THE HOWLING

Once upon a time I sat at desk........

I typist for an advertising company, nine to five, an hour for lunch and weekends off.

My life was mapped out, I was engaged to a wonderful man and together we had just bought our first home, the wedding was booked.

Then one night my life changed forever, now I'm in shit holes like this looking for a Lamia.

Yes I said Lamia, Nightwalkers........Vampires, Bloodsuckers; what ever you want to call them I hunt them and every other creatures from hell.

I'm an Eliminator, the creatures that break the rules I hunt down and destroy.

As the only girl of six our Father treated me the same as my brothers, becoming skilled in martial arts and weaponry, that's how I got the job, hired by a man with an interest in the occult; there are four of us altogether me being the only Eliminator.

I should also mention I'm also the only Amalgam.

Thirty years ago to the day we were walking home from the pictures when we were attacked, as good as I am out attacker was better, stronger and faster, my Fiancé was killed.

I was to learn later that it was a Lamia that attacked me and for some unknown reason his bite didn't completely turn or kill me.

I have the pale skin and liquid gold eyes, the speed and strength but unlike them I do not need blood nor do I hide from sunlight, time stopped for me though, ageing became non existent.

Allen found me on bridge one night; about to throw myself off, he must have seen something in me as he took me to his house, taught me the ways of the Lamia and how to kill them.

I also learnt my jump wouldn't have killed me......another gift from them.

Why these things like to lurk in cemeteries is beyond me, behind one of the headstones I find what I'm looking for....kind off.

So here I am, in this God forsaken place looking at one of these Demons.

I enjoy the kill, revenge for what they have done to me, Allen spends a lot of time reminding me they were once human........well, there not now.

The creature is lying on the ground from the looks of him he was in one hell of a fight and came off the worst.

His wounds are bad even for a Lamia.

Pulling a stake from my belt I put the thing out of it's misery.

It screams and reaches for the stake, lifting my foot I push down hard on the wood; it stops wreathing and dissolves in front of me.

Sprinkling Holy water were it lay it I head back home.

As much as I would like to I cannot kill them all, we have an agreement, a pact that I kill only the ones causing trouble.

We belong to an institute, a force of peace keepers, secret to the rest of the world, we know of these creatures and others and work with them.

They dislike trouble, are afraid of being discovered and when one of them breaks ranks I get called in.

I'm good, damn good.

Back at the house I'm greeted by Allen.

"I guess it went well?"

I nod and head for the coffee machine "The same M.O. in a fight, nearly had it's head ripped off"

Downing my coffee I open the fridge and grab a stake, OK, so I said I didn't need blood, I don't but I have to eat only meat raw, don't ask me why, it started after turning, the thought of cooked meat turns my stomach.

"You put him out of his misery?"

"If you mean I wiped him of the earth, yeah"

Allen joins me at the table, watches as I devour the stake and wipe the plate clean "You'll need to have you're blood tested tomorrow"

"Fine" my monthly test, just to make sure I'm still a freak, that I'm not growing fangs.

"That's the forth one this month, the first to survive, a while at least"

"Till I got to him" I growl.

I close my eyes and let the water run over me.

If something is going round ripping Lamia to shreds good on them is what I say.

Allen doesn't agree, if his suspicions are right a Werewolf is to blame, just another hell spawn for me to destroy.

Why they have to get so worked up about it is beyond me, let it wipe them out then I'll take care of it, put the dog down......simple.

But they don't think way, Werewolves and Lamia have been enemies for as long as time, a nervous truce has been between them for centuries, till now.

Accusations and counter accusations have been on going for weeks.

Maybe it's not a good idea.

Ok, here's the boring bit, Lamia are Vampires although they prefer their ancient name, they are the undead, they do not need to live on human blood, any blood will do as long as it's fresh, they cannot read minds but rather sense feelings, emotions.

They are ancient beings spawned long before Christ; they are secretive and still do a lot of things the old way.

There's three ways to kill them, sunlight, the destruction of their heart and my personal favourite decapitation.

Werewolves on the other hand and an odd lot, the Alpha wolves are shaggy things with four legs and a tail, the others are human but have the ability to become wolf, they do not need a full moon and can change between one and the other which can make it difficult to spot one unless you have a superb sense of small as I do.

A silver cannot kill them, it's just put's them out of action for a while unless you cut it's throat, the same with Lamia, silver wounds them.

Both Lamia and Werewolves can either turn or kill their victim depending on the bite they give.

Right, lesson over, I'm off to watch the monitors for the night and check in with Duncan.

"Sorry Raven, all quiet so far" he tells me as he turns off the computers.

"That's alright; I could do with a break"

"I heard about you found, pretty beaten up Allen said!"

"Yeah, whatever did it almost ripped him to pieces"

Duncan pulls a face "Yuck, see you in the morning"

"Goodnight"

The nights are lonely, I can go out in daylight but I don't need to sleep either.

I'm not alive but neither am I dead, I'm an Amalgam, a cross breed, a freak.

I look at the monitors then fill in my reports, everything in triplicate, one for us, one for head office and one for them.

Vanessa appears, I know it's her before I see her "You still awake?"

"Yes, I haven't been able to sleep since the brake in"

"The new alarm system works and it beeps me!"

"I know Ravi but....."

I nod, in a way understand, having one of those mutts wandering around the house when you're asleep can make anyone nervous.

We sit and chat for a while, we have nothing in common but we get on well, I suppose you could say she was my friend, although Vanessa is technically older than me at twenty three to my twenty and likes to treat me as a little sister I out age her, It's kinda nice to have a Sis.

Finally she heads off to bed and leaves me alone again.

I'm used to what I am, have accepted it now but it wasn't always like that, after it happened I went a little crazy getting into trouble with the Cops, mostly for fighting, till I found myself on the bridge.

I pride myself on my job, I am very professional and calm, I learnt to keep my emotions in check, never dwelling on the past, the might have's.

Every morning we sit and discuss anything that needs to be done or plan our next move.

This morning is different; looking at their sombre faces tells me something is wrong.

"Why all the negativity?"

Vanessa looks across Allen and Duncan looks at the papers in front of him.

