Everyone starts looking lighter, happier, and freer. Once again enjoying their evening in their favorite pub, talking to whom they wish, without the possibility of being murdered for associating with someone who interacted with another species. I sit back to enjoy a quiet drink with my grandma, which results in a few more, as drinks appear with quiet nods of thanks from different people.
After the sixth drink arrives, we decide we’d best leave or we would be severely intoxicated by the end of the evening. As we stand up to leave, someone appears at our sides to drive us safely home, courtesy of Nici.
With a smile of thanks to Nici and the young man, we say goodnight and thank the customers who bought us drinks. As I leave I place my hand on the building, and a crackle of power flickers across and through the building. Dark corners become bright and warmth and peace re-enter the pub.
Seeing Nici hurrying to me, I stop to explain, “After a ward like Mr. Vesper’s, it takes a while before a protection spell can replace it. As people become happier, this will spread to enclose the land. No harmful spells will work here anymore. Will you make sure the witch who entered before we did receives a safe lift home please, unless she can stay here for the night? Mr. Vesper won’t be pleased, and sadly, she will be an easy target tonight.”
“I’ll keep her here tonight. Thank you so much for what you did. I don’t know how you did it, but thank you.”
“My Goddess helped me. Take care as well please, and thanks for the lift home and the drinks. Goodnight.” I hurry to catch up with my grandmother following her out of the building and into the waiting car.
Five minutes later, we pull up at my grandmother’s house, say goodnight and thanks to our driver.
Unlocking the door, we enter the house, and re- lock it before saying goodnight and heading off to bed. I am exhausted. I go to the bathroom and quickly wash off my make-up, and get ready for bed.
After leaving the bathroom, I thank Hecate for her help, feel a warm embrace, and hear Hecate answer, “Helping my children, help others, is a pleasure, child. Be safe, daughter of mine. You have much to do.”
I happily climb into bed and am about to fall asleep when I hear my phone ringing. Groggily reaching for it, I mumble a hello and come wide awake as Victor’s voice rolls over me like liquid fire, heating every part of my bloodstream with desire.
“Good evening, Candi, I hope I haven’t woken you.”
“No, no, I was just about to go to sleep. What’s happened?” I demand hoping like crazy it’s not another murder.
“I want to see you and was wondering if you could meet me?”
“When?” I reply in a whisper before clearing my throat and trying again, “Sure when?”
“Now. Meet me at the bridge in five minutes, please.”
Before I can say anything else, I hear a click in my ear. The cheeky sod had hung up on me. Climbing out of bed, I get dressed and stuff my wallet, keys, and phone into my pockets, before silently descending the stairs. I exit the house and lock up behind me, hurry to the bridge where I spot Victor leaning against the railing on the other side.
“You’re late,” he murmurs as he extends his hand toward me.
Crossing the bridge, I allow him to take my hand, which he tucks into the crook of his arm, before leading me down the road. I don’t ask him where we’re going, and to be honest, I don’t really care.
We end up at The Blue Lagoon Bar. The darkness inside is only relieved by neon blue lights randomly placed about the pub. The pub’s furnishings are blue velvet curtains and dark blue leather booths. The only contrast is the redwood tables and bar counter. Seedy is the word that comes to mind when I look around. Glancing at Victor I’m pleased to see the grimace of distaste flashing across his face, yet he still pulls me inside the bar. Leading me to a booth tucked into the furthest corner, Victor leaves me so he can order us some drinks. In a few minutes, he returns with two pints of lager and places one before me.
“It’s the only thing safe to drink in this place,” Victor apologizes.
“Okay, so why have you dragged me out of my bed, to take me here?” I enquire as I wave my arm around, indicating the bar.
Grasping my waving hand, Victor clasps it in his larger one, and with a shake of his head smiles at me. “I brought you here, so I can get to know you better. I did tell you yesterday I’d see you today.”
“Yessssss, but why here?”
“Because, no one will disturb us or interrupt us here. I want some time alone with you, somewhere where you’ll feel safe, and will know I don’t mean you any harm. I can’t go to the witches bar, and I own Vlad’s Bar across the street. This place is…”
“Disgusting, yes, I agree,” I interrupt, hiding a smirk behind my pint before taking a sip.
“Actually, I was going to say neutral ground,” Victor chides me with a rumble of delicious laughter that ripples over my skin like decadent chocolate.
“Okay, I’ll play, for a while. Since you dragged me here from my nice warm bed, I get to ask you a question first.”
“Deal. But if you want a nice warm bed, mine is available and very nearby.” Victor smiles. Tracing a circular pattern on my hand, as he leans forward to entice me with his words.
Taking a fortifying gulp of my drink, I feel the blush heighten on my cheekbones. Lust shoots through my body, as the image of Victor and I entwined flashes in my head. His golden body splayed across his sheets, cradling me in his embrace as he makes mad passionate love to me. Is it wrong I want to say yes and have my fantasy come true? Biting my lip, I stifle a moan as it tries to escape. I notice Victor’s eyes dilate and wonder again, can he read my thoughts?
“When were you born? And how can you walk about in sunlight?” I just barely manage to ask, too afraid to ask if he can read my mind as there’s no way I can control my lust-filled thoughts when I’m around him.
“Two questions are cheating, but I’ll answer them, just this once. I was born in the year 1823, right here in County Cork. I was turned in the year 1848. I’m able to walk in daylight because the sun doesn’t affect vampires.
“To protect us from hunters, the original vampires spread rumors of creatures unable to face sunlight and mirrors. All falsehoods, but necessary ones. Think how the witches have fared during persecutions. Vampires were also ruthlessly hunted, and with our healing abilities, the torture was…beyond unbearable.
“My sire’s brother died during their experiments,” With a shake of his head as if to remove dark thoughts, Victor smiles at me as if he wants to devour me, flashing just a little fang. “My turn, ah, ah, you had your turn, Candi.” Victor laughs as I try interrupting him. “Are you attracted to me?”
“Uh, yes. I thought it was obvious,” I scoff then try and back track. “I mean…”
“No, don’t be embarrassed. I’m very attracted to you, too. In fact, I don’t remember ever wanting someone as much as I want you. I think, like you, I’m not sure of how it makes me feel. I’m just glad I’m not the only one feeling like this.” Victor admits, though the tightening of his jaw as he practically spits out the words is far from flattering. I do agree with it, completely.
We chat for another hour about nothing in particular, just getting to know one another. I desperately want to find out more about the myths of vampires and what the truths are.
We keep away from personal questions, shying away from anything to do with family or romantic history, as if by asking a question will make our fragile self-control snap and one of us will leap at the other, ripping each other’s clothes off in our need and haste.
I sneak another wanton look at his mouth and catch him looking at mine like a man dying of thirst, realizing my mouth is the reservoir he’s been looking for, and all he has to do, is take it.