Legend Of The Vampire (Chapter 13: Defectors)

8/3/2019 Legend Of The Vampire (Chapter 13: Defectors)

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(1)- Remember the Serpant coven well I renamed it, it will be now called Uriahcoven

CHAPTER 13: Defectors

Blinded to any light stronger than a torch, Jerry couldn't remember the last timehe saw sunlight. He had lost track of time. Locked deep underground, a day wentby as slowly as a year to him. Death sentence now seemed far more merciful thana hundred years in prison. He may be one to fear for his life, but he had once triedto escape it. But his suicide attempt was interfered by one of the guards, andworse, laughed at.

Head down, Jerry buried his tired face in his dirty hands. The clanking sound of thechains around his wrists only deepened his misery.

I'm so sorry, Mai. I've let you down«

The incoherent murmurs and agonizing groans from the next cells prompted Jerryto look up, reminding him of the new prisoners brought in last night. He couldn'tsee them with the stony walls separating them, but he estimated no less thantwenty inmates from their conversations.

What struck him was that they were all Toby's men from Detroit. What hadhappened in the lair to criminalize so many of the squad members? Whathappened to Toby himself? Jerry had only listened to them talking, not daring toask. He was certain that they wouldn't know an insignificant Lycan like him.

But the string of oddities did not stop at the suspicious arrival of the new inmates.

Jerry frowned at the sound of footsteps approaching. The pace was even and calm,and certainly without the sound of rattling chains.

With a torch in one hand, Emily Fox emerged in front of his cell, staring down athim. The blonde, petite woman was a subordinate in Alex's squad before Alex wasassigned to be Ian's personal guard. Jerry knew very little about her, and hecouldn't think of a reason for her visit today.

Emily tossed a sack into his cell, and then pressed one finger against her lips,signaling him to keep quiet. Obediently, he took the sack and put it over his head.She could take him away now; anywhere was better than here.

Jerry was released from the iron hook to the wall, his hands still bound byhandcuffs. Blindly, he followed Emily's lead, and after several flights of stairs, hewas brought up to residential level. He could hear soft chatters from the distance,and instantly knew that he was using the back stairway, where it was desolatethan the main one near the central hall.

Soon, Jerry was ushered into a quiet room, the sack pulled off his head.



"Ma²Master Hideaki!" Jerry stuttered, his eyes widening in pleasant surprise. Hewas now standing inside Hideaki's dim office.

Seated by his desk, Hideaki looked up with a small, fatherly smile. However, hisgaze was dull and anxious. His hands clasped together on the desk, he let out asigh. "How are you holding up?"

"Couldn't be worse," Jerry said, but without resentment. He knew his mistake hadled to several deaths of pack members at the First District, and Hideaki had nochoice but to punish him for his reckless behavior. Aside from Ian, no one else hadvisited him since his trial. He was only glad to be able to see Hideaki now.

"Sit down. Would you like a cup of tea?" Hideaki stood up and went to the woodencounter, arranging a drink for him.

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Jerry reluctantly sat himself on the chair. He glancedover his shoulder at Emily, who was standing guard by the door. "Where²where'sIan? I haven't seen him lately."

Hideaki's face suddenly appeared stern, his brows knitted in one harsh line. He setthe hot drink on the desk for Jerry. "Things have gone awry here, Jerry. Ian is ingrave danger. This is why I have to talk to you."

"What happened to him?" Jerry almost jumped to his feet, his heart beating fast.

"He was attacked by Toby's men a few days ago and has since disappeared withSpencer Lee, a rogue vampire, who had been our houseguest during the incident.We have no idea where they are."

"Toby of Detroit«? Those men they brought in last night! I'm gonna kill them!"

Jerry growled, clenching his fists.

Hideaki's gaze turned cold as he spoke. "There's no need. A verdict was made, andthey were sentenced to 'Abandonment' and an infinite imprisonment until Ian isback, unharmed."

" A²abandonment «" Jerry staggered by the information.

The penalty was, perhaps, the most feared among pack members. Their fangs andclaws were severed as a punishment. With the symbol of their immortal pridegone, the Lycans would be considered no different from a cripple. Until anoperation was done, they remained useless as a werewolf.

"It was outrageous. Toby's men severely injured Alex as well. Now I don't trustanyone but you," Hideaki said, staring into Jerry's eyes, "You've been Ian's bestfriend for many years. You know his life outside the lair more than anyone elsehere. I have hope that you'll be able to track him down."

Jerry adamantly nodded. "I will bring him back, Master."



"Emily will help you. This is your only chance to be pardoned, Jerry. There'salready a clear divide among us. There are those who favor Toby's action nomatter what just because they hate all vampires, and there are those who believedAlex's testimony to the violence. There's unrest in our lair, and I can't allow it tolinger. They demand to bring the vampire to justice, and I must appease themsomehow."

"Must I bring the vampire back, too?" Jerry had reasonably developed his strengththroughout the decades. Although he had never been the best fighter, his heartwas full of determination. His precedence was to get Ian back, all else²even hisfreedom²coming in second.

Hideaki looked down for a moment and said, "That won't be necessary. After whathappened with Toby, Ms. Lee can never return to the lair. I have no real intentionto bring her to a trial either as I know how Ian will react. Ian just doesn'tunderstand how important it is for him to be accepted by the pack. It's a shame,really, that their attachment to each other is becoming a danger in itself."

Biting his lips, the older man shook his head in disapproval. "The vampire is nolonger our concern, Jerry. I must warn you that she's a powerful rogue. Do whatyou must« but you cannot let Ian know this."

Jerry had been around Hideaki for as long as he could remember. He grew up withthe Kruger family, respecting Hideaki like a real father. He knew just what theserious look in Hideaki's eyes meant.

In his white robe, Ian had sat himself at the black, low table in the living room.Sitting on his heels, he actually liked the feel of the floor mat against his feet, a

simple, warm touch, which was severely lacked in the lair. With a cup of hot tea inboth hands, he gazed out past the open door to the greenness outside.

The old house was apparently surrounded by thick woods, offering him peace andprivacy needed during his recovery. He already felt much better after a few days of rest and medication. He had basically been pampered by Sally and Midori duringthe day, cared and watched over by Spencer during the night.

At the thought of the vampire, Ian mentally grimaced, and his hands tightenedaround the white, ceramic cup.

Spencer had been helpful as she was required, tending to his wounds in Sally'sabsence and arranging meals for him. But the vampire had grown more distantthan ever. She was rarely engaged in their conversation, answering only when shewas questioned and hardly looking Ian's way when he talked. Ian was even morefrustrated that he had not slept in the basement Sally had previously arranged forhim; Spencer's robe always came back soiled after a day sleep.

Idiot .



Ian objected the idea that Spencer went about and slept in some secret place inthe woods instead of staying in the house. The vampire would be renderedhelpless during the day, and nobody could have assisted her in time, if anythingshould happen. But Spencer was just being herself. Sometimes it wondered Ianwhat it took Annie to earn the vampire's trust and devotion.

"Lunch is ready, Ian!" Sally emerged by the doorway with a tray consisting of abowl of rice, a bowl of soup with tofu, and some roasted chicken from thesupermarket. The nurse had not the time to cook herself.

