The Awakening (12 page)

“It's beautiful Alice.” I said and gave her a kiss.

“I saw it when I went antique shopping with Rebecca the other weekend and instantly thought of you. The eyes are real amber and I know that is a special stone to you.”

“Oh, Alice that’s so thoughtful. Thank you.” I said as I fastened it at the top of my dress. I looked fantastic and sparkled in the light.

“Lauren it looks beautiful.” Alice said smiling.

“Right ladies can you two stop talking and let’s go.” Daniel said as he playfully shooed Alice towards the car.

We finally got to the party and found everyone in the kitchen in various Halloween outfits. I found Sophie and Chris who were both in zombie outfits and had a quick chat before Charlotte came bounding over grinning from ear to ear. “Oh my God! Daniel looks hot. I would definitely go to hell with him.” She laughed and gave me a nudge and I rolled my eyes. “I was so happy when Gavin asked if he could come. He’s so my type I wish he was staying for longer.” She sighed and looked across the room where Daniel and Gavin were getting a drink.

“Maybe you should play it cool.” Sophie said winking at me, “You don’t wanna seem too keen.”

“I know, I know, but he’s gorgeous. Lauren you don’t seem too impressed. What’s up?”

“Oh nothing. It’s just he seems a bit arrogant to me;” I said wondering how on earth I could put Charlotte off without being too mean. I definitely did not want one of my friends dating a vampire and especially not a vampire a ghost was worried about.

The party was brilliant and everyone looked fantastic in their costumes. Vicky was also a sexy witch, Steve had come as Frankenstein, and Matty was a freaky looking clown. The only slight problem for me was that Charlotte seemed to have made it her mission to get Daniel alone. Several times I noticed them chatting quietly in a corner with Charlotte appearing more and more flirtatious as the evening progressed. With alarming speed midnight approached and Charlottes parents appeared but they were cool and happily chatted to everyone as lifts and taxis were booked. “You had a good night?” I heard a voice say behind me. “I noticed you watching me a few times.” I turned to find myself only a couple of inches from Daniels face.

“I was just watching out for Charlotte she can get a bit drunk.” I said huffily. Daniel just smiled and walked off.

Our taxi arrived 10 minutes later, there were lots of hugs, goodbyes, and thank yous before we made it out of the door. For some reason in the taxi, I ended up next to Daniel and when I arrived at my flat, he kissed on the cheek and I felt a tingle shot through my entire body. I jerked upwards and hit my head on the door. “Are you ok?” Both Gavin and Daniel said together.

“Yep, Yep I’m fine” I said hastily and quickly kissed Gavin and said goodbye.

“Lauren I’ll call you in the morning. Night. Love you.” Gavin said as the taxi left.

I was glad I’d decided to stay at my own flat tonight and felt relived as I let myself in and scrubbed my make up off and went to bed. During the night however I woke with a start and heard the whispering voice again ‘Beware…Daniel…...Beware’ I shivered and pulled the duvet up tight around my head and with a pounding heart eventually feel back to sleep.

Over the following two weeks, nothing else happened. No whispers, dreams, or ghostly visits. I saw Daniel at a few family meals and I did make more of an effort to speak to him. I started to wonder if the ill feeling I’d had was not justified and perhaps Elizabeth’s warning had been wrong and she was just muddled up over things that happened in the past. He did have a slightly harder edge and had obviously seen more of the world both human and vampire but he had a lot of the qualities that Gavin possessed and I found myself warming to him but I knew I couldn’t completely drop my guard just in case. One evening as I was chilling out at home, I was browsing Facebook and Charlotte popped up in my chat box.

Charlotte: You’ll never guess what happened today.

Me: What?

Charlotte: Daniel texted me and asked me out for dinner.

Me: What a date?

Charlotte: Yeah I think so. OMG I can’t believe it, and he is so hot!!!!

Me: OMG are you going?

Charlotte: Yeah course. Going Friday can’t wait.

Me: Where’s he taking you?

Charlotte: Not sure yet but he’s picking me up at 7.30.

Me: Wow, we’ll have a fab time. Remember to text me Saturday morning and give me the gossip.

Charlotte: Yep definitely. God what shall I wear?

Me: You have loads of fab clothes. How about your skinny jeans, boots, and a nice black top.

Charlotte: Yeah that sounds good, might treat myself to a new top and necklace. Oooooh so excited, not been on a date for ages.

Me: Have fun. Remember text me.

