Chapter 7 ~Vivaldi~

THE BOY RAISES HIS EYEBROWS, staring straight at me. “Pray tell, young one, what dost thou do here, and by what means hast thou gained entry to mine own dwelling?”

I can’t help but laugh. “You’re kidding, right? You think I’m just going to tell you? Give me some credit!” His face contorts with anger, but that just makes me laugh harder.

Looking around the room, I nod in appreciation. “Hey, I’m Vivaldi Monteverdi, by the way. You have a nice place here. It’s cozy and stylish – perfect for impressing people on I*******m!” I grin, then add, “Looks like you’ve got some extra space here. What do you say we become roommates?”

His face tightens in displeasure. “Pray, reveal unto me the nature of thine intentions.” he demands, “What bringeths thee to mine abode?”

I repeat his words playfully, “You mean, what brings your fabulous self to my snazzy new pad?”

I check out the guy's appearance - his messy hair and wrinkled clothes that look like they've never seen an iron. He seems so uptight, it's almost funny. As his frustration builds, his face turns a bright red. The boy clenches his fist, but I can't help but find the whole situation hilarious.

His glare intensifies, eyes narrowing as he steps closer, his voice dropping to a low growl. “Speak plainly. What bringeths thee to my home?”

I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “Alright, fine. I’ll be honest with you. I just wanted a brother to spend time with, someone to talk to and have fun.”

He snorts in disgust, his face scrunching up in distaste. “I've no need nor desire for an incessant, irritating young sibling.”

Unfazed, I persist, “Come on, give me a chance!”

His eyes narrow further, his voice deepening. “Your appearance earlier from the shadows, with eyes glowing as red as Beelzebub's own beacon, struck me as most unsettling. So pray, what manner of being art thou, and what necessitates this clandestine charade? Art thou a spy for some nefarious master?”

I scoff, rolling my eyes. “Oh, please! Look who’s talking! But since we’re on the subject, what were you doing sucking on that guy’s neck like a desperate vampire? Can’t say it wasn’t entertaining, though.” I smirk, watching shock register on his face as he realizes I know his secret.

“Here’s the situation,” I continue, raising an eyebrow. “We both know each other’s secrets – you know about me, and I know about you. Let’s keep this between us, okay? No need to reveal our secrets to others.”

I lean in closer, lowering my voice. “I have to admit, though, that was bold of you – attacking that driver in public, you'd have been dead if hunters where to be around? You don’t seem to follow the rules, do you?”

He stares at me, his brow furrowed, trying to understand my words. “Art thou trailing me, young one? Hath my every move been under thine observation?”

I hesitate, considering the best way to explain my situation. “Not exactly. But here’s the thing – I’m cursed, and I need the help of a First Blood vampire to break it. The problem is, vampires are hard to find – they tend to hide to avoid being hunted.”

"A curse, you say?" he finally asks, his voice low and measured. "And what makes thee think I'm the one who can help thee break it?"

"Every time I sense a vampire," I continue, urgency filling my voice, "I can’t let them go. Losing even one could mean missing my chance to break this curse. So, I really need your help – do you know any powerful purebloods or important vampires who could help me find a First Blood? Perhaps if you are one. A first blood I mean. Please, I’m begging you."

He looks at me with a mix of curiosity and pity in his eyes. “Hearken to me, young one,” he sighs, his brow creasing with sympathy, “Thou hast come to the wrong place, my friend, for I am no saviour. Indeed, I am but a fledgling in this vampiric world, with not a clue as to who wrought my transformation. In truth, I am naught but an ordinary chap, save for my sun-avoiding, blood-consuming habits. Alas, I cannot offer thee any guidance in finding others like us. My sincere apologies.”

I raise an eyebrow, looking him over. For a guy claiming to be a new vampire, his speech is pretty old-fashioned. He says he's new at this, but he talks like he's from some 19th-century drama. Something's not right.