"Raven sit down, would you like some coffee?" Allen asks politely.

"No, I would like to know what's going on"

Allen takes a deep breath "The Alliance is very worried about the situation"

"The Alliance can bite my ass" I snarl.

"Raven!" Vanessa squeals.

I look at Vanessa "What they up to now?"

"They are sending some people down to....err.....help!"

The room falls silent as they look at me.
"So?"
"Their going to be staying for a while till this problem is sorted"
"If they must, I suppose I can put up with the stench for a while"
Duncan shakes his head "You don't understand Raven, the Lamia is going to be working with you.
I look at them in stunned silence, me and a Lamia working together, that's funny, very funny, I start to laugh.
"Duncan is right I'm afraid; they want to get to the bottom of this and to see if your up to the job"
"The odd rouge and I'm the one but when something serious comes up suddenly I'm not good enough!" I feel my anger rising.....

"That the Amalgam isn't up to the job, no way, like hell will I work with one of them"
"Raven, these are difficult times, can you not put your hatred aside, they want to make sure you can handle it, that's all"
"Hatred aside, yeah why not, hey you're lot did this to me, killed the man I loved, left me a freak but well shit happens lets kiss and make up"
"Raven!"
"Go fuck yourself" I storm off to my room.
Like hell will I work with one of those, the only time I want to see one is when I'm ripping it's cold lifeless heart out.
The dog is bad enough but to work with a Lamia, no way.

At eight sharp we all gather in the dinning room.
Allen walks in with two men, if you can call them that, I can tell who's who right away.
The dog looks like us or rather the others; you can't tell by looking but the small tells me he's dog.
The Lamia though I could tell a mile off, he walks in and quickly scans the table then turns to me.
I'm not at the table; would you want to sit with this pair?
"Right everyone, I think introductions are in order, this is William and Jareth"
The dog William gives a slight wave and a "Hi" the Lamia nods.
Allen points out Vanessa and Duncan then turns to me "And this is Raven"
William steps forward but one look from me and he changes his mind, the Lamia looks at me intently and I stare back.

Allen invites our guest to join them.
Pulling out a chair the Lamia looks at me "Please....."
Crossing my arms I look away but not before I see a strange expression cross his face.
The meeting gets under way, the dog is doing most of the talking and seems to be knowledgeable if not a bit of a geek, strange person to pick for the pack but he has several ideas to the slayings.
"What do you think?" the Lamia turns to me.
I meet his gaze with distaste "Why should I care about a few Bloodsucker deaths, good riddance is what I say, let them all die"
Allen inhales deeply "Raven!"

The Lamia smiles "Including you!" 
"I'm not one of you" I retort.
"But your not one of them either!" he nods towards Duncan and Vanessa.
I open my mouth to argue but Allen steps in so I just stare at 'it'
"Well, we have to find a way to stop it; apart from the conflict between the Alliance and the Order this could spell disaster if it gets out"
Everyone agrees with Allen with one problem which the Lamia has to point out.
"We have to find it first" he looks at me "Don't you agree Amalgam?"
I wince at the word, my angers in serious risk of ripping the buggers head off.
The meeting over I leave the others to talk and disappear upstairs.

I'm watching the monitors when I smell him; cringing as the smell grows stronger.
Keeping my eyes on the screens I ignore the Lamia as he walks in.
"So Amalgam this is what you do at night?" I can hear the amusement in his voice at his choice of words.
I shudder as I feel his eyes burn into me; I know there are questions about me which is why he's been sent, I made a point of avoiding them and their questions.
"I understand you had an intruder?"
"What of it?"
"Where were you when all this was going on?"
"Out hunting down your problem" I answer defiantly, how dare he question my loyalty.

"Touché!" he laughs "So Amalgam......."
".......My name is Raven!"
"Raven" my name rolls off his tongue like syrup "How did you end up..........?"
"..........A freak; go ask the bastard that bit me"
"I wouldn't call you a freak" he smiles "Interesting but definitely not a freak"
I keep my eyes on the screen and wish he would leave.
"I understand your feelings......."
I swivel round "You understand nothing, I had a life, was happy till you're kind attacked, now, I'm this......this thing......a monster"
The look I get from him gives me goose bumps "Haven't you got someone to kill!" I sneer.
Walking across the room "I'm sorry" he mumbles as he closes the door.

The following night we get a report of a possible sighting in an abandoned house.
"I'll go check it out"
The Lamia steps forward "I'll join you"
I'm about to tell him where to go when I spot Allen's face "Fine" I grumble.
We arrive at the address and I immediately scan the grounds, nothing.
Going up the path I here a noise behind me, swinging round I pull out my swords and prepare for battle, instinctively the Lamia follows.
"Quicker if we split up" I suggest.
"I think we should stick together, just in case" the Lamia replies.
"I'm perfectly capable......."
".........I don't doubt it but............"
".........Have it your way" I snap.

We search the entire area and find nothing, not even a trace that it's been here.
Satisfied we head back to the house.
"I take it you can use those swords?"
"Expertly"
"I see, what else can you handle?"
"Guns, knives, anything that can be used, I'm also an expert in martial arts"
"Why was a girl trained in such things?"
"This is the twenty first century besides read my dossier I know you lot have one on me" what does he want my life history.
Arriving back at the house I mumble something about work to do and leave it standing.

Later that night I grab a bite to eat then head outside, the guest house/ gym is occupied by our 'guest's'
I work out on the lawn for about an hour when I smell the Lamia approaching, I turn to go inside.
"Not bad!"
"Sorry" I look at him bewildered.
"I was watching from the window, you're good but how are you up against an opponent?"
"Like you I suppose?"
"Why not, unless you're all mouth and........"
"When you're ready Lamia" I hiss, already in position.
We test each other out "Don't hold back on my account" the Lamia grins.
"I won't" as my fist makes contact with his jaw.

Giving it a rub he throws a punch back but I duck.
We match each other blow for blow; I silently admit that 'it's' pretty good too.
I must have lost my concentration as the next moment I find he's got me in a grip from behind.
"Tut Tut" he turns my head to an angle "Slipping a bit!"
I feel his lips against my hair "I could easily rip that pretty little head off"
"Why don't you, you'll be doing us both a favour"
"You really want me too, don't you?" I feel his shock "You're too important besides I can think of something else to do with you which is much more fun"
My face turns red.
Releasing his hold he walks back into the house leaving me standing in shock.

