by Luna James
The door to my bedroom flew open. “You’re going to pay for that!” Sebastian growled from the doorway. He crossed his arms across his chest and cut his eyes at me.
“You deserved it.”
“Mind your own damn business!” He turned to walk away but stopped and turned to look at me. “I’m going to go quench my thirst now. I don’t know when I’ll return, but you better watch your back.” Then he was gone.
Sebastian didn’t intimidate me. He can make all the threats he wants, but he knows I’m just as strong as him. All our lives we have argued and fought with each other as typical brothers do. I love him dearly and couldn’t imagine living without him. It has always been an intense love/hate relationship with us. I pushed Sebastian’s threats to the back of my mind and concentrated on the book in my hands.
At 2:30 p.m. I put my book back onto the nightstand. I stood and stretched. My muscles ached; I needed blood. I strolled down to the kitchen and got a glass of blood. It didn’t take much for me to feel better. After I finished the glass of blood, I went upstairs to my bathroom. I needed to shower and make myself presentable for Victoria. She intrigued me and I wanted to impress her.
While I stood in the shower and let the water run over my body, I thought about how Victoria made me feel the moment I laid eyes on her. It was an instant connection with her. When I put my hands on her shoulder and we both felt an electric charge, I was bewildered. Never in my life have I met someone who had that effect on me. I wanted to know everything about her.
Chapter 3
Tori
As I drove through Black Rock, I appreciated my heightened sight. It was stunning here. The town was nestled between two mountains. The trees were a brighter shade of green. Everything was in full bloom which made all the shades of flowers, bushes, and plants richer in color.
I arrived at the Pizza Inn at 3:55 p.m. Sitting in my car jamming out to a local pop station, I sent Samantha a text message telling her I loved her and when she was ready to talk, I’d be waiting. With my heightened senses, my chest hurt so bad it felt like my heart had been ripped out. If Samantha decided she didn’t want anything to do with me, I would be devastated.
At precisely four o’clock, Damien pulled in. My mouth dropped open in awe when he pulled into the parking place next to my car. He drove a silver 1969 Shelby Mustang. Muscle cars were my favorite type of cars. I liked this guy even more.
I got out of my car and greeted him. “Hello, Damien.” I smiled.
“Hello, Victoria. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice.” Damien walked over to me. He looked like a tall, cold drink of water in a black tee-shirt and blue jeans. He had his long hair pulled back into a ponytail.
“Just call me Tori.” I smiled. “What’s up?”
“I wanted to talk to you about the things you are going through. I am sure you have tons of questions,” Damien said standing close to me.
I looked into his eyes. “I do have a lot of questions. I couldn’t even enter my own home today. What the hell is that all about?”
“I am sure you’ve seen movies or read books about vampyres having to be invited into humans’ personal residence. It’s true,” he replied smiling.
“Why are you smiling about this?” I asked irritated at his smile. There was nothing about this that was worth smiling.
“Sorry. I think you are stunning and cannot help but smile when I look at you,” he confessed.
“Thanks,” I grinned and looked away from him to the restaurant. “So, since we are here at Pizza Inn, I take it we eat food.”
“We sure can. We function pretty much the same way humans do. We need blood to live but also eat regular food. It doesn’t really satisfy any craving though. When you feel thirsty or hungry, it is the craving for blood that is doing that.” Damien walked over to the entrance of the restaurant. “Stay right there. I am going to go in and pick up my order.”
After he got his order, he asked me to ride with him to where he lived to talk. I agreed to go with him. There was a lot I desired to know. I got into his Shelby Mustang and instantly felt happy. The car was a beauty.
He took me to a beautiful house sitting on top of a mountain. It was a Victorian-gothic style house painted deep violet with black trim. There was a tower on one side that had a pointy steeple. The view from the property was astonishing. The sun was setting on the horizon, and it made everything look pink and orange. It was the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen.
“Sebastian isn’t here, is he?” I asked Damien as we walked into the house. It was just as beautiful inside as it was out. The theme of the décor inside matched the outside of the house. The living room had black furniture and purple walls. Damien led me into the kitchen. It was decorated in purple and silver. The appliances were all modern. I was falling in love with their house.
“No. He left after our argument last night. Do you want wings?” Damien asked getting plates out for our pizza and wings.
“Yes, please. So, what happened after I left?”
“Come on. Let’s go out on the back patio and eat while the sun goes down,” Damien said handing me a plate with a slice of pizza and three hot wings.
I followed him outside to the back patio. I wouldn’t really call it a back patio though. It was more like an outdoor living area. There was a swimming pool that was long and rectangular. At the end of the swimming pool, there was a hot tub with a waterfall that flowed down decorative rocks. Beside the hot tub, I noticed a sitting area that was recessed and had a small fire pit in the center. The whole patio floor was made of marble. I wondered if it was imported because it looks more beautiful than anything you could buy at the local hardware store.
“Would you care for a drink, Tori?” Damien asked from behind the bar that was to the left of the back entrance where I stood gaping in awe. I walked over and sat down at the bar so that I was facing the sunset. Damien sat down beside me.
