7 comments/ 12810 views/ 12 favorites James & Maria Ch. 01 By: enlb90 It was a cool summer night when James was heading to Oak Park. When arriving he hid in the usual old oak tree just waiting, waiting for Maria. He saw her one cold winter night back in December walking her golden retriever, Andy. After that fateful night he's been there every evening just to see her, her quiet beauty, her smile, and her graceful ways. Humans would consider James an obsessive stalker towards Maria but he was deeply in love with her, never crossing the line by following her home or manipulating others in order to be near her hoping someday he would actually have the nerves to confront her. Last night Maria never showed up to the park which made him go into a panic mood forcing himself to wait pass midnight. Tonight she was back except he could sense that something was either wrong or off about her. Andy was not by her side in fact he was no where to be found. She slowly walked through the park keeping her eyes glued to the ground before sitting on a bench where she burst into tears. James knew this was the perfect opportunity to finally introduce himself. Many despised his type or were just in denial of their existence. Because of that fact he avoided his attempts and desires to talk with her but it was now or never. Jumping from the massive oak tree he landed softly on the grass before walking up to her. She looked so beautiful to him, her olive skin, her long dark curly hair, those hazel eyes behind her thick eye glasses, her perfect 5' 4" figure not skinny but a healthy slender form. To him Maria was an Italian Princess...HIS Italian Princess. Hoping not to startle her, he asks softly, "Are you alright miss? " Startled she wiped away hers as replied back as cheerful as possible, "Oh I'm fine, I just got an eyelash stuck in my eye." Faking a smile on her beautiful oval shaped face of hers. Then and there James learned two new things about her; one that lying didn't suit her very well especially if she can't pull it off and second he had to think fast be convincing or risk losing out on this chance. So with that in mind he continued by saying, "Are you sure? I mean you look like you need someone to listen to you." Trying to sound sincere while using some of his power to persuade her, hoping she'd open herself and her mind. "I don't know you. " Was all Maria could say while looking in her purse for something to use as a tissue with no success. "Alright then my name is James Stanton. I'm your typical kind of guy. I like action movies, sports cars, and long walks around the lake. " Replying back while yanking out his I.D. from his wallet before handing it to her. Maria was certainly not like any other girl James had ever laid eyes on. As arrogant as it may sound like, a girl could simply fall for his devilish good looks causing them to lose all inhibitions and throwing themselves at his feet. However his Italian Princess wasn't naïve like the others so making it difficult for him. But he still made one final plea, "Please Miss, tell me what's the matter, it could help to talk about it instead of bottling it up inside. It's really not healthy too." She looked down letting the tears fall on her lap. How could she make him forget the skills of temptation? He knew how to get what he wanted when ever he wanted but he was dumbstruck by this shy, strong, beauty. James gave up she was obviously too smart to open up to a stranger like him. Maybe if he left and let time pass he could meet up with her again. With that thought in mind he began to turn away in defeat till he heard her sweet low voice. "It's my birthday today." Maria stated as she locked eyes with his. She didn't know why she was saying this or even talking to him but she had a funny feeling that it was safe to. James took that response as an offer to sit by her while letting her use his black cashmere sweater as a tissue to wipe the tears off her cheek. "Well go on. " "It's my 18th birthday today and well my family forgot... I was going to buy myself a gift but my dog, Andy, passed away. So I spent my savings to have him cremated" Her voice filled with pain as she chocked back her tears. After blurting that out Maria felt so embarrassed, here she was balling her eyes out simply because her WHOLE family forgot her birthday. She felt so selfish thinking about it when others around the world don't even have a family or are too poor to give and recieve birthday gifts. With that in mind she continued, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be crying like this in front of you or even telling you this! You're a complete stranger! " All James wanted to that moment was wrap his big strong arms around her while telling her that he going to make it all better. Still he knew it would be wise not to act like a complete psycho. "No it's fine...I'm sorry I never got your name." LIE, he knew it but again he didn't want to seem like a psycho or a stalker for already knowing it. "Maria, Maria Mancini." "So Maria why do you think your family forgot about your birthday?" "Well you see I have twin step-sisters, last Tuesday was their 18th birthday. So my dad and my step-mom took them to Disney World for the whole week. They haven't called or anything to wish my happy birthday. Then my other family like my grandparents always send me money or gift cards before my birthday and well I haven't received anything from anyone not even a call." She replied back as looking up at him wondering what he was thinking. "Well why didn't your parents bring you with them? " James asked while wondering why'd they leave her behind as if she was Cinderella. "I work part-time, plus I take a few college classes so I have less credits to do for my high school senior year. " Maria replied back as the tears began to fade away. "So where do you work if you don't mind me asking?" He asked trying not to seem too interested but he knew deep down inside he wanted to know everything about his Italian Princess. "I don't mind at all, I'm a hostess slash waitress at De Luca's Italian Restaurant. Have you heard of it? " She replied back. Pausing for a moment he thinks of the place before answering, "I think so... it's on Elm Street. Right? " "Yeah that's it! My grandparents own it so my family all helps out over there." She replied back as she thought about her family. Her family...again remembering what they forgot causing her cheerful attitude to change. Noticing the change from sad to happy to sad James wanted to know if ALL her family forgot. "Maria what about your mother? She couldn't of forgot your birthday." Suddenly tears flowed from her eyes like the Niagara Falls. From James point of view she looked even worse from when she first started to cry. He so desperately wanted to read her mind but it was closed off but by her facial expression he knew he said the wrong thing. 'Fuck' was what was coming in his mind just wishing to erase this memory from not just her mind but his too. Yet all he did was only look helplessly at her. "My mom passed away when I was 5 years old and Andy was the last gift she gave..." She stopped speaking as she choked up as she covered her face crying harder and louder. Letting out all the built up anguish of losing her beloved pet and being forgotten on one of the most important birthdays of a youth. He felt so guilty he didn't know maybe stalking her a little bit wouldn't of caused him to screw up. An idea popped in his head he just hoped it wasn't too late. So with thought in mind he tells her, "Maria I'm so sorry, I had no idea about your mother. I'd like to take you to a restaurant and have some birthday cake. It's the least I could do, and it would really mean a lot I just feel terrible for causing this anguish upon you." He wiped her tears away in a caring manner, hoping deep down that it worked. "Ok...Um, there's a diner around here it's my favorite and my family & I go every year for my birthday." She replied back with a little happiness in her voice as she perked out of her depression spell. Taking her hand he felt a light bolt of electricity run through him. Made she felt it too? But he