"No… please, you can't let— I-I-I…" But I fear, no sooner had I spoken these words, the life evaporated from the body lain on my lap. I hadn't the chance to explain everything, and now… I never would… Unless… I grabbed a bloodied stake from the floor and clutched it tight. It hovered momentarily across from my heart in my shaking hands. Strong and swift, I made the plunge.
Sweat dripped down my face. I sprung from the bed; my breathing reaching an uncontrollable rate. I stood there at the edge, clutching my chest. As I continued trying to bring my breathing back down to a normal pace, I exited the room. I sprinted down the hallway. Tom sat in the sitting room, now looking very bewildered and confused.
"Is everything alright?" he asked calmly. Since when was he one to care so much? He held a glass of rodent claret in his left hand. I nodded and cleared my thoughts as best as I could. I didn't want him to read them. The outcome would be disastrous. "I sense there is something troubling you, my dear. You cannot mask it forever," I knew this was true.
"Where's …"
"William? Not sure … It's just you and me for a little while I suppose!" I wasn't sure I entirely believe him. I had a feeling that he knew exactly where he was but elected to keep this information from me, so he could better take advantage of our time alone together. Tom's lips curled into a smile. Oh great! Just what I need right no, more temptation. "Is that what I am to you, Tarra?? Temptation? Or is there more to this little puzzle?" Tom motioned me over. Not with his voice. No gestures of his hand. No. Just a simple look. It beckoned me over, and I gave in almost too easily.
I sat next to him on the concrete-hard sofa. He did nothing. No stolen kisses. No sign of bared fans, or the intent that he was about to. No … Not yet. My lips were dry; I moistened them once over. As I opened my mouth, I felt my bottom lip crack down the middle. They were dry and brittle. I could taste my blood as it flowed carefully, over my gums.
I pushed closer to Tom. He met me halfway, and locked his lips on mine. Dead bolted. Combination lock. No key. The kiss was deep. Real deep. Tom did the unexpected and pulled away slowly. We were no longer bonded together, but it felt if we were, for he was very close. I watched as he pushed his tongue through the opening he'd left from his parted lips. Our persons connected again as he licked the blood from my lip – His tongue, lingering on the wound. Soon he pulled back and stood up.
"I should see who's at the door," he said quietly. Hmm, that's funny. I hadn't even heard anything. I followed him to the entrance hall. As Tom's body soon came back to view, I could see another being had entered the chamber. He stood tall, at what looked like six feet. A thin layer of peach fuzz trailed around his jaw, and ended in a patch above his upper lip.
Although I was sure we had never met, his face stood out in my mind.
"Father!?" That jaw. Those piercing eyes. That smile. It was now clear to me that this pair, more than obviously, was father-and-son. The man clamped Tom hard on the back and hugged him tightly.
"William! So good to see you!" he answered, pushing away from Tom and showing himself into the rest of the cavern. Tom glared at him – His eyes, shift.
William? Why'd he call you, 'William'?? Wait … I thought your father was dead.
He is! That's most defiantly not my father. But I think I have an idea of what it might be. I've much experience with these creatures, and if I'm not mistaken, that is a Fitilos Goblin. They're masters of disguise and shape shifting. Hah, … See that? See the nubby tail? Tom pointed over at his 'father'. His back was to us. Sure enough, a small stub poked out through a tiny hole in his trousers. A hole, hr most assuredly, did not expect would be noticed. Fortunately … Tom continued, …for he is a Goblin – He cannot read our thoughts. Stupid creatures. This breed is actually quite rare too. I wiped out a whole mass of these monsters when I was a child …hmm…around eighty or so years old.
Eighty!! That's a child? Tom ignored this and continued transporting his message through Tarra's temple.
I'll send this one down to meet his relatives. I'm sure they've missed him dearly.
Tom side-stepped past me and scanned the room for the man who claimed to be his father. I wasn't normally one to encourage this type of behavior, but at the moment, I wanted to rip his head off just as much as Tom did. I helped Tom in his search for the demon, finding him prying through stacks of dusty books that were placed messily about a small table.
