A Sister's Love: Daughters of Starlet

Thursday, February 12, 2009 11:53 p.m. Mother took me to the dentist today. My wisdom teeth are coming in. It makes it so hard to feed. My mouth is so sore and with the ball coming up… I’m honestly dreading it. While there, I’ll get to meet thousands of possible “suitors”. I hate that word. They are called bachelors, Father. And I’ve met much better bachelors out at the clubs.          Like Marcus. Unfortunately, he’s human though and “it’s forbidden”. Why must the men be the only ones with the ability to change others to our kind?          I think it’s BS. Well, in other news, Valentine’s Day, and the accompanying ball, is in two days. My 21st birthday, which is also my time limit for finding a “suitor”, is drawing near as well.          April how I dread your showers and your flowers. -Princess Samantha Marine Ray ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Fri., Feb. 13, 2009 1:06a.m. Dear Journal, Finally, I have finished my chores! I am so relieved that Father let me out for a run through the woods. Jared went with me, of course. Stupid Father thinks that in April we will be mated, and Jared will become the new Alpha. I’ll finally be 21 in April, and I can’t wait. However… Valentine’s Day is in less than twenty-four hours and I dread it. Our feast will be huge and then we’ll have the Annual Midnight Bonfire Dance. I’ll probably run out and into the nearby vampire city. It was sort of amusing when they hissed at me. I do hate them so. They’re despicable. I am so glad that Father let’s us fight them. Most wolves try to buddy up with them now-a-days. Not the Vanaboughs. Today was a strange day. It snowed in our town of Amistat. I was, of course, to stay in the forest once I was away from work. Stupid work. There’s only one good thing about working at a diner for wolves.                Lance Maryner. He chatted with me today. My heart leapt out of my chest when he laughed at the jokes I told. Jared likes Lance. He thinks that Lance would be good stuff for me.                Now, if only Lance could see that, too. Oh, I wish I was more like his girlfriend, Avana. Til next time, I guess, -Lia Vanabough -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Friday, February 13, 2009 11:30p.m. Wayne is so crazy. He says that Marcus is perfect. He wants to change him for me. I told him no. I’m not going to take something as precious as life away from Marcus. As much as he’s given me in the past year, I am not taking that.          I’m thinking it may be my turn to give. He has said before that I could be very seductive if I really wanted to be. If only I could explain to him that it is just the vampirism. He, on the other hand, can seduce a vampire princess with absolutely no help what-so-ever. We keep getting really close to doing things neither of us have done before. It makes me a little nervous, truth be told. Until I look into his deep dark eyes. Then I melt and my heart pounds as though it’s been jolted by an electric shock. He sets me on fire. How is it possible that a human can make a vampire blush? Later tonight, or the wee hours of tomorrow, I’m going to meet Marcus at the club. He’s planning something big tomorrow. I’m going to leave the ball early to see him. See, I’m planning something, too. -Princess Samantha Marine Ray ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Fri., Feb. 13, 2009 11:45p.m. Dear Journal, Work was so tough today. Lance came in today all angry at Avana. She keeps telling everyone that he’s going to propose. After only six months? I don’t think so. In fact, from what he said he’d been planning to break up with her after Valentine’s was over. She pushed him too far with the rumor’s she had spread, so he was going to do it today instead. Jared came over just a little while ago to tell me how it went. Avana is apparently so heartbroken that she is now sleeping with Dirk, Lance’s best friend. As for Lance himself. Well. He just left my window about fifteen minutes ago. He was telling me how much he hates how Avana treated him. He also mentioned how much he is looking forward to the bonfire tomorrow night. He said , and I quote, “I hope we can dance together.” As I tried to remember how to breath, I managed to remind him that I can’t dance to fast songs. He grinned at me and said that he knew. I just wanted to faint right then and there. I was so shocked and excited. Those dark brown eyes. That short dark brown hair. Those tan muscles and that sweet seductive smile of his. That’s all enough to make me melt. And that’s just his looks! He’s also