"Thank you, Sally. You're the best. I'll be able to do some household chores bytomorrow," Ian said, grinning.

Sally knelt down on the other side of the table and put the tray down. "Oh, no. No.No. That's out of the question. If Ms. Lee knows that I let you so much as walkingaround for too long, she will definitely get upset."

At the remark, Ian choked on his tea. He quickly put the cup down and wiped his

lips with the back of his hand. "S²sorry," he stuttered.

"Don't blush. You should have known by now that she stays because she cares," Sally said, winking.

"She has no reason to care, and I don't care« Really." At Sally's surprisingstatement, Ian tried to keep his voice cool and put up a neutral face. AlthoughSpencer had been kind, she had shown nothing but her sense of obliged duty tostay.

Acutely aware of his friend's stare, Ian took the bowl and sipped the hot soup,keeping his gaze down. There was no point to mull over Spencer's true intention.

Ultimately, they would go separate ways, and Ian's life would revolve aroundprotecting his father and the lair once more.

Resting her chin on her elbow, Sally comfortably leaned forwards against the lowtable. "You're cold, Ian. I thought she was quite amiable when she wanted to be.What do you think of her?" she asked.

Ian could feel his friend's smile without looking. He decided to let his gaze lingerover the edge of the table longer than he intended to. "The vampire is prettyweird, I'd say."

"Oh, come on! That is so racist, addressing her by her kind." Sally chortled.

"But that's exactly what she is, a vampire." Ian grumpily put the bowl down andpicked up the wooden chopsticks. He didn't particularly like where theconversation was going.

Sally ticked her index finger on her chin. "Yeah, you're quite right. She scared meto death when she burst through the backdoor of my diner with you in her arms. Ithought I had lost my mind."



Ian sternly looked up. "Tell me she did not threaten you."

"No. No. No, it wasn't like that. She just looked rather²umm²" Sally then raisedher hand to her face and puckered her lips. "Well, gruesome is an understatement.I guess it was the effect from sunlight. I never knew that it could be so frighteninguntil I saw it with my own eyes. She lost her right²uh²left eye? Her hair was

falling off. I couldn't tell her face with her skin so severely burnt. Ah«" she said,shaking her head as though she tried to brush the image away from her mind.

Ian lowered his hands to the table, holding his breath at the bit of information.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you lose the appetite. Let's talk aboutsomething else," Sally said, clasping both hands in apology.

"Where« Where did she hide afterwards?" Ian forced out a casual tone.

"In the trunk of my car. I wasn't really creative in hiding a vampire. I didn't knowwhat to do, so I waited until sunset. Actually, I thought that she might have been

dead by then," Sally said, pouring a cup of tea for herself. "Thank God she lookedlike human again after having some blood. I think I was really brave to haveopened the trunk the second time."

Ian couldn't help but let out a sigh. He couldn't tell why Spencer had pretendedthat it was an easy mission to bring him to Sally that day, but he was upset thatthe vampire had acted so heedlessly. In the morning light, the flight from the lairto downtown Midgard was next to impossible to imagine.

And she still sleeps in the woods!

"Oiiiiiiiiii!"Ian loudly pouted. He tightened the chopsticks between his fingers

again and guzzled all the food in front of him. He better reenergized himself nowin preparation to give Spencer an earful tonight. Waiting for twilight had become aroutine he didn't welcome.

Blinking, Sally watched him finishing the meal in just a few minutes, and thengrinned. "I bet Ms. Lee will be happy to see you healthy again."

Putting the empty, rice bowl down, Ian chewed the last piece of chicken. "To behonest, I can't imagine her and the word 'happy' together."

Sally laughed. "Oh, please! We've been really concerned since you could hardly eatthe past few days, Ian. So when are you going to give your father a call? He must

be worried sick by now," she said, sipping her tea.

At the suggestion, Ian swallowed hard and looked away. "I will« but I can't lethim know that I'm here, while Spencer still hasn't found a new place to stay. Withwhat had happened, I doubt they'd be lenient on her again."

For some reason, Sally smiled widely, and it took Ian by surprise.



"I like this change in you. You are protecting a vampire because it's the right thingto do. It brings out your hidden kindness, the compassionate Ian, the person I'vealways known. I like it."

Ian blushed a little at his friend's words. He wasn't sure if it was the right thing todo, but he just had to do it. "You're the kind one, Sally. Your parents« They died

because²"

"I have told you countless times that it was an accident. Yes, you fought thevampires, and the train derailed as a result. But it's not a reason to hate you. Yousaved my life. For thirty years, you've been everything²everyone to me."

Ian looked up at his friend, warmth filling his chest. "Sally«"

But Ian suddenly snapped, glancing out the door. The sound of tiptoeing fromoutside, which had grown closer each second, would have gone unnoticed byhuman ears, but he caught it. In paranoia, he tried to get up, but his kneesbuckled at the rash action. His wounds were still tender, and he bent to support

himself with both hands on the table.

The nurse looked alarmed. "Ian, sit down! What are you doing²"

"Freeze! Put your hands where I can see them!" A tall figure appeared by thedoor.

Ian's head shot up and saw a man in a black jacket, a black t-shirt and a pair of jeans. He was wearing a pair of sunglasses, the gun in his hand aimed right athim.

Sally's eyes widened in shock. "Mr. Donovan«? What on earth are you doing

here?"

"It's all right, Ms. Thompson! I'm here to protect you!" Brian pulled Sally from herspot and literally pushed her out of the room. Blocking the doorway, he directedhis gun at Ian. "Silver-nitrate. Don't try anything funny. I know what you are!"

Ian tried to calm his ragged breathing, gripping the edge of the table.

Brian momentarily looked over his shoulder at Sally. "Where are the others? Arethere more of them?"

"More what? No, Mr. Donovan, you're mistaken! He's my friend!" Sally clung to his

arm, but failed to move him.

"These creatures are capable of the foulest, the most despicable things, Ms.Thompson. You should be more careful. I've been following you the past few days.You've been taking extra bags of donated blood with you from the hospital everymorning. There must be vampires around, too."

Brian then turned to the werewolf. "Where are the others! I won't repeat myself again!"



"There're no others! It's just me! I needed the blood!" Ian glared up at him, onehand on the table and the other hand pressing on his abdomen wound. There wasno way that he would let this intruder get Spencer, not at this time of day whenthe vampire was absolutely vulnerable.

"I don't believe you! I²what«"

Brian had abruptly halted, his gun lowered a little. He then took his sunglasses off with his free hand. "Oh, God, it's you«"

Ian wasn't sure what Brian was on about, but he was glad for Brian¶s littledistraction from the vampire. "What are you talking about?" Ian breathed.

"You shot me in the crypt, remember?"

Sally looked frightened at Brian's recollection. "No, Mr. Donovan! He's my friend.Please, don't hurt him!"

"You saved me. You told your friend to stop my bleeding," Brian said, his voicefilled with enthusiasm Ian hadn't expected.

"Err²I did«?" Ian tried to recall what happened in the First District that day, andeventually remembered him.

T hat WOOHP agent! He's survived.

Brian scooted to the table, down to his knees. "It's you, my savior! You're alive!"

"Uh, umm«" Ian had to sit back down, keeping some distance from Brian¶sgrinning face.