He didn't seem to notice me, as he was quite determined on finding what he sought. I brought this to Tom's attention and called him over to the scene. Tom! Over here. I focused my energy in making my thoughts as clear as possible. Tom soon hovered next to the man (…er..Goblin), with clenched fists.
"Ahh.. William… I was just …" Tom grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and hoisted him high in the air.
"Slepps fo koob srehtom ymm!!" The language he spoke was unknown to me. This would be the time I'd look to William for a translation, but he'd still not returned. "!? … Ty t'nsii roff ereh ruoyy taheh shtaht!! Taheh shtaht!!" Tom was screaming now, at the top of his lungs. "My father despised that weakling! My younger brother, William! He could have never mistaken me for the likes of him," I backed into a corner to shield myself. Peering around the wall, I continued to watch.
Though I could understand him now, I couldn't help but wonder what he had said earlier. It was not a language I had ever heard uttered before. I'm sure it'll all be explained soon! Just like Tom said. I snapped back from then to now, realizing I was going off again. Tom still held firm grip on the goblin, his fangs bared. I was surprised he hadn't done anything yet.
Ahh … I remember reading something about Goblins. In one of the many books that lined the shelves of this horrid dungeon. Vampire bites were lethal. No one who's been bitten has avoided the effects. Unfortunately, so it was true for Goblin Blood. Mixing the two liquids, — Blood running through that of a vampire and then that of a Goblin, – would leave the attacker and attack-ee with a most fatal outcome. I couldn't let him do this. I as sure he knew of what would happen. Either he already knew, or he didn't care.
"Wait! Let me …" What am I doing?
Saving Tom that's what!!
Tom spoke a few words, and the struggling goblin fell still in his hands. He then set him down on the cold, hard floor and took a step back to watch me at work. I took his place before the demon, placing both hands on his cheeks, I closed my eyes. Now…to expose this thing for what he really is.
A familiar surge of power exited from my body, out through my hands. I opened my eyes. The most hideous face stared back at me. Definitely no resemblance now. The Goblin's true form had been revealed.
His skin was black and rigid, all over his body; His hands, thorny and shriveled, just as the flesh draped over the two twig-like legs beneath him. I was starting to wish I hadn't stepped in and just left Tom to do his worst. I had every intention to use the art of seduction to distract him. But now, seeing what stared back at me now… I struggled to search my brain for another alternative. (Eh.. call me shallow). Tom you owe me big!
I danced my way around the unsightly beast, doing what I do best. Then, when I had him distracted, I now could make my move. I slinked my arms around his neck. My skin crawled, and I fought the need to recoil, as my hand brushed against the rough texture. He flinched, but didn't move, as if hoping I'd make my next move instead of dreading it. Uhh … Men! What pigs. No matter what the species! He obviously had different ideas for what I was about to do.
He looked over at me. I smiled back – Continuing to play alone. My hands rested over his shoulders, hanging down and around his chin. Then, without warning, I clasped them tightly around his neck and squeezed. As I did so I could feel Tom's eyes on me. I had almost forgotten he was there. As if unsheathing a small pocket knife, I protacted my talons. With one abrupt movement, one swipe, I could feel a warm liquid running down my fingers. The head dangled down onto my palms, no longer being supported that well, due to the severed neck.
"Hmmm … Wow Tarra! Impressive, Very Impressive!" Tom was leaning on the wall across from me.
"Ya thanks, Now can you help me out with this?" I pleaded. The weight of the goblin was now crushing me against eh wall. Tom smiled and rushed to my aid. Now that I was free, I couldn't help but to examine. My hands were covered in a honey-golden yellow fluid. Was this what I thought it was?