“I’m waiting for your answer.”
“Ha! I guess you are. Well after you left, we argued some more and fought. That’s about it. It’s actually our normal way of communication,” Damien said laughing.
“I can’t stand him! He can stay far away from me.”
“Oh, I can assure you that he will not stay away. He is very interested in you.” Damien took a gigantic bite out of his pizza.
“Well, he can get the hell over it,” I said sternly. As I looked out at the sunset, another question came to mind. “Why are we able to be out in the daylight?” I asked. “That goes against anything I have ever seen or read about vampyres.”
“That is a long story Victoria,” he laughed.
“I got nothing but time.” I winked and took a bite of one of the chicken wings.
“I guess you make a good point,” he said taking another bite of pizza. “The short version is over five hundred years ago there was a vampyre named Marcus who was infatuated with a beautiful human woman; he kept her around for blood and sex. From what I heard; he was abusive with her. He would beat her, feed on her, and then heal her with his blood that way no one knew what he was doing to her. One morning they were at the edge of the woods—he was feeding on her—when the sun began to shine in front of where they were, she fought back. The vampyre blood in her system made her stronger than usual, so she pulled him out into the sunlight. He burned to his death. Legend says as he was burning, he grabbed her and broke her neck.” Damien informed me.
“Wow! So, what happened after that?” I asked curiously.
“Well, the woman died, of course, but later that day she awoke. See, if a human has vampyre blood in their system when they die, they transform into a vampyre. Somehow as she was being turned in the daylight, it made her able to walk in the daylight and not be confined to the darkness,” he said as he nibbled on a wing. “We are her descendants. Her bloodline is the only one that can walk in the daylight. Pretty cool, huh?”
“Ummm. Yeah, that is pretty cool I guess,” I said in shock.
We sat there
and ate the rest of our food in silence. I was processing all this new information. After we finished our meal, Damien got a bottle of tequila and poured two glasses.
“Here. This will help you calm your nerves. Alcohol affects us pretty much the same as it did when we were humans except it takes more for us to get a buzz or drunk now,” Damien said, as he handed me the glass.
My fingers grazed his when he handed me the glass. It felt like a bolt of electricity went through my entire body. Holy shit! Damien had a potent effect on me. I felt so comfortable around him. It was as though I had known him my entire life.
“Thanks,” I said taking the glass of tequila and drinking it all down in one big gulp.
“You must like tequila,” he laughed.
“Not really but I’ll take anything right now. My emotions are in overdrive. I need something to chill me the hell out. I like smoking weed more than drinking. That’s what I would really like to have right now.”
“Well, you are in luck then. I have some good marijuana in my bedroom. I’ll go get it for you.” Damien got up from the bar and went into the house.
I sat at the bar staring out at the sun going down behind the mountains. It was getting darker by the minute. I couldn’t get over how beautiful it was. I thought again about how I liked the heightened senses part of being a vampyre. Everything was intensified, my hearing, sense of smell, vision, sense of touch, and taste. It felt amazing for the most part. Deep down I felt like I was always meant to be a vampyre. It felt so natural.
“Here ya go,” Damien said as he sat back down on the barstool. He made me jump.
“Holy shit! You scared the hell out of me. I almost pissed my pants,” I said laughing.
Damien laughed at me. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you almost piss yourself.”
I smacked him on the shoulder teasing him. “I thought I was going to need a new pair of underwear,” I laughed.
“You’re so funny with your sayings,” he chuckled. “Here, hit this. It will calm your emotions down a lot.” He handed me a blue glass bowl. It was packed full of some very green marijuana.
I took a few hits off the bowl then handed it to Damien. He smoked some, too. I was starting to feel a little more chilled out. Thank goodness for marijuana. It always helped me calm myself down.
“So, I drank from a deer.” I blurted out.
Damien started laughing. “You did huh. How was it?”
“It was awful!” I answered laughing.
“I’ve drunk animal blood before. It’s not great, but it will do when you can’t get human blood,” Damien admitted.
“I hate the idea of hurting people; I don’t want to kill anyone. Just the thought of killing that guy last night repulses me. It scares me to think what I might become and I never wanna do that again.” I told Damien.
“I can teach you how to feed and not kill the person you are feeding on.”
“That would be great,” I said smiling. It was nice to know I can feed without killing anyone.
“You are doing well with adjusting to vampirism. Controlling the craving is the hardest part,” he said, as he looked over at me. I could get lost in those eyes.
“It kind of feels like second nature to me. I mean you would think I would be more freaked out over being a vampyre, but honestly, I feel like I was meant to be one. Is that odd?” I asked.
“Not at all,” he answered. “I felt that way, too, when I was turned.”
I wondered how old he was and how he was turned. “So, how old are you?”
“Ha! I am very old. Let’s just leave it at that for right now. That’s a story for another day.” Damien looked out at the horizon.
We sat there in silence for a while just looking out at the night sky. I had so many thoughts running through my mind. My main contemplation was I wanted to kill Sebastian for turning me without my permission.
