The sounds of the forest echoed in Angel’s ears. He sat in the grass. In his fingers he held a yellow flower twirling it around. The wind brushed against his mocha hair while his back was leaned against the cave. The entrance to the cave was open waiting for Claire and Raven. While he waited, he shut his eyes and images of that night entered his mind. The feelings were rushing back as he thought about their first kiss, their first night together, the first time she told him she loved him. These thoughts, these images, he’d cling to them forever. For they were what reminded him that Raven was worth the risks. She’s worth him losing the throne, worth him risking his life time and time again. So everyone might think he’s lost his mind or that it’ll never work or they’ll both end up dying. That their love story could only have a tragic ending. But, he didn’t care, nothing was going to stop him from trying. They would have a happy ending on the horizon even if it cost him everything to get it.

“Why can’t I say it,” He stood there in the mirror. His skin freshly showered his hazel eyes glancing up at his reflection. “Erika,” He let out a deep sigh. “I lo-,” He bit his lip to keep the words from coming. “Come on, just tell her how you feel, it’s not that difficult just say it.” He fingers through his hair. “What’s the use, she’ll never know how I feel because I’m too scared to say it. I’m too scared of losing her.” He buried his face in his hands. “I’m so pathetic, It’s just three words and yet, they scare the shit out of me.”

“Son, are you ready?” His mother asked. “It’s prom night, you gotta pick Dez up. She’s waiting for you. Tonight’s the night,” He opened the bathroom drawer. Inside was a condom package he saved for the end of the night. His first time and it was to be Dez. She’s supposed to be the one but why didn’t it feel like it? “Your father wanted me to tell you he’s so proud of you.” Of course, he’s leading the life his father wanted for him. Of course, he’s proud. How could he forget? That’s why it has to be Dez. His feelings cloud his judgment better safe than sorry.

“I’ll be right out,” He put on his tux and stashed the condom in his pocket.

“Nothing’s changed,” Angel pressed his head against the cave. Three years later, he’s with Erika now and he still can’t tell her how he feels. He’s still afraid and he was starting to wonder if he’d ever find the strength to tell her. No, he had to tell her, during the date. He’d say it. Just keep practicing. “Raven,” He forced out. “I lo-,” He stopped himself when he heard footsteps approaching.

It was Raven, she was walking in the forest. The gentle breeze brushing through her beautiful black hair. She was laughing as her sister walked beside her. He figured the sister’s were laughing about something that happened while he was waiting on them. In all that joyish laughter was a hint of a smile. A smile that set Angel’s heart at ease. The light of the sun shone on Raven’s skin giving it a slight glow as she got closer to him. The laughter stopped when Raven’s eyes met with his and once they did. She broke into a sprint. She leapt in the air, he caught her in his arms and spun her.

“I can’t believe you actually came to get me.” Raven wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and her legs wrapped around his waist. She stared into his eyes and brought her lips close to his. He leaned in to kiss her before he could. She placed her hand over mouth. “Angel,” She pointed down and he set her down on her feet. The second her feet touched the ground, she clenched her gut and ran into the woods. He went to follow her but Claire grabbed his shoulder and shook her head at him.

“I wouldn’t if I were you,” Claire suggested. “She’s been like that all afternoon. She’s been throwing up and to be honest.” She put her hands in her pockets. “I’m a little worried.” She confessed.

“Worried?” Angel raised his brow. “Is she going to be okay?” He started to go into the woods after her.

“Actually, we need to talk.” Claire’s words stopped him. “That night, you and my sister,” Angel’s hands began to shake. No, please, he shut his eyes fearing the question. Please don’t let it be that, anything but that. “You wore a condom right?” The flower in his hand dropped to the grass beneath him. “I mean surely you did, you don’t strike me as the kind of guy to be that stupid. So I’m obviously worried about nothing.”

Wait, Claire doesn’t think that Raven is- No, she can’t be, with that one question. He watched as images of that night they shared together went up in flames. What had to be the greatest night of his life had turned into a night of regret. Every kiss, every thrust, every sensation he felt from being with Raven that night. As much as he enjoyed and dreamt of that moment. He now saw that night as his biggest mistake. If only he hadn’t crossed over to the werewolf side during the Lunar Ball. If only, he never introduced himself. If only they never kissed. If only he didn’t follow her to that cave that night. If only, he shut off his feelings and ignored the strong desire he had for her that night. She wouldn’t be- He couldn’t think of the word. Too afraid Claire’s suspicion might be true. Too afraid if he thought it, it’d come true. That night it was going to cost him…Everything.

Angel could only think of one thing, there was only one way. Raven would make it out of this alive. It was that thought he clung to for it was the only thing keeping him from breaking apart. That thought was, please be Lycan’s. If Raven had to bear a child, he hoped it was Lycan’s for she could survive giving birth to a werewolf child. So, please let her bear Lycan’s child. Don’t let him be the reason she dies. He couldn’t live with that, it’d tear his whole world apart. Please be Lycan’s, Please, Please. He wasn’t sure what brought him to do this. Maybe it was because he wasn’t ready to face the truth. So, he lied.

“I did, I was safe,” He answered.

“Well, then,” Claire shrugged. “I guess that settles that.”

“Sorry,” Raven came out of the bushes. “Lycan tried to cook for me during the honeymoon. It was horrible. I’ve been sick all day.” She explained. “I’m good now but before we go on our date. I have a surprise for you. Give me a second,” She walked into the cave. Angel watched as she began taking off her shirt. “Hey, no peeking,” He turned his back to her so he couldn’t see her change shirts. “I’m ready,” He turned to face her. -That shirt!-

Angel’s eyes widened and his lips formed a slight grin. Raven was wearing a black T- shirt with a skull on it. It had cracks on the head and its eyes were in the shape of a glare. This shirt belonged to him. The day they almost had sex as humans. She picked up his shirt by accident and put it on. She didn’t realize she had it on until he pointed it out. He told her to keep it and she did. Apparently, she kept it for at least two years. There was something about her wearing that shirt on their date that left a smile on his face.

“Well,” Raven laughed. “Do you recognize it?”

“Of course, it’s mine, I gave it to you, remember?” Angel pulled her in for a hug. “I can’t believe you still have it.”

“You gave it to me so why wouldn’t I keep it?” Raven asked. “Granted, it’s obviously a boy shirt so I’d need to change it before we get back but,” She shrugged. “Oh well, I’m wearing it and I’m not taking it off.”

“Um, that’s debatable.” Angel rubbed his chin. “I might take it back if only to see what’s underneath.” He winked at her. Raven blushed and he pressed his lips against hers. The two of them continued to kiss until Claire cleared her throat. “Oh right, we should be going,”

“Actually, you owe me a story,” Claire crossed her arms. “I recall you saying you had to strip just to get here. Please elaborate on this story because I’m curious to know how you ended up stripping. Aren’t you a prince?”

“I am through marriage, so what?” Angel shrugged. “Just because I’m a vampire prince that means I can’t get on stage and shake my ass in front of my army. I’ll have you know, my army enjoyed every minute of me shaking my butt at them. “

“Wait, wait, wait, you stripped?” Raven pointed at him. “Oh, I need to see this. You’re going to strip for me Angel. In fact, I want a lap dance. I want to see you shake your ass at me, I’ll pay to see it. Though, I struggle to see you doing that. How were you able to pull it off?” She put her hands on her hips.

“Well um,” Angel rubbed the back of his neck. “I pictured you in this black corset, black lace panties and these leather boots. I imagined that you were the crowd wearing that outfit and if I wanted you. I had to dance for you so I did, and because I did, I won.”

“Black corset huh?” Raven rubbed her chin. “Was it outlined in lace?” He nodded. “Okay, so what I’m hearing is, I need to go to the store and buy this corset. In order to please my man, noted,” She patted Angel on the shoulder. “Worry not, my prince, for I will make it my mission to find this corset and buy it.”

“No Raven, you can’t, you don’t understand if you wear that corset.” Angel tried to speak but Raven put her finger over his lips. “But Raven,” She shook her head at him. “But, you don’t understand what I’ll do to you if you-,” She put her finger over his lips again. “I’ll glue myself to you Raven, dick first.”

“Are you threatening me with a good time?” Raven asked. “We’ve been over this, if you threaten me with a good time. I’ll take it. So now, I have to buy it.” Angel tried to argue with her. “Nope, it’s settled. I’m going to get this corset that has made you into my sex slave. Because it is my womanly duty to seduce my man into doing whatever I want.”

“But Raven,” Angel spoke, she shook her head at him. “Please, I’m warning you, if you buy that corset. I’ll rip my pants off and take you right there on the spot. I’ll do it in front of your brother, your sister, and even Lycan. I won’t care, I won’t be able to stop myself from doing it. You can’t buy that corset,”

“But I’m going to.” Raven grinned. Angel shook his head, “Yes, I’m going to find this corset and I’m going to buy it. I’ll wear this corset just to see if you’re a man of your word. Are you going to glue your penis to me? Well we’re about to find out.”

