6

he constant pressure surrounding Evonne subsided. Throughout the day she found herself drifting in and out of sleep. Gabriel remained by her side, still holding onto her. She noticed the quietness in his body, whereas her lungs continued to move with every unneeded breath. She attempted to silence her breathing and managed to lay quiet, almost lifeless. It wasn’t difficult to accomplish. But as her attention shifted, the involuntary movements returned. It would take her years to stifle the movements completely. Even her heart managed to beat every now and then, more so when she feed. As she would age, she imagined her body becoming just as still as his. A vampire had always been seen as nothing more than a dead human to her and others, a human turned demon, but now she could see the real differences. They were transcended, a human given an ancient gift.
But her death wasn’t at Belmiro’s. Her death was still happening. Though the switch had taken place that night, her body continued to adjust. Gabriel was right. The humanity need to die, swiftly if possible. And this was what truly frightened her.
Evonne felt Gabriel leave the bed. She opened her eyes to the dark room, her sight already healed. She found him gathering their things.
“Where are we going?” Evonne asked, sitting up.
“Derek is allowing us to stay with him for a while,” he said as he sat her bag on the other bed.
“But you said it would be too dangerous for them.”
“They live in the country. There are plenty of animals to choose from. You won’t gain much strength from them, but it will ease your hunger.”
Gabriel pulled on his coat and tossed her hers. Sliding from the bed, Evonne followed him out of the room and to the Jeep. He told her to wait as he returned the key to the main office.
Evonne found the passenger’s seat to be a welcoming sight. Out of all the places she came to stay at, the Jeep was always the most comforting.
A terrifying sensation engulfed her. The force crushed against her, pressing down like spikes to a balloon. She searched for the source. Her eyes landed on a man standing at the far end of the motel. He looked directly at her. His stare, as intimidating as he, dominated her strengths, squashing them into submission. In the presence of this vampire, she saw herself as prey. His mind began to pry at hers. Evonne struggled to keep him from reading her. She didn’t know how to tackle this battle. But there was no need to win, only hold him off until Gabriel returned.
The vampire took a step forward. Evonne wanted to run, but the small amount of rational thinking held her steady. She waited. The vampire stopped, his eyes leaving her as well as the unseen force. She looked to the office and saw Gabriel approach. As he neared the driver’s side, he turned, facing this one vampire. A brief stalemate between them began. The vampire looked to be trying to same tactic on Gabriel. His strategy, however, was met with a brick wall. Gabriel made a move toward him. The intimidating composure, once evident with the vampire, lifted as he back away, retreating around the corner of the motel.
Gabriel got in and started the Jeep.
“What was that all about?” asked Evonne.
“I don’t know,” he admitted, steering out of the parking lot and onto the main road. “He was young, though.”
“He was young?” she asked, confused. “He didn’t seem young to me.”
“It was a façade. Some have the ability to make themselves appear powerful. Once you know how to truly read others, you’ll be able to see through such disguises.”
She still didn’t understand what it meant. “But why? Why do such a thing?”
“Out here, away from a haven, you need to be wary—not only of werewolves, but vampires, as well. There are some out there who will feed on their own kind. Though life can’t be sustained this way, they can gain the other vampire’s strength. But these effects only last for a few nights.”
“I didn’t know that was possible.” She settled back in her seat and stared out the window. “So when I… I didn’t steal any of your strength, did I?”
He seemed amused at the question. “No. You would’ve needed to take more than that. And it wouldn’t be stealing. More like borrowing.”
“Oh.” She felt embarrassed by the question now. “There’s so much I thought I knew.”
“You’ll learn.”
The conversation ended with no argument. Both were a little relieved that they could hold a civil conversation without literally going for each other’s throats. Evonne, on the other hand, still held onto her animosity, but she was too tired sustain it. She decided to let things rest for now.

Reaching Derek’s house, Gabriel entered without knocking. Evonne followed him, carrying her bag. The living room was surprisingly empty, as was the rest of the house. Gabriel led her upstairs and to one of the bedrooms. Evonne glanced around, taking in the cluttered room. The twin bed sat off to the side, covered in simple bedding, while a long desk and shelves sat on the opposite side, every inch of their surfaces stacked with books and other miscellaneous items. The walls, too, were not even spared. Novelty weaponry and antlers hung on the walls. Evonne noticed the room’s only window and looked out. She could see the backyard that housed several dog kennels and more clutter. The yard itself stretched several acres back, ending at the edge of the woods.
