The dusty smell of cardboard and a sharp scent of disinfectant was nearly suffocating. So along with that and the sensation of being held, woke me up in a panic. The dimly lit store room added to my confusion and looking up, Chris was the one holding me.

“That was rather dramatic, even for you!” He set me down and Jodie looked me up and down concerned.

“Where the hell are we?”

“Ah, a store room?” He answered sarcastically, motioning around us.

“I get that, but we went to a deli and did I pass out?”

“Yeah you did, but I caught you princess.” He laughed and the look Jodie served him with had him shutting up.

“Are you ok? You literally just fainted!” Jodie took my hand while I rested the other on my hip, trying to work out why I passed out.

“I dunno, I don’t really remember,” looking around it was just us three. “Where is your brother?”

“He is keeping guard out in the store, we were about to pour water on your face to try and wake you up so we could go down.” She smiled, squeezing my hand before letting it go. There was a gentle air about her, and I found myself liking her more and more.

“Wait, you were going to pour water on me?”

“Reece wanted to use…”

“Reece?”

It all came back. He had opened the door for us to go in. A new kind of panic hit me then, different to waking up confused – more like the panic attack I had back at the hospital and falling to my knees I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. I wrapped my arms around my waist, curling into a ball as I gasped for air. Closing my eyes I tried to block it all out, but I didn’t exactly understand what was happening to even try and stop it.

“Elise, Elise listen to me!” Jodie called from somewhere around me. The sensation of something touching had me crying out, thinking the walls had finally closed in. “Listen, take a deep breath in, another out, come on, do it with me now.”

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Slowly I opened my eyes and Jodie was crouched down in front of me. It wasn’t the wall on my back, but her arm and she took deep breaths with me.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Sighing, I slowly sat a little straighter and wiping my eyes I didn’t realize I had been crying either.

“What’s wrong with her?” Chris whispered to Jodie, looking like he was trapped in a cage with a tiger.

“Panic Attack. I had a friend who used to get them all the time at the Academy. Elise, take your time. Are you ok in confined spaces? If we go down, you’re going to be underground and-“

“I’m fine. I don’t know what that was. It must be from fainting.” I quickly stood, ignoring how my hands were still shaking and closing my eyes for a second I got my shit together.

“If you’re sure?” She looked at Chris who only shrugged.

“Where are we going? I’ve never done this before.”

Chris flicked the light switch, once – twice, two quick flicks and after counting to five, did another two. Just as I was about to ask him what he was doing, the shelving beside us moved back into a wall recess and a tiny passage appeared on the right. Jodie took my hand and we slipped inside with Chris right behind me and we started the retreat down the narrow set of stairs. One section was so narrow we had to go down side wards and breath in to try and take up as little space as possible before coming out in a rather clinical looking passage. It reminded me of the hospital and instantly my heart started to race again, yet I managed to keep control. As if sensing my change in mood, Chris put his arm over my shoulders and guided me behind Jodie as we made our way into a rather large hall.

Then things got even worse.

“Elise!” Penny came running over, her red hair swinging from side to side like a horses tail and the thought of her as a horse helped me fake my smile.

“Wow, twice in one year and it’s only March!” I mumbled, rolling my eyes as she grabbed my shoulders and made a show of kissing each cheek. “Penny, you remember CJ? This is his girlfriend Jodie.”

As hello’s were passed around, I took a second to take it all in. It was like the dining hall at the Academy only they also put in the living areas, a library and a gym in the one space.

“Lost the Tracker? Shame, he was rather cute!” Penny looked at Chris and Jodie who now held hands and leant against each other in another sickening display of their relationship.

“I didn’t lose him, these dic-“

“She thought it was better to move around with her own kind!” Chris piped up.

“Your girlfriend is a Tracker, hottie was a Tracker – oh my god, did you guys break up?” Penny looked back at me as I spied movement over her shoulder. A small group in the gym area just noticed us and so did some others as they started to emerge from the rooms up the stairs that lined the walls.

“We weren’t even together!” I muttered, remembering how cozy she and Logan had been on the outside swing.

“Oh, I thought after trying to make you jealous he would have made a move. Did you know-“

I ignored her, focusing more on the approaching Hunters still sweaty and breathing heavily from their gym session. The group of eight were varied, with three women and five men – all ranging from about twenty to possibly forty. The older men didn’t look as old as Dad, but their hair was grey and skin was aging. A few had scars marking their arms, and one of the younger couples had a matching tribal design up their overly muscular arms. They all looked mean, tough and like they had seen their fair share of battles.

The look they served Penny was one of disappointment and dislike, which also transferred over to me. They didn’t even look at Chris or Jodie.

