Chapter Ten

The next day, just before sunset, the switch flipped again and a low, steady hum buzzed in the back of my mind. It was quiet and not overpowering, but it was distinctly happy. I had just left my parents' house after taking the afternoon to enjoy a rare visit. They were happy I was doing well at my job but I made no mention, and they didn't ask, about how things were with my vampire boss. They pressed me to stay with them while I was in town, but I wasn't eager to pass up the luxurious accommodations Eric had provided in exchange for my childhood bedroom where I would be doing my own cooking, cleaning, and laundry. They understood and were even a bit impressed that I worked for a company that took such good care of me. I didn't explain that it probably wasn't so much the company as it was Eric doing the caring.

En route to the hotel, the happy hum turned sour and a few minutes later my cell rang. "Abby," Eric's voice was abrupt when I answered the phone. "I've got to go back to Shreveport tonight."

"Is something wrong?"

"Nothing you need to worry about. Pam is coming as well but I need you to stay here and take care of things."

I gulped. "Things" meant the business of opening a vampire nightclub. While I had lots of ideas for the bar, I certainly didn't feel confident enough to be handling the startup alone. "How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know yet. It's hard to tell." I could tell by more than just his tone that he was angry. But his voice softened as he said, "I'm sorry about this, Abby."

"No worries," I answered as confidently as I could. "I'll call if I run into any problems."

Eric was silent a moment. "I was looking forward to seeing you tonight."

I smiled. "I believe I had some words to eat?" He laughed and I could feel his warm, playful amusement. It made me happy to have lightened his mood, if only temporarily.

"In due time."

"It seems rather convenient that you have to leave town so suddenly," I teased. "Am I that intimidating?"

A growl reverberated through the phone, but it wasn't ferocious. "You're in for a rude awakening when I get back."

"I'm trembling."

Eric chuckled, but the next minute he was all business again. "I'm leaving some things in your room. Call if you have any questions. If you can't reach me, call Pam."

I frowned, worry seeding itself in my stomach. For once, I wished I did know a little more about the vampire community and Eric's role in it. "Be careful," I said concisely, uncomfortable with the new feeling.

"Always," and the call ended.

When I got to my room, there was a box of papers, binders, and files waiting for me on the desk. Its sheer size was daunting and as I flung my coat and purse on my bed, anxiety flooded my system. Seemingly in response, I felt a foreign wave of soothing calm wash over me. Although it was helpful, I wished I understood more about this strange connection between Eric and I, how it worked, and how long it would last.

Perusing all the paperwork made me feel a little better about the task ahead of me. Eric already had many things arranged, or at least in the process of being arranged. The budget was clearly laid out in a handy spreadsheet. He'd left the name of the contractor who'd be doing work on the building, and contact information for all the vendor reps. He'd already chosen a staffing agency to help bring in vampire-friendly employees and a graphic design firm to redo the logo and produce flyers and ads. Most of my work would be to make contact and set up contracts with these companies.

Over the next week, that's what I did. I threw myself into the job, keeping a pace that wouldn't allow me to dwell on the weight of the responsibility laid on my shoulders. It also allowed me to ignore Eric's silence. I hadn't heard from him since the night he left New Orleans and I could barely sense the quiet hum that was his presence in my mind. I couldn't decide whether I was grateful for that or not. While it was easy not to worry when I was occupied with meetings and planning details, those thoughts weren't so easy to ignore when I laid my head on my pillow at night.

It also didn't help that the erotic dreams I'd been having of my boss for months now intensified tenfold. When I did get to sleep, I would wake up drenched in sweat and writhing in my sheets. My libido had never been so active. I grew fed up with fighting the nagging thoughts and restless nights. I decided to use my free time after work to reconnect with some of my old friends in the city and hopefully tire myself to the point of exhaustion before I fell into bed.

I discovered that one of my closest high school friends had recently opened a bar with his partner in the Quarter, only a few blocks from the soon-to-be Fangtasia. I paid him a visit and was welcomed with open arms, so I developed the habit of stopping by the bar for a drink each night after work. It was on one such night, about two weeks after Eric's sudden departure, that his absence was explained.