“Where is everyone?” she asked, releasing the curtains.
Gabriel sat his bag on the floor and replied, “Downstairs.”
Evonne sucked in her lower lip. “Do I have to go down there? I don’t think they like me much.”
“Melissa is the only one who has a problem with you,” Gabriel casually admitted.
She recalled the strange looking girl—the only girl out of the group. “Was that who that was? Why would she have a problem with me? I said nothing to her.”
“It was the way you looked at her. You have to watch your body language around humans. Some are sensitive enough to pick up on the slightest of changes. Melissa isn’t easily shaken. So that right there should tell you how much strength you already have.”
The way I looked at her? Evonne remembered the quick exchange between them. There was nothing to it. Did she really have that much strength? Compared to Gabriel, she felt as weak as a human.
Leaving the room, Evonne followed Gabriel downstairs. She offered to remain in the living room while he went further downstairs to announce their arrival. Even though Derek seemed to be the friendliest of the group, she still didn’t feel welcome.
With everyone downstairs, Evonne saw this as a perfect opportunity to familiarize herself with the rest of the house. It wasn’t the correct thing to do as a guest, but her curiosity was far stronger than her manners in this moment. A set of French doors caught her attention first, and led out to the back porch. She stepped through and stopped upon seeing Adrian. He sat on a wicker sofa, smoking a cigarette.
“Sorry,” said Evonne. “I didn’t know anyone was out here.” She began to head inside.
“That’s okay,” he said. “I don’t mind the company. It’s just me and the dogs out here. Derek’s doesn’t allow smoking inside.”
Evonne closed the door and sat down on an old wicker chair.
Adrian held out a pack of cigarettes. “Do you want one?”
She shook her head. “No thank you.”
“It’s not like it’s going to kill you.” He shrugged. “I guess it’s a good thing. Gabriel wouldn’t like me teaching you bad habits.”
“What about you? Smoking and all. Aren’t you worried about what it’ll do to you?”
He leaned back, taking a deep draw then exhaling. “Call it the ‘young and invincible syndrome.’ ”
A large German Shepherd trotted up to the porch and stopped. She lowered her head, ears flattening and growling at Evonne.
“Ginger!” Adrian called out. “Cool it!”
The dog hunkered further on hearing his voice. She hurried over to him, jumping on the sofa and laying down, nuzzling his hand.
“Don’t worry about it,” Adrian defended. “She acts like that to all strangers.”
Evonne looked at the other dogs in the kennels. “Why does she get the special treatment?”
“While she’s in heat, we keep the boys locked up. She’s the only bitch at the moment. So things get a little crazy around here at times.” He rubbed the side of the dog’s head, ending with her ear. The dog leaned in, her eyes squinting at the attention.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to get them fixed?”
“Derek plans to breed her next spring.” He looked at the kennels and pointed to one of the “boys.” “Diesel right there is the lucky guy. But since Gingie’s just one year old, Derek’s going to wait till she turns two.” The dog nuzzled for more attention as she rolled onto her back. Adrian began to rub her belly.
Evonne smiled. “I think she likes you.”
Adrian laughed. “She just knows a good catch when she sees one.” He looked at Evonne, seeing the joke lost on her. “They haven’t told you, have they?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Told me what?”
He shrugged. “Maybe they have their reasons.”
“Well?” Evonne asked, fishing for the answer.
Adrian stamped out his cigarette and grew serious before replying. He leaned forward, as though he were about to spill some great secret. “My secret… I’m actually a master swordsman.” He began mimicking a sword fight. The dog at his side scrambled to her feet as a result of Adrian’s quick movements.
Evonne rolled her eyes.
The French doors swung open. They looked up to see Derek grinning from ear to ear. “Come on, you two,” he gleefully said. “We’re going on a field trip!” He closed the door.
Evonne glanced at Adrian. “Field trip?”
“Great,” he said sarcastically. “This sounds wonderful.”
