ok so this is it! last chap! and boy is it long! like the longest ive ever wrote! lol i hope you enjoy it and hopefully it isn't to terrible.

sry for ne mistakes i havent reli gone through the last bit...

ill do reviews now so the ending is more dramatic lol

tasha - hey hope this is long enough for u! hehe and that u like it... thanks for reviewing!

rachel - thanks this one is longer!

die-living-a-lie - THANKS! woo hoo! no Rudi in this chap... sry but he's still alive! hehe hope u like... and update broken love story soon! lol

alexa - HEY! thanks a lot for reviewing i'm glad u like this story and i hope u like the ending...

a beautiful nightmare - thanks so much for reviewing i love it wen new ppl say they enjoy reading my stuff... i hope u like the ending...

alteng - um.. Rosie had brown fur and she was wearing white altho i suppose they could have dyed it... but no its not her daughters... um.. yeh i havent mentioned Geff... i guess ill leave that to ur imagination or for the next one... hehe

darklightshadow - u no me too well by now... hehe lol im sooooooooo glad to hear ull be updating soon! yay! :D and thanks glad u like! hehe

ok so i might not have answered all the questions... but still. THANKS SO MUCH for every review anyone has ever left me : D i love em! lol

and for those who are dying to know if i will be writing another one well... i can now reveal the answer... more than likely yes. so u'll just have to keep an eye out for it hehe but for the mean time i'm gonna work on my other stories.

thanks once again nah now im just toying with you... i know u wanna read it so here u go...

New Beginnings

My eyes drifted open, I blinked a few times to clear my eyes, as they were foggy. I was laid on my left side, and I had no memory of where I was or how I had gotten here.

I slowly, and cautiously raised my body up so that I was leaning on my arms for support. As I did so, a thin white sheet slid down my back. I looked to the movement and saw that I was on a single bed; a white pillow lay at the top, crumpled from where my head had been. The bed was against the far wall of the room I was in. the white door was pulled open revealing a pale blue wall, presumably of a hallway.

I twisted my body around placing my feet on the cream carpet. I noticed that my feet were bare. I scanned the room for my shoes or any others I could borrow. There were none.

I stood from the bed and became aware of the fact that my clothes were different and those I wore weren’t mine.

I remembered that my top had been ripped in my fight with Rudi. The rest of what happened came flooding back to me.

I could withstand daylight, but the question was why?

I followed my feet in a straight line towards the open door. The light material of the cream V-neck top I was wearing, falling across my skin. It was too big for me the long sleeves covering my hands, and the length fell passed my butt. I rolled the sleeves back and saw I was wearing my own jeans. I would have blushed if I could, at the thought of who had changed me.

As I reached the doorframe I listened out for someone talking.

“Perhaps we should wake them,” came a familiar voice, relief washed over me at the sound of Deacon’s dad. He had said ‘them,’ so who else was asleep? Following his voice I turned left down the dark hallway. I became conscious of the fact that the room I had been had also been dark, and windowless, containing only a bed and a small tiny desk.

“You’re probably right,” responded Harold. I hovered in front of the partially open door, from which the voices came from. It had been the first door I had come across.

I gently pushed the door forward and the two heads spun around to see who was entering as the door squeaked. The noise went through me; my ears seemed more sensitive than normal.

Re-opening my eyes as I realised I had closed them, I felt dizzy. I slowly went across to the table they were sat at and joined them. Holding my head I looked to the staring eyes.

“How long have I been asleep?” I asked my voice hoarse from my dry throat.

“It’s midnight on the following night.” I opened my mouth, to Jonathan’s words. The thirst began to creep up on me. I would have to go out and feed soon. Except I wanted to stay and talk, I had many questions, that needed answers.

“Where are we?” the question was top of my list.

“One of my location’s, towards Grove Street.” Harold answered.

“Wait – where’s Deacon?” they both turned to look at each other then at me. My eyes flickered from one to the other, landing back on Jonathan.

“He was tired, he’d been awake a long time, and then – with the blood he gave you…” he drifted off, “he fell asleep in the car on the way over here, he’s still asleep in the room next to the one you were in.” I frowned; I knew it – why does he have to be so godamned stubborn?

“But you were going to wake us,” he nodded, “Then I’ll go, I - ”

“Wait, we need to talk first.” Jonathan interrupted, I was puzzled but by their expression I knew something had happened. Besides when someone say those words you have to listen and most of the time what they had to say turned out to be bad news.