“Raven for your safety, I’m begging you not to-,” Angel took her hands. “Please Raven, don’t, you don’t understand.”

“Oh, I understand and I accept the challenge.”

“Sister, please don’t, I don’t think he’s joking.” Claire’s eye shifted back and forth from Angel to Raven. He could tell she was trying to figure out if what Angel was saying was true. To be honest, Angel wasn’t even trying to hide his intentions. He wanted Claire to know he was dead serious. “I don’t want to see you or Angel having sex. You’re my sister, I don’t want to see you naked. I feel like if you do that, it’s just going to happen and I’m not going to be able to do anything about it.”

“You would be right,” Angel agreed. “If she does this, I’ll fight whomever I have to fight to get to her. Nothing is getting between me and your sister because I will kill it. So Raven I strongly advise that you do not buy that corset.”

“Oh, I’m going to buy it.” Raven smirked. “It’s just a matter of finding it.”

“I warned you that’s all I’m going to say,” Angel held up his hands in surrender. “Whatever happens after that. I’m not going to feel guilty about it because I warned you. So, if you buy it you can’t say you didn’t know what I was going to do. I told you Raven, I told you, so with that said, do whatever you want. Now then,” Angel kissed Raven’s hand. “I believe you owe me a date, so.” He placed his hand on her cheek. “Let’s get going shall we?”

“Let’s,” Raven took hold of Angel’s hand and they walked into the forest together. “So,” Raven put her hands in pockets as they walked through the forest together. “I did some digging on the werewolf Elder like you asked. I spoke to our tracker Jay,”

“Jay?” Angel tried to recall the werewolf that went by that name. “Is that the one that was wrestling outside with his brother?”

“Jayson, yes, most likely, those two are inseparable.” Raven laughed. “I guess you’d expect that since they’re twins.”

“So what did Jay have to say about the Elder?” Angel walked next to her.

“Well, he told me this story or that there was a story about a wolf named Kami.” Raven began. “She was a werewolf that lived among humans disguised as a wolf.”

“Yes, I heard this story from Ziek,” Angel replied. “He called me while I was on my way here. He told me the story. The wolf Kami befriended a farm boy and blessed his crops. The town found out about Kami’s gift to control nature. So all the farmers wanted Kami’s help. The wolf agreed to help in exchange for food. Farmers got greedy and Kami stopped helping, The wolf disappeared and was never seen again. It’s why the human’s in town celebrate this thing called,” He scratched his chin. “The Harvest Festival, it’s the town’s way of thanking the wolf and hoping it would return to them. It’s never worked.”

“Yes that story,” Raven pointed at him. “Jay told me the exact same story though in less detail. He also said that his family used to work for Kami. Though, they were cut off and because they sided with Grimm. Because of this, he has no idea where Kami is. Though, he claims he’s seen the wolf. But, he wasn’t sure it’s the Elder. So, basically I found nothing that could help us. Also Jay thinks Kami’s a girl. Which I don’t agree with.”

“What makes you think Kami’s a boy?” Angel asked. “I mean when, I think Elder, I assume it’s a guy but it’s plausible that one of the Elder’s could be female.” He offered. Raven glared at him, “Look, I’m not saying that Kami is a girl. I’m not saying that Kami isn’t a girl. I’m just saying that we shouldn’t rule anything out until we are sure. If Jay thinks Kami’s a girl then surely he has reason to believe so. Our goal is to find the Elders, it makes no difference to me whether Kami’s a boy or a girl all that matters is that we find at least one of our Elders. So, we need to keep an open mind.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Raven agreed. “So, what’s the first thing you want to do when we get to-,” Her words fell silent as their eyes saw the town. Without a word, she took hold of Angel’s hand and they stood there in silence.

The streets were being cleaned of wreckage. The flowers were burned down, the surrounding buildings were damaged. People were gathered in their eyes filled with tears, their homes were destroyed. Some of them were mourning their family that were lost. When Angel heard the town was destroyed. He thought at most the damage would be minor. Something that could be repaired within a few weeks. But this,

“Blaire, this time, you’ve gone too far.” Angel gritted his teeth together in anger. Lord Alexander expected Liley to hide this under the rug. As their leader, how could Liley turn a blind eye to any of this. It was no wonder she was at their castle demanding justice. What they’ve done, it wasn’t something that couldn’t easily be forgotten.

“What happened here?” Raven asked. “I don’t understand, the town was supposed to be off limits. We aren’t allowed to harm anyone in the town. Those are the rules. So, how could this happen? Did you do this?” She pointed at him.

“Not me,” Angel whispered. “Blaire,” He answered. “She ordered her army to attack the town and tried to blame it on one of my friends. It happened while we were on our honeymoon. It’s why Selene was calling me that night.”

“Wow, you guys are really something.” Raven shook her head. “You can’t even obey one simple rule. As bad as a leader Lord Grimm is. Even he wouldn’t allow something like this. We would never think to attack the town for any reason. This is unbelievable, these people were innocent and you attacked them for what? Just because you can.”

“It wasn’t like that,” Angel replied. “But yes, they did this. Blaire ordered the attack, she was trying to sabotage Selene. I should have been there.” He tightened his hand into a fist. “I could have stopped this from happening.”

“So, is this what’s going to happen if we start the war up again?” Raven’s eyes wandered the town. “It seems like the more we fight each other, the more people get hurt, the more destruction that follows. Blaire turned this town into a pawn for her games. These people lost their children, their wives, their husbands, their homes. For what? So Blaire could prevent someone from being a commander. That’s ridiculous, why Lord Alexander let her anywhere near his throne is beyond me.” She put her hands on her hips.

The sad truth is if Angel didn’t take the throne. If Blaire was left to rule alone. More people would get hurt or worse become pawns. Blaire was going to destroy everything Lord Alexander fought so hard to build. The only person who could stop Blaire from getting the throne was him. To do so, he’d have to give up. He glanced over at Raven. Everything. What’s he supposed to do? Sacrifice his relationship and his happiness and save the vampires from a corrupt leader. Or choose his relationship, knowing he was leaving Lord Alexander’s legacy to crumble. He couldn’t decide, his heart wanted Raven but it ached for his friends.

“Hey look,” Raven pointed at a huge sign that was placed in front of the town. It had a picture of Liley on the front. There was a swan symbol next to her. “A memorial will be held for those we have lost. All are welcome, donations will be accepted and all proceeds will go to restoring what we have lost. Let us rebuild together,- Liley.” She read aloud. “We should go,” Angel wasn’t sure that was a good idea. Especially considering his last encounter with the town’s mayor but. This presented a chance to find out more about what that “P” symbol on Liley’s wrist represents and more importantly what she is. He needed to find out what this new threat is even if it meant getting his hands a little dirty.

“Let’s,” Angel agreed. “I know we’re on a date and a memorial isn’t exactly the best way to-,” Raven put her finger over his lips.

“It was my idea,” Raven pointed out. “Besides, a date doesn’t always mean dinner, a movie, some night in. A date could simply be us spending time together and that’s exactly what we’re doing. So, it’s still a date right?”

“Well yeah,” Angel agreed. “I suppose you’re right. Let’s go,” He grabbed a flyer for the memorial so he could find out where it was being held. He didn’t know his way around and to his surprise. Raven did, she took the map and led the way. Just as they were about to enter the memorial, he noticed a donation jar sitting on a table.

“I swore to only use this money for tours and such but,” Raven took out her wallet. It was white with ravens flying around on the case. “They need it more than I do.” She took out some of her cash and put it into the jar. “It’s not much but it’s a start at least.” She put her wallet away. “I just hope they can afford to rebuild after this.”

“Go on ahead, I’ll meet you inside.” Angel kissed her hand. Raven nodded and left him alone with the donation jar. “This won’t make things right, but,” He took out his wallet. He took out a couple of hundreds and put them inside the jar. “I hope this helps.” He walked inside, Raven urged him over to her side.

The memorial was being held at the town center. It was decorated with all sorts of flowers. The two of them were bunched up with the crowd. The people were all wearing black clothing, dressed for a funeral. In the crowd, Angel took notice of a group of people wearing a black hooded robe. One of them glanced over at him. Her eyes were blue, she had short blonde hair and wore black lipstick. She had an evil grin on her face as she looked at him and Raven together. In response, Angel gripped Raven’s hand tightly as if this was going to protect her. That group. Could it be that? Whatever the “P” tattoo represents there’s more of them. Could it be that they’re using this town to hide themselves? If so, then how many are there? Is this why Lord Alexander and Lord Grimm are afraid to harm the town? So many questions but no answers. That’s why he’s here to get answers.