They headed inside and found everyone else coming up from the basement. The only person missing was William. Evonne chose not to ask about him. The slew of people exited the house. Derek, Melissa, Taylor, and Adrian piled into the old hearse, while Gabriel and Evonne returned to the Jeep. Gabriel let Derek lead the way down the road.
“Where are we going now?” Evonne asked.
“Training… for you,” Gabriel finally acknowledged.
“What kind of training?”
“Physical.”
She looked from him to the hearse. “I already know a few things. Not much, I’ll admit. But I think I can hold my own when it comes to certain things.”
“We’ll see.”
The vehicles followed the winding, country road for several miles. They then pulled onto a dirt road that took them deep into the forest. The hearse finally stopped as the Jeep parked beside it. Evonne saw the large clearing before them, the tall grass standing thigh high.
Derek and the others stepped from the hearse, its headlights still on. Gabriel, as well, left the Jeep’s headlights on and stepped outside. Confused, Evonne followed him.
“Ready to have some fun?” Derek said, looking at Evonne, the same gleeful grin returning. He turned to Adrian. “Let’s start, shall we?”
Adrian walked out into the clearing.
Evonne looked from Adrian to Gabriel. “I can’t fight him. He’s a human.”
Gabriel nodded in Adrian’s direction. She looked back and saw him beginning to undress, his lack of modesty apparent as he made no attempt to cover himself. As he removed the last article of clothing, his body began to shift, muscles bulging, bones reshaping, and fur covering every inch of his skin. The shifting ended in a beast form.
Shocked, Evonne glanced back and forth between Adrian and Gabriel. “Why didn’t I know?”
“That is a werewolf’s biggest advantage,” Gabriel replied, “to appear completely human, especially to vampires.”
“But you can sense them out,” she remembered, “and I use to be able to see through it too, sometimes.”
“Your former human instincts resided in the prey and predator response. Now it is hunter against hunter. Werewolves have always had the upper hand in sensing out vampires. To be able to see through a werewolf’s human facade is something that can take a year to learn or one hundred. But tonight, you just have to remain standing after five minutes.”
Evonne gestured to Adrian. “You want me to fight him?”
“Well, actually” Derek stepped in, “remaining conscious is more like it.”
“Adrian is a pureblood,” continued Gabriel. “They are stronger than an impure, but no less dangerous. When most vampires come up against a werewolf, many run. But some are forced to stand their ground.”
“No guns or knives,” Derek reminded.
Evonne removed her coat and showed that she was unarmed. She then sat her coat on the hood of the Jeep and stepped into the bright headlights to stand several yards from a crouching Adrian. This was the first real chance she had to see a werewolf up close. Those who stormed the manor were concealed in darkness most of the time, and the situation then didn’t allow much of an opportunity to study their appearance.
Adrian’s amber eyes remained locked on her as he readied for any first move. His muzzle wasn’t drawn into a constant snarl, but rather a calm expression, his ears forward. His face even looked like a natural wolf, yet somewhat larger. Even the markings of his fur bore a strong resemblance to that of a timber wolf’s. His body, however, slightly more muscular than before, shown a fraction of the real strength he carried.
“I’m no betting man,” Derek said to Gabriel, “but if I had to… I’d be a rich man after tonight.”
Gabriel crossed his arms and leaned against the front of the Jeep.
Evonne glance at her audience. “When do we start?”
No sound left Adrian as he lunged for his opponent, catching her off guard. Evonne was sent to the ground, the wolf on top, his clawed hands on her shoulders and mouth around her neck, clamping hard enough to keep her from moving.
Derek slapped his hand over his face, shaking his head. “Five minutes, eh?” he said to Gabriel. He then called out to the two in the clearing, “Back to your corners.”
Adrian retreated.
Pulling herself to her feet, Evonne checked the damage dealt to her shirt. Several rips already shown, even a few cuts underneath. Her neck, on the other hand, was spared.
“Forget what your father’s men told you,” Gabriel said. “Those skills are for humans. Follow your instincts.”
Melissa pulled herself up to sit on the hood of the hearse, while Taylor sat on the bumper.
Watching Adrian crouch among the tall grass, Evonne tried to anticipate his attack. As he lunged for the second time, she dodged to the side. It seemed like a good move at first. Adrian then whipped around, grabbing hold of Evonne’s upper arm with his jaws, and then pulling her to the ground. He was on top of her once more, pinning her.