Charlotte: Will do. Bye hun. X

I logged off and felt really odd; I didn’t like the idea of one of my friends dating a vampire, especially Daniel. I called Gavin and told him and he laughed and said I had nothing to worry about and that it wouldn’t be anything serious as Daniel was returning to America soon. I got ready for bed and as turned off the light I remembered what Gavin said “It’s just a bit of fun Lauren” well a bit of fun was just what I was worried about and feel into a troubled night’s sleep.

The following weekend we all went out again, Charlotte was so happy about how her date had gone with Daniel, and I felt my heart sink. She chatted animatedly, whilst the guys were at the bar, about how he’d been the perfect gentleman, they had been for a really nice meal, and had shared a knee trembling kiss. I had to look away, as I felt my stomach turn. The evening progressed and I relaxed and had a really nice time chatting with my friends at one point Daniel had his arm around Charlotte and reached for his drink and I couldn’t resist the temptation and cast a quick spell and the pint glass feel over him wetting his trousers. “Oh my god. How did that happen?” Charlotte exclaimed as Daniel quickly moved his arm and brushed at the liquid. I couldn’t help a small chuckle and Gavin nudged me.

“Anything to do with you?” he gestured towards Daniel.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I smiled.

“Lauren, play nice;” he replied frowning at me, but was luckily distracted by a goal scored in the football match the guys were watching. I saw Daniel get up and go towards the toilets and smiled to myself. Sophie noticed and beckoned me over.

“You still not too keen on our American friend then?” she said.

“Something like that. I think he’s probably just playing Charlotte and I’m worried about her but she’s seems quite smitten. I’m hoping he’ll just go home soon.”

“Ah he seems ok. Perhaps you have just got off on the wrong foot, Gavin hasn’t got a bad word to say about him, and he seems to be a pretty good judge of character.”

“Yeah I suppose but he’s always so sarcastic with me it gets my back up. Anyway I’m going to the bar want another drink?”

“No I’m fine thanks,” Sophie said.

“Gavin drink?” I gestured.

“Yeah pint please. Want a hand?” Gavin replied barely taking his eyes of the telly.

“No thanks.” I replied which was a good job and he was immediately immersed in the football match. At the bar, I felt someone behind me and correctly guessed it was Daniel.

“Thanks for that. Did you think I needed a cold shower?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about?” I replied trying my upmost not to smile. He grabbed my arms and leaned in towards me.

“Millions would believe you Lauren but I can see your true feelings in your eyes,” and he walked away. I felt a tingle all down my spine and I couldn’t tell if it was from pleasure or fear.

Over the next fortnight Daniel took Charlotte out three times and seemed to relish in my feeling of unease and even took the time to tease me claiming it was because I was jealous. I tried to explain to Alice that the reason I was concerned was that she was a good friend and he was a vampire who also seemed to flit from one relationship to another with alarming speed. Alice just said that he had explained to Charlotte it wasn’t anything permanent and everyone knew he was only visiting although from the texts I’d received from Charlotte I’m not sure the message had been clearly received, as she seemed to be getting very attached to him. Gavin however understood how I felt and was worried about me and said he’d have a quiet word with Daniel and try to get him to cool it with Charlotte. Daniel’s month stay had expired and no one seemed to know when he was returning to America. Annalise had been back to me and could find no worrying information about Daniel. He didn’t appear to be connected to any of the known underworld groups although she had sensed fresh human blood in his system. Annalise thought that Elizabeth’s warning may have simply been because he was a new vampire to my group and he may have dabbled in human feeding and had demonstrated an attraction to me. Annalise could find no immediate threat in my future and said I shouldn’t worry but I still felt uneasy. Why did I get the odd tingling feeling from Daniel and no one else in the family? I knew about vampires now so shouldn’t it have stopped with all of them.

True to his word, Gavin spoke to Daniel and it seemed to have worked as I received a text from Charlotte saying Daniel had said they couldn’t see each other that week and maybe it was for the best as he would be going home soon and didn’t want to lead her on. I felt relieved he’d broke things off but also sorry for Charlotte as she has been so happy and it was my fault it had stopped. However, if she knew, the truth I’m sure she’d of appreciated my intervention. Daniel unexpectedly met me outside work the following day “Happier. I’ve done the deed,” he said with a sly smile.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I said.

“I’ve stopped seeing your friend. Hope you appreciate it as I think she could have made a good friend with benefits,” he laughed, “What I am going to do with my time now. Do you want to entertain me?” he continued with a smirk. For a moment, I was at a complete loss for words.

