Peter Hemmings: The Road to Redemption Paved in Blood

By Julie Hahn

From transformation/death, to trapped, to free, Peter Hemmings has had a hard life, if you call being a vampire a life. Now he's dealing with friends and enemies under the same roof. Love and happiness, sorrow and failure, the ups and downs of life happen even in the eternal life. Can Peter redeem himself before fate decide's it's his time for good?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781665542074

Julie Hahn

My name is Julie Hahn. I was born and raised in Odessa, Texas on July 5, 1987 to Kelly Orren and Richard Hahn. I struggled through school until I graduated from high school. I started writing in seventh grade, and finished my first book by the time I was eighteen. I hope the readers enjoy my work. I thank my friends and family for all their love and support everyday. Without them, I would’ve given up.

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© 2021 Julie Hahn. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/19/2021

ISBN: 978-1-6655-4204-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-4207-4 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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A s a vampire, there are a few things I can do, but there are several things I can’t do anymore. Before I was converted, my name was

Peter Hemmings. I’m forever eighteen, trapped inside the house I was murdered/turned in. I can escape for two hours at night, but only from seven to nine. After nine, if I’m not back in the house, the consequences are severe, as in turning more spirit than vampire, until I can get my ass back in the house, even then I have to have a room-mate invite me inside my own fucking house. That’s where my goth friend, Jessica Richards, comes in. When I go out, she stay’s inside so I can get back inside my own house.

Life was great, until Jessica and my prep friend, Megan Swane, brought home a twelve-year-old genius. I looked her over and saw her lip was bleeding, her nose was bleeding, her leg was bleeding, left, and she had two black eyes.

Who beat the hell out of her? asked Stephen.

I don’t know. Lacey and I will be upstairs while you guys tend to her. I said, grabbing Lacey’s arm as she took a step towards her.

I drug her upstairs and she went in her room as I locked myself in mine. I opened my vent and heard everything that went on downstairs.

Anybody qualified to perform surgery? asked Megan.

You’ve got to be kidding me. I said, unlocking my door and running back downstairs.

I looked her over, and felt over her leg to see if it was broken. It didn’t feel broken, she was just scraped up pretty bad.

Stephen, I need some cool washcloths. I said.

He floated them into me and I put them on her nose, lip, and leg. I looked at the clock and said, Stephen, once the swelling goes down, heal her and send her on her way.

Shouldn’t we find out who did this and make them pay? asked Megan.

It’s not our job to get killed for a complete stranger. I said.

We can’t send her away yet; we have to figure out who did this! said Stephen.

We don’t have to figure out shit! said Jessica.

I looked at her and saw the girl move a finger. I put my head next to her heart and heard it pumping. I moved my mouth ever so slightly and almost got my fangs in her before Charles grabbed my hair and pulled me back. He had a wooden stake at my heart in two seconds.

Okay, I’m back in control. If you’ll let me go, I’ll go get myself some food. I said.

I’ve got my eye on you, Peter. Said Charles.

I walked over to the stairs and ran up to my room before I barricaded the door. I locked my window and sat down on my bed, trying to resist the delicious smell of fresh blood coming from the vent. I got off my bed, and shut the vent. I looked out my window and saw the sky was getting lighter. I pulled the shade down and closed my curtains. I sat down on my bed and lay there, staring at the ceiling. Someone knocked on my door, so I got up and opened the door, staying behind it was the sunlight shown in the hall window.

What do you want, Charles? I asked, looking at the cross necklace dangling from his neck.

I need to talk to you, Pete. Said Charles.

Close the curtain’s and tuck the necklace. I said.

He closed the curtains in the window and walked over to where I stood. As he walked towards me, I backed into my room and closed the door.

Pete, let me in. said Charles.

I told you to tuck the necklace, Charles. I said.

I peeked out the door and saw Charles put his hand in the door, forcing it open. All the curtains in the house, except the one next to my room in the hall, were closed. I watched Charles close it and I stepped outside, closing my door behind me.

All the curtains are closed in the house. I thought you should know the kid’s waking up. Said Charles.

Let’s go. I said.

We walked to the living room and I stood by the stairs while Charles walked over to the couch. There was a mirror on the wall behind me and the kid woke up. She looked at Stephen, then at Megan, then at Lacey, then at Charles, then at Jessica, then at the mirror behind me. She saw them reflected there, but not me, and screamed. I just smiled.

Who are you people? asked the kid.

I’m Charles Fox. Said Charles.

Stephen Jenkin. Said Stephen.

Megan Swane. Said Megan.

Lacey Phillips. Said Lacey.

Jessica Richards. Said Jessica.

I’m Peter Hemmings, I own the house. I said.

Why aren’t you reflected with the others? asked the kid.

That’s on a need to know basis, what’s your name, kid? asked Lacey, sparing me from answering.

I’m Erica Marshell. I’m a student up at the college. Said the kid.

Okay, Erica, who did this to you? asked Stephen.

These rich girls who run the school. Said Erica.