It was early in the evening so the bar was nearly empty. I was enjoying a glass of white wine and chatting with Josh, the owner, as he cleaned and stocked up for the night. The newscaster's voice from the flat screen over the bar drew me out of my conversation.

"An update tonight on the three Shreveport teenagers, missing now for almost two weeks. One girl has resurfaced tonight, but with her appearance come more questions than answers. Here's Maureen McCalls with the story."

I motioned for Josh to turn up the TV, just as Maureen McCalls appeared on the screen, standing in front of the Shreveport Fangtasia. A crowd was gathered outside, carrying signs expounding all the usual anti-vampire rhetoric, and emblazoned with the emblem of the Fellowship of the Sun.

"Two weeks ago, teenagers Diana Foster, Marie Campbell, and Amy Twining disappeared. The three friends were last seen outside this vampire nightclub, where they were protesting on behalf of their church, the controversial Fellowship of the Sun."

My heart sank. I stared, unblinking, at the screen. How had I not known? Sure, I wasn't one to watch the news, but I certainly should have heard about this before now.

"Police had no leads on the whereabouts of the girls, until last night, when Diana Foster reappeared... as a vampire." They cut to a taped interview with Diana Foster's weeping parents.

"We prayed and prayed for God to send her back to us," Mrs. Foster said, "But we didn't think it would be like this!"

"We want some answers," Mr. Foster spoke up as his wife broke down. "We know we're being lied to."

Maureen McCalls appeared again on screen. "At a press conference earlier this evening, Miss Foster claimed that she and the other girls went to the popular vampire bar, Fangtasia, with the specific intent to be turned into vampires. Her request was granted and though she claims not to know the fate of her friends, she believes that they, too, got their wish."

A clip played of the girl, now a vampire, speaking at a podium surrounded by reporters. "We told our parents we were coming to demonstrate, but this was the plan all along," she stated.

A tall, blonde woman who I recognized as AVL spokeswoman Nan Flanagan stepped up to the podium. She introduced herself and said, "We at the AVL take incidents like this very seriously. We are conscious of the fact that although in the past, humans of all ages were turned freely, we now live in a society that recognizes the mental and physical limitations of the young. These girls should not have been permitted to undergo this transformation and we at the AVL are putting our full support behind the passing of Proposition 832, which will officially establish the legal age of consent on the federal level."

Cameras flashed and the crowd of eager reporters erupted with questions. "Ms. Flanagan, do you know for a fact that all three of the girls are now vampires and if so, why haven't the other two come forward?" one called out.

"All three were indeed turned, to the best of my knowledge," Ms. Flanagan replied. "I'm sure the other girls have their reasons for remaining private. The transition is a difficult one and Miss Foster was gracious in stepping forward to ease the fears of the families and the community. I hope everyone will respect her privacy at this time."

Back at Fangtasia, Maureen McCalls said, "Police say their investigation into the whereabouts of Marie Campbell and Amy Twining is still open. As of now, there are no charges pending in the Diana Foster case and we're told that the minor has filed for emancipation from her parents. This incident has aggravated the already high tensions between the local vampire and human communities. We're seeing an increasing number of protests and incidents of vandalism and violence. We'll bring you more as the story unfolds. For New Orleans News, this is Maureen McCalls."

Josh let out a low whistle. "That's some place you're working for."

I didn't have a reply, but gave him a dark look. I finished my wine in a hurry and put a bill down on the bar as usual, which he politely refused, as usual. In a daze, I walked back to the hotel, torn between anger, worry, and confusion. I was inclined to agree with the humans on this issue, something was seriously fishy about the situation. But could I bring myself to ask Eric point blank what had happened? Did I even really want to know?

I didn't have too much time to think it over though. When I opened the door to my hotel room, Eric was there, lounging languidly in the armchair, flipping through the club paperwork. I almost screamed when I saw him, but caught myself and only let out a strangled gasp.

"Jesus, Eric. Your phone broken?"

