Shadow and Light Book 01

"Hmm...Okay, but keep an eye out. If you see anything unusual..."

"Yeah, dad, I know the drill."

"So, Tess and Liz. I thought you two were broken up?"

"Yeah but she's still a friend. I'm just glad Max is in her life now, he really knows how to make her happy."

"You were out with Max as well?"

"And Michael, Maria, Alex and Isabel."

"Uh huh." Jim said as he looked at Kyle

"Dad, Max is a good guy. There really is nothing about him you need to be interested in beyond the fact that he's in high school. I don't know what you suspect about him but...that day...the shooting, I mean Max was there and made sure Liz was okay."

"And then ran."

"Michael freaked and left before him. I don't know...weird around guns or something. Max just went to make sure he was okay." Kyle said

"Driving off like a bat out of hell."

"Yeah, well...anyway. So, anymore of those animal sightings?"

"No they seem to have died down a little. There are still a few tracks around but nothing new for the last day or so." Jim said

"So dad, have you heard about Liz heading off to that school up north?" Kyle asked

"Oh yeah. Uh...uh...oh what was it called, Moon...something."

"Moon Peak." Kyle said

"Yeah, weird name but what I've heard some of your school's teachers saying about it from the brochure that got sent to the school...sounds impressive. That's a hell of an opportunity for Liz. Too bad you didn't get selected."

"Actually that's something I wanted to talk to you about."

"Oh?" Jim said as he checked on the contents of the oven.

"Yeah, Liz was given the option of taking 7 other people with her...and she asked me to be number 8."

Jim looked around and stared at his son.

"She's already asked Max, Isabel, Michael, Maria, Alex and Tess."

"Ah, so that's it." Jim said

"What's it?" Kyle said

"Tess is it."

"Tess is what?"

"Tess is...wait...this can go on for hours." Jim said, "Okay, Liz can take 7 people?"

"Yes."

"She's asked you?"

"Yes."

"And do you want to go?"

"I'd like to. Like you said it's a great opportunity and from what I hear their sport department is killer. Besides, my grades may be good enough to get into community college; Liz said most people end up going to really great universities. I mean could you imagine me going to somewhere like Berkley."

"And is Tess going a part of you wanting to say yes."

"Well...it's a perk." Kyle said with a grin

"Yeah...you're not going."

"But you just said..."

"I know but if you think I'm gonna let you go off with you're girlfriend to a boarding school and not chaperoned...no way."

"Dad. I doubt there will not be chaperones, there will be rules and I seriously doubt they'll put boys and girls in the same sleeping areas of the school let alone put them together." Kyle said

"Hmmm...No."

"Dad...hey...wait...why don't you ask Mr Parker. He went to Moon Peak."

"He did?" Jim asked

"Yeah. If there's anyone who can fill you in on it..." Kyle said

"Okay, I'll ask him but this is not a yes yet." Jim said

"Totally understand." Kyle said, as he smelled the air, "Meat's about to burn."

"Hmm? Oh." Jim turned quickly and turned off the oven before he opened the door and pulled out the lump of pork, "Good timing...I didn't smell anything. Okay Kyle, set the table."

Kyle did so as his father pulled out a couple of plates and dished out the portions. He carried out the pates to the table and father & son sat down to eat.

Back Room, Crashdown, 19:00

Liz was sitting with the others, going over their homework for the next day at school. With everything that had happened that weekend they had let it slip a little. They were only thankful that they didn't have any essays or reports to hand in on Monday. Every so often one of them would disappear into the kitchen and come back out with several cups of coffee.

"You know...I've been thinking." Michael said

"I thought I smelled burning." Maria said as she walked by him

Michael just smiled as he reached out and spanked her butt. Maria stopped dead and turned to face him.

"Do that again and I'll rip off your hand and shove it so far up your ass you'll have to open your mouth to show people you're giving them the finger." Maria said

"Colourful." Isabel said

"You didn't say that when we were in bed last night." Michael said

"That was fun, this wasn't." Maria said

"Yeah, could we stop hearing about what you two get up to in the sack? Michael, what were you going to say?" Max asked

"Well it's just that we became lycanthropes again because of Liz and now she's got the green action..."

