CHAPTER 4: VAMPIRE HUNTING

The O'Connor brothers were good at observing table manners, there weren't side whispers or clanging of the ceramics against the wooden dining table as they dined together. Lynette was sitting next to Aiden, she wasn't used to the dead silence, but she was elated because they were enjoying the meal. She could read the look on their faces and she was catching several glances from Darius who was sitting opposite Aiden. She strived not to smile because she knew that he was flirting with her. There was one thing she noticed about these five brothers, they were looking pale, but still, they were vibrant and full of energy. She didn't want to conclude quickly, perhaps, it was their nature.

“Thank you.” Colby said as he stood up looking at Lynette before he waddled toward the sink, he dropped the plate there and exited the dining room.

“He is such a cute little brother.” Lynette smiled while fiddling with her spoon. Aiden smiled as he looked at her. Darius frowned, but he didn't want her to notice, he couldn't be jealous, it had not been up to a day since he met her. It would be uncivilized of him to be jealous, but there was no doubt that he was attracted to her. As he promised, he didn't want to ravage his elder brother's happiness.

“You are a good cook.” Darius complimented.

“Thank you.” Lynette grinned, she had been waiting for the felicitation and she got it from Darius. She was not surprised because Aiden had told her that she was a better cook than Beckham some minutes before they started eating, he was the first person to taste her food and it seemed nice.

“I'm out of here.” Elijah said before ambling toward the sink, Darius and Beckham followed.

“I think they had a good time.” Aiden broke the silence that was about to take over.

“Of course, they would. You have a family that I wish I had,” Lynette forced a smile while looking at her plate before narrowing her gaze toward Aiden who reached for her platinum hair. He moved strands of her hair behind her ears and she smiled. “This town is infested with vampires and I just wish you'd be there for me because you are the only friend I have now.” She shrugged before looking at him, he smiled again.

“I would do everything within my power to protect you.” Aiden assured as he cupped her cheeks and she smiled as the sensations of his touch clouded his mind. She nodded before they pulled closer to each other. Lynette cleared her throat before pulling away.

“I don't think it's the right time.” She interrupted. As much as she wanted him, she didn't want to venture into a relationship without knowing him properly. They met a few days ago and it would be befitting of her to be tenacious.

“Ah, yes. We should take things slow. I think I should drive you home.” Aiden offered.

“Nope. It's almost ten o'clock and I should be going to work.” Lynette said, taking their plates to the sink.

“Where do you work?” Aiden quizzed.

“I work at the town's library. I will be back in the evening to take care of the dishes.”

“Don't worry Colby would do that,” Aiden added. “You work at Arcadia Library?”

“Yes. Are you shocked? I can be a nerd sometimes. My grandparents were part of the founding members of the hunter community in this town, but vampires killed all of them at a meeting. You know we have been lied to that these savage creatures who tear up humans are animal attacks.” Lynette summarized, she recalled that she had uncovered a secret, she never wanted to talk about her kindred. She was the last surviving bloodline of the Wesley family and she didn't want to be disorganized.

“I'm so sorry about that.” Aiden stood up and walked toward her.

“That's what everyone says. You know I would have died but this miraculous lady saved me,” Lynette went on and on. Aiden raised an eyebrow, he knew that it was the huntress. “I never got the chance to thank her.” Aiden sighed knowing that they hadn't met in person and he was safe with Lynette.

“You are safe with me, remember. I will drive you to the library and I will do some research before I leave.” Aiden assured as he pulled her into a warm embrace. “I didn't know you read.” Lynette chortled.

“Of course I do.” Aiden's lips twitched into a side smile before Lynette pulled away from him. Darius who had been eavesdropping speeds to the library in the mansion. No matter what happens between Lynette and Aiden, he was still fascinated by her and he wouldn't just give up, he wasn't a loser. Lynette rushed to grab her coat in the living room before she left with Aiden.

