The Naked Truth

Eldritch and Coco lay naked and cuddled up together in Eldritch's bed.

"I thought I'd lost you," he breathed. He had tears of joy streaming down his face.

"I wasn't ready to be lost, not when I have just found you."

"How did you know that was the Master?"

"While I was resting I had what some would call an NDE. I was with my Grandmother who died when I was tiny. She took me places and showed me things. The first thing I was shown was that book you're after,"

"The Lumen?"

"Yes. Then I saw lots of people, both human and Strigoi and the Master was there. His face kept changing and I was told about him having different hosts. That's how I recognised him when he woke me up,"

"Did your grandmother tell you he was evil?*

"She didn't express an opinion one way or another. I presume that's because she wanted me to make up my own mind.*

Eldritch nuzzled her bare shoulder.

"So what do you think?*

"I felt his power, Eldritch, and I don't believe he is. No one who heals can surely be evil. From what I have seen of most Strigoi they're like a zombie apocalypse movie, just doing what comes naturally. Of course there are other Strigoi who are capable of feeling and understanding, a bit like Eichorst."

"Thomas Eichorst has been a Strigoi for decades. When he was human, and I use the term loosely, he was a Nazi concentration camp guard."

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me,"

Coco began to kiss Eldritch's neck and shoulder.

"There's plenty of time for this later," Eldritch said,"Right now I'm more interested in your NDE."

"Next thing I saw was a meeting between you and Eichorst in Paris. You told him you wanted to put your financial resources at the Master's disposal. I never knew you used to be in a wheelchair,"

"I wasn't confined to one, I could walk, but it made it easier if I was in pain and that was unfortunately an all too common occurrence before I truly experienced the Master's power, like you did this evening,*

"That was the last thing I was shown, you experiencing his power. My heart ached for you. You looked so ill."

Eldritch shivered. She guessed that he preferred not to reflect on it.

"So now you know that I wasn't coerced into working with the Master. It's my choice."

"I fully understand and respect that, Eldritch, but you could have told me."

"I could, but would you have believed me?"

"I don't know. All I know is that I love and want you. I want to be with you."

"I think that we can stand up to Eichorst together. I certainly don't intend letting him push you around. I think our Nazi Strigoi friend didn't have much luck with women."

"I'm really not comfortable around him, Eldritch, but I think I understand that's the way it's got to be."

"We may not like each other but we need one another."

They kissed for a while, she trembled at the sensation of his tongue exploring her mouth.

"Eichorst will know that you had the White because the Master will tell him. But I wouldn't say anything about what else you saw and learned."

"What exactly is the White?"

"I"m not totally sure to be honest. I believe it's the Master's blood,"

They held each other close.

"I really do love and appreciate you, Eldritch. You have given me more than just a job. I never believed I would ever find love.*

"I gave up hope of ever finding love years ago."

"Do you think the Master wanted us to find each other?"

"He certainly has a grand plan, what the entire picture is I have no idea and I don't think Eichorst knows as much as he likes to think he does either."

It was getting late.

"You should rest," Eldritch said.

"The best thing is that I can rest snuggled up with the sexiest man in New York state."

"I'm hardly that,"

"Well maybe women aren't throwing themselves at you but you're certainly everything I could ever want." She gently kissed him and stroked the back of his neck with her fingertips. He sighed.

It had been a long day and pretty soon they fell asleep in each other's arms. Whatever tomorrow brought they would face it together.