It’s Friday the 13th so that means… double upload!

---

Waking up, I felt okay until I went to get out of bed. Thanks to the abuse I put myself through yesterday, it wasn’t as simple as sleeping it off. My shoulders were stiff, and moving them had sparks of pain shooting up and down my back. Twisting against the pain I tried to find the position I had been in before everything started hurting. It was impossible as now every muscle felt like it was cramping, not just in my legs, but in my arms and stomach. Gasping, I soon held my breath, waiting for it all to pass only it didn’t and now Logan had woken up.

“Are you having a fit or something?” He yawned, sitting up.

I stubbornly do the same despite how hard it is to move. I want to speak, but I need a moment to get my breath back.

“Bunny?”

“Fine.” I mumble, not looking forward to trying to stand. “Just a cramp.”

I don’t look as I feel him move behind me, and as his hands rest on my shoulders I flinch away from his touch.

“Trust me, okay?”

I don’t really have a choice and slowly his hands go down my back. He does it a couple more times before he starts to use his thumbs a little harder and while at first I’m close to tears, after a few minutes pass, I’m sitting up straighter and the impromptu massage session is actually amazing.

“How’s that?”

“Better.”

He stops and I nearly beg him to keep going until he comes to kneel in front of me, smirking. “Any chance of getting your shirt off?”

“Really Logan?” I groan, flopping backwards onto the bed now I can actually move.

“Well yeah, so I can see what your bruises are looking like this morning. I don’t want to touch you where they are.” That actually made sense.

Before I can put down some rules, his hands are now working on my thigh and going down to my calves. It hurts, but in a good way, as he releases the tension in there.

“How do you know how to do this?” I am in heaven and get myself back up to find him deep in concentration. His touch is magic and moving onto my left leg now, I’m not even going to deny how much I am enjoying this.

“A couple of years ago I met up with an old Tracker who now does physio work at the hospital. I stuck around for a while and he taught me a few things. Comes in handy and every now and then!” He winks and his hands slide a little too high up my thigh.

“Hey! Watch yourself buddy!”

“Please, I’m a professional!” Logan jokes as he stands. He offers his hands and taking them, pulls me up.

Rolling my shoulders, I still hurt, but nowhere near like I was before. “Thank you.”

“Happy to help!” He steps around me and I head to the bathroom. Taking off the shirt, I inspect myself in the mirror and the blackish signs of the bruises have turned green and yellow. Why we couldn’t be like the vampires and heal instantly was beyond me.

I’ve only got one bruise that’s still quite dark, and I knew that hit in my stomach had been a good one on the vamps behalf. I decided to take another shower and make the most of the complimentary toothbrush set and moisturisers left by the hotel. Keeping the towel wrapped around me, I go back out to find Logan quickly hanging up his phone.

“Feel better?”

“You have no idea.” My stomach growls and Logan raises an eyebrow, clearly amused.

To shut him up, I turn around so my back is to him and drop the towel. The flimsy bit of fabric that I call underwear doesn’t exactly hide much and his silence says enough. I am actually curious to see what he is going to do thanks to that part of me not wanting to let him go. I look through my pile of clothes from last night and put on the leggings Raya had given me as well as my bra. Nigel’s jacket goes on next and zipping it up I pick up my shoes to go and clean the blood off them before we leave.

Logan follows me into the bathroom, simply watching as I sit on the toilet and start to clean them with a wet face towel.

“That, was, really, mean.” He manages to get out, and looking up at him, I just smile.

“What was Logey?” I flirt. Oh god, I'm actually trying to flirt with him now!

He makes a weird, angry, gasping sound before leaving me alone and I’m nearly done when he returns; naked. He smirks at me, clearly impressed with himself before going into the shower. My laughing doesn’t exactly help the situation and leaving him to it, I go back into the room. Seeing his bag on the sofa, I can’t stop myself from looking inside. Sure enough in the hidden side pocket, his journal was safely zipped away and taking it out I hesitate in opening it.