“So you’re the Bunting girl?” The oldest looking man spoke up, crossing his arms defensively.

“Obviously and I have a name.” What was with everyone only referring to people by their last name?

By now the mixture of Slayers and Hunters had all gathered behind them curiously; hushed whispers breaking out through the group. It was like high school, only at least there I could typically stay away from this type. Instead of backing down from their bullying attempt, I stood a little taller and crossed my own arms – mimicking his actions.

The seriousness of the moment broke as he burst out laughing, and a few joined in more out of confusion than amusement.

“Nice to meet you Elise, you probably don’t remember me but I used to watch you and your brother when you were kids. I worked with your parents for a couple of years, went through the school with your Dad.” To my horror I’m pulled against him in a sweaty bone crushing hug and I guess he is older than he looks. “I’m Grant, that’s my boy  Kieran and his wife Raya. Come on, I’ll show you around!”

The group broke up, no longer interested in the newcomers and our warm welcome actually became one. “I dunno Grant, this could be counted as running away and I don’t want to be cuffed again!”

Chris groaned, slapping his forehead as he looked away, while Jodie tried to hide her laugh.

“Cuffed? What are you on about?” Grant looked at Chris and Jodie before turning to look back further where Zane and Reece were walking in.

“I’m currently being kidnapped and held against my will.” I joked, trying to ignore the way my heart started to race again at the sight of Reece and feeling light headed, I rested my hand against Grants arm for balance rather than a friendly gesture.

“Kid, don’t even worry about them and whatever is going on. You’re with us now!” Somehow that actually comforted me and just for a moment, I felt myself relax.

---

The room I was given was in what I discovered to be the Hunter section, two doors down from Grant and in between us Kieran and Raya shared a room. I prayed the walls would be sound proof and after taking a shower, found fresh clothes waiting. I fully intended to stay in my room and away from him, not willing to have another meltdown in front of strangers – even if they were friendly.

Down here, escape was impossible and I actually didn’t want to go now. Dinner was served at six on the dot and Raya offered to bring me something up when I said I wasn’t feeling great and would rather stay in my room. It was a lie, I was starving and for an underground cafeteria, the food was amazing. I could sense Penny hovering around outside my door, but ignored her too. It was nearly eight when Grant knocked, and letting him in I froze as Reece was outside on the balcony with Zane. They looked like they were about to come in too, and slamming the door in their faces I hoped they got the message they weren’t welcome.

“So you going to tell me what’s going on Ellie? I just spoke to your Dad, he is glad you’re alright, but I didn’t tell him anything else.”

“I understand, thanks. I probably should have done that.” I felt a little guilty at leaving them wondering about both their kids.

“Clearly you’ve had a lot going on. I know about your brother missing, the guys you came in with aren’t very open about that.”

In the end I told him everything, starting from deciding to try and find him right up until I arrived here. He let me tell my story without interrupting once, possessing that calmness my Dad did. When things got tough, he didn’t freak out – he just took a deep breath and got on with it. Grant was the same.

“Well, let’s make sure no one brings anything back and keep you here safe. We arrived last week after taking out three incubus – Raya took a bit of a beating and since we were nearby, thought a bit of R and R would be nice. I think that Slayer was right, the council should be notified. Any acts against the treaty could be a sign they’re after another war and we won’t let that happen.” He paused, looking thoughtful for a moment. “Fancy a drink?”

“God yes!”

“Just like your father!”

Getting up I gave him a hug, feeling happier than I have in a while. “Speaking of, is he mad?”

“Of course he is, what else do you expect of the old man?”

Laughing we went downstairs, and after we got a drink each Jodie came and joined us.

“Raya said you aren’t well, are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I realized then her concern was genuine and maybe, just maybe I was actually making a friend I liked. “Thanks for asking.”

“It’s the least I can do after going along with their ridiculous idea!”

“How’s the neck?”

She touched the bandage, her eyes glazing over slightly as the memory returned. “Healing.”

Looking over at the guy behind the bar I held up my glass, “Can I get another one of these?”

Sure enough it was bought over in seconds and to my embarrassment, Grant pulled out an old pocket album from his wallet and showed us pictures of him and Dad with his now deceased wife, a few of Mum and Dad from their Academy days and amongst them there was even one of Jordan and I. He was barely five and I was a baby, so when he said he looked after us as kids – he wasn’t joking.

“You used to call me giant cause you couldn’t say Grant!” A few more beers later, all of our moods had improved and our trio had grown to include Chris as well as Kieran and Raya.