Do your parents know you’re here? I asked.

I was living in the dorms, but these girls seemed to take an unusual liking to kicking my ass. Said Erica.

I looked at the clock on the wall and noticed it was seven o’clock.

What do you say we go out to eat for supper, my treat. I said.

It’s a full moon tonight, I think it would be wonderful. Said Erica.

I have to go! said Lacey, running up to her room.

I heard several locks clicking and knew what that meant.

Where’s she going, what’s wrong with her, is she sick? asked Erica.

No, she’ll be fine, let’s go find a place to eat. Said Megan.

Well, there’s a lot of places to eat in town, but most require a reservation or have a two-hour wait, and we can’t afford to wait. Said Charles, looking at me.

Pizza Ria, in and out, five minutes. I said.

Hell no, I work there. Said Megan.

I looked at Stephen’s watch and noticed I had already wasted five minutes of my two-hour freedom. Everyone started arguing and I slowly inched towards the door. I noticed Erica staring at me and watched her eyes following me. I got to the door and she appeared right behind me.

Oh, geez, you scared me. I said.

Sorry, where are you going? asked Erica.

I have no idea, but you’re welcome to come along for the ride. I said, leaving the house and getting in my car.

She got in the passenger side and buckled her seatbelt. I drove to the coffee shop/diner I would’ve worked in if I could’ve, and we went inside.

Hey, Pete, usual? asked the waitress.

Yeah, and a number six for the kid. I said.

Okay, where are the other’s? asked the waitress.

They’ll figure it out in five minutes, then they’ll be here. I said, smiling.

Or sooner. Said Erica, pointing at the door.

I looked and watched Jessica, Stephen, Megan, and Charles walk in, holding hands.

Hey guys, usual? asked the waitress.

Yeah. Give the kid a number one with everything. Said Megan.

Which do you want kid, a number one or a number six? asked the waitress.

She looked at me and I said, A number one is a burger, a number six is a spaghetti, I’m getting a number three, which is six taco’s topped with everything but the kitchen sink, with the hottest hot sauce in the world.

I’ll take a number six. Said Erica.

Good choice. Said the waitress.

She left and I kept glancing at my watch, watching my precious freedom slip by a little too quickly for my liking. It was eight o’clock when our food came out. I scarfed my food and paid for all our food.

I got up and said, Make sure the kid gets back okay. I’ll see you guys back at the house.

I left and heard Erica ask, What’s wrong with him?

Nothing, he just has forty-five minutes to get back inside the house. Said Megan.

I got in my car and drove back to my house. I parked and ran up to the porch. I knocked on the door and knew, deep down, Lacey was in no position to let me in. I looked at my watch and found I was down to five minutes.

Lacey, let me in! I yelled.

I heard a crash and knew she was locked in her room. If I turned more ghost than vampire, I really didn’t know when I’d return, since we never really let it happen before.

Lacey! I yelled, down to two minutes.

Those minutes went by and I watched myself disappear. I looked down and didn’t see myself at all. I tried to touch the door knob, but my hand went straight threw it. I tried to walk through the door, but I couldn’t because of the protection on the house. I looked out at the drive way and saw Jessica, Stephen, Charles, Megan, and Erica pull in.

They won’t even see me standing here. They’ll probably think Lacey let me in and that I’m shut up in my room. I said to myself.

I watched them walk up and stood right in front of Erica. She walked right threw me and shivered. I looked at Stephen and saw that he noticed.

What’s wrong, Erica? asked Stephen.

That spot’s like walking through ice. Said Erica, pointing right where I was standing.

Stephen looked at me and passed his hand threw my stomach. I watched Megan and Jessica run through the house.

Lacey must’ve been in no position to let Peter in. said Jessica.

Which means he’s still outside the house. Said Stephen.

Yes, genius, now let me in! I said, knowing he couldn’t hear me.

Pete, come in. said Stephen.

I walked in and walked up to my room, slamming the door and locking it. I opened my vent and heard Erica ask, How long does he stay more ghost than human?

He’s not exactly human, but we’ve never let him get this way before, so we’re not sure. Said Charles.

I started to reappear and started coughing when my lungs appeared.

Are you okay? asked Megan.

I took a deep breath and stood up.

What in the hell took you so long getting back? I asked.

We lost track of time. Said Charles.

Obviously! I said.

Pete, we’re sorry. Said Stephen.

Just try not to let it happen again. I said, taking a deep breath.

I left my room and went down to the living room. I sat on the couch and turned on the TV. I noticed my sire was enjoying the spotlight as usual.

Is that the mayor? asked Erica.

Yeah. Do we have to watch this? I asked, eyeing the mayor with utmost loathing.

It was taking everything in me to keep from showing my fangs. Stephen looked at me and then he remembered what I told him when I let them move in my house.

Oh shit! Sorry ‘bout that, Pete. I forgot about that. Said Stephen, changing the channel.

I tried to calm down, but it was hard for me since the fucker damn near killed me. I ran up to my room and locked the door. The vent was still open, so I could hear what went on in the rest of the house.