I took a small inconspicuous whiff. Yup. That's it alright. As if on cue, my stomach let out a loud grumbling sound. I hadn't eaten for a good … Uhm … thirty-two minutes. I'm due for another little snack. I should say. The idea of eating something that came out of a disgusting thing like that …didn't entirely thrill me, but …
I looked around the room carefully. Tom must've still be disposing of my kill. I brought my fingers to my lips. The heavy aroma found its way into my nostrils. Just one taste. That's all. One little taste. What could happen?
"Tarra, NO!" Tom had returned. But he was too late in his attempts to stop me from ingesting the warm yellow liquid. I removed a saliva coated finger from my mouth. I hadn't tasted anything like it. It's goodness even far surpassed that which was held in Tom's blood. So good! More! I WANT more!
I bent down to the pool beneath me and reached out to re-coat my now dry hand with the sticky substance. Tom stopped me this time, yanking me up by my wrist. He kissed me deeply, using his tongue to search around for any trace of the blood I may have left behind. There was none. I was becoming annoyed and pushed him from me.
"Get your own! I screamed. Pfht! Ya that's right. Stay away. You should know better than to mess with me.
"Tarra…. Why did you drink it! Do you have any idea how much you've worsened your condition. Why would you do that, Tarra? Why?" Tom screamed loudly in my face.
"Mmm… your really … Sexy, when you're angry!" I teased, leaning in for a kiss. I could tell Tom was trying to resist the urge. Seeing my lips, – soaked in his blood, – waiting to be enslaved by his own. But, he triumphed in his attempts to recede from my advances.
"No Tarra, don't. Do not tempt me. You're not yourself. When you are, I'll explain everything," Tom turned away and left. Alone again. I went to supervene, but as I reached the door, my face met the wood and a click of a lock was heard. So that's how things are gunna be then, eh? I turned away from the door and contemplated my next move.
The window!!
I downed, what seemed like my sixtieth shot. The strong alcohol stung my throat as it trailed down in a heavy stream. It didn't hold the same form of liquid relief as blood normally would have, but it quenched my thirst none the less. '
I scanned around the dark room, maneuvering my vision around the many dancing forms. The only light came from the tiny multi-coloured floodlights trailing down the middle of the ceiling. I nestled myself into the darkest corner with a glass in my hand, and a look of pure determination in my eye. So, Tomas had denied me. It didn't matter. I can find sustenance from another.
I sat there alone, quietly, glaring at everyone who dared pass. I looked down at the glass enclosed in my hand. I swirled the contents around the bottom before draining it in one gulp. I stood up and began to make my way over to the bar. The club was more crowed than ever. I pushed my way through the mob of drunken men, ignoring the stares and whistles, and seated myself on the bar-stool by the counter.
"Coke 'n Rum, please," I planned on keeping it light tonight. The man nodded, and turned to pull a fresh glass from the shelf behind him. I slid my empty glass along in front of me, back and forth in my hands.
"Make that two!" I looked up from my game to see that a young man now occupied my left. He had long curly blonde hair, a chiseled jaw, and a goatee. A pair of dark sun-glasses framed his eyes. I watched as he pulled out a small box, sliding a cigg from the end. I continued to stare unaware.
"Rezzai… My name's Rezzai.You?" He looked over at me, and stared deep into my eyes. His glare was intense, but I found it nearly impossible to look away. Tarra, my name's Tarra! My mind was racing; I couldn't find the words to speak. "Tarra … is it? Beautiful! Very beautiful …" I could feel his gaze burning through me as he gave me the once over. I sat there with a shocked expression on my face. How … Wha .. How?? How did he read my— Oh .. Oh my god… He's one of …'them'! I knew he could hear me, but my last thought seemed to be ignored, as he finished his sentence. "…and I'm not just referring to your name,"
He grinned and nodded to the man before him, who until now, I hadn't noticed had re-appeared with two glasses in hand. He slid them across, full to the brim with a dark bubbly liquid. Rezzai smirked and pulled two twenty dollar bills from his wallet and handed them to the man.
"Oh…I …I…I assure you, I can handle paying for my own –" He shook his head.
