Demetrius“It’s been a while. Good to have you back, Demetrius. Are you back, back, though?”I turn my head staring off to the side of the room as I sit behind my desk conversing with two of the coven vampires that are actually tolerable, Hendrix and Yuno. I have known them for many years, and they have always proven to be loyal. If ever I was to ascend taking Father’s position, they would be under my command as trusted advisers. But for now, I think of them more as friends when they’re not pushing my limits and pissing me off. They had been away on assignment soon after I left the coven, so when they got back, it had surprised them to know I had returned already. Yeah, me too. I sigh deeply wanting to divert the question as I have many other things on my mind, my recent interaction with Xenia at the forefront of my issues.“I’m not sure. My father has all these plans mapped out for me. Do I not have a say-so in my own life? It’s not up for debate. I will. Honestly, I don’t know what
Xenia“Hey, Xenia!” I jerk my head in the direction of my name being called as the blond woman strides over to me. Isabel, one of the other human women that provide ‘services’ greets me with a warm smile. I’ve only been here for a total of four days, I think, and surprisingly it seems like I’ve made a friend. Isabel has been genuinely kind to me from the second day, and has given me the runaround of how everything works. It’s odd to think that women, human women just like me, choose to be here to provide their blood and have sex with the vampires. Apparently, there’s some men here too that do the same, but I’ve yet to see them. They receive a hefty income for doing it. And according to Isabel, sex with vampires was really hot, and far exceeded that of a regular person. I guess I can’t object to that bit of information… The room is pretty similar to a classroom setting. The building is separate from the mansion that I have been staying in, but it’s within walking distance. It’s like a
DemetriusI never understand why people flock to these campuses like sheep to a slaughter. Yes, there are some degrees and educations that are of importance; doctors, attorneys, educators themselves, but wasting time and money on a meaningless degree was beyond what I could comprehend. Humans were such ignorant creatures.My lovely Xenia didn’t fall in that category, of course. She was intelligent, beautiful, and strong, an all-around great woman, and it’s because of that that I find myself in this precarious situation.She had revealed to Avalon how upset she was that being unable to attend school would mean she wouldn’t obtain her degree. Everything she’d worked so hard for was being taken from her. And being as though I had no idea how long I would need to keep her hidden, that would be indefinitely. So, against my better judgement I decided to take it upon myself to do some… persuading.“You must be Mr. Escoffier. Right this way.” I eye the woman who greeted me excitedly, not missi
XeniaShaky fingers trail down my chest against my laced see-through shirt as I glance to the side. I tug at the hem of my leather mini skirt while giving myself a once over. Okay. Admittedly, my ass looks good in this skirt, but now I’m thinking maybe staying inside wouldn’t be so bad after all. But Demetrius said he was going to be out and about, and I’m wondering where the hell to. That kind of annoys me. He can come and go as he pleases, but I’m expected to stay in like a child on punishment? No. That doesn’t really work for me. And it’s that thought that pushes me over the edge and makes me stick with the decision. I’m going out, and I’m going to have fun.With vampires… “Damn, girl. You look good!” Isabel’s words make me blush now that I’m under the scrutiny of gazes from others. “This is Hendrix, Yuno, and you know Celine, right? Guys, this is Xenia. She’s new.” She’s said new like I’m a thing and not a person making me tense. I climb inside the back of the bla
DemetriusThat was so… exhilarating. My body feels alive, empowered, and rejuvenated from the blood and energy she fed me. Why is she so different than any I’ve had before? It’s so much more than simple sustenance. I smirk triumphantly thinking about how she had just said I would never have anything from her again, and yet she gave so much willingly. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind giving her something in return. I’m surprised she didn’t seem to have any inhibitions giving herself over to me so easily in this setting, but I have a feeling the strong scent of alcohol on her breath may be a factor. The next time I make her come and have her chanting my name, we will be alone. Her body and those sounds are only for me.Speaking of which, it’s taking everything in me not to crack the heads of Hendrix and Yuno. I don’t care that they have no idea of the extent of our relationship. In fact, that’s exactly how I want it. But that doesn’t make me any less angry. If anyone here had put their hands o
Unknown VampireFrom this view, sitting back and lurking in the shadows, I see all. Something had led me to this despicable place, and although it’s a venue I typically wouldn’t frequent, I decided to follow my instincts, and as always, it paid off. Even though I’m not within the safe confines of my coven boundaries, I have no fear of harm coming to me. Anonymity is my companion, so I felt the need to mask my scent and I don’t regret that for a moment. Because just as I was about to leave, on the cusp of giving up after becoming extremely bored with the countless women putting everything they had to offer on show for all to see, my beauty appeared like the answer to a prayer. It’s no mere coincidence we are here together. Her marking has led her straight to me. The problem is she’s not alone. Who the fuck are they? She’s accompanied by two vampires, and it takes everything in me not to turn this room into a blood bath. They aren’t weak, bottom feeders, but their strength doesn’t compa