I feel as if my bloods boiling, a strange sensation rushes up my body.
Pulling myself together I head for the shower then joins Duncan in the office.
"I heard you found nothing?"
"Yeah, if it was there it must have been long gone; I mean I would have smelt something"
Duncan shrugs "It has to be somewhere!"
"This is a big city, it could be hiding anywhere"
I watch as he goes back to work, he's alright is Duncan, the practical joker, anything for a laugh but he's good at his job, knows as much as Allen if not more on the creatures that walk on this planet.

I take over from Duncan and man the monitors, watching for any sign of a possible attack.
The smell tells me the Lamia is around and I brace myself for another battle.
Walking in he seats himself on the sofa, I carry on and try to ignore him.
The silence is unnerving, I'm aware of his eyes on me, watching every move I make which makes it worse.
"Look if you've come here to insult me forget it I'm not in the mood"
"Now why would I insult you"
"I know what I am"
"And what are you exactly?"
I keep my eyes on the screens above me.
He moves towards me "I meant what I said"
"Pardon?"

"I'm sorry for what happened to you"
I laugh "What do you care"
"I care a great deal, it must be difficult being an Amal.....different, I read you're file, it couldn't have been easy to learn what you are on your own......did you really plan on killing yourself?
I shrug and wish Allen hadn't told them that.
"Why?"
"Why do you think, look at me, I don't exactly look normal do I, I'm abhorrent, ugly"
"You're not ugly"
What's he up too, one minute he's insulting me the next he's being nice?
He reaches out and touches my face "I think you're pretty, those eyes against such black hair, Lamia becomes you"

Ok he's definitely up to something?
I become aware of that sensation again, goosebumps run up and down my skin; I swear my heart's beating faster.
"I would like to get to know you more"
"Go to hell!"
"Been there, done that"
I freeze as his lips come down on mine, my head is spinning, I lift my hand to slap him but don't.
Stepping back he looks at me confused, I can sense the whirlwind of emotions that are running through him.
"Raven" he bow's and leaves.

"NO WAY!"
"Raven I'm not asking I'm telling you, be nice to him"
I'm furious, the Lamia went to Allen, expressed his wish to spend more time with me.
Allen sighs in frustration "You will either do as I ask or......."
"Or what, leave......very well I'm out of here"
"Ravi no!" Vanessa looks at me in horror "Please say you don't mean it?"
"Sorry Vanessa but I can't spend any more time with that thing" I turn to Allen "I'll be out in the morning"
"If you insist" Allen knows me well enough not to argue.
I head to my room to pack.

Well at least I can kill those dirty creatures when I want, no more taking orders.
I stand and watch the sun set, the shadows move, grow bigger as it gets darker, I feel like one of those,a shadow, not belonging to either world; unable to blend in anywhere.
"Vanessa just told me she's quite upset" the Lamia appears by my side.
I stay quiet, why should I explain to him.
"You hate me that much?"
"Don't take it personally; I hate all your kind"
"I was a farm boy, my father spent all day in the fields trying to make enough to keep us alive" 
I'm about to speak but he stops me.
"I was born in 1557 the year before Elizabeth the first became Queen, I had a hard childhood but was much loved by my parents, at the age of sixteen I joined the army, I wanted to see the world, have adventures"

"I was one of three thousand sent to Brittany to support King Henry IV of France, it was a disaster and I found myself separated from the rest of the men, the nights were so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of you, I never heard nor saw my attacker"
I sense his sadness, the loss of his family, his life.
"It took me a long time to accept what I was, that I could never see the sun rise or have children.
I hated the one that turned me, tracked him down and destroyed him but it didn't turn me back or make me feel any better, he was dead, gone but I...."
The emotions running through him hit me full force, the need for revenge, the satisfaction when he found what he had searched for, the emptiness when he had wiped out that life.

"It took another century before I found the others, became part of a Kinship then the Alliance, a place to belong, don't get me wrong, I'm not overjoyed to be what I am, if I could turn back time I would but I have accepted it, I don't look for destruction but when it comes......"
He doesn't need to finish I understand what he means "You don't think I have accepted what I am, well I have, accepted it a long time ago"
"No you haven't, you are eaten up with anger and if you don't learn to deal with it it will destroy you"
"Maybe that would be a good thing" I reply, turning to leave.
He grabs me "This may not be life as we once knew but it's still life, we have the ability to make changes, make a difference"

"We don't kill humans any more, we live peacefully, yes there are ones that brake the rules, that think it would be better to be as we once were but that would destroy us all"
I barely hear his words, I'm intently aware of his body against mine, the solid wall of muscle.
"I'll make a deal, if you stay and let me get to know you, I'll show you that this is not death but rather a new life, a rebirth"
I'm not aware of my voice as I agree, all I can feel is his body, his arms round my waist, the conviction he feels in his beliefs.
I feel sympathy towards him and panic, this shouldn't happen, I wriggle free from his grasp.

The next morning I join Vanessa in the kitchen.
"Missed you last night, where were you?"
"I was in my room, I had things to do"
"Ha, I can tell your hiding something"
I look at her "What would I have to hide?"
"Jareth!"
"What about the Lamia?"
"Come of it Ravi, have you not noticed the way he looks at you, it's more than checking you out for the Alliance"
I burst out laughing "You have got to be kidding me, the Lamia, no way"
"Honestly, I know what I'm talking about, I've seen it before"
I no longer feel hungry "Well he needn't bother, you know what I'd do if I got the chance"
"I wouldn't say no, I think he's handsome" leaving the table she heads to the door "Trust me, he likes you"

Another sighting is reported and we head out to investigate.
This time it's the forest, the Lamia has the upper hand as he turns into a bat and flies off in to the night. I don't have the ability but my speed surpasses most others.
"What kept you?" he grins as I meet up with him.
"Bloodsucker" I mutter under my breath, I know he heard me and don't care.
We enter the forest together and quietly make our way through the trees.
I'm just about to call it a night when I smell it but something is wrong, if this is a Werewolf it doesn't smell right.
Spotting it in the shadows I give chase.
"Raven wait!" 