Angel’s eyes shifted to the stage that was built in the town center. Behind the stage was a red curtain thrown over some kind of rock. He wasn’t sure what was behind it but was sure he’d find out during the memorial. He shifted his gaze over to the woman in the crowd but her and the group that was with her were gone. The robed figures disappeared. He held tight to Raven’s hand and forced a swallow. This town, he didn’t feel safe here. They were eyes watching them, stalking them, like prey and he could do nothing about it. He jumped as a hand lightly touched his shoulder to get his attention. This hand, it wasn’t Raven’s, her fingers were painted with black nail polish. The moment, he felt her touch. He was struck with an overwhelming sense of fear. He couldn’t move, speak or do anything.

“Don’t worry, we won’t kill you just yet.” The woman whispered. “We like to play with our food.” He forced a swallow. “Enjoy the memorial, vampire.” He turned around and the person was gone. In her place was a small cloud of black mist that was being absorbed into a nearby storm drain. The dark mist was so small it was barely noticeable. How did she-? She snuck up on him without him noticing. His hand started to shake as he gripped Raven’s hand.

“Angel, it’s starting.” Raven pointed at the stage. Wait, Raven’s a werewolf. Her senses are stronger than his. This woman, she wasn’t just able to sneak up on him but Raven as well. Raven had no idea what just happened or that she was even there. He took a deep breath to calm himself. He couldn’t let Raven see that he was afraid. The last thing he wanted was for Raven to find out about this new threat. It wasn’t her problem, the vampires were the one who upset them. Not the werewolves. So, the vampires would handle it. No sense in Raven getting hurt in the process. So, he’d focus on the memorial and pretend like he didn’t know he was being watched. He directed his eyes to the stage as Liley walked onto it.

The mayor was dressed in a black dress, black heels, her hands holding a bouquet of black roses. A gentle breeze brushed through her platinum blonde hair as she stood there in silence. Her eyes were closed as a microphone stand was placed in front of her. She stood perfectly still offering a moment of silence before she spoke to her people.

“Today is not a happy day,” Liley began. “I wish I could stand before you in celebration like all the other days. But sadly this is not the case. Today is a day of mourning, for those we have lost and I assure you. You do not bear this sadness alone.” She took a deep breath. “As your mayor, your leader, your protector, this is a day of failure. I failed to hold my promise and keep you safe and for that I am deeply sorry. Nothing matters more to me than keeping you safe. So words aren’t enough to express the sadness I feel standing before you now as a failure.” A tear fled her eyes and she wiped it away. “To express my sincerest apologies. I hope you accept this gift,” She pulled the curtain down.

Angel’s eyes gazed upon the monument that was built for the town. It was a small tower with names engraved on it. He assumed they were the names of all people that were killed during the attack. He thought Liley was going to brush it under the rug and perhaps she still was. But this monument. It was going to remind the vampires of their mistake. She was never going to let them forget what they did.

“I know it doesn’t heal the wounds on our hearts.” Liley placed her hand on her heart. “But maybe this small token will be enough to earn back your trust. I may have failed but I don’t want you to give up on me as your leader. I still want to protect all of you.” She gestured to her people. “I swear if given a second chance, I will do better. I will not be as careless as I was before. As proof of this,” She stepped to the side.

Angel’s eyes widened. A line of armored guards began walking on stage. They were equipped in white armor, they held guns loaded with silver bullets. They had flasks of holy water as well. These guards. They were equipped to kill them. The vast number of them, Liley wasn’t joking around this time. If the vampire’s fucked up again. She’d kill them.

“Silver bullets,” Raven glared at Angel. “So, we did nothing wrong but because you guys screwed up. We’re in trouble too. Now we have to worry about silver bullets Angel. This is just great, like silver edged knives weren’t enough. Now they have bullets.”

“No longer will I be alone in my mission of protecting you.” Liley placed her hands behind her back. “I hired them to protect us and keep us safe and armed them for the task. Look at these men and women and know that you are safe. I will not fail again and this threat will know the meaning of fear.” She smirked. “So, I ask you to give me another chance. Let me lead you, protect you once more. The choice is yours.” She bowed her head to give the crowd a minute to decide. Not long after,

Angel began to see signs reading Liley’s name being held. The message that followed these signs read: “Give her another chance.” Another read: “Liley for the people, Liley for safety and protection.” More and more signs began to show till the crowd was all voting for Liley. These people. They love her but they have no idea that she’s-. Not human. Angel began to wonder. Does it matter if she’s not like them or not? Does it matter as long she’s trying to protect them and lead them like a good leader should. He wasn’t sure but he knew this much. Liley would kill them the next time they attacked her town.

“Thank you all,” Liley bowed to them. “You will not regret this. Now let us rebuild and rise from the ashes. Let’s be sad today but celebrate tomorrow. To help us, I have arranged a special per-,” Her words were cut when a man walked onstage. He snatched the microphone from Liley’s hand.

“Enough Liley,” The man spoke. “I will not have these people placed under your spell anymore. You pledge peace, forgiveness, and safety. True safety can only be solved by taking up arms and fighting.” Wait a minute, this guy. He was the preacher at his and Blaire’s wedding. He’s the leader of the human faction. “Those of you who wish to fight, join us, stop living in ignorance and being fed her lies.” He pointed at Liley. “You want to be safe, then protect yourself. Don’t count on Liley to do it for you. If you’re interested, follow me.” He walked offstage and Liley watched as some of her people left with him.

Angel watched as Liley’s eyes beamed with anger. She bit her lip and crossed her arms. A woman appeared onstage holding a guitar prepared to play. She had gray hair that was styled in gothic fashion. She wore a black crop top and black distressed jeans. The heels on her black leather boots were made of a steel sharp spike. The center of her chest, there was the same “P” tattoo that Liley had. He carefully read her lips as she spoke. “What do we do about this?” She asked. “Want me to play?” Angel enhanced his hearing with a curse so he could hear Liley’s response.

“Just brush it under the rug,” Liley answered. “I won’t be attending the concert. I’ve always hated this part.” She walked offstage. The woman nodded and took her place onstage with her guitar in hand. As she took her place, a man with platinum blond hair stepped forward and took the microphone. This man, his eyes. They were bright green and appeared to be like a snake’s. He watched as his eyes changed in order to appear more human. The man was dressed in an unbuttoned white shirt with snakes on it and blue jeans that had tears at the knees. Over his heart was the “P” tattoo. Once he was in place, three more showed up.

There was a man with black hair with green tips. He was standing at a keyboard, his fingers on the keys. His eyes were greenish yellow. He took out a pair of glasses and they were concealed to look green like a human. He had the tattoo of a scorpion on his left forearm and spiked wristbands on both wrists. He was dressed in a gray muscle shirt and ripped up jeans with a spiked belt.

The second one had long black hair. His eyes were black. He had the tattoo of a spider on his right forearm. He had on a gray trench coat. He was holding a bass guitar. He had the “P” tattoo on his upper left arm.

The third was heavily built. He wore a black leather trench coat. He had the tattoo of a “P” on his upper right arm. He sat down at the drum set and popped his knuckles picking up the drum sticks. He had short brown hair that was spiked back and had a turtle necklace around his neck. His eyes were bright yellow. He grabbed a bottle and took a drink and his eyes changed to green.

These guys. All of them. They are the same thing as Liley. So there are more of them and all of them. Feed on the blood of vampires. Or was it just vampires? Angel wasn’t sure. But it was obvious now, they were hiding among the humans. That’s how they’ve stayed hidden all of these years. But how many were there? If they’re naturally stronger than vampires then how can they kill them? Why hasn’t Lord Alexander done something about this? This threat was growing in number and as it stands. They were powerless to stop it.

The guy on the keyboard started to play and as if summoned. People started to lift their lighter and lights to honor his melody. The drums followed and the singer started to compose his song to this melody. The guitars joined in and soon they were all surrounded by their alluring melody. It was a beautiful song but it wasn’t just a song. It was a form of manipulation disguised as a concert. The crowd was caught in a trance like somehow they had entered minds and were manipulating their memories making them forget.

“That’s how she’s doing it?” Angel eyes wandered the crowd. The crowd was standing there adoring their music unaware of what they were doing to them. But, wait, who was doing this and why didn’t it work on him? Somehow he’s immune. But he could see it all, he could see them manipulating the thoughts and memories of the crowd. But he could do nothing to stop it. These beings. Whatever they are. They’re stronger than vampires. Stronger than him. The man who was singing, he had to be their leader.

Angel glared into his eyes as he glared at Angel’s. The two of them were staring each other down. The man’s eyes switched to that of a snake and he licked his lips reminding Angel that he was on their food chain. He was the prey and they were the predator. But still, the way he looked at him. He was looking forward to killing him like it was certaintanty that Angel would die. For the first time, he was afraid because deep down he knew. If they ever fought, he’d die. No amount of training was going to change that. What’s worst is.

