Fan Fiction ❯ Alex Night: Vampire Hunter Extrodinare ❯ Seal of Day Saga: Chapter Four: The SPF (Supernatural Protection Force) ( Chapter 5 )

Alex Night: Vampire Hunter Extrodinare

Seal of Day Saga Part Four: The SPF (Supernatural Protection Force)

By: Jennifer L. Bratcher

"They think she's a vampire," Ami Li intoned as she dropped the surveillance photos

down on the desk. The small, attractive Japanese woman tucked one of her braided pig tails behind her ear as she pointed to the tall, slender teenage girl pointing a .45. The image was blurry, her long, burgundy hair falling in her face, but the blaze of bright, light green eyes was clear.

Quinn Frost, dhampire, detective, looked at the photos as well. He recognized the girl and knew that she was a vampire. Only one person would have that startling combination of that hair and those brilliant eyes. Her name was Minerva Celestine, a teenage girl who was changed during the 60's and still had a penchant to the Beatles and bell bottoms.

"Forest, he just sits there and glares at me when you're not here," the redhead whispered. Quinn sat there on the floor, hidden from them, as he practiced his hacking skills on the laptop that Forest had given him.

Forest's husky, almost lilting voice, replied, "He doesn't trust you. He doesn't even like you, Minerva. He wants to rip your head off and laugh while your ashes are falling to the ground, kiddo. It's not his fault and its not yours." There was a pause for a moment before Forest's voice became teasing, "Why are you afraid, anyway, Minvera?"

"I'm not afraid," Minerva replied as she looked around the wall at him. There was something off about her eyes, something even more intense than normal. She looked at him wistfully for a moment before she backed away.

"So, this chick blew a hole through this guy who was sniping her," Brandon Night stated. Brandon studied the photo with his keen, muddy green eyes. "Doesn't sound much like vamp behavior to me."

Violet eyes partially hidden from under a fall of raven hair looked at the Lupine prince. Gabriel Umbra stated, "No, it doesn't. So, why do they think it's a vampire?"

"Because she dodged the bullets. Besides, there were reports of a vampire fitting her description, a teenage girl, about seventeen, eighteen, with long black hair dressed in a form fitting body suit, and a guy wearing a black duster wielding, I quote, 'A fucking huge scythe thingie' at the site of the St. Micheal's Catholic Church, fighting werewolves and trying to protect Father Maxwell. The girl used a .45 pistol with silver hollow points," Ami read from her reports.

Brandon asked flippantly, "And what does that have to do with the price of tea in China?"

"They've traced the Eclipse's licence plate, ANGLFDTH, through St. Louis, Indy, and finally stopping here," Ami answered as she put her files down.

A thoughtful look crossed Gabriel's beautiful features. He said, "ANGLFDTH, Angel of Death. The Catholic Church's personal monster hunter. Why the hell would he be helping a vampire?"

Brandon shrugged and answered, "I've heard stories about this kid from other Hunters. He may have been trained by the Church, but he doesn't play by their rules. And if a vamp can aid him to kill something bigger, he'll choose the greater of the two evils."

"So, this vampire may actually be a good guy?" Ami asked doubtfully.

Brandon smirked and stated, "The only good vampire is a dead vampire."

Quinn clinched his hands into tight fists with that. Forest didn't fit that description. Minerva wasn't that bad either, in fact, she followed Forest's teachings better than he did.

Gabriel tucked strands of his hair behind his pointed ears and stated, "Maybe we should look around, check our sources to see if anything is brewing."

Ami stated, "This vampire killed a man. Legally she can be hunted and killed."

"It was self-defense, Ami," Quinn spoke sharply, "I know her."

"The fuck," Brandon snapped.

"Quinn?" Ami asked, making his name a question.

"Forest's student," Gabriel reasoned.

Quinn gave the Shadow a harsh look. The crossbreed shrugged and stated, "I can see why you like her, Quinn. It doesn't make me think any less of you. In fact, it proves that you have feelings."

"She's a vampire," Brandon stated, as if that was reason enough.

"She kicked me in the nuts the first time we met," Gabriel argued.

Brandon snapped, "I didn't try to seduce her, Gabriel. You don't try to seduce one of the world's most deadliest vampires, dude. You kick their asses before they can form a hunting party to wipe out your family." (1)

"I'm sorry that your uncle was part of a vampire's hate crime spree, Brandon, but not everything is as black and white as you paint it," Gabriel replied.

Quinn had to grumble in his friend's defense, "Nice wording coming from someone who's Dark Faerie and half incubus."

"You're half vampire. Why should you be throwing stones?" Gabriel sneered.

Ami rubbed her temples. Quinn would have thought that she would have tried to stay out of his and Gabriel's arguments. Quinn simply did not like the elfinly angelic man dressed in a cross between a Byronic poet and a punk rocker sitting across from him.

"Both of you, shut the fuck up before I kick both of your asses," Brandon chided, glaring at them both. They both fell silent. Brandon rarely threatened dominance between their group and it was easy to forget he was next in line to be the Alpha Male, but no one could counter him when he did show his dominance.

Ami sighed and asked, "Do you two always have to get in a pissing contest?"

Quinn and Gabriel glared at each other as Brandon quipped, "Because I can hike higher than the both of you."

They both turned to Brandon. Hiking was one way that wolves marked their territory; Quinn knew that. He also knew that it was a Lupine slang term used to determine who was the better bad ass. He also knew, while Gabriel had Dark Faerie and incubus blood flowing through his veins, he didn't have many of the powers that the Fey did and he was a magical null. He couldn't use magic and magic couldn't be used against him.

Ami sighed and sat down, mumbling something in her native tongue. "Hey, not all males are egotistical idiots," Brandon stated defensively. "At least, I've heard about them."

Gabriel snickered at that and Quinn had to look away to hide his smile. Brandon had that remarkable talent to lighten up a mood, no matter what the situation. He had a quick wit and a sharp tongue as well as possessing a skewered view of reality and a mastery of profanity. Ami even chuckled at that.

