6 comments/ 20142 views/ 6 favorites When Darkness Falls By: smhgirl2002 “See you when you get back from vacation Stephanie,” I said as I took off walking down the sidewalk. It was 9:30 on a beautiful Sunday night. The sky was clear and all the stars were shining brightly. I was quietly humming as I walked home, looking up at the sky often. When I was only a few blocks away from my house, an arm tightly wrapped around my neck. I tried loosening the stranger’s arm with my hands, but to no effect. This person was strong. The harder I tried to free myself, the tighter the arm wrapped around my neck. I was quickly running out of air. I raised my right leg and stomped as hard as I could on the stranger’s right foot. The arm loosened and I was able to break free. I took off running as fast as I could. I could hear heavy footsteps right behind me. When my house came into view, I began thinking that I was going to make it. I risked sneaking a glance behind me. I was now sure the stranger was a man, a big man. He didn’t carry one pound of excess fat, he was all muscle. As I turned back around, I tripped and fell. Within seconds, the man was on top of me. He forced my arms out above my head. I kept struggling even though I knew it was pointless. As I was struggling, I noticed his head was back as if he was looking at the stars. All of a sudden, he moved, so his face was inches from my own. I was absolutely terrified! His eyes were bright red and two of his teeth (canine) were extra long. He pushed my head to the right, so my neck was exposed. I closed my eyes tightly as I felt his body moving and his breath getting closer to my neck. What happened next was truly unexpected. When I expected him to bite my neck, I felt all of his weight lift off of me. I opened my eyes just in time to see him land hard in the street. I jumped up, terrified of whomever, or whatever had been able to send that man flying through the air and into the street. It looked as though my savior was a woman. My mind was ordering me to run, but my body would not cooperate. I stood frozen with fear, while the stranger and the woman fought. I was worried the girl wouldn’t stand a chance because she was much smaller than the man. She was shorter, probably 5’5. The man withdrew something that I wasn’t sure what it was. Whatever it was, it was long and pointy. He leapt forward trying to stab the woman. At the last second, she did a back flip. The man, even angrier now, leapt at her again. This time she held her ground and kicked the weapon away. The woman tried to kick the man, but he got a hold of her foot and threw her backwards. He started looking for his weapon. It was only a few feet away from me, so I started running, hoping I could get a hold of it before him. When the stranger saw me running for it, he let out this shrill hiss and took off after me. Right when I reached the weapon, the stranger’s big hand grabbed the weapon. I only saw a glimpse of it, but I was sure the weapon was a stake. “What the hell?” I said, wondering why he was carrying a stake, but also wondering what I was going to do. I looked at the stranger’s face, his eyes so red, I was surprised steam wasn’t coming off of them. He smiled at me, so I could see his two long teeth. All I could think was what a bastard. Here I was about to be killed by him and he knew it, so he just had to smile. He took one step towards me to close what little gap was left and then his head snapped to the left and I heard his neck break. As his body fell to the ground, I saw the woman standing there. She was looking at the body, as if making sure he was dead. “Was that a vampire?” I asked her in a barely audible whisper. She continued to look at the body. I bent down and picked up the stake. When I stood up, she was looking at me. Her eyes were bright blue, brighter than any I had ever seen. She had long blond hair that stopped at her lower back. She had black highlights spread throughout her hair. “Here you go,” I said handing her the stake. She slowly reached her hand out and when her hand touched the stake, she let it rest there. I couldn’t help but notice how pale her skin was. I felt awkward because she wasn’t talking, or accepting the stake. She then removed her hand and said very quietly, “Keep it.” I was just about to ask her why, when the stranger’s body jumped up and grabbed me. I let out a scream and forced the stake into his heart. He fell to the ground quickly and I knew he was really dead. The woman bent down and pulled the stake out. This time, she handed me the stake. I quickly accepted it. “Thanks,” I said She still stood silent. “My name’s…” “I know who you are,” she said still ever so quietly. She looked into my eyes. It felt as though she was reading my every thought, searching my very soul. “I’ve been watching you for almost a year now.” “Creepy,” I thought to myself. “Don’t worry I only watch you when you are out in public, never during your personal time.” I stared at her, amazed she knew what I was thinking. “I know you still think it’s creepy, as a matter of fact, you’re thinking this whole thing is rather creepy.” I gasped. It was as if she was an authentic mind reader. “My name’s Anastasia,” she said, though this time she wasn’t whispering. “Can you read my mind?” She smiled. It was a beautiful smile. “Not every word, but close enough.” “How do you do it?” “All it takes is concentration and it really helps when I make eye contact with the person.” “Is that why you were staring so intently at me?” “Yes.” “Oh and here I thought it was because you found me so beautiful,” I said laughing. Anastasia didn’t laugh, she didn’t even smile. “It was a joke,” I told her. “Shhh,” was all she said. I was silent for a moment. When I looked up at Anastasia I thought she was staring at me again, but I soon realized she was looking at something behind me. I slowly turned around and there was another man behind me. This one wasn’t as big as the other stranger, but this one was a vampire as well. His teeth were long and pointy, ready