4. Life Happens

The following day came and went without much ado and I didn't see or speak to a soul at all. I busied myself throughout the sunlight hours with menial household tasks. I got on top of all my washing and ironing and cleaned the kitchen top to bottom, keeping myself distracted from the previous nights' amorous events in the great outdoors. I'd never considered myself terribly adventurous in the bedroom, let alone in a bleak alleyway in a deserted town. However, during the day I caught my mind wandering and reliving the moment when I'd realised who had pulled me to one side and fucked me like a dirty whore on a street corner.

I found myself wondering whether that was the kind of relationship I was to have with Eric now. We'd long established I was neither replacement nor substitute for his prized waitress pussy, despite not yet having any of it as far as I was aware. Yet he was content to return to me time and again, even with a piece of ass like Yvetta grinding away for him on a pole in Fangtasia. Which, undoubtedly, he was also screwing as well as I, but still, the point still stands. After our encounter last night, when the heat of our past few arguments and disagreements had come to a boil, I'd discovered the true nature of his beast, which up until now I assumed he'd kept hidden from me. I was sore in places I'd forgotten existed and whilst I understood that I'd encouraged him, and provoked him on, I wasn't quite sure if the frustration he'd been taking out on me was entirely all mine.

I busied myself with organising my filing, putting off the inevitable time when I would have to sit back down at the computer table with my laptop and begin writing Stephan's story. I'd decided that tonight I would speak to Stephan on the back porch and probably not invite him in, unless he glamoured his way into my brain and my house and fed from me and left me to bleed out on the kitchen floor… yes, my imagination was getting carried away, but it was a possibility and after Eric had so kindly informed me that it would take merely minutes to drain my blood, it was the foremost worry in my mind.

I called a couple of the numbers on the list Eric gave me and left messages, for it was still daytime and they'd all be in a deathly slumber, leaving my number and saying a little about myself, that I was interested in penning their life stories and that there'd be a fee involved if they chose to participate. I wasn't holding my breath. I tried calling Bill's cell phone but again it just went through to answering phone. So I took a breath and left yet another message. I told him that I wasn't sure if he was ignoring me or if he was just busy with his work or something, but to please get in touch regardless. I hoped he was alright and I told him that I'd call again the following night. I needed to talk to him, to ask him why he'd done what he did, why he'd glamoured me from Eric. The thoughts had been niggling at me since Eric had broken the news a week ago and I wanted to hear Bill's side of the story before I passed final judgement. I found it hard to believe that the entire time we had been friends; I'd been part of an assignment. I shrugged, maybe I had been.

At exactly 7pm, a rap on the door indicated the arrival of Stephan. I answered it anxiously to see him stood waiting patiently on my porch, a gift wrapped parcel under his arm. He wore a fitted white linen shirt, which hinted at his muscles beneath the fabric in such a way that I almost forgot myself. He wore low slung loose fit jeans and cowboy boots. Perched on his head was a black trilby, which took me by surprise, I'd expected a Stetson. The grin on his face was indicative of the look on mine; my mouth must've been gaping.

"Evening miss," he smirked and I shook myself and directed him around the back of the house to the deck, where I'd set up my laptop and a bottle of Tru Blood for him. Stephan nodded and disappeared out of sight. I followed him.

"So," I said sitting down opposite him on one of the recliners, "Thank-you for coming."

Stephan smiled and reached forward to pick up the Tru Blood, "I assume this is for me," he said, trying to make me relax. He'd placed the purple box on the seat next to him and I couldn't help but notice it. Stephan saw me eyeing it, "Ah yes, this," he said, lifting the box with his free hand, "Is for you."

I took the parcel from him, somewhat surprised, "What, why? You're the one helping me?"

"Think of it as an apology," he replied as I began pulling the ribbon.

"What on earth for?" I stated.

"For startling you the first night we met."

"Well, you really shouldn't h…" and all of a sudden I couldn't find my words, pushing the tissue paper aside to reveal a beautiful boned lace corset, with the most intricate detailing I'd ever seen. Its base colour was a deep red and the patterning was lain atop in black thread, highlighted with silver. Across the bust and lower edges were ruches of lacing and teeny tiny pearl buttons that drew up the corset's centre.