“I knew this was going to be bad,” said Derek, lighting up a cigarette, “but I didn’t know on how many levels. She’s almost an embarrassment to your kind.”
They separated once more. This time, Evonne attacked first. Adrian dropped his head and rammed himself into her stomach, sending her through the air and to the ground. He pinned her again, the bite breaking her skin.
He retreated.
Evonne sat up, placing a hand to her neck.
This is ridiculous! I can’t fight him.
She stood, eyes focused on her opponent. Before he could attack, Evonne ran in the opposite direction, heading for the woods. Adrian followed.
“Now she’s using her head,” said Gabriel.
“How long do we give them?” asked Derek.
“Five minutes.”
A minute passed before any movement came from the woods. Adrian appeared, dragging Evonne in his mouth. He dropped her at her spot and returned to his.
“Wait,” Gabriel said. He removed his coat and laid it on the Jeep’s hood and stepped into the clearing.
Derek took a draw from his cigarette, remarking, “And the coat comes off.”
Gabriel stood between the two as Evonne pulled herself to her feet. He motioned to Adrian. “Come here.”
Standing on his hind legs, he approached Gabriel’s side.
Gabriel looked at Evonne. “What do you see?”
She shrugged. “A werewolf.”
“Claws, muscles, teeth, powerful jaws,” he corrected, “the essence of a perfect killing machine. We hunt with speed and cunning and our own strengths. They carry the same speed and cunning, but many other strengths. Most think of werewolves as thoughtless brutes, killing whenever and whatever they please. The greatest flaw with any vampire is their pride. They like to think they are on the top of the food chain. This lack of respect fuels the animosity between our two kinds. Taking on a werewolf hand to hand can be fatal for most young vampires. Taking on a pack is suicide. If you ever come across a werewolf who chooses to fight, rather than talk, then the only smart choice is to run.”
Evonne threw her hands up. “Then why even teach me to fight him?”
“Because there will come a time when you cannot run, and there will be no gun or knife to aid you.”
“But there’s no way I can win against him!”
“You don’t have to win. Just keep him from pinning you.” Gabriel placed a hand to Adrian’s shoulder, urging him down. He then placed his hand under the wolf’s muzzle, lifting his head. “One way to slow then down is to go for this area.” He ran his hand over the soft underside of the jaw. “The neck is covered with too much fur to deliver any kind of damage with your teeth. And don’t forget the eyes. But be mindful, Adrian is my friend and needs to keep his eyesight.”
Evonne’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“I don’t care if you want to or not.” Gabriel walked back to the Jeep. “Continue.”
Adrian attacked on command. Evonne wrapped her hands around his muzzle, keeping him from biting her. She then shifted her weight, attempting to steer him to the side and off balance. Adrian shook free and grabbed her once again, throwing her to the ground. Evonne recovered fast and leapt for him. With as much strength as she could gather, she slammed her body into his. It felt like hitting a moving car. He charged forward, striking her once more and landing on top. But this time, Evonne was ready. She brought her knee up and into his groin.
Adrian let out a sound, a mixture between a growl and a roar. He let go and stumbled to the side.
Derek and Taylor cringed.
“She got him in the hush puppies,” said Derek, still grimacing at the imaginary pain he felt.
Melissa found a laugh leaving her. “That’s one way to do it.”
Evonne scrambled to her feet and readied for Adrian’s retaliation. The wolf still writhed in pain.
“Come on, Adrian,” Derek called out. “It can’t be that bad!”
The wolf shot him a dangerous look and growled. He then searched for his opponent, still growling.
Evonne’s eyes widened. Shit!
Adrian ran for her, his speed faster than she anticipated. His teeth were in her shoulder before she could make any move. He swung her around, letting go for a moment, then was on her once more. Evonne felt like a rag doll in his grasp. She tried to fight, but he stopped all of her attempts with a simple change in movement. On her back once again, Adrian’s mouth was at her throat, pinning her. He then wedged her legs apart with his own, keeping her from striking below the belt a second time. The end result looked a little too suggestive from the sidelines.
