THE PURE BLOOD'S
Chapter 1

        Behind the table sat a man who was reading a book from what century. Judging from the cover, it was clear that the book was very old. Apparently the beautiful one looks unhappy because he has not found anything in the book for hours. It was precisely the ravings of his younger sister that suddenly diverted the man from his book.

        He wore a dazzling smile, even if inwardly unhappy at the disturbance. That's how Jonathan always shows good attitude to family members. Stretching his hands, regardless of his sister's aggravation, he hugged the woman.

        “My Beloved Freya. Your appearance is always like a storm huh.” Kissed the woman's cheek.

        “It's good to see you too, Brother,” reply Freya ketus. “What made you call me here? Geez, I had to cancel my vacation trip because of you.”

        “Actually this is rather important.”

        “Agessential?” Freya glared in annoyance. “Where else?”

        “You can be more specific about who you mean?”

        Freya rolled her eyes. “Sure Alex and Nick.”

        “There are only two of us,” Jonathan said lightly with his arms outstretched. “Unfortunately,” added quickly once Freya was about to explode again.

        “Seriously! What about Josie?”

        Suddenly Jonathan smiled again, then threw a suspicious look at his sister. “So now you're passing on our family members.”

        “Come, Joe.” Freya looks like she's exhausted her patience.

        Jonathan laughed a little at Freya's temperament. He thinks it's his own cuteness. “I don't know where Alex is now. If it's Josie, the last news I got is that she's in Spain.”

        “Spain?” Freya shakes her head. “When exactly did you get the news?”

        Jonathan looked down, looking like he was remembering. “Four months ago.”

        “So he didn't say anything about Nick.”

        “What happened to Nick?”

        “So you don't know? For the past six months Nick Kita Terlik has been busy chasing Spanish women. I thought Josie would meet Nick there.”

        Crossing the room, Jonathan poured beer into two glasses and gave it to Freya.

        “I've sent messages and contacted him many times. But as we all know, our brother was kind of—”

        “No jerk,” continued Freya with a fierce gaze.

        Jonathan gave a concerned smile to Freya. “Alright, let's talk seriously now.”

        “Wow, wait a minute. I don't want—”

“The city has been attacked, Freya,” Jonathan said. No more smiles on his face. Since the woman was silent, she continued. “I got a report some local people have lost.”

Freya's eyebrows are wrinkled. “Can be more specific? How many missing people is this?”

“Ten people.”

That's a lot, Freya mused. With a stiff movement put the beer glass on the table. As Pure Blood was already an unwritten obligation for the rest of the Sherwood family to protect the city. They are bloodsuckers, but they never hunt locals. It was already an agreement between Jonathan and his brothers.

“Do you know who did it?”

Jonathan shook his head. “Even witches my acquaintances could not find out or do tracking.”

Suddenly Freya glanced at the table, where a middle book was open. “That's our mother's magic book.”

“Oh, yes.” Jonathan said quickly. And then close the book.

Freya furrowed her brows at Jonathan's awkward reaction, but ignored him. “So, now what's your plan?”

“Well you've asked, Freya,” Jonathan said with an expression of sumringah. “Let's keep an eye on this city for a while and find out.”

“You certainly don't forget how big this city is, right?” He grabbed the beer glass earlier, chugging the contents until it ran out.

“I know. Therefore, I will also ask the help of Nick.”'s men

“Since when do you believe in them?” asked Freya in a quirky tone. Remember how the evil vampire fool Nick created in the past. Jonathan had to intervene and kill them all.

“In addition,” added Freya Sharp. “They just obey the words of the jerk Nick alone.”

“This time they will want to hear me,” said Jonathan looked confident. “Soalnya not only humans, three vampires in the group were found dead.”

“Surprise!” Freya said she was happy. “That means they must have reported to Nick too, right? But he didn't seem to care, as usual. My Cursed Brother.”

“Enough to scold her today, Freya.” Jonathan warned.

“Oh.. look at Jonathan, always be nice to him,” Freya taunts.

“Try to contact Josie.” Jonathan put down the beer he didn't drink at all and walked away from the reading room.

“Where are you going?”

“Meet Nick's men.”

“Hopefully succeed, Brother.”

