Sorry for Paul's long awaited chapter. Writing complications, college, job, covid-19, I mean you get it right?

"Alright guys, I'm heading to work!" I called, approaching the cave exit. It was almost sunset and the boys were roused from sleep, unhappily I might add, as I had to pull myself from the dog pile.

I was tying the laces on my leather pants, the clanks of the the multiple belts hanging over my shoulder drowned out their yelling from the dark. The boys were probably calling in protest since they couldn't leave the cave yet. They said Max would understand that if I was late.

We had all talked that night and according to David, he and Max had followed me through all my lives as creatures of the night. Watching me die horrible, gruesome deaths each time at the age of nineteen. Until during one of my lives Max said he'd finally found something. Someone who could fix me, save me from the curse that was brought down upon me, on us. A witch he said had cursed us, the mother of the man who'd attacked me, the one who David had killed those centuries ago. So Max and David studied and hunted and they found another witch. I guess witches powerful enough to help us were few and far between, as our situation was a special one. There weren't many who knew the kind of curse we suffered, but one did. They call her the Widow.

Max explained she had surprisingly asked for so little, but it was because she couldn't completely fix us. She was able to put an end to my cycles of reincarnation, but she said it was strange. David and I had other strings attached to us in a line of fate. We obviously had one connecting us to each other, but we had three more branching off that she couldn't see. The strings would have to be revealed and untangled to avoid causing any more stress to the space time continuum. David later told me that he and Max had no clue what that meant at the time but they smiled and nodded. Apparently witches are very powerful and knowledgeable beings, and some believe they can travel through time itself. I didn't have room to disagree or argue, I've never known any witches.

What I did have though was a time and date. I am supposed to become a vampire when I'm supposed to die. The Widow was able to confirm for Max and David that our boys: Dwayne, Marko, and Paul- were the last three strings. Everyone was here, and the pressure was on. Now we had little time left for coming up with a plan. Since the Widow's work, this is the last cycle. This life it's do or die.

And despite knowing that I've argued many a times with the boys since the information had been given. I don't want to live in fear until then, and I refuse to act as if I will. It has caused a few problems here and there with the boys, but they've been keeping up with me. I start on foot until it gets dark enough. Then I'll try to shift into an animal- my favorite so far has been bat. If I can't figure it out then the boys give me a lift on their motorized lightning.

We've been working on powers and hunger control too. It's been decided that staying half would be the safest for me. I would be immune to the sun albeit being weaker to it. It can't kill me and I still appear more human. Our goal is to make me dying in any way as low risk as possible. However it means also there should be someone with me at all time- or that's what the boys think at least. It's not that I don't agree but I have to defeat this on my own.. right?

xXx

The store was busy tonight. We had most hands on deck considering this was a Friday night. Max was at the front desk, along with Maria- but I and one of our morning hands, Dustin, were on the floor. We were the video runners and floor associates. Max knows I hate people so he gave me the job with as least human interaction as possible. It also helped my hunger but it was enough to keep my presence or lack of it inconspicuous to any who knew me from before.

The biggest part of the night I tried to hide toward the back room but the more people that filed in, the harder it was to do. So I found myself trading jobs with Maria. I ended up in the front desk with Max at my side. There was so much going on in the store and with my head pounding that I almost missed the older women who'd wondered in with a child.

"Excuse me, this child lost is lost. Could his mother possibly be in here?" She had a kind smile and a gentle hold on the boy's hand.

"Honestly I'm not quite sure," looking at the woman, an idea popped into my head, "give me just a second, my boss ,Max, might be of better help!"

I quickly nudged Max, who leaned down, "There's a total babe at my register who needs help with this missing kid. She's totally your type and I told her you might be able to help. You're welcome."

With a wink, I traded registers with him and took over checkout. In my new state I didn't miss as many details as I used to. The boy's bikes were about a minute away and they were in a mood.

A woman quickly came in the front doors and claimed the child. The redhead I sent Max to was starting to leave, but he stopped her. With a sucker?

Geez Max, is that really the best you can do?? Offering strange women candy makes them question your intentions. It's like catching kids with candy.

I shook my head but lifted it as the the clanking of boots and belts interrupt Max and the mystery woman's conversation. He glared at them lightly as they wondered around the counter. They picked up various VHS and cassette tapes on their journey before stopping in front of me. From the corner of my eye I caught the woman glance at me over Max's shoulder. I gave her a wink before my attention was pulled back to the boys.

"We only come here to watch one thing," Paul said, making the camera square with his hands.

"There's no videos with me in them rockstar, good try though," I smiled as I leaned on the counter.

"There could be though- I'll let you know if we ever steal a camcorder," he winked, "could be a home video star."

"In your dreams guy," I uncrossed my arms as David and Dwayne approached the boys.

"How'd you know," Marko chimed in, taking his chance at trying to knock down the other naked blonde.

"Ridiculous," despite my words, I quickly leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to the corner of Paul's mouth and another to Marko's cheek.

Both boys turned a light pink as they joined the others. David raised a brow as we met eyes. Silently, with an eye roll I blew both him and Dwayne a kiss as well. David winked as he 'caught' it before storing it in his jacket pocket as Dwayne placed his caught kiss over his heart. A smile from all the boys was quickly gone as Max started in as he unfortunately had to do.

"I thought I told you boys not to come in here."

A pause from the two groups as David gave him the, 'really?' look. He shook his head with a smirk-

"Don't worry about it it grandpa, we're not here to bother you or your customers. See you later babe?"