to feed. His eyes were fiery red. He took a step forward and I heard a loud, furious hiss. At first I thought it came from the man, but I realized it came from Anastasia. I spun around and my mouth dropped open. Anastasia’s beautiful blue eyes were now a deep red, and her teeth were long as well. “You’re a vampire?” I shouted at her. I know she heard me, but she was focused on the other vampire. I watched them stare at one another for what seemed like an eternity. Finally Anastasia lowered her gaze down to the body of the other vampire. When the live one saw the dead body, I guess he decided not to take Anastasia on because he turned and bolted down the street and around the corner. When I looked back at Anastasia, her eyes were returning to their natural blue color. When her eyes and teeth were normal once again she said, “Everything’s okay now.” I took off running down the street. I knew something was up with Anastasia otherwise she wouldn’t have been able to kill the one vampire, but I never thought she was a vampire as well. I figured she was going to bite and kill me. I hadn’t even passed two houses, when Anastasia caught me. She put her hand on my shoulder and told me to stop. I turned around and threw a punch. She caught my fist with her hand and pushed me backwards, so I fell on my butt. I jumped up terrified and angry at the same time. “Are you going to kill me or not?” Anastasia’s face remained the same. “No.” “What the hell is going on?” Anastasia held out her hand. I was hesitant to accept it. “It’s okay, I won’t hurt you.” I reached out and when our hands met, it was as if there was a little spark. We walked silently until we reached her car. She opened the passenger door for me and I got in. She drove for almost a half an hour and stopped in front of an abandoned warehouse. “Is this where you live?” “For now.” We both got out of the car and I followed her inside. Once inside, Anastasia took off her leather coat. She was wearing a black long sleeved shirt. I couldn’t help but notice she had big breasts. She caught me staring, so I quickly looked away and glanced around the room. There was hardly anything in it and there were cobwebs everywhere. “Nice place,” I said sarcastically. Anastasia looked at me funny and then slowly said, “No it’s not.” “I was being sarcastic.” Anastasia continued to look at me with a funny face. “I was kidding, lying, whatever you want to say. I was saying the exact opposite of what I was thinking.” “I don’t understand,” she said. “Yeah well that makes two of us, except I don’t understand this whole vampire thing.” “I’m a vampire,” she said. “Why are you here?” I asked. “To protect you.” “Why are they after me? What did I do?” “You didn’t do anything.” “Then why…?” “You’ll find out soon enough,” she said cutting me off. “For now just try to get some sleep.” “Sleep? How am I supposed to sleep when I’m in a strange place and I’m not even sure I’ll live through the next minute?” “Nobody knows about this place.” Anastasia came over to me and ran her hand down my arm. “I’m not going to hurt you, I’m here to protect you.” I wanted to ask her once again why they were after me, but I knew it would be useless. I sat down on the mattress which rested on the cold concrete floor. Anastasia must have been reading my mind because she said, “I’ll explain everything tomorrow first thing.” I lied down on the mattress and after a few seconds said, “Cool.” “You cold?” “No,” I answered. “Haven’t you ever heard someone say cool instead of okay or fine?” Again, Anastasia presented me with that funny expression. I couldn’t help it, but I started thinking about how beautiful her face was when she scrunched it up like that. The way the lines appeared in her forehead. She came over to me and sat down on the edge of the mattress. I began praying she hadn’t read my mind. “Are you going to lie down?” I asked innocently. “No.” “Don’t leave me here alone,” I said starting to sit up. “Lie down and get some sleep, I’m not going to leave you.” I was amazed at how quickly I was able to fall asleep. The next morning, I awoke to find Anastasia sleeping next to me. I started to get up, when her eyes opened. “Sorry,” I said. “I wasn’t really asleep.” “Did you get any sleep at all last night?” “Vampires don’t sleep at night.” “Oh, right.” “Are you ready to hear the story?” “I’m afraid to say yes.” “Then you are indeed, a very smart girl.” Anastasia got up and went over to a chair a few feet away and sat down. I remained on the mattress, but I sat up. “A couple of years ago, a group of vampires form our clan turned against us. They had been revealing secrets over to our enemy clan. When my people learned of this, they immediately and unwisely confronted the traders. There was a huge confrontation which turned into an all out war. We were able to kill the traders, but the other clan grew upset and now they are seeking revenge on my clan and I. About a month ago, they got one of my most trusted friends, so now I am the last of my people.” “How many are left of the clan?” “About a hundred.” “And you are the only one left from your family?” Anastasia slowly nodded her head. “Isn’t it useless, you being the only one left?” “Not entirely. Every vampire I kill, makes them angrier. It’s like I’m seeking a little bit of revenge. Besides, I don’t have anything else to do with my life. This way I eliminate some vampires from this world.” We were both silent for a few minutes. I was grateful for the silence because I needed the time to process this information. Finally, I asked the question I was dying to know the answer to. “Why are they coming for me?” Anastasia stared at the floor and remained silent. I knew better than to ask the question again. Finally, her gaze lifted from the floor to me. “They know you are special to me.” “Special? What do you mean special?” “About a year ago, when all this started happening and getting out of hand, I moved to this area. I didn’t travel far, but this area was still new to me. I began walking around at night, reading