"Hold up," I interrupt, keeping my tone casual, "Your way of talking is weird for a new vampire. You sound like you've been around for ages. How do I know you're being honest?"

His face scrunches up in mock offense, like a refined aristocrat whose honor has been questioned. “Ye come to me domicile, requestin' aid, and then ye call me a charlatan?” he retorts, his old-world charm on full display.

"Alright, my bad," I backtrack, trying to diffuse the tension. "No offense meant. I’m just desperate to find a First Blood. Let’s take it down a notch, okay? We’re on the same side here."

I can't help but study his face as I speak; his eyes seem to hold centuries of secrets. Regardless of whether he's a newborn vampire or an ancient creature of the night, I decide it's best to stay on his good side. After all, it's important to protect oneself. Besides, angering a vampire would only make my mission more difficult.

A wry smile tugs at my lips. “But seriously, why not join me, accept my offer of being your brother, instead of acting ordinary when we have supernatural powers? We’ve left our human lives behind – why try to blend in?”

His voice hardens, his posture stiffening. “My aim in this immortal life is a peaceful existence, free from the turmoil and trappings of subterfuge. I refuse to lurk in shadowed corners, ever dreading the sharpened stake. I desire more than an unending nocturnal cycle. I yearn to fully experience life – to flourish and prosper, not merely persist.”

I snort, shaking my head in disbelief. “Running from your vampire nature is only going to end badly.”

He scrunches up his face, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What do you mean?”

"Blood, man! You can’t go without it," I explain, leaning in conspiratorially. "Trust me, I tried abstaining once and almost got taken out by vampire hunters. And I was being extremely careful – completely undetectable! It was only my inner wolf that saved me.

His brow furrows, confusion etched on his face. “Pardon me, young one, but I find myself quite perplexed by this talk of 'inner wolves.' Might you provide a clearer explanation?”

"Let’s not get sidetracked," I say, shaking my head. "The point is, pretending to be human won’t work."

“Nay, matey, I got this well in hand! I'll just' stick to me animal feedin', savvy?” he insists, his voice firm and resolute.

"Listen," I warn, leaning in closer, "Animal blood won’t satisfy you forever. Eventually, you’ll crave human blood. It could be a paper cut, a drop of blood on the counter, or just being near someone bleeding – human blood is our addiction. The smell, the taste, the feeling – it’s irresistible! So ask yourself: can you resist that temptation? Can you fight that craving?"

He goes silent, considering my words with a deep frown. I can almost see the gears turning in his head as he weighs the implications of what I've said.

Finally, he looks up, his voice resolute. “Aye, I reckon I can.”

A laugh escapes my lips as I try to lighten the mood. “Alright, let’s test that!”

“Pray, could you enlighten me as to the meaning of your words, young one?” he asks, anxiety creeping into his voice.

In a flash, I clap my hands, and – suddenly! — a seductive young girl saunters into the room confidently.

The guy's eyes widen in shock, as if he’s seen a ghost. “Goodness gracious! Pray tell, who is that fair maiden, and what has brought her to this place?” he stammers, his gaze shifting between me and the temptress.

I grab the remote, muting the TV, as I watch him fidget.

“Oh, her?” I say casually, my lips quirking up in amusement. “I was feeling hungry for a midnight snack, but now I want to see if you can resist temptation.”

"What temptation?" he asks, his voice cracking, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously.

I ignore his question and give the temptress a nod. She struts over to me, her hips swaying like a hypnotist's watch, and then plops herself down on my lap. Her plump lips, deep brown eyes, curvy legs, and full chest just scream sex appeal, making the boy's face turn beet red.

I lean in and lock lips with the girl, our tongues dancing together like pros. Her fingers get all tangled up in my hair, pulling me in closer as her breasts press against my chest. I move my lips down to her neck, her skin soft and smooth under my touch. Her moans of ecstasy fill the room, a symphony of desire that would give even the hottest pop star a run for their money.