Their leader knew Angel was immune to their tricks but didn’t care. It was like Angel wasn’t even a threat to him. He was that insignificant in their Leader’s eyes. He’d change that, he balled his hand into a fists and glared at him. Their leader smirked as his finger pointed over to Raven. Wait, Angel gasped.

“Raven,” Angel called out. She was standing next to him caught in a trance. “Raven,” He shook her but she wasn’t responding. “Come on Raven,” He snapped his fingers in her face hoping to break the trance. “Snap out of it,” He turned to face their Leader and glared into his eyes. He ignored Angel’s glares and continued the song. “I’ve got to get you somewhere safe.” Angel picked Raven up and cradled her in arms taking her away from the music. He saw a restaurant in town and went inside. Once they were inside, he set her down and shook her once more. After one shake, she was free of the trance.

“Wha-,” Raven rubbed her forehead. “What hap-,” Angel pulled her to his chest. He was worried. He got careless and for that Raven could have gotten hurt. He had to be more careful with her. These creatures. He didn’t know what they were or what they were after. Still, his goal to find out more about them was putting Raven in danger. He’d drop it for now and focus on finding the Elders.

“Hello and welcome to DeDe’s Diner,” The woman greeted. She was wearing a white crop top and tight blue jean shorts. Raven took one look at her then shifted her gaze to Angel. She raised one brow and crossed her arms. He shrugged in response. So, he might have taken her to a restaurant that was geared toward pleasing a male audience. In his defense, he wasn’t paying attention to where or what the restaurant was. He just needed to take her somewhere safe and away from the music and this was the closest place. “Table for two?”

“You’re lucky I’m hungry,” Raven glared at him and turned her attention to the hostess. “Yes, we’d like a booth. Somewhere in the back. So,” She turned to face Angel. “Nobody can hear him scream.” She bared her canines at him.

“Right this way,” The hostess picked up two menus and led them to a booth in the back of the restaurant. “I must admit, you’re pretty ballsy for bringing your girlfriend here. Not a lot of guys do that.” She handed them their menus.

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“Yeah, It’s our first date too.” Angel said shamefully.

“Ouch, you guys just sit tight and your server will be right with you.” She walked away.

“My bad,” Angel picked up his menu.

“I really don’t care,” Raven admitted. “It might be a restaurant for men. But, it has food and I do enjoy food. So, You get a pass. You’re just lucky I’m not the jealous type.” She began browsing through the menu.

“That reminds me,” Angel browsed through his menu. He was hoping to find something that a vampire could partake on. Granted, he had no idea what a vampire could get away with eating. So, he’d try his best to wing it. “Um, I’m only telling you this for full disclosure. But um, when I got back to the castle. Selene, she ugh, and you can’t get mad because we didn’t do anything. I’m just telling you so that you know.” Raven set her menu down and snatched his menu from him.

“She tried to have sex with you didn’t she?” Raven set both of their menus aside. He nodded. He braced himself for impact. He could imagine Raven grabbing him by his shirt and beating him to oblivion. But, he wanted her to know. What if she found out by Selene that would only make it worse. It was better if it came from him. Besides, nothing happened. Surely, Raven knew that. “Look, Angel, in regards to the whole cheating thing. Let’s just leave it as this. If you feel like what you’re doing is cheating. Then it is. Blaire doesn’t count, Lycan doesn’t count. Neither of us are in love with them. So it doesn’t bother me if it’s Blaire because I know there’s no feelings involved. It’s just sex. Same for Lycan.” She explained. “But Selene, that isn’t like Blaire is it?”

“No, that’s why I didn’t do it.” Angel confessed. “Selene would be cheating. There was part of me that wanted to. I’m not denying that. But my feelings for you are stronger than my feelings for her. So in the end, I chose you and I’m always going to. I just want you to know so that if you’re ever having doubts that I don’t.” Raven placed her hand on his.

“I trust you,” Raven kissed his hand. “Selene better stay in the friend zone where she belongs or I’ll whoop her ass.” She joked. He laughed as she handed him his menu. The two of them continued to browse. “Oh by the way, I’m paying for the food.” She offered.

“Excuse you,” Angel set his menu down. “You’re not paying for this. I’m taking you on a date that means I’m paying.” He set his wallet down. Raven glared at him. “You’re not taking this from me.”

“Yes I am,” Raven set Lycan’s credit card down.

“No, Lycan can’t pay for our date.” Angel slid her back the card. “That’s just wrong. I know you’re cheating on him but there’s no need to make him pay for it. So since I have a wallet filled with my own-.” Raven set her wallet down. “Raven, put that wallet back right now.”

“Angel, you’re not paying for this.” Raven argued. “The war is in what? Two days, maybe three, I don’t know. I lost count. But, the point is. I could die during the war so if I’m going to have a day of freedom and if during this time. I’m at a restaurant with food. I’m ordering a lot of food. Like a lot, you better not judge me either.”

“I don’t care what you eat as long as I pay for it.” Angel argued.

“Bitch, I’ll choke you.” Raven warned.

“Choke away,” Angel crossed his arms. “Because I’m paying for it.” Raven came across the table and reached out to choke him. Before she could, the waitress showed up. Her presence stopped Raven from choking him. He stuck his tongue out at her and she growled.

“Hello, my name’s Stacie,” The woman greeted. “I’ll be your waitress for today. Have we decided what we’d like to drink?” Wait, they don’t have blood do they? Angel checked the menu. Wait they do but it’s not called that. So.

“I’ll take the special drink,” He replied. She nodded.

“What’s the special-, Oh, I get it, smart.” Raven pointed at them. “Well, I’ll take a-,” She browsed the menu. “Sweet Tea.” She nodded.

“I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

“So they do have stuff for you.” Raven crossed her legs. “So, Angel, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” The waitress set their drinks down in front of them. “Give us a minute before we order.” She nodded and left them alone. “Do you remember the wedding?” She picked up her straw and stirred up her tea with it.

“Yeah, I remember,” Angel checked his glass. It was covered so nobody could tell what he was drinking. He checked inside to make sure it’s what he thought. Once he was sure, he took a drink. To his surprise it wasn’t spiked. He thought after the vampire’s attacked their town. They wouldn’t cater to them anymore or if they did. It’d be so they could kill them. Then again, he noticed the restaurant was getting full. The memorial must be over. So, nobody remembers what happened. Which means, their threat must have cleared out. He let out a sigh of relief. “So, what about the wedding?”

“Do you remember when everyone was fighting?” Raven took a sip of her tea. She stirred her tea once more. Angel took a minute to recall the moment. He remembered it being chaotic. Brandon was being jumped by the twins. Blaire and Lycan were at each other’s throats. The two kings started to fight each other, it was just out of control. The humans that were there as spectators were cowering in fear. It was horrible and a little embarrassing to think about. It made both sides look bad. “Well, during the fighting, do you recall the little girl hiding underneath the table?” She asked.

“I do recall there being a little girl at the wedding.” Angel answered. “I wasn’t sure where she was during the fighting. To be honest,” He took a sip of his drink. “I wasn’t really paying much attention. I’m just glad no humans got hurt in that ordeal.” He chugged his drink and set it down. “It was quite a mess.” He wiped the blood off his lips with a napkin. “So what about it?” He asked. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

“Is that us?” Raven asked. “When the war starts and everyone starts fighting again. Are we the ones hiding underneath a table in fear? Where do we stand in all of this?” She wondered. “I don’t want to kill you and you don’t want to kill me so-.” Angel placed his hand on top of hers. He stared deep into her navy blue eyes as he spoke.

“Raven, listen to me,” Angel spoke in a calm voice. “We’re not the little girl hiding underneath the table. That’s not us, we’re not afraid to fight. You want to know where we stand in that situation. I’ll tell you,” He cleared his throat. “You remember the woman with the pink hair who stopped all the fighting by herself.” She nodded. “That’s us. We’re not trying to fight in a war, we’re not trying to kill one another, we’re simply trying to stop it. We’re the ones breaking up the fight. That’s where we stand in all of this. I truly believe that we can,” He held Raven’s hand. “We just need to find the Elders. They’re the key to ending this.”

“But what if we-,” Angel put a finger over her lips to silence her.

“No, we’re going to find them.” He answered. “I’m not going to fight you Raven, I can’t. So this is our only option. We could run but then we’d get caught. So, it’s back to the Elders and we’re going to find them.” He fixed her hair. “You mean too much to me Raven. I’m not going to let some war divide us. So, I’m going to find them even if I have to read every book in that damn library. Count on it,”

Their waitress returned and took their order. Angel couldn’t find anything on the menu to eat aside from an extra rare steak. He gave Raven his side orders. Holding true to her promise, Raven ordered four entrees and a dessert. She managed to eat most of her food but had to take half of the dessert with her. Angel busted out laughing as Raven sat back holding her stomach. She kept complaining about eating too much but she was still eating from one of her plates.