funny, sweet, smart, annoying, strong, kind, loving… And did I mention totally my ‘friend’? His skin on mine is fire on ice. He touched my shoulder once and I swear heat exploded there before it died back down. It’s still so hot… If we did date, we’d have to in secret though. Sneak around. My father hates him with a passion. I think it’s because of Lance’s ability to think outside the box. I cannot wait until tomorrow. Maybe Lance will ask me to dance. Nice and slow… Til later, I guess, Lia Vanabough ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday, February 14, 2009 5p.m. The sun is setting. The ball begins in two hours. I’ll stay there until about nine o’clock. Then I go meet Marcus. We are going to spend the night together. I’ll be home just before five tomorrow morning. Just before sunrise. I’m so nervous. I hope I can feed before the ball. No need to take any unnecessary risks. I can’t see Marcus on an empty stomach. Nerves have completely ruined my appetite, though… I’ll fill you in tomorrow on how it goes. Til then, adieu. -Princess Samantha Marine Ray  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sat., Feb. 14, 2009 7p.m. Dear Journal, Tonight is the night. Lance and I will dance. Maybe I’ll get to know what it is like to kiss him. Oh, that just makes me feel more nervous. Father will still want me to light the ceremonial bonfire as a start to a good spring. If it lights, then good things will happen for our pack. If not then death, hunger, and invasion. Mother would be so proud of me. I’m just sorry she isn’t here to see this. Maybe she’s still watching? I have to go. It’s time to light that fire, haha. Til tomorrow, I guess, Lia Vanabough -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 I yawned and stretched as the fire crackled. Father had stood tall as he made the spring announcements. My father was a handsome man. It had to be the black hair, blue eyes combination. Or maybe it was the shade of blue they were? His eyes swam like the ocean. The alpha build and dark tan helped too, I guess. “And now is the time you’ve been waiting for! Our Annual Midnight Bonfire Dance begins now!” He finally shouted. The crowd cheered and broke apart as music blared from hidden speakers among the trees surrounding the field. I looked over and saw Jared sitting by himself. Poor Jared. I went over to him. He stood up as I got there. His muscled flexed and strained just a bit under his shirt. His light brown hair was getting long again. It wouldn’t be too much longer before his mom talked him into cutting again. He prefers it longer, much to her chagrin. His bright brown eyes contrasted to the frown on his face. This is the guy who has been there for me through everything. My closest and longest friend. Since we’ve been five. He was there through all the guy troubles and the awkward puberty phases. He was there when my mother was taken from us… brutally murdered… I shook my head to clear it and smiled at him, “Hey cheer up. It’s the spring celebration. It’s going to be a good spring.” His frown deepened. “True, I guess. Not that there’s much to look forward to this year.” He dragged a hand through his hair roughly. “We soon start the cycle of adulthood.” His face darkened. “I just can’t shake this feeling. Something bad is on our horizon, Lia.” “Please, J. You don’t believe that. For you and me, life is gonna be sweet.” I grinned and shimmied a little, a poor imitation of dancing. “Thought you couldn’t dance.” A familiar, sexy voice spoke behind me. I gasped a bit, surprised, and turned to smile at him. Christopher Lance Maryner. Most commonly known as Lance. His dark brown eyes glittered mischievously at me underneath his darker brown fauxhawk. “That does not count as dancing.” I told him, shrugging. “Ugh, take her away, Lance. She’s trying to up my mood.” Jared rolled his eyes, smiling just the barest hint of a smile. He pulled out his phone, stuck some earbuds in his ears, and walked away. Lance grabbed my hand and led me to the edge of the trees. The speaker in the tree here must have been a bass speaker. The song was slow, but the bass thumped like a heartbeat. He put my hand on his shoulder. My other hand reached up and joined it, going behind his neck, where I laced my fingers together behind his head. Lance dropped his hands to my waist, and we swayed together. Soon I felt his thumb brushing over the top edges of my jeans. I raised an eyebrow at him. He suddenly smirked at me. His thumbs had found their target. My belt loops. I chuckled. “Lazy.” I accused him. “Me? Nah. Never.” He grinned, blinking, and using a falsely