The gathering place for Nick's men is located far from the city center. You could say this group lives in the suburbs and is headquartered in an abandoned building complex. Jonathan remembers, Nick is the owner of this complex. He bought it and did not change or function this place. Now this complex is only used as a vampire residence.

Nick deliberately made the rule because he did not want the past to happen again. Until now Jonathan himself still likes to be confused with the way his brother's mind. Of the four of them, only Nick is fond of creating new vampires, with unclear goals. Or so Freya thought of their brother.

This group of vampires is apparently different from what Nick once made. This group obeyed the rules and never did anything stupid that would provoke the attention of many people. Whatever Nick tries to wake up with these vampires, it seems to work and goes perfectly.

Touching the rusty turnstile, Jonathan was just about to push the door suddenly one vampire was already standing before him. The vampire seemed unhappy with the arrival of the stranger. No matter if it was a Pure Blood.

“Who and what do you want here?” ask with a tinge.

As usual, Jonathan showed his friendly attitude. “I want to meet your leader.”

“Nick no.”

“I know. Then whoever may be his trust.”

The vampire was flinching. Seemed unwilling to let Jonathan into their home.

“I need to talk to him. Don't act so annoying to me. Quickly deliver me.” Finally Jonathan uses the vampire ability, which is hypnotizing.

All of his family members could do that and the hypnotic power of Pure Blood was stronger than ordinary vampires. However, this hypnotism did not apply to their fellow Purebloods. Though if only it could be done, Jonathan would be very happy because he could easily avoid his family from quarrels between brothers. If fellow Purebloods cannot hypnotize each other, the story is different with ordinary vampires.

They can be hypnotized and hypnotized. They are vampires and inherit their powers. But they were not as strong as Pure Blood. Arguably their strength as well as speed were not up to half that of Pure Blood.

The hypnotized vampire led the way, bringing Jonathan in. As soon as he saw his presence, another vampire immediately surrounded him. They showed a defensive attitude with Jonathan coming in.

“Thank you for the welcome,” said Jonathan politely with a smile.

“Mr. Sherwood, what brings you here?” ask one of the vampires who came out of the crowd.

“Please, call me Jonathan only.”

“I'm Jackson,” said introduce yourself. “Your arrival makes my friends nervous.”

“I'm sure so. Given Nick's absence now.”

Circulating the view, although from the outside this place looks creepy because it is abandoned, but being inside here turns out to be quite fun. That was the impression Jonathan felt. Shortly after entering, Jonathan had seen that vampires were busy hanging out while chatting. It made her feel a little bad for being annoying.

“But take it easy. I won't be long.”

“Good. Well, now explain your arrival intent.”

“This is about your friends who were killed.”

There was a growl in the room. Jonathan ignored.

“After all, you are my people. I'm here to invite you to cooperate.”

“As you know, we're just—”

“Listen to Nick,” connect Jonathan quickly. “I know that,” he said annoyed. “Who among you can contact my brother Nick? You you? You?” The man pointed at the two people to Jackson's right and left. “Did he know about this?”

Jackson threw a fierce look at Jonathan. “She knows. And told me I should talk to you.”

Hearing that Jonathan spontaneously clapped his hand. “Very good. Here I am.”

...***...

Spain, Four Months Earlier

This was the first time she felt free and distant from the Sherwood family. Nearly a thousand years of living with them, complete with endless family drama will surely make you careless too. Although it is undeniable, it is the love of the family that has made it alive until now. Rosemary Sherwood is the mother of Jonathan, Alex, Nick, and Freya.

Rose raised him like a child. The woman never distinguished herself from her children. Josette remembers the night that Rose took her to their home. All eyes were on him. Not because she was a beautiful little child, but because of all the bruises, blood, and cries the child wanted. The gaze of one of Rose's children that night was still imagined until now in Josette's mind.

He was the only son of Rose who had blond hair, the color of his eyes was greenish, his face was no less handsome than those of his two brothers, but of all that, his face was, the way she looked at little Josette showed pain and fear as if she was alone. At first Josette did not know. At that time he was only eight years old—seumuran with Freya—dia had lived for two months when she heard Nick cry.