people’s thoughts for sport and making sure only a few vampires occupied this area. One night, I happened to be behind you and your friends. I read all of your thoughts a well as your friends, but I found your ideas and opinions the most interesting. A couple days went by and I ran into you again. From then on, I kept my eye on you whenever I could. I fell in love with your personality and pretty much your whole being. Somehow a couple of my enemies figured out how special you are to me and now they want to kill you, to take away the first person I care about.” I couldn’t believe my own ears! I was somewhat freaked out knowing I had been spied on for the past year by this beautiful vampire. There was only one thing I didn’t quite understand. “What do you mean by special? Do you care for me as a friend or as something more than a friend?” Anastasia’s reply caught me off guard. “I know you find me attractive as well.” That answered my question. I stood up from the mattress. Anastasia stood up as well and walked over to me. “So now they are after me?” Anastasia put her arms around me and held me close. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. I placed my hand above her left breast. There wasn’t a single heartbeat. I began wondering when the last time her hear beat. “I was changed at nineteen.” She put her hand over my heart and left it there. “How?” “A friend.” I placed my hand on top of hers. “Why?” “I had bone cancer in my leg. I struggled for almost two years, but I knew I was about to be beaten. I told Marissa I was giving up because I knew fighting was pointless. Two days later, I was extremely ill and in excruciating pain. I knew I was about to die and I wanted to say goodbye to Marissa. At first, I wasn’t sure Marissa would arrive in time, but she did. Whether for better or worse, she bit me, changing me into a vampire.” At this point, I was softly crying. Anastasia wiped my tears away. “Marissa was your trusted friend who was killed a month ago?” Anastasia just nodded. “From the time I awoke as a vampire, she called me Anastasia, one who will rise again.” I hugged Anastasia. I needed the hug just as much as she did. I felt so sorry for her, losing her closest friend especially the way Marissa died. I also couldn’t help but to be grateful she kept Anastasia alive. Granted her heart didn’t beat even once, but she was up and walking. When we were finished hugging, Anastasia surprised me by kissing me. I was only caught off guard for a couple of seconds. I kissed back with an intense amount of passion. The heat arose between us as if we were animals. As we were hungrily kissing, Anastasia pulled me over to the mattress. I lied down and Anastasia climbed on top of me. At that moment, I felt protected as well as loved. I felt as if I would never be alone again. That afternoon, Anastasia and I made love. At first, it was hard and fast because we wanted each other so badly. Then it was slow and tender. We were beautiful together. We belonged together because it felt as if we were made for each other. Anastasia and I fell sleep and slept until late evening. When I awoke, I was on my side with Anastasia beside me on her side as well. Her breasts were pressed into my back. She was running her hand down my arm, caressing me. “That was wonderful,” I said. Anastasia just continued caressing me. After a little while, she said, “I love you.” I rolled over, so I was facing her. We embraced and began kissing. “This feels so right,” I whispered. Anastasia smiled and said, “Thinking that again?” “You read my mind the whole time?” “That’s the easiest time because we’re like one person.” “Makes sense I guess.” Anastasia said, “Hungary?” I smiled and said, “Yes,” knowing she was reading my mind. “Well you better grab something on your way home.” “Aren’t you eating?” “I will after you leave.” “I don’t want to go home. I want to stay with you.” “You can’t.” “Well you don’t expect me to go home alone, I might be killed.” “I won’t walk right beside you because that’s too obvious, but I’ll keep an eye on you.” “Then what?” “You’ll be home and safe and I will go feed.” I stared at Anastasia. “You feed on people?” Anastasia looked at the mattress instead of at me. Finally, after some time for her to gather the courage, she locked eyes with me again. “I need to feed to live. Mostly I feed on immoral people, people who have hurt others. If I’m watching people and one man hits a woman for example, I’ll feed don him later. Usually though, while walking around late at night, I’ll see a crime committed and I’ll kill and drink the blood of the criminal. Last week, I fed on two criminals.” “What if you don’t encounter a criminal and are forced to feed on an innocent person?” “Then I have no choice.” “So no one is safe from being fed on by you?” “You are. I would die before I fed off you.” I leaned in and kissed Anastasia. “You’re already dead,” I said smiling. We embraced, our tongues fighting and then slowing, as if dancing. “Yes you are,” Anastasia said and then rolled on top of me. “Yes I’m what?” I asked. “Staying with me,” she answered. I rolled over, so I was on top. “Do you know how much money you could make from mind reading?” Anastasia laughed and I ran my fingers across her cheek. I loved being on top, therefore, in control for our next love session. I had a beautiful vampire under me doing whatever I asked of her. Afterwards, I was starving, so we went to a fast food joint. I ordered a turkey sandwich with chips and we talked while I ate. “Remember that one vampire that showed up after the much bigger vampire?” “You mean the one who ran?” “Yes.” “What about him?” I asked as I ate my last chip and started on my sandwich. “That was Cadmar, Ambrose’s right hand man.” “Who is Ambrose?” “Ambrose is the leader of the enemy clan.” I stopped chewing and looked at Anastasia. “He is also the one who killed Marissa.” After I swallowed I said, “I’m sorry.” Anastasia took a deep breath and continued. “I figured Ambrose would send people to capture you, I just