"My name is Brian Donovan, and I am indebted to you forever!" Brian stated,putting his gun back in his shoulder holster. He quickly scanned him up and down,noting his jittery hands. "You're injured. Are you all right?"

"It's minor," Ian said, glancing up at Sally. His friend then came to sit down nextto him.

"What's this, Mr. Donovan? I'm terribly confused now," Sally said, holding Ian'ssweaty hand.

Brian hesitated at first before deciding to reveal his status as a WOOHP agent and

told Sally what happened at the First District. He then looked up at Ian and asked,"May²may I know your name?"

Ian took in a deep breath as he contemplated the chance Brian might turn him in,if he knew his identity. But Brian seemed honest enough to reassure Ian of hisappreciation for saving his life. Besides, it wouldn't take long for him to find outhimself.



"Ian Kruger."

As expected, his name did stall Brian. For a moment, fear and uncertainty swam inBrian¶s earnest gaze. It must be a dilemma for an agent like him not to report him.But Ian was rather certain that he could charge at him at this moment as he wasunarmed, if Brian decided to act suspiciously.

"Ian Kruger, it's nice meeting you again," he finally said with a smile.

Ian felt a pang of relief. At least, he did not have to force himself into anotherfight so soon. "I've got something really important to ask you« Do you know whathappened to my two friends, who were stuck in the crypt with you?"

"Ah, Sam and Samantha?"

Ian stopped a little by the first name usage, but kept his face still. "Yes."

It took him a moment before he said, "Sam has been made a slave to a« a

vampire elder, Ian. He's no longer your friend."

Ian felt his face grow cold. What his father and Spencer talked about in the labwas true, and it was a threat not only to his father, but all Lycans.

"Samantha, she's«" Brian mumbled, and then looked down, "She's still in a coma.The severity of her wound is worrying."

Cursing under his breath, Ian's face screwed up in worry. "What are they planningto do to them?" He had leaned over the table, staring at him in the eye for anysign of deception. But the result was unanticipated to Ian, when he furiouslyblushed at their proximity.

Brushing his nose, Brian nodded to himself. "For centuries, WOOHP stands for justice,Mr. Kruger. We've been protecting the world from Uriah. We need Lycansas our reinforcement. Human agents will not stand a chance against a whole armyof vampires."

Ian stared at him hard. "You make it sounds like we could work together, but whatyou're doing is forcing us into slavery."

Hands on his knees, Brian sighed. "I don't« I don't make excuses for our action. Ido disagree with their method at times. But we are soldiers. We do not second-guess our superior."

"Then you should leave now, Mr. Donovan. We have very little in common. Ourpast compassion should remain just that, a past," Ian said, his tone stern.

"I- Ian, I«" Brian hastily got up to his knees, but was reluctant to move anyfurther. "I'd like to say that I understand your situation, but I'm only an agent. Icannot stop them even if I try."



His seemingly sincere sentiment struck Ian, leaving him speechless. Ian¶s motherwas a WOOHP agent like him, only she was crueler than he would ever be. AnnKruger had not earned a respectable reputation in Tokyo Headquarters fornothing, and Ian didn't want to imagine how many lives his mother had taken toget where she was. Although Ann eventually learned to love a Lycan and evensoftened towards a vampire, her ambition ultimately backfired and killed her in

the end.

"So much for justice." Ian stared out beyond the door.

The sun was still strong, and it would be several hours before sunset. However, hecouldn't quite contain the need to see Spencer now. Perhaps, it wasn't Spencer'sknowledge of his mother that had attracted him to the vampire. Perhaps, it wasthe same reason his mother developed a fondness for the rogue: Spencer's way of caring, embracing simplicity under the disguise of unimportance. The vampire'saloof, but solemn presence had a strange way to calm Ian like nothing had eversucceeded before.

"You needn't worry, Ian. Even though I'm only a pawn at their disposal, I willnever betray you. Your presence here is safe with me," Brian said, pounding hischest.

Ian raised his brows inquisitively. "You're willing to break your oath of allegiance?"

Brian bit his lips, and then nodded. "I'm still a soldier. But you're one exception Imust make. You didn't kill me when you were supposed to. It's only right to returnyou the same favor. If you don't mind, I can stay here and guard the house untilyou get better."

The thought of Spencer rushed back to Ian¶s mind, and he quickly said,"We'requite all right here. There's no need²"

"But WOOHP is not to be underestimated, or else we couldn't have survivedthrough centuries against Uriah. Ms. Thompson will need to leave for her work inthe evening, but I can stay to help you."

"It's very kind of you, Mr. Donovan, but we've got it covered. Midori will stay withIan tonight," Sally said, smiling as widely as she could.

"Midori?" Brian questioned. "Doesn't she work the same shift with you? Well, if she can stay, it's all for the better! We can keep each other company until dawn.Right, allow me to help!" He eagerly collected the empty bowls and put them ontothe tray. Smiling from ear to ear, he stood up and made his way out the door."Where's the kitchen, Ms. Thompson?"

"Oh²uh²let« let me show you the way," Sally said, hurrying to his side.

When the two turned at the corner and disappeared from the hardwood-flooredpassage outside his door, Ian rubbed his temples, suddenly entertaining an idea of rest.



Considering how private Spencer had always been, Ian tried not to predict thevampire's reaction to Brian's presence, and hoped for the best. What matteredwas Spencer showing up at sunset, an occurrence Ian felt more uncertain eachday past.

In the corner of the indoor arena, Julia squinted up at the hot spotlights on thehigh, dome ceiling. Leaning against the cold, steel wall, she watched Sofia walkingup to the center of the ring, Sam struggling in the handcuffs, chained to thevampire. Spectators, both immortals and human agents, had filled up the stands.Loud chatters and laughs echoed throughout the dome.

Arms across her chest, Julia let out a lazy sigh and glanced at Jessica, who wasstanding next to her. Along with the rest of the spectators, the green-hairedvampire laughed when Sam stumbled to his knees in an attempt to fight Sofia'schain.

Julia shook her head. Although she had no sympathy for the werewolf for havinghelped destroy the First District, she simply disapproved slavery. She had followedher new 'friends' to watch a practice, or rather, a show in taming a newly enslavedLycan. It wouldn't be long before she would be assigned to one, but she would tryto defer the deal for as long as she could. It was a peculiar contrast for a modernorganization such as WOOHP to maintain slavery, when an ancient coven likeUriah (1) forbade such custom.

Maybe Caleb was right about the Queen. She was once a slave herself.

"Stand up," Sally ordered. Standing in the middle of the large ring, she washolding the chain with one hand, seemingly at ease in the face of the Lycan.

Struggling on all fours, Sam's face reddened as he growled at the vampire. "Don'tyou order me around, you glasses witch!"

"He's gonna try to transform, but it'll be impossible unless Sally allows him to.Sally is one of the oldest vampires here. She's very powerful, I'd tell ya!" Jessicaclapped enthusiastically, when all that Sam succeeded were a howl in anger and afew, violent turns in vain.

Julia cocked her head to the side. "Thanks for the explanation. Apparently, wedon't have this thing back in our godforsaken island."

Turning to Julia, Jessica laughed."Y

ou're not the first to hate me, Julia.Y

ou'retrying too hard. I'm beginning to think that all of Uriah vampires are as broodingas you are."