“You know you should really give Sebastian a chance. He isn’t that bad of a guy.” Damien said looking over at me. He was in my head again.
“What? Give him a chance for what?”
“He turned you, so that means you two are bonded. You may not realize it, but you are. I know he makes you mad, but you should give him a chance. He could be an excellent ally. He is strong and brilliant,” Damien answered.
“You know I was really enjoying sitting here with you looking at the night sky until you brought up his name. Ugh! Stay out of my head please,” I said irritated.
“I’m sorry Tori. Please don’t be upset with me for mentioning him.” Damien pleaded.
I got up and walked out to the pool. It was the middle of May and getting very warm out. I started taking my clothes off. I turned to look at Damien. He was sitting on the barstool with a surprised look on his face.
“What are you doing?” he asked grinning.
I walked over to him in my bra and panties and took another hit off the bowl. “I am going to swim in your pool. Wanna join me?” I asked winking at him while blowing smoke in his face.
“Ha! You are great at changing the subject, aren’t ya.” Damien replied. “Sure, I would love to go swimming with you.”
He stood and took off his shirt. I stood there admiring the show. He had tattoos on both his arms that went from his shoulder to his wrist. His chest was toned with very sexy six-pack abs. When he began unbuttoning his pants, I turned around and jumped into the pool.
I swam to the far end of the pool. There was a big splash, and then I felt his presence. I didn’t have to turn around to confirm he was behind me.
“The water feels nice doesn’t it?” he asked as he swam to the side of me.
“Yes. It is very nice. I never knew being in water could feel this amazing. I have always loved being in the water,” I answered.
Damien moved closer to me. It made my entire body tingle with excitement. I did not understand what it was about him that made my body react the way it did, but I love it.
“I love it as well,” Damien said looking into my eyes. He was in front of me only inches away.
“There you go getting into my mind again.” I blushed.
“You intrigue me, Tori. I cannot help but peek into your mind,” he said with an intense look in his eyes. I could feel his emotions. I don’t know why there was this connection between us.
“You intrigue me as well Damien. I have never felt anything like this in my life,” I said licking my lips.
“Mmmm! I would love to do that,” Damien said licking his lips too.
Oh, my goodness! My body was pulsating with electricity just by looking at him. I knew I shouldn’t, but I had to kiss him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and closed the space between us. When our lips touched, it was the most incredible thing I had ever felt in my life. His lips fit mine so perfectly. Damien kissed me softly then slowly teased my lips with his tongue. He grabbed my legs and wrapped them around his body. Then he pressed his body against mine. He turned so that he had me against the side of the pool. Off in the distance, I heard something break.
“What was that?” I asked as I broke free from his lips. I looked around and saw the patio furniture floating in the air.
Damien looked around. “When you’re emotional, no matter what emotion, your abilities are stronger. Try to make it stop.”
I concentrated on the furniture. Slowly, it all began floating back down to the floor. “Sorry I did that,” I said, looking into his eyes.
Damien smiled. “It’s okay Tori. You can’t control it right now.” Then he kissed me again. This time he kissed me with more passion. I felt like I was going to explode from the sensation.
“Wow!” Damien said breathing heavily into my ear.
“Wow is exactly what I was thinking, too,” Sebastian said in the distance.
I looked behind Damien towards the door to the house. There stood Sebastian in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. Damien kissed me again passionately. Then he released me from his embrace and turned to look at his brother.
&nb
sp; “Thought you were going out of town?” Damien asked harshly.
Sebastian started walking towards us. I had to admit to myself that he’s a very eye-catching man. Sebastian looked like a sexy Viking warrior. He’s tall but not as tall as Damien. His sandy blonde hair was short but neatly styled. The frame of his body was slender but toned. He had very distinct features that would make him stand out in a crowd. I could see his blue eyes from across the pool. They were a deep blue with turquoise around the pupils.
“I did, and I came back bearing gifts.” Sebastian snapped his fingers. Two girls came outside. They looked like they weren’t much older than me. I could see they had bite marks on their necks.
“Thanks, but I am good,” Damien said to Sebastian as he swam over to the steps of the pool. “Come on Tori. It is time for me to take you back to your car.”
“No, it’s not Damien. She needs to learn to feed on a human without killing them. I brought these two delicious girls here for Victoria to practice control on.”
The smell of the dried blood on their necks called to me, and I wanted a taste. I swam over to the steps of the pool and climbed out. I walked over to Sebastian and the two girls. Sebastian had a look of triumph.
“That’s a good girl. Have a taste dear,” Sebastian offered.
I couldn’t resist. I walked over to one of the girls. She was a beautiful blonde with blue eyes. The smell of her blood made my mouth water. She stood still and tilted her head to the side. A tingling pain started in my teeth, and my throat began to burn. When I touched my teeth, I felt fangs. I bent forward, bit into the blonde, and slowly sucked her blood. It felt like velvet going down my throat.
“When you feel her pulse getting slower that’s when you stop Victoria.” Sebastian was standing behind the girl now with his face not far from mine. He had this look in his eyes that I can’t explain. It was almost like he was getting turned on by me feeding on this girl.