“She is the one who started everyone calling me CJ!” Chris joined in and just for these few hours, we were back to being friends enjoying a drink together and reminiscing about old times. Raya and Kieran were actually pretty awesome. Just like his Dad Kieran’s humor was easy to get along with and Raya was rather quiet alongside him, not being rude – she was just tired. The attack was taking her longer than they expected to recover from and they were the first to leave. Once they had gone, Grant shook his head and looked a little sad after all the laughs we had just shared.

“Thought we were going to lose her that night, I don’t know what will happen to Kieran if anything does happen to her.” It was obvious he loved Raya as his own daughter and the trio were very close to one another. While Jodie and Grant talked a little more, I spotted Penny go past rather quickly. That girl never moved like that unless there was a sale on or a chance to humiliate me and excusing myself to get another drink, diverted out to the main room to see her get out her phone and head towards the exit. Was her Dad coming back?

That curiosity quickly left me as I spotted Reece over with Zane in the gym. He sat up from the bench as Zane fiddled with the weight on the bar, wiping his brow with a towel, he paused and slowly turned to look my way. Fear made my stomach lurch and as my arm was grabbed, I screamed – the sound echoing out over the hall causing the few who were still up to turn and stare.

“Sorry!” Chris burst out laughing as I clutched my chest, praying my heart didn’t just explode as the pain inside felt like that it could have possibly just happened. I punched his arm, hard and glared at him. The buzz I had got from the alcohol disappearing and as he finally got control of himself he rubbed his arm cautiously. “Jumpy for a Hunter aren’t you?”

“I shouldn’t have to worry about being crept up on in here!” I snapped back, going over to the bar he followed.

“What’s going on with you? Panic attacks – that. I am really sorry shit went down how it did!”

“I’m over it. Just, look it doesn’t matter.” Taking our drinks we go back to the table and while I laugh and nod at the right times, I’m not really there. One by one we all move off to our rooms and following Grant up the stairs, I need to do something.

“Grant, is there a phone or do you have a mobile?”

“No reception down here Ellie, phone is back downstairs in the room off the library.” We say good night and I run the whole way there.

“Hello?” The sleepy voice of Vesna makes me feel guilty for waking her, but I can’t not call.

“Vesna, is Elise.”

“Oh darling girl, I am so glad you’ve called!”

“Is he alright?”

“Yes dear, but he has a bit out of sorts lately.” She fills me in on Alfie’s escape attempt a few nights ago – the night after I was abducted, and how angry he had been which worked out to be the night of the vampire attack. “Everything been ok with you?”

“Not exactly. Think I can talk to him?”

“I’ll put you on speaker, give me a minute. I need to get dressed and I’m not going in there empty handed – I don’t think he’d hesitate in having a human related snack at the moment!”

I end up being put on hold and unable to sit still, the more I think of him the more agitated I start to feel. Alfie isn’t normal for what his kind are meant to be. He has only be raised with love, not force and cruelty. Our bond is rare, and there is little written about it because my kind don’t exactly do this with his. They are used for evil and while he can’t deny his true nature, he isn’t evil. He just has his bad days.

“I’m here, can you start talking to distract him?” Vesna actually sounds scared and the creak of the door opening has me instead holding my breath. “Alfie, Elise is on the phone, Alfie?”

She screams, static fills the connection and the bang of a door closing has me standing back up, desperate to hear if Vesna is okay.

“Vesna?” I call down the phone line, gripping the cord so tightly it starts to cut into my skin.

“Elisssse.” Alfie’s slow flat voice comes down the line and it’s as if someone flicked a switch. My agitation disappears and a peaceful wave seems to wash over me.

“Alfie, where is Vesna?”

“Out there.” Comes the response. She threw the phone in, and I sigh relieved.

“Have you been good Alfie?”

“Yesss. Elise safe?”

“I am Alfie. Whatever happens, remember what I told you. You need to stay there, protect the school and the trainees,” smiling I laugh to myself, “even the Trackers!”

He groans, and I laugh again. “Yess Elise. Come home soon?”

“Soon Alfie, but not yet. Be nice to Vesna, I miss you!”

“Missss Elise too!” All I feel is sadness, and I realize I am tuning into his moods, like he has been doing to me.

“Alfie, I have to go. Be good, and don’t worry about me. I’m safe!”

“Miss Elise!”

“Goodbye Alfie.”

“Bye Elissse.”

Hanging up, I can’t wait for this to be over so I can go get him. I don’t know what I’m going to do with him, but it wasn’t fair to keep him locked away. Maybe I could work with Frank and take his place as head of security. The thought makes me smile and nearing the stairs to go to my room, I stop. Reece. Quietly I move back towards the dining tables and looking up, he is sitting on the floor against the railing outside my door. If I didn’t know better, he was asleep and I head back towards the now closed bar.