didn’t expect him to send Angus and Cadmar.” “Angus?” “It means one of strength; exceptional one,” Anastasia answered. “That big, strong bastard.” “The one you killed with a stake,” Anastasia replied proudly. “Oh thank you, thank you.” “Seriously though,” Anastasia began again, “By sending Angus and Cadmar for you, that tells me Ambrose isn’t fooling around. He just wants you dead and the sooner the better.” After I finished my dinner, it was 2:00 in the morning. I knew it was late because it was already late evening when we had discussed her eating habits and then we made love again. I was exhausted even though I hadn’t been up that long. Even Anastasia admitted she was tired since she hadn’t had a good days sleep since she had rescued me. Anastasia fed on an innocent man since we were in a hurry. I felt sorry for him, but I also knew Anastasia needed his blood to remain alive and strong. I watched the entire event. I could tell Anastasia wasn’t happy about killing him by the way she moved so quickly. She changed into a vampire before she even grabbed her victim. When she was finished, we went back to her place. When we both were lying on the mattress waiting to succumb to sleep she said, “I wish you hadn’t watched me kill him.” “Why?” “I just don’t want you thinking less of me, or think I enjoyed killing him.” “Look at me,” I said. Anastasia rolled over so our eyes met. When Darkness Falls “You obviously didn’t read my mind during your killing,” I said. “No I didn’t, I was too busy feeding.” “Well I wish you would have. Then you would know you have nothing to fear. I don’t think any less of you, in fact I don’t think that’s ever possible. I want you to feed because it’s what keeps you here with me.” Anastasia put her arms around me and pulled me to her. “I love you,” she whispered. “I love you,” I whispered back and we kissed. We fell asleep with Anastasia lying on her back and me on my side with my head next to her beautiful breasts. The next week was the best in my life. We spent every minute together making love, talking, laughing, just having a great time, but always being careful, expecting Ambrose. The only problem that existed between us was our sleeping differences. The only solution was for each of us to sleep fewer hours. While I slept four or five hours, Anastasia would go hunt and feed. While she slept six or seven hours during the day, I read or wrote stories and poems. One morning, before Anastasia went to sleep, I told her I was going to go out. She immediately said, “No.” “I have to,” I said. “Why?” “I need some stuff. Some clothes and a few more books.” “We’ll go when it’s dark, but before the shops close.” “No, I have to go.” “Absolutely not.” “I can’t stay here all day, everyday. I have to go out every once in awhile.” “What about Ambrose or Cadmar? I need to be there to protect you.” “Walking around with you all the time makes me an easier target. They won’t expect me to go out by myself, so they won’t be ready. Besides, don’t they need to sleep as well. I highly doubt they’ll come chasing me down in broad daylight.” Anastasia was silent and staring a hole through me. After awhile I said, “I can’t stay cooped up here all the time.” Anastasia stood up and walked over to me. “I know,” she answered. She hugged me, “It’s just I can’t lose you.” “You won’t, I’ll be back in a few hours.” Anastasia leaned in and kissed me. As our tongues danced, she pushed her body into me signaling for me to lie down on the mattress. We moved to the mattress and lied down together still kissing. Anastasia was on top. Once again, we were beautiful together. We moved slowly and explored every crevice of each other not knowing this would be our last time physically together as one. I watched Anastasia as she slept for an hour. She was so beautiful and peaceful looking. I felt sorry for her, not ever being able to go out under the sun. “Well I need to get going,” I thought. I kissed Anastasia’s forehead gently and whispered ever so softly, “I love you.” It was a bright sunny day. I was grateful for two reasons. The first and most obvious reason, no vampires. The other reason was I was glad to see the day again. I walked to the nearest shopping center. I spent two straight hours shopping which is unusual for me. Afterwards, I grabbed a bite to eat. I decided to head back to the warehouse because I knew Anastasia would rise soon if she hadn’t already. “She worries too much,” I thought. “That shows she cares though.” It took me about forty-five minutes to return. I slowly opened the door to the warehouse. I didn’t want sunlight pouring in. I opened the big door a little past halfway. Sure enough, there was Anastasia sitting on the mattress waiting for me. She smiled at me and I could hear her sigh with relief. I stepped inside and started closing the door when someone grabbed a handful of my hair. “Owww,” I yelled. I saw Anastasia running towards me with her hand out. I reached my right arm out as far I could. Anastasia was only a few feet away, but I was forced backwards and into the day. The big door was halfway open, and sunlight invaded the warehouse. The sunlight reached almost five feet into the warehouse. I spun around, my hair being pulled from my head, and threw a punch. I missed. I got ready to throw another punch, but the person yelled, “Stop or I’ll blow your head off.” I realized there was a man standing there with a gun. He came behind me, put his left arm around my neck and put the gun to my head. He turned, and I with him, so we were looking into the warehouse. Standing on the edge of darkness, less than one step away from sunlight was Anastasia. She was all vampire. Her eyes were the color of dried blood, her canine teeth out and ready, and her whole body was shaking with anger and frustration. “But it’s daytime,” I shouted. “Very good, you sure are smart,” he said while laughing. When he was done laughing, he continued. “I’m not a vampire like your bitch girlfriend.” “Fuck you!” I screamed and started fighting to get free. The man