Ignoring him I try to catch up with the shadow, I don't know why but the chase, the hunt sends my spirits soaring, make me feels free.
I stop dead in my tracks, the shadow is gone it's scent lost, lifting my head I sniff the air around me but it's no use, I've lost it.
"Did you not hear me" the Lamia growls as he catches up with me.
"I heard"
"So why did you ignore me?"
"I almost had it" I'm annoyed now "Since when did I  start answering to you!"
"Look Raven, I'm not telling you how to do you're job but something is wrong here, we need to think about it"
"If you're happy thinking while your kind is being picked off that's fine by me"

Storming off towards the exit I try to control me temper, I have always been so cool but these days..... him.
"I'm sorry, I'm not interfering it's just that I don't want you to get hurt"
"Get hurt, that's funny, I was hoping for something else"
"STOP THAT"
The fierceness in his voice makes me jump, I can't hide the shock as he pins me against a tree.
"Stop looking for a way to die, it's happened you can either wallow in self pity or be strong, refuse to let him win, as it is he's beaten you"
"Nobody beats me" I tell him defiantly.
"Really, I wouldn't have guessed"
We walk back to the house in silence; I have a lot to think about.

In my room I sit and stare at the blank wall; have I really allowed it to win?
All these years, have I been so eaten up with self pity and rage that I forgot who I was, that night I though my life had ended but had it, in a way I was still alive.
The thing that stuck in my throat most was the fact that it had won, the monster that turned me into this had got the upper hand.
But I'm not the same Raven, so who am I, what am I apart from am Amalgam?
The immortality, the superior senses and the adrenaline rush I get from hunting make me Lamia but I still have me humanity, my compassion.......don't I?
Great, when I was filled with hate I knew where I stood but thanks to him I'm not so sure anymore.

Going to the window I watch the world go by.
My world fell apart that night, silently crashed around me as 'it' sunk it's fangs into me.
I lost everything, my love, my family, my life.
How could I tell everyone what I was, they would have thought me mad then as they realised the truth I would have been shunned or worse, locked up and studied.
The last time I saw my Mother we were happy and laughing, trying on my wedding dress, the satin and lace fitting perfectly.
My Mother cried when she saw me but the tears were of happiness.
Dad had puffed out his chest, given the dad to daughter speech; I had hugged them both telling them I would see them the next day.
So long ago, I hadn't even been able to say goodbye to dad when he died, had waited till night to tell him how sorry I was for all the pain and anguish I had caused.
My Mother is probably gone now too and as for my Brothers, I guess they are all married with families, I know I will never see them.
I watch the Lamia head for his resting place.

"Ok, lets talk!"
Having spent all day trying to come up with answers and finding none I look for him after dark.
"What would you like to know?"
The first question is for my own sanity "I can feel your emotions, can you feel mine?"
"Of sorts, you're not easy to pick up, maybe because you are Amalgam but I can feel something sometimes"
Something tells me he's lying but I can't be certain "I'm not sure I want you to know how I feel, how can you go on knowing that others around you can die and what about marriage, kids?"
"We try to keep human contact to a minimum, to get to close to them can spell heartache when their time comes and as for marriage we don't instead we find our Olamic partners"
"Olamic?"

"We are very, how shall I put it, hot blooded but there's only one that will be our Olamic or life partner, the merging tells us"
"What?"
"The merging, the only time our kind can read minds, the merging of two, it only happens when we meet the right one then we become mates for eternity"
"Allen never told me this"
Jareth smiles "Allen does not know everything about us"
I have most Lamia traits but at the same time I'm sort of human, where did I belong, how can I exist, where do I fit in?
"Yes you are part of both words, when we first found out about you we were nervous, suspicious but over time we learnt to accept you, we still don't understand how it happened but you have proved it's possible and that there might be others out there like you"

I burst out laughing "Christ I hope not!"
"Why not, nature has a strange way of dealing with things; maybe you are the beginning of a new race of Lamia"
"How?"
"We have evolved enough to no longer be the threat we once were, apart from the few we live peacefully"
"You still need blood, even if it's animal it could raise questions?"
"True but we make sure we do not kill the animal, we take a small amount from several"
"Why the sudden change of heart, I thought you enjoyed the hunt, the kill?"
"We do, it's something that was bread into us, something that we cannot loose over night but times have changed, mankind is no longer as superstitious as they once were, science today is such that it makes it risky for us to kill, if we were discovered"
"So you're not doing it for them?"
"For both, we don't put ourselves in danger and mankind can flourish, imagine if we kept hunting, eventually there would be no humans left"

"And the ones that don't change?"
"That's what we have you for"
"Great!"
We sit in silence, both deep in our own thoughts when I feel it, his emotions are running haywire again but I don't understand them.
Lamia are taught a lot of things by there Magister, there teacher, the ones that had turned them, I didn't have that pleasure; I muddled my way through for five years before I met Allen.
"I'll teach you all you need to know"
"Why?"
He looks at me and I feel as if my stomach is doing somersaults.
"Because you should know these things, it's what you are"
"Ok, when?"
"Tomorrow evening"

The following evening I wait for Jareth in my room, I don't want the others to know, not yet.
"Ready?"
I nod, he joins me on the sofa and starts.
"I know you can sense my emotions but how are you at feeling human ones?"
"I can't"
"You can, so we'll start with that"
I am sceptical, if I could why haven't I done it before?
"It is not something you can do straight away, it takes practise, let's begin......concentrate, think of someone and allow their feelings to come to you"
I close my eyes, in my mind I'm searching for Vanessa finding her in the living room but as hard as I try I cannot pick up her feelings.
"Relax, just think of that person, as if you are in the room with her" the huskiness in Jareth's voice sends shivers down my spine.

