Early the next evening, Andrew awoke and contacted his investment firm back in Toronto. He gave orders to have a dwelling procured for him and explained he would be in Dallas for an extended period of time. He also sent for his clothes. Style was everything and without his the rest of his wardrobe, Andrew lacked confidence.Andrew finished the call and began to dress for the evening. The room in the basement of Bridger Mansion was sparse, but it had a bed and no windows. A simple mirror hung on one wall and Andrew decided a shower would set his mind right.
After a good drying, Andrew dressed. He sat down on the bed and began to polish his boots. As he started on the second boot, Andrew felt a burning in his gut. He ran his tongue over his gums and felt a throbbing above his canine teeth. The signs were obvious to him and Andrew knew it was time to feed. Drinking the blood of the living was one of the drawbacks of being a Kindred. Most vampires drank nightly, but Andrew had learned over the years to resist the urge. Finishing his polishing, Andrew grimaced. He thought of the few Kindred he knew who took a great delight in draining mortal of all their blood. Even though a shallow feeding was all his kind needed, Andrew had seen some of his kind gorge themselves and watch the mortal die in agony. The thought disgusted him and he cracked his neck.
Beside the bed on the end table rested Andrew's black fedora. He scooped it up and dropped it on his head. He slipped his boots on and made his way over to a small mirror on the wall. As he looked in the mirror, Andrew couldn't help but smile. His fedora was his pride and joy, not to mention his lucky charm.
"Absolutely bad ass." Andrew murmured to the mirror.
Giving the mirror one last look, Andrew was satisfied with his appearance. He left the mansion and headed towards town. Corey had tried to convince him to drive, but Andrew preferred to walk. When you are in a car, you miss the secrets of the streets. Right now, Andrew just wanted to feed and he began to hunt the streets for a bar. A drunken woman made an easier meal than a sober one, not to mention the great buzz the alcohol gave a vampire. Andrew let his thoughts wonder as he walked, but a shout suddenly snapped him back to reality.
"Come here, my lovely!"
Andrew looked up the ahead of him and saw a giant of a woman running towards him. She stood at least 6'8" and her muscular body made her look more like a brick wall than a human female. She appeared to be in her mid twenties. In her hands she clutched a wooden staff and Andrew could see fear in her eyes. Behind her ran a young teenage boy about 17 years old. He wore red leather jacket with black anarchy symbols painted n the sleeves. His bald scalp was tattooed with a flaming demon and his black eyes were full of mischief.
"Hold there." Andrews called to the woman.
The amazon ran over to Andrew and streaked by him. Andrew watched the amazon fly by and turned his attention to the teenager. Normally, Andrew would leave mortals to do as they may, but he was a gentleman and a gentleman always aided a damsel in distress. He held up a hand to the teenager and the punk stopped, scowling at Andrew.
"Hey man! Out of my way!" the teenager barked at Andy.
"Why don't you let the lady be?" Andrew said, crossing his arms.
"Why should I, asshole?"
"Because you want to leave her along and go home."
Andrew spoke in a calm voice and looked into the teenager's eyes. Andrew was using Clan Ventrue's most powerful discipline, that of Domination. Anyone who made eye contact with him would be forced to obey Andrew. It was something he was very skilled at and it failed to work very few times.
Unfortunately, this was going to be one of those times.
"What?" the teenager muttered and he shook his head. "Tryin' to scramble my brains, eh? Well buddy, you just bought yourself a lesson in pain courtesy of Ned!"
Startled, Andrew took a few steps back and the teenager smiled, revealing a set of fangs. Before Andrew could act, Ned lunged and his form blurred. A fist landed on Andrew's chest and the blow felt like a sledgehammer! Andrew grunted as he felt a few of his ribs bust and Ned laughed. The young businessman silently cursed himself for being so cocky with his power and began to run.
"Where you going, slick? What happen to this cocky ass who was all ready to rattle my brain?" shouted Ned and he began to chase Andrew.
Andrew ran down the street, trying to put some distance between him and Ned. Of all the vampire clans he could have run into, it was just Andrew's luck he found a Brujah. Clan Ventrue and Clan Brujah had a long standing hatred for one another that stemmed from accusations that each clan's founder was slain by the other centuries ago. At least this Brujah seemed inexperienced and Andrew began to form a plan with his quick wits.
"Fancy pants in the fedora has to come back and play!" Ned shouted.
Andrew raced around a corner and pressed himself up against the side of a building. He began to think about all the things he knew about Clan Brujah. Vampires were super strong by nature, but the Brujah possessed a discipline that may them even stronger yet. They also possessed the discipline of super speed and the ability to influence crowds. Even though Ned would have to burn blood to activate his super speed, going toe to toe with him was out of the question. Damn it Wells. Use your head. Andrew struggled to think of a plan quick and then he had it. Surprise would be his weapon. As Ned came running around the corner, Andrew made eye contact with him once more.
"CHOKE!" Andrew shouted.
