Scent of a Vampire

by Jude Stephens

  He came closer and as he did the moonlight struck his face and I sucked in a deep breath because he was gorgeous. He had long dark hair that hung in his face, giving him a dangerous look, high cheekbones, a chin that was chiseled out of marble and a full pouty lower lip. He had to stand close to seven feet. He was wearing jeans and a bulky coat, despite the rather warm evening. The only thing that distracted from his good looks was those eerie red eyes. He reached down and pulled up a rope and knelt down in front of me. "I wish I didn't have to tie you up but I don't think I can trust you to stay put. But maybe you like being tied up. You are a Sensay after all. The legends say that you go wild when you're excited."

  He grabbed my arms and swung me around and began to tie my arms behind my back. He seemed to have a sort of fetish with my backside because he started rubbing me there again.

  "You have a great ass" I began to shake. Sure that this creature was going to rape me when I heard, "Leeds you crazy bastard, you better take your hands off of my woman right now or I will be forced to kill you. And I hate it when I have to kill a friend."

  I sagged forward with my relief and immediately Roberto was beside me picking me up.

  "What the hell Leeds? You tied and gagged her?"

  "Hey don't blame me Valente, I didn't know she was your woman. She was just sitting back there by the stream all alone. Why the hell would you leave your woman unprotected like that?"

  Roberto untied my hands and I ripped the gag from my mouth. "He was going to rape me!"

  Roberto took a step toward Leeds and Leeds said, "Bloody hell, I was not going to rape her. I have never had to rape a woman in my entire two hundred and seventy four years." Roberto and I looked pointedly to the rather huge bulge in his pants.

  "Awww, hell yeah, she got me excited. Look at her. She is hot. But I wasn't going to rape her. I fully intended to take her back to my cabin and seduce her." He said without a trace of remorse.

  When I realized that he and Roberto knew each other and that he wasn't going to rape me, I could forgive him for his rude behavior.

  "You think I'm hot?" I asked.

  Roberto looked at me like I had lost my mind. "He was going to seduce you. And he was groping you. I should kill him for that alone."

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  I looked at Roberto's face and realized he was barely able to control his rage. I went over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him hard. "He was going to try and seduce me and when he groped me, I felt nothing but repulsion."

  My words must have seeped into his mind because I felt the tension leave his body and he hugged me back. Leeds made it worse again by saying, "Repulsion? Ohhh luv, you're joking right?"

  When he realized I was serious he said, "You have to let me try and seduce you. No one has ever turned me down. I am good at it I swear. I have made ladies cry and beg for more of my huge cock."

  "Enough!! Leeds. I am losing my patience. Olivia is my woman and you will remember that."

  Leeds looked like he was going to argue but then with a last regretful look at me turned and said with a shrug, "All right Valente but just wait until she disparages your manhood and see what you do."

  I almost felt sorry for Leeds; almost.

  With a chuckle Roberto lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed it. "Olivia is constantly disparaging my manhood but I find it rather enjoyable to have to prove it to her, over and over again."

  Despite the tingle that went up my arm, I pulled it away and said, "You boys are beginning to get on my last nerve. Is that all you think about? Sex? And so what if I'm a Sensay and the slightest touch causes me to be on fire? You guys act like I'm the only female on earth that can have orgasm after orgasm and lose control when I get excited."

  Both men were staring straight ahead with a glazed look on their faces. And to top it off Leeds was once again rubbing the front of his pants. I probably should have toned that down. I am not used to being looked at as a sex object so it's hard to remember that men are lusting after me.

  "Oh snap out of it. I'm hungry." I complained. Roberto was the first to recover, "Of course.

  Leeds we were actually looking for you to lend us a hand. It seems the Guardians are after Olivia. They kidnapped her yesterday and they are claming that they have her parents. We are trying to get to Buffalo where her parents live. Somehow, they knew where we were and set the safe house on fire. Luckily, they aren't aware that being as old as I am that I can rise slightly prior to sunset."