I winced as my head surged with pain I rubbed at my temple. The others didn’t seem to notice. However they couldn’t help but see my fangs lengthen as I unconsciously was over powered by their scent, and of others who were nearby.

“It seems she needs to feed first,” commented Harold. I smelt fear, from people within the building. Fear that made the animal inside me want to hunt them down.

“It’ll take too long for you to leave, besides its dangerous for you in this weakened state.” Jonathan concluded. “Come, drink from me,” I wanted to protest but he showed his neck and my eyes automatically homed in on his pulsing veins. Before I knew what was happening I was inches from his skin. I suddenly pulled back at a thought. He looked at me bewildered.

“No offence, but it’s a bit personal to bite you on your neck.” His face remained puzzled, “it wouldn’t bother me, but you’re my boyfriend’s dad.” I saw Harold smirk out of the corner of my eye. Jonathan looked almost upset, then understanding. It’s not my fault it felt weird being that close to Deacon’s dads neck and face. He offered me his arm instead, rolling up his sleeve on his black jumper. In fact now I came to think about it his clothes looked worn and slightly big for him. Something weird was happening.

Not wanting to hurt him, I pierced the skin slightly above the wrist. I took the warm liquid thankfully, feeling the thirst ebb away. His taste was similar to Deacon’s but none were better than his taste.

I was as gentle as I could when I returned to my seat. He grimaced and pulled his sleeve back down, covering his fresh marks.

Alive and full of energy I concentrated on the forthcoming conversation.

“You need to know that when you fought Rudi, and presumably was knocked out, the lit candles in Deacon’s bedroom remained. Either they were purposely knocked over or other events led them to setting alight to the room. Our house burnt, yesterday and most of its contents were destroyed with it,” I was alarmed with the news, this was my entire fault. I groaned.

“I’m so sorry. No one was hurt were they?” I asked panicking; sure no one was in the house but what if the flames moved onto the next house or someone entered thinking people were in the house.

“No, someone phoned the fire brigade and the fire was extinguished, but not in time to prevent most of the damage.” He reached in his pocket and placed something on the table. “We found these,” he lifted his hand and a chain with two rings were revealed. My parent’s wedding rings. The sight of them angered me and I took them in my hands.

I thought about the locket, lifting my hands I felt my neck – nothing.

“We saw them take it off you, they took your mobile too.” I frowned the only thing stopping me from kicking off, was the knowledge that only I had the power to destroy it. Apparently anyway. And my phone, it contained all my friend’s numbers, why should they want it, unless they had plans to use them against me. My night was beginning to get worse.

“Why would they want my locket though?” I voiced the question going through my mind. “I’m already a vampire.”

“We’re not sure. What we do know is that a war has started and our side is short of men. We have information that the lycan numbers are rising. There are two thousand strong just from this town. We’re told that two thirds of Sheffield are in their command. So far there is one vampire and one hundred of my men. Twenty of which were either turned or killed last night.” Harold informed he eyed me meaningfully.

“Why are you helping us?” he leaned back in his chair and stroked the scar on his neck. I wasn’t even sure he was aware he was doing it or not.

“Because, I’ve come to loath the lycans especially after what they did to Geoffrey. But more than that I know you Lizzie Rose. You’re different. Immortal yet, your empathy and human traits remain. With you under leadership I expect the vampires to be a race unlike before. Plus I’ve always seen it as my duty to protect the human race and you’re my best alley.” I actually smiled at his words; they gave me a strange sense of hope.

“What about the grudge on vampires you have fore what happened when you were younger?” he looked quizzical.

“I’ve killed enough vampire’s to get over that, including the one who gave me this scar. It’s time to put the past behind me and look to the future.” I had to admit he had impressed me. When I had first met him I would never have dreamt in a million years that I would become an ally with the man sat before me. But then again I never believed that vampires and lycan’s were real several months ago.

“Fair enough, that’s good enough for me,” he paused, then gave a short quick nod and offered me his hand; I took it careful not to squeeze too tightly.

“I’ve arranged the insurance for our house and belongings. Once the money comes through – which I’ve managed to quicken, and even then it’s going to take a week, I then propose we leave.” Jonathan looked at me, in a manner that told me he was unsure of how I would react.

“Of course,” I was reminded of the visit I had with Richard, “there is something I need to tell you, however I’d rather tell Deacon first, and see that he is alright.”