Gabriel cleared his throat and asked, "So, I'll check my sources, Brandon can look up the Hunters network, Ami, see if you can find any information about any thing that would make the Angel of Death work with a vampire, and Quinn . . ." He stopped and glanced at him.

"I'll go my own way," Quinn stated as he slipped into his torn, denim jacket. Meaning he was going to ask Forest if she knew anything about Minerva's whereabouts. Brandon shrugged and ran his fingers through his black hair, which always reminded Quinn of fur.

Brandon stated, "Well, lets go then."

Minerva is a wanted vamp. They've got her picture all over the news and shit now, as well as Chris' car. It doesn't help that his licence plate reads ANGLFDTH and he drives a reved up sports car. Sure, his car is spiffy and all, but it isn't one for stealth.

We've rushed past Indy and are in Jeffersonville on our way to Louisville. It was Chris' idea to hit Louisville from Indiana. It was really good until I killed some vampires in Indy. I couldn't help it; the fuckers were preying on an innocent girl. Chris helped out too. That means we've got the Destroyer's flunkies after us again.

We've killed eight vampires, six werewolves, and had to out run a pack of ghouls. I'm wondering if one of the Destroyer's flunkies is a necromancer. Which would be highly creepy. They'd raise the zombies and feed them vampire blood and presto! Instant ghouls!

Anyway, we're heading to Louisville. Minerva keeps looking at the Seal of Day. I'm wondering if she wants to use it. I have this feeling that she didn't want to be a vampire and she's just going along, helping whenever she can. Great, a noble vampire.

Why can't it be like the old days? I'd find a vamp, dust them, and go on to my hiding spot. No problem. Except for running around nude after I changed, but, hey, at least I've got that solved now.

We've just crossed the bridge and Chris is heading toward Downtown Louisville. Minerva and Chris have heard about this true necromancer, as in her power lies in her blood and she has a natural draw over the dead, not one of these voodoo freaks, that works at a nightclub called the Raven. Minerva right now is shedding her clothing in change for a pair of bell bottoms and a neon green halter top. Chris keeps grumbling how unfair it is for vampires not to have reflections. Minerva called him a pervert. Chris said he was just a normal nineteen-year-old boy. I had to laugh.

Still, I'm wondering how Minerva is putting on her makeup right now without a reflection.

Alex Night, Vampire Hunter Extrodinare

It was a real talent to be able to put on eyeshadow, mascara, and lipstick while in a

swerving car when you didn't cast a reflection. Minerva was doing this just now. Simple, pale earth tones to bring out her eyes, black mascara for her naturally long lashes, and wine dark lipstick that matched her hair. She knew she looked great but Alex was another story.

Alex had changed from her torn body suit into a pair of old, faded jeans, an oversized equally tattered black T-shirt, and a huge red flannel shirt. A pair of scuffed Airwalks rested on the dash as they drove. Minerva grimaced at the sight of her. She began, "You're not going to be able to get into the Raven looking like that."

"Like what?" Alex asked cluelessly.

Chris smirked and answered, "Like a Skater Chick, Al." Chris himself could get in anywhere wearing almost anything he wanted. He was half elf and looked every inch of it. He was tall, beautiful, and charming. The flirting probably came from the human half of him, like Alex's hatred. Well, Fey were seductive too, but not flirtatious. Okay, they were big flirts too, so it could have came from either half or both halves.

Alex shrugged and asked, "So?"

Minerva sighed as she combed out her hair. She plaited a lock by each temple and tied each of the braids off with a jet ribbon. She answered, "Because, Alex, the Raven is one of the hardest places in Louisville to get into. I know that's not saying much, but you can't go in there looking like a Nirvana reject."

"I actually don't like Nirvana that much. I like Linkin Park and bands like that," Alex replied cluelessly.

Chris chuckled, shook his head, and corrected, "What Vampi's over there is saying is that you won't get in wearing that."

Alex looked down at her clothing and back at Minerva with her bright blue eyes. She asked, "I'm covered. I use to run around bare assed naked after I changed half of the time. I'm decent."

Chris laughed out right at that. Minerva smacked him upside his head and the elfin warrior glared at her. Minerva did her best to ignore her as she leaned up to Alex. She stated, "You need a change of clothing, Alex. Trust me."

******

The room was dark, only a few dim lamps and a few candles lit the grand hall. Standing at the end of his long table was an elegant man, dressed in a pressed white linen shirt and leather pants tucked into a thousand-dollar pair of shoes. His dark hair was cut stylishly, falling softly on the top of his collar. He gripped the back of his chair and tried to collect himself before he destroyed everything in this room.

"You let Minerva get away with the stone," he said quietly. Because if he didn't, he'd lose his temper, start shouting, and make sure that the table, the chairs, and the room would be nothing but dust between his fingers if he did.

"Sorry, milord. We couldn't help it," a deep, brutal voice answered humbly.

Kristopher, the Destroyer, snarled angrily and broke a chair against his leg. Its shattering satisfied him as he grabbed the splintered chair leg. He walked over to the massive vampire who spoke, shouted in rage, and plunged the stake into his heart. Surprise and shocked was etched in the other vampire's face as he drifted into ash.

Kristopher looked down at the red garnet entwined in a Celtic circle design on his middle finger then back up at the several vampires who watched him. He looked around at the various pairs of eyes watching him with fear. He could sense the fear in their minds and relished it. Still, he relished the ability to walk out into the daylight more.

"Minerva wasn't alone. The Angel of Death is with her as well as that Lupine halfing bitch," a young voice stated.

Kristopher smiled softly and turned to the small girl standing there. She was compact, her long, pale chestnut brown hair falling into angry silver eyes. She looked around twelve, thirteen years old a day when she was changed and dressed the part in an anime T-shirt and baggy jeans. She was the only person that he'd seen that had a taste for destruction that rivaled his own and she was also a natural necromancer to boot.

"What do you suggest, Jennifer?" he asked the small fiend.

Jennifer smirked and answered, "They're heading to Louisville. Besides, the Seal we had was a fake. There was no magic to it. We were already had, but the real gem is in Louisville."