With a startled expression, Ned gripped his throat and began to make gagging noises. Andrew charged at him and threw two quick punches at Ned's head. The teenager swung awkwardly with his left hand and landed the blow on Andrew's gut. The Ventrue felt a few ribs bust and he was knocked off his feet. Andrew scrambled to his feet and ran, leaving Ned to choke violently. As he ran down the street, Andrew burned some of his vampire blood to heal his broken ribs. To a vampire, blood was life. It healed their wounds, activated their powers and kept them "alive". Andrew sighed to himself as he felt his hunger growing even more.
Up the street, Andrew saw the woman sitting on the curb. He trotted up to her and tipped his dusty fedora to her. The giantess looked up at Andrew as she tried to catch her breath.
"Are you all right, miss?" Andrew asked.
"Just peachy. Friggin' kid started come on to me and I thought he was just jokin'. Next thing I know, he's busting through doors to get to me. I warned him and took a swing at. Damn kid tossed me around like I weighed nothing." the woman explained.
"No need to worry about him now. I had a word with him."
"A word? What happened?"
"He just seemed to get all choked up. My name is Andrew, by the way."
"Tawni. Nice to meet ya, Andy."
"Can I escort you somewhere? The city is dangerous at night or so I am told."
Tawni looked at Andrew as if he was joking. Andrew merely smiled at her and looked more closely at her features. She wasn't pretty and that disappointed Andrew. When it came to feeding, Andrew was very picky about what he ate. Usually, his tastes ran for incredibly good looking woman and he would rather starve than feed from anything.
"You can take me to the Fallen Angel, Andy." Tawni said, smirking at Andrew.
"So be it, Tawni." Andrew said and he offered his arm.
The giantess laughed and slid her arm through his. She guided Andrew down the streets and towards the Fallen Angel. As they walked, Tawni told Andrew she was originally from New Orleans and taught martial arts for a living. Andrew listened and made small talk in return. Tawni led Andrew up the steps of an old cathedral. Gothic letters above the door proudly proclaimed "The Fallen Angel" as Andrew tipped back his fedora. Tawni led him down a dark hallway and through a heavy black curtain. A massive bar stretched before Andrew, decorated in old cathedral style. Many people were dressed in Goth fashion and huddled over drinks. A small dance floor was off to one side and figures bobbed to soft music pouring from the speakers. Through the haze of smoke, Andrew recognized quite a few faces from Elysium. Camille caught his eye and quirked an eyebrow at him. Andrew smirked back to her and tipped his fedora.
"Welcome to the Fallen Angel." Tawni said and she nodded to the bouncers.
The bouncers waved Tawni through the metal detector and then Andrew. The machine pinged and Andrew paused. The bouncer held out his hand and Andrew flicked his wrist. A stiletto slid out of his sleeve and Andrew handed it to the bouncer. Concealed weapons were not totally illegal in Dallas, but they were frowned upon by the local authorities. Bars typically turned the other way as long as the owner checked them at the door. The bouncers nodded and waved them both down the steps. Tawni waved and smiled to people as she moved towards the bar. A group of bouncers grinned to Tawni and greeted her as she waved to them all.
"So Andy, can I get you a drink or something?" Tawni asked as she order a shot of tequila.
"No thank you. I'm not thirsty right now." Andrew replied politely as he removed his fedora.
"Well, I gotta reward ya for savin' my poor hide. What can I get you?"
"Will you have a late candle light dinner with me?"
Tawni looked down at Andrew and grinned. Andrew merely stood there, his fedora in his hands. She put a hand on Andrew's face and gave it a shove. Andrew stumbled back and landed roughly on his backside. Tawni laughed and Andrew grinned at her from his spot on the floor.
"Nice joke, shrimp." Tawni giggled.
"I'm not joking." Andrew said. "Would you like to go to dinner?"
Tawni blinked at Andrew and her friends elbowed her. She turned a pinkish shade and coughed a bit. Andrew smiled softly and put his fedora back on as he got to his feet.
"Uh... I suppose." Tawni said.
"Then let's go." Andrew said. "This place is starting to get to me."
Andrew offered his arm to Tawni and she took it with a smile. They paused by the bouncers at the door to collect Andrew's stiletto and then headed out into the night. Andrew hailed a cab and instructed the cabby to take them to Bridger Mansion. As the cab roared through the night, Andrew gently placed his hand on Tawni's thigh. The giantess stiffened, but Andrew smiled softly. Tawni narrowed her eyes at Andrew and he chuckled softly. The cab came to a stop and the couple got out. Andrew paid the driver and led Tawni up to the mansion. The giantess looked at the mansion and smiled a bit.
"Looks like my place." Tawni said.
"You own a mansion?" Andrew asked, slightly surprised.
"No, but the people I room with do."
"Oh?"
"Thomas and Sindra own one across town. Not a great place, but still a mansion."