"Don't worry about it. A pretty lady like yourself shouldn't half to pay for anything. It's on me," he answered, pushing a glass closer to me. You've no idea how corny that was. I giggled, then grabbed it. I slurped up the thick layer of foam that lay on top, my eyes never leaving his.
He broke the connection and stared down at my collar bone. The flesh was still slightly pink from where Tom had attacked it earlier. He licked his lips.
So … are you …Vampira? I nodded, finding no other way to respond to his question. Is there another you seek?? Or, on you wish would … seek you? When this foreign message entered my mind, I knew he was referring to my relationship status. Well … I'm not entirely sure. Am I? Tomas ; William? No!! Of course not. Just pure fun. Yes, yes … it was all just in fun. At least, just to satisfy my cravings.
"No!" I collected everything together in one spoken word. He smiled and polished off the last in his glass, then leaned over the counter; his elbows firmly planted parallel to the other, and his hands holding his head. Instinctively, I reached over and brushed a stray curl from his forehead, allowing my finger to linger by a small slice above his left eye. I ran my finger over it gently. "How'd this happen?" I spoke quietly. He looked up slowly and stared off at something in the distance. My eyes tried to follow his gaze, landing on a man. He was surrounded by women.
"I ran into an old friend of mine. Let's just say, he wasn't too fond of our past relationship together," he nodded to the man in the core of the throng. He wore a black hat with streaks of white and a strange symbol in the center. Beneath the cap; a black sweat band nearly blending in with it. His dread-locked hair cascaded over his shoulders and down his back, stopping just a few inches beneath the blades.
I watch as another girl came up behind him and began to gently massage his neck. He turned at her touch, providing me with a better look. Tomas!! I looked down at my watch. Almost midnight! Time to do what I came here to do. But where do I start.
I peered around the room, in search of my next meal. Nope! Too small. I could get more blood from a mosquito. Hmmm...nah. Nope! No way. HECK NO!! Rezzai laughed loudly as I judged people heartlessly. I shot him an evil glare. What!? The corners of his mouth tugged up into a smile. Eh …he'll do.
"Come here," I grabbed his hand tightly and pulled him from his seat. We weaved through and about the hoards of people, beyond the crowded dance floor, past the dreadlocked boy...
"Tarra?"
I felt no pain anymore, and on the verge of blacking out, but …couldn't. The blood continued to layer itself down over my chest as I was feasted on. We stood in a corner, behind the club. People rarely came back here, and if they did, anything they were to see, would hardly hold true by morning, given their drunken states.
My talons dug in deep, as Rez pulled me in closer. Aside from the sharp shock every now and again, I hardly felt a thing. Maybe that was it. The pain was so electrifyingly excruciating, that it had blocked out everything completely.
As my new friend gnawed at the nape of my neck, I paused a moment, ceasing movement and the massive clawing motions I made over his upper back. I noticed another pair, possibly even closer in their embrace then we.
The maiden sprawled over the man, and he, enjoying the blood that poured from various spots on her flesh. Flipping over, she was soon pressed snuggly against the wall. Her fire-red hair fell over her face, leaving me with the impossible task of trying to catch a glimpse of who she was through it, as I was being bitten myself. Her partner wore a long black coat, and hair, was of similar length as the maiden.
"Something the matter?" I hadn't even noticed that Rez had stopped. I suppose I'm just nosy. I turned my attention back to Rez.
"Oh, Uhm…no. I was just – Uhh never mind," He gave a momentary smile and returned to collect more blood. I flinched slightly as his smooth fangs entered me once more. With ever jolt, I grasped the wire fence harder. Rezzai's shirt, at the collar, was bloody and torn. I knew this was my doing.
I ran my fingers over the puncture wounds on his shoulder blade. I began to think of Tomas. William. My feelings for them were strong. Or was it my desire to taste the sweet, succulent'ness of their vital fluids that drew me to them so much. This was so confusing. The hard part about it was I would have to make a decision sooner or later.
