Kin and The Killer

By Claudia Kwantini

"Vreemde-Kin is left with no choice when a series of vampire attacks are happening all around Crystal Moon. Usually, she would leave it in the hands of the authority but this time she's caught up in the drama when her vampire family has reason to suspect that she's the one going around and killing innocent humans.

Feeling betra

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Apr 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9789360498757

Book preview

Kin and the Killer

Claudia Kwantini

Ukiyoto Publishing

All global publishing rights are held by

Ukiyoto Publishing

Published in 2023

Content Copyright © Claudia Kwantini

ISBN

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated, without the publisher’s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

www.ukiyoto.com

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my sister Lumicia for helping me create this world and its characters. And to my cousin Celeste for patiently listening to me as I read the book to her and pushing me to have it published. I love you both dearly.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

About the Author

Chapter 1

Narrated by KIN:

L

aura's party turned out amazing. I think. I've never been to a party before let alone organize one. Monday. She approached me, I remember how instantly her big blue friendly eyes drew me in. She flashed her beauty pageant-winning smile and just invited me to the party she's hosting Friday. On one condition, if I invite Paul.

Paul just stood there and bit his lower lip when he heard what Laura said and sucked in air. I can't come,

Laura stroked his upper arm and pulled a boo-boo face, come on. You never come to any party, it'll be fun,

Yeah, Paul. Please. I've never been to a party and I would love to go with you.

He was my first and only friend at that time. I couldn't think of going alone or with Saskia, a girl who sits next to me in class. We briefly spoke, I instantly noticed that she's a zombie by the ruby collar she wore. Zombies wear them to prevent from going rogue. It works through magic, it's connected to a larger ruby found at the Zombie academy that powers all ruby collars. If that gem is removed all zombies will go back to their nature causing a zombie apocalypse.

Luckily normal supernatural creatures can't put their hands through the magic wall, only hybrids. That's why we're feared and hunted so because supernatural creatures believe we might just turn on them. All because of the prediction that trended amongst different supernatural groups. It states that three apocalypses will befall earth, some believe that a zombie one must be one. Leaving this one zombie hybrid boy the number one suspect of that apocalypse. He's the most wanted hybrid of us all, leaving me at number two.

So Saskia wearing that gave her away, but we never really hung out you know. So she's still very much a stranger. I did love the fact that she's a supernatural creature just like me.

But enough of Saskia. Paul seemed like there was a reason he couldn't come out on Friday, maybe his parents are just strict like that but thankfully he agreed. Laura flung her natural pale arms around me and kissed me on the cheek. Great, you convinced him. The party will be hosted at my parent's beach house. I'll handle the invites to make sure any lame kids don't come along either. You are in charge of music and snacks. I'll text you later on, okay?

And just like that, she left me. Stunned. I had no idea what music kids today listen to, would you blame me? I live in a vampire lair about forty minutes away from Crystal Moon, I listen to old music and I love it. Thankfully Paul said he'd help me, something about checking out the most streamed artists and songs. Left me with one question.

What's streaming?

What I was most excited about was not that I get to attend a party (well that is one major factor though) but rather that I finally get to go out in public without my hooded cape. I must wear that during the day, being a vampiric creature and all. I'm not entirely a vampire, what most people don't know is that Count Dracula is alive (he's also my granddad) and he created four different types of vampiric creatures. I'm a cross between cranter and vampire.

Since it's a warm summer evening, I've decided to ditch my daily hooded cape and wear black sequenced shorts paired with short black high-heeled leather boots with a black bandana crop top. I wanted to expose my pale bluish skin with my faint black veins behind my back because I know no one will be able to tell. I wanted to feel free and young.

Saskia picked me up. I wondered how she could get invited if Laura said the party was invite only, but she says she and Laura has a love-hate kind of relationship. But Laura inviting Saskia, meant to Saskia that they're low-key friends.

