"She slapped you? I like her already!'"-Eric laughed heartily.
''Thanks, old friend. I'm deeply hurt!'"- I got infected by his good mood and laughed deeply. I went to the fridge and grabbed some blood banks. I haven't fed today and weakness was starting to take over my body. I poured the blood and gave one glass to my maker. Eric grimaced- he preferred to feed from humans and even chose carefully the donors: health, physical appearance and nationality.
""I never understood why you prefer to torture yourself with this. You are missing the thrill of the chase, the warmth of the body. That can't be replaced.""- he took a sip and grimaced again.-''or it because of that girl, young Victoria…'"
""Careful, old man.""- I said and looked into my maker's eyes warningly.-'"She has no role in my decision and I would prefer if you …''
'"My, my, you are like a roaring dragon when it comes to her. Don't worry, dear friend.""-Eric put up his hands to calm me down.-'"As long as the little miss makes you happy, I have no problem with her. In fact, everywoman able to slap James Morgan and leave him speechless deserves my admiration.''
'"Thanks again for taking my side.""- I have forgiven Eric. The sweet blood took its effect and my thoughts cleared.
'"Always, dear boy."'-Eric winked at me.-""Actually, I came here to warn you, James and I'm afraid it involves your Victoria.''
My body stiffened and I gave him a dark look.-"'what are you talking about?''
Eric Thornton sighed and put the half-empty glass on the table.-"'Laura Bianci.''
The name caused memories to flow before my eyes. Nights of passion with the dark-haired vampire that reached theirs ugly end when Laura killed 20 people on the street because I left her. When I first met signora Bianci,I thought that meaningless flirts and intercourses were the cure for the emptiness in my heart. Laura was a true seductress and I couldn't resist her. We had a good time but then she became possessive and crazy. I ended ties with her but then she decided to slaughter those innocent people in Pisa. I ran a hand over my tired eyes.
""But Laura….I was too late, she had escaped Europe and I lost track on her whereabouts. I saw her again only for a brief moment at a party for New Year's Eve in Lisbon."'- Fear changed my features and Eric squeezed my hand. When that evil demon had walked with her cat-like presence and whispered into my ear that if I don't dance with her, people will die. I refused to believe her but right before my eyes a young woman stabbed herself in the leg looking drugged. Another man broke a bottle and put it against his throat. That snake had compelled everyone. I rushed at her and threw her on the ground.'"I like you on top of me, darling!-she purred.-You see what happens when you reject me. Be a good boy and dance with me or in after 10 minutes this whole place will be a blood bath.'' I had looked disgusted at my ex-lover and gave her what she wanted. I was restraining myself from breaking her neck but that may endanger all these innocent souls around me. Laura was grinding against my body and placing kisses on my neck. Suddenly she gave a irritated cry and fled my arms. I looked around and saw my maker-Eric was the only one Laura feared, he was older and more powerful than her. We tried to find her but she had disappeared and we had no other option than return to the party, heal and compel the guests. That happened 3 years ago. Victoria mentioned Laura when she yelled at me. My angel must have seen a picture of us dancing and thought that I might feel anything for that demon.
'"I know, dear boy. I had men searching for Laura Bianci and she knows about the little miss. I've come to help you protect her and end this poisonous woman once and for all.'"- The chilling fear of that demon near Vicky made me see red. I won't lose my light to this serpent and she won't hurt another poor soul.
# # #
The music in the club was intoxicating or maybe I had too much to drink. Michael and I were dancing, laughing and I could pretend that my life is normal. That there wasn't a man, who could make my knees weak just by hearing his voice…..
We said our goodbyes with Amanda and the rest of the gang. Michael was about to call for a taxi, when someone behind us purred:
""You won't be needing this ride."- My fogged mind distinguished two figures –one male and one female. They approached us and one of them grabbed Michael. The woman stood in front of me and lifted my chin with a finger.
"'So you are the chosen one, right? What does my prince see in you?'"- I tried to find my voice but it was stuck in my throat. I recognized the woman before me-Laura Bianci, one of James's old flames. How does know about me and what she wants? I let a surprised cry when she pulled my hair hard ,tears were starting to form, All my efforts to free were greeted with firmer grip and wicked smile.""Stop struggling!""- she slapped me with venom and tuned me around to face Michael who was fighting also.-""After Sebastian finishes with the pretty boy here, I will dry you up and throw your lifeless body at James's doorstep!''.Laura force my head towards Michael as the guy, Sebastian, sunked his fangs into his neck and my boyfriend gave a pained cry. Tears were running down my cheeks, my voice hoarse from screaming when I was helpless to aid the boy a care about.