continued to helped up his Italian Princess from the bench before escorting her to the place of her choice. It felt so perfect and surreal to them as they walked with each other. At this point he didn't care that it took 6 months to be where he was he was simply in heaven now. Before they knew it, a 1950s style restaurant called Rose's Diner was right in front of them. "Well this is it! " Maria stated as she walked in front of James as they walked inside. "Good evening you two! My name is Midge and I'll be your waitress tonight" Stated a cheerfully elderly woman wearing an old fashion waitress outfit. Then continued, "So would you like a booth or table?" "A booth if you don't mind," James replied back as he followed the women closely behind. "Can I get you two kids drinks while you look through the menu?" Midge asked as they sat in the booth opposite sides of each other. "Root beer for me please." Maria said with a sweet smile on her face. "Me too, Midge." "Okay then I'll be back in a second then." And with that the waitress turned around heading toward the kitchen. Looking through the menu Maria looked up at James while asking, "Chocolate or white cake?" "Which ever you want is fine, you're the birthday girl, you get to decide." He replied only caring for what his Italian Princess desired. "Chocolate then. But I don't know if I want just a slice of the whole cake." She replied back talking more to herself than him. Suddenly Midge was back with two drinks, setting them down before pulling out her note pad. "You ready to order sugars?" "Yes. Today is my dear friend's birthday." James stated as he winked at Maria before continuing. "And she would love a whole chocolate cake if you don't mind." "Well happy birthday Darling! It'll take a few minutes if you don't mind?" Midge asked as she wrote on her note pad. "Oh no it's fine." Maria replied back before Midge headed back toward the kitchen. "So Maria, what were you going to buy yourself?" He asked as he leaned back against his seat casually. "A new puppy. See Andy was really old so I wanted to have another companion to keep him company. But also so that it wouldn't of been so hard when he passed away. Except now I don't know when I'll be able to buy another one." A few minutes passed when all of a sudden a small group of waitresses in old fashion 50s style outfits were at the booth sing happy birthday to Maria while Midge sat the cake in the middle of their table. James had the urge to pull out his iphone to take Maria's picture as she began to blow out her candles. After the group of waitresses left, James watched Maria pray then delicately eat her slice of cake, so amused with everything about her. Everything seemed like a dream till a loud buzzing noise in her purse went off. "Hello? Oh hey Amanda. Thanks for remembering seems like you're the only one...No... No... they forget, besides they're still in Florida but they'll be back tomorrow afternoon. I'm out eating cake with a friend over at Rose's Diner. Who? His name is James, no one you know. Hey can you hold a one second." Maria said as she covered part of her phone before talking with James. "Sorry about the in convince here. It's my cousin just wishing me a happy birthday. It'll only be a few moments. Again I'm sorry." Giving him the most apologetic look she could give. "You don't need to be sorry it's fine. I'm going excuse myself for a moment but I'll be back okay." He replied back as he stood up from his seat heading off to the restroom. He stood in the restroom contemplating if he should tell any of his family or friends. It might of seemed like nothing just to hang out with girl of his dreams to people but with HIS type of people it was something to gossip about for decades to come. Knowing that he cancelled on the thought of telling anyone and headed back to his Italian Princess. He stopped right behind her when he heard her say his name so curious of what she would say about him. "I'd say he's over 6 feet tall like cousin Jimmy, dark blue eyes, really light skin tone, brown hair it sort of reminds me of James Dean but an inch or two longer and a little wavy. Oh yeah he is sooo sexy and muscular looking, like one of those UFC fighters." Maria said as she giggled unaware that he was standing there till she turned around. Automatically she turned rosy red and full of embarrassment hoping he didn't hear. "Uh Amanda, I gotta go but I'll either see you at De Luca's or school." "Well sugars here's your bill. I'll take this and put it in a box for you." Midge stated as she swapped the cake for the bill, before going over to the register. "I'll pay." James said as they walked over to the register. "No it's fine James I got it." But before she could even reach for her wallet in her purse, James quickly yanked out a credit card of his handing it over it Midge. By the way of Maria's facial expression, he knew he made a smart move. Some girls these days were full on feminist not wanting to feel unequal and act like a man but luckily that wasn't the case for his Italian Princess which he really enjoyed in his women. "Well thank you for listening and also for the cake. I guess I'll see you around town then." Maria said wishing that this wasn't the first and last time she'd be seeing Mr. James Stanton. But most guys only were nice just to get laid honeslty that wasn't her thing maybe that's all James wanted. ' Blowing me off...' He thought to himself before saying, "Wait, it's way too dark for you to walk home by yourself." "No it's fine I only live right on the other side of the park." "Maria I insist on it." he stated back using a little power to entice her as he took her cake to show he meant it. "Okay if you say so then." Crossing the street from the diner to oak Park they began they're walk to her home. It wasn't a long walk just a straight path to her neighborhood. The neighborhood was like something from the 1950s with classic style victorian or colonial homes, white picket fences, and massive sycamore trees along the streets. Maria stopped James in front of a brick colonial style home with red and white roses around the house and pathway. "This is my home." "It's very nice here. This area has the feel of 'Pleasantville' to it. I know this is a random question but would you care to have lunch with me tomorrow?" He asked hoping she wouldn't shoot him down on the offer. "Sure. Here I'll give you my number so you can call if you cancel or not." She replied back as she grabbed her cell from her purse. "I'm not planning on cancelling on you Miss Mancini." He flirtatiously stated as they traded phones to put their contacts in it. "Hey James you know that picture you took?" She asked curiously. "Yeah what about it?" "I know this is weird but every year I go to Rose's Diner with my family, have birthday cake, and have my photo taken while I blow out the candles. It's something we've been doing since I was one years old. And I was wondering if you could make a copy of that picture for me." She said hoping that their tradition didn't sound stupid or weird. "Yeah sure I'll give you a copy tomorrow when I pick you up. And it's not weird my family has birthday traditions too. Like for instance every year on my mom's birthday my dad gets her any kind of car she wants from like a new corvette to the first corvette from 1953." He paused for a moment then said."I have weird question for you now. What kind of puppy were you planning to buy yourself?" She looked at him puzzled then smile sheepishly at him, "A black and white great. You know like the cow spotted ones." Then opened the gate and headed to the front door of her house. As Maria walked in her home she turned the living room light on before she flopped on the couch with a smile on her face. Tonight seemed so wonderful, she never met a guy that looked so gorgeous and yet was so nice to her. It felt so perfect like it was meant for each other to meet, something about him that drew her to him. However she brushed it off as she headed up stairs to her room for bed. It didn't take long for James to arrive home, he was so relieved that he finally was able to make contact with his Italian Princess. He sensed everyone was asleep inside his estate, so quietly he slipped inside that back kitchen entrance, grabbed a late night snack, and headed to bed. As he laid in bed he thought to himself, ' I'm a vampire who finally had his soul mate,' smiling as his fangs peeked out. James & Maria Ch. 02 "Good morning, Master Stanton." James opened his eyes as he heard his butler, Nelson, address him. Nelson Ashford never seemed like a butler but more like a friend which evolved into a grandfather figure while being in employed by Mr. Staton for over sixty years. Yes, the old reliable butler knew of his secrets as did all the other servants and staff of his house hold knew. To serve a vampire wasn't unusual for the Ashford clan they pledged themselves and their offspring to serve the Stantons faithfully in return for shelter and safety from the world's fickle ways.  "Good morning to you too Nelson." James replied back sitting up in bed as he glanced over at his alarm clock that read 9:00 AM. "I did not notice you come in last night, Sir." Nelson stated as he walked closer with a silver tray in hand which contained his master's breakfast, the essence of life. Taking the glass from him, James drank the blood in a matter of seconds before setting the glass cup on the dark oak nightstand. "Sorry if I kept you up waiting for me old man but I was out in Winchest town... with my soul mate," he hesitantly said as he hoped out of the king size bed heading towards to his master bathroom. "You found her, Sir? Does she know about your secrets?" Nelson asked curiously as he straightened the dark blue silk bed spread. Taking a deep sigh James pops his head out of the bathroom replying back, "no old friend she doesn't know. It was very hard to confront her in the first place. She keeps her guard very high up so it's best that I not tell her right now. I think if I did though it would most likely scare her way instead of rushing to my arms." "So she's human then. Ha, like when your father met your mother. Looks like history is repeating it's self all over again. And what's with old man? You're what five times older than me." He stated bluntly losing all formalities as he finished tidying up the bedroom as James jumped inside the shower. After a few minutes passed James walked out, with a towel around his waist, heading straight to his walk-in closet. He stared at his clothes like a child in a candy store trying to determine what he wanted. It finally came down to an Armani suit or just his usual dark blue jeans and a black button up dress shirt. Suit would be impressive but just scream: hey I'm rich and stuck-up, plus it'd be way too hot and uncomfortable in this weather. Looks like jeans and shirt were the winner this time around. As he started to dress he called out to Nelson, "Could you go prepare my Chevelle? I'm having lunch with Maria, Oh I forgot to tell you that. Her name is Maria. Maria Mancini." "Italian?" He asked as he pulled open the midnight blue velvet drapes open to let the sunshine in. "I pretty sure she is. I have a picture stored in my iphone if you'd like to see." James mentioned as he walked out of his closet to retrieve his phone to show him. "Oh that reminds I have to make a copy of this picture." Adjusting his eye glasses before looking at Maria's birthday photo Nelson curiously asked, "Master Stanton, does anyone else know about her like for instance your friends or family?" 'God my family' he thought to himself as he hooked his phone to his laptop to print the picture. He didn't know what they would think honestly, times were different, people knew back then that mythical creatures existed but now a days it was just made up fairy tales or box office hits. Not only that but his family just shows up whenever they feel like it, constantly putting their two cents in everything, and trying to control how his life should be. Then his friends oh God, how would he explain to Maria why some of them had butterfly looking wings, some flying around with broom sticks, and while others shifted into giant wolves. "I trust you to do that for me. I know how you tell your wife everything like a good little hubby, then she tells all the staff, who tells my parents, who tells EVERYONE else." With a chuckle Nelson retorts, "Shall I tell Virginia the news now or shall I fetch your vehicle to the main entrance first and then tell her. You know she thought you and Vera would marry but then again I hear from her that Vera tries to do that with all vampires of your high status." And with that the old butler left his master's suite. Glancing again over to his alarm clock he noticed it was already 10:00 as he called his Italian Princess, "Hello Maria." "Oh hi James." "I was just calling to make sure our lunch date is still on." He replied back trying to be calm and cool. "Yeah you think I would cancel on you, Mr. Stanton?" She said with a little giggle, almost sounding flirtatious which she never was but for some odd reason he was brining that out of her. "No not at all I was just wondering if 12:30 would be a good time to pick you up for lunch." "That would be actually perfect. It would give me enough time before my family gets home from vacation." She replied absent mindedly while looking through her closet for clothes. James couldn't help himself being sarcastic as he retorted back, "Why are you embarrassed of me to introduce you to your parents?" "Oh heavens no, that's not it at all! I just didn't want to be gone when they come home that's all. I'm sorry to be rude but I have to get ready so I'll see you at 12:30 at my place." "Alright just making sure. See you soon." James replied back before he hung up and walked out his room with her picture in hand. Feeling like he was on top of the world he hopped on the staircase banister and slid down the railing as if he was a child. As he reached the bottom of the stair case, he jumped down gracefully before, walking toward his front entrance getting the occasional smiles and greetings from his staff. Once he closed the front door he laid eyes on his cherry red 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS, named Cheri. James quickly walked down the steps and jumped in his Cheri, he revved up the engine thinking of the birthday when his parents bought it for him when this type of model first hit the dealership lots. As he drove down his long driveway James knew that he only had only a little over two hours to get Maria's dream present. He just hoped she'd like it but was more interested in knowing what she was up to right this moment. "Maria we're home!" Maria was startled when she heard her father shout to her from below the stairs. Stress ensued Maria as she thought to herself, 'oh dear Mother Mary they weren't suppose to be here yet.' She wasn't worried about her parents meeting James but the twins. She felt so unequal to them they were 5'8", slender, with straight long blond hair, and everyone thought they were so perfect. Maria knew she was good looking for being Italian and all but guys preferred tall blond cheerleaders not average looking devout catholic girls. One look at the twins and she had a feeling James would be following them like a love sick puppy. "Hello Daddy. I thought you were coming home later in the afternoon." Maria said as came down stairs to greet her father. "Well sweetheart you must of forgotten about the time difference." He replied back as he brought in some suitcases. "Do you any need help?" "No Sweetheart, you can go about what you were doing." He replied back as they gave each other a hug. "Oh I was just getting ready to go out for lunch." "Lunch. With who?" Maria's father asked curiously. As she began walking back upstairs she looked back with a smile, "A friend of mine." With that being said she continued her way up to her room still trying to figure on what to wear. Everything she had just wouldn't do she thought about asking the twins but they're clothes made her feel like a stripper or a hooker, she felt bad for the hookers since her step sisters keep stealing their fashion senses. 