“You’re not trying hard enough!” April shouted from her hiding place as Faith once again failed to flag down a passing driver.
Faith bit her lip, silently fuming. April was wrong, she wasn’t trying at all. She hadn’t even stuck her thumb out for that one, let alone her leg.
“I think it’s a lost cause tonight April. No one wants to stop. Besides the sun’ll be up soon so we should probably head back.”
“But I’m starving!” April whined.
“You’ll have to have one of those pouch thingies, just to tide you over.
April crawled out from her hiding place. “No.”
Faith sighed. “Just consider it. Mel’s been drinking them and she’s really getting a handle on her thirst. I need to get back to Joy, I can’t leave her with my mum forever, she’ll never forgive me.”
“She’ll be fine. You were.”
“Only because I had Mel to feed and clothe me.” Faith ignored a car that rolled past them, much to April’s exasperation.
“You aren’t even trying!” April stamped her feet. “I’m not drinking Lilith’s slop and you can’t make me!”
“Grow up, April!” Faith growled. “Don’t let your jealousy further cloud your judgement; it’s already shit. He is allowed to have a sister, you know.”
“I’m not jealous of Lilith! I just don’t want to drink that stuff!”
“Why not?”
“It’s not natural! We have fangs for a reason and it’s not to drink goop from a juice carton.”
“Fine, but I’m not going to be hunting for you,” Faith shrugged as she walked past her. “If you want to drink from strangers, you can do it by yourself. Try not to end up as roadkill.”
“What? I can’t do it by myself!”
“Well there ain’t no butlers out here, Blondie. About time you started making your own meals,” Faith called over her shoulder as she headed back into the forest.
April frowned at the back of Faith’s head and then climbed out of the bracken towards the roadside.
Faith had barely gone five steps when she heard the sound of a car pulling to a stop followed by April’s sweet voice.
It made her irrationally angry. Of course April would get the very first car to stop.
Faith paused and listened. It was always amusing to eavesdrop on April’s conversations. She was so awkward and vacant sometimes. It was surely only her appearance that kept most people talking to her at all.
Faith could hear April’s voice but she couldn’t make out the words. She could hear a male voice and finally April’s reply. It was followed by the squeal of wheels on tarmac as the car sped away.
Faith laughed to herself and headed back towards the road.
“Not as easy as it looks, is it, Blondie?”
“April?”
–
He couldn’t believe she’d beaten him again.
“Are you sure you haven’t played before?”
“Never. Maybe you’re just not as good as you think you are?”
Lilith laughed. “You figured him out quickly.”
“Ha bloody ha,” Caleb said, sarcastically.
Melinda’s phone rang a few times. Lilith bopped along. “I love that song! You don’t seem like the type to enjoy such heavy tunes. If you like that, I’ve got a whole load of music you might want to take a listen to.”
“Ooh! That sounds like fun.”
“Great!” Lilith grinned. “We’ll make a night of it.”
“I’ll bring Faith round too; she loves a tune that she can give herself concussion to.”
“Sure. Sounds like a plan,” Lilith said, her smile wavered only slightly.
Caleb asked, “Who called? Faith again?”
“Probably my mum. She keeps calling me to tell me about things I should go and see on my ‘road trip’. Faith never calls; she’s more of a text girl. Oh no, wait it was Faith.”
Melinda dialled back immediately. Faith answered before Melinda had heard the first ring. “Everything OK?”
“She’s gone! April’s gone!”
“April’s gone? Gone where?”
“I don’t know! I think she got into someone’s car, or they took her. I don’t know!”
“You actually went hunting?! Are you insane?! Where are you?!”
“Don’t shout at me! I’m still at the roadside, near a billboard with a fish on it.”
“A billboard with a fish? Where is that?” Melinda asked.
“About a mile from the bar,” Faith said. “Lots of cars pass by here, it seemed like a good place—“
“I’m on my way—“
“Oh no you’re not,” Lilith interrupted. “The sun’s almost up. Put her on speakerphone.”
Melinda obliged and the room filled with the frantic sound of Faith voice. “She was being such a pain in the ass. I thought it’d be funny to just let her have her tantrum… Fucking hell! What should I do?”
“You need to stay completely calm and head back to the house,” Lilith replied, in her smooth, glacial tone. “Get yourself inside. No point losing you too.”
“We need to find her!” Faith screeched.
“She could be miles away by now. Faith, go back to the house, she might find her way back there. Caleb and I will look for her.”
“How?” Faith asked.
“We can go out in the sun. Did you see this car? Can you describe it?”
“I didn’t see it. But I didn’t hear any doors opening or closing so maybe a convertible or something?”
“OK. Caleb, you head up to… um… the Corner, you can certainly cover more ground than me. I’ll go to Joe’s place and find out if anyone saw anything. Faith, go back to the Davies house, now. Melinda you should head back to Marjorie’s, too.”