Kristopher froze and snapped, "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"Because I was in Scotland, you idiot, where Forest herself stole the gem at the end of the twentieth century," she answered in a patronizing tone.

Kristopher froze again. Jennifer was right. Very sharp witted little thing. She was powerful and had a mind like a steel trap. Some times he wondered if she would conquer him and become the Destroyer herself, but she was more like the Innocent, the child vampire on the Circle.

"Why didn't you tell me that?" Kristopher asked again.

Jennifer shrugged and crossed her arms. She answered, "Because you never asked. I had no idea that you were going after the Seal until I got back. Besides, I have a score to settle with Minerva Celestine, anyway. I'll get you your damned gem and the virgin it chose. I promise."

"What do you mean the virgin it chose?" he asked, suddenly realizing that he didn't know everything that he needed to know about the Seal.

Jennifer played with a crimson crystal hanging about her throat and shrugged. "The gem chooses the person that you're suppose to use. Did it about ten years ago. The person who knows who this girl is, is Forest. Don't worry, Kris. I'll get everything you need. After all, I wanna go out into the daylight too."

With that, she turned on her heel and left the room. Leaving the ancient vampire confused and slightly disturbed. He shouted, "Barnabas!"

"Yes, my lord," a tall, slender male with sharp features replied.

Kristopher snarled, "I want you to gather all the information about the Seal of Day that you can. Kill who you need, ask who you need. I just need it all."

"Yes, master, it is done," Barnabas answered as he stepped back into the shadows.

Kristopher looked at his minions and thought, No one shall stop me. No one.

******

No nineteen year-old boy was trying to get Aurora Winters to think that his fake I.D. was real. She looked into the bright, cheerful violet eyes framed by a fall of soft chestnut hair and frowned. "I want a Sex on the Beach," he told her in a chipper voice.

Aurora placed her hand on her hip and twirled the fake I.D in her right. She said, "Nice try, kid, but I'm not serving you with a fake I.D."

"It's not fake, babe," he protested with a charming grin.

Aurora's eyes narrowed. He reminded her far too much of another male with violet eyes and charm. She said, "The plastic casing is all wrong and the font is two points bigger than it should be. Nice work though. For an amateur."

The boy's face fell. The broad shoulders dropped. Then he managed a pathetic smile and asked, "Do I get a drink for effort?"

Aurora studied him and sighed. What was up with the men in her life? They were either vampires, Dark Fey and incubus crosses, or Lupine princes who were infatuated with redheaded healers that she couldn't even compared too. At least he wasn't making any plays; he was just trying to get a drink.

"No," she stated.

He then smirked in a way that reminded her all too well of Gabriel. He said, "Come on, necromancer, do you really think the drink was the real reason I wanted to talk to you?"

She froze and studied him. He tilted his head as he looked down at her. He was considerably taller than she was, but that wasn't hard because she was only five-foot one and she was use to being stared down by men. He wasn't as tall as Gabriel, the crossbreed probably had this kid at an inch, inch and a half, and he didn't dress with Gabriel's style. Sure, he was wearing all black, but the cargo pants and turtleneck with a silver cross was a far cry from the poet shirts and leather pants that Gabriel favored. Then she noticed that his ears were tapped down, as if he was hiding them.

"Untape your ears," she snapped at him.

He smiled and pulled at each ear, both sprang up, long and pointed. Just like an elf's. Even more pointed than hers or Gabriel's. Brandon had told her once about the differences between the types of Fey. Elves were the shortest and had the most pointed ears. Then he suggested that she had elf blood in her veins but she denied it.

His ears were pointed and long enough to be an elf's, but he was too tall, too broad. His face and eyes were right, beautiful and exotic, but again, his body contrasted with it. She sensed him out, feeling the aura of power around him, but not on hers or Gabriel's level. Still, that wasn't enough to test with, but she figured that it gave her some idea of what she was dealing with. He was a changeling; a Fey and human crossbreed who knew fully about his heritage. Or at least, that was what she was assuming.

"Now you know how I know that you're a necromancer, babe," he told her in his smart assed voice.

Aurora tilted her head and replied, "So, what do you want? Cuz I'm not giving you that drink." He wasn't the only smart ass in the room. Some times the only thing between life and death was a carefully placed insult and/or pun.

She frowned as she saw a tall, burgundy haired vampire dressed in a bright metallic green laced up top and bell bottoms walk up behind the elfin boy. Aurora didn't like vampires as a rule. They either tried to kill her or change her. Plus there was the little fact that they killed her mother. There was only one vampire she tolerated and that was Forest. Besides, Forest didn't act like a normal vampire. And Forest did save her life a time or two.

"We just want some information," the vampire replied in a naturally husky, horse voice.

A Fey and a vampire working together. Aurora pinched herself to see if she was dreaming. And since she'd never been ill a day in her life she knew she wasn't hallucinating, unless the idiots had placed some sort of drug into the smoke that littered the Raven.

Then she noticed the girl in a black turtleneck and jeans with a red leather jacket thrown over one shoulder. She'd recognize the angular features of the Nights anywhere. Plus, she'd seen those intense blue eyes directed at her and didn't back down. She'd even asked the newcomer who she was once upon a time. Alex. Her name was Alex.

"You know you never answered me when I asked you what you were," Aurora said gently.

Alex looked at her with those intense blue eyes. She flickered down her body and smiled when she saw the dragon wrapped around her navel. Alex replied, "So you remember me?"

"Yeah. Now my question is your last name Night?" Aurora replied as she rested her cork board against her hip.

Alex smiled briefly before she answered, "Yeah it is."

"Are you related to someone named Brandon Night?" she pressed.

Alex then chuckled and replied, "You know Brandon?"

"Saved my life a couple of times," Aurora answered calmly, thinking, And I think I may be in love with him.

Alex nodded and pointed to the violet eyed elf, "This is Chris, also known as the Angel of Death."

There was no other introduction for the grinning teen. He was the Catholic Church's personal monster hunter and he was damn good at it. She just didn't expect someone who happened to be half elf.