"I thought I'm the only Uriah vampire around here," Julia pointed out.

At the remark, Jessica instantly turned her attention back to the ring. "So what?You're not the only Uriahn to have walked the earth," she spat.



"Young and inexperienced like you wouldn't stand a chance if you ever cameacross one. Who was it? Who was so brooding that he or she had left such animpression on you until now?" Julia smirked, nudging Jessica with her elbow.

Jessica looked annoyed at first, but her gaze then drifted away beyond the ring²beyond everyone and every noise thundering in the dome. Her facial expression

became grim and serious, a look Julia had never seen from the younger vampire.

"My maker was from Uriah. Like you, she never had a slave."

"I see that you've learned nothing from her," Julia said, scoffing.

Jessica shot the redhead a sidelong glance. "I'm my own person. I can disagree,can't I? Cherish it. It's within our blood, the power to make everything, anything.There's no point denying it."

"Our blood is pure. We shouldn't taint it with greed and desires," Julia said, herfolded arms tightening around her. Uriah had always considered mind control a

dark power, and Julia had learned well of its dire consequences.

"Enlighten yourself, Ms. Spider. It's a gift God has given us."

"You're dumber than I thought. Making a slave out of a Lycan is just desperate tome," Julia said, rolling her eyes.

Jessica snickered. "Ah, that's right. Desperate. I just remember now how LordBrown brainwashed the traitor with his mind power, and he actually got away withit."

At the mention of Mai, Julia froze in her post. It seemed that words had gotten

around fast in this immortal world. Before she could stop herself, she grabbedJessica with both hands and literally threw the younger vampire into the ring.

Jessica landed in the middle of the ring, reeling between Sofia and Sam. "You,little bitch!" she snarled, getting up to her feet.

"Get out of the way, Jessica!" Sofia pulled the chain with all her might, veeringSam away from her friend.

Howling at the top of his lungs, Sam had broken from Sofia's power andtransformed. His thickening wrists and ankles burst the handcuffs into pieces.

Only then that Jessica realized that the golden-furred beast had zoomed in on her.She leapt high into the air, avoiding the deadly paw, which thumped right down ather previous spot. The force from Sam's fist punch left a huge hole into the cementfloor, and the whole arena roared in shock.

Sam then made a fast bound for the lithe form in the air. Jessica had yet to land,lacking the recoil needed to avert the second strike coming right at her. Thevampire squeezed her eyes shut as she rolled onto her knees, raising both armsover her head in fright. She only opened her eyes again after a loud thud shook



the ground she was standing upon. Sofia had stepped in between Sam and her,seized the beast by the neck and hurled him out of the way.

The Lycan shakily got up from the floor, snarling. He made another attempt to soarat Sofia, but lurched in his track when the vampire simply raised a hand up.

"Stop at once!"

Julia had jumped to the edge of the ring, clinging to the rope. She watched Sofiastanding tall between Jessica and the Lycan. Everyone had then fallen into silence,all eyes upon the vampire elder in the middle of the ring.

"Stop." Sofia looked up at the Lycan, who towered her by a head.

As if being released from a spell, Sam reverted back into his human form. Helooked at his own hands that had been stripped off his vicious claws. "What«what's going on«?"

"Kneel, now," Sofia said.

Wide-eyed, Sam gradually fell to his knees, his mouth gaping at his own action.

"You have taken my blood, Sam Savage. I am now your master," Sofia solemnlydeclared, staring down the kneeling form.

"At« At your command« Master," Sam whispered. He blinked a few times,stunned by every word that came out of his mouth. Evidently, he still maintainedhis conscience, only she could not act it.

At the rounds of applause from the spectators, Julia stepped away from the ring,

sighing in relief. Admittedly, she felt somewhat guilty for having endangeredSofia's life. Had Sofia not been powerful enough, the vampire would have beenseriously hurt by the Lycan. But it only proved that Sam was a worthy slave toacquire, a powerful one highly sorted among WOOHP vampires.

Julia retreated to her corner and glanced around. No one seemed to be botheredby her temperamental action. Right here in the arena, it seemed that their liveswere merely an entertainment, nothing more.

Out of the blue, a familiar, female face in the crowd on the stands caught Julia'sattention. She narrowed her eyes as she tried to recall where she had seen thewoman before. She was wearing a black, leather uniform as Julia did, suggesting

her immortal status.

Long, brown hair, gray eyes«

Julia's eyes then widened at the recognition. It was the wounded personal guardIan dragged into the First District that day. Seeing how badly injured the guardwas, Julia had thought that she must have died in the crypt.



Not knowing that she had been spotted, Samantha stood up and clapped alongwith her peers. She then turned and left the arena.

Spencer opened her eyes to the soft hue of orange light lingering over the far

horizontal line beyond the thick forest. In her sitting position, she was leaningagainst the large concave wall under a steep slope, effectively shielding her fromsunlight. It was where she had been taken refuge during hours of daylight.

Although it was always calm and quiet in the woods, she barely had any decentsleep the past few days. Her worry would not leave her even when her exhaustedmind was begging for a rest. Her fear had left its strong presence in her disruptingdreams. Her body wakened, tired and restless. Her heart sparred with her logic,fighting to leave or stay.

But every time Spencer opened her eyes to a sunset, she would soon find herself trekking the hilly path back to the old house. She had made a promise to Sally, and

she would like to honor it.

When she finally reached the lone house in the middle of nowhere, she spotted achange in the narrow, graveled path right away. The two tracks on the road lookedrecent and were definitely left by a car slightly bigger than Sally's compact Toyota.She edged near the large tree beside the house, and across the lawn parked ablack Thunderbird, the size of its tires confirming her assumption.

Pulling her lilac robe tighter, Spencer made a fast, quiet move towards the house.Watching from behind the bushes, she could see Ian sitting at the low table in theliving room, accompanied by an unidentified man in a black t-shirt. He looked tobe in his late twenties, tall and strong with his muscular arms and thick, broad

shoulders. With the two guns in his shoulder holster, he certainly wasn't just apedestrian.

Ian, however, seemed to welcome his presence, enjoying a tea while chatting withhim. From their demeanor towards each other, Spencer assumed that they were atbest acquaintances. It somehow enraged her that Ian had risked his own safety,trusting a stranger enough to allow him to hang around their hiding place.

Carefully, Spencer backed away from the bushes and walked away. The last thingshe wanted was to expose her identity to more people than she had already done.

I've done enough for him. Maybe it's time to go«

Spencer moved around the back of the house to get to the other side of the lawnwithout being seen. She passed the Thunderbird, meaning to trail down thenarrow path to the city below. She was about to leave the house for good, leavingIan to his own decision and its consequence.

But something left on the front passenger seat inside the car caught Spencer'sattention, prompting her to stop and move to take a closer look at the item. The



black cap sported an emblem of a yellow halo with a dagger in the middle, andSpencer narrowed her eyes at the blatant WOOHP symbol.

Before she knew it, she had literally barged through the opened door to the livingroom, grabbed the agent by the collar and pinned him down on the matted floor.

"Sp²Spencer«? No!" Ian called out for her, moving fast to her side cursing at thehasty movement, but continued to cling to Spencer's arm. "Stop it, Spencer!"

