The Last Vampire

by Mary Danganan

  She braved up and faced me with teary eyes. “Then who?”

  “That, I am still trying to find out. Right now, all I want is for us to be okay.” I extended my hand to hold hers, and she accommodated my touch. She was warm and cozy, the comfort she brought to my senses was better than that provided by the fire. I missed her so much that being with her right now felt like a surreal, sweet dream I did not want to wake up with.

  “I believe you, Jorge. All this time I thought you were gone and never coming back. A lot had come into my life, and this collation of your portrait only made my anxiety worse.” Her candor was one of the things I missed the most, and I could not be happier now that she was returning to her old, usual self around me.

  I seized her hand, grateful for her presence during these hard times. “I’m sorry, Peyton. I won’t go anymore, I promise.”

  Her smile was sweet yet wistful. “I’ll hold onto that. So now, tell me more about the things I don’t know yet.”

  “Where do I start?”

  “About your origin? Where did your family come from? Your mother? Skills? How you manage to cope with the humans?” I was glad to see that the fright from her eyes had evaporated and was nowhere to be found. Instead of the horror shrouding her pupils, anticipation and excitement was all that I could see.

  “Hold your horses, my lady. I’ll start with what I could remember since I was a kid.”

  Her puppy, curious eyes were on mine, holding on to every word I uttered. She looked keen and interested. It was a pleasure seeing her return back to normal. The woman that caught my attention was regaining her confidence and charm, and the fear of what I thought would be our last time meeting melted like ice in an instant.

  “I was raised by my father. My mother died in the hopes of saving our race. The good ones were starting to become outnumbered and overthrown by the evil ones, so she sacrificed herself to save the clan. Her cause had been supported by most of the other pure-hearted vampires, resulting in the loss of the village. My father and I were the only ones who managed to escape, or so we believed up until we learned what your anonymous source was sending to you.” I paused for a moment, trying to get a reaction from her focused expression.

  “So, you and your father were the only ones who survived?” The skepticism in her tone began to alarm me as if she was suspecting us once again as the culprits for the horrendous crimes committed in their small town. I shook my head to cut her negative thoughts before they went too far.

  “Then, who is this mysterious sender?”

  “I’m trying to find that out too.”

  “I see.” She looked confused, assessing the weight of my statements. Peyton could be really analytical sometimes, and I could not blame her for her cautious ways. Anybody’s life was on the line if the killer went unknown for too long.

  “Peyton, trust me. I cannot do those things to people, and I want to put a stop on it. I can’t do this without your help.” I held her hand again, begging her for forgiveness. All I needed was for her to come back to me, and stay with me as I hunt for that killer. I could not let her fall on his dangerous grasp.

  “Okay.” She squeezed my hand, which made me feel tranquil. “But please, tell me everything. I don’t want any secrets anymore.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  *****

  “You two must be famished.”

  Just in time, my father came into the room after a series of knocks. He was beaming at us as if he heard our conversation. He was delighted by the sight of us holding hands and upon noticing his awareness, we immediately broke our hands’ link. It felt like an awkward wind blew before us, causing us to be conscious of the world that we were negligent of for a few moments ago.

  “Indeed! We can’t let our guest go starving.” I forced a laugh, which rather sounded close to a croak. Peyton giggled nervously as I threw my punch line.

  “Then, come, you two! Our dinner’s prepared and you won’t like it so much if it gets cold.”

  Peyton and I stood up, grateful for my father’s hospitality and concern for us. I could not thank him enough for his support in my pursuit of happiness. Peyton was smiling as well, and the remnants of horror from her eyes were swept away by joy.

  My father led the way while the two of us tailed along. We were silent on our way to the dining hall, but our faces were smudged by silly smiles. The undeniable chemistry between us had rekindled like it never lost its fire. My cold heart was back on track and was beating in synchronization with Peyton’s very own once again.

  “Here you go.”

  My father had opened the door to allow us inside of the dining hall. The table was set in a dainty, formal style that was both beautiful and dark. The sumptuous aroma of food lingered around the room, welcoming us with mouthwatering dishes for us to feast upon. Although we were born vampires, we shared the love of meat with the rest of the humankind.

  I pulled Peyton’s chair to help her settle for a seat. She smiled at me after a quick murmur of thanks. I took a seat beside her, while my father took the head of the family’s seat.

  Our plates were still empty, but the food around us was too festive and delicious to look at. I could feel my stomach grumbling at the sight of these wonderful dishes. It was long since I shared a meal with my father, and I felt more blissful that I got to share this feast with him and Peyton.

  “Let’s dive in!” He looked at us with a big grin on his face. I nodded at him, and afterward, towards Peyton. We shared the generous plates of the best meals I could ever name. It was a gratifying and merry dinner shared with the ones I loved the most. I could not thank the heavens enough. It was indeed a night to remember.

  “Did you enjoy the food, Peyton?” My father watched Peyton as she wiped the sides of her lips. Our plates were almost empty except for the tidbits of food left. She nodded at him, the smile on her face suggesting how amazed she was with my father’s cooking prowess.

  “I’m a fan, Mr. Savage. You’re one good cook.”