Suddenly I feel something from Jareth, I try to work out what it is but I don't get enough time before it disappears.
I go back to Vanessa and start to feel her, she's happy, I can not only hear her laughter but feel it too, I smile then turn my attention to Duncan but I find him difficult, unable to get through, sensing Jareth again I switch back to him.
He's hiding it well, I can't read it and every time I get close a barrier comes up and pushes me away.
Rising he pulls me to my feet "Right, we can work on that another time, never underestimate a Lamia, there fast and clever.
To prove his point he grabs me by the throat, lifting me clean off the ground.
I kick and squirm but it's useless.
"The older we are the stronger we become, size up your opponent, know who you are dealing with and always fight with logic, never emotion" gently he lowers me to the floor "I did't hurt you did I?"

Lifting my hand I swing for him, this time I'm going to knock him into next week.
Strength is not the only thing age enhances, his reflexes are amazing.
One hand pins my arm to my side the other prevents contact with his face "Let go" 
"So you can swing for me again, I don't think so"
Giving in I wait for him to release me but he doesn't, his arm slides round my waist, his other round my neck.
I see his confusion but this time I see something else, I stare at him as if I'm hypnotized unable or unwilling to fight.
His lips come down on mine and I feel my blood surge forward, a strange ache like hunger grips me but it's not for food, what the hell is wrong with me?
I kiss back, my arms wrap round his broad frame; I hear a groan from him and his hold on me tightens.
Without warning he lets go "I think we should call it a night" disappearing out the door I'm left standing once again.

Gathering my wits I go downstairs to look for Vanessa but she's gone to bed early.
I sit in the living room and try not to think of the indecent upstairs.
The dog William walks in and sits opposite me.
"Fascinating!"
"What is?"
Removing his glasses he gives them a wipe then puts them back on "You look like a Lamia but I can tell your not, you smell different"
"Thanks"
"I wonder if I could get some blood from you"
"My blood!"
"For scientific reasons, I would like to study you more"
"Go to hell" 

I'm kicking seven bells out of the punch bag when Jareth appears.
"You look happy"
"Piss off"
"I know you're angry, what's wrong?"
"Well done you can feel my anger......"
"The way you're trying to kill the bag gives it away too" he laughs which makes me even more mad.
Turning I storm to the door but he seizes me "What's wrong?"
"That dog!"
"You mean William?"
"Who else"

"What's he done?"
"He want's to study me, take some of my blood for research; even the mongrels know I'm a freak"
"You're not a freak"
"I'm neither one nor the other"
Jareth holds me close "You are not a freak; you're unique but more Lamia than human"
Unique, I feel like an antique, something to be collected, his hand starts to move slowly up and down my back; I can hear his blood roaring through his body.
This is were I should back off, get the hell out but being wrapped in his arms felt good, comforting.

I close my eyes and let the wonderful feeling wash over me.
It's been so long since I was in any ones arms that I forgot what it was like, forget what he is, I wallow in the pleasure it gives me, it's hard to describe but I guess it's like being in a bubble, an invisible barrier were nothing can harm you.
I listen to the sound of his blood as it races through his veins, it's the only sound from him, no breathing or thumping of his heart, the steady sound of life no longer exists.
Why this is possible I don't know but it's real, his blood is the only sound of life....as is mine.
Oh my God!
Pulling away I stare at him in horror; he's still the enemy, my enemy.
"NO!" throwing open the door I run.

For the next few days I act as if nothing is wrong, I'm my usual cold hearted self.
The dog is avoiding me and I wonder if Jareth said something to him.
Allen calls me into his office.
"I just wanted to know how you were getting on with Jareth?"
I shrug "He's Lamia"
"You seem to be spending a lot of time with together"
"You told me to be nice"
"I did, he thinks very highly of you....I understand you had a disagreement with William, you'll have to forgive him he can get carried away with his work"
"And I'm one of his projects?"
"No, of course not"

That night we get a report of another attack.
The Werewolf that's doing this is getting bolder, this attack is in a park.
We arrive and look round, it's scent is strong which means it hasn't been gone long.
We find what's left of the victim, a pile of ash is all that's left of this Lamia, Jareth bends down and pulls something from the ash.
"Karla!" he whispers as he looks at the gold chain.
"You knew ......her?"
"Yes, we were once lovers, she had hoped we would merge but it wasn't to be"
"I'm sorry" and for once I actually mean it, watching as he sniffs the air.
"Do you get that, it's familiar yet different, as if..." impossible!

Back at the house we sit and discuss our findings with the others.
"Well if it isn't a Werewolf what is it" Vanessa asks.
"I didn't say it wasn't a Werewolf, it is, I guess but there is something else, two scents"
Allen shakes his head worridly, "Two killers, one Werewolf the other unknown?"
"Or a Hybrid"
I turn to William "A Hybrid"
"Like you"
I flinch at the description he gives me, from under the table Jareth grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze.
"Look whatever happened to Raven could have happened elsewhere with something else" William adds, "Raven's scent is a mix of human and lamia, it could explain it."
"Another Amalgam?"
"Possibly but not Lamia and human, a Werewolf and......."
We hash out the possibilities and decide it's worth checking out.

The others are busy glued to the computers and books, as I'm more action than thinking I'm not needed so head for a shower.
Later Jareth finds me in the garden.
"You went quiet at the meeting?"
"Did I?"
"What's on your mind?"
"Why did I not turn into a killer, like 'it'?"
"You were human, Lamia were designed to hunt them, either for food or for turning, we don't hunt Werewolves and such unless to kill, it has never been tried to combine the two"
It made sense, but if it was a Hybrid, what had the Wolf mixed with?
"We will have to be more cautious, till we know what we're up against"
For once I had to agree with him and with the winter now in this thing could become reckless.

I hear a howl from inside and immediately tense.
Jareth kneels behind me "It's ok, William has just morphed that's all, he'll head into the woods soon"
I relax but Jareth doesn't let go and I find myself staring into a mirror image of my own eyes.
"I envy you, to be able to see the sun, to feel it's warmth"
"I don't feel it"
"I thought, Allen...."
"Allen assumes, I never corrected him"
"But you don't drink blood?"
"No" I wonder if I should mention my weird eating habits then change my mind.
"Come" Jareth takes my hand "I want to show you something"

Opening the door to the guest house he leads me to another room.
"This is our prison" he points to the coffin standing in one corner.
I look at the carved wood and feel the hold it has on Jareth except it's more than a hold, it's as if they were joined.
"The first sign of dawn it calls us, draws us to it, we cannot refuse"
His hands move slowly up and down my arms.
"No matter how strong we become, how self willed we are we cannot disobey the call, the coffin we are buried in is binding, as long as I exists it exists, without one there can be no other"
The emotions I feel from him are having an affect on me, I can feel my own blood as it surges through me, the strange hunger is back.
I feel his lips on my shoulder and I groan; now I know what the feelings are.