What was that about? asked Erica.

You don’t need to know. Said Stephen.

How long are you going to keep secrets from me about this town? asked Erica.

As long as we have to. Said Charles.

Okay, what’s going on with Peter? asked Erica.

That’s on a need to know basis. Said Lacey.

Damn it! Somebody better start telling me what in the hell’s going on around here before I leave! said Erica.

I calmed down enough and left my room. I looked at my watch and noticed it was getting really late.

I think we should get some sleep. Erica, we’ll explain everything tomorrow. I said.

Promise? asked Erica.

I swear on the sanctity of this house. I said.

Is that a good thing? asked Erica.

Coming from Peter, that’s the highest thing he’ll promise or swear by. Said Megan.

Really? asked Erica.

Yeah. Said Jessica.

I looked at everyone and noticed they were all tired.

Goodnight, everyone. See you tomorrow, and if you keep the curtain’s closed, I’ll come down in the morning! I said, smiling.

Where will I sleep? asked Erica.

I showed her to the only spare room we had, which happened to be across the hall from my bedroom.

Night, Pete. Said Erica.

Yeah. I said, going in my room and turning off my lights.

I made sure my window slots were still boarded up and went to sleep, hoping all the curtains would be closed in the morning.

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I woke up at seven in the morning with Erica Marshell pounding on my door. My curtain was closed and my window was boarded up so the sunlight couldn’t come in.

Peter, are you awake? asked Erica.

Yeah, I’m awake. I said.

Can I come in? asked Erica.

I don’t see why not, just give me a minute. I said.

I threw on some random clothes and opened my door. She came in and saw that my windows were boarded up.

How come I only see you outside your room at night? asked Erica.

Why did you come talk to me? I asked.

I want to go to school, but you’re the only one that would blend in my class, and Charles told me I had to check with you before I could leave. Said Erica.

Tell Stephen I need to talk to him, now! I said.

Okay. Said Erica.

She left and I sat patiently on my bed. Stephen came in a few minutes later.

What do you need, Peter? asked Stephen.

Erica wants to go to school and I’m the only one who would blend in her class, so is there a way you can make it where I can leave the house during the day without getting killed? I asked.

Peter, it’s not possible. If you leave the house you’ll become more spirit than vampire, and there’s no spell that can keep you from feeling the sun during the day and I don’t think you want to be roasted alive. Said Stephen.

So how are we going to keep an eye on Erica when I can’t leave this hell hole! I said.

Peter, calm down! There may be a way, just let me look something up really quick! said Stephen, pulling out his spell book.

I glared at him and he flipped through his spell book.

This is perfect, just what we need. Do you still have that amulet you stole from the mayor when he turned you? asked Stephen.

I pulled it out of my shirt and said, Yeah, why?

Can I see it really quick? asked Stephen.

I didn’t really feel like taking it off, but I guessed Stephen had a plan, so I took it off over my head. I kept it in my hands as Stephen started working on a potion. I watched and didn’t really know how well this would work. Once Stephen finished the potion, he dipped the amulet into the potion and left it dangling by the chain for a few minutes.

That should do it. Said Stephen, pulling it out and handing it back to me.

I put it back on and tucked it inside my shirt. It felt really cold against my skin, and my skin is usually always cold, but I dealt with it.

Now let’s test it. Said Stephen, opening his blinds in his windows.

I shied away automatically, but I didn’t feel like I was burning.

Okay, it works against the sun, now let’s see if it’ll let you out of the house without turning into your spirit form. Said Stephen.

I’ve got a bad feeling about this. I said, following him over to the door.

You doubt me? asked Stephen, smiling.

You going to hurt me if I say yes? I asked.

Don’t worry! said Stephen, opening the front door and pushing me out.

He shut the door behind me and I didn’t feel the usual disappearing sensation as I turned more ghost than vampire or the sun beating down on me. I looked around and let my eyes adjust to all the sunlight. I took a deep breath and walked out into the sunlight. I didn’t feel like I was burning, so I opened my eyes and looked down at myself. I could actually see myself like I was. I took a deep breath and smiled. I walked over to the tree and touched it. It felt like my hand was burning, so I pulled it away and looked closer at the tree. It was soaking wet.

Okay, it doesn’t work against holy water, but it works against the sun. Good to know. I said, holding my hand.

I walked around to the back door and found it was locked. I rolled my eyes and opened a small knot in the wooden porch, pulling out a spare key.

Here’s hoping it unlocks the backdoor. I said, putting it in the lock.

It unlocked and I opened the door, but the protection around the house wouldn’t let me enter.

Stephen! I yelled.

Come on in, Pete. Said Stephen.

I entered and shut the door behind me. He just smiled.

Well? asked Stephen.

It works, someone’ll have to stay here to let me back in, but now I can actually leave the house. How’d you do it? I asked.

I’m really good. Said Stephen.

At that point, Erica popped her head back in and said, "Can