"So?" Liz asked

"So, since Tess screwed Kyle doesn't that mean she'll be part wolf now. And if we have sex with her doesn't that mean we'll end up being part wolf." Michael said

Everyone turned and looked away from Michael to think about it. None of them had actually considered it since Tess had sex with Kyle this morning.

"You know what?" Liz said

"He's got a point." Max said

"I do?" Michael asked

"He does?" Maria said playfully

Michael shook his head and pulled Maria down onto his lap, "You're really pushing it."

Maria looked heatedly into his eyes, "I hope so." She said huskily

Max cleared his throat and the couple looked away from each other but Maria stayed on Michael's lap.

"So, we could end up not just cats or whatever our Antarian animals were." Tess said

"I am part Chimera." Liz said, "They could change into all species so maybe that's what's causing the multiple changes, you know since what's in who has been adapted from me."

"Queen of ancient blood." Tess said

"What?" Maria asked

"That Antarian prophecy, the ancient blood could mean the Chimera since they were the first tribe made. And if anyone could unite all the tribes, wouldn't it make sense that it would be someone who could be part of all the tribes?" Tess said

"Oh not this stuff again. Guys, enough with the prophecies already. I'm just going to live my life and screw this whole destiny stuff. I am not a queen." Liz said

Max and Tess looked at each other before everyone else followed suit. There was something they needed to do about this; even if Liz wasn't willing to face her destiny sooner or later it would come to bite them in the ass. Soon they turned back to Liz,

"Liz...Liz..." Max said not getting her attention

She was staring at the television as a news report aired.

"The three researchers reportedly disappeared in a remote region of Romania. The alert was raised when they didn't return to their base camp." The reporter said, "The Professor was known for his more radical theories, in particular that a small group of people inflicted with a medical condition could be the origin of the vampire myth. As of yet no word has been received from the professor or his two students, an investigation is under way. Back to you..."

Liz switched off the television as Max moved over to her, "Hey are you okay?" he asked

"Yeah, just a feeling. And I've got this weird taste in my mouth." Liz said

Old Manor House, 20 Miles Northwest of London, Same Time (Roswell Time)

It was the dead of night and in the pitch black of the country, the three vampires had made to the manor. It didn't take long for them to get inside and now their mouths were latched onto the necks of the inhabitants. Their teeth had sunk into the flesh and they were drawing the blood out of almost everyone. One of Stephan's wives had found two in particular that drew her attention, as a result she locked them in one room while she and her mates fed on everything that moved.

From room to room the three made sure that there wasn't anyone left alive, and left the pale bodies where they fell. They'd deal with the mess later. Eventually the old house was secured and the vampires made their way to the library, Stephan stood before a spot where two stacks of selves connected. The male vampire nodded to Tanya and Katrina and they moved over to an old fireplace.

On the intricately carved stone that decorated the fireplace there was two carvings of raised gargoyle faces. Both were in the top corners of the stone that was placed here when the house was being built. The female vampires each pressed the eyes of the gargoyle and they disappeared into the stonework, after that there was a loud click and the sound of machinery moving behind the walls.

Stephan smiled as the two bookshelves he stood before separated and opened wide. Behind that was an ordinary brick wall, which pulled back and opened itself and exposed a staircase leading down.

"After all these years, they still haven't found it." Stephan said as they started descending down the stairs.

At the bottom of which as a large stone chamber that had remained hidden under the house, a lot lower than the level of the basement and wine cellar. All around them were the chronicles of the vampires, kept hidden from the other tribes during the war. After they lost that war, this house became abandoned and fell into ownership of various humans through the long decades. Today that ended and it was back in the hands of those that built it.

The three then started to search, looking in all the storage places they had, opening all the books and checking behind every loose stone. They searched everywhere but had to eventually give up.

"It's not here." Katrina said

"Arghhhh..." Stephan yelled as he through the contents of a table off to the floor.

"We've searched the all of the old places our people set up. If they didn't hide the Gift here with the Chronicles then where?" Tanya said

"There is only one possibility. They didn't hide it, at least not in time. The other tribes have it." Stephan said

"Then what do we do?" Katrina said

"You go get it." A voice boomed as the room lit up. From the light the image of Anu'bis formed.

