, please.” she said. The h
"You will always have me. That you can be sure of" Samson replied. His lips descended on hers until finally they locked together in a kiss of pure love. Capturing her lips with his, he poured his heart into her as he invaded the caverns of her mouth with his tongue. He wasn’t there to plunder, but to share. Her tongue met his, offering him what he knew he could never take: her trust. It was for her to give. Their mouths fused in a passionate surrender to each other, neither one being the conqueror nor the conquered. Partners, equals in love. Both with equal strength and equal weakness for each other, both powerful and powerless at the same time. Samson felt images invading his mind, images of lavender, the meadow, the sun. She opened up to him to take him to a place of utter happiness, a place without a care in the world, a place where he was just man, not beast. Never breaking their kiss, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed, no, to t
Isabella's hand on his stopped him from speaking further. She knew how hard this must be for him as he was trying so hard not to Hurt Travis because of her. But she was done hiding. The man seated in front of him was not her father... Not anymore. He was different. Full of hate and showed no remorse for the wrong he had done. Looking at him now, she knew that she didn't want to be involved with him in any way. Their relationship was over, and there was need to try to bring it back. She just had to accept that fact. Besides she was sure that he would never see her the same way as soon as he found out that she was a vampire. And she was going to tell him... All consequences he damned. This was who she was now and she was tired of hiding."It's okay, Samson" she said softly. "This ends now. You were right. I shouldn't have agreed to this. We shouldn't have come here. It was silly to think that things could go back to the way it was. Dad, I think it will be best for everyon
Isabella gasped at the revelation. She wasn't sure what she had expected him to say, but this certainly wasn't it. Now even without him explaining further, she understood. She understood why he had left. Although a part of her still wished that he had stayed... At least been in by her life a little bit more, but she understood."She died in front of me, Izzy" Travis continued. "And I couldn't do anything to help her or save how. How could I? I was just a man. How could I stand a chance against a vampire? A creature I didn't even know existed until that very night"Isabella's voice shook. "I didn't... I had no idea. Why didn't you say anything to me?""Because I was trying to protect you and you were too Young to understand." replied Travis. "In my own way. That's all I was trying to do. I couldn't bear to let you go through what I going through and I wanted revenge. I got it. I killed the bastard and for a few minutes it felt good. I thought that just goin
"Samson stays, dad" Isabella said stubbornly. "What ever it is that you are going to say, you can say it in front of him. He's not leaving."She turned to Samson and said softly. "Please seat down. Remember you promised""I don't want him here" Travis persisted.This time, Samson didn't wait for Isabella to speak. "I'm staying for Belle" he said stiffly. "I don't care what you think or want. I don't trust you one bit and I'm sure as hell not going to leave her alone with you. No way that's going to happen""She is my daughter. I should be the one saying that. Do you really think that I would do anything to Hurt her?"Samson scoffed. "You already did.. And you have done enough"Isabella touched Samson on the arm. Silently urging him to do this for her. He stared at her for a second. He would want nothing more than to strangle the man in front of him, but he loved this woman and he wanted to do anything for
"Okay I get your point" Isabella said, trying to think positively even if she she knew that she had the same concerns. "But maybe we are just over thinking this. Maybe he doesn't know. Isn't it better for us to meet up and be sure about this instead of worrying that he's going to come after us one day? Maybe he won't. You can't deny the fact that you are concerned that something like that could happen. Let's find out once and for all"Samson gave her words some thought. "FineBut I'm coming with you" he said, then added quickly because he knew what she would say next, "And there's nothing you can do or say that will stop me so don't even bother to say anything. I'm not going to change my mind"Isabella shook her head. "That is not a good idea. He wants to see me alone. Your presence might make him unable to talk to me with ease. I will be fine... Don't worry about me..""Of course I'm going to worry. H
CHAPTER SIXTY NINE"Hey! We were watching that" Vivian said."Yes, I know that. You were paying all your attention to it and ignoring me so I decided to do things this way and look, it worked!" Isabella retorted. "Seriously guys. Why am I being treated this way?""You really have to ask?" said Emily, finally sitting up in her chair. "We should be asking you that question? You were the one who met some guy and ran off into a sunset with him. You abandoned us. You made such a big change without even looking our way. You moved out for goodness sake!""And we thought we could try to adapt but everything just got worse. You quit your job and you don't even come to school any more. So many changes have taken place, but it's all been because of you, and you don't even notice because you are so focused on yourself alone. Honestly I thought that I was okay with what you were doing, but you took it so far and I just can't anymore" added Vivian.Isabella
CHAPTER SIXTY EIGHT“Where?” Travis asked, feigning ignorance. “You know damn well what I mean dad” Isabella replied. She was in no mood for games. She wanted answers and she wanted them now. “I want to know what you are doing here… In Greenville” “Would you believe me if I said that I came here for you…. To see you?” Travis asked. “Stop playing with me, dad. You know that’s not true because you didn’t even know that I was here. I made sure of that. So please just stop this and tell me what exactly is going on” There was a sigh on the other end of the line. “Look, baby. Yes, I didn’t come here to see you. We haven’t seen or spoken to each other in a very long time. What ever the reason is, I’m here and I’m sure that we should be able to figure out some place to sit and talk. You know, just the two of us. Catch up. You can tell me what has been going on in your life… “ “And you can tell me what you were doing in that house in
CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN“Oh good. I finally got your attention” he said.Vivian glared at him. “You didn’t get it. You pissed me off until I had to give it, and that’s not the way to start any kind of conversation with any one”“But at least it worked. I got your attention now and you are talking to me”“I’m not talking to you” replied Vivian. “What do you want from me? And you better say it fast because I’m tired and I want to go home. It’s been a long day”“I want to apologize to you” Raymond began, “I was such a jerk to you. I mean, when you talked to me after… After that night, I should have been more… I don’t know… Understanding… I guess I… I don’t even know how to put it. I’m not too great with words” 
CHAPTER SIXTY SIX“Well, my friend Vivian is one of the toughest people I know. She doesn’t like people easily and when she does, she gives her all and loves them genuinely. She’s loyal. She really did like you and I guess you weren’t ready for all that then, but she was a little hurt and upset about the whole thing. You know, no one likes to get rejected. It’s not a very nice position to be in. She might push you away at first, but I think all you have to do is be a little persistent and show her that you want something more this time. I’m sure that she will come around”“You really think so?” Raymond asked, with his hand on the door handle.“Yeah I do, besides you won’t know if you try” Isabella replied. “But I have to ask, why do you suddenly want to talk to her about this? According to what she told me, you were so sure that you didn’