The Guest & The Change - By M. D. Bowden Page 0,33

her. How they’d met when they were very young. Thinking back on it, she’d been so innocent. As had he.

His body lying on the floor, catching fire, disintegrating before her eyes. That was right before Sebastian had attacked and whisked her away from Daniel.

Daniel. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She wanted him here, now. Sarah visualized him untying her, taking her in his arms, caressing her, kissing her, taking her away from this place. Somewhere safe from the night, safe from Sebastian and the threat of death. But, she thought, even if he rescued me now, then what? We wouldn’t be safe at all - Sebastian would still be at large, killing people, destroying families and towns. How could they possibly kill him?

***

Sebastian had had enough of sitting around, hoping for something to happen. He decided he’d try and track down Daniel, see what he was up to, wondering what plan he was concocting to rescue Sarah. He raised his eyebrows and smirked. He wouldn’t stand a chance. Sebastian would keep her. In fact he would turn her, he’d do it soon. But before that he would indulge in her blood a few more times. Her delicious warm blood. He felt hungry just thinking of it.

He swooped in and out of trees and into town. It was so dark he kept his form. Each swoop sent adrenaline flooding through his body, making him feel alive.

His vision was acute in this form, any sign of Daniel and he’d be sure to spot him first. Why had he bothered all this time with Daniel? He had really wanted him to change. Daniel was strong, and resourceful. They could have made quite a team. Now there was a women involved, he’d never win Daniel’s loyalty. That was over. It had never really begun, he hadn’t even had control over him when he was freshly turned. It was obviously time to give up on Daniel, to kill him, make sure he didn’t get in the way of any more schemes.

***

Daniel flew at high speed towards the grotty end of town. He dived down and used his wings to create resistance as he came to a halt, his claws against the freezing pavement. No-one was out so he quickly transformed back into himself, straightened his clothes and approached a bar.

He chose a different one from earlier, hoping to reduce his chance of discovery. This place was a little cleaner, and the smell wasn’t quite as assaulting as he opened the door and entered the crowded, noisy atmosphere. A rock band played on a small stage and people crowded around, jumping in a sweaty mosh pit. Other people hung back, drinking in the shadows, trying to talk but needing to shout to be heard.

Daniel bought a drink from the bar, downed it, and started looking for an appropriate victim. He spotted a pretty tall girl with dark skin, dancing at the edge of the crowd. She was modestly dressed, with a high necked jumper that would hide his bite marks. He moved in, making himself dance to the music to blend in. He wouldn’t prolong this though, he wasn’t Sebastian, he didn’t approve of actually seducing his victims. He danced next to her and touched her arm, leaning in to comment on the music. As she looked back to respond he quickly caught her eye and said ‘Leave with me.’ She smiled and nodded, following him into the cold.

As soon as they were outside he pulled her round the side of the building into the dark, and influenced her not to be scared. He pulled down her top, exposing her smooth enticing neck. He bit gently, not wanting to hurt her, and sweet warm blood flowed into him.

He’d never indulged so much, but being a vampire he could always take more. He would never feel entirely full, never completely satisfied. The need for blood was always with him. He drank as much as he felt was safe, then withdrew and pulled up her collar. ‘Forget me and return to the bar.’ And she complied. It was as simple as that.

Next he was lucky, a couple left together, laughing and embracing. He quickly influenced them and pulled them into the shadows, feeding like his nature demanded.

He was enjoying the rush, feeling alive with all this energy. He wouldn’t need many more victims, two or three maybe, before he’d be strong enough to use that spell. Then all he’d have to do was find Sebastian.

***

It didn’t take long