'Oh Mother Mary please forgive me for those mean thoughts.' Time went by and before he knew it, it was 12:00 in the afternoon when he finished driving from Parterville to Winchest Town looking from shelters to the pet stores for a Great Dane for his Italian Princess. Finally he found her, a cow spotted female Great Dane that was only a few months old at the pet shop. He bought a baby pink studded collar and matching leash for her while feeling rather odd buying this girlish type of things. He left the pet shop with the puppy in his arms and headed straight to his car picturing the excitement Maria might have towards her new companion. Before he could even start his car he looked deep into the innocent puppy's eyes and began to give her a command using his hypnotic power, "Listen well Little One, you will be good to your master, you will be obedient when your master commands to be, you shall be protective towards your master and your master's family, and most of all you will serve your master and only your master till the day you die." And with that said and done he set her in the passenger seat and started up his car, heading striaght to his Italian Princess's home. Pulling up in front of her home he quickly took note of a black SUV and a silver Jetta in the drive way figuring it was her family he sighed to himself and looked at the dog, "Well Little One ready to meet her family." Taking a deep breath he grabbed the puppy, left his car, and walked straight to the front door before knocking on it. After not recieving an answer James decided on ringing the door bell till he was greeted by who he assumed was Maria's step-mother. Before they exchanged any words he took a quick assessment of her, she looked to be about in her mid- forties, just about an inch or two taller than Maria, slender like her, she seemed very elegant in her black pencil-skirt and white blouse. He could tell Mrs. Mancini was very kind and treated his Italian Princess as her own daughter. It wouldn't be hard to win her approval. As for Mr. Mancini well he'll have to wait and see. "Hello. May I help you?" Mrs. Mancini asked curiously while giving him the elevator stare. "Yes ma'am. Is Maria here? We have a lunch date today." He replied back politely while flashing his pearly whites. "Of course she is. Why don't you come in. I'm Mrs. Mancini but you can call me Martha." She stated as she stepped aside to let him in her home. "Thank you, Martha. My name is James by the way." "Well it's nice to meet you James and what a cute puppy you have here. I'll have you wait in the kitchen for Maria." Martha said as she led him to the kitchen table where Mr. Mancini was at just looking intensely at the local newspaper. Grabbing the newspaper from her husband Martha said in a sweet yet commanding voice, "Ron say hi to Maria's friend, James." Ron looked up at James reluctantly as if he hated any of Maria's guy friends before obeying his wife's orders, "Hello James I'm Ron, Maria's father. Would you care for a drink?" "No thank you, sir." "Maria! Your friend,James, is here!" Martha yelled revealing her Jewish Queens accent that she tried to hide all the time. From the moment Martha said 'friend' and 'James' the twins appeared from out of no where it seemed. All they had on were blue jean shorts and matching hot pink tank tops exposing their tan toned stomachs and belly button rings. James ALWAYS enjoyed having girls like the twins around but when immortals meet their soul mates they instantly lose interest in everyone except their beloved. But he couldn't help to read their minds since they were already opened screaming at him to take a peek, yep they were already infatuated with his looks. He wasn't a man if he didn't admit that they were sexy drawing attention to themselves where ever they went and what some would say evilly seductive. Before Tina and Lisa could even say anything to him Maria dashed in to rescue him from their attempts to steal him away. To James, she looked more breath taking in the daytime then combining all those times he watched her at night. He felt slightly over dressed comparing to his Italian Princess who was in jeans, a tight baseball t-shirt, and black converse all-star shoes. "Hey Maria. Are you ready to go get lunch?" "Yeah I am. Who's your little friend? She's so cute. It's a she right since it has that pink collar?" She asked curiously not even realizing that it was her gift from him. "It's your birthday present. I felt bad the other day that you didn't get a gift and well I saw her at the pet shop just downtown and instantly thought of you." He replied back as he held the puppy out to Maria. "Oh I almost forgot ah here's the picture you wanted. Sorry if it's a little crinkled up." Yanking the photo out from his back pocket. Mr. and Mrs. Mancini gave each other a startled look as they realized their careless mistake. Their minds were frantically thinking what to do to make up for the lack of attention as if they simply forgot about her. James watched as they quickly excused themselves to figure out what to do or buy, listening to them argue who's fault it was for this situation they were in. He thought arrogantly how they deserved the guilt consuming feeling, whatever her parents were to do they better do their best or he just might have to out shine them again till they get it right. "Oh thank you James. She is so adorable!" Maria said as she walked over to the counter to leave the picture behind. "It's nothing really. Like I said I just felt really bad about last night. Anyway I was thinking it's nice and sunny outside we could just order out some burgers and fries from Rose's Diner and eat out at the park. If that's fine with you." He replied back opening the front door for his Italian Princess. "That sounds like a great idea. I love Rose's ABC burger it sooo good and they don't skimp out on anything. Oh my goodness is that your car?" She stopped in front of the cherry red muscle car. "Yeah that's my car. It's a Chevelle,I call her Cheri." James replied back nonchalantly while opening the front gate in front of her. "It's so beautiful. You must take really good care of it, I mean Cheri. Oh um I wanted to ask you this but I forgot the other night. How long have you lived around here? I mean I haven't seen you around here before." "I've lived in this area on and off again. I own a house about an hour outside of town it's been in my family since it was built few centuries ago. But onto answering the other part of your question I've been gone the past four years at Harvard business school." He felt little guilty lying to her in fact the whole thing was somewhat of a lie. Yeah he went to Harvard...AGAIN and has been the only owner of his mansion since HE had it constructed. Still it was for her own good he kept telling himself. Maria was impressed thinking to herself, 'he must be rich to own a house outside town, have that nice of a car, and go to Harvard. Yet rich guys only are sweet and caring when they want something but he can get that from Tina and Lisa why me?' She had to brush that negative thought aside so with that she began to ask, "You never told me the other night if your parents live in this area. Do they?" "No my mother and father reside in Alsace, France where they own a few wineries and hotels." He stated back as they crossed the street towards Oak Park. France, wineries, hotels, and Harvard yes James Stanton was definitely one rich guy she thought to herself again while asking another question, "Do you have siblings?" With a chuckle he replied back knowing she wouldn't believe him, "Ten, five brother and five sisters." "Ten?! No way you're just pulling my leg. What's their names? Is your family Mormon or something?" She asked in disbelief. "Dante, Anastasia, Fredrick, Esther, Lydia, Gregory, Charles, Nicholas, Katharine, and Abigail." He replied back without any hesitation. "They sound like old fashion names." Maria replied back non chalantly. "Oh well my parents like the meanings behind the names like Christian people like the meanings behind Bible names." Knowing damn well that was another LIE, they're old fashion cause they're all old in years just like him their names were