Caleb nodded and disappeared in a blur. Melinda didn’t even know he could move that fast.
“I can’t just stay at Marjorie’s,” Melinda sobbed. “I have to help you!”
“You’ll help me by keeping safe. I promise, we’ll find her.”
–
Faith paced along the verge, running her hands over hair; panic swamped her. Lilith had told her to stay completely calm and head back to the house. Stay calm?! At what point of the conversation had she been calm at all?!
What have I done?!
Almost like he could tell when she was at her weakest, a familiar, swaying figure was making his way slowly along the road towards her.
Will raised his eyebrows at Faith. “You’re whoring now? My lucky night!”
“Fuck off, Will.”
He clutched his chest in mock indignation. “Is that any way to talk to your customers? As I know you’re a half-decent ride, I’ll pay ten simoleons,” he said, reaching for his wallet. “I’m feeling generous. Feel I might be coming into some money.”
Faith groaned.
“I totalled my truck last night, so it’s your call, Fanny; in that bush or against that tree. I’ll give you an extra simoleon for the inconvenience.” He laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world. “Unless you want to go back to your hovel. What was the address, again?”
Faith looked up at Will’s smug face. The guy just didn’t quit. And he was familiar. Warm.
It would be so easy. So mindless…
I’d make eleven bucks.
No! What am I doing? Why am I even considering this?
Help me.
The voice came from behind her. It was a slow, smooth growl.
“I suggest you listen to the lady and fuck off, Will.”
Will seemed to freeze on the spot and Faith watched as he turned and staggered off down the road, without another word. She composed herself.
As relieved as she was, she was also rather pissed off that a random man had jumped in to defend her. Like she was some sort of damsel in distress. Which she definitely wasn’t. She’d certainly be giving him a piece of her mind.
Bloody hell.
All is forgiven.
Apart from being dressed like some sort of pirate, she thought he was achingly gorgeous. And he looked angry, like he was trying to decide whether to savage her, or not. She liked that in a man.
As she stared unashamedly at him, she felt like she was being crushed.
“Thanks,” she mumbled. “He’s always harassing me. He’s such a jackass.”
“He is.”
A cold shiver ran along her spine as he spoke. He hasn’t got a pulse. She watched the smile creep on to his face. “Who are you?” she asked, “I’ve not seen you around.”
“Seth.”
She waited for him to ask her name, or to elaborate, but he didn’t. “I’m—“
“Faith.”
“Yes. How do you—“
It was almost like someone was trying to turn the pages in her mind. Colours flickered at the corners of her consciousness, she sensed him moving closer. The pressure increasing in her head.
“Intriguing,” he murmured.
“What is?” she asked. “How do you know my name?”
Seth glanced towards the horizon where the early sun was rising. He made a motion with his hand and Faith felt herself turning around; her feet began moving her along the path away from him.
She could feel his eyes following her and then the pressure around her lifted. She glanced back at the empty space where he’d been.
“Intriguing,” she repeated, to herself.
< Previous Chapter | Index | Next Chapter >
Almost Eternal 
Faith shouldn’t blame herself for what happened with April – she can’t babysit her for the rest of her life, they do live forever, after all. Even if she did what April asked her for tonight, (which, April really made an effort to be extra unreasonable in today’s chapter), she can’t do that every night, she’d be April’s hostage. Even Broof got paid.
Will incited exactly the reaction in me you might expect. I so wanted her to kick him in the nether regions. Oh Faith, why would you contemplate that. You can’t even buy anything with 11 simoleons…
Intriguing indeed. Faith could use a man with her level of, um, intensity 😄 Hopefully I’m nowhere near the explosion though (yes, getting ahead of myself, I know)
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Faith will always blame herself. But April has been abducted now so Faith is free. Problem solved! Apart from still drowning in demons that make her consider selling herself for 11 bucks and being intriguing to a throat-ripping maniac, of course.
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Caleb, Melinda and Lilith just seem to vibe so well! I love how the two of them are bonding over music.
Aaaaand there goes the bonding. Darn it, April. Poor Faith. She’s taking full responsibility even though what happened is not her fault at all. Oh honey. You can’t keep her safe if she wants to be reckless and irresponsible. You’re not her babysitter. And even if you were, all she’s paying you with is guilt trips and manipulation.
And of course Will had to show up at that exact moment, too. When Faith is at her most vulnerable. If I could whack him with my scythes I would. The mental “help me” was just heartbreaking.