Alex tilted her head toward the vampire. "That's Minerva Celstine, and if what Chris says you are is true, you already know what she is."

Aurora looked into those bright blue eyes and frowned. Brandon had told her that Lupine's eye colors were that of wolves and the last time she looked wolves didn't have bright blue eyes. Aurora crossed her arms and said, "But you're not full Lupine, are you?"

"Got me, no, I'm half human. Regrettably," Alex replied with a sharp smile. Aurora could see some of Brandon in her movements but she also noticed how different they were.

Aurora asked, "Aren't you a vamp hunter?"

"Yeah," Alex stated with another wiry grin.

Aurora gestured to the vampire and asked, "Then why work with a leech?"

Minerva glared at the leech comment before Chris answered, "Because we've hit some really heavy shit, babe."

"Don't call me babe," Aurora stated off handily, use to telling Gabriel not to call her "Little Elf."

Minerva grinned at that and Chris looked crestfallen. Minerva asked, "Ever heard of the Circle?"

"An elite group of vampires who have gay ass titles that represent their nature, wear garnet rings with a freaky ass Celtic circle in them and are a law unto themselves and separate from the Vampire Council," Aurora answered as she rolled her eyes. Magic users had a council; the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone, there was the Fey Council, the Lupine High Court, and the Vampire Council. Almost every supernatural being had their own little council except werewolves, who were mainly ran by the vampires. Aurora knew this, but the Circle was Law Unto Themselves, as Forest, Gabriel, and Brandon had explained to her during each of their sessions, informing Aurora of what she could be up against because of her necromancy.

"Well, they're looking for this gem, a citrine, that is enchanted, called the Seal of Day. What the seal does is that it gives a group of certain vampires the ability to walk out into the day," Minerva explained.

Aurora asked, "That's peachy, but what does that have to do with me?"

Chris cleared his throat and answered, "You're a necromancer. You walk in worlds that we don't. You've had to heard something."

"Sorry, but I don't poke my head into vampire affairs. It's not good for my health. I usually end up cutting myself and bleeding, and despite popular belief, I'm not into self mutilation," Aurora snapped as she began to turn away.

Alex grabbed her arm and Aurora glared up at her. "Let me go," Aurora hissed.

"You asked me what you were looking at in that shop," Alex began. Aurora kept sending her daggers with her eyes as Alex kept looking down at her. "I'll tell you. I'm a vampire hunter. A half Lupine vampire hunter who probably hates vampires more than you."

Aurora snapped, "I doubt that." She could see her mother hunched over the kitchen counter, her pale blond hair spilling across the cheerful purple tiles, blood welling up in the white cracks.

Alex smiled and it wasn't pretty. It was a smile that Brandon gave once, to a bunch of super powered vampires trying to take Aurora to their master before he killed them all. It was a hostile last chance smile. One that threatened violence and liked it. Except the look came easily with Alex while Brandon became really pissed before he donned it.

Alex shook Aurora once and Minerva warned, "Alex, leave her alone."

Chris opened his mouth to say something else when his eyes strayed across the dance floor and froze there. He looked on, as if he was entranced. Like Brandon did whenever Amanda Wallace walked into the room. As if whatever the Angel of Death was looking at was that beautiful, that fascinating.

Minerva rolled her eyes and stated, "Chris, if you're drooling at some pretty girl again . . ."

Aurora looked over to where Chris was gawking at. Standing in a crimson beam of light was a teenage girl, a little younger than the teenagers around her. She was small, delicate, petite. She had long pale hair, what color blond Aurora wasn't sure due to the multicolored lighting, that swayed around her as she moved. She had her huge eyes closed as she swayed to the music. Instead of looking elfin like Aurora did, she looked ethereal, as if she didn't belong on the mortal plane. Then Aurora noticed the scanty slip dress and strappy heals she was wearing and decided that the girl didn't look so angelic anymore.

Aurora was about to make some smart ass comment before her senses locked on her. She felt purity and not just in a virgin nature. Aurora was proud to claim that she was a virgin, but she knew that she wasn't pure, she was just too tainted by death and blood. This purity came from absolute goodness; like Amanda and Brandon, the two best people she knew. A healer and a knight errant. This girl was like that, except even more so, bringing Aurora back to the angel image. Like if she drew her, she would draw the girl with a pair of pale, white wings.

Minerva hissed in response and backed up, her light green eyes turning crimson as she flashed her fangs. Alex blinked and let Aurora go and Chris stood there, looking transfixed. Aurora whispered, "What the bloody hell?"

The small girl kept on dancing, as if she didn't have a care in the world as the vampire, the necromancer, the Angel of Death, and the vampire hunter watched.

******

Quinn Frost walked into his apartment. He knew as soon as he heard Tool coming softly from his DVD player and felt the familiar dark power that Forest wanted to talk. He threw his jacket off onto his couch and Forest looked up at him, one indigo eye hidden by a fall of that soft blond hair.

He reached over and turned on the lights, sending ripples of pure gold through the blond mass. Forest pushed that stray lock of her long hair behind her ear so she could look at him with both of her large, intense indigo eyes. He said, "I've guess you've heard."

"Yeah, Minerva," Forest answered with a nod.

Quinn sat down beside the lovely vampire and replied, "Minerva wouldn't kill without a reason."

"You're right. I think she may have found something dangerous, Quinn," she agreed.

Quinn asked, "What?"

"The Circle. I got a call from her a couple weeks ago from St. Louis, saying that the Destroyer wanted the Seal of Day," Forest answered, crossing her legs and kicking one up and down. Quinn's eyes were drawn to that sight, not thinking for a moment as she kicked her long, beautiful leg up and down. Luckily, she was too deep in thought to notice.

Quinn asked, "What's the Seal of Day?"

"A citrine that was enchanted by a Dark Druid to give a vampire and their followers the ability to walk out in the daylight. It chooses a virgin of more than human blood to activate it," Forest answered in a story telling voice.

Quinn asked, "How does the person activate it?"

"They bleed on it. They have to be a virgin and they have to be the one that the magic picks," Forest answered.

