Origins: Silver Mountain

Chapter Sixteen

Lukas

My family members on my mother's side were mostly nomads; not exactly rogue, but they found it hard to stay put. As I studied the strawberry blonde's face, she started to look familiar. The lights were dimmed, so it was hard to see her well. I was certain if she removed some of her make-up, I would recognize her immediately.

I know an Amanda. I tried to go all the way back in my memories to a simpler time.

She pulled away and grinned.

"It's so good to see you!" She was shouting over the music.

"Yes, it is good to see you, Amanda." I played along, hoping she'd say something to jog my memory.

"How is your uncle? I actually saw your cousins a few weeks ago. They were going on vacation. I didn't really get to ask how everyone is doing."

"My uncle ..." I paused. I hadn't spoken to my mother's side of the family in ages.

"Oh! Remember that time we got busted letting those cows out? That old human guy was so mad!" She laughed and laughed.

Then it hit me. Amanda. She was my cousin's little friend and had a childish crush on me. They would follow me around all the time.

I smiled, thinking of my uncle's disapproval. We were grounded for a month after such a mischievous prank.

"You have to come to my section! My friends are all over here." She grabbed my hand and practically dragged me deeper into the crowd to a table behind a purple velvet rope.

The group of beautiful women and the token guy friend all welcomed me warmly. After knocking back several shots, I was finally loosening up. I kept my eye on my kin to await some kind of signal. Hunting was very new to me and I didn't even know if I was doing it right.

"I'm going out back to smoke. Come keep me company!" Amanda once again grabbed my hand to lead me to a door that took us into an alley.

She pulled out a pack of cigarettes and her light. I watched as she took a long drag and exhaled. The smell of cigarette smoke was sickening. I held my breath.

"I know you're wondering what I'm doing with the humans."

I wasn't.

"I'm in nursing school. I figure making decent money is a good idea." She shrugged.

"How is your family?"

I asked moreso to be polite. I barely remembered them.

She scoffed.

"Well, my dad is a big f*****g creep. Remember we found those magazines in his home office? Turns out he was cheating on my mom with some humans. Had two side children with two of them. My mom had a ceremony to sever their bond. She's still dramatic as ever. My siblings are ok ... at least, one of them is. My sister was killed by her mate in a murder-suicide. One of my brothers went missing without a trace. Crazy, right? I only keep in touch with my mom and extended family. My other brother ran off to live across seas. He doesn't talk to anybody." She took another drag.

I raised my brow. That was quite an update.

"Who are those vampires you're with?"

I cleared my throat.

"I noticed you walked in with them. Are they your friends?"

"Family."

"Oh?"

"I'm a hybrid. Werewolf/vampire."

Her jaw dropped.

"And you never told anyone?!"

"I didn't know then."

"Wow. That explains a lot."

She inhaled and turned quickly, facing Lolli.

"Hi, I'm Amanda." She seemed startled, but mostly curious.

Lolli scowled, moving closer.

"What's going on?" She spoke slowly and backed against the building opposite the club.

Her instincts must've been kicking in, as were mine.

Before I could stop her, Lolli rushed at Amanda, grabbing her shoulders and sinking her fangs into her neck. I stood completely mortified. The girl may have been annoying, but I wouldn't have chosen her as prey. I felt vomit coming up and turned away from the scene, holding my chest.

I heard Guillermo's voice, but I couldn't focus on what he was saying. I heard the light footsteps and then felt Katya's hand on my shoulder.

"Are you ok, Lukas?"

"Amanda ..." I hadn't realized I had been crying. Of all of the battles and wars I had participated in, this was the worst thing I had witnessed. It's not like I cared much about her. However, the comfort of familiarity soothed my cold heart.

I heard her coughing and gasping for air. I turned around to see Guillermo holding Lolli from behind. Blood covered her mouth and soaked the front of her dress.

"W-why?" It was a horror.

Lolli fought against Guillermo. Wilbert stood by watching Amanda writhe.

"Help her!" I shouted at them. I didn't know what to do in this situation.

Katya made a shushing sound.

"We don't want to draw attention to ourselves." She glanced around.

"Someone needs to help her." My voice was stern, but still frantic.

Amanda was beginning to pale.

"What do you suggest we do, brother?" Guillermo sighed.

"Turn her! You can still save her!"

"Lukas, calm down." Katya spoke in a calm manner.

Everyone was staring at me. My mouth was dry. I felt sick.

Without giving it a second thought, I knelt beside Amanda and targeted the area of her neck closest to her left ear. I bit as hard as I could for as long as I could. The metallic taste of her blood nearly made me gag.

I continued to hold my bite until she took a deep breath. Her neck, where I held one of my hands to secure her head, suddenly felt warmer.

She began breathing rapidly. Her pulse, which I could feel as I held her neck, quickened. I released her from my bite and waited to see what happened.

"We have to go." Wilbert snatched me up. I was gripping Amanda so hard, I stood her up with me. She fell forward onto my chest.

"Lukas, leave her." Guillermo was observing our surroundings.

"No. I'm not leaving her." I scooped her up. Guillermo still had Lolli restrained. Everyone ran toward the portal, hoping we could get out without incident. Back in our realm, Guillermo immediately knocked Lolli out. Katya covered her face.

Wilbert whistled.

"Let's get her to our compound. She's a newborn now. She's going to be hungry when she awakens." Guillermo picked Lolli up and threw her over his shoulder. We made the trip back home.

Katya was looking at me strangely all day the next day.

I brushed it off. Amanda was still sleeping. Katya helped clean her up and dressed her in some clean clothing.

I was nervous.

"Lukas?" I turned to see Katya approaching me cautiously.

"My dearest Katya." I mustered up a smile for her.

"How did you ..." Her voice trailed off. She looked past me at Amanda before returning her attention to me.

"You turned her."

I nodded.

"How? You're a hybrid. You don't have that ability. You're not supposed to." She was genuinely confused.

I pursed my lips and pondered what she had said.

"Maybe I'm just different."

She chuckled and nodded.

"Well, maybe that's it. If you'll excuse me." She let herself out. I didn't let her know that I was just as confused. While I took certain traits from each of my parents, it was known that hybrids of my kind couldn't shift or turn other creatures. I was taken aback when Guillermo referred to Amanda as a newborn. I glanced at her sleeping figure and slowly let myself out.

I was hoping she'd wake up while I was there so she could see a familiar face. But I'd check on her before dinner.