Their family beach house is lovely. It was a white double storey home, with large windows. They have a hammock on their porch, and a wooden table with four seats. Their large doors were blue,  and when you entered it was large and had lots of natural light. When I arrived, there were already a few students. They all looked so cool, I wish I could fit in as they all do.

The sun was starting to set which meant that Laura's friends started illuminating the lanterns. My mom suggested should be bought as well. The view was immaculate. Laura flung her arm around my icy neck but she didn't seem to notice how cold my skin is. This is amazing, Kin. You did well,

I grinned. I'm so happy that I could satisfy her because I was mega nervous. She pulled me by the arm.

Come... let's go to the photo booth and make memories.

We took many pictures, some were of only Laura and I while the others had her popular friends as well. They didn't seem as cold as I expected the popular crowd to be.

When we finished she made the cat ears I wore straight and thanked me again for helping her organize, did you see, Paul yet?

I shook my head. When I do I'll let him know you're looking for him.

She smiled, "thanks. And enjoy the party. Imma go dance with my boyfriend."

I watched her run off to her boyfriend and they started kissing. I wonder what it feels like to have a lover, but I don't think I could ever get a guy to like me. Not that I'm ugly or whatever but rather that I feel like I'm so weird. I might chase them away.

I enjoyed my peace listening to pop music when two people caused me to fall face flat on the sea sand. They giggled and helped themselves up. I did too. They already seemed so drunk.

The honey blonde, she's a curvy girl, she waved her hand in front of me while covering her face. We're so sorry,

She dropped her hand to reveal big beautiful red eyes. She's a vampire. My heart skipped a beat I've never met another vampire other than the ones in my coven. She raised an eyebrow and shook her head. Then she reached out her hand, hey. I'm Caitlyn, I love your metallic silver contact lenses,

She winked when she said, 'contact lenses'. Does she know I'm a cranter? Can she tell too? Thanks, I'm Vreemde-Kin,

Her eyes grew large when I mentioned my name, I've heard so much about you. You're... She leaned into my ear and whispered you're a wanted vampire, for being a hybrid, she burped in my air and excused herself.

I nodded my head. Her friend, pitch-black hair skinny girl, also decided to wear black tonight. But she wore long skinny jeans and a black jean jacket. Hey! You whispered into her ear. I'm your best friend, you whisper into my ear,

Oh... She just told me that... my zipper was undone. Oops,

The dark-haired girl nodded her head and chuckled, Oh... that's sweet of my sweet little friend, she told and looked at Caitlyn and twirled her honey blonde hair around her slender finger while biting her lower lip. Her fangs were long as well, but her eyes were regular brown. She turned to face me, I'm Beverley,

When we shook hands, hers were warm. So I guess her teeth are natural. She looked at me intently and cocked her head to the side, hey. Did you know that you have four sharp teeth? They look like vampire’s teeth,

I covered my mouth. I can't have a mortal knowing too much.

She covered her mouth with both her hands like she was shocked or something, oh... I'm sorry for making you feel insecure. That wasn't my intention,

I couldn't help but chuckle, no... that's not it. I love my four fangs,

She smirked, Four-fang, then she giggled, it sounds like I said something in Chinese. Four-fang!

I saw Paul behind Beverley, it seemed as if he just arrived. I excused myself and ran up to him.

You made it!

He scratched the back of his head, it was a struggle. My dad and I argued. We never argue... But I just wanted to be... you know, free. At least just for one of those nights,

I had no idea what he meant but I know the feeling. Laura's looking for you,

He nodded his head and looked around. He felt uncomfortable being here I guess. So I figured maybe alcohol will loosen him up. Wait right here,

I went and grabbed two glasses and found Paul standing at the same spot, looking anxious. I handed him his glass and took a sip of mine. It tasted worse than I thought it would, pulling a face of disgust which caused Paul to laugh at me. I joined him. He looked into his cup, the big yellow reflection of the moon danced on his cheap beer. It seemed to mesmerize him, putting him in a trance. Then he looked into my eyes as if possessed. Please stop me?