“Have you found anything?” Colby asked Elijah while walking toward them.

“Nothing here. Just some books about astrology, lunar, and solar cycles.” Beckham disclosed.

“That sounds witchy.” Colby evaluated.

“How do you know that?” Elijah asked while taking out another book from one of the shelves. The library was arranged in such a way that the shelves were leaning on the wall and were opposite the door. A desk was opposite the shelves with a lamp and some books atop it. A window was at their left-hand side while a chandelier was hanging above their heads. The library suited Colby's taste, he loved reading and he wanted to get used to it since his goal was to become a medical doctor. He wanted to reach his dreams no matter what life brought his way.

“We are supernatural. I read about other creatures, dummies.” He joked.

“Ha, ha, ha.” Elijah laughed.

“Please, can we concentrate? I hate doing this.” Beckham affirmed.

“Sure. I will take that,” Colby took the thick book with a black leather cover and a gold star drawn in front of it. “It doesn't have an author.” He recognized it when he grasped the book.

“Are we into vampire or witch hunting?” Beckham grumbled.

“I found something related to Arcadia Falls. Perhaps it's someone who lived here after we left this town.”

“The only people who lived here were our parents and relatives.” Elijah cut him off.

“Do you have memories of our parents?” Colby raised an eyebrow taking out a piece of brown paper with an unrecognized language written on it. Elijah shrugged. Ever since he became a vampire, he felt it would be reasonable to find out about his parents and his background as an O'Connor. He hoped that things would become easier, but he knew that the task ahead would be one of the toughest things he would face in centuries. “It is a different language. I think I can't translate it.”

“We could give it to Lynette. I overheard her conversation with Aiden,” Darius reported as he walked in. They looked at him. “What? She works at the town's library. I think she should know something about language studies.” He rolled his eyes after discerning them squinting at him.

“What if there is something related to vampirism in this note?” Beckham asked.

“We could compel her.” Darius retorted. I would make her forget about Aiden, he thought.

“Aiden wouldn't be happy with us if he finds out we are compelling his girlfriend,” Beckham said. There was silence for a few seconds. “I can see it in his eyes. It's his first time and we should allow him to make the most of it. We don't want to repeat what happened in 1876.” He reminded them, glaring at Darius.

“Ok. What are we going to do?” Elijah questioned.

“Amaya's brother,” Colby suggested. “She said her brother is a nerd so he might know something about language studies.”

“I think that would help but she is human. What about the huntress?” Beckham reasoned.

“Yes, but I can trust Amaya and she's the only choice we have. I think I should give her this.” Colby said out of excitement as he ambled toward the exit. Elijah smiled.

“I am coming with you.” Darius chortled, as he followed him. Elijah dropped a book on the desk before leaving.

“I will be here on my own.” Beckham sighed. As much as he wanted to leave the mansion. He chose not to, he preferred to live a private life because life has been cruel to him.

Aiden stationed the SUV at the parking lot, Lynette looked at her wristwatch before she stepped out of the car. It was 9:45 am. The Library opens at 10 am and she could see some students dawdling at the corner of the building. Aiden saw the town's flag that was attached to the top of the one-story building as it swept from left to right. The Library was beautiful, surrounded by hedges, and a plain field covered with grasses, the founding fathers of this town did a good job by renovating most of the old buildings and encouraging the afforestation of silver birch trees which had a high population in Arcadia Falls.

“Could you wait for a second?” Aiden called out seeing that she was in a haste. The cool breeze blew past her, moving threads of her hair. She halted, waiting for him to walk up to her. She groaned, glancing at the skies before looking at him, her lips curled into a smile and her cheeks became red.

“I have a gift for you.” Aiden smiled. She couldn't wait to see what he brought, every second of her life that she spent with him was something to write home about. She couldn't resist his charm. She shut her eyes and he took her right hand and put a gold ring on her finger.

“It is like a good luck charm. Since this town is filled with lurkers. I think it would protect you from them.” Aiden caressed her face. His phone beeped.

