"You reek of fear." The vampire Eric said suddenly as he stepped onto the sidewalk in front of a startled human girl.
She was short and thin with milk chocolate hair and eyes the color of the sky on a partly cloudy summer day.
"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you." Eric said with a smirk.
The girl felt a sudden rush of courage fueled by adrenalin and she stood up to him, planting her feet.
"Why should I believe you?" She asked and he laughed shortly.
"You shouldn't, but it's true." He said and she believed him.
"What do you want?" She asked, the fear returning a little.
"I smelled your fear. I was merely curious. I am sheriff of this area and no vampire can harm a human. Were you being harmed?" He asked, curious.
"No. I just work myself up. People say I've got a vivid imagination. I let it run away from me, thinking there are things in the dark." She said.
"There are things in the dark." He stated and the girl stared at him.
"What's your name?" He asked.
"My… my name is Torolf." She stammered.
He seemed amused, it wasn't a name heard.
"An interesting name. I've never heard a human being named that." He said.
"Yes my parents liked interesting things."
"Where are your parents now?" he asked and she shrugged.
"They travel a lot. I used to travel with them, but when I got old enough to feed myself they left me behind. They're archeologists. They'd rather be surrounded by old bones and ancient artifacts than me." She said with a bit of bitterness.
He seemed interested by this.
"And how do you feel about old things?" He asked.
"They fascinate me but I'd rather study them in a museum than look for them in the dirt. I hate getting dirty." She said and he smiled an amused smile.
"Do you know what Torolf means, where it comes from?" He asked and she shook her head.
"It means Thor's wolf. It suits you well. A lone little wolf… Let me walk you home." He suggested, which sounded more like a demand.
He could see her weighing her options in her eyes. If she said no she knew he could still follow her, either way she knew he could kill her if he wished. She swallowed hard and looked into his eyes.
"Ok." She said as she walked toward him.
She hadn't realized his height till she was right next to him. He towered over her. She seemed a mere child next to him even though she were 5'3"; he still had maybe a foot and a half on her. His limbs were long but not gangly; they were well toned in their immortal state with wide broad shoulders and a thin waist. His torso was almost triangle shaped. He had ice blue eyes and blond hair that was short in the back and got longer for his bangs but didn't go past the top of the ear; it suited his slender face.
"Is it much further? Walking is so tedious."
His sudden annoyance startled her; his tone had a little venom to it. She had noticed she were so relaxed next to him, his annoyance made her want to snap back at him.
"Just two more blocks. You invited yourself to walk so if it's so annoying no one's forcing you."
She snapped, unable to hold her tong. His anger radiated off him, and she froze with fear. He turned to her sharply which startled her so badly her knees gave out. She fell onto her butt on the side walk, eyes wide in horror and locked on his. Just as quickly the anger in his eyes disappeared but he was still annoyed.
"Bold, just like a wolf." He said and sighed as he kneeled next to her.
He extended both hands to her palms up in an offering to help her up. She shakily placed her hands in his; they were cold but not as cold as movies and legends made them out to be. It was like touching cold smooth stone. He suddenly held her hands with his thumbs over her fingers, bringing her attention to him.
"You should respect your elders… Any other vampire would snap your neck like a toothpick from your remark without so much as blinking. It would be wise if you held your tong." He said darkly and she could only nod.
He had her on her feet instantly and released her hands, standing next to her as if nothing had happened. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye when she didn't continue walking immediately. She noticed and began walking again.
Soon they arrived at her home and he watched her fumble nervously with her keys. He could tell she thought he was going to kill her. She finally found the right key, unlocked the door and went inside. She stood there awkwardly now fearing him or any vampire could get into her house. He smelled her fears escalate and guessed what she was thinking.
"No vampire can get into your house. We can only enter if we are invited inside." He told her.
She nodded too relieved to get words out but she was curious about something.
"What's your name?" She asked.
"How rude of me. I'm Eric Northman. I bid you good night Torolf. I hope our paths cross again." He said with a toothy grin which made her close the door quickly.
He chuckled to himself as he left, knowing the girl would continue to think he'd kill her.