"You bet," I winked and shooed the boys out of the store before Max actually got upset.

"Wild kids," he told the woman.

"Oh they're just young," she smiled with her new sucker in hand," We were their age, too, once. Only they dress better."

"Amen to that," I whispered as I shuffled some VHS tapes.

"You've got a generous nature. I like that in a person. I'm Max, this is Thorne," the dog's head lifted at his name, "and this is my daughter Cassandra."

"Hi Thorne! Nice to meet you both," she smiled offering out a hand, "Lucy." I took it, and shook it politely before going back to my own business.

"-a job?"

"Do I look that needy?"

Fuck- c'mon Max, save yourself!

"I, uh, no-"

"What I think my dad means is that we're looking for help and he's hoping to find someone before having to put the sign up," I winked at her, " besides it's not every day he meets someone that could possibly be a better employee than me."

"Alright, that's enough Cassandra," he laughed lightly, "why don't you take off for tonight? I think Maria, Dustin, and I have the store handled for tonight."

"Really? Thanks dad," I smiled, flashing him the rock on sign.

"Have fun! And don't get into trouble with those boys!"

"No promises padre!" I laughed as I flew out the door.

xXx

Typically my first goal is to find the boys and cause as much trouble as possible. However a few minutes after bopping out of the shop I felt something. It was like I was being watched. I should know what it fells like by now you'd think. I figured though, if I keep moving in and out of crowds it might be easier to loose whoever this was.

Hey Star- if you can hear me, are you nearby?

Star, once finding out I planned on becoming a full vampire with the boys, had stopped talking to me. She would just look into the distance with glassy eyes and tear stained cheeks. I don't understand what she's so upset about- maybe I should talk to her? But what would be the point? All she does anymore is cry and stare. It's like talking to a wall.

I'm here, her voice rang lightly in my head.

If you have Laddie with you, could you meet me in the concert crowd? I need to be with someone I know-

Why don't you ask one of the boys?

I sighed as I moved past people a bit more aggressively.

Depending on who's watching me, I might need you. If two women are together then we both become a harder target.

I could tell she was thinking on it by the pregnant pause. But I didn't have time for it. And I didn't want to tell her I was trying to protect the boys by keeping them away when feeling trouble. None of them would get the chance to die for me again, not if I can help it.

Just meet me down there in 5, please

xXx

I still felt the eyes, so I kept turning with the crowd in circles around the boardwalk. It was probably long enough, but to be sure I raced down to the concert as soon as I heard the music.

I bounced down to the front by a burn barrel. I could make it under the stage if I need, loose myself in the crowd, or slide out the other side if needed. I just hoped Star would show up like I asked.

I still felt the eyes, so I gave up- at least until Star got here. Probably better to know what or who I'm feeling. I started scanning the crowd, my heightened senses still being relatively new almost made it harder. But not too hard- eventually I found them.

I locked eyes with a guy- tall, blue eyes, seemingly very athletic, curly brown hair, plush lips. He looked like a damn good meal if I ever saw one. I couldn't just eat him though... it's not my time to turn, and he's got another kid with him.

A hand to my shoulder pulled me from my trance. I whirled around to be nose to nose with Star. I threw my arms around her while she grew stiff under my touch.

"We have to get out of here- those kids won't stop following me. And I can't eat him.. I need help Star," my voice cracking towards the end caused her to relax more. Slowly, she hugged me back with one hand as she held onto Laddie with the other.

"Alright," she paused, likely catching the eye of the guy, "let's go."

Boys, we're on our way, meet us quickly please

What's wrong doll? Trouble?

Maybe- there's this guy- long story I'll tell you all later!

I grabbed Laddie's other hand as we both started up the hill, taking the path of least resistance. Star taking a stop at the top so we could catch our breath before making another run for it. The eyes followed us up the hill, but let's see if they can keep up?

I threw Laddie on my back and grabbed Star's hand myself. I had us speed weave through the crowd and towards the end of the boardwalk where the boys were parked. And thankfully as we approached the end, I could see the boys perched on their bikes- fucking around as per usual.

"Mikey- she's holding hands with the other girl, maybe they're together. You never know- maybe you should stop following her?" One voice sounded in my ears, it was soft but had an uncertainty in the tone.

"If you're so worried about it go hangout somewhere else Sam,"

Alright- Sam, a gender neutral name but still a name. It's a start-

As we made it to the bikes, I let go of Star's hand and took Laddie to Dwayne immediately. The smaller boy shifted and moved to the older man's bike as I turned. My eyes were peeled for the two voices I'd heard.

"Well it doesn't seem like they're lesbians... the kid goes with the shirtless guy,"

I glared as I approached Marko's bike, but not at my golden angel. It was directed at what I believe was the source of the staring and voices. Along with the curly hair fuck from earlier, almost attached to his hip was a teen kid. Maybe fifteen or sixteen at the most- blonde, same vibrant blue eyes and plush lips. Siblings.

"Looks like brunette girlfriend is with blondie up front. But who's dread girl with?"

I took my cherub's hand as I climbed over behind him.

"Really? Crazy jacket guy??"

"You're one to talk about fashion Sam- they're all punks. What's your excuse?"

I wrapped my arms around his waist and glared one final time at the two before we tore off into the night.

And unfortunately I doubt tonight will be the last time I see the sibling duo on the boardwalk.

Edited: 9/12/2020