“I can’t eat another bite , I’m so full.” Raven took a spoonful of mashed potatoes and put them in her mouth. “Take it,” She slid her plate over to him. “Take the plate away from me or I won’t stop eating. Everything was just so good. I feel like a pig.” She cried out. “Why did you let me order four entrees? What’s wrong with you?”

“Why is this my fault?” Angel asked. “You said you were hungry and I told you you could order as much as you wanted. You did, so,” He shrugged. “I don’t see the problem.” She rose to her feet after taking one more bite of mashed potatoes. He set the tip down after paying for the check. “Let’s go,” He placed his arm on her shoulder. “We’ll walk it off.”

“Wait,” Raven picked up the plate and finished off the mashed potatoes. “Okay, I’m ready, Let’s go before I order more.” She walked off with him. “If I gain weight because you didn’t stop me from eating. I’m going to kick you. You’re supposed to stop me.” She held his hand as they walked through town together.

“Stop you from enjoying yourself.” Angel raised his brow. “Why would I do that?” He laughed. She hooked his arm and in that instant. He felt her warmth draw close. He kissed the top of her head as they walked through town together. While he was here, he figured it was time for him to get a new phone so they headed for the shopping district.

Due to the wreckage, the vendors were outside selling what they had of their merchandise. Some of the shops were still intact. One of them being a store that sold cell phones and across from it a jewelry store. Both stores must have been heavily armored during the attack. He glanced over at Raven who was browsing through some clothing. In particular, the lingerie, she was trying to find that lingerie he was telling her about. Honestly, this woman, she just doesn’t know when to quit. He shook his head at her.

“Raven, I’ll be in the phone store,” Angel pointed at the store. “If you find anything you want to buy, tell me, I’ll get it for you. I’ll just be second.” She rolled her eyes at him. This was her telling him, I can buy my own stuff. “Just let me spoil you, is that so hard?” He asked.

“You have no idea,” Raven put her hands on her hips. “Go get your phone, I’ll be out here shopping and I’m using my money. I don’t need to be spoiled. I’m a strong woman who can take care of herself. Unless, you forgot, I like being independent.”

“I didn’t forget,” Angel crossed his arms. “I just chose to ignore it.” She stuck her tongue at him. He did it back and walked into the cell phone store. He walked through the line up of cell phones trying to find one exactly like his old one. Once he found it, he placed it on the counter and bought it. “Now to set my -,” He glanced up to see Raven standing at the jewelry counter. The second, he saw her there for a moment. He felt as if time had stopped.

Raven stood there. Her long black hair draped to the side of her neck. Her gorgeous navy blue eyes were glued to the-. His body started to tremble, a tear began to form in his eye. The sight of her, the very sight of her. No, it was more than that. It was knowing what she was looking at and the person she was thinking of while looking at this item. He was beyond words. Wedding rings, right now, at this very moment. Raven was thinking about marrying him, she was envisioning a future with him. Just knowing that, she wanted him in that way. It was more than he could dream of. To know, she was willing to take their relationship to that level. That like him, she could see a future where they’re both happy.

“This is it,” Angel hid in the cell phone store. He clinched his necklace tightly. She wanted to get married. This is what he’s wanted before he even became a vampire. It’s always been her and now that it’s here. The moment he’s dreamed of. Sure things were chaotic, their relationship was far from perfect. The world would never accept their union.Even so, even if all the odds were pointed against them. It didn’t change how he felt or how she was feeling right now. The ring, he had to get the ring, but how? Did he do this as Angel or-. He checked underneath the ring only to see his human name engraved on it.

“No,” Angel had a curse prepared on his hand. If used, it would turn him invisible and make it easy for him to get that ring she so desired. Instead of using it, he dispelled the curse and closed his eyes. “This isn’t an Angel moment,” He forced a swallow. “Angel, I created him to protect Raven and find her again. I thought his existence was solely for her. But I’m wrong,” He clinched his necklace. “Angel’s a shield, he’s my shield. A way to protect myself from harm but if I do this. If this is what I want. Then,” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He was afraid, terrified, of doing this but this is what she’d want.

Raven didn’t want Angel. It’s true, they were both parts of him and she accepted both parts but. That’s not the part she fell in love with. She fell in love with Issac, her best friend, the guy who was always there for her. He’s the one she wanted, not some coward hiding behind a shield. So if he did this, if he was going to get that ring. He’d do it as- He’d allow himself one curse just the one and that’s it. It was a curse that scared him more than anything. He placed his hand on his neck and marked himself with an “H”. His eyes changed to hazel, his pale skin faded and Angel was gone. He was human, it wouldn’t last long, but he didn’t need it to. Now to get the ring. He took out his phone and called Ziek.

“Hello,” Ziek answered. “Who is this?”

“It’s Angel, I got a new phone. Hey, I need a favor.” He peeked through the window. Raven was still standing at the jewelry counter. “I need you to distract your sister for me, she’s at the jewelry counter looking at rings. Wedding rings. I want to get a ring so I can propose to her. I really need your help on this.”

“You’re going to propose?” Ziek asked.

“He’s going to what,” Angel heard Brandon say in the background. “My best buddy is getting married. He’s actually going to propose to-. Give me that phone,” He heard fighting going in the background as Brandon pried the phone from Ziek’s hand. There was banging, screaming, Ziek had to be kicking trying to get Brandon away from his phone. But it ended in failure, Brandon succeeded in stealing Ziek’s phone. “Bro, whatever you need, I got you just tell me what to do. As your best man, it’s my job to make sure this goes exactly the way you want it to. So whatever it is, I got you.”

“Alright Brandon, if you want to be my best man then you need to earn it.” Angel replied. “Distract Raven and it’s yours.” He offered. He waited for Brandon’s response.

“Give her the phone,” Brandon ordered. “I got you bro.” Angel walked out of the phone store and up to Raven.

“Hey, Brandon just called me,” Angel had his phone pressed to his ear. Raven raised her brow at him. “He says he really needs to talk to you. It’s important. He needs-,” He laughed as Brandon filled in the blanks for him. “Relationship advice. He wants to date your sister so he’s looking for recommendations. He’s begging me to talk to you. So come on, just talk to him.” He held his phone to her.

“Only because you asked me to,” Raven took the phone from him. “Okay, my sister’s a full on nerd. If you want to get with her. You need to nerd up.” She walked off as she went on with her advice. “No, not flowers, you can’t get her flowers. Books, Brandon, she likes books. So what are you going to get her?” She groaned. “For the love of-, Brandon,” She yelled. “I said books, that means you need to bring her books. She likes books, stop making this harder than this has to be. No, enough with the flowers, Brandon.” She rubbed her forehead. “I said books, it doesn’t matter if you think books are lame, she likes them. If you like her then guess what. You’re going to buy her a book. Say flowers again and I’ll kick your ass Brandon.” She started getting further and further away from the jewelry store.

“Now,” Angel rushed over to the jewelry counter. He searched the assortment of wedding rings trying to figure out which one to get. Surely, Raven saw at least one that she liked but which one? His eyes wandered, the silver ones, no not silver, she’s a werewolf. She can’t wear silver or can she? Better not chance it. Gold, nah, she’s never really cared for gold. She’d want something unique like her. Something that sparkled. Couldn’t be diamond, Lord Alexander controls diamond so he’d just use the ring to kill her. Or perhaps that’s giving the King too much-.

“Sir,” The saleswoman spoke. Wait, she had to know which ring Raven was looking at. She could tell him. No, that was cheating, he couldn’t ask her. This was a test to see just how well he knew his future wife. He had to find the ring on his own. “Aren’t you married?” He stopped being reminded of the wedding ring he had on. It was the ring Blaire gave him, the ring was silver and outlined in bats and placed around his finger. Of course, this had to be insane to her, he’s married and yet he’s out looking for a wedding ring for another woman. This was sad, how could even think about marrying Raven when-.

“This one,” Angel pointed. There it was the perfect wedding. It was white gold. The band was shaped like an infinity sign connected to a halo. The large pear shaped gemstone reminded him of the moon. Of course, the moon. It was the one thing that seemed to connect both Vampires and Werewolves. It was the only light in their world of darkness. Just like her, when he felt trapped in darkness. It was her light that guided him. So. he couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate their union than to put the light of the moon in the center of all of it. This is the ring that would symbolize their forever. This is the ring he wanted to put on her finger and once it was there. He never wanted it to leave. “How much?” He asked as he took out his wallet. The woman laughed.