Be the bigger person, don’t snoop! I tell myself, yet I’m opening the first couple of pages and flicking through. For the most part, it’s boring. It has some stuff of the demons he had come across when he first joined up with Jordan and Chris. A few sketches of the moon phases make me look and in some entries, quite a few parts had been scratched out. Trying to read them is impossible and skimming through it for those sections, one finally tells me something. After three lines of the words being scrubbed over, four words at the bottom of the page make me stop; I just miss her.

I keep flicking through it, stopping in January where he is talking about their travels to get here, looking for Kieran and Raya. They clearly didn’t know Sam was going to be there too and carrying on, I find the one he did once they had found me.

She has a boyfriend. Human. Just an average kind of guy and already I hate him. Looks happy though.

Skimming over the page, I quickly read more.

 I was so fucking nervous about seeing her again. I had hoped that time away from everything would have mellowed her out a little, but I still ended up with a knife to my throat. At least she didn’t actually stab me - this time.

It seemed like years ago that all happened and turning through the pages, the professionalism in the early section disappeared and like my own log – started to turn into something to rival the Days of our Lives.

It hasn't even been a week and I'm already ready to rip my hair out from dealing with Elise.

This from was from when V had taken me and it was the end of his entry that stuck with me.

The only plus side is, her side of the bed was slightly warm so she couldn't have been gone long. I don't know how she did it without leaving any sign or trace of where she went though. Some Tracker I am, though with Elise nothing is ever easy.

Laying beside her was nice though. Having her back in my arms reminds me of how much I do want her and that I need to make it right, I need that second chance. The other Hunters are finally waking up and I think I just heard a car out the front.

Time to go find Elise - again. Talk about deja vu?

I stopped reading, looking back towards the bathroom as the shower cut off. Why did he put up with me, why did any of them?

“How about we get breakfast down stairs before going back? Did you want to go home or straight to the warehouse?” Logan called out, and opening the door, the rush of steam from the bathroom burst out into the corridor.

I quickly tucked his journal away and decided I couldn’t keep hating him for the past. Not that I hated him, it was just hard to like him sometimes, but so was I. Getting up I went over to my dress and folded it into a ball, tempted to just throw it out.

“Elise?” There was an undeniable hint of panic as his head peered around the corner and I realised I hadn’t answered him.

“Yeah sounds good and um, home first.”

Logan hesitated before disappearing and soon enough we were sitting down in the hotel’s restaurant having breakfast. We didn’t talk, keeping ourselves busy with eating instead and once again I felt like I was about two inches tall.

“You’re quiet.” Logan pointed out.

“So are you.”

“Mostly because your zip is down enough to give me a glimpse of the lack of clothing you have on underneath that jacket.” Looking down, he was right. The edge of my bra was easily seen and I quickly zipped it up higher. “Was that necessary?”

“Perve!”  He only shrugged, smirking in response. Jerk.

Once we were done we went out to Zane’s car and I wondered how he had managed to get hold of it. Keeping quiet, the journey home was as quiet as breakfast and going in, no one was around. It was nearly eleven and with V in custody, it wasn’t hard to guess where everyone was.

Logan went into his shared room and I went into mine, changing into fresh clothes that were mine. I quickly added a few weapons, just in case anything was to happen and the weather was surprisingly cool for this time of year so found a light jacket as well.

“Why the sudden silent treatment?” Logan was leaning against the doorway and his brow was creased in concentration as he watched me put a belt on and attach the dagger and stake to it.

“What silent treatment?” I faked my innocence and instead focused on brushing my hair before tying it up.

“You haven’t said a word to me since your little show at the hotel. What was that about?”

“Never mind. Sorry.”

“I really just can’t keep up with you. I think you’re bi-polar or something.” He sighed, turning to go back out into the living room.

“What?” I called, going after him.

“Come on, you’re up and down like a fucking yoyo Elise. One minute you’re, normal, nice, amazing and the next, you’re cold and distant, pushing me away - again! I haven’t even done anything this time!”