Quinn thought for a moment. Virgin blood activated a lot of things. Quinn wondered why that was. Then he asked, "Why a virgin?"

"It's pure, that's why. They represent purity and that's a magical thing, mythic," Forest explained with a shrug.

Quinn nodded and asked, "What about this Seal? Do they have it?"

"No. I do," Forest stated as she stood up and started to pace. He could tell she was highly agitated. "They thought they had the real gem, but it was only a fake I had made that had some spells casted on it to make them think it was the real deal. Minerva stole the fake and thinks she has the real one."

Quinn looked up at her and grabbed her arm as she passed by him again. He pulled her to him and looked up into those huge indigo eyes. He said, "I can have her put into protective custody."

"You know that wouldn't work," Forest stated as she watched him.

Quinn smirked as the plan formed in his brain. He answered, "Put Minerva in the care of a Shinto sorceress and they'd think twice about attacking."

"Would Ami agree to watch her though?" Forest asked.

Quinn stated, "I wouldn't trust Umbra to take care of her and Brandon . . ."

"Lupine Prince, I know. He'd kill her on principal alone," Forest sighed as she sat back down. She rested her head against his shoulder and he wrapped her arms around her chilled body. "What about you?" she asked hopefully as she looked at him.

He shook his head and answered, "Not good. The only vampire I like is you and I can only tolerate her. Besides, what if I have a Moment . . ." He closed his eyes and simply held her for a moment. There were times where the hatred intertwined in his genes would over come him, becoming even stronger than the bloodlust when it hit, and any vampire around him would suffer, except the one in his arms.

"Minerva can take care of herself," Forest said brightly, sounding like a mother trying to get a babysitter for a wayward child. Her indigo eyes sparkled as she took his hands, bringing even more to mind the image of a mother. "Please, Quinn, it has to be you," she begged.

Quinn tried to look away from the sweet pressure of his eyes. Forest licked her lips and leaned closer to him. Dammit, he had forgotten that she could be as seductive as she was deadly. And that hair seemed to respond to her every wish, framing her slender face, lightly touching his shoulder and chest like smooth silk.

It had almost been easier before they had admitted that they had feelings for each other. She had never tried seduction on him before then, just violence. She hadn't known where he liked to be touched, kissed, stroked, how he liked to be . . .

"No." And Minvera was a vampire. No arguments or pleading about this. He crossed his arms and made his face blank. "Absolutely not."

Forest sighed and moved back. She crossed her arms and glared. "Quinn, please, are you sure that Li would watch her?" Forest asked.

Quinn nodded and stated, "Absolutely positive. If she's being hunted and if she's trying to protect others. Now, what about the Seal?"

"I need it destroyed, but that's easier said than done. It has dark magics, not just dark druadic, but there's also something along with it," Forest answered with a frown.

Quinn asked, "Something demonic?"

"Perhaps. Only a fallen angel could give a vampire such power," Forest explained.

Quinn tilted his head and added, "Or just an angel."

"Why would a messenger of God give a vampire, an object of Satan, the power to walk in God's light?" Forest asked rhetorically.

Quinn shrugged and answered, "I'm not God. He's funny that way."

"Quinn, you are the least religious person that can use a cross that I've met. And when did you develop a sense of humor?" she asked skeptically.

Quinn shrugged and took her hands. He squeezed them lightly and caught her eyes. He said, "My hands are tied right now, Forest, but as soon as this becomes a legal problem, you have my support. Aurora, on the other hand can help you."

His feelings on the necromancer were mixed. Gabriel adored her, so that was a mark against her. She hated Gabriel, or at least that's what he was catching but Forest didn't think so, so that was a mark for her. Brandon liked her so that was another mark for her. Forest was slightly afraid of her so that was a mark against her. And then there were her powers, to control the dead, any and all dead with the price of her blood. That was what Quinn found disturbing. And the fact, power wise, she felt like another vampire.

Forest stood up and said, "I don't know about her protecting Min, but maybe she could be something with the Seal." She leaned over and kissed him. It was a quick kiss because they knew, with their intensity, if it were any deeper that it would quickly lead to something else. Something, regrettably, they did not have time for.

"Careful," he warned.

She smirked and moved her jacket, flashing the Super Mag. She asked, "Aren't I always?"

******

"I'm sorry," Alex said abruptly as she looked back at Aurora. She was Brandon's friend. Almost everyone who knew Brandon became his friend. He was just infectious that way. A natural born leader. He was sweet and playful but he could get down to business just as easily as he could crack a joke or smile brightly.

Chris was still staring at the girl as she danced, entranced. Minerva just rolled her eyes and muttered something about how predictable teenage males were. Aurora shrugged and rubbed her shoulder.

Aurora said, "You're use to being dominate. I've seen your cousin do the same thing."

Alex had to smile at that and say, "Two alpha bitches fighting."

"You've got that damn strait. Now, I'm not really that in touch with the vamps, but maybe I can get a word out to Brandon or something," Aurora suggested.

Alex smirked at that and said, "I know where he lives, Aurora."

A hopeful look passed on Aurora's face before she looked away. She said, "Okay, I'll try to find out who the chick is, kay?"

"Thanks, Aurora," Alex said as she began to turn around and leave.

Minerva slapped Chris on the arm and stated, "Idiot boy, we're leaving."

"You know just mentioning the fact that I'm half Fey usually has people quaking in their shoes," Chris snapped.

Minerva shrugged and said, "You're unarmed. I've got my .45. Shut up and get your ass out of here. You can get laid later." With that, she did walk away. Chris moved over by Alex.

He stated, "I'm going with Leech Girl over there."

Aurora smirked and said, "Brandon's gonna go ape shit when he finds out that one of your friends is a vampire."

"I'm trying hard to believe it myself," Alex answered with a lopsided grin. She started to walk away as she said, "Bye, Aurora, and thanks."

"Call me Rory. All my friends do," Aurora replied.

Alex smirked and looked her over. She said, "Thanks."