"He's a WOOHP agent," Spencer said, steadily tightening her grip around his neck.

Weakly tapping Spencer's arms, Brian opened his mouth, his face reddened at analarming rate.

"I know! I know! You're killing him!" Ian tried in vain to pull the vampire back.

Spencer sharply turned, her eyes widened in rage. "You knew, and you still invitedhim in!" She was rather certain that she hadn't pushed Ian away; her hands were

still on Brian's neck. Ian had mechanically retracted his hand, halting with whatSpencer deemed as terror in those green eyes.

The vampire wasted no time to reflect on Ian's reaction, and dove for Brian's neck.

"What're you doing! Let him go! Let him go, Spencer!" Ian pressed one hand overhis chest wound, his other hand pulling Spencer's shoulder.

Brian tried to yell, but no sound came out. His hand feebly pushed the slimshoulder that wouldn't move like mountain. His unblinking gaze was fixed uponthe ceiling the entire time his blood was sucked out of his body, momentarilybesieged by the inhuman strength. He only choked for air again, when Spencer

finally pulled away from him.

Unresponsive to Ian's angry pull, Spencer wiped the blood from her lips, mentallycollecting bits and pieces of his memories that still ran through her mind likeflashes from a film.

It took Spencer back to the labyrinth under the First District, where Brian and Ianfirst met, and how he was truly grateful for Ian's help. It relieved the vampire agreat deal that his visit today had become friendly and harmless. What left themost impression on her was his sincere determination to protect Ian. His intentionwas simple, yet overwhelming, which Spencer regarded as reckless and childlike.

But they're only strangers to each other.

"You're reading his memories," Ian said, his tone accusing. He intently watchedthe vampire, his hand slipping from the vampire's shoulder.

Aware of the absence of the warm hand, Spencer strained her gaze only at Brian,who had slowly regained his strength and tried to crawl away from her. "There'sno secret in the world, Ian. Why are you so afraid?"



"I'm the one who should be asking that question. You take people's memories asyou please, but never let out your own," Ian said, getting up to his knees.

From the corner of her eyes, Spencer noted how Ian struggled to move away,biting his lips at the pain the movement was causing.

Instinctively, Spencer gripped her knees harsher, so that she would not lend Ian ahand. Ian was obviously still perturbed that Spencer took his blood the first daythey met, and the fact that the vampire stupefied him in the prison only made itworse.

"Who²who is she, Ian«? She²she's« a vampire«" Brian had one hand over hisbleeding neck, his face paled.

"She's a houseguest ," Ian said, looking the other way.

Without another word, Spencer pulled the gun from Brian¶s shoulder holster. Ianhad leaned forwards in panic, but had made no further move to stop her. Or Ian

knew he would be too slow to do anything, should Spencer pull the trigger.

Spencer could hear Ian grunting from the other side of the table, but paid no heedto it. She was doing it for them, and it wasn't her problem, if Ian failed to see it.

"Don't«" Brian raised a hand up in alarm.

"I always like fresh blood. Donated blood is like frozen food. Expensive, tasteless,and boring. You can't store a challenge in a fridge, can you?" Muttering to herself,Spencer studied the slim, transparent bullets, their size one eighth of an averageUV bullet. She had only seen the green liquid inside the shell for the first time fromBrian's memories. It was WOOHP's poisonous weapon, an invention made

especially for hunting games.

Spencer flipped the gun with interest like a child with a new toy. "Aside from theplan to capture the wounded Lycan, you were also expecting vampires. Was thisfor me? A sedative for immortal creatures. WOOHP continues to impress me, Mr.Donovan. I would like a catalog of all your inventions, if you please."

Gulping, Brian vigilantly sat up. "I won't tell anyone about Ian, or this house, or²or you, I swear. I'm here to protect Ian. I wish him no harm."

Spencer chose not to respond. She had already learned of his intentions from hisblood, and frankly, she didn't want to hear him elaborate.

"Can I take a look at it, Spencer?" Even though Ian seemed to have relaxed fromtheir initial tension, he appeared worried about the new invention as well. Itseemed that WOOHP was keener for hunting slaves than exterminating them.

Her eyes never leaving Brian, Spencer slid the gun across the table. Ian caught itand quickly unloaded the ammo.

"The bullets are light. How effective is it?" Ian asked.



"A single hit will put you to sleep for two to five hours. Three hits will likely putyou out for a day. It depends on your strength, too," Brian replied. "We named it,'Hypnos', after the Greek God of sleep."

"How fitting. I see that WOOHP has been embracing its artistic side as well." Spencer pulled the remaining gun from his holster, inwardly grimaced at the

loaded silver-nitrate bullets. Frustration fumed up inside of her at how Ian trustedsomeone so easily despite his apparent willfulness²that Ian would not trust her,but him.

Apart from Brian's presence, Spencer would tolerate no other threat in this house.She stood up and took the gun with her.

"I should now leave Ian with Hypnos and Mr. Donovan. I believe he knows wherethe kitchen is, so that he can prepare dinner for you." With that, she turned andstrode out of the living room. Ian's protest followed from behind, but she did notstop to fully listen. 'Idiot', however, was the only thing audible enough for her tocatch.

Entering the bathroom, Spencer put a blue towel, a black sweatshirt and a pair of jeans on the wooden ledge. A sewing kit and Brian's gun were propped on a low,wood stool. Sally had her clothes washed a few days ago. But the sweatshirt stillsported long tears from the fight with the Lycans, and Spencer thought it was timeto sew it up.

Spencer then undressed herself and held up the soiled robe. She always washedher robe herself, not wanting to bother Sally with it. Besides, the nurse didn'trespond well to the fact that she had denied the accommodation in the basement,claiming that it displeased Ian. Shaking her head, Spencer had given up trying tounderstand the stubborn werewolf. Ian had no reason to worry about her; shecould take care of herself as she had done so all through her life.

She hung the wet silk robe next to the translucent-glass door, and then washedher hair and enjoyed a long shower. Letting the pellets of warm water drummingagainst her face, she let out a deep sigh, shaken in content by the warmthengulfing her whole. It was, indeed, getting colder and colder every day. She wasin serious need of a hot bath after a whole day out in the woods.

Ian should be fine with him here. I can leave tonight. No more sleeping in thewoods«

But Spencer found it hard to trust Brian, knowing full well of the WOOHP spiritwithin an agent. It took her long years to wholly trust Annie. But the fatigue thatcame with her continually insufficient sleep only made it harder for her against thecold. Spencer grumbled at the thought.

Sally might be right. I'll reconsider the basement«

Sitting in the wooden bathtub, she held out her arms over the edge and startedsewing the sweatshirt.



No, it's a dead end. A trap²

"What's it called?"

The question abruptly halted Spencer. She looked up from the task at hand andsaw a set of shadow sitting just outside the sliding door. She couldn't see the

figure clearly, but she knew from the voice and the white robe. She had no ideahow long Ian had been there. Previously preoccupied with the thought of thebasement, she had just realized now that she had been humming the old melodyagain. It scared her how easily it came to her²the haunting time she tried toforget.

"You shouldn't be moving around too much, Ian. You'll hurt yourself again."