  Ahhh, I had wondered about that, but with our bout of lust and then the firebomb and all it had slipped my mind to ask Roberto about it.

  Leeds was still staring straight ahead without the slightest indication that he had heard anything Roberto said. I started to say something and Roberto stopped me. "Give him a minute"

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  Leeds finally came to and said, "Sure, I hate those bastards more than you can know. Take a seat and we'll go to my place."

  Leeds untied the boat and pushed us off before jumping in and getting out the oars. He began rowing and humming softly what I swear sounded a lot like the theme to Benny Hill.

  Roberto and I sat at the opposite end of the boat and I leaned over to him and whispered in his ear, "There is definitely something off with Leeds." Roberto whispered back into my ear. "Oh yeah, he's a little off all right but he's an okay sort. I do know we can trust him. I sometimes come out here to hunt and get some alone time. I met Leeds about ten years ago and we respect each other."

  "Aren't you afraid about him being so unstable?" I had to ask as I watched Leeds muttering to himself.

  "Not really. I've never seen him hurt anything." We listened as Leeds continued muttering.

  Roberto added, "At least not yet," as we heard him mutter, "Kill em all ... all dead."

  I scooted a little closer to Roberto and he put his arm around me. It could have been a very romantic moment but for the eerie mist rolling across the swamp and the psychopath rowing the boat.

  A short time later we came up to a stretch of land. With the moon still shining I could make out a small dock that Leeds rowed up to. Roberto jumped out and Leeds threw him a rope to secure the boat. When he finished, he helped me out. Leeds jumped out behind me.

  He asked Roberto to give him a hand with some boxes. I wondered what he was carrying in.

  Maybe it was dead animal skins or some kind of sadistic tools, like knives and chains or maybe even weird torture contraptions like in that movie where they make people decide to cut their own appendages off. I backed up as far as I could and let him pass by me.

  Was Roberto crazy trusting this lunatic? I was getting more nervous by the minute, wondering what kind of place he was leading us to. After a few minutes, we came through a thicket of trees and there was a clearing with the most beautiful stone cottage in the middle. It looked like a postcard of a lovely English cottage complete with flower garden. This couldn't be where Leeds lived. In my mind I pictured a charming old couple living here. The woman tended to her garden and the man chopped wood for the cold nights. I wondered where Leeds had buried their bodies. Leeds opened the door and switched on a light. He stepped aside to let us pass.

  Surprisingly, the inside was as nice as the outside. The hardwood floors were rich and shiny.

  The leather sofa looked comfy and well taken care of. There was a large stone fireplace on one wall. On the opposite wall there was, of all things, a large flat screen television. Leeds went through a door with his boxes and Roberto followed. Not knowing what to do, I followed along.

  We entered a bright cheery kitchen that had a large refrigerator, a double stove and a lovely antique oak table in the center. Roberto and Leeds put their boxes on the table. They were full of food! Fresh fruit and vegetables. Sacks of flour and sugar. I laughed out loud when I saw Scent of a Vampire – Jude Stephens

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  Sam's
Club stamped on the side of the box.

  Roberto asked, "What's so funny?"

  "Ummm, nothing I'm just trying to picture Leeds cooking." Leeds turned toward me, "I'll have you know that I'm a great cook. As a matter of fact, why don't you two freshen up and I'll make us a great salad and some cheese omelettes."

  The thought of a delicious cheese omelette made my stomach growl.

  Roberto led me out of the kitchen and across the living room. We went down a short hall and opened a door to a bedroom. It was rather sparse, with a double bed and a dresser being the only furnishing.

  "Have you stayed here before?" I asked Roberto.

  "A few times when the night got away from me after a few too many beers and way too many hands of poker with Leeds. By the way, don't play with him, I think he cheats."

  "I find it strange that the two of you are friends. He seems really bizarre."

  "He is strange but sometimes strange is understandable."

  "I get the feeling that you know something about Leeds that I don't know."