I lifted the garment from the box, noting the matching panties beneath it and I wondered if this gift was entirely appropriate, despite my doubts I couldn't hide the smile that slinked across my face.

"You like?" Stephan asked, presumptuously.

"It's beautiful," I said, "Though it's really not necessary, but thank you so much." My mind raced, why had he given me a gift? What were his intentions? Why was I so flattered?

Stephan smirked lob-sided, "Well, it'll look even more beautiful on you," he flirted.

I felt my cheeks immediately flush red and it was all I could do to subdue the warmth that flooded my body and lit my fire within. "I, erm…" I stumbled for words and returned the corset to the box, placing it beside me, so I could swap it for my laptop. Stephan smirked and removed his hat, toying with it, switching it from hand to hand absently.

"Right then," I said, attempting to gather myself. That was what Stephan had intended, he had meant to throw me off guard, "So, some of these questions may seem quite personal. That ok?"

"Sure," he replied casually and I wondered whether this relaxed nature of his was something he'd managed to keep from his human days, or, a niggling feeling in the back of my brain told me, a simple rouse to obtain his prey.

I pushed the contemplation to one side, "I thought we'd start with when you were human. Right back at the beginning. Where did you live as a child?"

Stephan looked thoughtful for a second, before sharing with me, "Daniel and I grew up in Vancouver. We were brought up by our Dad, Rufus," he smiled as he recalled his father, "He's still alive now, my dad. We're not in touch though, obviously."

"Just your dad?" I enquired, typing away on the laptop.

"Hmm, our mother died giving birth to me. Daniel was 4 when I was born, Dad said he took it real hard, he and Mum were really close."

"Oh I'm sorry," I said, looking up at him.

He shrugged, "What's done is done. Life happens," he paused with a smirk, "And then after life happens."

"So when was this? When were you born?" I asked, steering him back on track.

"Seventy seven," he answered, "October 12th"

I jotted it down, "So, any particular memories from growing up?" I looked up expectantly.

His lip twitched at one side, and he shifted in his seat, "Not especially. My childhood was pretty run of the mill. High school was good to me, I played a lot of sports, got good grades, ticked all the boxes." I nodded, I could relate.

We spent the next couple of hours discussing his before-death life. He told me about the times his father would take him, Daniel and the dog, Scooch, to play at Beaver Lake and what mischief they would all get up to. He told me about the time he and Daniel went camping and his brother had to rescue him from a steep fall, they obviously had never told their father and it had been their little secret. Brothers together; brothers in arms. Daniel had served some time in the CA Land Force whilst Stephan had been to college. He'd majored in Psychology at UCSD and he'd not long been home before he and his brother had encountered their maker on one ominous balmy summer night.

I took a brief moment to wonder if a vampire schooled in the behaviour of people was an ill advised acquaintance before Stephan stirred me from my thoughts.

"Evie," Stephan said unobtrusively.

"Hmm?" I looked up at him. His face was unreadable, as many vampires were, "Something wrong?"

"I don't know," he shrugged, "I just can't seem to shake this feeling about my brother." He took the final sip from his bottle of Tru Blood.

"What feeling?"

He shrugged and leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees and the empty glass bottle on the deck below the chair, "The feeling that Northman has something to do with it." I felt my heart sink. "You and he are pretty close aren't you?"

I choked on my own breath and a wash of alarm swamped over me as I realised that perhaps I was indeed in over my head, "Not really," I replied, hoping shrugging it off casually would discourage his interest.

"Only, people say you're with him at the club a lot," his captivating eyes bore into my face, looking for a sign of treachery. I fought hard not to give it to him, keeping my resolution steady and my face relaxed while my insides were doing somersaults in panic.

"Forgive me," he said a few moments later, capping himself, "I struggle keeping on top of my jealousy these days."

"He's been helping me with my research subjects," I replied, closing the lid of my laptop, "And like I said, we hooked up once or twice."

Stephan nodded shrewdly, "Yeah, I hear he has a way with words."

Despite myself, I chuckled, "You could put it that way," I smiled and met his gaze.

"Did you let him bite you?" he asked abruptly.

I tweaked the corner of my mouth upward, "You vamps are all the same," I told him, he looked slightly puzzled, "It's as if no one ever taught you how to share."

Stephan's eyes glowed flirtatiously, "Who would want to share you?"