"In a rush to leave? Don't worry. I won't trip and kill myself. But I don't thinkyou've got anywhere else to go either."

Spencer narrowed her eyes at the taunting remark. "Well, I do know one place I

definitely cannot go. Your lair."

The door was swiftly slid open, revealing Ian's sullen face in the dark corridor."Like I didn't know that. You're the reason I can't contact my father yet," Ianspat.

Keeping a straight face realizing that she was naked in front of Ian, Spencerresumed her sewing. "What's that have anything to do with me? Please, close thedoor. It's cold."

Ian only then blushed at his crude interruption of a bath time. Spencer hadexpected Ian to leave at the realization, but found herself staggered when Ian

carefully moved on his knees to enter the bathroom.

Now, sitting on his heels, Ian slid the door shut, Brian's sedative-loaded guntucked behind him by the cherry cloth belt. He turned to look at Spencer, his gazedropping to the sweatshirt. His brows contracted, and his lips pursed.

"What are you doing?"

"How rude of you to have left your guest alone." Spencer concentrated on thesewing once more.

"You're leaving tonight?"

"Has Mr. Donovan prepared your dinner yet? It's about time."

Ian's jaw clamped as he crawled towards the tub and grabbed the sweatshirt. Inturn, Spencer rapidly let go of the garment, not wanting to delay Ian's retreat tohis previous spot by the door.

Spencer leaned back and dropped herself deeper into the bathtub. The water levelwas now up to her chin, but she didn't think that the clear water could conceal



anything. She had never been shy of her body, but she couldn't help feelingexposed even though Ian had not directly looked into the tub.

"This is hideous. I can't believe you haven't learned how to properly sew after allthese centuries," Ian said, his face twisted as he scrutinized the stitches.

"I lived in a cave. There were no threads and needles," Spencer pouted, grippingthe edge of the tub with both hands and kicking her legs underwater in mildirritation. If she were to indicate her weaknesses, needlework would be one of them. It was the reason Annie was always the one sewing up their torn clothes.

"I'm not surprised," Ian mumbled, taking liberty to unpick the stitches. He wasquick to make use of the sewing kit. "I always have to sew my own stuff as I livealone. I tend to tear them a lot. At least, sewing is a lot easier than polishing mybike. T hat is a totally different story."

Ian continued to ramble about his routine with his beloved Ducati as if the vehiclewas his best friend. His lips curved up in naive delight that his stitches appeared

more refined than the vampire's. He only looked up again when Spencer's giggleinterrupted his monologue.

"Ouch«! Jeez«" Ian flinched as the pointed tip punctured his thumb. He made aface as he sucked his thumb, mentally cursing at how clumsy he was.

Spencer, however, stiffened at the simple occurrence. Her shoulders became rigid.Her gaze was fixed upon the raven-haired man, and his long stare eventuallycaught Ian's attention.

The bathroom then fell into silence, clouded by white haze from the hot water.Lowering his hands to his lap, Ian stared back, uncertainty swimming in his

emerald eyes as he gazed at the vampire's white knuckles.

Her gaze following Ian's, Spencer had only realized now that she had gripped theedge of the tub so hard that she almost broke it. Her heart beating fast, sheinstantaneously looked down at her feet and tried to slow down her breathing,hoping that Ian hadn't noticed her rapidly heaving chest. She sank deeper, hermouth underwater, so that she would not burst out something she'd regret. With

just a drop of blood, her senses heightened like a shark on its hunt. Her bodyreacted harshly, begging to be fed in a painful scream.

"Are you okay?" Ian finally broke the silence, his hands fidgety in his lap.

Looking everywhere but Ian, Spencer turned up the heat a little."The²the waterwas getting cold."

Ian smirked. "And you still sleep in the woods. It's not too late to change yourmind. Sally already cleaned up the basement for²"

"I prefer the woods."



For some reason, Ian tensed up at the fast reply, and Spencer wasn't sure whatshe had done wrong.

"Suit yourself," Ian said, continuing the stitching.

Spencer suppressed her sigh, brushing the strands of wet hair from her face. "I

believe Mr. Donovan is probably wondering where you are now. Perhaps, Ianwould like to keep him company."

Ian slowly looked up at the suggestion.

"He seems like a nice person," Spencer said, shrugging slightly. She would do justabout anything now to get rid of Ian, unsure of her own self-restraint if the thirsthappened again.

"What are you on about?" Ian practically growled.

"I took his blood, yes? Guarding you and sitting around in this old house surely

aren't the only things he has in mind."

"Huh? Since when did you start prying into people's private life? It was badenough that you just bit him like that." Glaring, Ian clutched the sweatshirt. "Iwish you stop this nonsense from now on, if we'll continue to be friends. I don'tlike you getting into my head."

Spencer frowned. "I took your blood because it was urgent. I didn't do it foramusement. If it'll make you feel better, I couldn't read your memories, Ian.You're the only person so far, and I don't know why."

For a moment, Ian's gaze softened a bit, but then became harsh again. "Why did

you stupefy me? What have you got to hide?"

"If I tell you now, what was the point in doing it in the first place?"

Ian rolled his eyes. "Why can't I ever get a straight answer from you, SpencerLee? It's always another question coming right back. It's either²"

"Ian«? Ian«? Where are you«?"

Both Ian and Spencer stopped at Brian's voice from the distance. He was mostlikely walking around in the front lawn.

After a moment of hesitation, Ian slowly got up to his feet and slid the door open."I'm going now. And don't think anything funny between him and me. We'restrictly brothers in arms. We understand each other well. We even have the samegoal to destroy Uriah," Ian said, perking his chin up.

"What funny idea? I was merely going to say that he meant to ask for yourautograph for saving his life." Spencer lied with a smile she knew annoyed Ian tono end. Brian had definitely developed his crush on Ian, but one could havedetected it without reading his memories.



Red in the face, Ian turned around a few times, fumbling and cursing. He thenwalked out, rudely leaving the door open.

Spencer was surprised that Ian failed to even retort. Had Ian hoped that there wasmore to Brian's thought on him? Had he expected it in some way? Without doubt,Brian was far from repugnant; he was young and strong. It was a plus that he was

gracious and loyal as well. Possibly, Ian had already seen what Spencer did.

"Wait« Wait, Ian« Ian«?"

Spencer quickly sat up, her hands clinging to the edge of the tub as she tried tolook beyond the door into the dark corridor. Having been inattentive in her ownthoughts, she had just noticed the empty wooden ledge.

"Ian, you have my clothes!"

Seated by the low table in the living room, Ian felt reenergized after the hot mealBrian prepared for him. The black sweatshirt was neatly folded and put on thefloor next to him.

"I hope it was edible," Brian said, clearing his throat. Obviously, the dinner wasconsidered successful since Ian had finished the whole meal.

"It was delicious. Thank you, Mr. Donovan," Ian said and put the empty bowl ontothe table. He was pleasantly surprised that Brian had taken the time to cook someegg and vegetables for him during his brief disappearance into the bathroomearlier. Spencer's cooking skill proved to be nil, relying solely on Sally's frozenfood.

"You²you can ca²call me, 'Brian'."

Ian had to wonder why Brian was blushing as he spoke.