I guess this is one those wanting to pull your hair out moments he writes about and crossing my arms defensively over my chest, we just glare at each other – waiting to see who would go first.

I cave. “I’m sor-“

“No, I don’t want sorry. I want a reason. What are we doing?” Logan demands, but that probably with that was, I had no idea. “And don’t play stupid. I mean with us, not literally.”

I didn’t move and as the front door slammed open, we both jumped.

“Yo, you back Ellie?” Chris walked in and looking between us, cringed slightly before turning to me. “Sorry to interrupt, but ah, you’re being summoned by Lord Zane of the Slayer-jerks.”

“Can we have a minute?” Logan growled, not hiding how annoyed he was.

“Yeah, I’ll just. Wait in the car?” He left as quickly as he came and Logan let out a frustrated sigh.

“Look, oh whatever. Just, answer me this. Do I actually stand a chance with you?”

He did. I wanted to tell him too, but I just didn't know how to do it. Not just for him, but for me. I didn't want to lose anyone again, or be open to the pain he could cause if I let him in again. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea.”

Shaking his head he went to say something, but stopped and instead walked out.

In that second I wanted to stop him only I let him go. Like I told Matt, I’m not the kind of person he wants around and the sooner he realised that the better. Locking up my house, I followed him out and sat in the back. Again the car was silent as we made our way across town and Chris turned on the radio in attempt to break the tension.

“‘Cause you’re hot then you’re cold, you’re yes then you’re no. You’re in then you’re out, you’re up then you’re down…”

As the song came on, I didn’t stop my laugh fast enough and Logan looked back at me to roll his eyes. “You have to see the irony in that!”

“I do. It’s not funny.” He retorted, turning around.

When we arrived, Chris pulled out a remote and for the first time I got to see the underground parking garage. The concrete lifted up to reveal the way in and despite the whole place looking like something out a spy movie, this really impressed me.

Logan got out first, slamming the door and stalked towards the rather unsafe staircase opposite us to go inside and Chris stopped me. “You two okay?”

“No, but are we ever?”

“Well, if something is meant to be, it will work out. I know I’m not an expert in that relationship shit, and since Jodie, I haven’t exactly been getting much experience with it all, but I do believe that!” It was a softer side I didn’t get to see very often and nodded, wanting to believe him.

“Thanks CJ.”

“Look Ellie, I’ve known you for ever and I know things have been tense lately, but I know your brother too and your family. Try not being so quick to judge, they really do love you. This struggle with them is about as a normal as teenage experiences get and it will pass.” He puts his arm over my shoulders and we head over to the stairs. “Oh and prepare yourself, Zane and that Andersen chick have been busting everyone’s balls all morning.”

“Great. Can’t wait!” It sounds as sarcastic as I intended and Chris tugs my pony tail playfully, making me slap him in the chest. “Thanks for the talk CJ.”

“You’ll be right Ellie, you are a Bunting after all!” He teases.

“So true!”

The stairs come out in a corridor I hadn’t seen before and I follow Chris as he leads us back into the main section and past the gym where some others are working out. As we get closer to the meeting room, Chris was right about Zane. His voice greets us before we even get to the door in and the feeling I get around demons has me looking at Chris who only shrugs.

“Your methods are clearly not working!” Zane argues as we step inside.

“It’s better than risk your anger issues getting the better of you and having him dead!” Danielle snaps back.

I have to give her credit, she is one of the few people to show no fear around Zane. I'm not sure if she's brave or stupid. Everyone sitting at the table is trying to make themselves look busy and our arrival is the distraction they must have been praying for as the leaders stop their arguing and look at us. Well me.

“Ah, morning?” I offer a tiny wave and try to smile and it’s then I spy the demon.”Ailin?”

Who knew I’d ever be so happy to see one of the Kasha again, and I left Chris’s side go to her. “Hello Hunter.”

“Why are you here?”

She doesn’t get to answer me as Danielle steps between us, “that is none of your business!”

“I wasn’t asking you!” I snap, turning to face Ailin again who barely manages to hide her smirk.