“It is beautiful.” She embraced him.

“I think you should get to work.” Aiden told her while looking at those that were waiting for her.

“I thought you were coming.”

“I don't want to be a distraction besides Colby just texted me. I think I should go.” Aiden muttered, pulling out his phone and looking at the text message.

“I will call you tonight.” Lynette bit her lips before she embraced him. She sauntered toward the entrance of the Library, he couldn't get his eyes off her. He was happy that things were going smoothly.

Darius and Colby ambled into the bar, Amaya saw Colby walking in while she was taking a customer's order, she smiled before getting her attention back to the female customer who was frowning.

“I'm sorry.” She apologized.

“You should be.” She fumed.

Colby overheard them, and he kept a close eye watch on the blonde female customer. Amaya rushed to the kitchen while Colby led Darius to the counter. Amaya didn't want anything that would make her employer shout at her for being so disrespectful or arrogant. She wasn't any of those, but she would be accused of being a slut or a proud bitch. Darius was enjoying the hip-hop music, he had found the best place to party though it was filled with humans, he could notice some fresh vampires at the corner of the grill munching their food, unsuspected. Amaya returned to the counter after serving the blonde lady.

“What should I get you guys? You didn't tell me that you were coming with a friend. Who is he?” Amaya leered.

“I think everyone is astonished to see me here. They are feeling my charms. I'm Darius, his elder brother.” Darius remarked, staring at the different faces.

“I will give that a pass,” Amaya said, giving Darius a bottle of beer and Colby a can of soda. “I thought they were four of you.”

“Looks like we have a prodigal son.” Darius ranted.

“We came here for your help. I want to meet your brother.” Colby requested.

“Right. Why do you need his help?” Amaya asked.

“You are his sister. Could you tell him to help us translate this note?” Darius tilted his head and eyes toward Colby motioning him to pull out the note from his pocket. He did.

“Here.” Colby passed it to her.

“I will see what I can do. We will meet here tomorrow and I will take you to him.” Amaya added.

“Sure. That would be wonderful.” Darius replied.

“I was talking to Colby,” Amaya rolled her eyes. “Is there anything else?” Amaya glared at Darius, she didn't like him, he was proud, arrogant, and annoying. His aura was dark, she could tell because she felt it. It was the exact opposite of what she saw in Colby.

“No.” He answered.

“If you could excuse us.” Amaya slanted her head to the next stool.

“Sure.” Darius said, jumping down from where he sat, he waddled toward the strange vampires at the corner of the grill. They welcomed him graciously.

Rays of the sun were pouring into her room from the half-opened window. Lane was sitting next to her daughter who had been sleeping since the previous night of the attack. It was almost midday and he had prepared her favorite meal waiting for her to wake up. Nina opened her eyes and turned to meet her father.

“Hello sweetie. How are you feeling?” Lane caressed her face before moving strands of her hair behind her ears. She felt a little pain in her neck, she groaned as she sat up.

“He got me, didn't he?” Nina quaked as she looked into her father's eyes.

“Can you remember him?” Lane queried as he looked into her eyes. A stifled smile as Nina's mind wandered into the vampire that almost took her life. He was really attractive and well-built. She wasn't compelled to forget him and she could remember vividly his facial identity.

“It's alright. I made you breakfast. Come on.” Lane helped her get her feet into her slippers when he understood that no answers were coming forward.

“I'm not a kid anymore. I'm eighteen.” Nina complained, pouting.

“I know Nina, but you are everything I have left. You need to eat and get some rest. I would be at A.F.P.D and I need you to stay indoors.”

“Of course. I would.” Nina assured as they strolled down the hallway before taking the stairs and arriving at the kitchen. As much as Lane was trying to get rid of vampires, he didn't want to lose his daughter just like he lost his son and wife. They had to find a way to get rid of these blood-sucking creatures before it was too late.