He looked up to the sky, and his eyes met with the moon. He dropped his red plastic cup and ran for the forest. I didn't know what to do with my cup and threw it down on the sand as well and ran after Paul. He scared me, I had to know that he's okay.

He ran and suddenly stopped. I watched from a short distance, afraid to startle him. He dropped to the floor and growled like an animal. He dug his fingers into the sand as if trying to find something to hold onto. I could hear his bones snap and gasped. His fingers became big black paws, fur pushed out from his skin. He cried, his dark brown eyes turned bright yellow. Why was I just watching? I was paralysed with fear. His clothes tore, his bones reshaped and before I knew it, Paul was gone. The wolf before me howled. It was hungry and it wanted to feed. It sniffed the air and caught the scent of the teens partying.

Hey! I wasn't thinking straight but I had to keep him from going to that party. He stood on his back paws and looked at me. Vampires turn into bats and I've seen my mom turn into a human-sized cat. I've personally never tried it before. They never taught me how to do it. Those are for future lessons and I had to figure it out quickly because Paul was approaching me.

I closed my eyes and decided maybe I need to feel my features. What do cats have? Fur, I thought about fur covering all over my body and nearly opened my eyes when I felt the cool breeze of the night air disappearing. What else? Sharp claws. That made me squirm in pain, my nails grew larger. I bit my lip as I allowed my nails to turn into daggers. I decided to open my eyes before the time because I couldn't bear the pain anymore. I saw Paul a few inches away from me and hit him with a tail I didn't even know I had. Reflex I guess?

It angered him. He growled I hissed and we grabbed each other and started fighting like cats and dogs. Paul was stronger than me but luckily for me I'm a wanted creature, I was more skilled at fighting. All I had to do was make sure he doesn't hit me, always blocking his hits. We went back and forth until he fell to the ground and turned back into my olive friend. I ran over to him and held him in my arms waiting on him to open his eyes.

He slowly opened his tired eyes, his shirt was torn but luckily his werewolf legs don't grow larger, just stronger. Kin? What happened?

You're a werewolf? Paul, why didn't you just tell me the real reason you couldn't come to tonight's party?

Paul closed his eyes as if trying to recapture what else happened. You... shapeshifted as well. What are you?

I placed my finger on his lip because I could see the pain he was in from speaking, from moving his body. I... I'll go get Saskia, I remembered she's a zombie, stay right here. We're going to take you home.

I ran back to the party, most of the teens were gathered in and around the house which arose my curiosity. I saw an ambulance van and wondered what happened? I forced myself through the packed students until I was in the house. Saskia stood there biting her nails. Two paramedics carried a dead body out, some students were sobbing. What happened. I made my way over to Saskia. I need your help.

She nodded her head and followed me out. Once we were out I looked over at her, I need you to take Paul home. What happened?

I don't know the full story but someone killed a student,

A wave of shock flashed through me. Who would do such a thing? And why? Why amongst so many students? They're brave,

Saskia nodded her head, "yeah, maybe he killed her because she didn't wanna sleep with him,"

Why would you say so?

Saskia shrugged and removed her naturally curly hair out from her face, by tying them up in the messiest bun I've ever seen, well, because she was semi undressed,

I shook my head. I didn't want to hear more. What if he sexually assaulted her? If I left Paul someone would've died, and if I stopped Paul someone still ended up dying. This night was bound to end in terror.

Paul was still laying right where I left him. It didn't take Saskia too long to realise he is a werewolf. I picked him up and carried him to her car. His parents waited on his return and were relieved when they learned that he didn't harm a soul. His mother wanted to be mad at him so badly but she ended up embracing him instead. They thanked me, and Saskia drove me off in silence. I bet we were both thinking about the girl at the party.