“You don’t have the clearance to be requesting anything of the Council guards.” Danielle doesn’t back down.

“Ms Andersen, while I am here on behalf of the President, whom I speak with while I am here is up to my own discretion,” Ailin answers calmly. “Well done on the capture of the vampire, Hunter.”

As she says that, her eyes flick to Zane and I know she is making a point that it was not a Slayer who succeeded with the task.

“Ron, as you so fondly call him, was very impressed and sends his regards.”

“Here that? First name basis Dani!” I smile rather smugly at her, feeling better I now have extra backup. “It’s good to see you Ailin!”

“Likewise Hunter.” I even get the tiniest of smiles out of the demon and while we had our battles in the past, I did like her. The skills she had taught me with a sword were invaluable and she had helped us that night. Even if she didn’t work for the Council, because of that I had a lot of respect for her.

“Elise.” Zane called rather gruffly and I instantly felt my face pale.

Slowly turning around, Jordan had appeared too and the duo looked at me as if I’d just killed their best friend. I almost forgot about this part.

“Morning.” I answered weakly, my confidence boost disappearing. “Sleep well Jordan?”

His eyes only narrowed and from the table, Chris chuckled to himself. Looking over, he wasn’t the only one as Nigel sat beside him and as all eyes turned to them, they straightened up - pretending to be looking at the laptop in front of Nigel.

“My office. Now!” Zane ordered.

“You have an office?” I asked impressed.

No one answered me as he stormed out of the room with Jordan in tow. Looking at Chris he gave me a thumbs up before Danielle got involved. “Now Bunting!”

We hadn’t even got to the gym yet when Zane stopped and seeing Danielle behind me, held up his hand. “Not you.”

“I have every right to-“

“No you don’t. My team, my issue!” He kept walking and Danielle didn’t follow, going back to the others instead.

Ever the adult, I refrained from poking my tongue out at her and kept walking. That was until we passed the gym and seeing Logan sparring with Keiran stopped me by the door. While trying not to be obvious about checking him out, I wondered if I should make peace with him before Zane killed me. Raya waved from where she was sitting on the floor near them and I offered her a smile before Jordan called my name. Hearing that, Logan stopped and looked at me so using the distraction, Keiran managed to get him before Logan could block the hit.

It was a low blow, but Logan laughed it off before going after him. I hadn't even noticed Ailin at my side until she spoke. "Sometimes it's not the load that breaks you, but how you carry it."

"What does that mean?" Leaving them to it, we slowly walked to where Jordan was waiting and looking at her, she was gone again. I forgot how cryptic she likes to be and ignoring it, reconised the door to the car park as we past it.

Turning left, we went down a set of stairs. There were no windows and it was newer than the other sections. Anxiety started to build in my stomach as we made a right turn and I bit my tongue to stop from talking, or rambling, which was probably all I was going to do as my nerves started to get the better of me. We caught up to Zane who was in the process of swiping a card over the sensor and opening the door, he let us all walk in before him. Jordan took the lead now and this corridor had sliding doors built into the walls. The window at the top was a little too high for me to see into and I didn’t risk jumping up to look.

Jordan opened one of the doors, and Zane pushed past. He was quick to take command of the room. “Get out.” 

Trying to peek around the corner, Jordan blocked my view, yet I sensed vampire.

 “But Dani-“The timid voice answered.

“OUT!”

Sure enough three Slayers fled and Zane watched them leave before letting us in. The room was set up full of computers and the large window looked into a holding cell. Going closer, I spied V slumped in a corner. He only had a pair of sweat pants on now, his suit from last night gone. All over his chest, welts and cuts decorated his skin. I knew I had beat him pretty badly, but none of that was from what I did.

Zane went to one of the computers and typed something in, changing the lights in the cell from the bright, clinical white to something a little softer. V rolled his head up to look at the roof, clearly relieved about the change.

“So, this is your office?” I finally asked, eager to break the silence.

“No. If I told Dani we were coming down here, she wouldn’t have backed off.” Zane informed me, his voice rather passive.