Andrew filed the information away and nodded as he unlocked the front doors. He led Tawni into the quiet mansion and down to his room. Tawni quirked an eyebrow at Andrew as he led her in.
"Um... you aren't planning on trying to rape me, are you?" Tawni asked.
"You outweigh me and are a trained martial artist. I doubt I could rape you even if the thought came to mind." Andrew laughed softly. "I'm sorry for the room, but it's all I have at the moment. Have a seat at the table."
Tawni gripped her staff protectively as Andrew pulled a chair out for her. She sat down and Andrew nipped upstairs to raid the kitchen. He poked and probed around Corey's refrigerator. Andrew frowned at the selection of vegetables and health foods that rested on the cold shelves of the refrigerator. At least it wasn't too bare. Andrew used his talent to prepare a small, but pleasant meal for Tawni. Spying Corey's wine rack, Andrew investigated. He smiled as he read the labels carefully. At least young Corey had good taste in wines. Selecting the best bottle of red wine he could find, Andrew returned to his room with a small plate of vegetables and cold cuts. Setting them down before the giant, Andrew opened the bottle of red wine and poured Tawni a glass. When he had finished, Andrew settled into a seat across from Tawni and smiled as she ate.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Tawni asked.
"Later." Andrew said. "I'm not hungry right now."
Tawni finished off her meal and two glasses of red wine. Andrew noticed she was still tense and gripped her staff protectively. He ran his tongue over his gums and feel the throbbing pain of his hunger. He would not be able to put it off any more.
It was time to feed.
"You look like you could use a neck rub." Andrew said.
"Uh… from whom?" Tawni teased, the wine relaxing her inhibitions.
"Let me take your staff and I'll loosen you up."
Tawni reluctantly surrendered her staff, but Andrew put it close to the table. His cool, slender fingers gently touched the giantess' neck and she stiffened. With soft, simple movements, Andrew rubbed Tawni's neck. Slowly, the giantess relaxed and shut her eyes. Andrew lowered his head and gently kissed her neck with his cool lips. The giantess shuddered at the cool kiss and sighed softly. Andrew drew back his lips and sunk his fangs into Tawni's neck. She gave a sudden gasp of surprise and succumbed to the power of the Kiss. Andrew fed slowly, Tawni's warm blood trickling down his throat. Any mortal bit by a vampire would feel only an intense pleasure and be helpless to move.
"Andrew... more." Tawni whispered. "I want to feel the Kiss again."
Startled, Andrew stopped his feeding. Tawni whimpered softly in protest and Andrew moved around to face her. He straddled her with his slender legs and lowered his head once more to her soft neck. Tawni's powerful arms wrapped around Andrew and pulled him tightly to her large chest. She moaned in pleasure and lowered her lips to Andrew's neck. Andrew shuddered as he felt Tawni's warm lips suck softly at his cool skin. After a few more minutes of feeding, Andrew licked Tawni's wound shut and stroked her hair. The giantess chest rose and fell with small, quick breaths.
"Tawni? Are you all right?" Andrew asked quietly.
"I'm O.K." Tawni replied, holding Andrew tightly. "Why did you wait so long before Kissing me like that?"
"You've felt that before?"
"Yes. Sindra and Thomas make me feel like that all the time."
"Really?"
Alarm bells went off inside of Andrew's head as Tawni nodded slowly. She rested her head on Andrew's chest. He stroked her hair softly and kissed her forehead. It looked like he had stumbled across another vampire's blood doll. Some of his kind kept mortals close by to use as a constant supply of blood. Sometimes, the mortal lost their life. Typically, violating another's blood doll was grounds for punishment. No matter. Andrew was fed and Tawni had enjoyed the experience.
"I guess you want me to leave now, right? That's what Sindra and Thomas make me do." Tawni said with a slight shudder. "They kiss my neck and then make me sleep."
"No." Andrew replied softly. "I'd like it if you stayed the night."
Tawni stiffened and Andrew blinked. Had he really said that? Tawni was not his type and it would be foolish to continue to mess with another vampire's blood doll. He tried to think of wiping Tawni's memory and send her away, but something was stopping him. Was it his conscience or was he still on the rush from feeding?"
"Really?" Tawni asked.
Andrew nodded, slightly stunned by his reaction. He slid slowly and seductively off Tawni. The giantess rose and slipped her arms around Andrew. She rubbed her lips against his cool throat and licked softly. Physical desire was something Andrew could no longer feel, but he did not discourage Tawni's affection. Effortlessly, Andrew picked Tawni up and carried her to his bed. With a softness unknown to him, Andrew gingerly kissed her and brushed her nipples through her shirt. She gasped softly and gripped Andrew's shoulders.
"Andrew?" Tawni whispered. "I don't mean to be a prude, but the candle is still burning. Can you put it out?"
"Of course. Andrew Wells never refuses a lady." Andrew replied and he smiled.
Removing his fedora, Andrew flicked it towards the candle. The ebony hat flew by the flame and put the candle out, casting the room in total darkness.