"What is this?" Stephan asked

Anu'bis shot out his hand and the three vampires crashed to their knees, a force of invisible energy held them in a bowing position before the ancient being. "Show a little more respect Stephan." He said as he released them

"My lord, forgive me. I thought your appearance to be a trick from the other tribes." Stephan said

"Given what you have been through, I will let it go...for now."

"You are most gracious my lord." Stephan said

"Now, the Gift we gods gave to the tribes, the fragment held by the Vampires is in a town call Moon Peak, in America. But your resurrection has activated the Gift and the other tribe are wary, although they only suspect the significance. However, that can wait. Your goal should be the girl."

"So she does live." Katrina said

"Yes. In the town of Roswell but soon she will move to Moon Peak to begin her education in the ways of her people." Anu'bis said, "You must seduce her, bring her to you before you turn her. I was the one who gave you your section of the prophecy; she does posses the blood of all the tribes. A simple bite will change her."

"Then it shall be done."

"There is just one problem. She has a mate; their minds are as intertwined as string. Before she can be turned, he must die." Anu'bis said, "But there is no harm in giving you help."

Anu'bis stepped forward and placed his hand on Stephan's head. Crackles of yellow energy travelled over the vampire's head. Stephan cried out in pain before he was hurtled across the room. His wives were by his side and helped him up.

"What happened?" Tanya asked

Stephan started to smile as he looked at Katrina and Tanya. He started to hear them in a new way; he could hear their thoughts.

"Have fun, child." Anu'bis said before vanishing.

"Mwhaaaahaaaaahaaaaa." Stephan started laughing as he realised the intent of why his god just gave him the ability.

Copper Summit, 20:00

As the constellation Aries hung over head, Kivar's car pulled into town. All of its occupants were out on the streets. All of the Skins lined the path between the town's main entrance to the central building of the Universal Friendship League where Kivar would be staying. Each and every one of them had their heads bowed, not one dared raise their eyes to look at him.

From behind the car window, Kivar looked out at the buildings and shook his head. All he saw was sand and dirt, and the buildings weren't that much better. Soon he pulled up at the building and got out. He didn't bother with any speeches or even looking around, Kivar just got into the building where Nicholas waited for him.

"Majesty." Nicholas said as he got down to his knees.

"Rise." Kivar said

Nicholas stood up but never looked at his master.

"You have failed Nicholas. I gave you sixty years to complete your mission. Instead you hide here in the safety of this town."

"My lord, forgive me. During recent years I have spent more time here but it is only because I have been overseeing the growth of our new husks. Now is not the time to endanger them since they are so close to being harvested."

"Doesn't explain the previous years. Fortunately for you I am feeling very forgiving today. You have one last chance and I want it done right. I was building our revolution on Antar for years but Zan still escaped, patience is something I possess but I do not want to remain on this world forever. Take your time, plan and find them. Just eradicate them." Kivar said

"Yes my lord. You're chambers are this way." Nicholas said

Nicholas led Kivar to his room; the most lavishly decorated and adorned room in the town. The Skins had gone to a lot of time to make it look like Kivar's personal chambers on Antar.

"I'm sorry for the accommodations, it's the best we can do." Nicholas said

"Hmmm...I'm amazed you could even get this done on this planet."

"Earth does take some getting used to. If you'll excuse me, I'm expecting a report soon from an agent I've sent to Roswell."

"Roswell? Ah yes, the village where they crashed. Why there?"

"We've searched everywhere else. We were never able to determine the duration of their gestation; we always assumed that their guardians would take them as far away from the area as possible. Our scouts have been tracking this entire continent but the further we went the more it looks like they never left." Nicholas said

"Very well."

Nicholas turned to leave and got to the door

"Nicholas...run a check on this planet's weather. Look for anything anomalous over my flight in." Kivar said

"Yes Majesty." Nicholas said as he bowed and left

Alex's Bedroom, Whitman Residence, 20:30

On his bed, Alex lay against the headboard with his guitar in his hand, plucking away with the strings. By his side, Jake was resting against him. He was on his back and bending down to lick his white belly.

"Nobody knows the trouble I've seen..."

"Meow." Jake said

"Sorry...Nobody knows the trouble we've seen. Nobody knows our sorrow..."

"Depressed much?" Liz asked

She had just arrived and made a beeline straight for Alex's room, intent on roping him into a shopping trip with Tess in the morning before school. Sometimes going shopping with Maria just wasn't as fun when Alex wasn't with them.

