Gloria narrowed her eyes, releasing Caleb. The teen now stood rubbing his wrists as he looked at the skinny damphir. "Look Duke," he said sheepishly. "I'm sorry, you're right I don't know you. But I kinda get what your saying."
Duke raised an eyebrow, curiously gazing at Caleb.
"I get what you're saying about dads," Caleb sighed. "I mean, my dad is a great guy and all but I've always felt pressure. Live up to the Moreland name and all. Hell, I've moved around all over the world, Wyoming was the longest place I had stayed."
Caleb now approached, a kind smile on his face as he extended his hand. "Sorry for the trouble," he stated, Duke critically looking the young hunter over before shaking his hand.
"Thanks," Duke said softly. "I appreciate it."
"Well now that thats out the way why don't me all take a seat," Gloria stated. The teens now made their way towards Sashas kitchen table, Caleb pulling out Gloria's chair as they now all sat. "Hey don't forget about me!"
The teens now turned, noticing the talking skull seemingly glaring at them. Caleb now offered a weak apology, carefully picking up Jim and placing him on the table. "What is that thing," Sasha asked.
"Oh this Jim," Caleb stated. "Hes an immortal skeleton warrior. Been helping the family for years."
"Aye thats right," Jim proclaimed. "And if you wizards try to hurt the kid you'll have to deal with me!"
"What are you gonna do," Sasha grumbled. "Bite my ankles off?" Jim growled, the skull lunging at Sasha before Caleb scooped him up. Sasha gasped, surprised when Duke now tried to shield her.
"Dont poke fun at Jim," Caleb asked. "He's a bit sensitive. And yes, he will bite your ankles off."
"Allright," Felicia stated, trying to get everyone to focus. "Why don't we share information here. Thats why we're all here."
The teens nodded, Gloria and Jackie now standing as they addressed the room. "Okay so we've seen some odd things over the course of the summer," they stated. "From guys looking to tint windows to weird people showing up asking about military suits."
"Military suits," Caleb asked.
"Yeah," Jackie said. "Some big hulking guy named Hannibal. He showed up at the office I intern at with some woman named..."
"Dominique," Caleb finished. The others now turned to Caleb in surprise. "His familiar. You guys know about familiar right?" Gloria and friends shook their heads causing Caleb to sigh. "Duke you want to tell them?"
"Familiars serve vampires," Duke stated. "Since vampires can't go out in the sun they use humans to get things done at that time."
"How did you know about Dominique," Naomi asked.
"I've got friends in the underworld that feed me information," Jim stated. "And Dominique and Hannibal got quite the reputation. They get what their looking for."
"Except the suits are gone," Felicia's added. "Trust me, I was there. We blew it sky high."
"Why would they want the suits," Caleb asked.
"The suits could cancel magic," Jackie said. "Specifically our magic."
"Makes sense," Jim said. "Especially if my sources are correct."
Caleb nodded, Gloria and the others watching with baited breath. "Duke you wouldn't have happened to hear anything would you?"
"A little," Duke shrugged. "My dad was interested in increasing the clout of the vampire nation. Heard one of the guards talking about a plan to bring someone into the fold."
"Yeah," Caleb nodded. "Specifically them." Gloria and her friends eyes went wide as Caleb gestured towards them.
"Why us," Naomi asked.
"Cause what happened last year was kind of a milestone moment in the supernatural world," Caleb said. "Nothing like this has happened in centuries. From what I heard the vamps wanted to turn wizards to strengthen the clan." Caleb now turned to Duke.
"Any idea how many came here?"
"Maybe a dozen of his best generals," Duke shrugged. "It wasn't many for sure that I know. Its how I escaped."
"Excellent than its still manageable," Caleb smiled. "How long have you been in town?"
"Over a month."
Calebs smile faltered, the teenage hunter cursing under his breath.
"What," Diane asked.
"If the vampires have been here for over a month than we got WAY more than a dozen vampires to deal with."