Eric had been correct. Torolf was now terrified to leave her home after he had told her vampires couldn't enter without permission. Nightfall only made her fears worse after a few days in the house. She had ever single light on even though she was alone, and she never bothered to change out of bed clothes though she showered every day. The past few nights she fell asleep wrapped in a thick blanket on the living room couch.
Suddenly one night after dusk her doorbell rang, scaring the wits out of her but she went to the door.
"Who is it?" She asked, her voice cracking in fear.
"Eric Northman."
Despite her fear she answered the door even though she was dressed in short-shorts and a tank top. He stood clad in black, looking devious.
"I've come to call you out." He told her.
She didn't understand his backwards way of talking.
"What?" she asked in confusion.
"You've been in this house for five days. I don't know much about humans but I know enough to know that this behavior is not normal among your kind. Did I frighten you the other night?" Eric asked.
"No of course not." She said instantly.
"Then come out with me." He said.
"And what would we do if I came out with you?" She asked.
"You humans like to eat. I'll take you to eat." He replied.
"You're going to sit there and watch me eat?"
"Yes. Are you coming out or not?" He asked,
"Ok, give me a few minutes." She said as she shut the door and ran to change.
She had no idea what possessed her to do this but she wanted to get out of the house; and Eric's behavior intrigued her. She couldn't decide what to wear and she knew keeping a vampire waiting wasn't a good idea so she threw something on; a floral tank, straight leg jeans with the cuffs rolled up, and a black quarter length sleeve cardigan sweater. She didn't want to stand out too much next to Eric, but she couldn't stand to wear that much black. She ran a brush through her hair and then ran to the door. She opened it again and Eric appeared to be standing in exactly the same spot she had left him.
"Finally." He said in annoyance, but it was almost in a teasing sort of tone.
She locked the door and turned to Eric, almost running into his chest. She gasped and took a step back, backing up into the door. He was staring down at her with a smirk.
"Shall we?" He said smoothly as he stepped aside to let her pass.
Just as she was wondering how they were going to travel she noticed an antique black GTO was in her driveway and Eric was already in it staring at her. Torolf moved as quickly as she could to get into the car. As soon as her door was shut he was driving. She struggled to get her seatbelt on as he drove recklessly. Her knuckles were white as she clutched the arm rest on the door and her seat. She dare not close her eyes, she'd rather know when she was about to die. Luckily they stopped shortly, in front of the most expensive French restaurant in the city.
"I am very underdressed for this place. They'll never let me in." She said.
"I know. You're going to put these on. I promise not to watch." He said with a grin as he held a long black satin dress and silver pumps.
Torolf took them awkwardly and he turned to face forward, staring out the window.
"Aren't you going to step out?" She asked.
"No." He said flatly.
She stared at him a second longer but then turned in her seat away from him. She undressed and quickly put the dress and shoes on. He then got out of the car as she started to get out. She stood and fidgeted with the dress. It fit her perfectly and was prettier than anything she had ever owned or seen before.
"You look fine. Let's go already." He demanded suddenly.
She looked at him and didn't move until a second later as if subconsciously scolding him for being so pushy and impatient like a child. She followed him and at the door he actually opened it for her, something she never thought him capable of doing.
"Thank you. " She said to him and he hummed deeply in reply.
"Northman." He said to the host, who knew Eric was a vampire immediately.
"Right this way." The host said in a shaky voice and led them to a quieter end of the restaurant.
A small table was set up with a single glowing candle and a single blood red rose in the center of the table. Eric sat himself down as the host helped Torolf sit down and handed her a menu.
"Is everything to your liking Mr. Northman?"
"Yes."
"Can I get anything for the lady to drink?"
"Your most expensive red wine." Eric replied without looking at the man.
Eric's eyes were locked on Torolf as she read the menu. The host excused himself silently.
"Can you even understand what you're reading?" Eric asked Torolf.
"What I can understand Mr. Northman may surprise you." She spoke in perfect French.
"Ah eloquently spoken, but a touch rusty I think." He said just to provoke her a little but she held her tongue.
"Where did you learn French?" He asked.
"In France."
"Right you said you had traveled. Do you know any other languages?" He asked.
"Maybe." She said playfully.
"You look very beautiful." He said in German.
