Tina stood where Menchares had landed them, looking stunned. When Kira had said she was taking her with them to Menchares' co-ruler's holiday gathering, she had not expected to arrive in time to witness a snowball fight, of all things, especially with the original Dracula as one of the participants.
Tina hadn't been afraid, per se, but meeting so many undead people, including the said "Prince of Darkness," had wound a ball of nerves into her stomach on the flight. Yes, Menchares was kind, generous, and made Kira happier than Tina had ever seen her, but they were vampires. Coupled with Menchares' very serious warning that Tina must mention the child she would meet here to no one, ever, well. Nerves seemed justified.
Kira ran back over in a few minutes, snow on her coat and plastered over her hat and what hair wasn't bundled under it. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, this just wasn't what I expected."
Kira laughed. "I imagine not. Don't worry, you don't have to play if you don't want to."
Tina nodded. "Maybe another time."
"Kira, this must be Tina." A tall man and a dark haired woman approached. She was snow covered but he looked more wet than snowy.
"Yes. Tina, this is Vlad and Leila."
Don't say Dracula! Tina's inner voice screamed. Menchares had told her that he immensely disliked being called that. "Vlad," she said with a smile, holding out her hand.
He shook it briefly, watched as Leila extended hers, and then gestured towards the house. "Welcome to my home."
Behind him the snow fight was dwindling and the participants were heading towards the house. A tall man with finely sculpted features swung a child up onto himself piggy-back, and Tina guessed she was the one that needed to remain a secret.
Introductions were made all around once they reached the house, amongst laughing and foot stomping while the party of snow players devested themselves of their outerwear.
Mugs of cocoa appeared on a tray, with a quiet gesture at the decanter bottles should anyone care to strengthen their beverages. A few of the assembled indulged or even decided to forgo to the cocoa in favor of straight alcohol.
"Menchares tells me your cruise was canceled?" Bones asked after a period of silence.
"Yes. Norovirus, apparently. I'm kind of disappointed, I've always wanted to go on a cruise, but I want to not have Noro more. The ship is docked for an extended disinfection procedure."
"Wise. It wouldn't be good for you to get Noro," Menchares said. Kira nodded her agreement. Yes, Menchares' blood relieved the worst of the symptoms of Tina's cystic fibrosis but it was not a cure and she was still more fragile than most humans.
Drinks were finished and a smiling Leila led the three new arrivals to their bedrooms. Vlad had placed them close together, but on a separate floor from Cat, Bones, and Katie. Tina heard Leila promise that someone would be up for Menchares, and would bring a warm mug for Kira.
When Leila took her leave, Tina edged into Kira's room. "Did I screw anything up?"
"No, Tina. You did fine," Menchares answered for her. He looked at Tina carefully and asked, "Are you uncomfortable being here?'
Tina thought quickly. She didn't want to offend Menchares, and she knew he would smell a lie.
"Somewhat, but not for the reasons you might think. I don't think someone will suddenly get hungry and decide I'm just a walking artery and attack me." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "This is all very… unexpected. I honestly…" she stopped again and glanced at Kira briefly. "I thought I'd be dead by now."
Menchares nodded quietly, acknowledging her statement. Kira approached her and put an arm around her shoulders.
"I thought I'd be dead. And instead I'm in a mansion in Norway with almost a dozen undead people. I'm just…" she shot him a self-deprecating smile. "Just taking a bit to find my footing I guess."
Menchares nodded gravely. "I understand. Entering the undead world is a shock to most humans, even without the reprieve from your previously anticipated looming mortality."
A knock on the door stopped whatever he was about to say next. Kira opened it to a tall, firmly muscled man in his twenties with a mug wrapped in a tea towel in one hand. He bowed his head to Menchares, then Kira, and finally Tina.
"Lunch!" Kira said enthusiastically, accepting the cup and unwrapping it. It was not hot, but warm, with the towel to hold in the warmth while the man had climbed the three flights of stairs from the kitchen to their rooms. "Thank you."
"My pleasure, ma'am." He turned to Menchares. "Sir?" He tilted his head.
Tina's eyes bulged. She knew what they ate, of course, and she had seen Kira with warm mugs before, though she was very careful not to look inside them. She had not watched Menchares feed. Now, horror waged war with curiosity.
The young man saw her face and looked at Menchares curiously.
"Tiny T?" Kira asked, cautious.
Tina swallowed. "You just… chomp?"
The man chuckled once before he could catch himself. Menchares smiled but shook his head. "No. It's a careful bite, not too deep, and doesn't hurt the donor. Is that correct?"
"Yes, sir. I don't mind it a bit." He smiled at Tina, eyes traveling over her very quickly, warmth building in them.
"This is my sister, Tina," Kira said, smiling over her mug. "What's your name?"
"Greg. Longtime donor, though I rarely travel with Vlad. Since there are so many vampires expected, he brought extra people."
Menchares nodded. "Shall we?" He gestured to the other room, and Greg followed him.