Josette who was playing alone outside the house rushed into the forest where the voice sounded. When he finds Nick, Josette is glued. There were cuts and bruises on Nick's face. A ten-year-old with such injuries must have made her cry. Josette remembers him approaching Nick, but then the boy raised his gaze and ran away leaving her alone.

From then on Josette knew what happened to Nick. Only he gets such cruel treatment from Dominic. Little Josette who knows nothing can only cry in fear every time Dominic goes berserk and beats up Nick. In his mind at that time Dominic will definitely hit him as well as his father used to, but Dominic completely ignored him and focused more on Nick.

The secret was only known to all family members after they became vampires. The first thing to do during the human-to-vampire transition is to kill in order to get blood. Every member of the Sherwood— family except Rose— went looking for their prey. At that moment they killed a group of people in the middle of the forest and drank their blood. After the first hunt, Josette felt her thirst and hunger were satisfied. But something strange happened to Nick.

He screamed and looked in pain. Then all the bones in his body began to crackle. Josette recalls how Nick suffered until he begged Dominic for help.

“It hurts so much. Please me.”

“I can't help you.”

Another strange thing they see next is the change in the form of Nick. He fell face down on the ground and his handsome face vanished, turning into the face of an animal. Dominic growled not to play to see the figure in front of him. Nick has turned into a werewolf.

Exhaling, Josette quickly finished her cold juice to refresh her mind. It was hard to leave that family and now he's reminiscing about the past. Actually Jonathan was the one who did not let her go, but finally with a strong determination Josette chose to run away from home.

“I need a holiday,” murmured.

And here he is, Spain. Josette has long wanted to go to this country. And for this time, it seemed like he would settle down long enough.

“Or I just stay here.” Thinking of the idea was quite encouraging to the woman. Then he was reminded again of all the services of the Sherwood family. It is difficult not to assume that they are his family even without blood ties.

Paying for his drink, Josette leaves the cafe. The look of the men was on him. They seem to adore Josette's beauty or it's because of the natural allure that vampires have. As vampires they are like that. That's what sometimes draws the prey closer. Josette likes it when her prey is captivated without her having to search.

But for tonight, he's not hungry or thirsty. So before returning to the hotel, the woman decided to take a walk. See the city at night. Everyone who was seen looked so happy. Be it with your family or partner.

Josette was a little bitter considering the death of her lover. Caleb. For almost a thousand years, it was only with Caleb that he was in a relationship long enough. Of Caleb's many new men who can make him laugh all the time. Caleb was a nice guy, Josette recalls. It was easy to get along, there was so much to tell, and Josette thought she wanted to live with him.

Leaning against the lamp post, the woman stared blankly ahead. Sometimes eternal life isn't very pleasant either.

“Little Josette.”

The voice from behind shocked the woman until she turned around, unable to believe what was in front of her eyes.

“Nick!” Josette. He wanted to escape the Sherwood family, but somehow seeing one of them here made him so happy.

“Josette My Little,” said Nick then hugged her. His expression looked bright in front of Josette. “I've been watching since, making sure it's you, Little Josette.”

“Can you not call me that,” Josette said as she pushed Nick, but Nick hugged her tighter. “You want to crush me yes,” he said rather stammered.

Nick laughed happily, then made some distance. “That's because I'm glad to see you. Meeting family is never unpleasant. Right, Little Josette,” Nick said with a grin.

“Josie. I'd rather be called that.”

But Nick didn't care about it, even pretending not to hear it. “How is the state of the house?”

“Which I know,” replied Josette Ketus. “You can find out for yourself. Maybe you can come home for a while to see them.”

“Oh, so this is the destination they sent you. To find me?” Nick's smile changed. Now it looks happy. “What a good them.”

“As usual, you're always big head, Nick.” Josette shook her head in annoyance. “I went to Spain for a vacation, without knowing that you were here.”

“Or it's just a reason.”

Somehow Nick always knew something Josette was hiding. His other family doesn't know, but it's impossible to hide anything from Nick's sharp eyes. “Not long ago my girlfriend died.”

“Oh... I'm so sorry for you, Little Josette,” Nick teased and reaped a plot from Josette. “You are still a werewolf lover woman?”

“Shut your mouth, Nick!”

The man's smile grew upon hearing the way Josette mentioned his name. He always liked people to call his name in such an annoyed tone. “The formula is so.”

