Sloane
means Raider
or Warrior
remember that
when you think of me
I'm not a small town girl. I am one hundred percent city born and bred. I don't have a bunch of cozy friends I've known since first grade, when I lived on the farm, who are now pregnant. I didn't inherent a bookstore in Paris from a dead relative I only saw twice when I was five, nor did I find a lost diary that informed me that my mother had an incredible affair with another man who was, in fact, my real father. No keys to a buried box, or safe. No skeletons in...okay, there were skeletons, but not the secret kind, the actual dead kind. In other words, you would never find me in a romance novel, or a mystery where the cat finds the one who pushed Mr. So and So, down the basement stairs where he broke his neck. If you're looking for something like that to read, look somewhere else. Because what I am, is a stone cold killer.
My name is Sloane. Vampires murdered my parents, in front of me, when I was a child. Then they set our house on fire and left me there to die. A few minutes later, a man ran toward me, threw a blanket over me, and got me out of the house. He never said a single word, he just buckled me into his car and took me to a penthouse overlooking the lake. This is my story.
"Thank you, Devin," said the man in the black suit, standing in front of me with a drink in his hand. "Hello, Sloane. My name is Miles. It's very nice to meet you, even under these difficult circumstances."
I just stood there, my hands balled into fists, smelling like smoke.
"You have my condolences," he said, softly. "I have been in your place. I also saw my parents die at the hands of vampires."
"How do you know my name?"
"Your mother and I were friends. I've known you since you were born."
"I don't believe you."
"Alas, it is still true."
"You're a vampire," she said.
"I am, but I assure you, I mean you no harm. I'm a different kind of vampire."
"I don't know what that means," she said.
"You have had a difficult day. You look tired and hungry. Would you like to rest, or have something to eat?"
"I want to go home."
"This is your home now."
"It's not."
"You'll get used to to it. I promise," he said kindly.
"What do you want?"
"I think that discussion must wait until tomorrow."
"Why?"
"You need to rest."
"Don't tell me what I need to do, or I'll kill you."
"Maybe one day you will, but that day is not today." He nodded and a tall, woman came into the room. "Will you please take Sloane to her room and see that she has everything she wants, or needs."
The woman stood in front of Sloane and said, "My name is Marie. I am here to care for you. I am a vampire and while a human could also care for you, humans lack the strength and speed to fight on your behalf, should the need arise. Do you understand?"
"I guess. But I can take care of myself."
"I'm sure you believe that, but by the time you grow up, it will be absolutely true. Now let us get you cleaned up and situated. Follow me, please."
Sloane turned toward Miles. "Will I be able to kill the men who murdered my parents?"
"You will," he said, nodding at her. "You will be able to kill anyone you like. Even me. You have my word."
She nodded at him and followed Marie.
AI generated art from: Pixabay
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