Aurora smirked and walked back to the bar, her cork board leaning against her hip. Alex followed her friends out of the club. She slid back into the leather jacket as soon as they hit the cold. She shivered and saw Minerva and Chris arguing.

"I should cut your pretty head off."

"You should try, Angel."

"Bite me."

"Love to, lean your neck a bit closer, please."

"Bitch."

"Pansy."

"Slut."

Alex flinched when Minerva slapped Chris with all of her strength. If Chris would have been a normal human, his neck would have snapped due to the severe force of the blow. Chris rubbed his red cheek and stated, "You started it."

"You shouldn't have called me a slut," Minerva snapped angrily, her green eyes practically glowing.

Alex cleared her throat and stated, "I don't wanna kick both of your asses so break it up."

They both turned to look at her. Minerva asked, "So, what now?"

"I think I should go back and talk to the blond," Chris said with a goofy grin.

Alex shook her head and stated, "I've gotta go find Brandon. You two find some place safe and start looking for a magic user powerful enough to blast this gem to hell."

Minerva stated, "And I can go find Forest."

Alex froze and Chris stated exactly what she was thinking, "The fuck?"

Minerva nodded and said, "I'd put my money on her against the Circle."

"But, Minerva, she's just one vamp. I don't care how good she is, she's still just one vamp," Chris argued.

Alex said nothing, thinking about this. She looked at Minerva who could catch crossbow bolts at close range and easily fight her. She asked, "Is Forest better than you?"

"Much, there's no comparison really," Minerva answered with a sheepish shrug.

Chris rubbed his hands and asked, "So, how do we contact each other?"

Alex said, "Write down your digital phone numbers and give them to me. I'll contact you after I convince Brandon not to kill Min." So, after getting everyone's phone numbers and her suit out of the trunk of Chris' car, they agreed that Alex would call them later. She knew that this wasn't the best plan that she could think of, but it was all she had to work with now.

******

Forest always could get into any place anytime she wanted. The Raven was no exception. She walked through the moving mass of people to the DJ. He looked down at her with wide hazel eyes. She leaned up to him and mentally took a hold of his mind.

"Would you do something for me?" she asked in a seductive yet commanding voice.

He nodded dumbly as she took his hand. He wouldn't remember anything except he wanted to play this one semi-old song. He wouldn't even remember her.

She smiled and asked, "Could you play Tool's Prison Sex for me, please?"

He nodded dully as she let go of his mind and walked back into the crowd. She chuckled softly. Some times the mind powers came in handy.

As the familiar cheerful, for a Tool song, strains started she bumped into a familiar blond head. The pair of glowing silver eyes were trying to be disapproving but the smile hovering on the elfin features ruined the effect. Forest looked Aurora Winters over from black tank top cut to reveal the red-winged black dragon curled around her pierced navel to her large, silver eyes.

"I'm not surprised that you're here tonight," Aurora commented with her usual sarcasm.

Forest tilted her head and asked, "Why not?" She was having to yell over the techno version of the song. She didn't like it when they remixed Tool to some techno dance shit.

"Because I just met the Angel of Death and Brandon Night's half human vampire hunting cousin," Aurora stated with a wiry grin as they headed to the bar.

Forest asked, "I thought she was just a myth, something that the Lupines cooked up to scare us?"

"Nope. She's real, looks dead up like Brandon except she's much paler and has blue eyes," Aurora answered as she poured them each a glass of Ginger Ale. She reached behind the bar to pull out the bottle of cherry liquor and poured a heaping amount into each glass before stirring it and adding a cherry on top of that. Aurora took a huge drink before putting it back on the bar.

Doing this for more than appearances than taste, Forest took the drink and took a sip from it as well. She stated, "God, poor girl, looking like Brandon."

A hurt look crossed Aurora's face as she defended, "Brandon's not ugly."

Forest had almost forgot that the little necromancer had a crush on the Lupine prince. Even though her real feelings were evident every time she and the Shadow got into one of their sparring matches. There was passion there with that much fire. "Sorry," Forest replied sincerely, trying to give her friend a little "motherly advice."

"Besides, Brandon's head over feet with that healer of his. Rory, you can do better," Forest amended as she chewed on the cherry. Her body would absorb it into nothing. It wouldn't help her but it wouldn't harm her either.

Aurora snorted and stated, "Yeah, right, when pigs come flying out of my ass. The only guys whoever look twice at me are either vampires or the Fuck Wad."

"New name for Gabriel huna? Last week I was told it was Shadow Bastard. I'll tell Quinn," Forest replied.

Aurora looked around and asked, "Speaking of which, where is Mr. Monotone anyway?"

"Despite popular belief, we are two separate entities," Forest snorted, "And he's working on a case right now." Sort of.

Aurora asked, "So, when are you just gonna skip around the bull shit and get to the point?"

"That's what I like about you, Rory, you never beat around the bush," Forest answered, "Why were they here?"

Aurora took another drink and replied, "Easy, they were looking for something called the Seal of Day and the Circle is after it."

"Anyone else with them? A vampire not much shorter than I, long burgundy hair, bright green eyes?" Forest pressed.

Aurora nodded and answered, "Yeah. Her name was Minerva."

Oh, damn, Minerva, what the hell have you gotten yourself into? Forest thought with dismay. Aurora noticed her crestfallen look and asked, "Do you know her?"

"Yeah, she's a student of mine and she's really gotten herself over her head this time," Forest sighed as she pulled a twenty out of her pocket and handed it to Aurora. Before the necromancer could protest, she stated, "For the drink, the rest is for your tip." With that, she walked out of the club ready to go find Minerva.

******

Brandon wasn't thinking about vampires, witches, or werewolves right now. He was focused on the lovely redhead sitting across from him. Her long garnet curls were left unadorned, cascading down her back and shoulders, framing her pale face. Her huge, dark green eyes were thickly lashed, fluttering as she laughed at something he had said, something that he had forgotten because he was focused on her.