The blood had started to flow again, from the wounds I had made, catching my attention. I placed my mouth over the opening, acting like a cork in a wine bottle.
"I really should go," I spoke up after my final snack. Rez groaned, forcing himself to cut his dinner short.
"Tarra…" he moaned.
"No ...Not Tarra…" I licked the excess from my lips. "Evvalayne. Call me, Evvalayne…. Tarra is no more,"
"Tom? Hey… Wow. Isn't this a pleasant surprise," I looked over as Tom sat down on the bar-stool next to me; Rez, still continuing to nibble at my neck, leaving small red marks in a trail down the side.
Tom looked over at me and sat quietly. The look he gave me was that of discomfort, anger and jealousy all rolled into one. Hah! I smiled brightly at him and moved my hair out of the way to clear Rezzai's path.
"How long have you been here?" Tom continued to glare, at both me, and this mystery man he'd not yet met. "Who is this?" He nodded to Rez. I released a small giggle, Rez tickled my neck with his tongue. I lifted him from me and whispered a few words in his ear and he left without a word, grinning.
"His name is Rezzai. I just met him .. Ohh .. not but, thirty-five minutes ago I should say," I answered politely, rubbing at my swollen neck. "I got here only a few minutes before that," Tom frowned and swung his legs around to the side of the bar-stool so he now sat facing me. His look of jealously translated to utter adorable'ness as he tried to make clear how upset he was. He had every right to be, I know. But, so did I. Not that long ago I had seen him getting rather friendly with a few other women as well. It was only fair that I get to have some fun as well.
"Is he…"
"A vampire? Yes, yes he is." I lifted the hair from my neck and allowed Tom a better gander at the grooves that decorated it. Tom was starting to turn red. I was quite happy I was having this effect on him. Now he knew what this felt like, having it never happen to him before. But honestly, I was rather scared of what he might do once he blew his top.
"Alright … never mind that. How are you feeling?" He's doing it again! He's being nice to me! Must be the Kialbay! I re-adjusted myself in my seat and turned to my side.
"I dunno' what was wrong with you. I'm completely fine. That blood did nothing to me. I'm still living, breathing, aren't I? Quit your worrying," I swung down from the high stool barely sticking my landing and pranced off into the crowd. Tom followed me. You never give up do you!
"Tarra, listen to me… Th—" I continued to walk onward, trying to ignore his cries. The ladies room was no more than a foot a way. There's somewhere I can go without being followed by this twit. "Tarra!!" No, no, no! Not Tarra anymore, Not Tarra…
"Evvalayne! Call me Evvalayne," Every Vampira needs a cover. Reaching the bathroom, Tomas still hot on my tail I pushed my way through, not bothering to hold the door. I stopped for a moment to catch my breath and then walked over to the mirror that beckoned me from ahead. I slammed my purse down on the counter and began to rifle through it. Finding what I was looking for I pulled out a small, cylindrical tube of transparent gloss and re-coated my lips.
"Tar— I mean … Alayne, please listen to me. I want to help you. I can't do that unless you stop trying to escape me and just listen. I only need a few minutes of your time," Tom had followed me; into the ladies room. Was there no evading this guy!? Wait, wait, wait, wait … 'HELP'? I threw my gloss back into my purse and pivoted on the spot to face him.
"You want to HELP me!? Oh please Tomas! You know as much as I do that that's a full out lie! WHY would you help me! Let's not forget how I got into this mess. How I became this way. I once had a some-what normal life and who took that away from me… Who Tomas!? … Ya, that's right, it was you!! To fulfill your own selfish needs,"
She's right Tom. You did this to her. It's all your fault. You ruined her life!! 'Shutup!' Tom battled with his conscience as it continued to wave the guilt card around in front of him. He watched in silence as Tarra (Evvalayne) applied a thick streak of black liner around each eye and powder to her face. She then shoved everything back in her purse and headed towards Tom. She stopped, and seemed to be looking through him. Her glare burned and she continued to chuck daggers at him with the harshness of her stare.
