1723 New York City
Thirty years later, we had moved to New York City. It was easy pickings, between the slaves being brought in, the pirates coming into port and the drunkards that were scattered throughout the ports, we were never lost for food. When one lives for a very long time, you accumulate money from those that you kill and from occasionally trading with the humans. We had gone from living in caves and a nomadic life to a small town house five miles from the port.
When Balthazar said we were family now, I never imagined how true it could be, he and Gwen were very much the parents I never had. Balthazar treasured me and my gift, was proud of the strength that Felix had and Alexi's speed. I idolized the pair of them, for giving me my new life and for the brothers I now had. Alexi was always protective of me, often my shadow if we crossed paths with other vampires, Felix was more carefree, flirtatious but we saw each other as nothing but siblings and I adored them both.
I was wandering the port, looking for my next feed. I knew Alexi was nearby, I could almost feel him. Few could hurt me, my powers alone could stop them, but thanks to Felix and Gwen I had learnt to fight proficiently enough as well. I found a particularly sweet smell and followed it as I followed them to the docks, the wind picked up and with it brought the scent of another vampire. I froze, it had been ten years at least since we crossed paths with another vampire. Were they alone? were they friendly? Or looking for trouble, my shadow was by my side in an instant.
"Evangeline, we should leave." The frown that hardly ever left his face was deeper than usual at the possible threat.
"Worry not brother, I just want to see who they are, if they are passing through or intend to stay." I offered him a smile to ease his worry. Sticking down wind from the breeze, I was soon upon the other vampire, straggly blonde hair reached his shoulders, he was tall and slim, his face weary as if unsure of something, his clothes were worn, but looked warm for the New York weather. Slowly I stepped into view.
"Hello.." I smiled lightly. He went on the defensive almost immediately as if ready to flee. "Do not be afraid. I am merely greeting you, its been a long while since I have seen a new vampire."
"I am not new, nor do I wish to be greeted." He frowned for a moment and then moved slowly closer. "I am Alistair, are you alone? Is this your territory?"
"Welcome Alistair, I am Evangeline, I am not alone, I live with my coven, there are four others in it and I suppose you would call this our territory, but we are not opposed to nomads or others that wish to settle within reason- of course." Alexi took this moment to join me, glaring at Alistair who looked ready to flee. "Easy Alistair, this is my brother Alexi."
"I wish not to settle, I am simply passing through. I want no trouble." He held his hands out defensively.
"You will find none with us. Perhaps you could feed and come back with us, spend the night, get yourself cleaned up a little before you move on?" I offered, though I felt Alexi bristle beside me. Alistair seemed to consider it for a moment.
"That- would be good of you."
And it was just the night. He spent it mostly stood out of the way, uncomfortable it seemed. in the presence of all five of us. In the morning he thanked Gwen and Balthazar for their hospitality, sparing a smile for me as he left.
"Well he sure was a strange one." Felix commented as he disappeared, I shoved him playfully.
"He wasn't all that bad, I think he hasn't been around others for a long time." Gwen smiled warmly. "Poor boy didn't want to open up about himself much."
"Maybe we will see him again, he may be more inclined to talk with us more." Came Balthazar's voice from the couch. I just hoped he would be okay, I couldn't imagine living alone, I loved my family to much to consider it.