[sakari09]

I didn’t reply to what he said. It was harder to process than I thought it would be; let me remind you that, even though I’m a female Eros, I don’t get hit on in any way, shape or form. So all of this was new to me…I couldn’t say the same for Mr. Bite Me. He’s had the go around before.
Subway was packed as usual when he found a parking space. For such a small town, people sure knew how to pack a restaurant, if you know what I mean. I was surprised to see Gran there though, with another man. This was a younger one, by younger I mean 20’s maybe? She was probably wearing a different “outfit” today.
“I’m buying so order what you want.” Will stated pulling out a twenty from his wallet.
I jumped when I saw the woman who asked for my order. It was the same lady from the transportation cabinet a few days ago.
She read my face well because then she asked, “Are you feeling alright dear? You’re looking like you’ve seen a ghost.”
I shook my head trying to clear it, “No, no I’m fine really…who am I kidding? Are you stalking me?”
Will looked up at the both of us and went back to playing with his phone. I gave him a hateful glare.
“Why no dear. I don’t call it stalking, just a little check up now and then.” She smiled and put a pair of plastic gloves on.
I was still skeptical; “I haven’t been doing anything wrong…did they promote you to nurse or something now?”
“Heaven’s no! They just want a closer eye on you now that the Vicari Order is up and running. They’re worried that you’re more involved than you should be and need special attention.” She explained thoroughly cutting a loaf of white, “You need a bigger band aid dear. It’s so obvious that you’ve been munched on a little bit.”
I gasped and instinctively went to cover my neck and stopped, “How am I supposed to trust you anyway? I don’t even know what your name is!”
One of her white eyebrows rose, “Oh? All you had to do is ask dear. I’ll tell you, just not here and not at the present time. There’s too many “norms” around here. How about I meet you outside by Will’s car in an hour?”
“That’ll be fine. Thank you.” Will answered for me.
She smiled, satisfied and asked, “Well now, what will you have on this loaf dear?”
Unable to draw out the previous conversation I pointed at the turkey, “That and lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and lots of mayo.”
We finished and paid without much more chitchat after that. Will didn’t say much as he got up to get my tea. I was beginning to worry. Normally Will was all chatter in public places but today he had been glued to that damn phone the entire time. I guess he obsessed over that thing more than his heart; after all, it wasn’t beating anymore.
I thought back to what happened at the mansion and shuddered. Why had he done that? Will was always my friend and he knew that; nothing more. I sat pondering some more, biting into my sandwich on occasion until Will’s hand waved in front of my face.
“Aren’t you ready yet? It’s almost time to get some info from the old woman.” He grumbled looking down at my half-eaten sandwich.
I smacked his hand away, “Then I’ll take it with me. I don’t like eating in public places anyway.”
He acted like he was going to make a snide remark back but held his tongue. I would win, I always win.
I got up and took my food with me out the door and say Gram standing by his car as promised. I picked up my pace, not looking for Will. I knew he was behind me like the stalker that he was born to be.
Her face lit up when she spotted me. She even went as far as to wave like we were old friend-which we weren’t…ever. I took it lightly and made my way over to the car.
“So, are you going to tell me now?” I asked trying to find a way into the car. Will put the key in on the driver’s side door and I heard the click of the locks.
Her smile seemed to grow bigger, “Why of course! Why would I lie?”
I sighed, “Most people do these days. Join the club.” I looked back at Will for support and found that he was already in the car.
“I’m Lairise, lead detective for special cases in Lavaria and here on Earth. I’ve been sent to study the movements of the Vicari Order and keep watch over their main target, which is you dear.” She explained, still smiling. I didn’t see how she kept pulling off that whole goody-goody-nice act. I shivered.
“Main target? How could that be? It was a one time encounter from Vincent.” I said to her confused.
She sighed, “One time is enough for anything to happen dear; enough for a rapist or a murderer, even for love at first sight. You should know that.” She eyed me curiously, “Now I’ll have to take you into my custody so we can question you further-- ”
Before she could finish, Will was at my side with one arm around my waist, pulling me away from Lairise, “You will not take her anywhere unless I go too.”
She nodded, “I would like to say that but it’s the Court’s order Will. I can’t disobey.”
He growled, “No. My word is still partial law, and I say that she is under my guardianship.”
I held up my hands in front of me defensively, “Hey! Can’t I just go with her for a while Will? I don’t see why it would hurt.”
“I could possibly lose control if she was taken away from me Lairise. You know that don’t you? I’m attached to her now and if that bond were to be severed by distance, say between two worlds…can’t you imagine who catastrophic that would be for all humanity?” He was grinning by this time; an evil grin that I had never seen before.
Lairise started scowling, “Are you trying to scare me with memories of the past? You killed that girl Will. It wasn’t our fault.”
I looked back at Will. He was scowling now with the hint of pain in his eyes. I was getting really into the story of his past “girl friend”.
“I believe that was under the belt Lairise…” he whispered under his breath.
She grinned, “I’m sorry. If you’re really going to be like this then I’ll have to talk it over with the court again. You’re right in saying that you still hold partial law but the girl will come under our protection one way or another.”
Will’s grip tightened around my waist and made me wince, “Will…don’t get mad…that hurts.”
He looked down at me with pleading eyes. It almost looked like he wanted me to get rid of her.
“I think we’re done here for now.” I ushered at Lairise, “We’ll be leaving. I think I’ve had enough public for one day.”
She stepped away from the car so I could reach my door. Will was on the other side in a second, starting the engine. I was ready to get the hell out of there.
“I’ll be seeing you soon dear.” Lairise smiled at me from the window and disappeared.
I looked over at Will hoping for some comforting words but he was shaking like he needed some words of his own.
“Will…I’m sorry. I keep causing more trouble than I’m worth.” I muttered. I couldn’t think of anything else to say.
He kept staring at the steering wheel as he replied, “Don’t apologize. I dragged you into this mess. Maybe if I wasn’t a vampire, things would be different.”
I leaned toward him, “Don’t say that! I like you the way you are now! If you don’t stop this whole dark and gloomy charade I’m going to kick your ass!”
His eyes went dark, “I’d like to see you try.”
I groaned and turned away, “Let’s just get the hell out of here.”
Will turned the car around and started going “home”. The idea of me possibly becoming a vampire was starting to look really tempting.
…