Crystal Moon was supposed to be this quiet small town where residents are safe from creatures like Saskia and I. It needs to stay a safe town or the Crystal Gods could banish all supernatural creatures from living in town. But the tricky part is the fact that the town keeps us safe as well. It's not on the map and has a protective barrier around it. We hide from hunters in her. If we get kicked out, we'd be open to attacks. And what about me? I have a price above my head, so many people would love to kill me or turn me in. I won't survive outside of Crystal Moon.

I knocked on the door and my father opened it. Saskia followed me. All the vampires watched us as we entered, with folded arms and angry faces. The tension in the air was thick. We entered the lounge where my mom tapped her foot on the wooden floorboards.

Don't go easy on her. spoke Lexi. She's my father's half-sister, the biological daughter of Count Dracula as well. They're known as third-rated alphas, there are ten for each different vampiric creature subgroup. My dad, Lexi and their siblings are alphas over vampires because they were born to turn people into vampires, to grow The Count's coven.

What's going on here?

Mom scoffed as soon as I asked the question. You promised Kin. And what do you do? Go kill a random human at this party,

Y'all already heard about that? Saskia asked softly.

I shook my head. I couldn't believe that they suspected me of all people, what? You think it's me?

Who else would it be? My father raised his voice. I've heard him shout before but never at me. It nearly brought tears to my eyes.

It... It couldn't have been me. I was with Paul,

Yeah, Saskia intervened. She made sure Paul doesn't attack the students. He's a werewolf,

Mother shook her head. That girl was drained from her blood. You were the only vampire at that party,

But only I wasn't. Caitlyn is a vampire as well, however, I doubt it could've been her but what if it was? What if the craving had her?

Kin, you can't go around killing people. You will get yourself killed if we have to move out of town. Or worse you will get us all exposed, Lexi stressed. For now... this can be buried with rumours, but how long will rumours cover our existence? Especially since we're living in the digital area, where people have all kinds of opinions and would believe any conspiracy, and right now that's our existence. Don't prove them right.

Saskia cleared her throat, Lexi... It wasn't Kin. I might not have been with her the whole evening but even the scenery didn't seem like her, why would Kin undress some girl just to kill her? It's not her characteristic,

Lexi walked up to Saskia and placed her hand on her shoulder. Like my family, hers is famous as well. "But what if it is her? You don't know Kin and what she's capable of. I appreciate you tryna help your friend but let us handle this. Kin, go to your room!"

I didn't even think twice about it. I felt hurt and betrayed. I made a promise with my family, if I kill someone they'll pull me from school and I'll never be free ever again. They don't believe me. I jumped into my purple casket sobbed into my white silk pillow. I feel shattered, these people raised me. They should know me more than I do myself, and they're the ones accusing me? Even after Saskia left I could hear them discuss what they'll do with me if I keep this up. I've never given them a reason to not trust me but here we are anyway.

I will not let Caitlyn's actions have me imprisoned again. She doesn't know what it's like to grow up never being able to leave your yard because she's a free vampire. I'll have to confront her tomorrow and have her confess her sins. I will not get blamed for this.

Chapter 2

Narrated by KIN:

M

y coven gave me the cold shoulder. I'm their princess, they would give me anything I asked for. But suddenly I'm a villain and they switched. I couldn't wait to get to school on Monday because I had to find Caitlyn. My family despises me and I can't take it anymore.

I couldn't find her, bumped into Paul though. Did you hear?

I nodded my head.

It's awful, he said and shuddered, apparently she got raped and choked to death,

I widened my eyes. The story got spun way out of control because my father confirmed non of that happened. Perhaps it nearly happened though, but gossip had to be exaggerated. Now my family's blaming me,

Paul shook his head. Nah... you wouldn't rape and kill someone,

No... I wouldn't, I was with you the whole time,

He licked the corner of his lower lip as he looked at the ground then looked into my eyes. Wait... why would they think it's you?