  Roberto came over and wrapped his arms around me. "I may, but it is his story to tell. Now go take a shower and I will try and find something for you to wear. I'll leave whatever I find on the bed for you."

  I kissed him and went down the hall in the direction he pointed. I turned on the hot water and stripped out of my dirty clothes. As I stepped into the shower it felt like heaven to have the hot water cascade over my weary body. I even found some strawberry shampoo and washed my hair. That a man like Leeds has strawberry shampoo made me think about Roberto's comments.

  Maybe there was more to Leeds than his brutish ways, his scary appearance and his insane ramblings.

  I reluctantly turned off the shower and found a nice fluffy towel waiting and my dirty clothes gone. I so hoped that it was Roberto who had come in here while I was wet and naked. I made my way back to the bedroom and found a flannel shirt waiting for me on the bed. That was all.

  Well at least it was large and would probably reach to my knees anyway. I also found, on the dresser, a brush. Thank God. My hair had been looking like a rats nest. I dressed and brushed out my long hair until it shone. When I finished I made my way to the kitchen and my stomach really started growling at the heavenly smells that were coming from there. Roberto and Leeds were sitting at the table already eating. When I entered the room, Roberto stood while Leeds just snorted and poured me a glass of wine.

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  "Leeds, this smells wonderful. Where did you learn to cook?"

  Leeds looked uncomfortable and just shrugged. I was determined to try and understand this friend of Roberto's so I asked, "This cottage is beautiful. Have you lived here long?" This time he just scowled at me. I looked at Roberto for some assistance but he just shrugged at me. I tried once more.

  "The gardens out front are amazing. Did you plant those?" I could sense his growing agitation and didn't understand why he didn't want to talk to me. I gave up and decided maybe he just didn't like me or more than likely he was just nuts!

  I started eating and almost choked on my omelette when Leeds asked me in a soft voice, "Did Roberto tell you that I'm the Jersey Devil?"

  Chapter 13

  "Ahhhh that explains a lot. Hockey players. They are a wild bunch aren't they?" I purposely misunderstood his statement to give myself a second to process what he said. The Jersey Devil.

  I remembered hearing stories about him I just couldn't remember any specifics.

  "I'm not a hockey player, though I do like the way they slam each other. I am the Jersey Devil, the beast that they talk about around campfires. The boogeyman that scares little children." he snickered.

  I had to admit, he scared me as well, and he seemed a little off.

  Roberto, who had been quiet until now said, "Leeds, you are what you are. That they choose to call you a "devil" just proves people's ignorance. It's one of the reasons I say the world is not ready to know about the other species that are out there. Regardless how much people talk about tolerance and change, they rarely are capable of either."

  "I want to think people are better than that Roberto, surely your not that cynical. There are a lot of good people in the world. Not everyone is like those Guardians. Look at yourself, you're a good person." I said quite passionately.

  "Hmmpppfff." That came from Leeds. Roberto looked uncomfortable, "Thank you piccolina for thinking so highly of me. You make me out to be a saint and I am far from a saint. You have only known me a few days."

  "That may be so but I know a good person when I see one and you've been nothing but good to me." I added vehemently.

  "Olivia, you think the best of people don't you? I hope that the day never comes that you lose that. But if I'm being honest, I can't see that happening, not with what you are and what you will become." Roberto sounded sad. Leeds stood and scratched his backside and said, "Bloody Scent of a Vampire – Jude Stephens

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  hell the two of you are making me ill. I need to stretch my wings."

  "Ummm did you say stretch your wings?"

  "Yeah, do you have a problem with that piccolo?" Roberto raised an eyebrow. "Actually its piccolina and that is my pet name for Olivia."

  "Hmmm okay, then I will call her sugar lips" In unison Roberto and I said, "No!"

  "Whatever, I'm gonna go stretch." Leeds looked at me with a challenge and asked, "Do you want to see my private parts sugar lips?"