hit me in the head with the butt of his gun. The blow didn’t knock me out, but it did make me see stars. I heard a loud, threatening growl. I heard the man yell, “Shut the fuck up.” I put my hand up to my head. When I removed my hand from my wound my fingers were covered in a warm substance. “Blood,” I thought. The man started shoving me in the other direction away from the warehouse and away from Anastasia. I heard Anastasia scream, “You’ll be dead in a few hours. When darkness falls, I’ll kill you!” The man pulled me along so quickly, that I kept tripping. Everything around me was blurry. At least I wasn’t still seeing stars. I kept touching the wound on my head. I was coating my fingers with my blood and flicking my fingers, so my blood spilled onto the ground. I was hoping Anastasia could track me easier with the help of my blood. It seemed as if we walked forever when we finally arrived at a warehouse. This warehouse was smaller than the one Anastasia was staying at. I was worried Anastasia wouldn’t be able to find me because the man had finally figured out what I was doing, so he tore his sleeve off and put it against my head and applied pressure to stop the bleeding. Once inside, he tied me to a chair with rope and left me with two vampires who were on guard. A short while later, Ambrose walked into the room. He smiled an evil smile and said, “I want to talk to you, but I’m not sure if this is a good time because I can see you’re all tied up.” Ambrose, along with the other two vampires, laughed wildly at his stupid joke. “Anastasia will find me,” I said staring at Ambrose. Ambrose walked up to the chair and leaned in so his face was inches from my own. “I’m counting on it,” he said rather calmly. “She’ll kill you before your canine teeth are even exposed.” “See that’s where you are wrong. I have no doubt she’ll come to rescue you because she is a fool and what’s worse is she is a fool in love, but what she doesn’t know is I have a trap set for her. A trap that will once and for all kill that bitch.” I tried holding them back, but tears came streaming down my face. “You know…” Ambrose said slowly. “I see now why Anastasia fell for you. You’re so beautiful when you are vulnerable and upset.” “Fuck you!” I screamed and spat in his face. Ambrose’s face immediately changed into vampire form. “That was stupid little girl.” I spat in his face again. He smacked me across the face hard. He untied the rope and picked me up. He smiled and threw me. I went flying across the room and hit the wall on the other side. I fell on the floor and lied still. I was hoping he thought I was knocked out. In reality, I was just in a great deal of pain. Ambrose took his time walking to the other side of the room. When he was standing next to my body, he kicked me hard enough causing my body to roll, so I was lying on my back. “You think the worst thing I could do to you would be to kill you. That’s the number one thing that would tear Anastasia apart. Well you are wrong on both accounts.” I opened my eyes and looked up at Ambrose with blood running out of my nose. “There’s one thing I can do to you that’s worse than death.” Ambrose moved so my body was between his legs. He knelt down, his butt inches above my stomach. “I’m going to turn you into a vampire.” With that, Ambrose leaned down towards his target, my neck. The first sense that came back was my sense of smell oddly enough. I could smell dried blood and sweat. I slowly opened my eyes not knowing what to expect. I was looking at the floor which meant I was on my stomach. The next thing I knew, I was getting kicked in the side. When the kicking subsided, I rolled onto my back. I looked up at the ceiling of the warehouse. The ceiling was thirty or forty feet high. Way up there, on the side of the building was a window. There was black tape covering it, so no sunlight could penetrate into the building. While I was still staring up at the window, the two vampires who were on guard from earlier looked down at me. One of them sneered at the other and said, “Look what we have here, a weak and pathetic looking vampire.” The other vampire sneered at me as well and said, “Ambrose only gave you enough blood to change you, it’s up to you to get blood sufficient enough to build your strength and keep yourself alive.” “Why are you still here?” I asked weakly. “Our orders were quite clear. To toughen you up.” “Yeah,” the other one said. “Beat you until you drop, or feed on one of us.” “What if I kill you both?” “That won’t happen.” “I wouldn’t be too sure you spineless sissy.” I knew I wouldn’t be able to defeat them, I’d be lucky to leave a scratch on one of them I was so weak. That guy wasn’t kidding when he said Ambrose only gave me enough blood to change me into a vampire. One of them picked me up and I braced myself for the flight. Before he threw me he said, “I wonder who’s going to be easier to hurt, you or your dumb girlfriend.” With that said, he threw me. I smacked into the wall. I landed onto the all too familiar floor. My whole body ached, but my mind kept repeating what the one vampire had just said. I was pissed! I rolled onto my back and the other vampire was towering over me. He was sneering at me and licking his lips. “Don’t listen to him, we wouldn’t dream of hurting Anastasia. She’s too damn hot. We’ll fuck her and kill her quickly. Stake through the heart. No pain I promise.” He started kicking me all over again. Swift, hard kicks repeatedly. The thing was, I wasn’t feeling his kicks. Everything he had just said pushed me over the edge. I was literally boiling with rage. I wanted to rip their heads off for all the crude things they had just spoken of. All of a sudden, I experienced a strange feeling inside my mouth. If felt as if something was growing. I ran my tongue across my teeth only to discover my canine teeth were longer and pointy at the ends. “Wow,” I thought. “My anger caused me to change.” I became aware of the vampire kicking me and I reached my hand out and seized his right leg. I let out