Suddenly all conversation stopped when the trio entered the classroom. One carried a football and with a hand towel draped around his neck, he came off rather flashy and haughty. He was the tallest of all three boys and seemed so full of himself as he flashed his fangs. He smiled - pure gold. His fangs were longer and far superior to other vampires his age. His dark brown hair was short and he had eyes of thunder, deep blue like the sea. His body was like a line backer’s - large, brawny and strapping. He had an imperial essence about him.

The guy to his left was much simpler. In fact, he was sort of nerdy, with big, reddish-brown hair. He had a very awkward walk, but his handsome face saved him. He didn’t seem confident and seemed to depend on the other. He just kept staring at everything the taller boy did and sort of mimicked him. The last was the most hypnotizing boy Oriole had ever seen before in his life. His long, darker blond hair flowed effortlessly down his back as he moved smoothly. He was pretty, with full lips, a boyish grin and trusting forest green eyes. There was something so fresh and innocent about him. He was the only one who looked over at their table and he seemed staggered when he saw Oriole.

“Those three guys seem rather stately,” Oriole said, intimidated.


“Joshua Toby, Rayon the 4th and Roland Parsh. People call them ‘the trio’ because they are always together and they’re very similar as far as status. All of them come from prominent blood lines and have more abilities then the average vampire.”


“They are gift holders then?”


“Yes, and they are somehow bound to each other. I don’t know the logistics to it, but respect them always.”


Just then Pear walked in. She was Jamie’s best friend and Oriole could not help but notice that Rayon seemed to stare at her. She sat down right next to Oriole and stared at him, smiling.


“So who’s the cutie?” Pear asked Jamie, as if he wasn’t sitting right there in front of her.


“His name is Oriole. He is new in town and he’s never been to school with vamps.”


“Really? That’s freaky dude.”

Oriole noticed that Pear was not only bubbly and outgoing, but rather striking as well. With skin as dark and deliciously creamy as a chocolate bar, and long brown hair caressing her freckle dotted prominent cheekbones. Her hazel eyes were slightly slanted, as if her African-American features were swirled with bits of Asian descent. Her red shirt was cut low and showed off her ample cleavage. Though her breasts were large, they were youthful and sat up well on her frame. Her long legs claimed their space as she crossed them, leaned forward and ran her fingers through Oriole’s hair.

“Why did you go to school with humans?” Pear questioned, seeming confused.


“It was suitable for me at the time. Uh, that guy is coming over,” Oriole pointed out.


They turned to see Rayon the 4th making his way towards them. He pulled up a seat and spoke quickly, knowing class would start soon.


“Pear, you know you still owe me, right?” Rayon asked, grabbing her arm.


“No, I already paid you and you know this. What do you want?” Pear asked, annoyed.


“You know, if you keep playing games, I’m going to give you a love bite.” The sound of that made Oriole tense up. He felt like he was in love. A love bite was very sexual and erotic. It was something that could only be experienced by vampires.


“Well, if you love bite her, she might fall in love with you,” Oriole remarked to Rayon.


“No, she wouldn’t do that. She’s just for fun,” Rayon replied. “What the hell is that on your hand?” he asked, moving closer to Oriole. No straight vamp would lean in that close and touch his hand, thought Oriole. Not unless he wanted to let him know he was gay without saying it…


“It’s just a tattoo. It means brave one,” Oriole replied.


“What’s your name, dude?” Rayon asked.


“Oriole.”


“Well, nice to meet you, my vampire brother. I am Rayon the 4th. Later, ladies.” Rayon walked back to his seat. Oriole felt like his heart stopped.

　

　

Chapter 2- The Apple Tree



　

Oriole’s father was in real estate and his mother an airline pilot. They had moved to Virginia Beach because his father loved change – so much that moving around was becoming a common thing. Oriole had no siblings and loved being a spoiled only-child most of the time. Most young vampires did not separate from their parents until age thirty. So living on campus was not an option at vampire colleges, as it was uncommon not to live with one’s parents. While humans were legally considered adults at age eighteen, vampires were not of age until twenty-six. However, there were things they still could not do until age thirty, similar to the human distinctions between ages eighteen and twenty-one. Vampire emotions were different from human’s - they were harder to control and took longer to mature. Vampires had much more responsibility to handle with their urge for human blood - an urge was stronger and more reckless with younger vampires. Older vampires had much more control. Most vampires that were in prison were younger; ones that somehow lost their way, or didn’t have much home training. They were there for crimes committed against humans or other vampires. Young vampire emotions were constantly in struggle and the youth were often referred to as madness-pires, a vampire saying.