XeniaCoffee in the morning. Is there even a better scent? Whoever thought of this blissful, caffeinated concoction, they have my forever gratitude.I stretch my arms, rolling around in the spacious bed before making the mistake of moving my head too quickly. Instant throbbing to my temples. That not-so-good reminder of the eventful evening before. That’s right... last night, I went out. Of course I have a hangover. I mixed liquor with fruity drinks and remember having at least a couple of shots before things start to get a little fuzzy. My eyes dart around the dark room in concern. This bed isn’t my bed, and this room isn’t my room. Well, the other one isn’t mine either really, but it’s where I’ve been resting my head the last couple of days. I massage my temples while attempting to put the pieces of last night’s events together. Strippers, vampires, alcohol, blood…?It’s still a bit of a blur. Where’s that damn coffee? My feet hit the floor before I realize I’m in an oversized t-s
DemetriusThe way her scent lingers in my bed has me going back to it in repetition. My sheets haven’t been washed for that very reason. If only I could bottle that scent of hers up and keep it with me at all times. Xenia… Yes. It sounds like something exotic and intriguing, just like her. Was she the only thing that crossed my mind? Basically.After she ran out of my room like she was being chased, Yuno and Hendrix bombarded me with questions. “So Mr. ‘I don’t do humans,’ is in fact doing a human?” Yuno smirks as if he was the cleverest vampire of all and that grates my nerves. I don’t recall specifically saying I didn’t do humans, because there were times they would satisfy my needs, but that was it. So, I suppose his inference wasn’t completely off base. Still, his conjecture is unnecessary. “Yeah. I can’t say I’m too surprised to see her here after the show you put on last night,” Hendrix adds making my annoyance grow.“Oh, and what show would that be?” I ask crossing
In a dark, forgotten chamber, cobwebs and dust have taken over. Water drips through the cracks of the stone walls and dirt above. The smell of mold and death fills the air. Light and life have been missing from this place for hundreds of years.A distant memory. A final resting place. A desolate tomb. Abandoned and never to be accessed again.That was the objective when the mother of all vampires laid down in her coffin for what was to be the last time.She fell into an everlasting slumber of her own doing, incapable of accepting what had become of her life, but disinclined to choose true death, as that would not have been punishment enough.Unable to face the consequences of her actions and ashamed of her creations, there was nothing left to live for.So, she slept, and she dreamed about her mistakes.To save her children, she became a monster requiring blood from the living in order to survive, but that wasn’t the intention. It’s not what she wanted. The Mother wished to protect
XeniaHis cool body somehow provides me comfort and warmth as he tugs me closer. Being in his arms draws away all my uncertainties and fears.The room is dark and moody. Lit candles dance in the space and there’s a heavenly scent flowing around us. We’re laying on the softest couch I’ve ever felt. It must be made of clouds. Any snack you could think of has been provided, and a TV the size of a wall displays a movie that normally would have my attention, if my mind wasn’t so preoccupied by the gorgeous man beside me.Both my stomach and heart are completely full.Thinking about us has my emotions all over the place. My hand goes under his shirt instinctually, searching for that skin-to-skin contact. He shifts beside me under my touch, and I wonder if he feels the same about me.But I know he does. He tells me often. Not only with words, but body language and actions.No longer do I compare my past relationships with him, because he’s ridden me of all my uncertainties and qual
XeniaA month has passed since that night and so many things have changed. I’m learning about the vampire world and how to be a part of it while still embracing my humanity. That’s something I refuse to give up no matter what happens.Humans live our lives day to day, concerned with finances, work, and relationships. Our priorities are based around materialism and the projection that we have a perfect lifestyle, but there’s so much more to it than that. For the most part, we are ignorant of what takes place right under our noses. That’s probably a good thing, because the reality is like a parallel universe. Straight out of a scary movie, when the sun sets and the moon rises, evil lurks around every corner. What I’ve recently learned and what’s even more disturbing is vampires aren’t the only threat. Sometimes it can all be a bit overwhelming. My brain struggles to grasp the influx of information.Thankfully, Demetrius has been right there beside me, helping me every step of t