Timidly scratching his head, Brian gestured at the sweatshirt. "Do you need ahand? I can sew. I'm actually very good at it, but you have to promise not to tellanyone."

Ian laughed and said, "Nah, I got it." Automatically, he clutched the black fabric."Thank you for staying here with me all day, Brian. I appreciate it."

Brian took the tray and stood up. "You're welcome! Now, I'm going to take ashower. I'll sleep in this room tonight. If you need anything, just shout out forme."

Ian only allowed himself to sigh when Brian left. Ian did not object the idea of having the WOOHP agent around. After all, he was the most unlikely ally Ian couldhave; Ian might be able to use him to rescue Sam and Samantha. However, hispresence seemed to entirely ward off the vampire.



Spencer would usually keep Ian company at night, waiting until Ian fall asleep.But it had been almost an hour since he left Spencer in the bath. It appeared thatthe vampire insisted to keep her distance from strangers.

Did she leave«? T onight? Not even a goodbye?

At the thought, Ian's brows came together in unease. He was going to get up, butstopped himself in time. If Spencer really wanted to leave, there was no reason tostop her. Sooner or later, it was supposed to be this way anyway.

After a shower, Ian retired to bed. But as hard as he tried, he couldn't seem to fallasleep even after a long day without a nap. His wounds were healing nicely, andhe had felt better each day past. But he hadn't fully protested the pampering for areason he didn't want to admit.

Damn it.

Slowly getting up, Ian pushed the blanket off his body. He took the sweatshirt,

which he had finished stitching all the tears, and made his way towards the door.It was almost two o'clock in the morning. Brian's light snore from the adjacentroom was a safe sign for Ian to leave.

Going around to the back of the house, Ian trudged up the hill with some difficulty.He just hoped that he hadn't worsened his injuries by the exertion. The air waschilly, and the wind was sharp. He couldn't quite fathom how Spencer couldwithstand the cold for long hours.

Along the steep path, Ian found himself out of breath and had to stop. Resting onehand against the big tree, he tried to unwind and controlled his ragged breathing.He just despised how weak he was, and the trek in the woods seemed as though a

test of strength he had intentionally put himself in.

Goddamn it! I don't even know if she's still around. She could have left already.

Cursing under his breath, Ian turned around, and was about to walk back to thehouse. However, a faint hum caught him, stopping him in his track. The haunting,poetic voice rang the familiar tune, but it now lost the despair Ian recalled whenhe heard it in the music room. It was as light and carefree as a gentle stroke of cool wind.

Mesmerized, Ian followed the source of voice. Closer and closer, he came to standalong the narrow path only a few meters from the cliff. He looked up at the large

tree in front of him and found what he came for.

In a black silky robe, presumably Midori's mother, Spencer was sitting along thethick branch, her long, pale legs comfortably hanging down. The chestnut tressesslightly waved with the soft wind. The vampire was looking out to the vast view of thick forest and the city faraway. The large moon was high up in the dark sky. If Ian hadn't known better, he would have mistaken her as a nymph.

"What's it called?"



Spencer tore her gaze from the scenery and looked down at Ian with a placidsmile. "You're unrelenting, but I'm sure you already knew that."

Ian frowned. "What's it called?"

"It's quite a long walk from the house. Are you sure you're not sabotaging your

health to keep me around?"

"What's it called? Damn it!" Ian already felt his face hot up by the tease, but hewas undeniably persistent. He wouldn't leave until he got the answer.

Spencer edged over the branch and let herself fall, landing on the ground on herfeet. The fall appeared easy and graceful even without the wings. Certainly, thevampire didn't want to tear the borrowed robe, considering her poor sewing skill.

Ian was going to take a step back since Spencer had landed right in front of him,needing some space between them. But Spencer readily grabbed the sweatshirtand drew it over Ian's head.

Ian struggled at first as he had intended in bringing the sweatshirt for Spencer.But he was already shivering from the cold air. Meekly, he slipped his armsthrough the sleeves, thankful for the warmth. He looked up at Spencer again, hismouth gaping to fire another of the same question.

"It's a folk song from the island," Spencer interrupted, rubbing Ian's arms to keephim warm. "My mother used to sing it to me when I was a child. It's called« 'Youare my light'."

Ian halted, staring into the crimson eyes. He wouldn't know if it was thestraightforward answer, or the meaning of the tune itself that rendered him

speechless.

"Uriah means 'God is my light'. It's our silly, little obsession with what we lack.We don't have much of it over there." Spencer tried to make light out of thematter, but it only earned her Ian's long stare.

Uriah was anything but light. The soul of the tune cried of pained yearning andeternal darkness. Ian couldn't quite imagine how Spencer grew up on the island,and what happened afterwards that lead her into this immortal life.

"It's beautiful," Ian said as a matter-of-factly.

"It's nothing special. Every kid on the island could sing it. But« I'm glad that youlike it," Spencer said, smiling.

Slowly and discreetly, Ian let Spencer's hands slip off his arms and took a smallstep back. The proximity between them was making him feel uneasy. "Whathappened to your mother? Your family? I don't know anything about you."



The vampire's smile slightly faded. "I'm flattered that Ian cares enough to want toknow about me. Unfortunately, I don't know how to sum up thousands of yearsinto a few sentences."

Ian fixed his gaze upon his feet, terribly aware of Spencer's gaze on him. "Soyou're as old as my father's master then?"

"I'm pretty sure that there are quite a few out there who are as old as I am. Atleast, the Uriah Queen is." Thankfully, Spencer hadn't moved away, or simplyshunned him out as usual.

Both of them then sat down along the narrow path, looking out and admiring theview over the cliff. With the vampire next to him, the sharp, cold air became alittle more bearable and, surprisingly, soothing.

"Why did you leave Uriah? You need a home. In the end, we all need a home« Iguess," Ian said, leaning back against the tree.

"I'm better off alone. And, please, don't ask me to take you there."

"If I want to go there, I will, with or without your help. I'm not my mother," Iansaid, making a face.

Spencer chuckled. "No, you are absolutely not."

Ian turned to glower at the vampire, but was irritated even more when Spenceronly smiled in return. "Well« Well, do I look like her? My father always said I looklike her...it was his little joke, he liked to tease me with."

Spencer laughed aloud. "You're curious again!"

As Ian's glare intensified, Spencer tried to compose herself.

"No«" Spencer eventually said. Her expression became jaded and unreadable, thevigor in her eyes fading. "No, I don't think you look like her. You're morehandsome, inside and out."

The words came so easily²so unexpectedly, that Ian froze, his gaze dropping toavoid the impassive stare from the crimson eyes. He could have asked a thousandmore questions about his mother, but Spencer's response had effortlessly erasedall that had bothered him from his mind.

Spencer then grinned and casually asked, "Where's Mr. Donovan? I would haveexpected him to escort you here."

"He's asleep. And I don't see why he had to escort me anywhere.," Ian said, curtlyturning his attention back to the scenery below.

"He's a real gentleman, and is a Midgard native. I'm fairly certain that he'd takeyou right to WOOHP Headquarters, if you beg him," Spencer said, giggling.



Ian inwardly growled. "For your information, I don't beg. Ever. Yeah, you act allhigh and mighty now. You know everything about him after taking just a fewdrops of his blood."