…I wonder if Mr. Bitey heard that “help me”, and decided to come to her rescue because of that? Also, being attracted to a guy because he looks like he’s contemplating whether he should harm you or not is -not- healthy, Faith. Nope. Nuup. Nuh-uh. Nooooooo. She’s spot-on in terms of looks, though. Guy is gorgeous. You see that, man-bun? That is how you pull off a sexy long-hair look. xD I wonder if this is the same guy that killed Rose and tore boxers guy open in the middle of the night. Or maybe this is a new, dashingly handsome rogue vampire that we haven’t seen before? Hmmm. He beats Caleb in terms of looks, too. Though Caleb honestly just needs a better haircut, methinks.
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As I said to Plumbob, Faith will always blame herself. Especially when April is acting in a way that reminds her of Joy.
Why does no one like Will? The guy is so charming!
Maybe he did hear it and wanted to help, or maybe he heard it and thought he’d found someone weak that he could easily maim, or maybe he didn’t hear it and he was also just hanging around the local pick-up point with his wallet ready. Also… Ch. 1 “Faith would probably suggest they watch a horror movie – she really had a thing for brooding psychopaths lately.” It’s like I planned this thing. Besides, we know nothing about him, other than he’s easy on the eye and likes ripping people open. Give him a chance. 😉
Caleb will be getting a haircut. Whether it’s better remains to be seen.
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This developed into very intense 🤨
From the cozy trinity of Lilith and Caleb’s house.
I love their interaction and Melinda showing how intelligent she really is … not because it surprises me.
April! your dung-pampered, irresponsible toddler. We all know the reason but it’s high time she started taking responsibility for herself … and not in the brain dead way of jumping into a random car 🙄
Now we have to see what she’s messing with … maybe it’s a bounty hunter! It will be exciting to see who has got who on the hook.🤔
Poor Faiht who takes full responsibility. Of course, she gets terrified. A certain hunter smells fear and shows up in the neighborhood.
Right in at the moment Will shows up and plays kispus with her. He is over-excited at the prospect of his bounty and then he can just take advantage of his catch before. Does he think.
Fuck of Will! It will not be today 😆
Mr. Hunter has shown his face. Faiht is dazzled and feels her mind being raped.
Can she keep up with his dangerous energy?
Is he a vampire or magician or maybe a dangerous cocktail of both 🤔
This section was very intense and calls for more …
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I know, who would jump into a random car? Only someone who has no concept that her actions have consequences. Yes, it’ll certainly be exciting. Ahem. 😅
I think Faith should get “Fuck off Will” put on a t-shirt. Actually, all the ladies in the town probably should. Especially his wife.
Indeed, Seth can sense fear. I guess it remains to be seen how dangerous he is.
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Gah Who is this stud????
I don’t blame Faith. Seth is hot. >.> My eyeballs are sizzling. But he also reminds me of killer vamp dude. And he’s freaking powerful. He’s got Lilith’s mind reading AND mind control. I mean, I did want Faith to find a heck of a guy. But this guy is seriously one HECK of a guy. Dx I’m still worried.
If he turns out to be killer vamp and tears Will a new plumhole I will give him super brownie points. Oh my goodness, I have so much to say about Will, but that’s the most civil line I have in my head.
Anyway, April needs to learn a lesson >.> So.. I’m hoping that whatever trouble she got herself into will be enough for a lesson but not enough for lasting consequences. But ugh that car could be anything. Could be killer vamp dude, or innocent townie, or somebody taking her to the police. Fancy convertibles remind me of Del Sol Valley richness too! Now everyone’s panicking and looking for her geez.
Yes Faith. Go back to Joy. Mel’s fine. April.. is not fine but she has Caleb. You go back and work in blood donation and open your own salon.
Btw If you ever feel like sharing the music that they’re listening to. Please tag me on your thread. I wanna know!
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So… you want Seth to tear Will a new plumhole and Plumbob wants him to gift Will’s spleen to Faith in a bouquet. And there I was, thinking my story was going to be too gruesome for everyone.
What else is there to say about Will? The guy is just a walking asshole, really.
Yes, April has Caleb and we all know that he’s a great, dependable fellow, she’s clearly going to be fine.
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Thanks for outing how deranged I am, Snuffy 😝 But yeah, I’m with Foamy on the whole “Faith deserves a heck of a man” ship, so I have high hopes for this potential murder romance.
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You’re welcome. ❤
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Woah! At least Plumbob’s sentence comes with style. hahaha! xD
Lel well. I didn’t say its a matchmade in heaven (But y’know its kinda poetic. Except yeah hopefully you got something nice lined up for them next so I don’t feel bad about this comment later xD )
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I love the interactions between Mel, Caleb and Lilith. The three of them are bonding so well, it’s like a little happy vampire family. 🙂 Unfortunately, the spotlight is back on April. I say, just let her get out of her own mess. I mean, she’s a vampire, so it’s not like she can die.
Poor Faith, she definitely shouldn’t take so much responsibility for April. April needs to learn to stop being a whiny brat.