all popular when they born hundreds of years ago. "I don't believe you have ten siblings. Say their names again but faster." "Dante, Anastasia, Fredrick, Esther, Lydia, Gregory, Charles, Nicholas ,Katharine, and Abigail." Replying back with more speed like she wanted. "It said on your I.D. that you're 21 right? So are you the oldest?" She asked as they strolled through the park. "Yes I am. And you're right I am 21." He replied back. LIE. God today was just not a good day in telling the truth. But now wasn't the time to say 500 years old in five months. So lost in the train of thought he didn't even notice Maria talking to him. "James? James?" Maria called out as she waved her hand in front of his face in attempts of getting his attention. Shaking his head a little while blinking he answered back, "Sorry dear I just kind of blanked out there. What were you saying again?" "Oh it's nothing I was just saying that the diner is just across the street." She pointed in front of them as she was talking. Moving in front of her he asked, "Alright so you want an ABC burger, French fries, and a root beer?" Taking her wallet from her purse she replied back, "Yeah that's it exactly here's some cash for it." Before Maria could even hand him her money, James dashed across the street giving her a devious grin on his face. She watched as he entered the restaurant before sitting on a picnic bench near by. Smiling to herself, thinking how perfect this date was till she looked up to see Tom... Tom was her quarter back ex-boyfriend, most popular guy in shcool, who she caught skinny dipping with her step-sisters in their back yard pool when she was suppose to have been working that night. She hadn't spoken to him in about five months so it was quite a surprise when he stopped to chat. "Hey Maria. How's it going?" "Oh hi Tom. I'm doing fine." She replied back nervously hoping James wouldn't get the wrong impression and think she had an interest in Tom and not him. "That's cool so is that your puppy?" He asked casually before sitting by her. Holding her new pet close to her acting like she was a shield she answered back, "Yeah I just got her today as a late birthday present." Mean while James was across the street in Rose's Diner, waiting patiently next to the register for their lunch order. He turned to see what Maria was up to and felt anger consuming him as he watched some guy talking with HIS Italian Princess. It wouldn't bother him much if it was a friend but he knew by this guy's body expression and thoughts that he was no friend and wished to be more. The sandy blond was obviously a jock by his letterman jacket he so proudly wore and must be a school mate of Maria's. James was having difficulty with his vampiric side, so lost in trying to win the battle he didn't realize that his order was up till the waitress snapped her fingers in his face to inform him. Grabbing their lunch he quickly dashed out the diner and to HIS possession. "Maria who's your friend here?" James asked still trying not to lose this battle with his dark side, who was calling for him to rip the boy's throat out. "This is Tom Anderson. He goes to school with me at Saint Paul's High School," Maria answered back nervously feeling as if she did something terribly wrong. Tom felt uncomfortable and somewhat afraid of this man towering over him, glaring at him with dark eyes that looked almost black so with that he excused himself from the bench, "Well I guess I'll see you around Maria. Nice chatting with you." "Ex-boyfriend?" Was all James could ask as he handed her, her food. "Yeah. But he really wanted Tina and Lisa instead." "Why do you think that you're pretty like them." He replied back as he started to eat some fries. Yes French fries even if they don't sustain his kind like blood they're still damn good and tasty. James & Maria Ch. 02 She answered back trying not to sound bitter, "It's obvious when he's naked in the pool with them making out thinking that I'm not going to catch them." He could kick that guy's ass for that but she didn't need to wallow in the past so James changed the subject, "Do you like her?" "Oh I love her. She is so perfect." "So have you come up with a name?" He asked curiously while finishing his fries before onto his burger. Giggling flirtatiously she responded back, "Jamie."  Unfortunately they were soon interrupted by her cell phone going off. "Hi Daddy. I'm still eating lunch. Why? Oh okay well I can be home in less than two hours. Okay love you to Daddy." Maria felt bad she so didn't want this lunch date to be over before it began. "James...I'm sorry but I have to go in like two hours. My parents want to take me to the mall in Parterville and have me pick out stuff for my late birthday presents." James felt reluctant to let her end the date soon but he knew it was important for them to make up for what happened. "It's alright Maria I understand. We can hang out again maybe tomorrow or whenever your free." "I still feel bad though to cut it this short." She stated as she got up from the picnic bench with James before they began to walk toward the pond. "Like I said before it's perfectly okay. We still got two hours for me to ask questions." She looked up at him wondering what he was going to ask, "Okay sure." "So what career do you have in mind?" She laughed before asking, "What kind of question is that? That's a random." "No no no. I get to ask the questions." He replied back sarcastically. "Fine then. I want to be a nurse. Even though my mom died when I was young I still look up to her. I don't want to be a nurse just because she was I want to be a nurse because I want to help others like she did." She answered honestly while trying not to feel blue about her mother not being around so she changed the subject by asking, "What about you?" "I really want to eventually take over the family business and other businesses my family owns when my father retires." He replied back. "So besides the hotels and wineries your family owns other businesses that must be exhausting!" She stated wondering how can they keep up with all that or how could James when it's his time to. "Well basically what my father does is just over see what is going about in the companies and makes all the decisions. The other ones are just other head ache sort of things, kind of to complicated to explain." He replied back not wanting to tell the truth about what the other thing were. "So what does your parents do as a career?" "My dad is a doctor and Martha is also a doctor over at general hospital in Parterville. They met when she transferred from New York to here about 14 years ago. But first they were just friends and after my mom passed she thought that I should play with her kids to take my mind off of my mom's death. Spending time together on my play dates they started dating and it went off from there." Maria said as they sat close to the pond letting Jamie walk around. "Do you like Martha?" "Yeah I like her a lot she is so nice and is like a mom to me I mean she could never take my mother's place though." "So are you active your school?" He asked casually as he laid his back down on the grass. "Yeah I'm in the student body council." "Not a cheerleader?" While giving her a devilish grin. "Oh heavens no! I don't even feel comfortable in the school uniforms. I'm not like my step-sisters they love being on the cheerleading squad I just like keeping the rules in tact and making things fun for everyone." Just thinking of her in white knee high socks, short skirt and a white shirt was getting him hard. "Uniforms like the catholic school girls?" Giggling she replied back, "Yes and no. See at St. Paul's we can where black, tan, or navy blue slacks, shorts, or skirts, white polo or bottom up shirts and black blazers. Honestly I love wearing my black girl dickies & a black blazer makes me feel cool like the Blues Brothers." 