“I’m here on an assignment from the Vampire President to train the new guardians of Angel Creek. Since you’re one of the five vampire residents, I thought you’d want to know about the mission and take part—” I paused abruptly, distracted by the angry scowl forming across his face.
Another earsplitting roar of thunder sounded before he spoke. “Not interested.” he said curtly, his eyes still intent on me. He was boldly exploring my face, his gaze slowly traveling down my body.
“Dawn, did you say?” he asked curiously, his voice a little less brisk.
I nodded, crossing my arms in a self-conscious effort to shield myself from his gaze. “So can we count you in?” I asked hopefully.
“No.”
“What do you mean no ?” I asked in disbelief. I was quickly becoming annoyed with the shirtless, ill-mannered vampire.
“No. Nope. Not interested . Is that clear enough for you?”
“Really?”
“Yes, really— no .” He turned away, waving his hand in my direction as if to let me know I was dismissed.
“Why?” I asked, stretching out to grab his arm. Thankfully, he had moved just before I could reach him, as mid-grab, I realized that touching Sebastian was a bold move that I had not fully thought out.
He turned around to face me, the feverish look in his eyes causing me to take a slight step back. “I don’t really embrace this whole vampire fad . I’m not interested in anything related to vampires, being a vampire or serving the Vampire President. Got it?”
“What about your obligation to protect humans?” I questioned.
“I’m not interested in humans either, not even the sad, vulnerable ones so many vampire idiots fall for. You could say, I'm only interested in myself.” He smirked, his tone once again reaching sub-zero temperatures. “So, if you wouldn’t mind leaving, I’d love to get back to work.”
“But, but…you can’t do that. When I tell the President that you’re here, he’ll order you to join the group.” I was grasping at straws.
All of a sudden, Sebastian charged toward me, thrusting his face into mine. He was so close our noses almost touched. As I raised my eyes to meet his, the raindrops from his glistening locks dripped onto my forehead. I resisted the temptation to blink as droplets of water fell onto my eyelashes, not wanting to show him any weakness.
“For the past century I’ve been doing exactly what I want, when I want. I don’t owe anything to any human or vampire— especially not the President. Now, leave before I make you leave!” he said through clenched teeth.
“ Fine !” I yelled, pressing my fists tightly against my legs in an effort to prevent myself from striking him. “But, just so you know, you’re a really sucky vampire.” I mentally kicked myself for the lame retort, also chastising myself for having wanted this aggravating snob to join the group.
“Please don’t come around here anymore.” With those final words, Sebastian stormed off into the house, slamming the heavy door behind him. I was left alone on the wet driveway; feeling confused, angry, and somewhat excited by our meeting.
That evening, nestled in the small, cozy cottage in the depths of the Angel Creek forest, I glumly surveyed the vampires gathered around the dining room table. Hunter was resting his head on the linen tablecloth, struggling to stay awake. Every so often, he would succeed in lifting his heavy lids and focusing his eyes on me, only to instantly retreat into his intoxicated coma. Sophie sat to Hunter’s right, her forehead scrunched tightly as she squinted at the tiny print of her historical fiction novel. Her pupils moved at lightning speed as her eyes traversed the pages of the book, hungrily devouring the story. Across from them, Brooke was polishing her nails with a sharp, pink file. She paused after each stroke to carefully inspect her nails and ensure that she was creating the perfect shape. Seth sat at the foot of the table, a large head