“Sir, if you sign up for our rewards program. You could make payments on the ring. In which case you would only need to pay-,”

“I want to pay for it in full,” Angel answered. “How much?” He asked. The lady rolled her eyes as if she thought he was joking. He’s a prince, a vampire prince who happens to be a general of Lord Alexander’s army. If he says. how much, it means, it’s his regardless of the price. He took a chunk of money out of his wallet and set it on the counter. “That should cover it.” The woman’s jaw dropped and she handed him the ring. “Keep the change.” He gave the ring one last glance and smiled as he hid it in its black case. The curse faded and his features returned to that of a vampire’s. He left the jewelry store tucking the ring away in his pocket.

“Sorry,” Raven returned and handed Angel his phone. “I didn’t mean to steal your phone. Brandon’s just-,” She shook her head. “Nevermind, the guy’s a lost cause.” No, he’s not, he’s Angel’s best man that’s what he is. “So, you got your phone where to next?” She hooked his arm as they walked through town. As they were walking, they bumped into Liley.

Angel’s eyes widened as Liley stood there in front of them. Her crystal blue eyes were fixated on his hand as it held Raven’s. He quickly released it and tucked his hands in his pockets hoping to hide what Liley saw. A slight smirk formed on Liley’s lips.

“So we meet again,” Liley’s eyes remained on Angel’s as she spoke. “I must say, this is an interesting development.” She glanced over at Raven. “So tell me,” She crossed her arms. “Does your wife know you’re sleeping with a werewolf behind her back? Or is the knife in her back not sharp enough yet? I’ll tell you what.” She ruffled Angel’s hair. “If you leave now, I won’t say anything to your wife. After all, you did take full responsibility for wrecking my precious town. I mean,” She glared at him. “I would hate a repeat of what happened the last time we crossed paths. So leave now and save me the trouble of kicking you out. That is unless,” She brought her lips to Angel’s ear. “You’re going to stay for dinner, your blood was most appetizing. Who could resist such a tasty meal?”

“We’re leaving,” Angel took Raven’s hand and started walking away from the town. He remembered how Liley threw him clear across the stage into the bar. How Liley was able to defeat him. Whatever she is. It’s stronger than a vampire and it feeds on vampires. For this reason, her presence brought fear for him and anyone like him. So it was best they avoided her.

“What, but our date,” Raven tried to jerk her hand free of his. “Angel, what’s going on? Why are we leaving town? We’re on a date and you're letting her ruin-,” She jerked herself free of his grip. “Damn it, Angel, we could have taken that bitch down together. She had no right to-,”

“Raven, listen to me, Liley is dangerous.” Angel explained. “She’s not like us, I don’t know what she is. But whatever it is, it’s stronger than us. I can’t fight her and I can’t protect you from her. So that means, you need to stay away from her. Understand?” He stared into her eyes. “Promise me, you’ll stay away from Liley.”

“Okay, fine,” Raven shrugged. “I’ll stay away from her. I don’t understand why you’re so afraid of her. She’s the mayor of a town filled with humans. Hardly someone I’d consider a threat.If anything, she’s so far from being a threat it’s laughable. Our war has nothing, I repeat nothing to do with her. So, why are you so worried about Liley?”

“Just stay away from her.” Angel advised. “I don’t trust her or what she is. I’m telling you she’s not what you think. She’s dangerous. I can’t protect you from her so I need you to listen to me on this. Just avoid Liley at all costs. You have to promise me,” He grabbed Raven’s shoulders. “Promise me, you won’t go near her.”

“I promise,” Raven agreed. “So um, we’re kicked out of town. Where do we go next?” She crossed her arms. He wasn’t sure. If they couldn’t go to town. Then that cut off shopping, restaurants, and bars. They were reduced to forests, caves, lakes, and rivers. That’s if they stayed in werewolf territory. Probably the safest bet. That way at least Raven won’t be in danger. “I have a suggestion.” He glanced up at her. “Our old village, you said it was in vampire territory right? Let’s go check it out. I’ve never seen vampire territory before.

“Raven, the town, it’s in ruins, it was destroyed. Vampire territory is filled with old towns and villages. All of them ransacked and destroyed in order to maintain our thirst for blood. It’s not something. You’d want to see. Trust me,” Angel leaned against a tree. Besides, going back there, to the place that used to be his home and to see it in ruins. It was too much, it was like asking him to look failure in the face. He failed to protect his home, his family, and to go back there. To deal with that pain all over again. He couldn’t do it. He just couldn’t. “I’d rather you remember it the way it was before the vampires got ahold of it.”

“I still want to see it,” Raven ran her fingers through Angel’s hair. “It was my home too and I want to see what became of it. I want to see it with you. So, show me what became of our hometown. Come on,” She took Angel’s hand. “I know it must be hard for you but that’s why I’m here. So we’ll face it together. So we can both say our goodbyes.”

“Okay,” Angel agreed. “I’ll show you. Just know, you won’t like what you see.” The two of them began to step into vampire territory. It was barren, empty, no trees, no forests, just burnt fields. There were some towns that were left to ruin. Clothes scattered on the floor, marking an obvious attempt at fleeing.

The more Raven saw, the less she liked, the more ashamed Angel felt to be what he was. But she needed to understand, this is what vampires do. They don’t create, they are only capable of destruction. This is what he is, this is what he’s become. She accepted it but for the first time she was being shown their true nature.

“I told you,” Angel lowered his head. “You wouldn’t like it.” He looked away.

“The people who lived in these towns.” Raven’s eyes wandered the burnt homes. “What would happen to them? Do you just kill them or-,”

“Depends, we either turn, imprison, or kill on sight. Anyone who tried to resist was killed. Shamefully,” Angel put his hands on his pockets. “I was put in charge of carrying out these deeds. My first outing, we attacked a village, killed everyone. They were just food. If I wanted to survive in the world of vampires. This is what I had to do, even if I didn’t like it. So I did what I was ordered to do. Don’t you get it?” He shrugged. “We’re not good people, we hurt others, we thrive off hurting others. That’s what we do. If we win the war, this is what will happen.” He gestured. “There will be no towns, no humans, just prisoners trapped in a castle for us to feed on. That’s how we live. At least with werewolves, it’ll just be a lot of recruiting.”

“You’re wrong,” Raven argued. “What we’re doing. It’s not much different from murder. You’d have to be a werewolf to understand. But the life Lord Grimm wants for everyone.” The two of them walked past the burnt town. “This fantasy where everyone in the world is a werewolf and we dominate everything. It’s murder, the transition from human to werewolf during their first full moon. It kills most people. They don’t make it past their first full moon. It’s painful, I barely made it. This is not something I’d wish on someone else, if you die from it.” She laughed. “Lord Grimm just brushes it off saying you weren’t worthy of his gift. This is no gift, believe me, the life of a werewolf is a curse much like being a vampire. So, no, you might not be perfect, but what we’re doing is no better.” She took Angel’s hands. “We’re both monsters, Angel, just in different ways and regardless of the things you’ve done. It wouldn’t make me love you any less. I know you had your reasons for doing those things.”

“Thank you,” Angel kissed her hand. “For not judging me.” He let out a deep sigh as they reached the top of a small hill. “We’re here,” He looked away in shame as Raven’s eyes peered down on what was left of their hometown. The houses were burned to the ground, pieces of the house frame scattered on the ground. The dirt covered in shards of broken glass from the windows. Their old high school had craters punched into it. The doors barely held together. The roof had caved in breaking all the way down to the first floor. Their college campus was nothing but a pile of bricks and only pieces of the buildings could be made out. He couldn’t stand to see his old home like this. He wanted to remember it the way it was not like this.

“It’s-,” There was a long pause as Raven stood there looking at what happened to their hometown. Several words came to mind to fill in the blanks. It’s hideous, a complete wreck, disgusting,- “Breathtaking,” She finished. “I mean look,” She grabbed Angel’s hand and brought him over to the old football field. “Right there,” She pointed at the bleachers, they were completely destroyed and were barely held together. “That’s where we first met. Remember?” She smiled. “I was sitting right there. It was my first day and I was wearing this black hoodie.”

“Raven, I,” Angel wasn’t sure this was something he wanted to recall. Their home was destroyed. He didn’t understand. Why would she even bring that up? Does she not see what’s happened to their home? Raven grabbed his hand and sat with him in the football field. “Raven, this is-” His eyes wandered the bleachers. Exactly what he needed. “I remember,” He shut his eyes. “You were sitting there by yourself. I walked over and asked you to borrow a pen. Then, you-” He forced a swallow. “Well, gave me a pen and then you let your hood down and let me see you for the first time.” She laughed.

“Yeah, I thought you were just another guy trying to make his move.” Raven admitted. “I didn’t want to be bothered. So I thought I’d sped up the process. But then. When I expected you to flirt with me or say something about my appearance to try to win me over. You said nothing, you were silent and it annoyed the fuck out of me.” He laughed. “Because now. I wanted you to make a move. Instead, you sat there speechless.” She let out a deep sigh. “You know,” She laid her head on his chest. “I’d give anything to know what you were thinking that day. Just so I’d know what you thought the first time you saw me.”