"It was a little more than a few drops. But, frankly, I didn't need more than that toknow his history. His mind was unsophisticated enough."

Turning to gawk at Spencer, Ian was exasperated by the vampire's arrogance."What is your problem? Just because he's a WOOHP agent doesn't mean that he'sa bad guy. You, of all people, should know that."

"Leave Annie out of this," Spencer said, sharply looking the other way.

Ian huffed and looked the opposite way. Sometimes Spencer just had way toinfuriate him without trying to.

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Spencer said, "I'm sorry. I just wantedyou to be more cautious, that is all."

The green gaze softened at the words. Spencer had yet again surprise him withher caring way. "Don't worry. I don't completely trust him as I know what makesa WOOHP agent. I just thought that he could help me get Samantha and Sam.Good news is that they're still alive."

"I don't see the need for his presence for that matter. I've acquired locations forboth London and Midgard Headquarters through his and your mother's blood."

Ian instantly shook his head in refusal. "Whoa. You can't come with me. This isexactly why WOOHP has allied with humans, and is using Lycans as their slaves.Vampires have only twelve hours out there in a day. It's way too risky to do the

work themselves."

Spencer's eyes widened in an uncharacteristic shock. "For three millennia, no onehas ever insulted me like this before." But her mocking expression was wiped off her face by Ian's fierce stare. She stopped when Ian angrily gripped her arms.

"Sally told me that you were badly hurt when you flew me out of the woods. Whydid you do that? Were you out your mind? You could have killed yourself then!"

At those words, both of them fell into another awkward silence. The vampire satunmoving, while Ian paused at Spencer's pokerfaced reaction. Both then lookedthe other way. The absence of Spencer's usually aggravating comeback only

suggested that she had thought over and accepted Ian's words as they trulymeant²that Ian did care. And, quite bluntly, Ian wasn't sure how to act now.

"I knew what I was doing," Spencer said, trying to draw her arms out of Ian'shold.

Ian felt it again, the sudden warmth from the vampire's skin. He looked up andstared at Spencer, detecting the edginess in her gaze. Spencer obviously didn't



retract in anger; she was trying to avoid being caught. Ian quickly grabbed thepale hand; he wasn't going to let it go this time around.

"You're warm again. Are you okay? This is so strange. How can a vampire turnwarm?"

Not bothering to answer, Spencer took Ian's hand and removed it from her own.The contact was cold and callous, unlike her warm and tender skin, leaving Ian inpuzzlement.

Spencer stood up and pulled her robe tighter. "It's late. Go back and get somesleep," she said, marching down the slope along the cliff.

"Hey, where²where are you going? I thought that you'd go back with me« Wait!"

Ian hastily got up. Biting his lips, he tried to ignore the pain in his wounds thatcame with the careless movement. He followed the vampire, but his awfullysluggish pace was not going to let him catch up. Spencer had not slowed down,

striding faster instead.

Grunting, Ian pressed his hand over his abdomen and made a desperate, swiftplunge towards the lithe form down the narrow path. He collided into thevampire's back and caught Spencer's shoulder for balance. His knees hadweakened from the movements, and he found it hard just to stay on his feet now.

"That's it!" Ian breathed. "Where« where the hell are you going! What are youtrying to run²" Ian was cut short when Spencer sternly turned around, grippinghis wrist and pulling him close. Their faces nearly brushed each other, and Iancould feel Spencer's hot breath on his lips.

But Spencer had suddenly stopped, seemingly lost and reluctant in her ownthought. Her hold on Ian's wrist was so harsh that it startled the younger man.

"You're hurting me," Ian said, blinking wildly. He paused at the heat caressing hischeek as Spencer pressed in and breathed in the scent of his hair.

As the vampire paled even more at a frightening rate, her skin becoming sicklywhite, the typically serene, crimson shade of her eyes turned into a blood redglow. Her fangs protruded, she hissed into Ian's ear.

"I must admit that nothing has tasted« as pleasant as your blood. I tried to ignorethe sensation, but it keeps coming back. You were right« not to trust me."

"Spen²"

Ian was shoved to the ground before he could finish his word. Pain from thewounds shot through him, leaving him defenseless in the vampire's fierce grasp.But all his thoughts became incoherent when the fangs buried into his neck. As hisblood was drained from his body, his heart throbbed fast and hard against hischest. The air suddenly refused to enter his lungs, while his body began to numb.



The world spun out of control, and flashes of his memories battled with oneanother, crashing into him like a derailed train.

Lying flat on his back, Ian could only stare up at the dark sky. His arms hadflopped down beside him. The stars appeared as large, white dots now as hisvision began to dim. He had never been bitten while conscious before, and he had

to wonder if this was how a victim felt before death. It was more peaceful than hehad imagined. It was almost painless, dazed in memories and darkness.

All of a sudden, Ian felt the vampire's heat leaving his body. He took a fewmoments to glance around, slowly regaining his senses. He was certain that hehad not the strength to push Spencer away.

"Nn²no!" Ian finally pushed himself up.

His vision became clearer by the second, his mind more stabilized. He shot up tohis feet in fright, one hand clutching the bitten marks on his neck. In his normalcondition, he would have charged at the vampire without second thought. But he

swayed, bracing himself against the tree. Wheezing, he glared down at thevampire, who had not made a move.

Spencer sat absolutely still, her gaze staring at nothing in particular. Gradually,she lifted her trembling hand and wiped the blood from her lips. The bright,intense, red glow of her eyes slowly dimmed into crimson. The warmth, the onlyhint of life, was nothing but a sign of savage hunger.

Ian wasted no time to turn around and ran as fast as his body would allow. Hewasn't going to wait for another crazy attack. But as he made his way closer andcloser to the house, he felt his fear disappearing, being replaced by rage.

Eventually, he reached the house and found the anxious Brian. He had woken up inthe middle of the night, and was looking around for him.

"Thank God, you're back! Where have you been? I was really worried to see yourdoor open! I thought something bad had happened."

Brian had then made a fuss over the marks on Ian¶s neck, but Ian¶s mind failed toregister what Brian had said afterwards. Ian hadn't felt safer with Brian¶s armaround him, helping him into the house, than he had been in the woods. The airhad felt as cold as the blood that had boiled in his veins.

'My mother murdered my father, a human. She took his life because« it was just

who she was²

what she was,' Ann once confessed to Annie.

Ian¶s mother grief had haunted him all through the night. He had been foolish tolet his guard down even for a fleeting moment. Vampire would always be vampire,and he should have known it better than anyone else.



Author Note: Ok so I guess you¶re all confused about all this Brian-Ianthing«.well Ian is one of those lucky, or unlucky guys that are attractive to bothsex, he has some of his mother charm, like her green eyes, and beautiful midnightblue hair, and some facial features but he is not gay. And to answer your questionyes Brian likes Ian in that way, and Spencer teases Ian about that because shecould tell when she took Brian¶s blood but Ian is thick headed and doesn¶t get it.

And between Spencer and Ian well as I said Ian is thick headed and it takes him along time to see obvious things, he¶s the type that always over thinks things anduses his brain for feelings instead of his heart.

If you have more questions about the story please don¶t hesitate to ask.

Legend Of The Vampire (Chapter 13: Defectors)

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