I moved the laptop to the recliner and raised my eyebrow at him demurely, "…and you've just proved my point."

"Don't be coy," Stephan said, "You know as well as I do that the Sheriff doesn't pick his conquests lightly."

"His conquests?" I mock exclaimed.

He smirked, "Well, you know what I mean. I'm intrigued, what more can I say?"

"Well, for a start you can stop flirting with me and let me get some work done," I replied.

"I think we've done enough work for one night," he smiled, "I want to take you somewhere, away from prying eyes." He nodded his head backward and I noticed the light and curtain twitch in Mrs Wilson's bedroom.

"Oh I don't know about that," I faltered, Eric's warning ringing in my ears.

Stephan stood up and grabbed my hand, pulling me up, "Come on, Evelyn. Live a little." The smile on his face looked like butter wouldn't melt, and actually considering a vampires cool body temperature…it probably wouldn't, he continued, "Besides which, its your turn to help me."

Suddenly guilt ridden at this statement, I threw caution to the wind and scooped up the laptop, "I'll meet you out front," I said and he winked at me, replaced his hat and flashed off at vampire speed out of sight.

I met him at the foot of the porch steps after locking up and grabbing my jacket. The way the moonlight caught the curvature of his face was like you'd read in one of those drippy romantic novels and the heroine would swoon over him. I must admit it was incredibly difficult not to be drawn to him, but I sensed that ultimately he just wanted to find out his brothers fate and move on. He wanted closure, and though I couldn't help him, I felt obliged to assist him in his endeavours, even if I knew they were immaterial.

"Where we going?" I asked.

"Not far," Stephan replied, "There's a lead on my brothers disappearance I need to follow up. But it will take some time to follow through." I nodded and he led the way as we walked into the night.

We arrived a little while later at a huge wooden house set back from the road by a large expanse of tree covered garden. It had been painted many years ago in white, the paint was peeling in several areas now but that didn't seem to matter as Stephan led us to the door where a hefty man clad in a black suit stood outside ominously. As we approached the man, I found my footsteps slowing and gradually the gap between myself and Stephan widened enough for him to notice. He turned round to face me a few feet from the guard.

"Something wrong, Evie?" he asked, with a tone that suggested I shouldn't have a care in the world.

"I…I'm just not sure you need me for this," I paused, "Whatever it is that you're doing."

Stephan beamed at me, "Trust me Evie, this won't take long," he stepped forward, took my hand and pulled me gently to him and moved us towards the guard at the door. He spoke to the man so quietly that despite my close proximity to him, I couldn't hear a word that Stephan said. His grip tightened across my fingers and he steered me inside.

The door opened to reveal a sweeping staircase and a hallway that was dimly lit with a few scattered candles. Draped across the banister on the balcony above us was a girl who looked barely legal. Her eyes seemed hazy as she was bent forward at the waist by a fair haired lady whose head was buried at the girls' neck. My breath caught in my throat as I took in my surroundings. To my left there was a darkened room from which came some peculiar noises, squelching and moaning, grunting and groaning. As I watched the light from the hallway caught across surfaces as they moved and turned and I could make out bare legs and hands entwining.

A primitive howl drew my attention swiftly to another room and I glimpsed an old man rear backwards across the doorway. He turned his head and looked directly at me. I gasped. His face was covered in vivid deep red blood that contrasted with the darkness of the house and fangs glistened worryingly with the wetness of his victim. Stephan's hand pulled me away and dragged us through the house and into the kitchen.

"Where the hell have you brought me?" I spat at him as quietly as I could.

He smiled coyly at me, "Evie, please don't assume I have brought you here to…join in, unless that is, you want to…"

"Well what are we doing here?" I asked, ignoring his comment. Stephan just looked at me blankly, before nodding in the direction of a door.

Stood in the doorway was a woman, an incredibly skinny woman, and although she seemed to be aged similarly to myself, she looked a lot older. Her face was drawn and pasty; her eyes were tired and heavy, her lips were thin and badly lipsticked. Her short cropped hair was what I'd call porn star blonde, bleached beyond recognition. She wore very little clothing which revealed numerous vampire brands, all in various stages of healing.