  “It’s been a while since I heard that kind compliment. Thank you for the flattery.”

  We laughed at his jokes, but Peyton’s giggles were soon cut off. “Oh no, it’s already late. I need to go back home.”

  I looked at my father, and he tilted his head to the side as if approving the idea I was contemplating. “You can stay over tonight if you want.”

  Her cheeks flushed. She fell silent for a few seconds as if she was torn between her options. I was giving her my pleading eyes, but her pride seemed to prosper over her decision. “Thanks, but you’ve done so much for me tonight. I can still make it home, it’s not that late anyway.”

  She was to stand up from her chair when my father stopped her from her departure. “I insist, dear. It’s late and dark outside. Even though Jorge can take you back, it will still be dangerous to stay alone in your house. You’ll be safer here with us.” My father looked at her with kind eyes. Peyton turned to stare at me, and I nodded to affirm with my father’s suggesting words.

  “Alright.” She looked defeated from our tag team, but she was smiling warmly.

  “Great, then. Why don’t you take her to the guest room, Jorge? I have a lot more to do, anyway.”

  The blush on her cheeks seemed to become redder upon hearing my father’s request. I smiled at him before we walked away from the room. “Certainly.”

  Peyton and I walked together along the hallway. She was quiet and timid as if she was wondering what I would do when we were left alone in the room. When we arrived near the door of the room where she would stay the night, I stood before the entrance and turned the knob.

  “So, here we are.”

  I heard her gasp as we stepped inside of the room. She looked surprised by how spacious it was, and how the precious antiques my father had kept decorated the room beautifully. The bed was a king sized, comfortable one that a couple can sleep cozily into. The window in the core of the room showed a view of the entire town of Kingsville, creating another wondrous sight t
hat only the clouds could witness.

  She spun around to meet my gaze, her eyes glimmering in the moonlight’s glow. Her spectacular beauty never failed to strike me straight in the chest.

  “I’m sorry for what I did today. I feel so awful.” Tears lingered on the side of her eyes. I stroked her cheek to remind her that she needed not to apologize.

  “It’s okay. It is actually my fault. I should not have left.” Her eyes lit up, but there was still a hint of sadness in them. I wanted to ease that ache, but I recalled about James. I let go of my hand from her angelic face, awakened by the fact that I could no longer do this to her.

  I turned my back against her, aware of the true reason for her apologies. I did not bother to stare at her reaction. Taking a deep breath with closed eyes, I felt all the happiness I earned this day to be crumbling down into pieces. This day was truly unforgettable, but I did not deserve it. Earning it would be an impossible thing to occur.

  “I better get going. It’s been a tiring day, and you deserve some rest. Goodnight, Peyton.”

  I took some steps away from her, but I felt the warmth of her embrace beneath me. Her arms enveloped me like an infant, nurturing my cold soul with the love I longed for. The snug of her hug spelled out how much he wanted me to stay as if it was gravity pulling me back to the rich soil again. It was the home I was searching for all my life. The emotions I had never felt was now rushing through me, coursing up my veins in an indescribable flow of euphoria.

  “Please don’t go, Jorge.”

  Despite the bliss consuming my entirety, I fought this dreamy imagination and faced the reality. “You’re with James, right? I can’t do this, Peyton.”

  “No. James is just a friend.”

  “Don’t make this hard for me, Peyton. I saw you kissing him the night before.”

  “He confessed that night, but I kissed him on the cheek and declined him. I can’t love anyone else if it’s not you. I love you, Jorge. My heart hurts so bad but I just can’t forget you.”

  Those words were enough for me to become fooled by love. No matter how crazy this was headed to, I was ready to face the world with her on my side. Crazy at it might seem, but I would take a chance on this rather than regretting everything for the rest of my life.

  I faced her, and her eyes were filled with arduous spirits. It was both fascinating and new, and for some reason, I loved the way she stared at me. My body was all warm and fuzzy, and I did not want this moment to end. I held her rosy cheeks once again, mesmerized by the perfection of her beauty. She closed her eyes and I watched as her long, thick lashes fluttered as she leaned closer. This was the part of the movies I hated the most, but at that moment I realized how ecstatic it was to be on that scene.

  Joining her in the realm of eternal joy, I closed my eyes and leaned closer to her. I felt her soft lips on mine, brushing against my own as we share this beautiful kiss. I wrapped my arms around her, allowing her to crush against my chest. I could hear her heart beating loudly in fast beats, and for that moment I felt like we shared the same heart.

  As our lips parted, I saw the vibrant smile I loved so much on her face. I could not help myself from smiling as well, grateful for this unforgettable moment.

  Together, we walked towards the bed and lied side by side. I enveloped my arms around her, securing her to stay by my side all night. She rested her head on my chest as I planted a kiss on her hair. She was fragrant like the fresh flowers blooming in the early morning. I loved her so much that I could not take it if she left with somebody else.

  She lifted her face to look me up with a coy smile. “I love you, Jorge.”

  “I love you more than you ever know.” I tightened my hold on her as she slept in my arms.

  It was the best night of my life.