“You’d really want to know that?” Angel raised his brow, she nodded. “It’s hard to explain because for me to tell you. You’d have to know what my life was like before I met you. That’s the only way you’d be able to understand it.” She sat across from him and was looking at him giving him her full attention. “You want me to tell you?” She nodded. “Okay, here it goes,” His past, it’s never been easy for him to talk about.

“My parents from the moment I was born.” Angel began. “They had this whole plan for me. My whole life was just laid out in front of me. All I had to do was follow this plan. If I did, I’d have a wife, kids, everything I ever wanted was as easy as following this plan. So I did, I dated the girl who fit the description of the girl my father said I’d marry. I just stuck to the plan, the plan was easy, the plan was safe. But then,” He stared ino her eyes. “I met you and my whole world just shifted. The things I thought I wanted, the life I wanted, it all changed. Somehow, it had to include you. I needed to be near you. I wanted to know more about you. If only to understand the feelings I had for you. It was like a wake up call that I never even knew I needed.” He curled up in a ball. “I was never one for taking risks or to deviate from the plan my parents had for me until that moment. It was the first time I ever wanted to.”

“Well,” Raven climbed onto his chest. “I’m glad you decided to take the risk.” She laid her head on his chest. His eyes watched her as her claw drew a heart on his chest leaving light scratches. “You know when you said that I was the one saved your life when you wanted to kill yourself. That it was your memories of me that kept you from doing it.”

“I remember,” Angel rested his hands underneath his head.

“I never told anyone this,” Raven looked up at him. “But the night. I underwent transition, I was really close to dying. There was a part of me that welcomed it. My bones were breaking, I was screaming in pain for what felt like hours. Just lying there screaming wishing I’d just die already like the rest. It would have been easier than just lying there in pain. It was horrible, my life was flashing before my eyes. As that was happening, I saw you.” She ran her fingers through his hair. “I was reminded of how I felt about you and how badly I wanted to see you again. So, I couldn’t die not without telling you how I feel. I’ve spent years bottling it up waiting to tell you and now that I was dying it was too late. I couldn’t accept that so I fought. I clung to your memory and it saved me.” She forced a swallow. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, I think we’re even, I saved your life and you saved mine.”

“You survived transition just so,” Angel ran his finger through her hair. “You could tell me that you’re in love with me.” She nodded and he pressed his lips against hers, She raked her nails through his hair as his tongue reached for hers. Her hips, he let out a sharp moan as he felt her grind her hips into his groin creating a stir of lust. An image of her throwing up in the woods caused him to stop. Pregnant, she could get pregnant and he’d lose her forever. He had to stop this, he could allow himself to be that close to her anymore. “We can’t,” He broke the kiss. “We should start heading back. I put a timed curse on Blaire. It’ll wear off soon.” He removed her hands from his face. They had time but, if this continued any longer. He wouldn’t have the strength to stop himself. He rose to his feet. “Let’s head back.”

“Wait, aren’t we in vampire territory?” Raven took his hand as he helped her to her feet. “That should mean that your castle,” His castle? Angel laughed, it’s hardly his. It still belongs to Lord Alexander. Though, the idea of her calling it his. He rubbed his chin. It was an interesting thought. “It’s not too far from here,” She grabbed Angel’s arm. “Let’s go see it, I’ve always wanted to know what the vampire castle looks like. Besides, I get to see your room.”

“My room?” Angel jumped at the thought. No, she couldn’t be in his bedroom. The things he’d want to do to her there were limitless. He’s often fantasized about sneaking her in if only to relive that moment he showed her his room as a human. It was the first time. They had almost had sex. That moment. It stuck with both of them forever. To relive it and show her his room once more to finish where they left off. As strong as his willpower was, he couldn’t resist that. If he showed her his bedroom. He’d be all over her.

“Yes, your room.” Raven replied. “I’ve never seen it. I mean, I saw Issac’s but what does Angel’s room look like I wonder? Though they’re both you. I’d imagine the taste to be a little different considering you’ve had two years to develop it. Besides,” She put her hands behind her back. “You’ve seen my cave.”

“No, I’ve seen your secret cave that you and your sister share.” Angel reminded her. “I’ve never been in your cave or the cabin you share with Lycan. So, I’m under no obligation to show you my bedroom.” He pointed at her. “The castle is filled with vampires all of which want to kill werewolves. You are a werewolf. So, you should stay as far from my castle,” He groaned. Now he’s saying it’s his. Great. He rolled his eyes. “As possible.” Raven laughed.

“So, let me get this straight.” Raven walked up to him. “You can sneak into my campsite and put your life in danger but. I can’t do the same in order to see my boyfriend’s bedroom. I feel like you’re being a little unfair here.”

“You asked me to,” Angel argued.

“So,” Raven shrugged. “You still did it. If I asked you to jump off a bridge would you do it?” He’s thinking about it. Especially since. She’s trying to put her life in danger. He’s only trying to protect her and she’s arguing with him. “Where’s the castle, how far is it from here?” She asked, he glared at her.

“Raven,” Angel took a deep breath. “We are not going to a castle filled with vampires that want to kill you. That would be reckless and stupid and-,” He watched as she walked past him completely ignoring him. “Raven, I said no,” He took her hand. “We’re not doing this.” He argued.

“You’re right, we aren’t, I’ll go by myself.” Raven smiled. She jerked her arm free. “Now where is the castle? You can tell me or-, I can try to find it by myself. It’ll take longer and I could die but that’s for you to decide. But either way, I’m going to see your bedroom.”

“You are so stubborn,” Angel groaned. “You’ll die in minutes. Scythe will find you before you reach the castle. He will kill you. He will see that as you trying to sneak in and kill our king. Who happens to be his best friend. I strongly advise,” She walked ahead of him. “She’s going to get me killed.” He kept following her. “Raven, babe, listen to me, I’m trying my best here. Please don’t try to sneak into the castle by yourself. You’ll die.”

“I don’t care. I want to see your room.” Raven kept walking further into their territory. Angel kept following her. He was still trying to stop her from making a bad decision. He groaned. He can’t win this argument. So if she insisted on seeing his bedroom. He’d help her, she’d die otherwise. Scythe would ensure it.

“Okay, Okay,” Angel placed his hands on her shoulders to stop her. “I’ll help you. But, if we’re doing this. I’m going to need to use my curses on you. If I don’t, you’ll be spotted by Scythe and he will kill you. So, it’s either curses or death? What’s it going to be?”

“Okay, you can use your curses on me. This once.” Raven held up her finger. “As soon as we get to your room. You’re removing them. Deal?” She held her hand out.

“Deal,” Angel shook it. “Okay, now watch your boyfriend work his magic.” He kissed her hand. Once he did. A curse was placed on the top of her hand that blocked out her scent, made her invisible and made her light footed. This way, she couldn’t be seen, smelled, or heard. He took her hand. “This way.” He whispered. He put a finger over his lips, she nodded and she followed him to the castle. “There’s secret tunnels beneath the castle. Each tunnel connects to our bedrooms. I’m a little new at navigating them but I think I can get us to my room safely.”

“Secret tunnels?” Raven whispered. “Won’t you get in trouble showing me that?” He’ll get in trouble for sneaking a werewolf inside the castle. No vampire has ever attempted to do this before. He’d imagine the penalty for doing it was death. Still, Raven wanted to see his room and she’d die if he didn’t help her. So better him than her.

The two of them arrived at the cavern that shielded Lord Alexander’s castle. Inside it was dark and built like a labyrinth. The cavern also doubled as a diamond mine for Lord Alexander to use as weapons. But these tricks, as clever as they were. Were no match for Angel’s curses. He urged Raven to follow him inside the cavern. The tunnels were located beneath this cavern. The entrance was covered and blended into the ground making the underground tunnels hard to find. They were marked by a dragon that was buried beneath the sand. Angel kept brushing the sand aside hoping to find the marking.

“Not here,” Angel whispered. He urged Raven to follow him as he navigated the tunnels taking detours to find the secret tunnels. He stopped as guards walked through the tunnels doing their patrols. The two of them were holding torches to light their path. Angel placed his hand on Raven’s chest and pushed her back as they blended into the shadows undetected. “This way,” He took Raven’s hand and led her down another path. He checked beneath the sand but still no sign of the dragon marking.

