CHAPTER 2

Mason 

Mason Cain turned his head away from the intriguing and lovely creature. He had heard of vampires before, but he had never actually encountered one. She was nothing like the reports had claimed. Nate, did you catch that? wasn't a dead man walking. Although she was technically dead, she still had a powerful, flaming existence. 

Dylan, his best friend, called and said, "Mason, let's go!" 

When Mason turned, he saw that the pack had advanced in the direction of the parking garage. He had been observing the red-haired vampire as she spoke with the other female through the glass doors of the art gallery. 

“Mason!” Dylan phoned once more. 

Mason yelled out, "Coming," and started to move with the rest of the group. 

When Mason joined them, Dylan commented, "So, she was hot, you know, for a dead person." Dylan was a werewolf who was 37 years old and had stopped growing since he was in his late 20s. Like Mason, he was tall and slim, but when his dark hair wasn't tied back, it hung to his shoulders. 

A: "Have you ever seen one before?" As they lagged behind the others by a few steps, Mason questioned him. Despite being in his eighties, Mason appeared to be Dylan's younger brother. 

There were a few of them, but none were as hot as that, Dylan remarked. 

Ben stepped back to correct them, "You two need to stop that before Klaus hears you," he remarked. Ben was yet another person in Klaus' close-knit group. He appeared to be in his early 30s, but Mason had no idea how old, really old, he actually was. "While vampires may appear alluring to boys, keep in mind that they are soulless, wicked creatures. 

I can assure you that I have encountered the worst of them. 

Mason nodded, and Dylan shrugged. Ben had lived a much fuller life than either of them. He most likely understood what he was discussing. Ben gave Mason a shoulder pat before returning to the group's front. 

"Can you cover for me?" When they arrived at the parallel parking spaces where Mason's soft-top Jeep and Dylan's sleek motorcycle were parked, Dylan enquired. 

Do I not always? Mason questioned ad hominem. 

“Yep. I don't see why you put up with me, Dylan remarked jokingly. Then he got on his motorcycle and rode off to reveal his greatest secret. 

ZACHARY

Zachary Prentiss was still fighting the urge to chase after those animals and destroy them. After what had happened, he couldn't understand why Nate was being so incredibly composed. He took in one painting after another as he cast a quick peek in her direction. She had not only existed before the conflict started, but she had also been present during its early stages. She had witnessed personally what the werewolf packs had done to their people in Scotland three hundred years prior. Werewolves had been a menace to her for millennia, but she never seemed the least bit alarmed by them. He, however, would never be able to forget what they had done. 

Zachary inhaled deeply to relax. Although his body didn't require this to survive, he always felt that the repetitive action helped him focus. Zachary walked away from the females while they were debating an arbitrary modern picture and made his way to the gallery's back, where some of the lesser-known pieces were located. 

In a hidden spot in the rear corner, he discovered one that affected him. He held his hands together behind his back and focused on it. His senses were stirred by the precision. He mentally heard the gunshot and quickly reached out to the spot on his body where the bullet had entered more than 200 years earlier. 

He was supposed to pass away on March 3, 1779. similar to how so many other Patriots had. He had never understood why Colonel Smith had spared him and only him all these years. When so many other people were dying or losing their lives, why did Corporal Zachary Prentiss deserve to live? Zachary distinctly recalled crying out that he didn't want to die while lying there on the soggy ground. Colonel Smith leaned over him in his memory. 

Simply inhale. He had said, "It will all be over soon," in Zachary's ear. 

Zachary recalled the cutting anguish that had poured through him when he, himself, had drank from the British Colonel's wrist. But it wasn't finished yet. He was unable to recall what happened afterwards. He was alone in the woods when he opened his eyes. 

In his jacket pocket was a note that said: 

All men will fear you when you awaken. There is no way to go back home. Your existence has changed. Continue to exist. - a vampire who has become your friend. 

As if he had read the words that morning, Zachary remembered them. He read them a thousand times in an effort to understand what they all meant. He had met Nate not long after his transition. He will always be grateful to her for being his friend, teacher, and ally. 

The question "Are you ready?" Sarah questioned, approaching from behind and putting one arm over his waist. He stood stoically in front of the painting as she put her chin on his shoulder and looked at it. Sarah was standing at around 5 or 8. She was elegant and gorgeous. He hadn't discovered real, pure love until Sarah had entered his life. She muttered, "I'm feeling terribly thirsty. 

At this, Zachary turned and took her hand in his. Sarah was extremely immature. She struggled to withstand the temptations that being around people provided. It was his responsibility to shield her from the callousness of the slaughter, and so far, he had succeeded in doing so. Sarah was unaware of what she was missing because she had never tasted fresh human blood. 

He assured her, "If you're ready, I'm ready." He said, "Is Nate coming with us?" 

"Nope," replied Sarah. She has already left. 

The boy sighed. After moving to Elmwood, Nate suggested she obtain her own place. He wasn't fond of it. Covens ought to reside together, especially in a location where werewolves are prevalent. "Let's leave then." 

Together, they departed the charming art gallery and strolled along the seaside promenade. They were close to a young couple taking a moonlit stroll. Too near. When Zachary felt Sarahstiffen, he ran faster. She gripped tenaciously to his arm, battling the need to strike out. 

He told her, "You're alright," as they got closer to their destination. 

Without additional incident, they made it to the parking garage; however, a group of young people followed them into the elevator. Zachary put himself between Sarahand and the young children by around her with one arm. Sarah exhaled deeply, squeezed her eyes shut, and let her head to drop back against his chest. 

As he and Sarah left the building on the third floor, a student from the nearby high school cried out, "See you tomorrow Mr. Prentiss."