“No problem, we have arrangements to make anyway.” At this point a woman of around thirty came into the room from a back door, she went across to Harold whispering in his ear. I heard it clearly enough, and she was obviously weary of me by the way that she eyed me. I felt the fear pulsing from her mind, and I hadn’t even had to try and enter it. She was pale and had lovely blonde hair. She had told Harold that someone had arrived to see him.

I got up and left back down the hallway eager to see Deacon, and end my fear that I had harmed him.

I reached the room in lightning speed; the door was closed so I carefully opened it. Already I had sensed his sleeping body. The room was slightly larger than the one I had been in, and contained a set of draws, and a double bed in which Deacon laid on the right side. There was a bedside table next to him, with a lamp on. Typical he would get the double bed.

I crept over and took in his peaceful state. He seemed unharmed and well rested. I set on the edge of the bed next to him.

“Deacon?” I gently spoke to awaken him. He was laid flat on his back, and I knew full well that he was now awake by the change in his pulse rate. Yet his eyes remained closed. I smiled, at his cheekiness. My eyes glanced over the marks on his neck that I had given him, and the mark on his lip.

Leaning over him I lifted the thin white sheet, which covered him. Slightly placing it aside I then focused on pushing his thin pale blue top up further away from his stomach. I lightly kissed his smooth skin, keeping my eyes on his. A smile quickly formed on his lips and he opened his eyes.

I lifted my head staring down at him and raised my eyebrow. Before I had time to react he took hold of my waist and rolled over so that I was laid on the left side of the bed and he was on top of me. He cocked his head on one side, and stared at me.

“Don’t you want to know where you are?” I asked.

“I’m with you, what more do I need to know?” I blinked at the compliment, and he took the moment of silence to place a kiss on my lips. I enjoyed the moment, as though I hadn’t seen him in weeks. Then he raised his head again and continued to look down on me.

“Whose top is that?” he asked. I smiled.

“I don’t know it was on me when I woke up.” His eyes filled with shock and alarm that made my smile bigger. I could tell he was about to make more brainless remarks, so I lifted us both in the air. His ego altered and he held onto me stronger but it didn’t affect me.

I hovered for a moment before changing position so that we were both stood, and moved so that we gently landed on the floor next to the bed. We were almost like Wendy and Peter, although I doubt Neverland existed, it would be so much easier to go there. Pirates would be a piece of cake compared to my problems.

Deacon noticed the change in my expression.

“What it is?” I sighed.

“That was the happiest moment of my life for a long time, and normal.” He lifted my head with his hand.

“If you count flying as normal.” I laughed. I remembered that I was holding my parent’s wedding rings in my hand. Deacon looked at them then took them out of my hand and placed them around my neck for me.

“There are a lot of things you need to know.” He frowned and waiting for me to talk. I told him briefly about his house, and how sorry I was.

“Don’t be – I was the one to light the candles.”

“But what about all your things?”

“None of it matters, as long as you and my dad are safe I don’t care about those kind of things, they can easily be replaced.” It made me feel worse the way he was acting, so I pressed on.

“There’s something else, the other night after I went to see Katherine I saw Richard, as in the twin Richard.” He seemed confused and yet intrigued at the same time, so I told him what he had told me.

“He’s right we should leave the area, we’re to vulnerable here. But about the other things – I’m not sure I’m not good with riddles, but it seems to me that you being able to withstand the sun were part of it. Whether there’s more – only time will tell.” We drew silent both pondering on the information.

“You should also know that your dad had the same plans to leave when he receives insurance money next week, until then I presume we will be staying here.” I told him about what Harold had said.

“I was wrong about him, but I still think we should keep an eye on him. Come on I should go see my dad.” He took hold of my hand in his.

“Wait, I want you to know that I fed on your father.” He looked at me and shrugged.

“Come on I’m starving.” As he tugged on my hand I saw a purple mark on his wrist.

Deacon paused when I pulled his hand up closer to my face so I could get a better look. Examining it I saw bruising and cuts around his wrist, taking hold of his other hand I saw that it was in a similar state. Deacon remained silent and let me look at them.

“Deacon, do these hurt?” I asked. He shrugged.

“There not too bad,”

“What happened? After you left the house I mean.” He frowned then told me about taking his dad to a café and then how some thugs attacked them. They tied them up and shoved them in the back of a van, and then they were taken to the warehouse I was in.