a low growl and forced him backwards and onto his butt. I knew it wasn’t as impressive as them throwing me across the room, but I was terribly weak. My body was crying out for blood. While the one vampire was getting up, the other grabbed me from behind. I knew I wouldn’t be able to break free. Once the one was up, he came over to me and punched me right in the stomach. Then he proceeded to punch me in the face left and right. My face stung so bad, it was as if it was on fire. I heard the sound of glass breaking, but I didn’t give it a second thought because I thought I was going to pass out from the abuse and lack of blood. Seconds after I heard the sound of breaking glass, the arms holding me hostage were torn loose from me. I heard the guy cry out in surprise and then a shrill cry as if he was in pain. The vampire who had been punching me started past me and I cried out and tackled him to the floor. We wrestled for a few seconds. I was on top and getting ready to punch him when altogether I stopped. I was too weak and tired to even raise my arm to throw a punch. He laughed when he realized this and then punched me across the face and pushed me off him. I rolled onto my stomach and inhaled deeply trying for some air. I felt him grab me, but before he picked me up, he let go of me abruptly. I heard a loud growl and the sound of something breaking. A few seconds later, I heard the sound of a vampire feeding. I wasn’t sure whether Anastasia was the one feeding, or the one being fed on. I tried to say her name, but I was only able to croak out, “Ana.” I felt soft, familiar hands touch me. “Roll over, so I can see if you’re hurt badly.” As I moaned a soft “No,” I felt my canine teeth with my tongue. I was still a vampire. I absolutely did not want Anastasia to see me like this. She wasn’t aware of the change yet because she had been too busy fighting to notice. “Please rollover so I can take a look at you. I was terrified I wouldn’t ever be able to look at you again. The blood trail helped a lot, but once that ended I had to stop and somewhat relax and try to read your mind. I couldn’t as well as if I was directly looking at you, but I caught enough to find the warehouse with a high ceiling window. Our love is so strong, I was able to read your mind from afar. Now, I finally find you and you won’t even look at me?” I knew I had no other choice. I couldn’t get up and run from her, and I knew she would read my mind if I didn’t roll over and look at her soon. I slowly rolled over. When I was on my back, I opened my eyes and looked up at Anastasia. Her eyes were wide with alarm and her mouth hung slightly open. “Oh god,” was all she said. “Help me,” I whispered slowly. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe this happened, it’s all my fault.” “No,” I said my voice a little stronger. Anastasia bent down and picked me up in her arms. She hugged me and kept whispering, “I’m sorry” repeatedly in my ear. “It’s not your fault,” I said. “You need blood, blood from a vampire. Human blood isn’t powerful enough for you in this condition. Anastasia picked me up all the way and carried me to where the first vampire was lying. “He’s not dead, just knocked out.” “Why?” “I was going to ask him what Ambrose was planning and how we could get out of here alive.” She helped me squat down above the body. I looked at the vampire’s neck. The thought of all the blood I could drink from him made my mind run absolutely wild! “Feed,” Anastasia directed. I let out a growl, opened my mouth wide and sank my teeth into his neck. The next minute happened so fast I had trouble processing the events. The vampire I was going to feed from woke up and grabbed me before I even had a chance to taste his blood, much less drink any of it. Anastasia must have been carrying a stake on her because she drove it through his heart in a flash. Then I heard her shout, “No” and she pushed me to the ground. I heard two shots of gunfire. I sat up as quickly as possible considering the shape I was in. Anastasia had been hit with both bullets. She was down on her knees. Her face was betraying her, showing she was in pain. Ambrose was standing only a few feet away holding a gun. He looked at me and said, “A few bullets won’t kill a vampire, but they sure do hurt like a bitch.” He pointed the gun at Anastasia. “Right babe?” He shot Anastasia again. She didn’t shout, hardly made a sound at all. She didn’t want to give Ambrose the pleasure of seeing her hurting. I couldn’t take anymore. I crawled to Anastasia, who was less than three feet away from me, put my arms around her, and used my body to protect her. “Well isn’t that cute?” Ambrose said glaring at me. “Want to take the bullet, be my guest.” He raised the gun and I braced myself for the impact. Anastasia pushed me away again and I screamed “No,” meaning both don’t push me away and don’t risk getting shot again. I heard the gun fire and Anastasia growl ferociously. It took me a second to realize Anastasia hadn’t been the one who got shot, it was me. I looked down and when I saw the hole in my thigh, I looked over at Anastasia eyes wide, mouth open. “You look like the deer caught in the headlights,” Ambrose said and shot me in the chest. I went down hard and fast. Everything around me was going black. “Oh shit,” I thought. “I’m going to black out.” I heard Anastasia scream and then I heard Ambrose and her fighting. The final thing I heard was gunfire. I blacked out after counting five shots fired. When I opened my eyes, Ambrose was lying next to me, eyes meeting with mine. I finally realized he was dead. I was overjoyed that he was dead, but I was also disappointed. I needed blood, badly! Ambrose’s blood would have been perfect because he was so strong and powerful. “I need to find Anastasia,” I thought. I looked around the room. Deserted except for me. I looked up at the broken window. Only a couple of hours until sunrise. “Shit,” I thought and crawled over to the wall. I needed to find three things before dawn: Anastasia, blood, and