I know I should fight this but I can't, something in him is pulling me in, I look at him and feel as if I'm drowning and the strange thing is.....I don't want to be saved.
I feel his passion growing; taking control of him, the affect on me is the same.
When I was alive I had a few relationships but only one ended up in the bedroom and that was Fiancé so I'm not very experienced in these things.
I have had no one in my life since my 'death' but from the way I'm acting you would never had known, I practically rip his clothes off.
"William will be away all night" he tells me hoarsely as he pulls me towards the bed.

There are some things you discuss, talk about openly but your sex life is not one of them.
All I will say is I can't believe the stamina and hunger I have, Jareth tells me it's a Lamia thing.
Any doubts I have I push to the back of my mind, I was caught up in a wave of passion, hunger and insecurity.
My Lamia self has the passion and hunger, so intense are they that I can't and won't control them; it was if my body was being driven by another force.
The insecurity was my human side, the desperate need for affection; no matter from what or whom.
I just needed to feel loved.....normal.

But there is nothing in my life that is normal.
I am Amalgam, a spirit that walks between both worlds.
The slightest thing to happen or go wrong and my bloodline will be questioned.
To the Lamia I am human, I may look like them but I do not shun daylight, sleep in a coffin nor survive on blood, the humans that know and trust me will start to doubt, to question my loyalty, will look at my eyes and pale skin and see only Lamia.
My human self is all but gone, my heart does not beat, my lungs do not breath, no children, illness or old age, death is an enigma to me.

The sky turned purple, a reddish tinge could be seen in the horizon, Jareth slid off the bed and padded across the room.
Lifting the lid of his coffin he turned to me "We'll talk tonight!"
I could only nod my head as I watched him climb in and lay down; he looked at me once more then closed the lid.
Only then did reality hit.
Getting dressed I open the door and creep back to the house, hoping my shame would not be spotted.
I feel guilty, was guilty for allowing myself to get carried away, for letting my needs overtake me, he had seen me as no one had in thirty years and for that I felt vulnerable.

For the third time since his arrival I find myself avoiding him, during the day it wasn't a problem but at night I made excuses to be out as much as possible.
About a week later as I climbed the stairs to my room I find him waiting for me.
"We need to talk"
"Has Allen found something?" I ask deliberately misunderstand him.
"Allen?"
"Yes, that's the only reason you need to speak to me, isn't it?"
I had pushed to far and I find myself being slammed against the wall "Get you're bloody hands off me you, you..Bloodsucker"
"Is that all you have to say after the night we spent together" he sneers.
"RAVEN, JARETH, THERE'S BEEN ANOTHER ATTACK....."

Yet again I find myself in the Cemetery but this time I'm with a Demon as well as hunting one.
"What is it about creatures and Grave yards?"
Jareth shrugs "The peace"
I hear the humour in his voice and ignore it, concentrating on the job at hand; pulling out my swords I quicken my step only to have Jareth grab me.
"Careful!"
Something in his tone makes me think twice; I sniff the air and pick up the familiar but unknown scent.
Whatever this thing is it's no Werewolf and It's still here.
I signal to Jareth and we split up, I scan the headstones in case it's hiding......nothing.
The moon vanishes behind some clouds, the Cemetery grows even darker causing the eerie shadows to disappear; thank God for my Lamia vision.

I move quietly in the hopes it doesn't realise we're here, hearing a noise I turn and retrace my steps.
I know it's here, can smell it but where, I check on Jareth almost falling as my foot hits a headstone.
Looking down I find it laying at an angle as if it's been pushed, beside it is a pile of ash all that's left of a Lamia, in it I find a footprint, it looks human.
Bending down I turn to shout Jareth, he's gone.
My eyes dart from side to side looking for any sign of him, I take a step forward when I'm hit by a searing pain.
I clutch my head, the pain almost unbearable but hidden in the pounding is a voice, Jareth's voice.
Closing my eyes I try to fight the pain, the voice, now is not the time to be incapacitated.
"GET OUT, GET OUT NOW!"

Well you should no me by now and to do as I'm told is not in my nature.
His voice is now crystal in my head "Don't! Raven it's too dangerous, it's not what we thought, get out now"
I will not leave him to the same fate as the others, I creep towards the trees hoping I have the advantage, Jareth is in pain his wounds bad but I am not worried yet, stopping at the edge of the trees I look into darkness before me, shadows move around but not the one I'm looking for.
"Damn it girl, will you not do as I say, please"
I block the thoughts from my head along with the realisation as to why I can hear him, If he can keep her occupied while I....
"You are stubborn, alright I'll try" I feel him wince as he receives another blow, Jareth is strong and to be beaten like this means a much stronger foe.

I weave in and out the trees; sniffing the air around me I follow it's scent, stopping dead in my trackes I stare at the creature before me.
It is Lamia but not as we know them, it is also Amalgam but not like me, this was a true monster.
I recognise it immediately, Succubus, it's been years since this kind of Evil had walked the earth but to have been bitten and turned is astounding.
Succubus, destroyer of man, her sole purpose is to drain the life force of their victims and their victims were always men.
There power to bewitch and control was stronger than the Lamia, the Lamia on the other hand was the only kind to be immune to her powers.
Her fangs sink into Jareth's neck, his blood spills out of the creatures mouth and runs down it's chin.
It doesn't seem to know I'm here, so intent on destroying it's victim......I sneak up behind her.