“You were already there unconscious, I began to work at the rope but they’d tied it pretty tight. So I guess it was my fault really.” I narrowed my eyes at him, like hell it was his fault. They wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for me.

“Show me,” he looked at me as if to say do-I-really-have-to? “Please,” he sighed then I looked into his mind and saw his memories. I saw the lycans clearly and it was then that I made a mental note to destroy them when I get the chance.

I left Deacon to talk with his father and eat, and went to explore the house we were in. I ran into the woman who had gone across to Harold, she became startled at the sight of me and abruptly turned around and headed back in the direction that she was coming from.

“Wait,” I said gently, I could sense her hesitation, and then she stopped but didn’t turn around. I went up to her, and felt that she was scared of me. I went around in front of her so I could look at her. “What is your name?” I asked. She looked at me, then seemed to realise what she had done so moved her eyes so that she was looking anywhere but at me.

“Louise, miss.” Did she just say miss? I asked myself. Seriously - miss? “is the top alright for you?”

“It’s your top?” she nodded, “thank you,” I caught a sent from behind me so I turned to meet Harold coming around a corner with a girl who looked to be around seventeen. Her eyes lit up as she saw me. They stopped at they reached me.

“Lizzie,” Harold greeted. “What are you doing here?” he asked. I knew that Louise was no longer behind me having fled while I was distracted.

“Nothing just exploring,” I answered, the girl next to Harold coughed; she made me smile and Harold roll his eyes.

“Lizzie, this is Katrina, she’s my niece.” My eyes widened, briefly before Katrina jumped in to eagerly shake my hand.

“Wow, so vampire hands really are cold,” Harold nudged her; she looked to him then returned her gaze to me. “It’s great to finally meet you.” she beamed. “Is it true you can read minds? What am I thinking right now?” her eyes became focused on me as though eye contact was essential in telepathy. I turned to Harold who actually looked embarrassed. This time he coughed.

“Kat, leave her alone, or she might just bite you,” he warned even though we both knew I wouldn’t. Katrina’s smile grew even bigger if that was possible.

“Really?” she asked awed. She actually wants to be bitten?

“I’m sorry, she’s always been interested in the supernatural, even when her mother forbid it.” Harold spoke more to me. Katrina scowled at the comment.

“Yeah and look where that got her? If she’d had kept in contact with you or at least protected herself then she wouldn’t have died.” My thoughts were confirmed as she spoke, she was June’s daughter. “Do you want me to show you around?” she asked willingly.

“No she doesn’t, honestly you’ve been here five minutes and you’re already getting on Lizzie’s nerves.” Katrina looked upset and her head lowered. I felt bad I mean she’s lost her mother, and I of all people know what that can do to you.

“I’d love the grand tour.” Katrina stared at me her eyes lightening up, she looped her hand through my arm and as we walked off she gave her uncle a glare. She shrugged and walked off. “So how long have you been here?”

“I arrived about half an hour ago.” I raised my eyebrows.

“And your giving me the grand tour?” I questioned. She laughed.

“I’ve stayed here before.” We went down some steps leading underground. Through a door, I was shocked by the size of the room we had entered. Around the room were several pieces of equipment, and several men were fighting each other.

“This is the gym, one of the places where we train, we have to work hard so that we can be a match for the lycan’s but we can never really be that good. It’s mainly our weapons that protect us. The weapon room is upstairs.” I watched as some of the men trained with each other, for humans they were pretty good but like Katrina said they don’t have the strength to fight lycan’s with just their hands. Although I suppose it helps.

“You train as well?” I enquired. She nodded.

“You never know when it might come in handy. Self defence never harmed anyone.” she went across to a wall with what looked like trainee equipment, ranging from wooden poles, to swords. She picked a wooden pole up and threw it across to me with some force. I caught it easily and twirled it in my hand. “Wanna duel?” she asked. I went towards her and put the pole back against the wall.

“Maybe some other time.” She shrugged.

“Didn’t Harold tell you that people want to train with you, so that they can get the practice with someone with inhuman strength? It’ll be good for you too. We might be able to teach you a few tricks.” Her words alarmed me, I could kind of see her point, but I didn’t want to harm anyone especially when they’re on my side.

A man stepped forward; he had many scars on his face and arms. “This is the only person so far – other than you, to have fought a lycan hands on and survive.”