After about a moment of silence, and awkward looks, Tarra passed him by and left the room, leaving Tom to his thoughts.
A drink was what I needed right now. Just one ( to calm me down) then its back to work. I seated myself again before the counter, beside a dozing old man, and another fellow bar wench (who appeared to be on her break), comfortably seated atop another mans lap, nibbling on his ear, and holding a small glass in her unoccupied hand. I shot a glace behind the counter and prepared to order. A woman now stood there. She had long brown hair; Two strands hung on either side of her face, while the rest was tied messily in a pony-tail high up on her head. Something about her seemed … seemed … disturbingly …familiar. I turned in my seat to watch her work, ignoring everyone around me.
"Hey Amber, Fill 'er up for me?" a man shouted over the music from the far end of the counter. Oh my …Perhaps I hadn't realized that this was my best friend standing right here in front of me because of the drastic change in her looks. Or maybe … I really was losing all ties to reality.
"Of course, sweet'art. Just gimmie a moment to deal with these other custom— … Tarra?! What are you doing here?" Yup! Sure enough, it was Amber. MY Amber! She set down the glass she had been polishing and tossed a dingy cloth next to it.
"I work here!" I responded dully. My job here was not the most glamorous of jobs, and even in here I didn't want it showcased.
"Here!? At the bar? Do you have a later shift?" I shook my head, leaving her to her wild guesses. She assumed I worked at the bar too. Well … no, not exactly. "Do you … Wait … you don't …uhh.." she motioned towards the platform behind me, where a young blonde was entwined 'round a pole before a crowd of drunken men. Bingo! I nodded. "Oh god, Tarra … no! " She handed me a full glass and turned back to me.
"Why are you working here exactly?" I tried to change the subject.
"Well .. since you've stopped showing up for work …Your daddy's stopped wiring the dough. That money went towards the bills and what not. With you not there, I need to find some way to come up with the cash," She handed handed the man his drink before continuing on with the conversation. "So … Who is that? Do you know her?" She noted the blonde once more. So I've become the very woman I vowed never to become. But it didn't mean I hung out with the lot. Though this one in particular I happened to know.
"Met her once or twice backstage. Her names Jessie I believe … er …'Flossi' as the gentleman like to call her.
"Hmm ... I wonder why they call her that?" the sarcasm dripped from her words. We both broke out in hysterics. I looked up at the large analog clock above and took another sip of my drink before passing it back to Amber.
"Alright …I gotta' get ready," I stood up fast. Amber eyed my scantily clad outfit.
"Aww, no, stay and talk with me for a bit longer. Aren't you already ready?" I smiled.
"Nope," I shook my head from side to side, 'This is just the uniform,"
"What's the point of putting on more clothes if your just gunna' take em off again," Amber glared at me, and propped herself up on her elbows. I smirked.
"Well hey … I get paid for it!"
I rang my hair out carefully in the empty powder room. The show had long since ended and I elected to stay back and clean off. I hadn't stepped foot in my house for weeks; avoiding any extra contact with Amber than I had to, thus making me pretty rank.
I quickly hosed down the shower cubicle and stepped out cautiously. Everyone had left. The clock on the wall read 3:29 AM. Had I really been here that long? I hadn't even noticed. I suppose it'd be wise to leave now, while I still have the shield of darkness to protect me.
I wrapped a fuzzy grey towel around my body and combed the last of the tangles from my pin-straight, blueberry-black hair, standing there but a moment to look at myself in the mirror. For once, I actually miss being blonde. I miss me!
Pulling on a large black sweater from my bag, over my bare skin, slipping on my jeans and shoving my feet into my shoes, I scurried out of the room. The dance floor was empty. Even the janitor had gone and there was at least another eighteen hours before he would return. This was the only time I had alone anymore. During work hours I was always being hoarded by my boss or customers who just wanted to get some. Back at the cavern, Tom seemed to be keeping a dangerously close watch on me lately.