“Oh.” I looked back at V for a second, “Do you even have an office?”

“Yes Elise, I have an office.” He answered impatiently and I had no idea why I found that so interesting.

The door to our left opened and a man appeared with trolley that looked like it was ready for surgery or perhaps torture. The silver instruments were bloodied, and the pliers still had something resembling skin on them.

“What are you doing down here?” He asked, a woman coming in behind him, she took of an apron and threw them in the bin on the second tray of the trolley.

“Shift change.” Jordan answered.

“He isn’t talking.” She huffed.

“Thought so. Thats why I have her.” Zane typed something else into the computer before looking at them, “now get out.”

They only nodded and as soon as they were out, he locked the door and again that uneasy feeling took over. I jumped as Ailin re-appeared in her puff of black smoke, not sure what was happening. “What’s going on?”

“You’re gonna go talk to him.” Zane answered calmly and opened the door the others had just come out of.

“Me? Why?” Was this my punishment? “Look about last night, I’m sorry. I got carried away and wasn’t thinking straight!”

I started rambling like I thought I would and Jordan came over to cover my mouth with his hand. “It’s fine. We get it. He said earlier he only wanted to see you, but Dani wouldn't allow it. He isn't talking, no matter what they do. This isn’t supposed to be punishment on you Elise”

“It’s not?” I asked, pulling away.

“No. We’re sorry, aren’t we Zane?” Jordan looked at Zane who nodded.

“Yeah sunshine. It was a jerk move, but I really wish you hadn’t just ran off with Drew. At least if you were with Logan, he can actually fight.” Zane held out his hand, “Can we call even and move on?”

This was too easy, but I was going to take it and instead of shaking his hand, I hugged him and Jordan. “I’m sorry too.”

“Cool. Now go find out what you can from that thing in there.” Zane nudged me towards the door and I hesitated. “Ailin is going too. Don’t worry.”

Ailin didn’t go in as I found out when I was pushed into the cell. She stayed on the other side of the door and with a nod, I didn't bother arguing. Turning to keep an eye on the danger, V didn’t move and I wasn’t sure if he was even conscious. What had they been doing to him?

Looking at the mirror, I stuck up my middle finger before going closer. They hadn’t even given me any weapons and I was thankful for those I put on before leaving home. “Vaaron?”

I crept closer and in the second it took me to look back at the mirror, where those morons were watching, V moved. Screaming I went to defend myself, only instead he went flying back into the corner as if he had just touched an electric fence. Looking over to the door, Ailin was gone and in the small window, a Kasha demon now stared back at me.

So that was their plan.

“I’m here to talk,” Finding my confidence I went to stand in front of him.

“I want to feed.” 

“Not happening until you tell me something, useful.” I demanded.

“Blonde hair suits you.” He muttered sarcastically, struggling to stand back up.

“You think? I’ve worn blonde before and really liked it. Maybe I will look at changing it later,” I punched him as he got close enough and falling against the wall he turned back to hiss at me. “Not about my hair you idiot.”

Some of the wounds looked really nasty. His hands were bloodied and clearly he wasn't being given a five star treatment. I kind of pitied him now. He moved again to stand in front of me, and as he grabbed my arm, nothing happened. He didn’t go flying backwards, the shield missing.

“I know all about this magic darling girl, relax.” He blocked my other hand as I went to fight him off me and his strength still shone through as he put my hand down to my side. He swiftly hugged me, pinning my arms and despite trying to wriggle free, he didn’t let go. His mouth was soon by my ear and his snarling whisper chilled me to my core. “Get me some blood or I will drain your demon friend, that Slayer and your brother before you can process I’ve left the room.”

“You can’t get out of here.” I hated how shaky my voice had become, then again being held in place by a bloodied vampire you beat the shit of the night before wasn’t exactly comforting.

“You’d be surprised about what I can do. Do you really want to find out if I’m bluffing? Because once I’m done with them, I’ll be coming for you.”