“Let go,” said Gabriel, stepping back out into the clearing.
Adrian returned to his spot and sat, his breathing heavy. Evonne forced herself to stand and checked her neck and shoulders for any major damage. Her torn shirt and jeans were the least of her worries.
Gabriel stood by Adrian’s side, scratching him behind the ear. He leaned down and whispered to him. He returned to the Jeep.
Attacking again, Adrian’s form shifted, blending into that of a full wolf. His speed doubled. He leapt for her. Seeing this, Evonne grabbed the thick fur at his neck and dropped down, flipping him through the air. The wolf was already recovering from the move as he landed and bounded for her once more. His teeth clamped onto her lower arm and thrashed from side to side. Evonne wrapped her hand over his muzzle to keep him from letting go, then threw her weight back and around, swinging him into the air.
Adrian’s form shifted again, blending into his beastly appearance. His feet dropped to the ground, bracing himself. Evonne let go. She scrambled away from him, choosing to run as she headed for the woods a second time. There was no possible way to fight him in the open. If she could only get him into an area where she could have the advantage. But how could the woods give her an advantage? The trees, she thought.
Adrian ran after her as he retook his full wolf form.
“Five minutes?” Derek asked.
Gabriel didn’t reply.

Entering the woods, Evonne immediately saw the flaw in her tree plan. She would be nothing more than a cat chased up a tree by a dog. And this dog could probably climb trees. If this were a real situation, a werewolf could keep her in a tree until sunrise. No, trees were a bad idea.
Seeing a large mass of an uprooted tree, she used it as cover, waiting and listening. Evonne closed her eyes and tried to use her mind to pick up on anything.
Nothing, not even a rabbit. Am I even doing this right? She waited for an eternity it seemed. Still nothing.
Evonne heard the rush of stirring leaves. Instinctively, she tore into a run, not even looking back. The heavy body of a wolf collided into her. They both tumbled to the ground. Struggling to find her footing, she felt the wolf at her neck, pinning her.
“All right,” Evonne coughed out. “I give up.”
Adrian released her and sat down.
Evonne continued to lay on the ground. “I’m not doing this anymore. I know there’s a lot I need to learn. I’m just too tired right now.” She reached up to place a hand to his face, petting him once. “You very good, you know that?”
Lowering his head, Adrian’s muzzle moved to the side of her face, licking her. His attention then left her as he focused on the woods before him. He stepped over her body, shielding her as he began to growl.
Gabriel walked toward them.
The wolf backed away, head low. He watched as the vampire stood over his protégé.
“Let’s just hope you never cross a werewolf in the near future,” said Gabriel, extending a hand to her.
Evonne took his hand and stood, dusting off her torn clothes. “Am I finished with this for now?”
“For now,” he said. He almost sounded amused, as though he’d just proven another point.
The walk back was longer than she thought. How far did she really run? By the time they reached the vehicles, Adrian had returned to his human form. Taylor handed him his clothes, while Melissa tried her best not to smile at the whole event.
Derek gave Evonne a playful slap on the shoulder. “Time for a nice long shower, I say.”
She replied with a weak laugh and pulled herself into the Jeep. Her skin tingled as it began to slowly heal. A shower actually sounded like a perfect reward to all of this craziness. So much for a light training session. This was nothing more than a baptism by fire.

The front door opened as Derek announced their return. William sat up on the couch, taking notice.
“How did it go?”
One by one, they entered, no one answering him. Evonne was the last to step inside. William cringed at the sight.
“That bad, eh?” He shrugged and went back to watching the news, then added, “It gets a whole helluva’ lot more fun after the first romp.”
“Come on,” Melissa said, motioning to Evonne. “I’ll show you to the bathroom.”
She followed her upstairs and to the linen closet. Melissa handed her a large towel and wash cloth, and then flipped on the bathroom light. “Everything else is in the shower. When you’re done, I can toss your clothes in the wash.”
“Or what’s left of them,” Evonne tried to joke.
Melissa didn’t smile as she left the room and closed the door.
Rolling her eyes, Evonne was still baffled at how this human acted around her. Okay. So she doesn’t like me. Why should I care? But she did care. She had done nothing consciously toward this human, yet she was already seen as an enemy. Just be nice and she’ll come around. On the other hand, Evonne didn’t want to waste the effort on her.