He watched the curve of her throat as she swallowed a sip of mineral water. He watched her beautiful, jewel bright eyes as she met his eyes. He smelled the delicate scent of Suave Cucumber Melon body wash underneath all the blood, death, illness, and sterialness from the hospital she did her clinicals at. He could feel the steady warmth of her healing powers from across the table. She was like fire and light, warmth and perfection from the top of her curly red head, to the rounded curves of her body, to the soles of her long feet.

There was just one problem with Amanda Wallace. She was human. Perfectly, absolutely human and he was heir to the Lupine Alpha Male, positioned to created heirs of his own with a Lupine female. And all he wanted was sweet, caring Amanda.

"I have a question," Amanda stated, taking another sip of her water.

Brandon nodded and said, "Shoot."

"Why do you always wear black?" she asked as she leaned back in her chair. Somehow, Gabriel had convinced him to take Amanda to one of the nicest restaurants in Louisville. One with a sort of an unspoken dress code, meaning that Brandon had to ditch his usual black cargo pants and T-shirts for a pair of black slacks, a black linen dress shirt, and a matching jacket. He still wore his combat boots though.

Brandon looked her simple white dress over. She just looked lovely in white; like some angel of mercy. Besides, it's the color she favored other than the green that her scrubs came in.

He thought his answer for a moment before he said, "Black is one of the Lupine royal colors. To be a black wolf is a great honor. There are few of us that are solid black. Blue is another royal color because a blue wolf is even more rare than a black one. They are also weaker and gain protection, almost sacred to us."

"So, the black wolf is the protector?" Amanda asked with a grin.

Brandon nodded as he chewed a bite of his stake. He didn't think it was worth the $12.50 that he payed for it. He answered, "Yeah. Sort of. The white wolves are sort of the mystical figures, the blue wolves are cherished, and the black wolves are the biggest and kick the most ass."

Amanda laughed, her light, lilting voice gaining the attention from several males in the room. She replied, "Gosh, you're not egotistical."

"Sorry," he replied with a lopsided grin.

Amanda smirked and stated, "No, you're not."

"Sorry, can't get anything past you, Amanda," Brandon said as he threw his hands up in defeat.

Amanda shook her head and told him, "Don't be. Don't act like one of them, please. I like you just the way you are." She took his hand and smiled fondly at him, "Fur, teeth and all."

Brandon smiled back at her, warmth pooling in his stomach. He asked, "Even the anime collection?"

"Even the anime collection," Amanda laughed as she squeezed his hand.

Brandon smiled brightly and stated, "Awww, thanks."

"I just don't understand it," Amanda admitted.

Brandon said, "Well, I can explain it to you . . . And I've got all of DBZ on DVD . . ."

"Sorry, I'm only mortal," Amanda pleaded with another laugh.

Brandon looked down and back at her smiling face again, lightly brushing the soft skin of her wrist with his thumb. Time seemed to freeze at that moment, just lost in each other's eyes as they looked at one another. Amanda gasped slightly as Brandon took her hand to his mouth and lightly kissed where his thumb had just been.

It was a wolf greeting of sorts, only mixed with severe reverence. God, he just wanted to lift her up and take her home. Then he would claim her as his own, as it should be. Her cheeks brightened as if she was sensing what he was thinking.

"You reading my thoughts?" Brandon asked as he nibbled on one of her fingers.

Amanda's breath caught in her throat. He could smell her lust as he lightly licked her finger tip. "No," Amanda managed, her eyes fever bright.

Brandon smiled and replied, "Sure."

"Brandon . . ." she pleaded suddenly, looking at him with wide eyes.

He asked, "What?"

"Too close . . . Too much to feel," she managed.

"Don't hide," he told her, his voice lowering to a whisper.

Amanda looked panicked. There was a sudden spurt of fear mixed in with the lust. Her empathic abilities hindered their relationship. She would get too much from him and freak, drawing back even though she didn't want to. "Brandon, please," she begged.

Brandon kissed her fingers and stated, "I would never hurt you."

"I don't know what to do," Amanda stated, looking around. People were starting to look at them and Brandon suddenly realized the sort of power that they were releasing. Even non sensitives would feel this sort of energy.

He sighed and let go of her hand. Humans were difficult he realized. They held too much back while a Lupine would run loose and let go. Again, a fun but disappointing date.

******

A kiss on the cheek was all that Brandon got. He was frustrated with this relationship. If only Amanda wasn't human . . . If only he was . . . There were too many damn if onlys. They were annoying the hell out of him. Their whole relationship was annoying the hell out of him, but he couldn't let go. He simply could not let go.

So, he drove home in a severe state of agitation. He was even more pissed to see a slender figure holding a sketch pad with a crossbow leaning against her sitting on his door step. Brandon groaned as the brilliant, intense blue eyes looked at him from under the fall of raven hair.

He parked the X-Terra and got out. Alex stood up and waved. Brandon snapped, "What the fuck are you doing here?"

Alex blinked and stepped back. She stated, "I'm usually the bitch, what's gotten up your ass?"

"A girl," Brandon snapped, knowing that if he and Amanda were ever to have children, they would have kids like Alex. Half-breeds that belonged in no world and simply lived on the fringes. Freaks that only trusted themselves and died young. Like Alex would.

Alex chuckled and stated, "With all the growling and frustration, I'd say a human."

"A healer with empathic and telepathic abilities," Brandon admitted.

Alex gave him the thumbs up and stated, "Good choice Brandon. At least Dad didn't pick a nutcase."

"Don't call her that," Brandon growled defensively.

Alex shrugged and asked, "When are you going to get all protective and ask why the hell I'm sitting on your doorstep like a wayward child?"

Brandon laughed despite himself. He sighed and asked, "Okay, Alie, what's wrong?"

"Don't call me that," the girl bristled, her hackles rasing. She crossed her arms and stated, "The Seal of Day, heard of it?"

Brandon nodded and answered, "Sure, Granddad had me study every damned artifact that was legended to give vampires or werewolves super powers. A dark druid, yadda yadda, citrine, vamps in daylight, I just thought it was a crock of shit."