I shrugged because I honestly don't know why they would suspect me. Because the truth is a vampire drank from her. Emptied her, two holes found in her neck,

Paul chuckled, no. I get werewolf training. Zombies get zombie training, witches get magic training,

What are you saying? I folded my arms.

He shook his head, the point is. Even as a werewolf I know that if a vampire drinks from a human their DNA enter the human's bloodstream, and it takes two days for that DNA to run out of the human's system. If the human dies with the vampire's DNA still in their bloodstream they'll turn into a vampire,

I raised my eyebrow. Is that true?

He shrugged. I mean I can't speak out of experience but that's what I've heard, he rubbed my upper arms as a way to calm me and looked into my eyes, hey. If they think it's you, let them. But gather evidence and prove them wrong. I'll help you,

Or I could get Caitlyn to confess, that's proof right?

Who's Caitlyn?

The one other vampire I saw at the party. It had to be her,

Great. We'll start at Cait. For as long as the people think the victim got strangled to death, it'll be fine.

I saw Saskia in the distance coming our way. She braided her hair back and greeted us warmly by pulling us in for a group hug. I'm so excited that I'm not the only non-human,

Paul and I agreed. The secrecy could eat you up, but now we can speak about that side of our life with each other as well.

Let's go sit with, Jason,

The mention of his name made my heart stop. People have this thing where they're afraid of Paul but I'm afraid of Jason. Our very first encounter was awkward, it was my first day and he has a seat open. I asked him two questions in the same sentence. Hey, may I sit? Is this seat taken? And he gave me a single response which left me confused, no, I then asked him if he meant no I may not sit or no the seat isn't taken. To which he replied, both,

Saskia then offered me a seat. She sits in the row next to his. She told me that he is just that way and he hates the presence of other people. She said that it might be because of his natural appearance which struck me as off because I can't see anything wrong with the way he looks. That's why I didn't respond in shock when he looked into my eyes that first time. All I saw was this skinny paper white boy with pitch-black hair. His hair is gelled, parted in the middle and brushed flat to his side. Very formal. He has this black aesthetic thing going on, from his raven black hair to his black bow tie and black suspenders. But mainly to his striking black rings around his eyes. Those stand out the most to me and I don't know what he'd look like without that one feature that makes him so unique.

If he wasn't invited to the party I would say with full confidence he killed that girl. He's cold, and cold people can do whatever without thinking about it. Without feeling bad about it either I suppose. Why? He hates people?

Saskia nodded her head. I've decided that I've had enough of watching that weird kid sitting alone and being weird. Besides I'm convinced that he's one of us as well, I just don't know which yet. Wanna find out?

The corner of Paul's mouth curled, yeah. The more of us the merrier.

We followed Saskia who knew exactly where to find him. The school has a large backyard where many teens sat in groups. But way at the back was a large tree that provided loads of shade, it was so far behind the schoolyard that students don't sit that far. Afraid they might not hear the bell. Leaving him on his own in a sense. The spooky kid sat behind the tree, shielded from everyone that could pick on him.

What do you want? He snapped as he turned a page. His voice is always this flat, dead, cold monotoned. Like he isn't interested in living.

To say hi... say hi guys, Saskia looked at us.

Hey, Paul and I greeted dryly.

You said hi, now leave,

Paul put his arms on his hips and looked down at Jason who never even bothered once to look at us. "Why you gotta be like this. We're tryna be nice,"

I don't want your nice. You're disturbing me, I've been reading the same line thrice now,

Paul flared his nostrils, grabbed the book from Jason's hand and threw it off in the near distance. And for the first time, Jason respected us by looking up at Paul, wow. And people have the nerve to say I'm cold?

I walked up to his book and picked it up. I walked up to him and got on one knee before him and handed him his book, "Hey. We're not gonna bite you, we just wanna say hi,"

Jason clenched his jaw, his cold eyes meeting mine. And what about what I want, Kin? I found it surprising that he knew my name. Oh my gosh, Jason knows my name. I don't want people around me,

Why not?