"Not really." Alex replied

"Come on, spill it. What's up?" Liz asked

"Well...it's just..." he said hesitantly

"Yes?"

"Well, lately I've been having more and more fantasies." Alex said

"Yeah...who doesn't? The good thing is you get to live yours out." Liz said

"No, Liz...not those fantasies. The bad kind...the kind where I'm...I'm out hunting. The Coach."

"Oh."

"Every time I try to relax, it's there. I can see myself stalking him like I would in the wild...or rather how my tiger-self would." Alex said, "I can see the fear...I can see it when I strike and when I..." he said as she closed his eyes in shame

"Alex..."

"And the worst part is, I feel like if I don't do it I'm gonna explode." Alex said

"Meow." Jake made it sound completely sympathetic as he brushed up against Alex and licked his hand.

"That's a good little baby." Alex said

"Meow."

"Okay, you're not the baby." Alex said

"Alex, listen. You can control this...I mean, there are some people at school who I wouldn't mind seeing drop dead. One in particular comes to mind. Anyway..."

"Liz, wanting to see Pam Troy have an accident is one thing. I'm fantasising about tearing that...jerk limb from limb and then going to work on him." Alex said

"Yeah...you know, somehow I could never imagine you doing that. Alex, you are one of my closest friends and despite now being able to do what you've been thinking about I know you would never actually do it." Liz said

"I really hope you're right." Alex said

"Besides, Jake here will keep you out of trouble." Liz said with a smile as Jake sat proudly on the pillow.

"Meow."

"See, he'll watch you."

"I thought I was supposed to be the one watching him not the other way around?" Alex said, "So what can I do for you?"

"Well I was going to talk you into coming shopping with me, Maria and Tess tomorrow morning before we start school. You know she's only got the one set of clothes left now so..."

"You were going to ask me?"

"Well yeah, you've got a little tension right now. You're really not in the Alex state of mind for shopping. So, I think I might be able to do something for you."

"Oh?" Alex asked

Liz smiled as she picked up Jake in her hands. The kitten started to squirm as Liz carried him over to the door, "Sorry Junior, you're a little young for this." Liz said as she put him down and closed the door.

Liz approached the bed and helped Alex up. Slowly she moved around Alex and pulled off his t-shirt. Then she returned to face him and started to undo his slacks, they fell to his ankles and he quickly kicked them off. Alex then looked over Liz, he wanted to see her naked again even though she had been dressing more and more sexier since the night they first changed.

Alex swallowed as he reached out and touched the zipper on her skirt. Then, in one move, he pulled the zipper down as Liz pulled off her top. His hands brushed against the warm flesh and he delicately traced the outline of her lean muscles as his arms slid around her body as he pushed her skirt off a little. Liz pressed herself back against him as he pushed the skirt down her legs. It fell to the ground and pooled around her ankles and she kicked her shoes off, she pushed her clothes aside with her toes and turned to face him.

It had been a while since Alex had been with Liz; trembling in anxious excitement he smoothed his hands down her sides, pausing only briefly to cup her breasts. He looked down the length of her body, smiling at her petite exquisiteness. Only two very slight and skimpy garments covered her. She took his hands in hers and told him, "I need you, Alex."

Liz led his hands to her chest and abandoned them there. Then, she reached around to her back and unhooked her bra, Alex swallowed hard as the bra dipped lower on her chest. Shifting her shoulders, she quickly discarded the garment, tossing it aside. Smiling she met Alex's gaze. However, his eyes couldn't stay up and were soon firmly locked on her chest. Placing her hands on his, she again guided them into position.

Alex's lips parted slightly as a nearly inaudible sigh escaped him, the feel of her skin was already helping him relax and remove some tension. His fingers circled briefly around each of Liz's taut nipples. He bent toward her for a taste of her mouth, lightly pinching the stiff, dark buds as he did so.

In a move neither was really was aware of they sank to the bed, Liz lying on her back and Alex on his side beside her. His mouth ravaged hers thoroughly but tenderly, while his closest hand delicately fondled her breasts. He slid the heel of his palm along the slope as his eager fingertips attacked her left nipple, plucking and plying at the flesh.