He held a hand out, “names Will,” I shook his hand.

“Lizzie,” he nodded then turned and started fighting with a younger guy.

“So you hungry?” the question shocked me.

“No,”

“Well I am, so come on,” Katrina took hold of my arm and lead me back up to the kitchen; Deacon sat at the table eating. “You must be Deacon,” Katrina stated, “I’m Katrina, Harold’s niece.” She turned and began preparing some food. Deacon eyed me so I just nodded automatically knowing he was thinking the same as I had. I sat opposite Deacon.

“So did you sort things out with your dad?” he nodded.

“Listen why don’t we go to your house and pick up some of your stuff?” he suggested.

“Sure,”

“You can always borrow some of my clothes if you need to, and shoes,” Katrina offered, the smell of chocolate fudge cake alerted me. I saw Katrina cutting a slice behind Deacon; she looked to me and smiled.

“Want some?” I nodded, and both Deacon and Katrina laughed.

“What?” I asked they both shook their head. I was about to protest when a pregnant woman came into the room. She didn’t notice the three of us to begin with and seemed deep in thought.

“Janet,” Katrina went over and hugged the woman. She was wearing a long flowing pink dress. I stared at her not intentionally, but it was so strange to sense the presence of the baby in her womb. Deacon coughed alerting me to the way that Janet was looking at me.

“You must be Lizzie,” she stated as I blinked. I nodded and smiled.

“Nice to meet you,”

“You too,” she paused and looked to Katrina, “honey have you seen Keith?” she shook her head in response, and placed a piece of cake on front of me.

I began to eat it savouring the taste. Some things don’t change about me.

I began to stare at Janet again as she sat down next to me. At least she’s not scared of me I noticed. My headache seemed to come back I hadn’t even noticed that it had gone. I automatically rubbed at my temple.

“Are you OK?” Deacon asked tenderly. I nodded.

“Did you decide whether to know what sex it was?” Katrina asked Janet motioning to her bump.

“No we decided we wanted it to be a surprise.” It’s a girl, I suddenly realised. The pain in my head intensified. Then blackness consumed me.

-

I opened my eyes to find Deacon hanging over me. Somehow I had ended up on the floor.

“Are you OK?” he asked. I nodded.

“I think so,” I sat up and he helped me back onto the chair. I was still in the kitchen and so were Katrina and Janet. An alarm went off and Katrina cursed and went over to the oven turning it off as black smoke entered the room. I felt a pain in my abdomen, and then I saw the expression on Janet’s face. She winced as her waters broke. Somehow I was feeling, what Janet was feeling, almost as though I had gone into labour as well. “Call an ambulance,” I ordered. Katrina was on her mobile.

“Ambulance, a woman has gone into premature labour, 30 Grove Street.” She hung up and looked nervously at Janet. Janet on the other hand seemed pretty calm to say she had gone into labour. “I’ll get some towels,” Katrina suggested and left the room. Deacon was looking horrified.

“Ow,” both Janet and me said at the same time. Immediately both Janet and Deacon looked at me.

I returned their glances. “Don’t ask,” I replied.

“You felt that?” Janet asked.

“Um… I think so.”

“What the hell do you mean?” Deacon shrieked.

“Calm down, it’s not like I’m pregnant, I think I’m just picking up Janet’s pain for some reason. Somehow telepathically or something?” I cleared my thoughts and concentrated, then Janet winced and I didn’t feel it. OK, that’s that dealt with.

Katrina came back through with towels. “Janet is this your first child?” I asked. She nodded.

“I need Keith,”

“Katrina go get Keith,” she nodded, “Wait – he’s in the weapon room.” She didn’t protest why I knew that, she just went without question. “Deacon go up the stairs and in the first room on the left there’s a bag on the bed bring it down here.” He went without question. I turned to Janet, “Now I’m sure your going o be fine, she seems to be perfectly healthy,”

“She?” oops.

“She, he – it,” Deacon and Katrina entered, as well as a man. The medics came through the back door across the kitchen and took Janet away. The commotion was over fast. My head began to hurt again and as things went foggy I saw a figure towards the now closed door. I was sure it was Richard.

-

My eyes opened and confusion swept over me. Deacon was leaning over me Katrina and Janet was in the room, and Janet was still pregnant.

“Are you OK?” Deacon helped me up off the floor. Had I just been dreaming that? An alarm went off and I saw Katrina curse and go across to the oven. I started to panic.