With my sword in the air I swing for her neck.
Suddenly I'm flying through the air and land on a stump.
Jumping to my feet I face the Demon as it rushes towards me screaming, just as it reaches me I side step causing her to shoot past me but not before the cold hardness of steal comes down on her.
The thing screams in pain and retreats into the trees; I rush to Jareth.
"Are you ok?" I ask as I look at his wounds.
"Yeah, you should have listened to me, it'll be back you must get out of here"
"Not till I finish it"
"Go, get back to the house, tell them what it is"
"I'm not leaving you here"

"It's coming back" Jareth;s eyes are fixed firmly behind me, watching the creature as it moves slowly out of the trees towards me "Run" he begs me but I don't listen.
Smiling I put my hand on his chest and hope I am able to tell him to use his mind and not his voice.
It works; he looks at me puzzled but agrees; telling me he'll let me know when it's just inches from us, I keep my eyes on his and wait.
"Now" springing to my feet I turn towards it and thrust my sword into it's stomach then pulling it out I immediately strike again this time I hit an artery, removing my sword I'm covered in splatter.
The sound that comes from it is neither human, animal or Lamia; it makes your skin crawl and your soul shudder.
Once again it retreats into the trees.

Looking at my sword I examine the beasts blood, it looks Lamia to a point.
The smell is awful almost making me retch, running a finger through the sticky mass I'm intrigued to find it warm, Lamia blood is cold, I bring my finger to my lips and taste it.
"Yuck!"
"You shouldn't have done that....no idea what harm it can do" Jareth tells me fighting the pain.
Undoing a pocket on my belt I pull out a bottle of Holy water and sprinkle a drop on the blood, it hisses, a greenish smoke emanates from it as it turns to powder.
No matter what you are or how you were created blood must be blood, powered blood is just powder.
Wiping the sword clean I then wipe it again this time in Holy water then repeat the process with my other sword.

I can see the first signs of dawn, the clouds heavy with snow now let small white flakes fall to the earth, before long it's gentle dusting has covered the ground.
This has to be finished and soon, Jareth will not survive long in sunlight and with his wounds time is even shorter.
As if on cue I hear the low growl, it's moving towards us again, the trees giving it cover.
Doing a full three sixty I pin point the direction and stand ready.
It rushes at me it's teeth bared, I try to side step again but this time it anticipates the move and does the same.
I ready my sword and hope I can hit it before it hits me.
With it close enough I swing but I'm hit hard and sent sprawling across the ground, my sword makes contact briefly, the Succubus screams.
On my feet I take the chance and strike, one sword enters it's stomach the other it's chest.

Clutching her stomach she reaches out to me, silently begging for help before falling to the ground.
I look at what's left and feel sadness, it's not her fault she did what she did, it was not meant to be.
The Succubus, men's semen gave them life and strength, the more she visited her victim the more he would become drained, physically and mentally, till.....
The poor thing was driven mad, the desire for man's life force was over ridden by the need for blood, she needed to kill but needed her victims alive, why she claimed Lamia is any ones guess, maybe it was her way of revenge.
Why the Lamia bit her we will never know but I'm sure of one thing this should never happen again.
Hearing a moan I go to Jareth "We must get you back, the sun is almost up"

Safely in his coffin I go to my room.
There I sink to the floor and sigh in relief, I am exhausted.
I'm only just in the bath when I hear noise's from downstairs, the scent of strangers gets my attention and dressing I dash downstairs.
I run to the guest house to find two men loading Jareth's coffin into a van.
"Where the he.....?"
"They are not ordinary wounds, he will need help and time to recover, he cannot do it alone" 
Allen is right but it still causes a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
The men slam the back doors and jump into the cab.
That's it, over, I turn back to the house and close the door, leaning against it I close my eyes.
Things are now back to normal.

But things weren't normal at least not for me.
The weeks come and go, day passes to night but I barely notice, as hard as I try I can't shake the feeling.
Something is missing, I feel hollow and I don't know why, I wish to God I could sleep, wake up from this nightmare, this emptiness.
Vanessa and Duncan know something is wrong but they don't ask, they know better and as close as I am to Vanessa I can't talk to her, unsure myself what's wrong.
All I know is the day my life was taken is nothing to the sadness I feel now.
I bury myself in my work, an Eliminators job is never done.

One evening I'm told to go to Allen's office.
I knock on the door and not waiting for an answer walk in.
"Ah Raven, sit down this won't take long"
Taking a seat I watch Allen shuffle papers obviously trying to look busy "What happening now?" 
"Err well...."
I look at Allen confused, if he wanted to see me he seems to have forgotten why, I turn to look at the door as it opens.
Jareth stands in the doorway and smiles "The report all ready is it?"
"It is indeed my boy; the disposal of the remains is omitted as you asked"

I stare at them in disbelief; Jareth has been in contact with Allen.
Why did Allen not tell me, why had Jareth not come to see me, my mind whirls as it tries to understand why I feel so hurt and angry.
Allen mumbles something and leaves the room.
"Well I best get back to work" I move towards the door but Jareth blokes my way.
"Running away again......oh, I forgot, you don't run from anything"
"And what the hell is that suppose to mean" I demand wishing I could wipe that smile off his face "I have work to do"
"Now we talk"
I try to pass "We have nothing to talk about"
Jareth steps forward "But we do" he insists as he grabs my arm.
My hand makes contact with his cheek causing him to let go.
I almost run to the door, have my hand on the handle........

I yelp as it hits me, the pain so bad it blurs my vision, clutching my head I almost fall to my knees.
I feel Jareth's arms round me, holding me tight as I try to fight the pain "Don't fight it" the voice in my head tells me.
"You hear me now; listen to me, to what I have to say"
The pain vanishes, Jareth's voice fills my head, his emotions flood my body.
I'm filled with lust; desire, an overwhelming need to love.......me.
I listen and feel the surprise and horror at the merging of our minds when he first met me, the battle he fought to deny what he felt.
The mental and physical draining on him as he blocked his thoughts from me, the fear of slipping up and revealing himself.
He admits pride and frustration, the admiration he felt on finding me more than capable of doing my job and the profound frustration of my disobedience.

My face flushes scarlet as he relives the night of our lovemaking, his control pushed to the limits as he blocks his thoughts from mine and I cringe as he reveals he heard my every thought.
"That night, when I called you I was scared, scared for what could happen to you if the creature got to you but also terrified of how you would react to finding me in your head"
"I had no idea it would cause such pain, normally it doesn't, for that I am sorry"
If he didn't want to cause me pain why do it again?
"You left me no choice, I had to make you listen, make you understand"
I take a seat and try to control my shaking; this is a lot to take in, to find myself one with a Lamia, a Bloodsucker...my enemy.
"Will you always know what I'm thinking?"

