I Don't Believe In Vampires

Meeting

Ash

    I opened the door to the Kia Soul and sat down in the passenger’s seat. 

“What do we need to talk about?” I said with a worried tone. 

My mother remained quiet after I had asked her. She pulled out of the school parking lot and remained focused on the road. A strange feeling crept in making me uneasy but I didn’t show it. 

    “Okay...:” my voice trailing off as I looked out the window and watched the school start to grow smaller and smaller until it was out of sight. I’m trying to recall anything that might have gotten me the silent treatment. Could it be that she found out about the police station report? Maybe this had to do with Cali? Did she find out about my evening walks? 

I was so deep in my thoughts I didn’t realize the car had stopped. 

 “We’re here.” my mom said, finally breaking the silence. 

    I snapped back into the present and noticed we were stopped in front of a black iron electric gate. The gate reminded me of something from medieval times. The stone pillars that were holding the gate up were faded and had sheds of  moss on them. The gate was completely blacked out and the pillars ran as far as the eye could see blocking any view of the property. 

“Where are we?” I asked looking around. 

The driveway was in the middle of the woods on this winding road I didn’t know even existed until now. 

“It’s a private estate, Ash. We were invited to attend.” 

Since when do we attend anything? We usually avoid gathering or socials. 

The iron gates swung open revealing a long grey cobblestone driveway that bends off to the right into the woods. In the distance up ahead, I see a building but it’s hard to see through all the foliage. We drove down the pathway that now bent slightly to the left. The trees began to thin out and slowly disappear the closer we got to the clearing. 

 The cobblestone crept around into a big circular driveway. The parked cars lined the right side. The house which was more like a mansion towered above the trees. The vast two story mansion had a shape which reminded me of a medieval castle. The exterior was made of cream colored bricks and the windows on the first and second story were outlined with an eye-catching tan limestone. The red tile roof complemented the mahogany stained front door that the attendees were entering upon arrival. 

I trailed behind my mother as we climbed the white marble steps to the entrance of the house. That feeling I first felt in the car started to creep up on me again. 

Brian 

I wasn’t one for gatherings or meetings. I’ve gone in the past when it involved our clan but this is one I would rather not attend. Our clan house is hosting the meeting. It’s mostly used for important meetings or parties. Able mentioned briefly about the attendees. The invitations went out to some members of the remaining council, a few from the Blood Raven’s and the princess that doesn’t know she’s even a princess. Although, I have a feeling this meeting is going to be unpleasant either way. 

I followed Able into the meeting room. Arched windows lined the perimeter and the dark brown wood floors blended into the cream walls. The house is mostly windows but they are covered in a protective privacy film. The meeting room overlooks the front of the house where the guests were arriving. We could see them but they could not see us. 

The meeting room was basic. It had chairs, a big table, and an office desk where Able would handle business matters when he's not at home.

“I hope what you hear this evening will not change your mind about me.” Able said with his back to me gazing out the window. 

“Just know I did everything In my power…”

    Before I could respond, I heard a voice behind me. 

“The guests are all here.” A girl’s voice echoed in the room. 

I picked up an unfamiliar scent but didn’t bother to turn around. 

“Alright. Thank you. Send our guests in.” Able said dismissing the girl and walking over to his desk. 

People started filing into the room. I recognized Zen and Mark. They took a stand on each side of the door. Able told them to guard the entrance to avoid any eavesdropping. I left my spot near the window to join up where Able was standing. Everyone sat in sections according to their category. Council members, our clan, a few allies and The Blood Ravens. I scanned the room looking for Ash and Cali. They were both invited to attend. Invited as in it was required to attend or “strongly encouraged.”

Ash 

My eyes remained on the wooden floors as we were led down a corridor. My mother has not said a single word to me since the car ride. There’s a pit in my stomach and I can’t shake it. 

“Ash?” I heard a familiar voice say. 

I looked up to see Cali standing next to a set of double brown doors off to the side. I broke away from the group and over to her. 

“Ash” she said in a voice so low I just about heard her. 

“Cali” I whispered back, throwing my arms around her. 

“I know! I know! I should have texted you back! It’s just things...got a bit hectic to say the least.” 

“We’re best friends, Cali! You should be able to tell me anything.” I said letting go of our embrace. 

She nodded. 

“What is going on here exactly?” I asked looking around. 

“Not really sure about the details but I do know that my parents and I were invited to this meeting. Apparently you were too.”

“Either way, we’re in this together.” Cali smiled. 

I nodded. We interlocked our arms and both approached the door. There were two guards on each side. These were the guys from the park. The red hair and the blonde. I subconsciously tensed up. I hope they didn't notice. I kept my eyes on the ground as we walked past them and through the door. I felt all the attention go on us when we entered which means we were probably late. 

“Welcome Ash and Cali.” a short stocky man smiled. He had on khaki pants and a black shirt. He looked familiar. Then my eyes laid on the person next to him, Brian! It was Brian and his grandfather? Yes. I remember when we went to Brian's house. I glanced slightly over at Cali who still had her eyes on them. I felt her body tense up next to me. 

“Please, take your seat.” Brian’s grandfather said motioning for us to take our seats. We split up. Cali went over to her parent’s and I to my mother. I kept my eyes on Brian. He was standing up in the front wearing black khaki pants and a white shirt. I felt a strong pull towards him, but I could tell he was avoiding my gaze. 

Brian

Ash and Cali arrived late. I could hear their little hearts beating fast. This is going to be interesting to watch. Nothing is more exciting than a room full of vampires, vampire hunters and a human. Maybe this meeting will be interesting after all. I could feel Ash’s gaze on me. The hairs on my neck stood up, the pull towards her was strong. I have to fight this, I don’t want a repeat of what happened in the hallway the other day. Ignoring this link Able keeps talking about, I focus my attention on the group. Able went into the history of this town and how it was founded. I don’t remember this being a history class, Able. He went into the story about Astoria. I could tell everyone understood it but Ash. She looked so confused, It was comical and sad at the same time. 

He continued to talk about the Astorian War. Who fought in it, the guardians who died alongside the King and Queen. That there is a remaining heir that has been hidden and the guardian to them has been discovered. How they have been trying to reach the realm for years and only see pure darkness. He continued on about how they will find a way to reach it and when that time comes there will be a war to fight. 

Able thanked everyone for coming and dismissed everyone except me, Ash and her mother. Oh great, I can see where this is going.