She tried to hide her understanding of his German, keeping her eyes on the menu.
"Though, I shouldn't have chosen a dress that exposed so much of your neck. It makes me wonder how your blood will taste, hot and running down my throat." He again spoke in German and she couldn't hold her gasp inside her mouth.
"That's two." He said with a triumphant smirk.
"You dirty…"
She began but he was gone from his seat in an instant. He had her chair tilted almost horizontal as he loomed close to her face. The air in her lungs rushed out all at once.
"What have I told you about that tongue?" He asked.
"Oh make me! You enjoy me challenging you." She snapped a little.
His eyes were wide for an instant but then he grinned and bared his fangs at her, which made her sink back in her chair a little. She trusted that he wouldn't do anything in such a public place, but she began to tremble slightly. Just then their waiter arrived and Eric moved back to his seat. Things looked as though nothing had happened except Torolf was staring at the table. The waiter had asked her what she'd have to eat and when she didn't answer after a second Eric ordered for her.
"Why are you so impatient? You have eternity. What do you have to rush for?" She asked, not looking at him.
"Humans are slow. That is extremely irritating." He replied.
"I guess for us life is too short to rush through it. Some of us like to cherish every second."
She told him, which surprisingly shut him up if only for a second.
"Try the wine." He said and she looked to the half cup of red wine in front of her.
She took the glass and sipped the wine. She made a face as she swallowed.
"You don't like wine?" He asked.
"I've never had it." She replied as she set the glass back on the table.
"Hm I forgot humans have a drinking age. And you are not old enough? How old are you?" He asked.
"Seventeen."
"Mmm… Old enough for me to drink." He said; trying to get a rise out of her again but she only looked into his eyes finally.
"Vampires have a drinking age?" She asked.
"Yes we're not permitted to drink from children. Anyone younger than thirteen; though it is very tempting. Think of them as the oldest most cherished wine. Their blood is so young and full of life." He said and she looked away.
Her food then came and Eric sat quietly as she ate. He seemed more willing to go at her pace now.
The food Eric had ordered for her was delicious though she couldn't recall what it was even as she ate it. Her mind was too focused on so many things. Every single thing Eric had told her since their meeting ran through her head. Before she knew it they were back in his car.
"Come to my home." He said in an almost demanding and desperate tone.
His sudden voice brought her from her thoughts and she again weighed her options. If she said yes he'd kill her and if she said no he'd make her and then kill her. She'd rather face death willingly than not know how it was going to come.
"Ok." She said softly and he was driving recklessly once again.
They drove and soon got closer to the neighborhood that she lived. He stopped in a lavish neighborhood but it was only about a mile from her home, which surprised her. It was a gothic style million dollar home, it suited him well. This time she got out of the car before he could become impatient with her, even though he was already on the top of the stairs waiting for her. She walked up the steps and through the door he held open for her. She had her other clothes in a neat square as she hugged them to her chest. She took in the lavish home. Despite how old it was the interior was bright and fairly modern with retro flare. Eric shut the door and watched Torolf look around. She felt his eyes on her and she stopped. She sighed and looked at the ground.
"Please… don't kill me… I choose life, in any form." She pleaded in a whisper.
He knew what her words implied; he had said something similar many, many years ago. Shock was on his face though she could not see it. He went to her and realized she was not afraid anymore, though she tensed whenever he moved suddenly. He was staring at the back of her head completely perplexed as to what kind of human she was. She intrigued him through and through, and he wanted nothing more than to dig deeper into who she was. It was quickly becoming an obsession.
He gently placed his hand on her right arm and made her turn around. After a moment she looked up into his eyes as he looked down at her. He caressed her neck and she closed her eyes, waiting for him to decide what to do with her. He knew without a doubt he wasn't going to kill her, it would just be too much waste. And he wasn't going to drink her blood either. Just to prove to her once and for all he wasn't going to kill her he decided he would kiss her, but he'd make her stew for a little while as he teased her. He had her heart pounding in seconds as he touched her neck and moved her thick chocolate brown hair away from her neck. He noticed even though she thought he was going to kill her she was still not afraid of him; her heart was pounding in pleasure. He moved closer to her but before his lips could brush hers he suddenly noticed another in the room.