  Chapter 18: Peyton Hunt

  If this was how it was to become a girlfriend of a vampire, then I would love to be one for the rest of my living days.

  Jorge was too kind to take me back at home first thing in the morning. Being carried in his arms as he ran at full, stupendous speed was one of the things I should start getting used to. It was a nauseating travel, but it could come really handy especially during running late scenarios.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to take you to the pub?” He asked as he carefully put me down from his arms. I could not hide the smile on my face, amused by how overprotective he was as a boyfriend.

  “Yes, I got it. Thank you.” I kissed him on the cheek, which he returned with a quick kiss on the lips.

  “I love you. See you later.”

  I nodded at him. “I love you too.”

  After he walked away from my lot, he disappeared like a bubble in a blink of an eye. I stepped into my house and did my daily routine as fast as I could to prepare myself for work.

  My day had been like all sunflowers and butterflies. Last night was like a dream, but this time it was true. Everything that I was crying for days had flipped in an instant, and now I was living the life I hoped I had. My mind was like an outburst of colors filled with bright and vivid flashes. I had never felt this happy in my whole existence.

  I was able to come to the office earlier than expected. The travel was fast, and it was a fun-filled trip to the pub. Everyone I came across was waving at me hello and good morning. My day had been so sunny and optimistic, and I was ready for anything at work.

  As I entered the office, I was greeted by a disorganized crowd. My colleagues were summoned in different groups as if there was something cheesy going on. People were whispering to each other as they shared different reactions. Nobody was seating in their own workplace, and they were not working on their daily tasks despite the pile of deadlines pending.

  I searched for anyone to ask, curious about what the fuss was all about. As I caught sight of James, I walked towards him to investigate the source of the commotion. I elbowed his side while he was listening with arms crossed together with some sports writers as the news editor spoke to them about something.

  “Hey, what’s the fuss all about?” I whispered my query in his ear.

  Upon seeing my presence, he turned to face me. We walked a few steps away from the crowd, keeping our conversation unheard from the others. His face was pale, and although his glasses covered his eyes, I could see how terrified he was with my question. “The EIC is found dead at his house.”

  The news shocked the hell out of me. I lost my balance and barely fell, surprised by the event. I looked at him with puzzled eyes, still unable to believe that our boss had fled to the netherworld. “But how?”

  James looked at me with troubled eyes, as if the incident was alarming and threatening. “The news editor said that he was found in a very bad shape. His stomach was torn open, his insides scattered all over the place. The rest of the details were too gore that I decided not to listen anymore. Just keep safe, the town’s getting stranger these days.” He patted my shoulder and walked towards his desk. He sat there, staring blankly at the screen of his computer, shocked by the incident.

  As I watched his blank expression, I caught sight of my own table. There was another box on top of my desk that resembled the black and red ones I previously received. I wanted to throw it away, frightened by what was inside. Whoever was sending me these things must know about the killing of our EIC as well as that of Mr. Livett’s.

  I walked towards my desk and opened the present. It was as if I was smothered and tortured after I laid my eyes on what’s inside the box.

  There was a stolen shot of me earlier this morning after Jorge dropped me by at home, developed and smudged with blood.

  Chapter 19: Jorge Savage

  My cold heart could not contain the warmth and mirth it felt since last night. I thought it would remain as a lunatic dream, but I guess some fantasies could really happen.

  I still could not believe my fate. The long-awaited search had come to an end as I begin my expeditions in love with my one and only true love. It could really sound sappy especially that t
hey come from a ruthless individual, but I could really see myself now as a changed man with a heart so big for someone to love.

  Right after I took her back home, my mind never thought of anything else but Peyton. Her sweet smile, her beautiful face, her charming personality, and her wonderful kisses. Everything about her was now mine as well, and all of me was hers too. My head could not help but ponder about the days that were yet to come and the moments we were to share together in the future.

  “I can’t help but notice how obsessed you are with the time.” My father was sitting near my chair as I kept an eye on the grandfather clock as each second passed. He wore a smirk on his face as he observed my excitement. I ceded a smile, caught by the accuracy of his words.

  “I miss her.”

  “You sure do.”

  As I caught sight of the hand on the clock, my face lit up. It would be around thirty minutes before her shift ended. “Oh, it’s almost time. I think I’ll just take a walk on my way there so I could come on time before the end of her shift.”

  He shrugged his shoulders, yielding to my persistence. “I guess that can’t be helped.”

  “Later, father.”

  He nodded after my farewell. I was eager to see her again. It was some sort of addiction I could not explain, but unlike any other obsessions, this one helped for the better. My love for her led me to see things in a positive light, as well as to brighten up my day. She was my ball of sunshine, the hope that brought light to my dark past.

  Unlike any other trips, I took my time as I strolled through the forest. Only then did I have a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature, as well as the mesmerizing outdoor treat of the town. As I exited the woods, I witnessed several kids playing around the park, enjoying their youth together with their friends.

  The laughter I could hear coupled by the happy faces that surrounded me was spectacular. I found myself whistling with an enthusiastic song playing on the small store I passed by on my way to Peyton’s workplace, captivated by the catchy beat it brought to everyone’s ears.