The Confrontation Part 2
It took all of Beth's will not to bolt for the door. If what her instinct was telling her was correct, and this was indeed another vampire, she knew that such a stunt would be fruitless. Mick had filled her in on the special abilities that vampires possessed - the ability to move amazingly quickly being among those attributes. Bottom line, without knowing this being's intentions, she thought better of running, knowing she would never make it to safety.
This person….this Josef Konstantin was only the second vampire she had ever met, at least the second that she knew of. The truth was, she still was more than a little frightened of the idea of immortals walking the earth. Mick had warned her that not all of the undead shared his same morals. And because of that, she had developed a rather keen sense of trepidation where these others were concerned. Mick she trusted without question, but were there others who she could believe in as well? While she pondered these questions, she noted that the man before her had remained frozen in place, that alluring smile still plastered on his face. She felt that it was almost as if he could see the wheels turning in her head and was content to wait until she'd reached some inner verdict.
Steeling her courage, she finally was able to ask, "What are you doing here?"
Josef finally moved, stepping a foot or so closer to the counter, his eyes never leaving hers. Beth remained stationary, refusing to look like an animal being backed into a corner.
"I'm waiting for Mick, actually. He asked me to meet him here," Josef replied with an amused lilt to his voice.
"Did he?" she asked with more than a slight hint of accusation. "That's funny. He's never mentioned a Josef before. How do I know that you're not some sort of….burglar or something?" Beth knew the question was absurd, and was more than a little annoyed when Josef began to laugh.
"Have you ever seen a burglar wearing an Armani suit?" he questioned, his hands sweeping down the front of his impeccably tailored ensemble.
Beth had to admit that, no, he certainly did not look like a thief, but then the question was ridiculous to start with. Still feeling out of her element and not liking that at all, she breathed in deeply and tried as best as she could to steady her nerves and calm her rapidly beating heart. Again, if Josef was indeed a vampire, he no doubt could hear the staccato rhythm and would know that she was terrified of him. The thought annoyed her and with that annoyance, the courage she had so dearly been lacking just seconds earlier began to make itself known. Straightening her posture and squaring her shoulders, she forced herself to achieve a calmer demeanor. She may not have known his intentions yet, but she'd be damned if she'd let him have her cower in fear.
"So what is your business with Mick?" she questioned, hoping to sound more like the competent reporter she was.
Josef's eyes sparkled as he responded, "Who said anything about business? As it happens, I'm just here for a friendly visit." Pausing for but a moment, his eyes dipped to take in the contours of her body, lingering in certain places with more than a touch of lustful interest. "I just hadn't anticipated it being even more friendly than usual," he added, his eyes finally returning to hers, a slight haze of the pale blue surfacing yet again, seeming to emanate and glow from within.
Beth was now fuming. His perusal of her had been demeaning and disturbing. With but that one look, she felt violated. "Now look, Mr. Konstantin……."
"Josef," he practically purred, "…….call me Josef."
"As I was saying, before you so rudely interrupted, I don't know who the hell you think you are, but I am not some street corner hooker you can just ogle. Mick is my friend too and I don't think he would appreciate the way you're acting," she practically spit at him. The cowering girl was gone and the pissed-off woman had swiftly taken her place. Hands on hips, eyes alight from some inner fire, and feet firmly set, she was a sight to behold.
The leering smile that had graced Josef Konstantin's face faded just as quickly as it had come. The glow of his eyes, however, increased dramatically, intensifying and pulsating. Head slightly tilted down, jaw working feverishly, Josef slowly approached the kitchen counter. Stopping, he rested his hands on the gleaming stainless surface and leaned forward.
Now no more than two feet away, Josef spoke, his voice controlled but deadly, "I'll tell you who I am Ms. Turner…….I'm your judge and jury and your life rests in my hands."
All strength left Beth's body, and she felt herself retreat, her feet stumbling backwards until there was no where else to go. Her thoughts were one place and one place only. Mick….Mick was her only hope.
To be continued…….