From the perspective of Brandon Vanity.
Phoenix and I were approaching a street corner gas station when a bullet whizzed past my head. "The hell was that?" I asked Phoenix.
"That was a bullet," Phoenix stated.
"I know that. But who shot it?"
"I told you my sister isn't a fan of vampires. I meant it."
"That's… great."
A woman dressed in a gray hoodie and black denim pants and scuffed white sneakers emerged from behind a blue sedan with a scoped bolt-action rifle aimed at my head. "Step away from my sister," she said with a firm, emotionless tone.
"Put the rifle down, Angeline. He's a friend. His name is Brandon. We met at the botanical garden."
Angeline lifted her right eyebrow. "In the dead of night? Why would anyone walk around a botanical garden at night?"
"Well," I began. "I wanted to go, but I never had the chance until tonight."
"Shut up, bloodsucker." Angeline had her rifle fixed on my head. "I know what your kind does. If you think you're gonna steal my sister and run away with her, you got another thing coming."
I heaved a heavy sigh in agitation. It seemed as if I would have to prove myself to Angeline, which wouldn't be too hard, hopefully.
Phoenix backed me up. "Angeline, I said to put the rifle down. He's a good guy. He won't hurt us."
"How do you know for sure, though?"
I had to butt in and offer my two cents. "How do I know you won't shoot me? See, I can play your game. You just have to take my word, just as I have to take your word. If you see me sink my fangs in your sister, then shoot me. In the head. But, until then, put the damn rifle down before you shoot someone's eye out. Okay? Be sensible."
Angeline held back a comment, from the regretful look on her face. "Fine." Angeline slung her rifle onto her back and walked forward. "My name is Angeline, as you may already know. My sis said you're Brandon?"
I nodded. "Brandon Vanity. Born and raised in Kentucky."
Angeline continued her questioning. "What are you doing in St. Louis?"
"I'm here with friends. Well, let me be clear. My friends are on the other side of the river. I just came over here to enjoy the beauty of the Missouri Botanical Garden. That's all."
Angeline slowly nodded her head. "Uh huh. Then why are you with my sister?"
Phoenix explained it all for me. "He offered to take us to a safe place to stay for tonight. On the other side of the river. I think he called it Promethean Territory?"
"That's right," I said. "The Prometheans are a bunch of wizards and witches that claim East St. Louis. They've got a nice setup. I'm sure you ladies would be much safer and more welcome there than you are here. You see, the Flesheaters claim St. Louis. It would be wise if you ladies avoided the Flesheaters, even though they are supposed to reform. I've had some bad experiences with them. Real bad experiences."
"What did these Flesheaters do to you?" Angeline asked.
I hesitated for a moment. "They tortured me when I was still a human. It was just a few nights ago. They left me crippled. My friend, Chase, turned me into a vampire. A part of me hates him for making me a vampire, since he never received my permission, but the other part of me is glad that he did what he did. If not for him, I would have bled out and died. This is why you two ladies need to stay away from the Flesheaters. At least the Prometheans will treat you both kindly."
Angeline seemed skeptical. "If what you say is true, then we probably should head on over there as soon as possible. My sister and I haven't had a hot meal in weeks. Most days we go without food. The last thing we ate was a single can of twenty year old green beans that we both shared two days ago. We haven't had a drop of water in since yesterday. We would really appreciate it if you showed us the way to Promethean Territory. As soon as possible."
"Sure thing."
"Hang on. Let me get my backpack," Phoenix said. As she walked past Angeline she asked, "Gonna get your duffel bag?"
Angeline nodded. "Yeah, sorry, I forgot. I was too busy thinking about hot food."
"I know what you mean. I'm starving, too."
"Do we have to walk?" Angeline asked.
"No," I said as Angeline entered the gas station to grab her duffel bag. When Angeline stepped out I resumed, "We can take a car if it has keys and enough gas. Have you tried this car yet?" I pointed at the blue sedan.
Angeline, standing at the front doorway to the gas station, replied, "No, I haven't."
With a sly smirk, I strutted toward the blue sedan and, under closer inspection, I noticed it was a 2027 Chevrolet Malibu. I extended my left arm to open the driver side car door handle, and the car door opened without fail. I plopped down onto the driver seat. The keys were in the ignition. I started the car, and the fuel gauge read nearly half a tank. I honked the horn and instantly the Faircrest sisters stepped outside the gas station with their belongings.
I rolled down the driver side window and poked my head out. "Ready to roll?"