innocent tone. He pulled me closer, eyes never leaving mine. My heart raced, thudding in my ears harder than the bass above us. We leaned into one another, drawing closer. His breath, minty fresh, fanned my face. “VAMPIRE!!!” Someone yelled, raising the alarm. We pulled apart quickly, a frustrated growl tearing through my throat. Leeches? Now? Trespassing and running the perfect moment? I was ready to eat them alive. One of Lance’s hands was still at my waist, as though he were restraining me though a simple touch that I was hyper aware of. “Cornelia?” shouted my father, Alpha Allastair. My head snapped to face him. “Yes, Father.” I answered. My body was trembling slightly, my eyes burning and glowing with the urge to release my wolf and hunt down our party crasher. “Go. This will be you treat for your performance tonight, lighting the bonfire.” He grinned ferally, motioning me forward. “With pleasure.” I growled. I felt Lance’s hand drop as I walked toward the trees where the alarm was sounded. “Hurry back to me.” His whispered just low enough for me to hear. I ran. As I ran, I let the fire crackle through my spine and down my limbs. My bones cracked as I shifted into my wolf. My senses heightened, picking up the sounds and smells of the woods around me as I ran by them. Owl, mouse, cat, trees, grasses, and deer. I came upon another clearing. With my heightened vision, the dark night did not bother me. I slowed down as I broke through the tree line, tensing as I caught her scent. Vampire. Female. My age. Emotionally unstable. Unaware of my presence. Perfect. I was strong enough that I could take her one as a human. I shifted back and crept closer. When she was about ten feet away, I spoke up. “Wrong side of town, leech.” I snarled, cracking my knuckles. Her head shot up spinning towards me. I had to do a double take. Something about this monster was familiar. Her skin was pale, like porcelain. She looked just as fragile. She stood up fluidly. Her long brown hair whipped behind her. She was short and lean, though the red ball gown she wore hinted at hidden curves. Her brown eyes were red-rimmed and puffy as though she had been crying. A lot. “Your date stand you up?” I couldn’t help but be snarky. If only she’d waited five more minutes to show up. Then killing her would be adding the cherry on top of a perfect night. “Oh bite me, fuckin furball!” she snapped, lunging for me. I leapt out of the way. She landed and rolled before facing me again. She came at me again, this time throwing a punch-kick combo. I hit the ground and swept her feet out from under her with one foot. She summersaulted back onto her feet and growled, launching into another punch. This one caught me in the jaw. As my lip split, we hit the ground. She had me stuck under her. She swiped at me with her claws. Two could play that game, I thought as I let my wolf claws come forward a bit. I managed to get a part of her dress and a necklace she’s been wearing. She screeched, leaping off me, and clutching her neck. “How dare you! Give that back, mutt!” Rather than attack me again, she just stood there, glaring. I snorted a bit getting ready to throw it as far as I could. Then the stone glinted in the moonlight. My other hand went up to my throat in shock before I sighed relieved as my fingers brushed the stone of my own pendant. What in the hell, I wondered. It was an exact copy of mine. “Give me back my locket!” She demanded, “I’ll rip your throat out if you don’t!” “As though you were already trying to do that.” I replied automatically sarcastic as I stared at it. “What did you do, steal it?” Her posture froze and her nose flared angrily, “Why would I steal my own locket? I’ve had it since I was a baby. It was a gift from my mother if you must know.” “Locket, huh. Riiiight.” What was with how this chick talked? I looked over the amulet. Sure enough, there was a button along the stone’s setting. It opened right up with a quiet snap. She fidgeted but continued keeping her distance. “Please… don’t break it…” Her voice sounded further away. All my attention was on the tiny photo revealed. It was a picture of my father, several years younger, holding a baby. Not just any baby, either. He was holding me. “What in the hell…” I muttered. I took off my own necklace. It also had a button that I’d never found before. It snapped open. This picture was a woman with reddish brown hair holding a baby girl in a red blanket. Her hair was the same color as mine. She was wearing a red gown and had a tiara. “What in the actual hell.” She tilted her head, still looking worried. “You gotta