"Hey Sweetie!" she slurred as we approached her, speaking directly to Stephan. She stumbled forward and threw herself at him, "See I told you you'd come back for more." She stroked a finger down the centre of his chest.

Stephan smiled sweetly but grabbed her by the wrists and pushed her gently away, "Ruby, darling, I need to talk to you."

"Sure babe," she said, casting a sideward derogatory glance at me, "Who's this brawd?"

I wasn't at all ready with a witty comeback so I was relieved when Stephan spoke up, "You don't need to know that," he replied, catching her eye; catching her in his influence. Her face slowly turned to him and she was unable to form her own thoughts.

"You remember my brother?"

She nodded blindly, "Yeah sure I do." A smile graced her face, "I remember him real good. How come you didn't come to see me again, Ste? Dan used to see me regular."

I balked at this statement; Stephan's brother seemed to be a real swell guy. I raised my eyebrow at my own cynicism as Stephan began questioning Ruby. Taking a minute to ponder everything I realised I hadn't even known the guy. And what did I know really? That I had seen Daniel meet his conclusion at the end of a wooden chair brace in Eric's office. That I had mopped up his bloody remains and rolled up the gunk in an old rug.

Breaking me from my thoughts, a couple staggered into the room, and I had to stifle my surprise at it being two guys. Somehow I'd expected everybody here to be barely legal teenage girls, but these two men were around thirty. One was dressed in board shorts and a white tank top, and the other dressed in black leather biker gear. Once again to my surprise, the fangs protruded from the mouth of the skater guy and I chastised myself for my preconceived assumptions. The vamp glanced casually at me, catching my eye, and watched my reaction as he dropped his partner to his knees and drew his head roughly to one side. He sunk his fangs savagely into his willing and eager victims' neck as I looked on like a deer caught in headlights.

"Evie, come on," Stephan said, grasping my hand and directing me quickly out of the room, through the house and out of the front door.

I came to a halt beside an ancient old tree in the garden, whose thick branches reached out far into the night sky, "What the hell was that place?" I asked again.

"It's a place where vampires can go to pay for human blood and sex, and humans go there to pay to be bitten and fuck vampires."

"So it's a brothel?"

"In essence yes, I know the owner, Caleb, he's making a mint now," Stephan said thoughtfully then caught my shocked expression. "I'm sorry, Evie, I shouldn't have taken you there. I thought Ruby might have known something about Daniel, but she doesn't, he hasn't visited her in weeks."

"Oh," I said, oddly rather disappointed for him, "Did she not know anything?"

He shook his head and stepped closer to me, "She said he mentioned something about turning a girl he'd seen but that he'd got something to attend to first. That was the last she saw him…" he trailed off, "I don't know, something doesn't feel right." He took my hand and placed it to his chest; I took a sharp intake of breath "It's like in here. My heart doesn't beat anymore but it can still feel. Something doesn't feel right."

I gulped hard, his hand holding mine firmly to his chest.

"Is this too much?" Stephan said, looking into my face, "I just want you to understand. I feel like you can comprehend my loss."

I dropped my head down, nodding in agreement, the sensation of the loss suddenly overwhelming my being as if it was happening again, "I lost someone too," I whispered, Stephan heard me despite the volume or lack thereof.

Inexplicably I leaned against him, tears filling my eyes. He wrapped his arms around me and the chill of his embrace was oddly comforting against the stuffy heat of the night. His hand found my hair and stroked gently as I wept against him.

A few moments later I sniffled and pulled away, wiping my eyes, "God what am I like, I barely even know you and I'm blubbing all over you!"

A smile graced Stephan's face as I looked up, "Don't worry about it," he shrugged, "Maybe you can return the favour sometime."

I raised my eyebrow, "So long as that doesn't mean accompanying you to any more brothels."

"Hey, at least I didn't make you join in!"

"Yeah…" I said, sarcastically, "Maybe if I ever grow fangs like yours, I'll be more comfortable questioning fangbangers."

He grinned broadly, the stubble on his chin illuminated by the moonlight dispersing through the trees, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours," he flirted shamelessly.

I stifled a grin, "Hmm, that'll be the day."

"Oh come on Evie," he chided as we began walking once more, "Scared Northman'll get jealous again?" I looked at him and shook my head with a laugh.

It wasn't a jealous Eric I was worried about.