shelter. As I used the wall for support and slowly rose to my feet, I noticed a blood trail to the door and beyond. I hobbled to the door and inhaled. It was Anastasia’s blood. I peeked past the door to see what lied beyond. There was a hallway. There were three more doors to other rooms and the main door to exit the warehouse. I leaned against the wall and listened. Absolute silence. Then I heard a sound like a chain rattling. I just knew it was Anastasia. I hobbled down the hall to the second door. I was just about to peek inside when Anastasia said, “It’s just me, everyone’s gone.” Her voice didn’t sound good at all. She spoke in quick, shallow breaths and her voice was scratchy. To me though, her voice was still beautiful. I entered the small room. I immediately locked eyes with Anastasia. As soon as I reached her, I fell to my knees in front of her. She was sitting on the floor, back against the wall. She drew her legs up and I rested my head just below her knees. “Did anyone tell you, you’d make great money from reading people’s minds?” “Ambrose is dead. The others took off.” “How did he die?” “I shot him numerous times, overpowered him and drove a stake through his black heart.” “Why did the others leave while we were still alive?” “If you weren’t dead, they knew you would be soon.” “But you’re alive?” Anastasia took a deep breath and said four little words that tore my world apart. “Not for much longer.” My head jerked up and I stared at Anastasia, eyes full of terror. “My hands are handcuffed and tied by rope to a spike nailed into this brick wall.” I moved and looked behind Anastasia. Sure enough, her hands were handcuffed and she was tied to a spike that had been driven into the wall by a hammer or something. I looked back at Anastasia. “Can’t you just pull the spike out of the wall.” Anastasia shook her head. “If I was a hundred percent then that would be a possibility, but not now. I’ve been shot about twelve times, burned with holy water, not to mention the way they spiked me. I’m not standing up with my hands above my head. They spiked me with me sitting down, arms behind my back, and my palms facing up. If I tried to pull the spike out, my hands would just collide into my back, but I can’t even move my hands or wrists because of the handcuffs.” “What if I tried?” “You can’t. You’re too weak. I don’t think you could even as a vampire and at a hundred percent.” “I’ll go to a hardware store, there’s something there to pull the spike out, there has to be.” “There’s not enough time.” “What do you mean?” “The sun will rise in under two hours. You need to feed on a vampire and find shelter.” “What? And leave you?” “You have no choice.” “This is a warehouse. Stay here and I’ll go find something to get the spike out.” “Listen to me.” “No.” “Look up.” I did and was horrified. There were two windows and they were busted, so sunlight could pour in. When Darkness Falls “If nothing else, I will be burned alive.” “I have to find something to cover the windows with. Black tape, lots of blankets, anything!” “Forget me! You have to get out of here before sunrise.” “I’m not leaving you here to burn alive.” “I’m not going to be burned alive.” “What are you talking about now?” I whined terrified, angry, and frustrated as hell. “You need to feed on a vampire. You will die in a couple hours either by sunlight, or lack of blood. The others are gone. Probably just in the next town, but far enough away.” “What are you saying Anastasia?” “Feed off me.” “Are you nuts?” I screamed at her. “I’m dead no matter what, but I won’t let you die.” I rested my head on Anastasia’s arm. I saw where she had been burned by the holy water. “Who did this?” “The man who took you away from me.” “The guy who wasn’t a vampire?” “Yes. He burned me, but I was able to catch him and break his neck.” “Well you did say you would kill him at sundown.” A minute passed by in silence. Then Anastasia said, “There’s not much time left, drink my blood.” “I won’t kill you.” “You won’t be, he did but you won’t die, I won’t let you.” “Who’s he?” It dawned on me that Ambrose was dead, Anastasia had killed him. “Who did this to you?” “Ambrose’s right hand man, Cadmar. Who else?” “That bastard! I’ll kill him for this.” “How are you going to kill Cadmar, when you yourself are dead?” I looked at the wall across the room. I needed a minute to think. Anastasia must have been reading my mind because she remained quiet. I had no choice, but to feed off her. She was going to die either way. Before, I wanted to die with her, but now I couldn’t die. I needed to live, so I could find Cadmar and seek revenge. I looked back at Anastasia. She had read my mind. She was smiling at me. “Cadmar will pay for this with his life, I promise.” “Be careful.” I leaned in and Anastasia and I kissed. It was slow and sensual. When our lips reluctantly parted, Anastasia said, “I’m really sorry about all of this, watching you, falling for you, and now leaving you when you’re a vampire.” “The past couple of weeks have been the best of my life. I’m glad you fell for me, I can’t imagine my life without ever knowing you. As for being changed, you are not responsible. I don’t blame you for anything.” “It’s time now.” I stared into Anastasia’s beautiful blue eyes. “I love you,” she whispered. “I love you too,” I whispered back. When Anastasia and I had kissed, I had changed back into human form. Now, I needed to change back into a vampire. I knew I couldn’t change into a vampire if I wasn’t angry enough. I hadn’t been able to practice the transformation at all. Anastasia knew this, so she helped me. “Find Cadmar and kill him. Torture him for what he’s done to me, to you, to us.” I changed into a vampire. Anastasia smiled and said, “I’ll be waiting for you in hell, but I expect to see Cadmar first.” I grabbed Anastasia’s blond hair with my left hand and pulled, so her head moved to the right, towards me, exposing the left side of her neck. I sank my teeth into her neck and right into her jugular. I drained all of her blood. I knew