Chapter Eight- Learning and Sharing
Atem cinched the last of his armor on before leaving his room and heading for the gates. Two guards were there along with Mahad and all were in deep conversation. Mahad looked up upon smelling Atem and smiled. "Feel the need to go out, my pharaoh?"
"I do. I'm thinking of going for a run, maybe eat some prey, and just celebrate life."
"Sounds like fun and I see you're well-protected." He nodded at the silver.
"Of course. No vampire is going to kill me without killing themselves." The gates opened and Atem headed out, greeting his subjects that called out to him or bowed as he passed. He paused outside the gate and watched the sun go down. He blinked as night fell and he changed instantly. He howled to the night before sprinting off, his nose alert for the smell of blood and his ears alert for the possibility of ambushing vampires. He still thought it could be a trap, but his duty to provide safety for his pack as well as human curiosity prompted him to agree to this meeting.
The distant scream of a human reached his ears and the scent of blood followed soon after. He sniffed the blood scent and his stomach growled. He licked his chops before dashing off after the scent which grew stronger as he ran as did the smell of a vampire. He leaped over a dune and slid down the sand to stop next to an unconscious human and a good few feet away, was Bakura. The vampire king smiled. "Hello." He gestured at the figure. "As I promised, I left some blood. I imagine, you drink blood too."
"A bit," Atem admitted. "It helps wash down the flesh and whatever else I feel like eating." His stomach growled again and Atem immediately sat and began to eat. He felt a bit self-conscious at someone watching him eat. He pushed that feeling aside as he ate and drank his fill.
"Good?" Bakura asked when Atem began licking his paws and muzzle.
"Always," he answered.
"So, flesh-eating isn't restricted to the full moon?"
"Not at all. Most of the pack only does it on the full moon as they are not purebloods."
"Interesting. To my knowledge, all vampires are turned. No purebloods."
"Ah, that is interesting. So, you were bitten. How does that work and what's it like being a vampire?"
"I'm glad you asked. How it works is drinking some of the human's blood and then feeding them some of your own. They instantly turn and are schooled in our ways. Now, I like being a vampire. I enjoy the enhanced senses, speed, and strength. The previous king named me his successor as I had been the best thief he ever turned."
"You were a thief? A criminal?" Atem growled, not liking what he was hearing.
"I was. All of my subjects are criminals. It's what the previous king did. Supposedly it's because criminals have no problem with the idea of killing someone."
"But, it's not necessary to drain them, right?"
"Not as far as drinking is concerned, but if I want to keep my race secret from humans, then we must. The only thing I don't like about being a vampire are our weaknesses." His eyes took in Atem's silver.
"I was being cautious and my court wouldn't let me leave unless I was well-protected."
"Understandable. So, how does one become a werewolf and what is it like?"
"There are two ways and both involve a bite. A human can be turned any night if bitten by a pureblood, but must be bitten on the full moon by what we call the bitten. All children are werewolf born and only birthed in daylight. I haven't really thought of what it's like being a werewolf as I was born one. I guess having sharp senses, quick healing, speed, and strength are great. We can die just like humans do."
"I don't think I could be a werewolf. The idea of not being in control of myself isn't appealing nor is not remembering those nights."
"I don't think of it like that. On those nights, I'm just a wolf. However, the next morning, I recall everything I did."
"Oh. So there are no memory gaps?"
"None, unless you get knocked out, I suppose."
Bakura chuckled and Atem managed a grin. "Bakura, tell me about your kingdom. How does it run?"
"Well, it's ruled by a king, of course. As king, I can tell criminals from non-criminals and the former are turned. The others are drained. We tend to roam the desert for our prey. I spend the rest of the night reading up on vampire history. The others either talk with one another, make love, or spar."
"Make love?" Atem repeated.
"Yes. We may be undead but we still feel like anyone else. We just can't produce children even though we do function sexually."
"That's fascinating."
"How does your city run, Atem?"
"I am advised by a court of six plus a top advisor. We discuss all manner of business, ranging from trade with humans to insuring the safety of all. I too spend time reading on werewolf history. My court also reads and practices in using weapons. My city looks like any human city in the daytime. The throne is passed through heirs or successors. I just named one of my court as my successor as I have no mate or heir."
"Well, you are a bit young to have a mate or children."
"Actually, I have reached the age where a werewolf desires to find a mate. I am feeling its initial stage, but as of yet, no one catches my interest."
"I see." Bakura thought this was perfect. If we continue to meet and talk, perhaps Atem will fall for me, partly due to his mating desire.
Atem continued to speak of his city, but his mating desire rose up within him. He found himself admiring Bakura's pale skin, claws, fangs, hair, and eyes. What am I thinking? he inwardly gasped. I shouldn't be thinking of having Bakura as a mate. He's a vampire and I'm a werewolf. Plus, I only know a little about him.
"Atem," Bakura said as the alpha stopped speaking. "I admit I was a bit hasty in saying I love you. I would rather we be friends and maybe together we can lead the way to a tolerable relationship between our races."
"Yes," Atem said. "I would like to be your friend and create a peace between your people and mine."
"Then we are now friends." Bakura did so and so did Atem. "I know a deep cave not far from here. I have occasionally used it to hide from the sun."
Atem nodded. "I know that place. Father sometimes took me there when I was a pup. We used to spend a couple of days and nights living off the land and as wolves."
"Oh, good. Let us meet there after two nights have passed."
"Sounds good. Until then, Bakura."
"Until then." Bakura headed into the desert, smiling slightly. The first real meeting had gone perfectly. He had learned a lot about werewolves, how one becomes one, how Atem's kingdom runs, and a little of Atem's past. He had seemed comfortable mentioning his father even though he's dead. Either it's because he has killed as a werewolf or he's covering up his sorrow. It could also be because it's been a year since that unfortunate night. I think the next meeting will be spent learning Atem's past. Hmm, Atem chose a successor. I think I should too and I believe I know who I want.
Atem sprinted home, pausing once to howl. He had learned what he had wanted about vampires and a bit about Bakura. I want to know more about him and vampires. I have two days to think up questions to ask him. I will also try to stem my desire for a mate. I cannot have him as a mate. However, I can prove how much I want to be his friend by ditching most of my silver. I'll just wear my cuffs.