“Katrina,” she looked to me “call an ambulance and say a woman has gone into labour – now,” looking confused she hesitated, my fangs lengthened from frustration, “Now.” I ordered, she saw my face and pulled her phone out. “Deacon go upstairs and get a bag on the bed of the first room on the left. He went without question man I love him.

Just as he was leaving Janet who looked really bewildered waters broke. Katrina looked awed once more.

“Ill go and get some towels.” She said.

“No, go get Keith he’s in the weapon room.” She nodded and left. I winced with Janet at a contraction. Some how I felt like this was going to be a fast labour. I cleared my thoughts so that I didn’t feel what Janet was.

“How did you know I was going to go into labour?” she asked, quite calmly.

“That’s not the only thing I know,”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t panic I just know what sex it is,”

“Really, I always thought it was a girl, but Keith insists it’s a boy. Which is it?”

“You want to know?” I asked surprised.

“It was Keith who wanted it to be a surprise.” I smiled.

“Trust me, you’ll know soon enough.” Everyone came into the room including the medics after Katrina let them in. Deacon handed one the packed bag, “good luck,” I called as they left.

The door closed again Deacon and Katrina looked at me. I smiled.

“What just happened?” Deacon voiced. I paused, thinking, I hadn’t seen Richard this time.

“I think – I think I just had a premonition.” I replied. Both stared at me.

-

Taking a deep breath I went through the door and into my house. It was the early hours of the morning, and soon dawn would come round. But it no longer worried me. We had waited at Harold’s until we heard from Keith. Janet was in labour for an hour before they rushed her off the have an emergency caesarean, and gave birth to their daughter.

Deacon held my hand as we walked up the stairs towards my bedroom. It was untouched and just the way I liked it – messy. Deacon handed me a bag that we had brought and I began to pack the rest of my clothes that reminded me of a lifetime ago.

It didn’t take long before I was done and we set off back to Harold’s. We were walking because Deacon’s car was still at the café, and we were enjoying the time together.

“Maybe I should sell the house,” I said breaking the silence. Deacon frowned.

“It’s too precious to you, all your memories are in that house.”

“Yes, but so are the bad memories, besides I can take the memories with me. if you don’t mind, I could take some of our photo’s and just a few things with us.”

“Of course I don’t.”

“Do you know where we’ll be going?” I asked.

“I have no idea, I suppose it’s up to you really.”

“Me?”

“Yeah you’re the vampire,” I rolled my eyes. And I motioned for us to sit on a bench we were passing.

“Deacon you know how I feel about you.” he relaxed into the wooden bench. I cuddled up to him. We stayed like that for a few minutes just relaxing and I guess for me I was in a way saying goodbye to my hometown. “If you really want to be a vampire then I’ll turn you.” I sat up and looked into his surprised bright green eyes.

“I don’t need to be one, it just makes sense that’s all.” I nodded.

“I might not be able to go out into the sun afterwards though,” he frowned.

“Richard told me about how he and Edward turned the first vampire. Afterwards they couldn’t go out in the sun anymore. But then they still managed to change their age and predict the future.” I paused. “But just in case that will happen then, if you can wait, I’ll do it after we leave. I want to see Rachel first before we leave and the best way for me to do that is during the day. I have to say bye to her and Katherine.” He nodded and we both stood, then we walked back hand in hand.

-

The next couple of days went by very fast, I mostly became good friends with Katrina who asked me loads of question about what it’s like to be a vampire. Given the choice I knew she’d jump at the chance to become one. I think in some ways she respected me for being one, most people did, that or they were scared of the capabilities I had.

Janet and Keith came back from the hospital and we had a small party to celebrate the birth of Rose.

I was in the kitchen getting some more drinks for people when Janet came in with Rose.

“We named her after you, you know.” I turned to them and smiled.

“I’m honoured.” She shook her head.

“No it is us that are honoured, you helped us, and you’re our hope to a safe future especially for Rose.” I felt like crying at her kindness. “Vampire or not, you’re a good person Elizabeth and I want you to remember that no matter what crosses your path.” She handed me Rose and for the first time in my life I held a baby. She was gorgeous having brilliant blue eyes. My head began to hurt so I passed her back and left the huge house to go into the fresh air. I had a premonition of Rose’s life, at least some of it. I smiled at what I saw.