“Were you only seeing Charlotte to provoke me?” I eventually said.

“Ha! I’ve really rattled you haven’t I?” he replied with a gleeful look in his eyes.

“No its just all my friends are normal they don’t know anything about me and Gavin and I want it to stay that way and you are only visiting and she really liked you. I didn’t want to see her get hurt,” I explained in an exasperated rush.

“So that’s the only reason. It’s not because secretly you quite like me.”

“God no!” I said speedily.

“Ha Ha. Its ok I know you and Gavin are happy but you intrigue me Lauren. I haven’t met a witch in some time and I think we could have some fun together if you’d only relax.”

“I’ll relax when you have returned to America.” I explained grouchily.

“Ouch that hurt my feelings. You want to get rid of me already, but we’ve only just met. I’m sure I’ll grow on you. I’ve been on my best behaviour recently just for your benefit,” he laughed “Come on lighten up Lauren, I’m not the big bad wolf.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve got to go. Thanks for ending things with Charlotte. I just didn’t want her getting hurt.” and I left him standing outside my office block and quickly walked home.

Once I was in, I wondered for the second time if Daniel was really ok and Elizabeth’s warning had just been prejudiced against him; but I did always get an odd feeling around him, which I could never explain. Did I secretly like him? I let the thought go round my mind and then shook my head and laughed out loud. Definitely not he was arrogant, good looking, but in a 'don’t I know it' kind of way, opinionated and generally annoying. No, I definitely did not like him.

The next week was Alice, Marcus’ wedding anniversary, and me and Gavin had decided to cook them a meal. I was round the house preparing the salad and vegetables and Gavin was on steak duty. Daniel was sat in the kitchen with us tapping away on his laptop and the three of us had settled into a comfortable silence when the phone rang. Gavin went to answer it and I carried on sorting the food when I suddenly sliced part of my finger with the knife “Ow. Bloody hell!” I yelped and held my finger up which was pouring with blood. Daniel appeared on the other side of the kitchen worktop, took my hand, and placed my finger in his mouth. I tried to protest but felt mesmerised as I saw his eyes turn dark and his skin paled. It seemed to last for ages but in reality was only a few minutes, he removed my finger, and I briefly saw his fangs although had felt no bite or pain. I looked at my finger, which didn’t have a mark on it and turned my hand over; the cut had completely disappeared. My heart raced and I looked up at Daniel “Bet they didn’t tell you about that little trick did they?” he said.

“But, but, um, you aren’t supposed to taste fresh blood and how am I healed?” I stuttered but before Daniel could answer. Gavin appeared back in the room.

“That was Aunt Rebecca couldn’t get her off the phone. She was going on about remembering mum and dads anniversary I eventually managed to tell her we had remembered and was in the middle of sorting out dinner.” he laughed and crossed the room to stand next to me again. “You not finished those vegetables yet?” he joked and picked up the knife, “I’ll get on with it. Do you want to sort the table out you are probably more artistic than me and mum and dad will be back soon.”

“Um yep that’s fine.” I replied and found the tablecloth and candles. As I reached the table, Daniel had already turned the laptop off and was moving out of the way.

“I’ll let you two finish then. See you later.” As he walked pass he brushed my arm and a tingle shot through my body. What was happening? Is this what Elizabeth meant? My mind was whooshing and I knew I wouldn’t discuss this with Gavin, so that was another secret I possessed. However, why didn’t I want Gavin to know? I just hoped Daniel would announce his return to America sooner rather than later and then I decided to stop thinking and just get on with the task in hand and speedily decorated the table. I’d just finished when Alice arrived home and was so thrilled with the table and meal that I momentarily forgot about Daniel and enjoyed being part of their family and engaged myself in their chatter.

“Right, gotta go, love you,” Gavin said as he briefly kissed my cheek and ran out the door. It was Sunday morning and he was going to football. I lazily waved and burrowed back under the duvet. I surfaced an hour later, had a shower, and dressed before venturing downstairs. Alice was in the kitchen as seemed to be usual and was humming to a tune on the radio I walked in.

“Morning Lauren” she said breezily “Would you like some breakfast I’ve just made the boys some bacon sandwiches there’s some left over.”

“That would be great thanks Alice.” I replied and pulled out a chair at the table.

“Have you and Gavin got any plans today?” Alice enquired and she placed a plate in front of me and put the kettle on “Tea?”