Today being Saturday, I was free to do as I pleased while some other skank took my place at the club. I rolled over on my stomach and struggled to regain my full consciousness. The room was dark and cold. The windows were boarded; Tarps nailed around the thin frames. This made it hard to tell whether it was night or day.
2 weeks. 14 days. That was how long I'd been here. Fortunately, I was able to curb my cravings. Keeping from the public streets, I found my relief from Tom. No one else. No other would do.
Day 15. Where was he? I hadn't a need to worry, but all the same ... I did. I hadn't seen Bill for days. Where was he? Did Tom have something to do with his mysterious disappearance?
I lifted myself from the bed, creating light creases in the sheets as I moved. I crept slowly down the long corridor, separating me from the grand sitting room connected to it. Light peaked from the holes in the tarps. Being born human I was less affected by the rays. They'd be painful, yes, but not quite deadly. Tomas however, born fully into the being of a bloodsucker, would hardly make it through the excruciating pain.
Now was the perfect time to escape here. Not for long, just for the time it'd take to receive a little snackage. I reached the room where I spent many-a-night in (before I was introduced to proper sleeping quarters). Okay, there's the door, I'm just gunna' grab my things and be off. Well, actually, I hadn't managed to bring anything. My main focus was keeping myself from Amber. Alright then, new plan.
I headed towards the door, stopping just before it. I turned my head slowly. There it was, the forbidden gown. And next to it, lay Tomas, in a deep sleep. I changed course and reached a new destination opposite the one I had planned on. I seated myself next to him. The coach felt harder than I remembered it; Tom didn't even flinch as I sat upon it.
I drank in the sight before me. What was generally a man of terror, now, asleep and practically defenseless, was the most precious of sights. His long hair flowed down over his face like water from a steady flowing fountain. I reached out and brushed a stray dread from where it lay across his face. His skin was smooth to the touch, but cold as well; Both sent a shivering sensation down my spine. Wow! He's gorgeous! I knew he was, so this was nothing new. But seeing him here, now, like this, showed me the better side of him.
No anger, suffocating his other emotions, those of which I knew were buried somewhere inside of him. His face was calm. How could something so breath-taking, cause so much grief. Hey! No! Tarra …. Stop. You're falling right into his trap …. Again.
For some reason I kept staring. One arm was flung over the side, and the other, clasped a small yellowed piece of paper. I cocked my head and leaned in closer to better see it. In tiny scribbled letters, read : Evvalayne. Ah yes, I told him to call me that.
Slipping my fingers into his, I pulled the note from his fingers and opened it up. WHAT?! Are you sure? I dropped the paper onto the table and stoof up. I snatched up the dress in my hands, polishing every inch with my eyes. Did he really want me to … to –
Before he could wake, I grabbed the dress and flew out the door, leaving the note on the table.
'Its yours now.
Take care of it'
After all this time, here he was. Sitting here before me. His face framed with scratches and scrapes, and a long gash down his arm. Where had he been all this time? I couldn't help but wonder, but I didn't ask. I winced as the lights continued to circle behind me, hitting my back in waves.
However, I didn't move, continuing to block him from the rays that the shadow didn't. For the most part, I kept my eyes on everyone BUT Bill. Suddenly his voice jolted me back to what was here in front of me.
"So, how's my brother been treating you?" he spoke as if there was absolutely nothing wrong. As if he'd only been gone a few hours.
"Oh … Tomas… Uhm he's been a real … 'gentleman'," I lied, glaring at him angrily.
"Tom? A gentleman? Right!" His eyes disconnected from mine as he looked upwards. The absence of the annoyingly bright club lights on my back told me that someone was behind me.
"William!" came a high-pitched voice. So you've taken your brother's lead and switched to the 'bimbo' variety too, eh? He nodded, giving her the 'okay' to proceed. She positioned herself comfortably on his lap, and sliced through his hair with her long fingers, playing with it gently; Each strand flying back into place as it slipped through her digits.