'Not another image' he thought to himself. This time it wasn't her in a catholic school girl outfit but a tight black suit clinging so tight to her body like a second skin. He had to change the subject and hide how to he was feeling before she looked down. But before he say anything her cell phone went off again. "Hello?" She asks curiously. "Hey Tina.Yeah I can come home." Maria answred back in a sad tone of voice as she lost that smile on her face before hanging up. "I'm sorry but Lisa and Tina want me to come home too. I guess they got some gift cards to the mall and wanna go shopping now. But I'll see you around." She sounded a little depressed as she got up and grabbed Jamie. James felt split in half he wanted to spend more time with her hell he wanted to spend eternity with her here and now, he wanted to tell her step-sisters to fuck off, and let her be. Looking at her he realized he was getting that obsessive feeling for her the one where you kill or harm anyone or anything to have her to himself. "We can hang out whenever you want to continue this date." She reached out for his hand to help him off the ground as she replied back, "Thanks for being so understanding. I really did have a great time today." stopping her sentence as she felt an electrical shock when she touched his hand. "Oh you shocked me." Thank God she felt it too he thought as he got up, "It's nothing silly just static electricity that's all." Their walk back wasn't very long just a quick jog back to her place where her family waited patiently for her in the SUV. James walked her up to the vehicle wishing he could give her a hug or kiss instead he just awkwardly waved good-bye before hopping into his car. She waved good bye to James wishing that he also would have given her a kiss or hug. She took that gesture that maybe he wasn't into her that way but just probably wanted a friend to hang out with. "So is that your new boyfriend?" Tina asked Maria as she climbed in the back of the SUV. "No I just met him the other day plus were just friends." Lisa turned around to face Maria with a smirk before asking, "So I guess you wouldn't mind if me or Tina were interested in going out with him?" Deep down Maria did care and in fact it did piss her off that they'd ask such a thing, "Why even ask you've pretty much taken any other guy that I've dated." "No. Thats not true it wasn't our fault if guys think were better than you. You know if you weren't so up tight and made yourself presentable guys might just be interested in you and no one else. Maybe James would of asked to go steady if you didn't dress like that so much." Lisa retorted back arrogantly. 'Maybe they are right,' she thought as she looked at her self then out the back window in defeat not wanting to start up a fight. Infact Maria never once got in a fight with the twins no matter how many times they stole a boyfriend away from her and flaunt it in her face. She always turned the other cheek and never put them in their place simply cause she never grew up that way. Deep down inside she felt that maybe James was the guy she should fight for and not be passive aggressive if the twins try to get his attention. An hour passed till James arrived home, rushing in his front door he yelled for Gerard to meet in the living room. He didn't know what to do anymore he felt gut wrenching guilt for lying to her so casually about everything but this was the point of no return. All he need right now was a few drinks and friend to confide in. Nelson poked his head in the living room before asking, "Is there something you need Master Stanton?" He looked up at the man he relied on for years and replied back, "Yes old man. Come in, pour two glasses of whiskey, and lets talk." Nelson stepped in before closing the doors then headed straight to the built in liquor cabinet, "So what is the subject at matter?" "Maria." "How can you solve a problem like Maria...Is everything all right Master Stanton?" "Well so far our first official date contained me lying about everything just so she wont find out about these." He stated as he pointed to his fangs. Nelson handed James the glass of whiskey before placing the bottle on the coffee table as he answered back, "Master James some immortals like yourself have soul mates that are or were mortals, but some how they choose to be together, loves always conquers all." "I almost told her about the council. How I'm next in line after father." The council was considered like the government to the immortals. Each member hailed from all the countries of the world, gathering together once a month to report the status of their country, their ties to human society, and alliances with the other immortals such as weres, feys, demons, and the others. Each immortal species had their own council, when one member stepped down their heir would step in, each council kept the same rules and regulations, and most of all made sure that they co-existed not just with one another but human kind. Now it was soon to be James next in line to take on the responiblity as a councilmen just like his ancestors did. "Another problem though old man. She wants to be a nurse." Nelson thought for a moment before taking a sip from his glass before answering, "Healer's assistant. They're just like a nurse, I mean immortals need them when they deliver babies, a serious war injury, or whenever one of us mortals are sick." "Fucking hell I'm 500 years old and I couldn't even think of that concept." He stated as he leaned back and downed his whiskey like a shot, feeling relief wash over him. He felt his iphone vibrate in his pocket, pulling it out he saw a new picture text Maria sent of her and Jamie. Maria and him were soul mates plain and simple. She would love him like he loved her and live happily ever after. Right? James & Maria Ch. 03 Weeks went by as Maria and James grew closer and closer together. The only problem was he still could not read her mind but only the facial expressions she would give off. He knew everything about his Italian Princess, how she loves to cook Italian food, went to Sunday mass as much as possible, involved in her school's student council, and her dreams of traveling to third world countries to help the less fortunate. As for Maria, well she knew ALMOST everything about her new guy friend. From the fact that he enjoyed the typical human male things like socializing with friends, playing rugby, soccer, or football, racing cars or boats here and there, and watching action flicks. Yet she didn't know that playing rugby or any other sport was vicious and extremely deadly to humans, that he was her future, and that his cousin was Jack the Ripper. Ever since he introduced himself to her they'd been out every night since then. Sometimes they walked through Oak Park with little Jaime and then just lay on the grass looking at the stars and moon. Other nights they'd either go to a movie at the old movie theater, dinner at Rose's Diner, or whatever she desired to do. Once in a while when her family weren't around they'd just curl up on the couch in her living room and watch a movie on the flat screen. Tonight Ron and Martha were out on a double dinner date and the twins were at a party which meant the two soul mates were staying at the Mancini's for movie night. Sitting so closely to Maria was tempting him so much to wrap his arms around her, kiss her, sink his fangs in her. Maria felt a similar temptation to kiss him but the only things in her way was the remarks that Lisa made and the fact that James had never made a move to show his interest in her. "So what would you like to watch tonight?" Maria asked as she walked toward the bookcase filled with DVDs. tilting his head back to see he replied back, "I'm not sure. How about you pick?" "Oh okay...hmmm. I think I want to watch Toy Story 3. Have you seen the other two?" She asked as she turned to face him with the movies in her hands. "Yeah I've seen Toy Story 1 and 2. I've seen all the Pixar movies." Maria popped the movie into the DVD player before she ran into the kitchen to fetch their usual snacks. 