It was the morning of the first school day of the week and Ivy was fresh out of the house and on her way to class.
A smile made its way across her face as she saw her ever so faithful best friend waiting outside their hall for her.
"Good morning Emma."
"Morning. Sleep well last night?"
"Pretty much."
"So…?"
"I'll be going to meet him after school."
"Mind's all made up then?"
Ivy gave a nod and both teens entered the classroom. The first two classes had gone by like a breeze and it was the final class. She didn't know why but for some reason, something didn't sit well with her.
"Everything alright, Ivy?"
"Not really… I can smell something strange and I feel like I know it but I just can't seem to place it."
"Attention class," Professor Henderson announced suddenly, breaking Ivy and Emma's chat. "Today, we have a… new addition to our class. Please welcome Mr. Michael Gerard."
Chills ran down Ivy's spine as the door creaked open. She froze, the air around her becoming thick as the smell intensified. He was a vampire, and not just anyone but the psychopath that could have very well killed her.
This didn't go unnoticed by Emma.
"Do you know him?"
"That's the vampire that attacked me in the alleyway."
"Him?" Emma replied, barely stopping herself from pointing a finger.
On Michael's face was a charming smile that betrayed his emotions. "Good morning," he greeted with a deceptively smooth and warm voice.
"Why's she introducing him that way? The Professors never do things like that."
"I don't know why… but it is strange." Ivy was clearly still on edge.
The rest of the class was oblivious to the tension both Ivy and Emma were facing. A few students murmured greetings of their own, clearly captivated by his charm.
He scanned the crowd and when his eyes met hers, his smile became a grin. He reached her seating area before taking a seat on the row next to her.
The lecture that followed was a torture for Ivy. She didn't say a thing as she tried her best to avoid his gaze. It seemed impossible as the only thing she could see where his eyes on her. It was clearly an act of provocation.
When the bell rang to signal the end of the class, Ivy breathed a sigh of relief. It was as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She clumsily grabbed her things as she made way for the door with Emma.
"Leaving so soon?" his voice drawled, seemingly meant for only her ears. "I would have loved to have a chance to discuss our… previous encounter."
Ivy and Emma stopped as they turned to face him. "Don't even think about it." Her voice was a deadly growl as she stared at him.
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," his response was rather lax, his smile widening as he continued. "Not in such… public company." His gaze flickered to Emma as he said this. It was Emma's turn to feel shivers down her spine. That was clearly a threat.
"Enjoy your day, ladies," he said with mock sweetness. "I have a feeling we will be seeing each other very soon and lest I forget… there'll be a surprise tomorrow, don't miss it." As the words left his mouth, with a lingering glance at Ivy he left the room leaving behind a low wind whistle.
Ivy stomped her foot as anger coursed through her veins. "The nerve of that…" she snarled as he stomped her foot on the ground once more.
"Stay calm Ivy," Emma said wrapping her arm around her friend's shoulder.
"Calm? Calm?! How can I? You heard him of course," she said with a scoff, "he threatened me and he didn't stop at that, did he?"
Emma sighed.
Ivy stormed out of the university building, the image of Michael clearly burned into her memory. Emma hurriedly followed her as she walked back home.
"Why are you following me?"
"I'm your best friend and it won't sit well with me if I don't see you home safely."
Ivy suddenly stopped and laughed lightly. "Last time I checked, I was the one with the werewolf genetics and pretty much a supernatural. I should be protecting you."
"Nice to see your smile again, anger doesn't suit you. Besides, how are you going to protect me if you're this blinded by rage?"
"I guess you're right," Ivy said as she took a moment to calm herself. "Thanks Em, please stay safe."
"I'll take your word for it."
Sharing their goodbyes, Ivy turned and began the walk home. The walk home felt like an eternity. Every leaf rustle, every floorboard creak, every sound sent her heart racing. Finally, she reached the familiar porch and she burst through the door.
"Dad!" she called out, her voice tight with urgency.
Edward appeared from the living room. "What's wrong, Ivy?" something was definitely amiss from the look on her face.
Ivy immediately launched into her encounter with Michael in Professor Henderson's class. As she spoke, her brothers, alerted by the commotion, gathered around, faces hardening with every word.
"He's not going to get away with this," Colton said, his hands clenched and his fangs bared.
"He didn't stop there, he also threatened Emma too."
"Hell no!" Dean roared. "We double the guard."
"Hold on," came Edward's voice, "we can't act rashly without a plan and without the notification of the pack. We can't put ourselves at risk."
"So what do I do? He said there'd be a surprise tomorrow. What if it's an attack?"
Her father's gaze didn't leave her face. "Colton and I will be going to Mason Manor. Dean, Ashton and Archie, you keep watch over the house and…" he looked at Dean. "You can go keep an eye on Emma. Ashton and Archie, you're both in charge of the house and its inhabitants."
Emma waltzed back to her room under the watchful eyes of the most important people in her life.
"Dean," Edward called to his second son, "play it safe and don't engage in any fight should you come across one."
"You can count on me father," Dean replied as he adjusted his glasses, "I have always been the most cautious of all your sons." With that he bolted out of the house as did Colton and their father.