Taya got home to find her mother already asleep. The quaint little country house sat on top of a hill out in the country. Hilly pastures stretched out across the land in front and a pine forest towered behind. The wrap-around porch sported white paint and a wooden swing. Large windows were paired together on all sides of the home.
Taya sat on the swing and fought back the oncoming tears. She was worried about Jake and she worried about their relationship. She didn’t think she could take the sudden secrecy and separation Jake was showing.
Taya let out a ragged sigh and put her face in her hands. She brushed her hair back, keeping her eyes closed.
“Taya?” Jake’s soft voice spoke from in front of her. Taya jerked open her eyes and she met Jake’s gaze.
“Jake!” She jumped up and hugged him. “Where have you been?”
Jake wrapped his arms around her. “Sorry,” he said coolly, “didn’t mean to worry you.”
“What’s wrong? You’re acting weird.” She pulled away from him.
“Nothing’s wrong.”
“Where were you today? And why are you here so late?” Taya looked at him, demanding answers.
Jake smiled, “I went to my aunt’s house and I only just got back.”
Taya didn’t believe him. “So where’s your car? I didn’t here anyone drive up, or should I believe you walked?”
“You’re acting like you’re accusing me of something.” Taya couldn’t read his face or his voice. She couldn’t tell whether he was mad or not.
“I just want the truth.” Taya looked into his eyes.
“Fine. You won’t like it, but if you want the truth, then you can have it.” He still sounded calm. He was silent for a moment and he then opened his mouth and showed her his teeth. She gasped and stepped backwards. Her eyes bulged in fear as she gazed at two long fangs.
With a quick glance at the windows, she saw her reflection but not his.
“No.” She whispered.
“Taya,” Jake stepped toward her, “I won’t hurt you. I love you too much.”
She could hear concern in his voice. Taya couldn’t move as he embraced her, she was frozen. He stroked her hair, “You’re all I have left.” His voice was sad.
Taya found her voice, and managed to squeak out a few words. “Where are your parents?”
“Dead. They were killed by another vampire.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I need your help to get my revenge. You can become my vampiress and we can be together,” He looked into her eyes, "forever."
“What can I do? Why me?” Taya felt uncertain about running off and fighting vampires. She had read plenty of vampire books and knew of their strengths and weaknesses.
“Who else can I trust?” He seemed to mean what he said, but Taya felt like she no longer knew this person. How could she trust him, now? Jake looked at her expectantly, but she said nothing. “Please,” he held her hand in both of his, “just think about it. For me.”
Taya stared at him as he descended her steps and disappeared into the night.