Suddenly, I sink my teeth into her skin, and the taste of her warm, sweet blood just explodes in my mouth. She shakes under my touch, her cries of pleasure as tempting as a chart-topper. It takes everything I've got not to get lost in the moment, to resist the primal urge to drink her dry.

"Oi!" he shouts, his voice trembling with barely-contained rage. “Ye canna' be harmin' innocents whilst ye dwell beneath me roof!”

I let out a sarcastic snort before retorting, "Says the guy who turned a taxi driver into a snack." I can't help but roll my eyes.

As I hold the girl's face in my hands, gazing into her deep brown eyes, I can't deny her undeniable attractiveness. It takes serious self-control not to fully succumb to my vampire nature. The more attractive the prey, the harder it is to resist – a fact that my self-righteous host seems to have conveniently forgotten.

“Thou wouldst not comprehend the reasoning behind my actions. Verily, I had no alternative course of action to pursue.” he argued.

"We always have a choice," I remind him.

As I kiss her, I savor the sound of her moans, as enticing as the smooth burn of an aged whiskey.

With a lot of effort, I pull away from her, staring into her enchanting eyes. "Hey," I murmur, my voice low and intimate, "I want you to do your thing on that guy over there." I nod towards him, my lips curling up in amusement. "Show him your tempting neck, bat your lashes, sway your hips, and do whatever it takes to make him crave you. Got it?"

She nods, her eyes fixed on mine, before turning and sauntering towards him with a grace that would make even the most experienced seductress green with envy.

“Vivaldi, I implore thee, command thy blood-scented siren to desist from its hunt!” he shouts in panic.

I casually lick the remaining blood off my fingers, ignoring his complaints. "Can't handle your urges, huh?" I taunt, a smirk tugging at my lips.

As the girl cozies up to him, showing off her blood-stained neck, his face scrunches up, torn between wanting and resisting. His nostrils flare, his pupils widen, and his fingers twitch at his sides – all clear signs of a vampire barely hanging on. But he fights it, resisting the primal hunger with everything he's got.

A wicked grin spreads across my face, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You feel it, don’t you? The unquenchable thirst, the insatiable hunger… It’s consuming you. Just one bite, man. That’s all it takes to satisfy it."

"Nay," he declares, his voice strained as he trembles with the effort to fight his overwhelming desire. “Henceforth, I shall abstain from mortal blood and sustain myself solely on the blood of beasts.”

I saunter over to him, getting close enough to see the beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Just give in," I croon seductively. "You can’t hide from me. The lure of blood is too powerful, and you know it. Think of the sweet taste of it. The way it dances on your tongue, sending shivers of delight down your spine. It’s irresistible!"

“Nay, 'tis not in my nature to succumb to such wanton depravity.” he insists, his jaw clenched in determination.

Undeterred, I press on, painting a tempting picture with my words. "Can you really forget the intense pleasure? The explosion of flavor that sets your senses alight? You’d willingly pass that up?"

“I must abstain,” he repeats, despite the torment etched on his face. His hands ball into fists at his sides, his muscles taut with the effort to restrain himself.

"Just one more taste," I urge. "Picture your fangs sinking into that soft skin, the sweet blood spilling onto your tongue like the nectar of the gods. It’s an otherworldly experience, a sensory overload that'll leave you begging for more!"

“I humbly request that thou cease this verbal torment,” he pleads. “Pray, cease thy persuasion, lest thou succeed in swaying me to a path I must decline. Thy vivid descriptions have left me dizzied, yet I remain steadfast in my resolve.”

I can't help but smirk, knowing I've hit the nail on the head. "You know it's the best," I say. "It'll quench your thirst, satisfy that burning hunger that eats away at you. Give in to the temptation of blood. You know you want to."

Finally, he holds her face in his hands, staring at her enticing lips. Her face is a mix of innocence and desire, her wide eyes daring him to take what he craves. He tilts his head, captivated by the blood dripping down her neck, the irresistible pull too strong to resist.