He gently took his book and then looked right back at me, but this time his gaze softened, I feel like I'm cursed. I was born on my own. I will go through life on my own and eventually die alone. It's my fate and I'm okay with that,

His voice wasn't flat. It sounded alive for the first time, it had real emotion and he seemed a bit sad. I sat down in front of him trying to find the perfect thing to say. I didn't want to scare him off because what he said didn't sit well with me, "all curses can be broken. And you can break yours by saying, 'hi', to three friendly strangers. They'll pick up your curse by staying in your life, I promise,"

I let out my pinky and he just left me hanging. So I withdrew my littlest finger. I tried with this boy, but he's the type that doesn't want help. Why should we even bother with him?

Saskia cleared her throat, you said you're born alone. No one's born alone, where're your folks?

He looked at her before reopening his novel. Would you have stayed if you're my mom?

You're an orphan? Paul wanted to know.

What gave it away? He replied sarcastically, but that didn't bother Paul who sat down on his left-hand side.

Aren't you curious to know who they are? Saskia asked as she made her way over to his right-hand side, wanna know who they are? I can help you?

He looked at her with large eyes for a few seconds before returning his gaze onto the pages, wow. And people say I'm weird? Now, why would you want to find a stranger's parents?

She shrugged and sat down, I haven't got a clue, but I think it would do you great if you knew where you're from. Everyone should know where they're from,

He felt as all of our eyes were on him and he realised that we're not going anywhere. Not soon anyway. He sighed and looked at us with murderous eyes, Hi, I'm Jason Miller and I live in Crystal Moon at the only orphanage in town. I'm fourteen years old and I love reading. Would you please leave me alone now! He yelled at us. But we didn't stir, he wasn't scaring us off. He sighed when he came to terms with that, he looked into my eyes and extended his pinky finger, hi.

We locked pinky fingers, this moment warmed me as I had a smile on my face that expressed that. He on the other hand remind cold and standoffish but at least he caved and we're locking pinkies. He didn't interact with us, he just pretended that we weren't there but we sat with him until the bell rang. And it wasn't the normal bell either. We sprung up and met up with the rest of the students, the school caught on fire and the fire brigade rushed to calm the thick flames. Thankfully no one got hurt except a teacher who lost her whole face due to the fire. What a shame. The fire started in her class too, she was rushed to the hospital. Mr Jenkin's excused us told us to check our phones for further details but for now, we can go home.

But I still had to confront Caitlyn. I didn't see her at all today, but as students made their way out of the schoolyard, I spotted Beverley. Paul, Saskia and I rushed over to her.

Bev!

She flashed us a warm smile. Hey Four-fang, how are you?

I'm okay. These are my friends, Paul and Saskia, they all shook hands and Bev waited on me to tell her why I called on her. Have you seen, Cait? I need to speak to her,

She shook her head. No, she wasn't in school today but that's why I'm going over to her place now. You can join me?

We can go in my car? Suggested Saskia and we all hopped into her Mercedes.

Beverley and Caitlyn live an hour out of Central Crystal Moon. Caitlyn and her family live in a modest two storey home with a large yard that entertained chickens as free as the wind. A white dog barked at us, tied to a pole in front of his little house, Rufus. Bev rang the doorbell and I heard as feet dragged their way over to the door. Behind it stood a pale woman, she looked identical to Caitlyn. From their small noses and pointy chins to their strong cheekbones and natural honey blonde hair. She looked at Bev and shook her head. No, no Bev. Caitlyn's grounded so that means no friends for her,

Bev furrowed her brows, huh? Why?

Her mother looked back into the house and back at Bev. She knows what she did. Why did I even let her go to that darn party? her mother rubbed her eyes and then looked at the rest of us. Who are your friends?

Bev shook her head, Nah... these aren't my people. They came to see, Cait, she leaned closer to Cait's mother, they can see Cait, right?