Alex chuckled and pulled out a long chain from the jacket she was wearing. In the dim light the yellow jewel sparkled like a small sun. Brandon swallowed as he took the pewter chain in his hands and studied it. He saw all the different markings carved in the metal around the gem and gasped. "It's real, Brandon," Alex stated with a grin.

"No shit, Alex, how the fuck did you get your hands on this?" Brandon asked in shock. Hell, he didn't even think it existed.

Alex grinned knowingly and stated, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

******

The small vampire brushed back strands of her dark blond hair away from her face and observed everything with angry, silver eyes. Jennifer looked back at the pack of ghouls awaiting her command and said, "Find Minerva, and tell me about it." She watched as the ghouls skittered away in a flash of grey skin and crimson eyes.

The child fiend tipped her head up to the sky and smiled. She thought, Soon I'll be able to walk freely in the daylight. Me and me alone.

******

Ami flashed her badge and held out the picture of the wanted vampire to the street punk vampire she was talking to. She asked, "Have you seen her running around?"

The vampire blew a strand of neon blue hair from his eyes and shook his head. "Naw, that would be one hottie that I would remember," he answered with a sly smile.

Ami said, "If you see anything, call me at this number." She held out a business card with her digital phone number on it. The vampire took it with a grin and tucked it into his leather jacket's pocket.

"Sure, Ami-kun," the vampire replied with a wink.

Ami froze for a moment and remembered that a lot of people did watch anime and almost as many wrote and read anime fanfics. Which often included Japanese words and sayings taken from said animes or other fanfic writers who did their research. And the vamp was wearing a Voltron T-shirt, but Voltron, despite it's cheezy plot, was sort of an icon to the punk community.

She frowned and shook her head and stated, "You don't know me so the proper usage would be chan, thank you very much."

The vamp smirked again and Ami had herself wanting to slap a charm on his forehead to shut him up. He said, "I'll keep a look out for her, doll. I'll give you a call if I know."

"Thanks," Ami stated as she continued to walk down Broadway. She snuggled deeper into her crimson down coat as a chilled wind whirled past her. Just a few days ago it had been sunny and highs in the lower 70's, but then a cold snap had whipped through the Ohio valley and it was lucky to reach 50 and had lows in the mid twenties at night with no sunlight in sight. (2)

She sighed. She'd asked two vampires, including the punk, a witch, and a succubus prostitute (knowing fully well she couldn't arrest her because the succubus was much more powerful) about the girl. They all gave her basically the same answer as the punk: Haven't seen her, we'll call you if we did.

As to add to her dismay, it began to rain softly, drizzling on her head, wetting her hair. She sighed and began to walk back to her car, knowing fully well that she should go back home and get some rest. Besides, with this weather all she wanted to do was crawl up with a hot cup of Green Tea and read the latest Terry Goodwind novel. She sighed. It was cold, wet, and miserable. Looking for the vampire would have to wait.

Until she saw a girl with a mane of long, burgundy hair falling softly around her. It glinted like dark wine in the streetlights, turning pure scarlet when one light hit it the right way. She was tall and dressed in a leather jacket and a pair of bellbottoms. She was talking to the punk vamp. The punk vamp nodded towards Ami and smirked. The female vampire's eyes, even at this distance Ami could tell that they were startlingly green, moved toward her. They widened, the girl's mouth moved in a familiar curse before she started to run.

Ami smirked and brought out one of the rice paper charms from her jacket's pocket. She held it up in two hands and pressed it against her forehead, right above where her "Third Eye" would rest. She called upon the power of the anicents and the Four Winds as the charm charged.

She slung the charm at her target before the vampire hoofed it too far. It hit the girl in the back of her head and the result was almost comical. The charm had hit when the vampire was in mid step, leaving her frozen at an awkward position. Ami ran over to her and quickly cuffed her using silver handcuffs, a special gift from Captain MacLoud.

She pulled the slightly charred charm off the vampire's long hair and the vampire blinked as she managed to place both feet down before she fell. The brilliant, pale green eyes blinked as she looked down at the handcuffs. The words, "What the fuck?" sprang immediately to her lips.

Ami stated, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford one, one will be provided by the state . . ."

"Okay, why the hell am I being arrested?" the vampire asked as she twisted her hands in the cuffs.

Ami said, "Actualy, I'm not really arresting you. I'm giving you the benefet of the doubt, Miss . . ."

"Celstine. Minerva Celestine. And Officer, it's a long story. I mean, that guy was sniping at me and everything. Self-defense," she pleaded.

Ami glowered up at the taller girl and frowned. Then, her digital phone rang. There was no mistaking the opening bars of J-Pop (3) music. She opened it up and asked, "Hello?"

"Ami, it's Brandon. I've got something that might want to make you stop looking for that vamp chick," Brandon stated out of the blue.

Ami looked over to the redheaded vampire and stated, "I've already caught her."

"Well, bring her to my place then, and I'm not joking or on crack," Brandon replied before the phone went dead.

Ami looked Minerva over and asked, "Do you have any idea why you just got a reprieve from the Lupine Prince?"

"Because I saved his cousin's life," Minerva answered with a wide smile.

"Fine, whatever. We don't have all night," Ami stated as she lead the girl to her car.

To Be Continued!

(1) What Brandon's referring to is during twice in the Lupine history the vampires and the werewolves have banded together hunting parties to wipe out the Lupine race to hurt the Fey and get the Lupine out of their hair. The first event was called the Year of Blood and the second event was called the Great Slaughter, which is the Lupine's equivalent to the Holocaust. The vampires planned a full out genocide until the Lupines retaliated full force with the help of their Fey allys.

(2) As a resident of the Ohio Valley I can certainly testify to this. The weather's weird here and I wasn't exaggerating with the temperature fluxes. One year we had a foot of snow and two days later it was 60 degrees and sunny.

(3) J-Pop is the Japanese equivalent to the Backstreet Boys and N*Snyc. Idol Singers are like Brittany Spears and are also part of the J-Pop movement. Except, in my humble opinion, J-Pop is better music, even though I can't understand what I was saying. I did not mean to make this reference to alienate you, the readers, but to alienate Ami, who is not an native American.