Blood & Juniper

I march forward not really paying attention to the direction I'm headed while lost in thought. I rehearse what I'm going to say to June in my head.

"Where are you going?" Sam asks from behind after a while of walking in silence.

I toss him a look over my shoulder, "Huh?"

He repeats, "Where are you going?"

"Uhh, we were headed this way, right?"

"So, you don't know where you're going."

I halt my tracks as he catches up standing beside me. His knowing green eyes stand out brightly against his loose strands of damp hair.

"I probably need to get back to the cabin, soon," even though I don't really want to, "What are your plans for the rest of the night?"

"Spiral Hood isn't that way, it's this way. Let me walk you back."

"It's alright, I don't want to disrupt what ever you have going on. I feel like I already screwed up your night."

He grins, vaguely amused, "Screwed up my night?"

It's nice to see a smile again after that heated moment with Lucky, "Well, yeah! I pass out then you feel obligated to watch over my a.s.s and strangers apparently can't resist me for some annoying reason. Although, I'll admit, the first stranger was kind of my fault but I didn't think she'd try to literally bite my head off..," I continue on too long, I'm starting to ramble.

I wrinkle my nose, "I am not! I never got into trouble…" I trail off that's not completely true. 'Lost my job, lost my apartment, lost my life, losing my humanity…'

"Well, I didn't …until I moved here!" I throw my hands up, "It's *this* place. This place is cursed!" I look up at the sky and scowl, my voice raising past the appropriate volume for this time of night, "You hear me? Cursed!"

"You sure told it," I glance back to see Sam giving me a mocking tilt of his mouth.

I scoff and roll my eyes, "I can't believe I came here, I should have cut my losses a long time ago."

"Why didn't you?"

I look over him with surprise, it was a question I didn't expect and didn't exactly know the answer to.

"I'm not sure, actually," I'm an impatient person, once I lost that job I should have given this place the middle finger and left. Why didn't I?

I start thinking aloud, "I guess I didn't want this place to beat me? Maybe, I couldn't leave. Like I was attracted to this place… or drawn to something, someone."

I take my eyes off the road and see that Sam is staring at me with an odd intensity. 'Maybe drawn to...'

"Come on, I'll walk you back," he gestures for me to follow the correct way with a lively toss of his head.

Damn, I obviously still don't know my way around.

I trail close behind Sam staring at his back, admiring him. I loved how silky his hair felt when I ran my fingers through it. Just touching him sent something wild throughout my veins. My eyes wander over his broad shoulders. The leather jacket accentuated his fit, lean body. My gaze continues downward to linger on his loose but well fitting jeans. He admittedly has a really nice...

I flip my head to the side feeling warmer in my cheeks, 'Come on, shameless!' Apparently, blood isn't the only thing I'm hungry for.

I can hear distant heartbeats but I'm captivated with something else at the moment. I glance back at Sam, staring at his neck. Why do I want to bite him?

I start to salivate, I *really* want to. No pulse but this energy that surrounds him is enticing and animated. I can smell him, that wonderful, refreshing scent. I'm so very hungry.

My legs lock in place when I imagine myself jumping on him and sinking my fangs into his flesh. What the hell is wrong with me *now*! The sky rumbles, echoing the crumbling feeling in my gut. *What* is wrong with me?

Sam halts glancing over his shoulder, wondering about the hold up, "Any particular reason you're standing in the middle of the road?"

'No reason, just got the urge to make you my next meal, that's all.'

'Smooth…' Why am I such a terrible liar? Transparent as glass or I just look like an insane person.

"Well, I wouldn't get too comfortable. Getting hit by a car is not fun or 'cozy'."

Has he been hit by a car before? The way he phrased it seemed like it was a first hand experience.

"Yeaahh, that doesn't sound fun," I catch up, walking ahead of him instead of behind, hopefully that will ward off the demented thoughts.

He gives me a very curious look. His eyes follow until I pass.

I've always found it funny that parts of this city seems to bleed into each other. We've arrived at the cl.u.s.ter point. Houses, complexes, shops and untamed wilderness existed more or less harmoniously together. Sam seems to be taking shortcuts as I don't recall passing the area on the way here.

'Screw it.' I dash full speed ahead jumping a fence into someone's backyard. It's like running through a waterfall. The rain drenches my hair and clothes as I spring over the wood planks. I lower a hand to boost myself but don't need the support. I clear it easily without touching.

It feels like I'm flying for a brief moment and I close my eyes wondering if this is similar to what an astronaut experiences bouncing on the moon. My feet dance into the grass, graceful as any ballerina.

I look back to make sure Sam is still around. He's standing beside me as if he were there hours ago.

I shrug, "You don't like my shortcut?"

"I'll follow you as long as we don't cut through any houses."

I grin, bounding for the back of the fence, crossing the adjacent lawn then gunning for the next one to the street. I feel a bit daring as I leap over the last gate, using it like a vault to get extra air time. I tuck and roll onto a front flip, sticking the landing.

"Eight point five," Sam rates my trick with a smirk, standing next to me like before.

"Not bad for my first time, eh?"