He only smiled and motioned to the stack of papers in his lap. "You fared well, all things considered. You've made more progress than I'd expected. How's construction going?"

"It's coming along," I said as I tiredly dropped my things onto the bed. "Maybe another week or so to go."

"Good." He nodded and studied me. "What's wrong?" he asked, laying the papers back on the desk and crossing the room to where I stood. I tensed involuntarily and he froze just before reaching me. I could feel his anger at my reaction. "This isn't quite the welcome I'd expected."

I glared at him. "I saw an interesting story on the news tonight."

Eric's icy eyes narrowed. "And you think me responsible?"

"I don't know what to think," I spat, shoving past him to put some space between us. "All I know is that apparently there's been a pretty big controversy brewing around Fangtasia and I haven't heard shit from you for two weeks." I wouldn't look at him as I explained myself, but my eyes snapped to his face when I felt his amusement. "What could possibly be funny?"

"What were you more upset by- that you didn't hear about Fangtasia or that you didn't hear from me?"

I gave him the coldest glare I could muster. "You also still owe me an explanation as to why the hell I can feel you inside my head." I tapped my temple for emphasis.

Moving too fast for my eyes to track, he appeared in front of me, so close my breasts brushed his chest. "You took my blood," he said simply. "We are connected now, stronger than before."

"Don't you think that's something you probably should have told me upfront?"

"Do you regret it?" he asked.

"I don't know yet," I replied honestly. "Is it permanent?" He nodded and nuzzled my neck, a deep sound, like a purr, rumbling in his chest. He was utterly content.

"Why?" I asked softly.

Eric's eyes met mine and his large hand brushed my cheek. "Because you're mine."

I didn't know what to make of that, but I knew whatever it meant, it made Eric immensely happy. I enjoyed the warm feeling for a moment, but there were pressing issues at hand. I shook my head clear and stepped away from him. "I need some answers, Eric. What's going on?"

He motioned for me to sit and I obeyed, perching on the edge of the bed. He remained standing though, and paced as he explained, in more detail than I'd expected, what had happened over the last two weeks and why. Eric, as I'd suspected, did hold a position of authority in the vampire community- a sheriff, to be specific, of a territory consisting of Northern Louisiana. In a play to bring down and displace Eric from this role, a vampire- a young and foolish one- had lured the three teenagers to Fangtasia with the intent to kill them all and leave Eric holding the bag. Representatives from the AVL caught wind of the plan and arrived in time to force the vampire to turn the last of the girls to be used as damage control. The young vampire met the true death, but the damage had been done.

"And that's why I need you to leave," Eric concluded.

I gaped at him. "Leave?"

"A lot of people are out for blood right now, Abby. Fangtasia's been attacked three times already. There've been incidents with the staff, too. The public doesn't know about Fangtasia, New Orleans yet, but once they do it will also be a target. It will all die down with enough time, but for now, I have to focus on getting the club up and running and I can't do that worrying about you."

I was mildly offended. He made me sound like a burden. "If you're so worried, why not just postpone the opening? Why take the risk?"

Eric frowned. "I won't allow them to hold my business hostage. Everything will go forward as planned. The only risk I'm not willing to take is you."

I sat in stunned silence. The foreign emotions coursing through my body came as a complete shock. Eric was invested in this, in us, when I'd thought we'd only just gotten started. I knew with certainty now that I was not a passing interest. I was his and I'd had no idea. The game was already in play and I was only just now taking the field.

"I don't understand any of this," I muttered.

Eric sat next to me, curling his long arms around me and pulling me to his chest. He traced the line of my shoulders and down my arms, taking my hands in his, and feeling the fine bones. "So fragile," he whispered with a tinge of regret in his voice. "But only on the outside."

"They're only human," I said, "I can take care of myself."

"I'm not risking it." The tone of his voice left no room for argument. He planted a kiss on my shoulder. "You don't have to go far. In fact," he kissed my neck, "I'd prefer you didn't." His lips brought shivers up my spine.

"I guess I could stay with my parents."