"I don't know, we learn to control it but you....you are different"
"A freak"
"Raven, have you not learned from anything I have shown you, I love you, have loved you from the first night we meet"
I look away, he can't help it, if we hadn't merged he would be looking at someone else, another Lamia not an Amalgam.
"You do not understand, the merging only happens when the chemistry is right between the two involved, there has to be something between them to begin with, I love you and know you feel the same for me"
Love him, no not possible, how can I love him....my enemy, his kind destroyed me.
Jareth reaches out to me but I recoil, putting my hands over my ears to block him out I scream "NO, IT'S NOT TRUE, I HATE LAMIA, I HATE YOU"

Time passed and everyone commented on how long this winter seemed to be, knowing now that I can't feel such things they comment on my luck, luck ha!
I haven't seen or heard from Jareth since my outburst and I can't shake the feeling of lose.
I find myself more and more on automatic, acting on instinct more than thought; Allen was the first to notice and now does daily testing on me.
Pushing the others away Duncan shrugs and laughs off my mood, telling everyone it's a woman's thing.
Vanessa presses me to talk but I refuse and finally she gives up.
My appetite is non existent, if I could sleep I wouldn't.
I can feel myself sinking deeper into a black hole where the dark void is waiting for me.

I spend most of my time out, anywhere where I can be alone.
On a hill one night I watch the lights below, the bars and clubs where the young go and hang out, laughing and joking all looking forward to what may be round the next corner.
The houses with young children all tucked up tight in bed their parents relax and enjoy the evening together.
The Cemeteries will grow, more and more headstones will appear, marking the lives of the gone.
The people I know will pass away, be replaced by others that in turn will die.
I will be left to remember.

The heavy darkness presses down on me.
I wish Jareth was here, to tell me it's not all bad that there are experiences to meet, adventures to have.
I love him, I know that now but I still fight it, for so long I have hated, despised his kind that I don't know how to let go.
Maybe I never will.
Time to move on, this place was no longer home to me, I will miss Vanessa and the others but I have no choice.
Move on and forget.
Rising I turn and find a man watching me, he steps forward "Miss, err, Raven?"
"What do you want?"
The young man coughs nervously "I am to take you to Brone house" 
"Forget it; tell the Alliance I don't deal with their kind"

Shifting from foot to foot he looks at the ground "It's not a request"
In the trees I see another man, bigger and I sense stronger "Fine"
I follow the kid to a car.
After an hour it pulls up outside a huge building, I whistle as I look up at the white stone and imposing turrets.
"Miss" the young man escorts me  in and shows me into a room "Please wait here" the man closes the door.
After five minutes the door swings open "Ah you must be Raven the Amalgam"
"Raven" I reply coldly "What do you want?"
"So impertinent and fiery, I can see why you merged with her Jareth"
Jareth! I look over the man's shoulder and see him, my legs go weak and my skin tingles but I meet his gaze with defiance.
"Why the hell am I here?"
The man sits "Jareth has asked us to allow you to join the Alliance"

"Join the Alliance!" I stare at them, why?
"Please sit down, my name is Arden, I'm part of the council in the Alliance" he turns to Jareth "You may leave us for now"
Jareth bows and giving me a quick look leaves the room.
"Now, sit and tell me about yourself?" Arden smiles warmly "Where are you from?"
For over two hours I answer his questions politely, I have the feeling you don't want to upset this man.
"Jareth feels for you deeply, it's been a long time since I've seen such emotion, such passion in anyone let alone him"
I shrug, the man holds up his hand "Please, don't try and fool me or yourself, I can feel you, I know what you feel for him"
"Why?"
"Why should you join the Alliance, my dear you are one of us" again he stops me "You may not be completely Lamia but theirs enough in you to convince me and over the years you have proven yourself to us countless times"
"And what if I refuse?"

"That is your choice but I sense a sadness in you, a burning desire to know who and what you are, we can help you learn and grow"
I find the invitation tempting but still I doubt, mistrust.
"Raven, why are you an Amalgam?"
Has the man gone man, how the hell am I supposed to know "It was your kind that made me this way"
"No, we did not make this happen, the Lamia that bit you he killed your Fiancé, yes?"
I nod.
"But the same Lamia did this to you, his intention was to kill, he had no idea the combining would happen"
He comes over and kneels before me "Raven you were chosen, by whom we will never know but you were meant to be, it was your destiny"
My destiny was to be a freak!
"A freak no, unique yes, special definitely, I sense great things are to become of you, I will make the recommendation to the council"

Arden opens the door "Think about it"
Alone I walk over to the fire, me chosen, special....my destiny!
I watch the flames dance and hear the cracking of logs, I know Jareth is there "Why"
"I have my reasons most of which are selfish"
"And they are?"
"You are one of us; to be part of the Alliance will help you learn about us" he goes silent for a moment "I didn't want you to leave"
He had heard my thoughts "I don't know......"
"For Gods sake Raven, you know how I feel about you, how many times must I say it till it sinks in....I love you, I know you feel the same for me"
"Yes I love you but is it enough, I'm like you but not one of you, not really, I will never be fully accepted"
"They will, have accepted you, you have Lamia blood flowing through your veins, so you don't sleep, you can go in daylight, it doesn't matter you are still one of us"

Jareth pulls me to him.
"Please, stay with us, with me.......I will show you so much"
Would it be so bad to stay, to learn from them, to be with him?
"I'll stay"
Jareth's lips press down on mine hard and I moan, the heaviness I felt lifts, the black hole that had tried so hard to swallow me is gone, for the first time in years I feel complete.
"Let me.....?"
"Yes" I tighten my hold as the pain hits but this time it doesn't last long.
His thoughts and feelings wash over me and I blush at the images he has in his mind, his hold on me tightens as he reads me, my nervousness, my fears and my love for him.
It will not be easy but with Jareth by my side I will manage.
I know where I belong.