the exact moment when Anastasia died. After draining her blood, I held her lifeless body in my arms. After a few minutes, I decided to leave. The sun would be rising in just under a hour. I felt much better physically. I was already stronger, and more powerful. I could tell the blood still had more work to do. “I’m going to be one powerful vampire,” I thought. I left the warehouse to find shelter from the sun. I considered going to Anastasia’s place, but that would be too painful. There were plenty of other warehouses, most were abandoned. I would sleep all day, and let Anastasia’s blood finish doing its job. I decided to search for Cadmar and get Anastasia and mine’s revenge when darkness falls. When Darkness Falls - Epilogue Epilogue Dorian heard a scream and nearly jumped out of his skin. Within seconds, arms were around him, cradling him gently and tightly. Only then did Dorian realize it was he who had screamed. A shudder ran up his spine and he let Jordan pull him back down. Jordan tugged the covers over them, tucking the blankets around Dorian. "Shh," Jordan murmured. "I've got you. You're safe." Dorian nodded, the lump in his throat making his voice useless. He prayed that it had all been a nightmare, but he knew it had been real. Victor had come back for him. Dorian clung tightly to Jordan, squeezing his eyes shut and wishing he could the same to his memories. He could still feel Victor--his breath, his touch--and it made his skin crawl. He needed desperately to wash it away. He looked up at Jordan. "Bath. Take one with me?" Jordan smiled softly and stroked his cheek with the backs of his fingers. "Of course. Want me to go get it ready? Or you want to come with me?" "I'll go with you," Dorian said, already up and tossing the covers off of them. He started for the bathroom, Jordan right behind him. As Jordan started the water running in the bathtub, he glanced over at Dorian. "How are you feeling?" "Better, I think. How long have I slept?" Jordan chuckled as he poured nearly an entire bottle of jasmine-scented bubble bath in the steaming water. "Well, it was three in the afternoon when we brought you back up. You slept through the night and all of today." He stirred the water with his hand and looked over at Dorian. "I imagine you're probably hungry too." Dorian nodded. "I am. I can't believe I slept so long. Why didn't you wake me up when you got out of bed?" "Because I didn't, Dorian." Jordan stood and held out a hand, pulling Dorian towards the bathtub. "Lucca and Gabriele brought my meals to me and kept me...entertained." Cocking an eyebrow, Dorian laughed as he slid down into the water, leaning back against Jordan's chest, nestled between the elf's legs. "Entertained, huh? Well, at least one of us got laid." He laid his head back on Jordan's shoulder and closed his eyes. "I didn't," Jordan whispered. "Been waiting for you." "Me?" Dorian turned his head slightly, his breath catching as Jordan's lips brushed his ear. "Waiting for you to wake up, to let me know when you were ready to do anything." Jordan's tongue traced the curve of Dorian's ear, then down to lick his neck. Dorian shivered as hunger of two very different varieties awoke within him. "And if I said I'm ready now?" he asked quietly as Jordan kissed his neck. "Then I would make slow love to you," Jordan murmured. "What's stopping you?" Dorian turned around and straddled Jordan's lap. With a slow grind of his hips, he had Jordan's cock sliding over his hole, teasing them both. Jordan groaned and gripped his hips. "Please," Dorian whispered on Jordan's lips. "Take the memories away, Jordan." One of Jordan's hands slid up through Dorian's hair, bringing him down for a sweet, hungry kiss. Dorian rose and shifted, then slid down, impaling himself slowly on Jordan's cock. Their moans met and died out together in their kiss as they began to move. The water lapped at their bodies as Dorian rode Jordan, every slide met with a gentle lift of Jordan's hips, driving him deeper. Dorian whimpered softly as Jordan stroked his cock, his thumb sliding over the tip with every upward stroke. "Don't stop," Dorian pleaded in a whisper. "Oh, Jordan...feels so good." "Dorian." Looking down, Dorian saw Jordan's head tipped to the side, the smooth flesh of his throat a tempting sight. As the hunger welled to the surface, Dorian sank his fangs into the elf's throat. Jordan cried out, his body shaking, filling Dorian with his release. A few quick strokes of Jordan's hand and Dorian came as well, whimpering as he fed. When he had taken enough, he licked the wounds closed and pulled away slowly, meeting Jordan in another soft kiss. "Ti amo." "Love you too, Dorian." Dorian shivered as Jordan tipped his head, nuzzling at the hollow of his throat. He knew what Jordan wanted, what he himself wanted. "It cannot be undone," he said quietly. Jordan stopped kissing him and Dorian looked down. "Once you've had my blood, it will always be there. Every vampire in this world will know you belong to another." "That's what I want," Jordan said. He lowered his gaze to Dorian's neck and traced a finger over the soft skin. "I want there to be no question of to whom I belong." Dorian nodded and when a small cut appeared on his skin, he pulled Jordan towards it. Jordan's mouth latched on and as he drank, Dorian shuddered in his arms, the tears falling as he felt the bond sealing between them. "Siete mine e sono il vostro." You are mine, and I am yours. END. * List of Italian Phrases: amante - lover Qualche cosa che desideriate - anything you wish Più duro - harder Venuto per me, amore - come for me, love Ti amo - I love you. il mio caro amico - my beloved friend È dolce, il mio amico - Eccellente - excellent Per favore, il mio amore - please, my love Ho bisogno del vistro tocco - I need your touch. il mio caro - my beloved Aliti lenti e costanti, amore - Slow, steady breaths, love. Non si arresti! Per favore, non si arresti - Don't stop! Please, don't stop. Siete mine e sono il vostro - You are mine, and I am yours.