He let me go and stepped back as Ailin opened the door and the pair growled and hissed at each other. Her claw pulled my shoulder back and she took me out of the room. V sat back down in the corner and knowing I was still looking at him, held his wrist up at the door and tapped his finger on it, before holding up four fingers.

Jordan and Zane were there instantly, looking me over and I realised my hands were shaking.

“Great idea dickhead! You’re full of them lately!” Jordan yelled at Zane.

“You alright? Did he hurt you?” Zane ignored him and I shook my head.

“I don’t know how he did that! If he was thinking of hurting her at all, he would have been fried!” Ailin muttered, returning to her human form.

“He said he knows how your magic works. He wants blood before he’ll talk.” I told them. Looking back at V, he held up three fingers now. He was counting down.  “Can he get out?”

“No, it’s all re-enforced with silver and, why?” Zane stopped explaining and looked at me closely.

“Get him the blood, I don’t want to risk it.” I demanded.

“Risk what?” Jordan asked.

Ailin disappeared and looking back in, one finger was held up now. I pulled the stake out from where it sat on the belt and got ready. V stood, walking towards the door and seeing the stake, Jordan asked again. “Ellie, what’s going on?”

“Here.” Ailin put the small donor bag in my hand and opening the door, Zane shut it.

“You want to go back in?” He asked doubtfully.

“Yeah I do. This was your idea remember.”

Pushing past him, V smiled and I threw him the bag. “I hope it’s not too old.”

“Take it or leave it, I did as you wanted.”

He couldn’t answer, ripping a corner he held it over his open mouth and the red liquid was consumed in under a minute. “More!”

“No. Not until you start talking.”

“You think I’ll talk to you darling girl?” He sounded more amused than anything else.

“Isn't that what you wanted? I can always let our Slayer friends back in,” I shrugged, “Or turn the other lights back on?”

I saw the flicker of hesitation before he tossed the empty pouch at me. “What do you want?”

“I want you to call off the hit you have out on me for starters.” It wasn’t really necessary, but I’d rather not have to deal with that.

“What makes you think I was the one who did it?”

“I know you-“I stopped, it made sense for him to have been the one to do it. We all talked it out and it was the most logical explanation. I quickly thought it over, what was that demons name, Gary, Mason… the incubus hadn’t actually said who or why, just that there was a bounty. He said vampires, we just decided it was V. “It was the others wasn’t it?”

“You’re wasting my time.” He muttered, sitting down again.

Needing to think, I went to sit opposite him in the other corner. “The vampires want to take over the world, like that hasn’t been done before. Is that why you tried to change me, so I’d be up for that?”

“No, I just thought you’d be fun to have around.” He answered simply, "Your spark could create a good kind of havoc. Not enough of that these days."

Ignoring him, I was going to keep a clear head and not let him get under my skin. “You used to be a Slayer.”

“I see you did your research.” V answered, unimpressed.

“Is that part of the game V?” I challenged, remembering what the vampire had said last night.

“Oh darling girl, the game hasn’t even started yet. This is barely even a warm up!” He laughed.

“Are there any rules you can tell me?” Trying to play along, I leaned forward slightly acting interested.

“There are no rules, you’re dealing with vampires. I'll give you a tip - it wouldn't be smart to die.”

Silence took over and I leant back against the wall. After a few minutes had passed, I tried to keep thinking about this logically. If he was now willing to talk I had to make the most of this.

“Who are they?”

“Who?” He asked curiously.

“The other vampires.” Rolling my eyes, he wasn’t going to make this easy.

“Oh you know, the usual suspects.”

Was that a clue?

“Where can I find them?”

“Where indeed. You’re a Hunter with a team of Slayers at your disposable, you’re at a bit of an advantage.”

“No I’m not. Have you met them? They’re morons and couldn’t even find you!”

“True. But they did find you didn’t they, before you gave in to that incurable desire. Tell me, how did you do it? I chose your first so carefully!” V shuffled closer, his eyes wide with interest. "I was very disappointed to discover you very much human the following day."

“Guess you underestimated me.” I answer dryly, not wanting to think of that.