“There is no ban for that, right? And considering how good your habits are, I'm grateful she never met you.”

“This is so a little interesting how you talk about him.”

“That's because she's different. Besides, werewolves are great in bed. You know.. they always smolder,” Josette said with a grin.

A look of horror flashed in Nick's eyes. “You haven't tried it with me. Surely I'm better than your girlfriends.”

Josette quickly stood up and glared at Nick. “You're crazy!” Exclaims. He knows there's a werewolf side to Nick. As the man said, he was indeed a werewolf lover, but it never crossed his mind sleeping with Nick.

“Why are you so upset, Love?”

“Already. Talking to you only irritates you.” Josette hurriedly left without looking again.

“See you again, Little Josette!” Nick exclaimed, his happy expression had not disappeared even though Josette was no longer seen.

Nick admitted that being his habit always managed to make a woman angry. It can't be arrested. But Josette, have more patience to deal with it. Different from Freya. Nick's smile was gone in Freya's memory. Lately they did not get along—always like that—but the last one was Nick was really mad at him.

That afternoon Nick nearly stabs Freya with one of his magic pegs, but Jonathan blocks the action. Not wanting the showdown to continue, Jonathan proposes that one of them leave the house, Nick taking the opportunity to go away from his beloved family. Who would have thought that was five years ago.

Until now, there was no desire at all to go home. Nick doesn't want to go back to London.

...***...

After Jonathan meets a group of vampires, they spread out at night. Freya seemed unhappy about having to be involved in this kind of work but Jonathan forced her. How unpleasant it is to get too many gazes from these ordinary vampires. Whatever they all thought, Freya swore not to know.

At Jonathan and Jackson's decision a small team of two was formed to spread throughout the city. Freya is assigned to a vampire named Lucian. Seeing how closed the man was obviously made him unhappy. It's gonna be a boring night all my life.

The place that became their guard post turned out to be a bustling area with werewolves and witches. Arriving there Freya took the initiative to question some to get information. As expected, they knew about the terror and fortunately there were no casualties in this area.

“We'd better split up,” Freya's proposal.

“Miss. Sherwood, I don't think that's a good idea,” decline Lucian politely.

“Freya only.”

Lucian looks bad. But out of fear for the woman, he complies. “Alright, Freya. Jackson wouldn't be happy to know I didn't follow his orders.”

“Sorry once right?” Suddenly Freya interrupted. “The command did this that. Just like my brothers.” Freya started raving at length, sometimes complaining about her family. Of course most of the chatter about Nick.

Lucian just shut up and listened. Occasionally seeming to hold back a smile as Freya started nagging.

“Why am I the only one talking since?” Freya begins to misbehave and considers herself ridiculous. “Are you this quiet?”

“Taste so.”

“How fun would it be if one of my brothers was like you.”

Lucian laughed softly but gave no response.

“How did you meet Nick?”

The unexpected question was not answered by Lucian.

“Oh! Don't tell me that he's eating you to death.”

“Indeed no. He offered me help and turned me into a vampire.”

“Really?” Freya's raut looks incredulous. “Why did you choose to be like us?”

Lucian grimly leaned against the wall, crossing it. “At that time I had no choice. I'm the backbone in our poor family.”

“Tell me more. If you don't mind.”

Lucian dared to look at Freya before finally telling her a story. “Thirty years ago, my family went bankrupt, my father was in debt after losing a gamble and then ran away somewhere. While the debt left behind is not a little. The debt collectors continue to terrorize my family, threatening them every day, there is nothing I can do but find money to pay our debts.”

“I work at Mr's club. Sherwood, your brother and he knew I was in debt. Thanks to his generosity, he gives more salary every month. But one night someone robbed me after I got home from work. The robber stabbed me and left me for dead. When I thought I was going to die, Mr. Sherwood offered me help like I said before.”

“Unexpected. Very nice of him,” muttered Freya without being able to hold back a smile.

“Not only that. He entrusted me with the club while he was not around. You know, thanks to that my family's life is starting to improve. Until I finally left them. At least the result of my hard work managing the business will be their grip.”

“Actually I want to hear more. But it seems like the time for storytelling is over. How about now we go around.”