(Freya Milano)

I'm fully recovered after ten minutes of walking through the woods and we come in front of front yard of a big house. I look to the right and see that Alessandro still looks like a mess. He's sweating in this cold weather, indicating that he's healing slow and needing blood yet he's fighting the urge.

"Look alive, brother. We're meeting family. Here we come!" I push a ringing bell next to the door. This house is like a mansion. We live in a mansion too in Afton. In a few minutes after the second I push the button, I can hear the key is moving and the door swinging open.

A woman in her 40s is standing on the door, welcoming us with a smile that fades in a sudden when she catches what she sees. "Oh dear, what happened? Are you okay? Come on in."

"Do you know us? I mean me exactly?" I extend a hand. "I'm Freya Milano, Alessandro's one and only precious sister."

She doesn't hesitate to pull me into a hug. She's really nice. I like her. "I heard a lot about you. It's so good to finally see you come back to us."

"I hope it's anything good that you heard." I put on a smile. "I promise I'll be good to you, ma'am."

She chuckles. "Amelia." She turns to look at Alessandro who's trying to look okay but isn't good at it now.

"We got into a little accident. Our truck blew up so we walked not far from here." I explain.

Eventually Alessandro can speak up. "Sorry to bother you so late at night. I had told uncle Silvestro that we'd come here."

"Yes, yes, he told me. He is out of town but he'll come back early morning tomorrow. You two can change your clothes and get some rest." She chuckles at that. She sure has known what we are and feels awkward when she has to tell us to get some rest.

I grin and glance at Alessandro. "Al, Alexander sure needs some rest." I add in whisper to Aunt Amelia. "And blood."

"No!" Alessandro responds quickly I haven't even closed my mouth. That's a real vampire speed in that voice. "Resting would suffice. Thank you."
-----

Oh dear I have been sleeping all night. I love this room, so spacious as if one doesn't even live here. The one who stays here must not like keeping a lot of things. I don't know whose room it is. Aunt Amelia only tells me to choose a room on the third floor. I get up to open the curtain. However, the door swings open at the same time I step my feet on the floor. It's swung hard, I jolt a little. I grab the blanket which is on the floor. I thought it was Aunt Amelia but it's not.

"Can't you knock?" I yell.

A young girl stops in front of the open door. She looks so young, so pure and so sweet. Her name must be Hazel. I mean her hair and with my sharp sight I can see that her eyes are hazel. She also wears floral hazel, knee length dress with a jeans jacket.

She says with confusion written all over her face. "Uuh, it's my room. I never expected a half-naked girl would be sleeping in my room." But then she nods like she just gets an idea in her mind. "Ah you must be the Milano girl."

"Freya sounds better." I tell her and then mutter under my breath. "Why does everyone keeps calling by last name?"

She takes off her jacket and hangs it on stand-in hanger. "Well you better get dress and ready since my dad is waiting in the living room. I saw your brother." I can see a hint of smile when she says about my brother. "He's cleaned up pretty well. He sure knows my dad likes people who meet him to be considerate in appearance."

"Okay got it, Hazel." I accidentally call her that.

"It's Wendy." She adds. "Oh, you can use the bathroom first." She looks in awe probably because seeing how I mess her room. One of the pillows and the blanket are on the floor.
-----

When I get to the living room, Alessandro and Uncle Silvestro are talking. It seems so serious. It always is when Alessandro brings up any matter. I take a seat next to Alessandro on the big couch.

"I can't trust your sister." Uncle Silvestro says just as my butt lands on the couch. I cough.

Alessandro convinces him. "Then trust me. She won't be using it directly. Everything is under my control."

"Yup Al is the control guy." I mumble. "Besides, hunting isn't really stuff."

I look up when Uncle Silvestro asks a question directed at me. "How have you been doing Freya?"

"Still alive and kicking." I say. Uncle Silvestro looks old but strong. I can hear his steady and strong heartbeat. His beard is thick and neat, just like his hairline. "But in control. You can trust this guy right here, my dear brother, who will keep me sane. He promised." Alessandro lets out a deep sigh that I can hear from his side.

Uncle Silvestro nods and looks at me from up to bottom so thoroughly. "Remember the deal. Do not involve my family in this, especially not my daughter." He turns to see Alessandro. "I can't help you any further. I will hand in the last few weapons this family has been keeping for generations."

"I'll make sure of that. Thank you, uncle."

We drink what Aunt Amelia has served on the table. It's tea. I don't like tea. It's boring. I take only a sip and put the cup back.

"Can I have a word with Freya alone?" Ask Uncle Silvestro. Alessandro nods and leaves. If I were him, I'd not forget to use my vampire hearing to eavesdrop but I know he won't do that.

I blurt out. "I'm not grounded, am I?" and he actually smiles a little.

"Did you meet Wendy?" he changes his position on his single couch. He sits more relaxed with his back lean on the back of the couch and his arms on the side of the couch. "She could have had brother and sister if her mom didn't have miscarriages. She's my only daughter now."

I just listen without expecting anything and knowing why he tells me that. He keeps going on about why his daughter is so important and his everything. He even tells one or two memories they've had. I get to finish my tea to fill in the awkward emotional moments.

"You have your parents' bravery, Freya." He says while looking at me. "And deep, deep down there I believe you also inherit their selflessness. Do not jeopardize your chances."

He gets me speechless. I honestly don't know what to say about that. I'm thinking what the hell is this? Is this some kind of psychological way to get to me or he really believes in something in me that I don't even believe is true. Or he just infinitely worries that I can be bad influences to his daughter and seem to be interested to drag her in my complicated mess.
*****

👋👋👋
How's that family reunion?
So we got new characters here, the Lorenzo, esp Wendy Lorenzo 👀
What do you think about them so far? What vibe you get from Wendy particularly?

I love hearing whatever you got in your mind so please tell me feel free

😜
Anjaa