“I won’t make the same mistake again.”

“There won’t be an again!” There was no hiding the fact he was getting under my skin now.

He laughed before glancing towards the mirror. “Our times up Hunter.”

“What?” Looking up, no one was at the door to the cell and it’s not like I could see through the window. “So that’s it? What was the point of finding out who you are or even getting you here if you can’t help us?”

“Who said I can’t? It’s just I don’t want to!”

“You were a Slayer, surely that part of you is still there!"

"Perhaps, yet I chose this. Why be on the losing team?" 

Hearing him say that reminded me of another vampire I'd killed last year and that old familiar feeling of a panic attack had bile rising in my throat. Swallowing hard, I tried to keep it together so I might actually get out of here in one piece.

"Fine. Great talk, and if you do get out here feel free to drop by and say hi. They’ll only keep you alive for so long before you get dusted.” I got up to leave only to have him stop me again and expecting it this time, I swiftly got the stake out so the very tip was embedded in his chest.

“You wouldn’t.” The panic is there and the fear in his eyes obvious.

 “I have no purpose for you now. They might enjoy torturing you a little more, but you said before you admire my empathy and this is me showing it to you,” I twist the stake, making him gasp, “despite how much I would actually enjoy watching you suffer in your final hours.”

We just stare at each other for what feels like years, and I know he is searching for some sign of weakness - trying to work out if I’m bluffing and finally he drops my arm. I still don’t back off.

The cell door opens and I don’t look, applying the tiniest hint of pressure, which would feel like so much more to the vampire.

“Back down Elise.” Tom is there now, the shuffle of footsteps telling me he isn’t alone.

“Do as he says Hunter.” V boldly tries to tell me what to do, before carefully leaning his head in closer again whispering. “You win. Bring me back more blood tonight and I will tell you everything I know.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m in no position to do that right now Miss Bunting.”

“Elise, this is your final warning!” Danielle joins the party and I lower the stake.

“I won’t hesitate using this if you don’t keep to your end of the deal.” I warn V and looking back to the others, I narrow my eyes. “Final warning? Go bully someone who actually gives a shit about what you have to say!”

I push my way through and close the door behind me. The second Tom grabs my arm to drag me away, and threatening him with the stake gets him letting me go too. Looking around I notice Jordan, Zane and Ailin are gone. “Don’t touch me.”

“You may have aided his capture, but this out of your clearance. Ailin has taken your brother and Zane into his office to remind them of this and as for you, I’m removing you from Zane’s team!” Danielle barked out her orders and the first part had me.

“What? Ailin took Zane and Jordan, to what? Tell them off?”

“Precisely. You’re so lucky you’re only getting this as a warning. If you as much as look in the vampires direction, you will be taken to the Council for review.”

I try to look scared. She didn’t know Ailin was in on this too. “Oh no. Anything but that!”

“You’d do well to show some respect to authority Miss Bunting, your sarcasm isn’t appreciated here!” She snaps, her face slowly turning red.

“I’m sorry, but you just give me so much to work with it’s like an instinct and I have no control over it!” Then I remember what else she said, “Oh and to take me off the team, I have to be on it in the first place.”

Shoving through the crowd, I decided being nice to people is really hard. Not that I actually tried then, but it’s not like she was making it easy for me. Maybe I did have a problem with authority? Either way, I had to work out what to do next with V and finding Chris with Logan I went and joined them. “Where is Zane’s office?”

“Up over there,” Chris pointed up over the gym space, “Why? What’s going on? Everyone went charging down stairs like we were under attack.”

“Nope, no attack. Just me!”

“Do we want to know?” Logan sighed, rubbing his forehead like a forty year old under a lot of stress.

“Probably not, but that was my final warning!” I take off in the direction of the stairs and only Logan follows. “I’m going to hate to see what happens when I bust out V!”

Logan trips up the stairs and I stop to help him. “You’re kidding right. You’re not serious?”

And that was nothing compared to the reaction I got when I told Zane and Jordan what I wanted to do.