see this, bloodsucker.” I walked toward her slowly. She tensed but reached out to take the necklaces from me when I offered them. “Who’s in the photo in your locket?” I asked her, thoughts and possibilities swirling in my mind. “My father. Mother told me that he left us before I was born. She’s the woman in your locket. I always assumed it was me in the picture in mine. I don’t think so anymore.” She dropped to the ground, maintaining an air of grace even though her dress was torn to rags and bloody. “Yeah, pretty sure that one is me.” I nodded. “And that man is alive and well. He’s the alpha of our pack.” “Well. Isn’t that something. Mother is our queen. And I’m fairly certain that I’m the babe she was holding.” She closed the lockets and handed me back mine. The one with her and her mother. “What do you make of this?” she looked up at me. I sat beside her. “I have no idea.” “I’ve heard of mixed couples. Maybe it didn’t work out?” she suggested. “Oh yeah, because they were totally going to let the vampire king be an alpha wolf. It just didn’t work out, so they split us up when they split up their stuff.” My sarcasm knew no bounds. To my surprise, she laughed. “Oh, you sound just like her.” I snorted, shaking my head, “I’m Lia.” She nodded, “Sam.” “And how has your Valentine’s Day been?” I kept pretending this was normal. “Terrible, actually.” She smiled weakly, “Yours?” “Just… great.” “Ugh,” she sprung back up, “This is freaky as hell.” I snickered, “You got that right, sister.” She paced around some. I just watched her. She spun to face me. “When is your birthday? How old are you?” I laid down in the grass and looked at the stars. “I turn 21 on April the 18th.” She gasped dramatically. “You’re my twin aren’t you.” I deadpanned, looking over to see her shocked face. She nodded slowly. I sighed. I’d had way too much drama for the day. First with having to leave Lance… “Ah, crap.” I suddenly said. I sat up, “My pack thinks I’m going to kill you. I need a strip of your dress.” She blinked for a moment before reaching down and ripping a strip off the bottom of her gown. She gave me the strip and then we traded addresses at her request. She wanted to get to know each other better. He speech patterns were so proper that I had a hard time not poking fun at her. By the time I got back to the bonfire, it was put out. Lance was standing near it arguing with my dad. It was hard not to look at him differently. I have a sister. A twin sister. A vampire princess twin sister. As I got closer, I could hear their conversation. “She’ll be just fine!” Lance snapped. “She’s the strongest, fastest, and smartest one of us all.” “I am not doubting her skills, you insolent pup. It takes more than those qualities to defeat a vampire.” Father growled back. Suddenly he smirked, “Ah, now I see.” Lance faltered, “See what?” I stepped out of the trees then, “That I have returned, safe, unharmed, and victorious?” I asked, pulling the strip of material from my back pocket as I did. “The monster is dead then?” Father asked, taking the strip from me. I nodded, “Yes.” “Very well then. Excellent work. Be home soon.” He shot Lance a look, then he walked towards our house. Lance’s eyes were clouded in anger. When he finally turned to me, he didn’t meet my eyes. “I’m glad you’re back, Lia. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He grumbled, before he walked past me in the direction of the diner. “Yeah, okay.” I said confused. He disappeared around the corner a few minutes later. “What happened? Did a flea bite his gnads?” Jared asked, coming out of the trees behind me. I shrugged, “It’s been a weird day.” “Wanna talk about it?” he asked as he draped an arm across my shoulders, and we started walking. “Pretty sure I just met my long-lost vampire princess twin sister.” I told him. “I just said I killed her.” “That is weird. Makes a weird kinda sense too. You don’t look a lot like you parents.” “No, apparently I take after the leech queen.” I opened the locket and showed him. He hummed and looked at the picture, “What are you going to do?” I sighed, “Get to know her, I guess. She wants to, anyway.” “Looks like you’ve got some interesting times ahead of you, my friend.” He gave me a little squeeze, “And most likely more than just a bit of trouble.” We stopped in front of my house. “This is huge.” I agreed. “A twin sister. She’s not even the same species.” I shook my head. “You’ll figure this out. I’m here for you as well. Go get some rest. We’ll talk about this more tomorrow.” With that, we said goodnight and I went to bed. My father was nowhere to be seen.