Undressing, she began to check the wounds on her body. Most were closed while others were completely healed. The blood made the sight look menacing. She held up her shirt, seeing the light coming through the many rips. The shirt was a lost cause. And her bra was also ripped beyond repair. Great. That leaves me with only one left. The jeans, however, ripped just slightly, appeared salvageable. She threw the clothing to the floor and turned on the shower.
As the relaxing water washed away the blood and dirt, Evonne felt her energy boost. She replayed the miserable sparring match in her mind. Where did she go wrong? How could Gabriel stand up to a wolf without any weapons? One thing was apparent—he was far stronger, faster, and older than her, and he had been killing werewolves for centuries. But he had to start somewhere. An amusing thought entered her mind as she tried to imagine Gabriel’s first encounter with a werewolf. She would have given anything to witness that first fumbling meeting.
Evonne finished with her shower and wrapped the towel tight. She then gathered up her dirty clothes and headed for the guestroom, cautiously looking for any wandering eyes. Inside the safety of the room, she found Gabriel rearranging their bags, adding his second bag to the floor.
“I need to get dressed,” she said, remaining by the door.
“Then do so.”
Evonne pursed her lips, her jaw clenching. “Can you leave the room?”
Gabriel approached her, turning her around to check her back and arms and other areas once carrying visible injuries. “Did you break any bones?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“If not careful, bones can heal wrong and they will need to be broken and set properly.”
“I’m pretty sure I didn’t break anything.” She moved from him and knelt by her bag, retrieving a new set of clothes. She stood, facing him. “I need to get dressed now.”
He stepped closer to her, his hands pulling lightly on the towel. “You hate me, of that I am aware.”
“I just…” she began, feeling the towel leave her. She placed the clean clothes over her body, still concealing herself. “This is all… It hasn’t even been a week and look at all that has happened.”
Gabriel placed his lips to hers, the eager kiss urging her to take his lead.
Evonne pushed him away. “That’s not fair! You can’t expect me to fall for this.”
His eyes studied her expression. “Then continue to hate me,” he said as he leaned down, his mouth returning to hers.
Evonne resisted as her second attempt to push him away softened. She dropped the clothes from her arms and found herself holding him. Her mind didn’t see this as a mistake. She had already jumped off that cliff a month ago. This time wasn’t used as a means to prove anything to anyone. As Evonne saw it, it was a perfect means of an escape.

The oven beeped as it finished preheating. Melissa slid the frozen pizza onto the rack and punched a number on the timer. Though it was late at night—early in the morning—the pizza made for a simple snack.
“They’ve been up there for a while now,” Derek commented as he grabbed a soda from refrigerator. “Sunrise is in several hours and he knows I don’t cover the windows.” He popped off the top and took a drink.
William entered the kitchen and grabbed a small glass from the cabinet. He couldn’t help but add his two cents to the conversation. “Perhaps they’re working off all that extra energy.” He looked up to see Adrian walk in, wearing new clothes and a towel draped over his shoulders, his hair still damp from his shower. “Maybe if rough-‘n-tumble here didn’t get her all worked up, then they’d be down already.”
Adrian ignored him as he grabbed his own soda from the refrigerator.
William continued speaking. “Our big boy here sure knows how to get the ladies all riled up, even if they’re from a different species.”
Still ignoring him, Adrian left the kitchen.
“You know,” Derek said, leaning against the counter, “one day he’s going to take your hand off.”
“Adrian?” William scoffed. “Nah. He’s just a harmless lil’ puppy. Oh, and you better keep him away from Ginger while she’s in season.”
Melissa threw a slice of pepperoni at him. The slice bounced off his face and onto the floor.
“That was uncalled for,” William exclaimed.
“So are your comments,” said Melissa. “You know how sensitive he can be.”
William rolled his eyes. “The boy’s got a gift I can only dream of. And yet all he does is lounge around here and play video games.”
Melissa threw her hands on her hips. “Stop playing Alpha around here and go drink your beer.”
“I’m not going to,” he smiled, snatching a bottle from the cabinet. He held it up, shaking it slightly. “It’s a Jack Daniels night.” He left the room and headed back downstairs.