“You going to keep avoiding him?” Zane was sitting in a stool, throwing darts at the board in the corner of the room. The lighting was minimal yet going closer, I can see each of his darts have hit bulls eye.

“Is it that obvious?” Spying the bottle of rum on the table beside him, I help myself and take a seat on the other side as he goes and collects the darts. He offers me a couple and takes his own swig of it before turning back to take a shot; bulls eye again.

“You slammed the door in our faces and have hidden away all night to keep the distance there.”

“So, that’s my choice.”

“Not fair on him though!”

I land the dart alongside his with a satisfied smirk. “None of us ask for any of this. He is alive, and should move on.”

“He died, he was nearly turned into a vampire and he woke up in hospital after a week of fighting for his life. All he remembers is you pulling the trigger…”

I know he probably only said that to get a reaction from me and it worked. The dart left my hand and ended up hitting the wall behind the board and falling to the floor.

“Just telling you how it is. Can’t handle the truth?” Taking the bottle of rum, Zane threw his last dart perfectly and walked out.

I knew the truth. I hesitated, screwed up and I didn’t want to face him because of it. So I went to the library and finding a big enough sofa to lay down on, was getting comfortable when I felt his presence arrive. I kept still, praying he would think I was asleep and instead I could feel him hovering above me.

“Nice try.”

Opening my eyes, I rolled over slightly to look up at Reece as he leant over the back of the chair. “Go away.”

“Well that’s better than you calling me a perve I guess?” Was he actually joking right now?

Going to get up, he grabbed my shoulders and pulled me back down to stay sitting on the lounge. The second he touched me any attraction I had for him was confirmed to have disappeared as my body went numb and I had no choice but to accept the truth about what was going on.

I was scared of him.

He crouched down in front of me, and I tensed up. Again my breathing became disorientated and closing my eyes, it didn’t matter whether I looked at him or not because all I could see was him pinning me down with my blood around his mouth. Clasping my hands together, tears ran down my cheeks and the moment of horror from that night was back as if I was there reliving it all over again. “Please, just go!”

“Don’t cry, hey, come on. Calm down.” He tried to sooth, yet it wasn’t going to work. “Elise, look at me.”

Opening my eyes, his found mine and I really locked up. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t move, I couldn’t think. This whole experience was becoming too familiar. I was like a statue, numb to the sensation of his knuckles gently running down my cheek or the way he pushed back my hair.

“I’m sorry, for everything. I owe you my life.”

“I- I- I shot, b-but you… bit me!” I managed to choke out, my throat joined my chest – constricting so tightly it was as if Alfie was wrapping himself around me.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

“I never wanted to do that, I had no control and most I can’t even remember! You shooting me managed to save me. I shouldn’t have asked that of you, but thank you! Your family took me in, no one has ever fought for me before. Thank you!”

I stopped again, letting his words sink in. That was the whole point of it all, he didn’t have anyone like I had my family. Slowly my body uncoiled itself and speaking became easier. “You’re welcome.”

He smiled.

I smiled.

This time when he touched me, I didn’t flinch or pull away. Reece came to sit beside me and putting his arm over my shoulders, I curled up against his side – yet the fear was still there.

“I really am sorry Elise.”

“It’s nothing you need to be sorry about, what kind of Hunter am I if I let fear win?”

“A human one. We’re not the monsters we fight,” he went thoughtfully quiet and looking up at him, I had never seen him look so fearful. Not even when he was on the brink of changing. “I’m here, hiding. I can’t go back out there and the thought of seeing a vampire again scares me more than dying did. What am I going to do now? Zane wants me to team up with him, says he help me ease back into it. I can train and I can get stronger, but what the fuck am I going to do when I see one again after all of that?”

“Keep going. It’s what we do right?”

“I think you had the right idea of trying to leave it all behind.” I didn’t like how cold he sounded, how distant. This wasn’t him, then again what do I know?

 “Yeah but I was wrong, we can’t stop who we are. You had a hell of a time Reece, but you have people to fight for you now too!”

I got comfortable again, feeling more at ease the longer we were there and before long we both fell asleep which was exactly how I woke to see that Logan had found me and he didn’t look happy. “Logan?”

As I stood up he only glared at Reece who lazily yawned and stretched, before spying the more than pissed off Tracker and he promptly stood up too.

“Sorry didn't mean to interupt!" Logan snapped, turning to leave.

"Logan wait!" I called, running after him as pins and needles made moving fast hard to do from where i had my legs curled up underneath me.

He didn't stop.