Her mother looked at us and gave a warm smile and nodded her head. As long as they promise to be brief?

We nodded our agreement.

Good. But as for you missy, go home,

Bev gave Caitlyn's mother two thumbs up and yelled, Bye Cait! I'll text you!

Caitlyn's mother shook her head, no you are not. I took her phone,

Beverley looked at the ground. Damn. So that's why she hasn't been responding to my texts? Hmm, okay. Then I'll be going. Bye guys. She greeted us and ran off.

Caitlyn's mother invited us in. Thankfully because I, unfortunately, cannot enter a home uninvited. Seeing Caitlyn sitting on the couch with the tv on doing schoolwork made my blood boil. She sat there as if though she didn't do anything, without a care in the world. Our eyes met and the feeling's mutual.

We both angrily furrowed our eyebrows. She rose to her feet, mom. There she is. She killed that girl, not me, she folded her arms, she probably came over to apologise, knowing that you're blaming me,

I scoffed. How dare she try to play it off like this? She's the only thing standing in the way of my freedom. Me! Get out with it! Admit it! You killed her and now my family is threatening to pull me from school,

She chuckled, that's wise of them. Who would want a murderer on the streets?

Guys. Let's just lower our voices and speak this through? Saskia suggested and sat down on the couch. Paul joined her. What happened? She asked Caitlyn. Her voice was calm, not like she was accusing her of anything which is the better way to deal with things.

Caitlyn sat down, we all did. All I know is that I never touched that girl, never even met her. Not alive and certainly not dead, she looked at her mother, I never stepped foot in that house. I'm a vampire, no one invited me in... But you helped plan the whole thing, surely you were welcomed in the building?

All eyes fell on me. Was I being accused again? Were they doubting my innocence? Why? What for? I didn't do anything,

Caitlyn cracked her fingers and looked at her mother, "d'you know who sits in our living room? D'you know who you invited into our home? Who that is?" She pointed at me.

Her mother cleared her throat, w-who?

That, mommy dearest, is the infamous Vreemde-Kin Tepes. The most wanted vampiric creature in the multi-verse, second-most wanted creature in the multiverse. How could it not be her?

Her mother's eyes grew. She had no idea who I was and fear's probably running through her. She rose to her feet and stood before me, tears in the brink of her eyes. She bowed low before me, my princess. Just say it, just say you didn't do it and I'll believe it,

She lifted her head and looked at me. Waiting on me to say so, I felt them all looking at me in this awkward moment. I didn't do it. I swear,

She laughed as tears flew down her cheeks and slowly rose to her feet. I believe you. I do,

Well I don't, Caitlyn spoke under her breath. But what if she honestly believes what she said? What if she didn't do it? Why would she lie about it? It's not like she could lose something if she lied, unlike me. I could lose my life. But if she didn't do it, then who could it have been?

We left her home without answers left more confused than we came. If she's not the vampire, then the vampire is out there. The Vampire was at that party, hiding in plain sight. I had to find this person, had to find this person with the same passion Caitlyn wants to find them. I couldn't even tell if she was putting on an act or if she was being for real.

Chapter 3

Narrated by KIN

I

spent that afternoon with Paul and Saskia before I headed home to my once again, 'disappointed', family. That was also the day that I believed Caitlyn.

You head to your room, young lady! Mother commanded and I did.

The feel of ice-cold stares on me wanted me to run off and cry but wouldn't that satisfy them? I heard as mom and dad followed me. The door slammed shut behind me. I was yet again in trouble.

Kin, my mother started. Her voice wasn't as harsh this time. She sounded like a concerned mother. No my child. Not at school,

What are you talking about?

No, my dad spoke, we're not going through this with you again. You know what you did. You killed a student and left her body in the fire at school today,

A tiny gasp escaped my mouth. I couldn't believe my ears it caused me to frown when I made eye contact with my dad and with my hands on my hips. And you... You suspect me? Still?