'Tonight I'll tell him,' she thought to herself as she put a bag of popcorn in the microwave before pulling out soda from the fridge. After she finished preparing their junk food she returned to the living room to snuggle up to him hoping it would show her interest. "WE'RE HOME BITCHES!" was shouted as the front door flew open with Tina and Lisa appearing at the entrance. They of course caught both Maria and James attention with their tight, short, low cut cut black halter dresses, and five inch high heels. They smiled deviously as they walked sensuously towards the living room. Reading their lustful minds James could tell they wanted to have some fun but he couldn't betray his Italian Princess that way. Hesitantly Maria turned to them saying nervous tone of voice, "Hey Tina. Hey Lisa. You're home a little early." "Well Veronica's party was so boring since there wasn't any hot guys." Tina said as she winked at James. "Then we decided to go that club that opened last week over in Parterville but the stupid bouncer wouldn't let us in since we weren't old enough. So here we are." Lisa mentioned as she sat in the loveseat next to James. Suddenly Maria's cell phone was buzzing on the coffee table. Picking it up she answered, "Hey Amanda. I didn't see you at school. Yeah I heard that was going around. I hope you get better soon. No I don't mind giving you the answers. Just one moment though." "I'm sorry but Amanda has the flu and well she missed an assignment for human anatomy. The professor is really harsh on you if you don't turn in the work. So I'm giving her the answers but I'll be back in fifteen minutes." Maria said as she grabbed her cell phone before heading up stairs. Not even a minute after Maria left the twins were sitting on each side of him, to his left was Lisa and Tina to the right. Dear Penthouse... was the first thing coming to his mind as he looked through their sexual thoughts and fantasies. Tina slowly got up and slid behind him before she started to massage his shoulders. Next was Lisa's turn as she glided her fingers up and down James's leg while watching the amused look on his face. To him they were like the succubus demons hypnotizing him in their sexual ways. James was loving every second of the twins affection till Maria's face flashed in his mind. Right now he didn't care, she hasn't made a move or showed any interest in him romantically. He's done everything she's wanted, see movies that she wanted to see, or go eat at places she wanted to eat and still hadn't even kissed him. He knew it was wrong to do this Italian Princess but hell he has the body of a 21 year old man and the sexual urges like one. Lisa squeezed the bulge forming between his legs as she asked casually, "So are you and Maria boyfriend and girlfriend, friends with benefits, or what?" "We're just friends." Was all he could say. He wanted so much more from her and what he was doing was starting to make him feel guilty. She had morals that he needed to respect, it wasn't her fault that he hasn't had any sexual relations in over six months. The twins looked at each other smiling as they were delighted in his answer. Slowly they began to caress more of his body, his big strong arms, his toned abs, then his hair, before nipping at his neck and earlobes. He had enough of it, even his vampiric side detested the thought of being with them. "Listen, I'm not interested in this okay?" He stated as stood up from the couch unfortunately these girls never have heard no in their lives so with that they quickly yanked him back down. Lisa nuzzled her face against his neck while replying back sweetly, "You don't have a girlfriend so what's wrong? We know you think we're hot, we see how you look at us all the time. Plus we think you're hot too. If you want we can be your girlfriend, we don't mind sharing at all. Just know that many guys would kill to be in your shoes right now with us." "I'm not interested," He retorted back as he thought about it and honestly it wasn't a great offer comparing to the girl upstairs. "Don't fight your feelings just because of Maria." Tina snapped impatiently as she forced a kiss on his lips while Tina slid behind him to carass his body. 'Mother Mary not again,' Maria thought as she dropped her cell phone on the wood floor. Her heart felt like it was yanked out, chopped up, shoved in a blender as she saw the twins scoot away from him tyring to hide their smiles of success. Poor Maria couldn't even look at him while trying to fight back the tears from her eyes as she turned away running back to her room. Every time, evey damn time! All men are selfish douche bags when they don't get what they want when they want. 'Screw him, let him have Lisa and Tina. They'll just manipulate and cheat on him,' she thought to herself as she muffled out her tears in her pillows. Back down stairs easing back up against James, Tina announces in full arrogance, "Well our parents aren't going to be home for a few more hours and Maria clearly doesn't care since she isn't your girlfriend. You can come to one of our rooms you'll just have to be quiet if you can..." To many emotions were swirling around in his head as he tried to think straight on what to do. Fear of losing Maria forever would drive him to either insanity or suicide. Anger and disgust at himself for giving into Tina and Lisa's seductive ways. The most dominant emotion was hatred that his vampiric side was feeling for betraying his Italian Princess. He ached to takeover and show the twins just how much he despised and hated them for what damaged they caused to his relationship with his soul mate. "Well?" Lisa asked as she croseed her arms against her chest, pushing her breast up and pouting her lips. "I'd rather die a violent and painful death than date you two skanks. I'd rather fuck a whore who has an S.T.D. than fuck you two selfish stuck-up bitches!" He yelled as he grabbed his leather jacket and headed out the door. He knew it was rather harsh but he didn't know any other way to show he had no interest in them. At this point James didn't know what to do as he started up Cheri and drove off heading downtown. In the back of his mind he heard his vampiric side growing stronger as he was calling out, "roses, get her a red rose, go back to her." Before James knew it, he was parked outside the local grocery store and heading inside to buy her a red rose. He had a peaceful feeling as he bought the rose and walked all the way back to her house to beg for forgiveness. Poor Maria felt like her world feel apart as she held Jaime while crying her heart out for some jerk. He was suppose to be different from all the immature high school boys who used her just to get to the twins. All the other boys never made her feel the way he did or broke her heart this bad when it was time to conquer what they wanted. "Mother Mary why am I crying over a man that I just met? I feel all these feelings that I don't believe I should be feeling for a man so soon. Please help me Mother Mary." As she continued her pleas to the Saint Mary, she heard a soft tapping from her bedroom window. Curiosity got the best of her as she wiped her tears, opened her white curtains, and noticed it was James with a red rose in hand. She felt surprised, excited, and heart ache looking into his eyes that screamed I'M SORRY! Part of her wanted to open the window, slap him across the face, close the window, and leave. The other part felt like opening the window and giving him a second chance hoping he wouldn't betray her again. Looking one more time into those dark sad eyes before she closed her eyes and opened the window. "Tina's room is actually the next window over and Lisa's is the third window." Maria blurted out as he crawled through the window onto her bed to sit beside her. "I'm sorry Maria." She felt more tears running down her face as she asked, "Why them? I thought you...you were...different?" "I am different Maria. I'm nothing like that Tom guy. I know sorry wont cut it but I am. I tried to tell them that I wasn't interested in them but they wouldn't listen to me. My mother always raised me to never strike a woman and well that was almost my last option." He answered back as he wiped her tears away before going on, "Maria. I don't like them. I like you." Knowing deep down that was yet another lie but blurting out hey I'm madly in love with you, be mine forever would be a bad idea. Maria looked up at him with a faint smile