"You'd definitely be accused of being on illegal substances."

"Hah… Funny."

We continue weaving through the peaceful neighborhood. The continuous drops filling the rain gutters of houses and curbs. The water flowed like the like veins if this city. The occasional thunder pounding like the heart of the sky.

We come across one midnight stranger, walking with an umbrella in one hand and a crinkled paper bag swinging in the other. The beat plays beautifully to the rhythm of the rain as he reminds me of my insatiable need. I'm not the only one who could use a drink, Sam's eye flicker as he passes, giving away his hunger.

I need to go investigate and knowing Sam's obvious dislike for her, I'd better go alone.

"Sam, you're hungry. Go find someone, I should be good from here."

"I'm fine," he scans me with narrowed eyes, "You need something more than I do."

I shake my head, "You can't fool me, I know you're just being polite. I can find my way back to the cabin from here."

"*Really?*" I find his uninhibited doubt is a little offensive, "You know where we are? You won't get lost?"

"Excuse me," I pucker my mouth throwing my hands on my h.i.p.s, "I'm not nearly as incompetent as you're making me out to be!"

He chuckles, "You're far from incompetent, but," I give him a warning glare at the 'but' and he just grins mischievously, "I've noticed your a little directionally challenged."

"That's it! You better do the smart thing and get out of my sight before you really insult me."

He flicks the loose bangs from his face with a jerk, narrowing his gaze, "You're actually trying to get rid of me, aren't you?"

His grin fades as he tilts his head glancing over me, "Give me your new phone."

My eyebrows raise, "but I'm not planning on keeping it, I'm giving it back."

"For now it's yours, so can I see it?"

I give him a questioning look then swing the bag to the front and unzip it. I dig through the stacks of bills. Apparently, the phone got buried while I was hopping fences, whoops.

I locate the phone and rotate it to give a quick look before passing it to Sam. The screen lights up, already turned on. Fancy, some new model. There's no way I'm keeping this, it looks way too expensive.

Sam studies it, appearing to be impressed. He unlocks the screen and starts tapping away at it.

I question him, "What are you doing?"

He stares at the screen for a moment and I hear buzzing. I locate the direction of the sound immediately, it's coming from the pocket of his jeans.

"If something happens or you need me, call me," he hangs up the phone, handing it back to me.

I tease with exaggerated firtiness, "Oh, did you just give me your number? You sly dog."

"I guess I did," he eyes me thoughtfully. I drop the cell back in the bag as he adds, "Honestly, forgot I had mine on me until just now."

I continue to tease him, "Now do you feel better about me going off by my lonesome?"

"Better. I mean it, though. Call me if you run into trouble."

I smirk at him, "I will, I promise."

He nods but I can see his reluctance, "I'll see you tomorrow, then."

"Tomorrow," I wave, waiting for him to leave first.

He waves back and turns with slow steps, still debating leaving me on my own, I'm sure. He eventually pursues the trail of the umbrella nightwalker. I won't admit this out loud but I already miss his company. I have half a mind to call out to him and have him join me instead. Consequences be damned, I just want him close.

No, this is for the best, there's been enough crazy for one night.

I watch Sam get smaller as he wanders further away. I try to feel my master's connection. I hope it's her. Though, who else would it be?

I fan out letting my intuition guide me for a hint of that aura to hit again. I'm starting to worry I really will be lost if I end up not being able to find her.

A blinding flash of lightning divides the blackened sky and vanishes just as quickly as it came. I watch in awe at the vibrancy of the crack of white spitting off in to many erratic directions, when that alien mist of emotions seeps in again.

I stalk the presumed path until it's unmistakable, inching toward a short, oblong complex. I spot her leaning against a cement wall. I almost didn't recognize her because of her clothes. It was difficult to imagine June in modern apparel. Even seeing her sport a hoodie and jeans in person, it's just weird.

The lamp-light is overhead is burned out, cloaking her in darkness. I hesitate before going to her, she's not alone.

She is standing alone but I hear one heartbeat close by, strong and steady. I spy a burly looking man sitting in the bed of a truck, watching the thunderstorm. My stomach sinks, I may witness Juniper take another life.

They are a good distance away from each other, across the street and then some. Juniper doesn't move and she appears to have no intention of hunting him down. Her emotions are the lightest and kindest I've ever felt.

I study her face, she usually had a threatening and wild demeanor. Unpredictable like an indegionous predator. Not now, she's never seemed so… Human.

I stalk her way soundlessly. I feel like a ninja assassin creeping to her like this, but I'm sure she knows I'm nearby.

She stares up at the sky, as the rain subsides into a light sprinkle. Her burgundy hood is pulled wellover the crown of her head, her alabaster face gleaming white against it. She closes her eyes as a sad smile marks the corners of her rosy lips.

I examine the braid of emotions cascading around her. It's like the first time I touched a harp. Running my fingers along her mood like the many wires on the intricate instrument, noticing how every string is different than its neighbor. Each made a unique tune and each wire had many sounds depending on how it was touched.