  "Ummm, yeah, if you mean wings. Yes, I'd love to see them"

  Roberto stood. "Well, if you're going then I'm going with you."

  We went out into the night. The moon was still high in the sky. It was still a bit eerie out here in the swamp but I felt safe with Roberto by my side. As if he read my thoughts he took my hand in his and as usual, a tingle went up my arm. I shivered a little and Roberto winked at me.

  I turned my attention back to Leeds who was taking off his shirt. He was facing us and as he unbuttoned his shirt he said, "When I go into town, I am just another bum that people ignore. I cover what I am up with baggy clothes and I never go out at night when my eyes glow." I stared as he removed his shirt. His chest wasn't the same as a regular mans. It was broader and more defined.

  "I don't go into town more than I have to. I don't like having to hide my wings beneath these clothes. It would be like you sugar lips, binding those beautiful breasts of yours." I watched closely as he opened his arms wide and looked to the sky. I saw them then, spreading out from the center of his back. It looked like a membrane that was connected with some bones. They must have stretched out three feet on either side of him. I wondered how he had them hidden inside his flannel shirt without anyone knowing. The look on his face was rapturous as he stretched and flapped his wings. Sort of like when I took off a new pair of high heels that I haven't broke in yet.

  "What is he?" I whispered to Roberto.

  "As far as anyone knows, he is one of a kind. He seems to have some genetic makeup of a dragon."

  "Are dragons real?"

  "Well, not anymore, but they were at some time. There's speculation that they night have been from the dinosaur family."

  "How do you know all of this?"

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  "We are not without our own scientists and people doing research for the good of our kind."

  I looked back at Leeds who stood there in all his dragon glory.

  "Can I touch them?"

  Roberto looked uncomfortable with that request, but Leeds said, "Sure sugar lips, you can touch anything you want." I walked over to him and softly touched his wing. Leeds let out a moan and I quickly stepped back. "I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?"

  "God no, that felt so good. It has been many years since someone caressed my wings. It's very erotic you know, having someone stroke and rub your wings."

  "That will be enough Leeds." Roberto came over and put his arm around me.
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  "Damn Roberto, why can't we share her? I'm sure that you get to fuck women all the time. It's been a while for me and then I can't take all of my clothes off or they'll see these babies. I just want her to stroke 'em a little bit."

  "Leeds, don't make me hurt you. You can't have my woman."

  Before I could even say anything Leeds said, "Well in that case I'm going to take a little flight around here and maybe find a nice quiet place to land and get my rocks off." He then proceeded to unzip his pants and take them off.

  "Nothing like flying naked to get you in the mood." I couldn't resist taking a peek and was shocked when I saw him. He was enormous! I don't know how he walked around with a package like that. I had seen many male body parts before, working in a hospital, but I had never ever seen anyone so huge.

  I felt Roberto pulling on my hand to turn me away but I couldn't seem to look away.

  Leeds laughed. "You like what you see sugar lips? You want to ride the dragon now?"

  Leeds flapped his wings and I could feel the wind that he created. I watched in fascination as he slowly lifted off the ground. It was one of the most amazing things I had ever seen, a giant man with a giant erection flapping his giant wings and flying.

  All I could think to say was, "Holy Moly. Did you say he was evolved from a dragon or a horse?"

  Roberto frowned. "The last few days have been hard on my manhood."

  I leaned over and kissed him. "Did you say something about a hard manhood?"

  "Mmmm, yes I did," he murmured in between hot kisses.

  "Very hard. Let's go inside. Leeds will be gone for a while." I couldn't stop the shivers of anticipation that swept through my body. Roberto swept me up in his arms and let me see the Scent of a Vampire – Jude Stephens

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  passion in his blue eyes. He carried me inside and straight to our bedroom.

  He set me down on unsteady legs and knelt before me. "I could spend a lifetime making love to you and it would never be enough. I need to taste you Olivia. Please don't say no" I didn't say anything as he lifted my shirt up. I heard his sharp intake of breath. "You are so beautiful here Cara"