“Um yes please and I don’t think so. Gavin did say he and Daniel wanted to watch the football and have a few beers but I’m not really sure.”

“Does that mean they will be taking over the lounge again and swearing at the telly?” Alice replied with a laugh.

“I guess so he said something about Manchester United again. I’ve learnt to block it out.” I said with a grin and tucked into my sandwich. At that point, Daniel appeared at the door carrying two plates and mugs.

“Thanks Alice that was lovely. Oh hi Lauren you’re up.”

“Yep” I replied through a mouthful of sandwich.

“Right I’m just going to freshen up and then pop to Rebecca’s for a girly gossip there’s too much testosterone in this house at the moment.” Alice said was a laugh. She loved having Daniel around and was constantly referring to Marcus, Daniel, and Gavin as her boys. I think she would have loved to have more children but it seemed that most vampire families only had one or two children although I was unsure why. “Lauren help yourself to anything. I’ll be back in two or three hours.” She breezed out of the room.

“Um… Thanks for yesterday. The finger restoring thing.” I said feeling a bit awkward in Daniels presence.

“No probs, just a little trick we possess. Haven’t been able to put it to use for a while” He smiled and shrugged “So when’s Gavin back?”

“Not sure he’s usually home by 12.” I replied.

“Ok well I’m just gonna catch up on some emails before he gets home.” He said as he reached for a laptop tucked under the kitchen worktop.

“Oh ok I’ll leave you to it.” I said as I stood up to leave the room.

“It’s ok you can stay. Be nice for us to have a proper chat for a change. I promise I won’t bite.” He said with a wicked grin and I felt my cheeks blush. To my utter surprise we got on really well it turned out we both liked The Killers and he’d been to see them at Madison Square Gardens in New York and I was ridiculously jealous especially as he was going hoping to see them again later in the year. It turned out we both loved Derren Brown too; who I’d become even more interested in since I’d become a witch and now wondered if he had hidden Wiccan talents. We chatted about his love of America but all the things he missed about England including Cadburys chocolate and Marmite. After an hour Daniels phone rang “Oh bloody hell. Sorry Lauren I need to take this it’s a work thing from the head office. Don’t they realise its Sunday.” He got up moaning at the person on the phone, closed the laptop lid, and left the room. I’m not sure if it was pure nosiness or my Wiccan senses but something made me turn the laptop and open the lid. The screen sprang to life on an open email, which had two photos on the bottom.

Hi Babes. Hope you are having a wicked time. Missing you in the U S of A and can’t wait for you to get your butt back home. I did try to ring you but think the time difference means it was the middle of the night

Went to The XXX last night but it wasn’t the same without you. I had to find some other young man to have a nibble on ha ha! Brittany says hi too and we are both dying to hear the gossip on your cousins little witchy friend.

Mail me back ASAP!!!

Love ya

Crystal xxx

At the bottom were two pictures. One had two girls probably the same age as me. One had long blonde hair, extremely skinny jeans and a barely there vest top and the other had bobbed brunette hair and was wearing a corseted top and leggings with killer heels. They were both smiling and holding up a cocktail glass with red liquid inside and had their arms wrapped around each other.

The other picture was the same blonde girl but she was sat on a young man’s lap who was hugging her and kissing the side of her head. You could see a smile at the corner of his mouth and he was looking directly at the camera. She was laughing and her fangs were fully out. When I looked closer, I noticed the man had two bloody holes in his neck and a trail of blood was running down his collar.

Both pictures appeared to be in the same place, in the background was a bar and everything was dark greys, black and red with lots of ambient lighting. I could see a few people in the background. I assumed it must be The XXX and some sort of nightclub but felt stunned. Was this a nightclub just for vampires? She was openly showing her fangs so it couldn’t be a regular bar. Were vampires allowed to bite one another? Gavin had never mentioned this. Did Gavin go to these types of places? Moreover, why did she want the gossip on me? What had Daniel told them? I quickly shut the lid, turned the laptop back to its original place, shot out of the room and up the stairs, and flew into what Alice referred to as my bedroom.

I lay on the bed my mind whirring. I was desperate to know what The XXX was and itched to turn the laptop on and go onto Google but knew it would be ridiculous as they were hardly going to advertise a vampire nightclub. I suddenly thought that maybe this was what Elizabeth was warning me against by the time Gavin returned from football I had been brooding and getting increasing angry. He came in beaming “We won and I scored the winning goal.” He said and bounded over and kissed me “Hey what’s up? You look really miserable.”