Her feelings were tangled and standoffish, as if she were trying to hide them or didn't understand them herself. This wasn't the Juniper I knew or was familiar with. Something akin to confusion or inner conflict is the feeling that stands most clear.

I timidly take the last steps just beside her, eyeing her curiously and a bit apprehensively, as if she'd turn into something feral at a moments notice and attack.

"Hello, Ashlen," I blink in surprise by her cool words and shift uncomfortably, "It's not so easy to hide from your own blood. You're still unsettled by it."

A faint smile appears on her face, her long dark lashes rest on her cheeks as a cold wind makes the ends quiver.

"What are you doing here of all places?"

She hums sweetly and opens one bright blue eye to peer at me from the side.

"People watching," she enunciates the words in such a mysterious way, it's almost dreamy.

"Do you people watch often?"

"Only if they're interesting."

I glance over to the far parking lot at the man inside the open truck bed then back to Juniper. Her eyes are soft as they linger on this man.

"That man… He's… Special, isn't he?" As soon as the words came out of my mouth it wasn't a question. I was certain her unusual emotions were tied to him. I'd be able to pick him out of a dense crowd without obvious cues. I'd know he was significant in someway even if Juniper had her back turned to him. Without a doubt, he is important.

She chuckles, "Yes, he is indeed special."

As interested as I am in finding out more about this person who has such a curious effect on June, I needed to get some things out of the way.

"June, I came to give this back to you. I can't accept this."

Her head rotate, eyes wandering over the bag until they flash with recognition, "Ah, Lucky never fails to impress. He got that to you quicker than I expected. I'm quite glad he was successful in reasoning with me."

I'm not exactly sure what she means by that, but I insist again, "I can't take this with good conscience. Do you even know how much money is in this bag? I wouldn't feel right about it."

"It should sustain for a while. I know you have lingering human needs that you must tend to. And I'm aware that finding a way to fund those means can be difficult, especially now when you have so many fresh mortal ties that must be severed."

"I'm not going to bum off of you like some freeloader. I'm already staying at your house."

She stops me, and I'm startled to see her hands on mine, I look into her intense gaze, "Accept my offering, petite. I'm not oblivious to the fact that I'm an inattentive mentor. Let me care for you in the ways I am able, as impersonal as it is."

I swallow not sure I can refuse her offer when she's looking at me like that. She picks up on my vibes quickly as they come as tries reel in her naturally imposing character. She's like a mobster boss in a dainty girl body.

She reads me like a book, chipping away at my reluctance, "I'm not expecting anything in return.

Let me fulfill some responsibilities as your maker. For my sake, Ashlen."

I'm slowly being convinced that I should keep the money. I don't even think she'll take it back no matter how hard I try and refuse, "How'd you know I needed a new phone in the first place?"

"You have conversations with yourself aloud from time to time," her grin shines with endearment.

I would have blushed if I still had the ability, "Oh, you heard me talking to myself? That's embarrassing."

"I find the things you have to say quite entertaining." she adds, only increasing my embarrassment. How mortifying! How much had I said that she was listening in on.

I hastily direct the subject away from my bad habits, "Why did you send someone to give this to me? We live together, isn't that kind of silly?"

"I suppose it is a little silly, but I know I upset you. You've been uncomfortable in my presences for days."

"How did you know-," she c.o.c.ks her head with a look that says I should already know the reason she's so aware of my mental state, "Oh yeah, that."

She waits, perhaps wondering if I want to discuss that night, but I don't, "Alright, I guess I'll keep it, but if you ever want it back…"

She shakes her head, "I'm stable when it comes to finances. I've had many years to invest in passive income."

Oh, ok then. Miss money bags over here. Still, I hate the idea of taking something that's unearned. But it's true, I can't really go get a normal job, not now when I need to be laying low. I also don't know if I'm really in control of myself yet.

"Ok, ok, I'll hold on to it. Thank you," she gives me a relaxed, kind smile at my acceptance. It looks so unusual and foregin on her, "I have a few questions while I have you though, if you don't mind."

Her eyebrows raise as a slender finger lifts to c.a.r.e.s.s her bottom lip, "I'm listening."

I take a breath, praying I'll get a straight answer, "What bloodline are we from?"

Her chin tilts up to let loose a silvery laugh as her eyelashes fan out, "Oh, your friend told you about bloodlines, did he?"

"Yes..," I narrow my eyes confused with her reaction, "And I feel like it's kind of important I know what bloodline we're from."

She has a bizarre grin spread across her face as her finger taps against her high cheekbone, "Well, that's going to be quite difficult," she pauses looking down. Don't tell me she's going to dodge this question.

"Because?"

Her irises twinkle like stars shooting across the circ.u.mference of them, "Because, I don't have a bloodline… We don't have a bloodline."

My eyes flare as my eyebrows deepen, not sure if she's messing with me, "What do you mean we don't have a bloodline! You mean you don't know what bloodline you came from? What was your Maker's bloodline?"

She stares at me with a insiteful smile in prolonged silence before answering, "There was no Maker."

My face contorts into deeper confusion, "So they abandoned you or you never met them…"

"No," she enunciates calmly and slowly, "There never was a Maker."