XeniaDemetrius kneels over Andreas, asserting his authority, gripping the hilt of the blade that’s protruding from his chest tightly in his fingers until they turn pale.“Didn’t I say I would be the one to end you?” His question lingers causing my thoughts to wander. War begins to rage in my mind. Uncertainties cloud my judgment.Vampire laws are different than my own. Tiberius is here, Yuno and Hendrix too, as well as many others that are unknown. Lucius, the king, and Andreas’ father is also among those present. The authority and power he exudes is intimidating, yet he stands there silently even though his body language says he’s not on board with what’s about to happen. Will no one intervene? The situation makes me uneasy. It almost seems wrong.Then what is the right thing? And right for whom? The line between right and wrong can be thin. It’s not always so clear. Sometimes it’s subjective…I understand Demetrius’ point. It’s just…Then something comes over me. A divine interve
AndreasMy mistakes and arrogance have finally cost me. How quickly things can take a turn for the worse. One moment you feel like you’re on top of the world, the next you’re falling hard.They say when you are at the bottom, there’s only one way to go. I suppose the same holds true for the opposite situation as well. It was foolish of me to leave the two of them alone. Thinking she’d be safe with my guards. Thinking he’d remain confined within his cell. Thinking there was no way the two of them would find their way back to one another after everything I’d done to ensure that didn’t happen. Yet it did.The connection they had, I wanted it for myself. I envied that.Damn him!I slam my fist against the steering wheel while racing through the streets at dangerous speeds, intent on ending things with finality this time. Taunting him was fun while it lasted, but he cannot be allowed to live any longer. His prolonged interference had already set me back. Because somehow even though I co
Xenia“Ouch!” I catch myself before swearing realizing as of late, curse words have become a frequent part of my vocabulary.My elbow hit a hard surface. Where am I? What happened?The room is dark and small, but there’s a sliver of light flooding through a partially opened door. The last thing I remember is taking Andreas’ blood, then calling upon the odd purple power -- something I came up with for lack of a better name -- and feeling extremely satisfied watching him fly across the room uncontrollably. The look on his face was pure gold.It’s annoying he’s been blessed with such handsome features. His personality sucks. He doesn’t deserve them.And then everything went black.Oh, my God. Demetrius. Where is he!?I jump up in a panic wondering how much time has passed. I have to make sure he’s okay somehow.Why am I in this room? It’s like I was hidden, and the fact I’m clueless as to my position is a bit of an impediment to my plan of finding Demetrius. It doesn’t stop me
DemetriusTwo things happen simultaneously, both catch me off guard. But it’s the minutes prior that replay in my mind as I attempt to get a grasp of the reality ahead of me. Xenia knew something was off. Of course she did. She’s extremely intelligent and well-versed in reading situations. I should have caught on sooner, consulted her even. But in my overly confident stupidity, I ignored the warnings, instead allowing anger and the territorial side of my beast to overpower me. Now it’s obvious it had all been intentional. These vampires taunted me, and like a brainless fish, I took the bait. Since she regained her memory, there were a few things we could have handled differently.We probably should have skipped out on the mind-blowing quickie, but it was one for the books.We should have avoided conflict and looked for an exit. But knowing the one who attempted to unceremoniously take her blood was before me… well, I simply could not allow him to continue to breathe the same
XeniaThe remaining vampires eye us warily after that display, spreading out to block our path. It’s weird they didn’t seem to bat an eye after their friend was just killed right in front of them. Friend is a strong word. Maybe they were just coworkers. Not all coworkers are treated equally. And if I’m being honest, there are a few in my past who I wouldn’t mind…I mentally slap myself for getting carried away. Now is not the time to get distracted by my thoughts or psychoanalyze the situation.Demetrius doesn’t waver. He remains in front of me like a shield and somehow, against the odds before us, I feel safe and protected. It’s telling they don’t just attack us on sight. That leads me to a few conclusions. Either they’ve been instructed not to. Or they know who they’re up against and are apprehensive to press us without a plan.Perhaps it is the time to psychoanalyze.Demetrius notices this too. I know, because it becomes obvious when his shoulders relax, and he rolls his neck from
Xenia“Andreas will undoubtedly return soon. In fact, I find it odd he even left you behind in the first place. There must have been something important for him to do.”Demetrius seemed to be speaking more to himself than me as he continued to tug me along like a dog walker.“I need to get to a phone, call on some back up. At this moment, we are severely outnumbered.”“My phone is missing along with my purse and gun. And I use the term ‘missing’ loosely, because I’m pretty sure Andreas just took it from me.” I whisper to him, silently applauding myself for remembering that vampires have sensitive hearing. The thought reminds me it’s a wonder none of them have caught us by now. Just before we reach the top of the stairs, he halts suddenly, pressing his fingers to his lips. Everything’s extremely quiet. Eerily quiet, and I’m wondering how long it’s been since my fight with the other vampire. An hour or so? Where is everyone? It seems like forever ago at this point. Can he r