"Its Chilah. Chilah Shloymal," I was staring. The young woman kick-started the conversation with an introduction. She held out her hand. "…and my daddy owns this club!" she continued. I took her hand and shook it lightly as to not be rude by ignoring it. Unfortunately, my efforts of not appearing so fell short – I let go quickly as if she had some sort of disease. Phft. Judging by her appearance, she did look like she got around.
Knee-high white leather boots, a mini skirt made of identical material, long shoulder length hair and a piece of fabric that hardly could be called a shirt.
"Tarr— Evvalayne Swvail … and should I care?" She shot back another look of pure hatred. I smirked. To my delight he did too. This made me smile even wider. I grabbed the class before Bill, assuming it was his, and brought it to my lips. I took a big swig, leaving the once full glass, near empty. Blech…vodka. I hated the stuff. I wasn't sure how Bill could endure its gag-worthy taste either. Blood is what I wanted. But since I couldn't very well jump up and sink my teeth into he ditzy girl sitting before me, I'd have to settle for this.
"…I'm going back to the house …," Chilah stood up and turned to the door. The liquid in the jealousy cup was almost to the brim. I fidgeted uncomfortably in my chair. "Coming?" I watched in saw as Bill's beautiful brown turned underworld red. He smiled and got up from his seat, looking back but once and then … was gone. He left so fast, my brain hadn't the time to process what I just saw. No, no, it was not the sight of Bill with a girl that set me off, it was … his lips.
In the shine of the disco style lighting from above, I could have sworn I saw, on his lower lip, in the corner – A glint of silver.
A thump on the veranda told me someone was here. I rushed to the source of commotion only to find nothing there but a black cat. Its fur, dusted with white. It reminded me of William. I bent down to pet it but it hissed loudly at me, so I retracted.
Tom! TOM! I know you're here! I snapped back from my momentary distraction and continued my search. TOMAS! I know you can hear me. I turned around just as his familiar form stepped out into the moonlight.
"Your thoughts are powered by anger, my dearest … Something the matter?" he grinned. One of those grins that clearly told me he knew exactly why I was in this furious state. A towel was wrapped snuggly around his waist, leaving his upper half somewhat exposed. A scarlet robe covered the remainder of his body: his back, his arms … It wasn't tied. He'd found yet another weakness in me. He knew exactly the effect his body had on me; the effect he himself had on me.
"Where were you tonight!" I demand to know. Something just wasn't right.
"Feeding … down there … by the lake," he pointed out the window at the body of water he'd mentioned. "I found quite the catch today," I wasn't at all convinced, nor did I believe his story.
"When'd you get back?" I threw out another question. As I waited for an answer, I eyed the ring on his lip suspiciously. Apparently losing interest I was pushed by my inner being to look elsewhere. The shine of his skin. The drops that snuck down his chest, morphing into a light trickle, melting into his nice … toned … abs.
"Enjoying the view are we?" he laughed. He knew I wanted him. But he'd always have no idea just how much. He took a step closer. I wasn't sure how much blood I could afford to lose this night. I recognized this move as he first step to seducing me.
"Stay .. away… from me!" I screamed. I didn't mean to, but it kinda just slipped out. I lowered my gaze to his feet as I backed up towards the wall, my hand outstretched, hoping it'd stop him. My voice was shaky; Not from fearr, but anticipation. What I felt for this man far surpassed fear alone. I blame my feelings all on my new being. The new Tarra. I hit the wall behind me with a thud.
"W-where were y-you?" I repeated my earlier question. He reached up and attempted to twirl a lock of my hair 'round his finger. I slapped his hand away, but he was persistent, this time lifting his arm over my head and resting it over my shoulders. I didn't stop him this time.
"What do you mean where was I? I was with you the whole night," he smirked and angled his head slightly as he leaned closer. His lips tickeld my ear as he began to nibble gently. I smiled and captured his lips with my own, feeling around his body with my hands. I found his broad shoulders and hooked my thumbs beneath the neckline of the robe. It fell to the floor.