ACROSS THE CITY

"My Queen, I have some news," the large burly man said as he bowed at the woman's feet.

"Get up buffoon, what is it this time Thor?" she huffed while pacing her room.

"I have heard stories," he said.

"Stories. Stories about what?" she asked as she crossed her arms over her large breasts. Her red juicy lips pouted, more stupid stories are not what she needed.

"I have heard, "he darted his eyes around as if someone might be listening, "I have heard that there is a creature of the night in Toronto."

Her eyes lit up, she gasped and said, "Do not toy with me Thor. Where have you heard these stories?"

"In the underground clubs, I hear he is an artist of sorts," Thor licked his lips. He was hoping to get a reward.

"Well," the woman said in a sultry voice, "we must find this creature, I am assuming you are referring to a vampire, correct?"

He nodded, "Yes Aurora, that is what they say." His growing excitement was bulging now, painful and hard. Aurora saw this and rolled her eyes.

"Why must you do that Thor? It's not very becoming, you will never get a woman that way," she clicked her tongue.

Thor bowed his head, "I am sorry, it's just that..it's been so long." His eyes were blazing with need and Aurora sighed.

"Fine then," she clapped her hands and two servants entered from a side door, "take him downstairs. Let him have his pick, but Thor," she warned, "do NOT hurt them, do you hear me? I need them for, "she paused then added, "things."

Thor promised not to hurt anyone this time and nearly fell over himself to get into the basement. Once there, he inhaled the scent of fear. It was erotic to him and he ordered the servants away. He knew which one he wanted, she was on the very end. She was a young girl, no more than eighteen and he knew she would be ripe. She screamed when she saw him. He was already nude and his very large thick manhood bobbed when he moved toward her.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt you," he stroked her cheek and himself at the same time. Her wide brown eyes watered with tears as she shook her head no.

"Please, no.." she cried.

The servants could hear her screams in the hall and they covered their ears, tears streaming down their faces as they listened to her screams die out with her life.

"The Queen will be angry," one said to the other.

They had no idea.

**

Henry stopped to get Vicki something to snack on and a six pack of beer.

"Henry, I told you not to," she tried to insist.

"Nonsense, you are thirsty and you can't have a movie without snacks," he told her. Once inside his condo, Vicki slid her jacket off and laid it on his chair. She moved to his drawing area and noted his artistry was better than ever. She ran her fingers over one particular sketch she knew to be the basis for. Shaking her head, she smiled. Why couldn't she let go? she thought to herself. She wanted to, more than anything, she wanted to let him but something held her back. Her vision? The immortality issue? Kids? What was it? She didn't know but this night, she decided she would enjoy herself and just relax.

Smelling popcorn, her stomach growled again but for the life of her, she didn't know why she would be hungry after that big meal she ate.

"Ready?" he called.

"Yep," she plopped beside him on the couch and dug into the popcorn, "What are we watching?" she asked after shoving a handful of popcorn in.

"Well, you might be shocked or even upset but I thought something comedic might be in order," Vick stared at him.

"Like what?"

"Like.." He held up the cover, "Madea Goes to Jail?"

He waited for her reaction, "Okay, why not? Variety is the spice of life right?"

Henry was thrilled she didn't roll her eyes or berate him in fact, he was almost frightened with her non reaction but popped the DVD in and pushed play. They laughed at the very funny parts but this movie was not only hilarious but had a great message behind it as well. When it was over, Vicki's cheeks and side hurt from laughing so hard.

"Henry, that was a great movie, "she wiped the remaining tears of laughter from her eyes.

"I agree, I think the message that went behind it was great as well, don't you?"

Vicki turned to face him,"I do. The thought that he loved her all this time and still accepted her after what she had become, he stood by her and helped her, that was intense."

Henry said, "hmmm.." and played with a strand of her hair. Vicki suddenly realized that the movie somewhat mimicked their situation and wondered if that was Henry's intention. Although she was not a hooker or drug addict, she did have commitment issues and still, Henry was here, trying to let him love her and being patient in the process.

Vicki stifled a yawn then asked, "How long until dawn?"

"Three hours and forty two minutes," he responded. Their legs touched and his finger was still twirling her hair.

"Wow, you've got that down to the minute," she teased.

"It's a little necessary for sustaining my life, are you ready to go home?" he said noting she'd yawned slightly again and stretched.

"No..I was just wondering, that's all," she shrugged." Henry offered her another beer but she opted for a glass of ice water instead. After leaving to retrieve it, Vicki leaned over and took her boots off then put her feet up. Her feet were killing her and although she was tired, she was far from sleepy. Her body ached for him, the close proximity made it more noticeable but she was hoping he didn't sense it. When Henry returned, she started to swing her legs out to let him sit.

"No, stay there," Henry pulled her legs up and sat under them, "here, let me rub them for you."

That was innocent right? the words playing in her mind. Riiiight…