“If Jay were here,” Raven whispered. “He’d find these tunnels easily. He’d just enhance his sense of touch and feel for them. Maybe you could duplicate that with a curse?” Perhaps but it wouldn’t be as strong as a werewolf enhancing it. But, maybe, Angel placed a curse on himself that blocked out his sense of sight and smell. In exchange his sense of touch was increased. He kept searching but he couldn’t feel for the markings. Besides, he couldn’t navigate the labyrinth and be blind at the same time. There had to be another-,

“We don’t need an entrance,” Angel smirked. “Raven, do you trust me?” He asked. She nodded. “Good because you’re going to hate me for this.” He put a curse on Raven, she fell through the ground and crashed into the floor of the underground tunnels. Her hair was covered in sand and her clothes were dirty. She spit up a mouthful of sand. Angel put the same curse on himself. He fell through the ground and landed right on his ass. “

Shortcut,” He held up his hand showing her a curse of a stick figure with a line through its stomach as if it were phasing through the ground. His hair was covered in sand. He shook the sand out and helped to her feet.

“I hate your shortcuts.” Raven dusted herself and fixed her hair. He laughed and took hold of her hand. Once he did, he reapplied the curse that hid her from others. Just in case, they were vampires in the secret tunnels. From here, his room was-, He took out the map Scythe gave him of the secret tunnels.

“This way,” Angel navigated the map. He had to make sure he found his room. He didn’t want to risk barging into somebody else’s room by accident. “Let’s see, my room should be-,” He placed his finger on the map. “Right here.” He took Raven’s hand and brought her to where his room was. “These tunnels were meant as an exit not an entrance so getting inside my room from here is going to require a curse. I think you know where I’m going with this.” He held up his hand showing her the curse. It was of a stick figure with a vertical line going through it. “If it works horizontally, it should work vertically too.”

“Wait, you were testing it on me.” Raven pointed at herself. “What if it cut me in half Angel? The fuck is the matter with you? I’m your girlfriend not your curse test dummy. How dare-,” He went through the wall and took her with him. “Hey it-,” The bookshelf started to fall over but Angel caught it and set it back in place. “Well, at least, I’m not covered in sand this time.” She held her hand out and Angel removed all of his curses. “So this is your bedroom?” Her navy blue eyes wandered the walls of his room.

The walls were painted gray, they were bare, no pictures, nothing. His bedding was solid black. He had a closet filled with clothes. A wardrobe that held his suits. He had his own bathroom. But the room itself was empty. No pictures or decorations of any kind. Nothing like his old room where it was obvious that it was his.

“I haven’t really done much to it.” Angel explained. “It’s mostly because this doesn’t feel like it’s my room. It never has, I don’t feel comfortable or like myself here. It feels more like I’m a stranger staying in someone else’s room. So,” He put his hands in his pockets. “I never bothered to-,” His words were stopped when his back slammed into the bookcase. The books fell to the floor as a result.

Raven’s lips were on his and her wicked tongue was dancing in his mouth. He welcomed the kiss sucking on her tongue. As they kissed, he saw flashes of his old room. Images of her inside it, her eyes wandering every inch of those forbidden walls. She was seeing him for the first time, accepting every piece of him. That feeling, it was liberating. To burst out of his cage and to be accepted. Then what came next, he saw flashes of her taking off her shirt, letting him see her the way she saw him. He would have given anything for that to be his first time but it wasn’t. That moment was stolen from them. But, now, he was going to take it back. The mark of an “H” appeared on his neck.

While they kissed, his heart began pounding in his chest. The heat of her on his neck caused him to drip with sweat. She tore his shirt and saw that his skin was no longer pale. He was human, this wasn’t Angel. This was Issac, the man she had dreamt of sleeping with. The man she wanted, the man. She craved that day in his room.

“Angel, you’re-,” Raven ran her hands through his hair. She felt at his skin with her warm hands as if she was seeing him for the first time. Her eyes started to form tears as her hand felt his heart beating out of his chest. A heart that had been silent since he became a vampire. As a vampire, his body felt cold, incapable of sweat. This was something, only her warmth could fix, she was the fire to his ice. But as a human, she could feel his heart beating. His skin wasn’t cold, it had its own warmth to it and just this alone brought joy to her eyes.

“Human,” Angel answered. She grabbed him and hugged him tightly. “Careful, I’m not as strong as you anymore. I’m fragile but I’m alive.” He placed her hand on his heart. “So just for tonight, I’m throwing away my shield. If only to,” Give Issac the dream he’s always wanted. So that he could finally move forward from the past. Free himself of his scars and emerge as something new, something stronger. But to do that, he had to lay Isaac to rest. Now that he knew exactly where that place was. There was no point in fighting it any longer. He grabbed Raven and crushed their lips together.

“Unn,” Raven let out a moan in his ear. Her nails raked through his hair. The torn pieces of his shirt came off as he rubbed himself against her. He took her shirt off and threw it aside. His hands groped her breasts while his lips tasted hers. She pushed him against the bookcase and rubbed his ache. He let out a sharp moan as her hand teased him. He gripped Raven’s hips and backed her into his bed. He pushed her down, making her fall back on his bed. He removed her pants and underwear and unzipped his pants. With one powerful thrust he was inside her, as a human there was no need for him to show restraint. He gripped her hips as tight as he could as hips pounded away at her.

“Fu-,”

The bed was shaking as his hips kept going. With each thrust, he could feel her warmth encasing him. Her back created an arch as he felt her arousal stain him. The second he felt it, he climbed on top of her and kissed her lips to silence her moans of pleasure. He granted her a few more thrusts before the curse began to fade. The moment it did, his body reverted into that of a vampire. It’s a shame, it couldn’t last longer. He stopped himself and began to pull out. She grabbed him, keeping him inside her.

“Don’t stop,” Raven held him closer.

“But my seed, it’ll-,” Angel peeled himself off her. “It’ll kill you. I can’t live with that Raven. I can’t.”

“But you want kids,” Raven argued. “You said you wanted that. As a human, you wanted that. That was part of your plan right?”

“It was,” Angel confessed. “But it can’t be a part of our plan.” He stroked Raven’s hair. “Not if it means losing you. I’m sorry, Raven, I can’t, I just can’t. Once was enough,that alone was enough to scare the hell out of me.” He kissed her and started to pull out. Before he could, she kissed his cheek.

“Just a few more then,” Raven wrapped her arms around him. “You don’t have to finish inside, but at least let me feel you a little longer. Please, just a little while longer.” She started to cry on his chest. He knew what this was about. She wanted to give him everything he ever wanted in life but she couldn’t. Kids, it’s the one dream she couldn’t give him. But this dream wasn’t worth her dying over. He was only trying to protect her.

“Raven, I-,” Angel felt her hold him close. “Okay, a few more. Just a few.” He promised. He placed himself over her and pushed himself into her. His eyes stared into hers as hips pushed him to the edge of his release. He stopped himself and pulled out. He started to jerk himself off to finish it only to feel himself inside Raven’s sodden cavern. His hips thrusted as his release shot into her mouth painting it with his seed. To his surprise, she swallowed it, all of it. She clung to him tightly. “I know this is hard for you, it’s hard for me too. But, I can’t lose you. I can’t.” He held her close to his chest.

“It’s okay, I understand.” Raven kissed his cheek and wrapped herself up in the covers. He ran his fingers through his hair and let out a deep sigh. He rose to his feet and zipped up his pants. His shirt was on the floor in shreds from her tearing it open.

“Raven,” Angel spoke as his back was facing her. “We should-,” He turned around and she was sleeping in his bed. Her arms clenching his pillow as she laid there wrapped in his blankets. He sat at her bedside as he clinched his necklace.

This necklace. It was his most prized possession. The ring attached to it, it was all that remained of the man he was before Blaire took everything from him. Well, he glanced over at Raven. Almost everything. This ring was so important to him. It resembled, he took his necklace off and stared at engraving underneath the ring. The name “Issac” was engraved. This was his grave, the grave of the person he was. He would always carry it with him. But now he knew. Where it belonged.

“Isaac, I’m you or I was you.” Angel forced a swallow. “So I know what you want. If you had to be laid to rest. There’s only one place you’d want to be. It’s not with me, but,” He placed the necklace around Raven’s neck while she slept. “With her, your heart has always belonged to her. We both know this and I know she’ll keep what’s left of your memory safe.” He rose to his feet wiping a tear from his eye.

As much as he enjoyed having Raven in his room. It’s still a room in a castle full of vampires that want nothing more than to kill her. So, he had to see her back safely. Time was running out. The curse on Blaire would fade soon, they wouldn’t make it back in time. But there was a curse. He had been working on a curse he knew would work. Though, it was a curse that he hated to use on Raven for what its purpose was. He ran his finger along her wrist creating a portal. Once the drawing was complete. He kissed Raven on the forehead.

“I -,”Angel tried to force the words but they wouldn’t come. Instead, like always, he let his fear of losing her get the best of him. “Goodnight,” He kissed her cheek. Raven’s sleeping body teleported out of the castle. This curse would see her safely back to their cave. He couldn’t make this curse work on himself. He had no control over where it would take him. But for Raven, it was easy, it takes people to the last place he’d want them to be. For Raven that was anywhere away from him. She’d hear the words that followed the “I” one day. He just wasn’t strong enough yet to say it.