And usually, I am pretty forgiving and can overlook things in characters, even evil characters, but Will, he has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Yep, he needs to be roadkill.
Ohhh, so this is the Seth everyone has been talking about. I approve, even though he’s probably the vamp that tore out boxer shorts throat. You might need to keep my simself away from him and any shrubbery.
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Ah… there are ways for vampires to be extinguished in AE land. She’s not completely safe.
Will does have some redeeming qualities. he erm… oh! He’s sooo tasty and a fantastic lay, according to Faith.
Has everyone been talking about Seth? He’ll like that. There will be no shrubbery at Seth’s party, lest there be a queue. 😂
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I am trying to hold off and make one big comment at the end but, excuse me, Seth just arrived and I have a lot to say.
First of all, is he the rogue vampire that killed Rose? Sure looks like it. Also, that works for me? I should examine that.
I was sure that April got picked up by asshole Will—oh sorry, I mean smooth talking Will—but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Who has her? Is her dad involved, because he is taking a mighty long time coming forward.
Oh and Caleb is not in love with April. The denial is strong with that one.
And he is three hundred but he still doesn’t understand jealousy? Get a grip my dude.
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Ah yes. Seth. Making women feel complicated things is his forte.
It’s only been a couple of days since April left Sandy bum-up on the expensive rug; I’m sure Travis’ll get around to confessing eventually.
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Oh hello, Big Bad. I mean Seth.
Also Will. 😏
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Aha, you meet Seth. Wait are you… are smirking at Will? Don’t tell me you’re flirting with Will, even his wife doesn’t want him.
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Definitely not flirty smirking at Will. But he amuses me. A character with simple needs can be refreshing sometimes. 😁
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April is certainly just a three year old toddler with better articulating skills 😏
I suppose Caleb did not have many people to play chess, naturally he’d think he’s great if he keeps winning against himself 😏 Anyway ofc I’m curious what’s Mel’s ringtone now.
I’d make eleven bucks.
Always practical, right? 😂😂 She could suck him dry after (ON THE NECK OK). She’d get a ride, a warm fresh meal, AND 11 bucks and still would keep her face 😏
Ah fangs aka creepy vamp #2 is back 😁
Did he gain some humanity points ?
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“naturally he’d think he’s great if he keeps winning against himself” he did say Lilith didn’t like to play. 😉
That certainly is a practical choice. Bit rude of creepy vamp #2 to interrupt, really.
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ok but what’s Mel’s ringtone 😀
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You find out later as it’s a wee bit spoilery now. But it’s on character page… somewhere. 😉
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how in the world can a ringtone be spoilery omg 😆
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🤐
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*snorts* April seriously needs to learn to take care of herself. “Oh, it´s dark and scary out there!” Girl, you´re a child of the night now. Grow up. And if you hadn´t wasted so much time arguing with Faith and actually went on your own, you wouldn´t be in trouble now… (I do worry about April, but not because of the dude in the car. I worry because the sun´s going up.) …plus, if you did that you may have had the luck of meeting someone interesting. Now, Faith gets to. Ha.
I love the look the Vatore´s shared the moment they heard “fish poster.” They know everything´s gone to heck right at that moment and I´m snickering over here.
And Faith feeds my theory again. Willy-boy might be a bit crude, but hey. A hungry girl doesn´t care if the meal is served up all fancy, ech? Speaking of fancy, though… we finally get to meet our mister Mysterious properly. Now, as someone who is a little interested in ancient Egyptian mythos, I appreciate the symbolism of that name. Seth… at times loathed as a demon, at times praised as god-patron of soldiers and giver of strength, his destructive power aimed at invaders and foes. *grin* What more is there to even say?
Except, of course, that I really don´t blame Faith for not staying mad at him. Not that I blame Faith for much, I´m sure you noticed. XD But that´s beside the point. What I´m trying to say is, not only is Seth very handsome, he´s got the presence to back it up and not be just a pretty face like a certain someone. (Looking at´cha Caleb.) PX
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I always breathe a sigh of relief when readers get to this chapter and there’s no more dodging ‘who’s in the woods?’ spoilers. 😂 Oh, the Vatores are very familiar with who hangs around that billboard.
Seth’s name is no accident. I choose all my names carefully (yes, even the really strange ones, hehe). He certainly has a presence. Ahem.
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Tee-hee. I know I haven´t made that easy, either. Especially because I cheated. :´D Also, yeah. It stands to reason the… incident with Rose wasn´t the only occasion the three of them met at less than ideal circumstances.
*nodnod* It fits way too well to be an accident and I love the implications.
He so does. And now I can explain my “greatcat” comments, too. 😀 I was thinking, if Seth was a shifter instead of a vampire, I´d bet it wouldn´t be a werewolf, though. More like a panther or something. Something solitary, for sure.
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