Kin you must understand how this looks. You're...

I raised my hand as I interrupted my mother's sentence, ...No! I don't wanna hear it. This makes me sick, you all turning your backs on me. Discussing my fut...

Kin, my dad says.

No! Let me finish. Discussing my future without me like I'm some character in a game. This is my life, I stopped yelling and looked at both my parents and snickered. This is my life, I couldn't stop the tears from pouring down my cheeks, and you're all just trying to ruin my life,

Dad looked at mom, honey it's not like that,

I raised my arms in the air and wiped my tears. If it's not like that then what is it like? You're out there deciding my future. I wanna go to Stanford university one day, I want a child, I wanna fall in love and you all decided that no, I folded my arms and tilted my head to the side and looked over at them.

No, Vreemde-Kin won't have any of that. Well, guess what, loving parents... I'll prove you wrong, and not just with the whole vampire killer thing but at everything. I'll show you, all of you what will become of me. You think I can't take care of myself, and that's the real reason why you want me back behind these four walls, I said what I had to. I feel betrayed.

My parents just stood there in my room and watched me but I didn't feel like looking at them. Just... please get out of my room, I need space,

My mom nodded her head and took my father's hand and led him out. I walked up to my bedroom window and sat on the windowsill just looking at Crystal Moon, the night breeze was cool. It soothed me instantly. I have no idea who could be so brutal. Who could kill someone and throw their body in that fire? Are they the same ones who started the fire? The school did send a message, we are to attend school tomorrow. No excuses. I bet some students hated that. But I couldn't afford to hate school, I can talk tough but I am scared that they pull me from school. Pull me from my life, so to speak. Leaving me without a normal experience.

The tension in the air was still thick the following morning. I looked at my coven and had to digest their sour faces like it doesn't hurt. I walked up to the deep fridge and removed a bottle of blood labelled, Kin.

Mine is mixed, it's animal blood that's why. One bad thing about being a cranter is that once we had a taste of human DNA, we are programmed with the desire finish off the whole bloodline. Mother and father walked into the kitchen, we all just heard as the other vampires whispered nasty things about me. Mother ignored them as she started preparing to make breakfast for Lainey and I. Father always helps.

We didn't exchange any words. Lexi walked into the kitchen with a bright smile on her face, morning family, she proclaimed and noticed that we weren't exactly in a cheerful mood. Lighten up, guys. This is a phase that will blow over,

I sulked and took a seat by the kitchen table, you say that, Lexi because you're not in my position. All these vampires treating me cold, but we are family. It hurts,

Lexi pouted her lower lip as her sympathetic eyes checked me out. Then in a flash I was wrapped in her arms, she planted a kiss on my head. Baby, she said and I looked at her. I've always loved, Lexi, she's always approached me like I'm her daughter. Well... I have good news then, she smirked and nodded her head.

What? My father asked. This isn't even his conversation.

Lexi turned around to look at my father, I... Wanted to surprise you for your fifteenth anniversary by having you move into your own home,

My mother raised an eyebrow and chortled. She used the egg lifter to remove the eggs from the pan and threw more eggs into the pan, with more bacon on the side. What are you talking about? As in you already bought the place?

Lexi nodded her head. It's not furnished yet, I wanted us to move in after the anniversary but... For Kin's mental state, we should move in tomorrow,

Dad shook his head, no. That's too soon,

Kin is suffering! Liam,

Father looked at me, I gulped down the last drop of the blood and wiped my mouth. Our eyes met, dad sighed. Okay. Does that mean you and Claire will look at furniture today?

My mother giggled, I've never lived on my own before... I don't know about this,

Dad walked up to her and kissed her on the cheek, we'll figure it out as we go by. I've never been on my own either, but I mean... At least we're together? We can mess up as a couple,

Mother giggled again as she looked into dad's bright red eyes. "Well,