“Um…it’s….God I don’t know how to explain.” I paused and breathed in deeply to steady the growing feeling of power that was surging through my body and tried to slow my ever-increasing heartbeat. I didn’t want to pop any light bulbs again. I wasn’t sure how to ask all my growing questions about vampire nightclubs and possible vampire to vampire feeding without letting on I’d read Daniels email.

“Look what is it? I haven’t seen you this worked up for ages.” He looked up at the ceiling as the light fitting swayed ominously. “Look calm down, deep breathes.” Gavin reached over, held my hands, and looked into my eyes. “You are ok. Nothing and no one can or will hurt you. I don’t know what you have seen or read but it’s obviously freaked you out. I can help you. Just tell me what’s up.” I felt my heart beat return to normal as I concentrated on Gavin and removed my hands and gave them a shake as if to dispel the built up energy.

“It’s just I heard about vampire nightclubs and I was wondering what goes on there? Do you go? And is it safe?” I blurted out in a garbled rush.

“Where on earth have you heard that from? Actually, don’t tell me, Daniel. What’s he been saying?” 

“It’s not really his fault.” I said begrudgingly “I looked at one of his emails by accident and it was from a friend saying they’d been to The XXX and there was a photo of a man with puncture wounds to his neck and blood. They all looked happy but that actually freaked me out even more. Can vampires feed off each other? Do you go? Would you rather be with a vampire as you obviously can’t do that with me?” I said suddenly feeling terrified Gavin would dump me on the spot.

“Lauren I’m not sure where to start.” Gavin paused and looked around the room “Yes vampire nightclubs exist it’s so we can get together without any prying eyes and talk normally and just hang out. Most are legit but some are underground and The XXX is one of them. Vampires can bite one another but the vampire council frowns upon it but they can’t really stop it as no one is hurt and no humans are involved. I suppose it’s a bit as if the normal government doesn’t like binge drinking but they can’t really stop it. It’s nothing to worry about.” Gavin explained and shrugged.

“Do you go? And what happens when vampires bite each other?”

“I have been a few times but it’s not really my scene I’ve been to The XXX once when I visited Daniel in New York. I’ve been to a few regular vampire clubs and it just like a normal nightclub but its 100% vampires and its where many vampires meet their girlfriends or boyfriends. As for biting each other you get a temporary high that some vampires like which is fine in moderation and its always consensual so not a big deal.” Gavin explained watching my expression carefully as he spoke.

“What about if it’s not in moderation? And have you done it then?” I said feeling panic building again.

“I’ve tried it a few times but it’s just not really me. You don’t need to worry about it anyway. I’m happy with you and I’m not interested in any vampires.” I felt reassured Gavin wasn’t the bad person but something still niggled at me.

“You haven’t answered my other question. What about if it isn’t in moderation?” “Lauren really you don’t need to worry.”

“Gavin don’t fob me off. I didn’t ask for all this remembers so the least you can do is tell me the truth.” I said raising my voice slightly.

“Lauren…..Look don’t freak out ok. Sometimes vampires can become addicted to that temporary high which is fine with vampires although they generally become a bit of a waster but you get the odd vampire who then bites a human.” Gavin held my chin and turned my face to his “I 100% promise you this is in the smallest percentage possible and is dealt with by the vampire council. It’s so rare you hardly ever hear a case. Ok? Do you believe me?” I nodded slowly, 
“Lauren please do not worry.”

“Do you know any cases?” I said fearing the answer “No. Never.” Gavin said although I saw his pupils change and I knew he wasn’t telling me the truth but decided to let it go for the time being. 

“What about Daniel? He obviously goes to The XXX.” “Yes, he does but it’s not all the time and as I said, it is consensual. He’s got a few friends who like to think they live on the edge but one of them Brittany has a trust fund, never works or goes to uni and has a rich daddy who pays for everything. She’s just looking for some temporary excitement. I know it seems dodgy to you but its ok really. It’s just a slightly seedy club. It’s not my scene but Daniel is Daniel. He works hard and plays hard.” 

“It just seems wrong and goes against all the vampires don’t need blood, we don’t feed crap.” 

“Lauren I promise I have never lied to you. We never feed on humans. Our blood comes from blood supplements at special clinics. Vampire to vampire biting is different some just find it fun. We’ve got fangs but obviously they are nearly always hidden and some vampires just need the release. I think sometimes it depends if they are largely in a vampire or human friend base. I prefer the human lifestyle.” He smiled and wrapped an arm around me.