"They don't associate with anyone in the Fellowship?"

I shook my head. "No way."

Eric nodded thoughtfully. "It will be difficult to ravish you at your parents' house."

I laughed. "It will be impossible." I turned in his arms and crawled onto his lap, my skirt riding up my legs until the lacy tops of my thigh-highs showed. I could feel his hardness straining against his jeans. Instantly my body recalled all those nights, the tortuous dreams, waking up moaning and sweating. It ached for release. I wiggled anxiously on Eric's lap.

Sensing my arousal, and feeling it first hand, Eric snarled and flipped me onto my back. His fangs snapped into place as he positioned himself over me. I arched against him, tugging at the hem of his shirt, a pleading whine the only sound I could make. He growled and I was assaulted by his own lust, and profound regret.

He kissed me, hard, almost painfully. "I would like nothing more than to fuck you senseless right now," he growled, "but there isn't enough time to properly enjoy it. I have a meeting in half an hour."

"Plenty of time," I breathed and captured his lips, my hands running over the hard lines of muscle beneath his shirt.

"Minx." Eric nipped playfully at my lips. "No, I will not be rushed the first time I take you. I've waited this long; I can wait a bit longer."

I frowned, growing increasingly frustrated. "You may be able to," I hissed, digging my nails into his back, "but I can't." I took his hand, guiding it forcefully under my skirt, past my panties, to feel the hot wetness between my thighs. "Please," I whimpered. I didn't, couldn't, care how desperate I sounded. I'd endured weeks of unfulfilled arousal, dreams so vivid I questioned reality when I woke from them. It was too much to be this close, only to have him pull away.

Eric was torn. I could feel the battle waging beneath the surface of his pale skin. He looked at the clock on the bedside table and shook his head.

"Just be late," I urged, squirming against the hand that hadn't moved from between my legs.

"That's not an option tonight." He muttered a string of curses and shook his head. "But what sort of man could leave you like this?" With one quick motion, he tore my skirt from my body, taking my panties with it.

I grinned, triumphant, and he gave me his own devious smile as he drove one long finger inside me. I cried out, almost coming off the bed, and he laughed. Gently, he pushed me further back on the bed and settled between my legs. I moaned as his finger worked, stroking expertly, joined by another a moment later. My hips rocked with his steady rhythm and I felt myself getting even wetter.

Eric watched me writhe under him and his lust magnified my own. How he maintained his self control was beyond me. I was fargone, panting and moaning, and he was patient and focused. I gasped when he suddenly took away his wonderful fingers, but nearly screamed when he replaced them with his tongue. He lapped at my wetness and teased my clit and then the fingers were back. He licked me and stroked me, building a beautiful pressure.

My back arched and my hands tangled themselves in the blankets as I drew closer to release. The edges of my vision darkened, my pulse pounded in my ears, and I screamed his name as I came harder than I ever had before. Eric sucked my clit until the last wave of orgasm washed through me and I collapsed, breathless, on the bed.

"Better, lover?" he asked, hovering over me. I nodded and he kissed me. I tasted myself on his lips and moaned, grinding my hips against his. He growled and backed off the bed quickly. "I've got to go." It was a struggle for him to grind out the words.

I smiled to myself, giddy and enjoying having a bit of power over him for once. I rose to my feet and shed my blouse and bra. "I guess I'll just hop in the shower then. All alone..." I laughed as I looked back at him over my shoulder. His self control was wavering. In a breath he had me pinned against the wall, my legs hooked around his waist.

"You'll be my ruin," he snarled and kissed me ferociously, pressing his rigid cock against me.

There was a loud knock at the door and Eric groaned, resting his head in the crook of my neck. "That's Pam."

I placed a small, chaste kiss on his shoulder. "Go," I urged.

He gently set me on my feet and took my face in his hands. "Soon, lover," he said with a soft kiss. He pulled away reluctantly and I slipped on my robe as he shrugged into his leather coat, buttoning it over his obvious erection.

Eric shook his head as he reached the door and looked back at me a final time. "My ruin," he said with a laugh as he left.

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