as she responded back to his confession, "I like you too. I wanted to tell you tonight before that incident down stairs." "Again I want to apologize for what happened. If I have to gain your trust and forgiveness then I'll give it my all to earn it back cause I like you." James said as he grabbed her hands before kissing the back of them softly. Deep down she still was hurt as she pulled her hands away from him while telling him, "James, I've had about eight boyfriends but they've either dumped me for Lisa or Tina, used me to get close to them, or dumped me because I wont do the stuff that they do." Taking a deep breath before going on, "I've never went further then kissing." His Italian Princess looked so sweet and innocent as her cheeks turned a bright shade of red from her embarrassing confession. In all honesty it didn't bother him that she never did anything sexual because that meant that he was going to be her first and last. As for his vampiric side he was demanding the right to have his love then and there losing all patience for formality. He pushed those thoughts away as he asked in a shy manner, "I know this is sudden and everything but I've wanted to ask this for a while now but will you be my girl?" "Yes." Was the only thing she could say to him. Deep down inside though she was bouncing off the walls thanking every sain she knew from Mother Mary to Saint Theresa for this moment. To her this was a miracle that a man with looks of Greek gods wanting to be with her of all the women this world has to offer. The answer was a dream that he'd been longing for to come true as he wrapped his arms around her as he kissed her. In all the years he'd been on earth he never kissed a girl with that much passion not even with Vera who he'd been with for decades. The kiss revealed to her how much he truly wanted her, needed her, and even lusted for her. "I've never been kissed like that before." Maria stated as she touch her lips in dismay. "Is that a compliment?" He asked as he stood up from the bed before handing her the red rose. "Oh it was so wonderful. I'm sorry to be rude but could you excuse me for one second. I have to go change into my pajamas." She replied back as she grabbed a vase from her night stand before heading to her bathroom. "That's fine." She had a nice room that seemed to neat and clean for a girl of her age. The room had lilac color walls, white trimming, black furniture set, framed black and white posters of Italy, and double wide bed. She didn't have many trinkets or knick knacks on the shelfs just books and family photos. Even her closet was neat with the clothes color coordinated like a rainbow and dirty clothes no where to be found. James train of thought was cut off once he heard Maria open her bathroom door and slip out. He turned to see her in blue silk pajamas that looked like they belonged to a man instead of an eighteen year old girl. They did no justice for her as they showed no trace of her figure but they also had him feeling curious wondering what she was wearing underneath. "Ahem... Sorry I just have a frog in my throat." Maria stated as she set the flower and vase on her night stand before setting her dirty clothes in the closet hamper. Placing his hand on her forehead James frowned before saying, "Your head feels pretty warm. I think you might have that flu that's going around." "Thats weird." "What is?" He asked curiously as he turned on her night stand lamp. "Your hands felt like ice. It must of been letting the cool air in my room or something else." She said as she took her eye glasses off before placing them on the night stand. "Amenia." Was the quick answer to come to mind. This time it wasn't a lie, amenia was what caused his body to feel cold to the touch. The only cure for his kind was iron which came from drinking blood. Thinking nothing of it she brushes it off as she remembers, "Oh dear I can't get sick. I have to work tomorrow morning." She said as she climbed into bed. "Your grandparents will understand. I'll leave now so you can get your rest." He insisted as he tucked her in and placed a kiss on her lips. "Okay then. It sucks that we couldn't watch our movie." "I'm so sorry Maria about what happened. I promise with all my heart that I will make it up to you. From now on whatever you want I will do it for you. No matter how big or small your request is I will grant it for you." Looking up at him with a beautiful smile she quietly tells him, " Your apology means a lot to me, you're the first to apologize for an incident like this.Goodnight James." "Goodnight Maria. Go to sleep and have pleasant dreams." He commanded as he watched her close her eyes before closing the window. Shortly after James was back at the grocery store parking lot where he left his car, Cheri. He started her engine up and headed home thinking of how he beat a disastrous fate. But James knew he had to make up for the wrong as he thought of it he heard something. Pausing for a moment he could hear her sweet voice praying to Mother Mary. 'Could it be?' he thought to himself but brushed it off as nothing but blood deprivation. Midnight and James was now home in bed after having a few bottles of blood drifting asleep. Next thing he knew he found himself outside his Italian Princess's window watching the moon shine over her giving her the appearance of an angel. Temptation over came him as he slipped in her room quietly trying not to disturb her as he pulled the blankets down. He layed on his side looking at her before leaning forward to kiss her soft lips. She stirred a little but remained asleep as he continued to kiss her lips then trailing down to her neck. Finding her pulse he went on with kissing that area before going further to her chest. Pausing for a moment he stares at her breast contemplating whether or not to go on. He waited for this situation for almost eight months to be here and it was now or never. He began to slowly unbutton her shirt exposing her white silk bra and flat toned stomach she always hid from sight. The sight nearly drove him over the edge as he took a few deep breathes to calm himself down before continuing. Next was the pants, he gingerly untied the draw string before pulling them down to her ankles taking in the sight of her perfect legs. Everything was too much for him as he let his control slip into his vampiric side. He kissed her lips with force making her stir again but not waking her. His hands feeling up and down her body squeezing her breast, touching her stomach, before traveling down to the most desired part of her body. He rubbed his hand on the outside of her white silk panties that matched her bra. Her heart beat went from normal and calm to going fast and irregular without a warning. Everything stopped as he slowly looked up as their eyes met. His eyes were full of lust while her's were full of fear. She screamed as she grabbed her blanket and sat up against the headboard of her bed. James opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by more of Maria's screams realizing his fangs were showing. He lunged at her to cover her mouth to prevent her from screaming more. As he did everything went pitch black and could hear nothing more. Maria sat up with a fright as she whispered to herself, "Dear saints what a strange dream I had. It was nothing like I have had before but it was just a nightmare, vampires are a figment of people's imagination." Maria looked around the room frantically as if the dream she had was real and everything she said was a lie. She took note that everything in her room was the same, she still had her blankets and clothes on her. Laying back down she couldn't shake that strange eerie feeling she had as she tried to go back to sleep. Jumping out of bed James realized that he'd been dreaming all along. He heard it again, Maria's voice as she talked to the saints she prayed to. Listening to her thoughts he figured out that they shared the same dream. He climbed back into bed having a bittersweet feeling about their shared experience. She finally let down her guard exposing her mind but knew she'd be terrified of who he really was.