Saturday afternoon came and for me it was a big day. Deacon had picked up his car ready for when we left for our new home. We had decided to go wherever our hearts told us to go. Jonathan had gone to sort final arrangements out and Deacon and me had already packed everything. Including the stuff I wanted from my house.

Deacon accompanied me to Rachel’s house. I hoped she was in.

I knocked on the door and a second later Rachel opened it she was stood with Riley. I had forgotten about him. Well almost anyway. Deacon had agreed to talk to him should he be there on our way over.

“What do you want?” I blinked she wasn’t even going to ask where I had been for the past two weeks.

“I came to talk to you,” she looked to Deacon then motioned for us to come in. Riley offered to get drinks and Deacon said he’d help. “Rachel, I came to tell you that I’m moving away, I don’t know where, or if I’ll ever come back.” a flicker of sorrow went through her eyes.

“Oh?”

“Rachel don’t be so damn stubborn, I know you well enough to know that your going to miss me – whether you like it or not.”

“I miss you already.” she answered coming over to me and embracing me in a hug. “Where have you been?” I smiled.

“It’s a long story and I don’t have the time – I just couldn’t leave on bad terms. You’re my best friend and I love you like a sister. I’m going to miss you so much but you have to trust me that its for the best. I wanted to say bye to your mum too, but I knew she’d be at work so could you give her this?” I handed her an envelope with a letter in it, it pretty much said bye and explained a little. I also asked her to look after my parent’s ashes and to try and sell the house. I gave her Jonathan’s mobile number.

“Sure,” she paused. “You’ll keep in touch though won’t you?”

“I’ll try,” although deep down I knew I wouldn’t, part of the reason we were leaving was so that the lycan’s would hopefully go after us. Rachel was in danger without knowing it because of her friendship with me. I’d made Harold promise to keep an eye on her and Minnie and Ollie.

Deacon and Riley came into the room, without drinks. I stood. “We should go, were leaving soon,”

“So soon?” Rachel questioned I nodded. I saw the tears in her eyes beginning to form. “Wait,” she left and came back with a present in her hands, she looked at it, “I guess I always knew we’d make up before Christmas – this is for you,” I felt terrible so took it and went to the door. I’d forgotten it was close to Christmas.

I hugged her, “thanks,” I turned to leave “promise me you’ll look after Minnie and Ollie,” she frowned then nodded.

“I promise.”

“Bye Rachel,” the sun was bright and low in the sky. I held onto Deacon and left.

-

We went into the kitchen I could tell that Riley had noticed the difference with Elizabeth.

“She’s a vampire now?” he confirmed my thoughts. I nodded.

“I know we’ve never really seen eye to eye since – well what I’m saying is that me and Elizabeth are leaving, moving away. It’s for everyone’s safety. Despite what you think there are other things out there that pose more threat than vampires ever could. Things have changed Riley, and you need to know that this town and humanity itself is in danger. You don’t need to know the details but they killed Elizabeth’s parents and vampires are the only threat that they have. If you’ve ever valued our friendship then trust me to keep an eye on things – especially those you care about the most.”

He simply looked at me then nodded, I was glad that our friendship had meant something no matter how small and how long ago it had been. Riley had always been the brother I never had.

“What are they?” he asked. I looked plainly into his eyes.

“Lycan’s, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep low, and not give them a reason to see you as an enemy.” We both silently recognised our conversation was over and went back to the living room.

Things have changed, I thought, I may have Elizabeth and my dad but it has been at a cost. A lot has happened since the vampire war.

A new war had begun.

-

Getting into the car with Deacon I took one last glance around me. Everything I have ever known is here in this town. I had to admit I was scared, not of lycan’s or even being a vampire. I was scared of not knowing.

Deacon set off following his dad’s car, we had briefly said goodbye to everyone at Harold’s. Although we all knew deep down we would see each other again, it was just a question of when and whether the circumstances would be good or bad.

We crossed the edge of the town.

“Pullover a second,” I whispered. Deacon did as I asked. I looked back saying goodbye to my parent’s as well. They would have wanted to stay.

“Elizabeth?”

“I’m OK,” he started the car again.

“Why do you call me Elizabeth?” I asked I’d always wanted to know, he has never called me Lizzie. He shrugged at the side of me.

“Call me old-fashioned.” I laughed.

I looked out the window. as we both drew silent once more.

This is it. I thought.