Chapter 4 – Blood is Thicker Than Water
Barnabas was sitting on the couch in the lounge, acquainting himself with one of the technological wonders of the age.
Carolyn had very reluctantly handed him the remote to the television. When he had walked in and seen her watching it he had yanked out the cables, yelling "Reveal yourself… tiny songstress!"
Now he was engaged in rapidly flicking through channels. Carolyn rolled her eyes, wishing he would settle on one station. Did they not have TV where he came from?
He looked up when Elizabeth walked into the room. He couldn't help staring at her as she walked over and sat down on the couch near to him.
Carolyn was a little disturbed by the way he was looking at her mother but she took advantage of his distraction to swipe the remote. He realized he was staring and quickly turned his attention back to the television.
Liz pretended she hadn't noticed him staring at her… and that she didn't notice him sneaking sideways glances at her as they all watched television.
For once she was not wearing a high-necked dress and he found his eyes drawn irresistibly to the smooth pale skin of her throat.
Barnabas imagined bending back that lovely blonde head and trailing soft kisses down the side of her neck until he reached the hollow of her throat. His fangs started to ache as he imagined sinking them into that smooth, soft skin and biting down until the sweet, coppery taste of blood filled his mouth.
His tongue slid slowly over his tingling fangs as he gave into the daydream.
"Barnabas?" Carolyn said, her voice jolting him out of his trance. He realized he had moved closer to Elizabeth on the couch, his gaze fixed on her neck. Elizabeth was looking at him with a mixture of curiosity and alarm.
He pulled away from her, embarrassment on his face. "Forgive me Madam… I am feeling unwell. I must retire to my room…" he said.
Carolyn rolled her eyes and Liz looked rather concerned as he quickly got to his feet.
He heard Carolyn's voice behind him as he walked out into the hallway. "He's weird…"
Elizabeth was in the newly renovated drawing room, placing objects back on the shelves where they belonged. It was great to see the place looking clean, tidy and in such good condition.
She was standing on a stepladder, about to place a crystal vase on a shelf when Barnabas walked in. "Miss Elizabeth…" he said from behind her, making her jump.
She cursed under her breath as the vase tumbled from her fingers and shattered on the floor.
"My apologies… I did not mean to startle you" he said softly. She climbed down the ladder. "That's alright Barnabas. I didn't hear you come in…" she said.
Elizabeth got down to her knees to started clearing up the mess, picking up the largest pieces first. He quickly started to help her.
She gasped in pain as she sliced her hand on the jagged edge of a piece of crystal. Barnabas's eyes went wide with horror as the deep cut started to drip blood.
The sight and scent of fresh blood… particularly hers… was too much for him.
A growl left his throat as he grabbed her by the arms, pulling her roughly to him. He felt her rising panic as she struggled in his grip but he didn't let go.
One hand wound in her long blonde curls, pulling her head to the side as he prepared to strike.
"Barnabas… please…" she whispered softly, pleadingly.
Her voice reached him through the bloodlust, pulling him out of his haze. What was he doing?
He let her go, looking horrified at what he had almost done. She pulled away from him, eyes wide and terrified.
"I am so dreadfully sorry…" he said apologetically, looking down at the floor. Why was he so tempted by her blood? What was it about her that drew him to her so strongly?
The fear slowly drained from her face as she realized he had himself back under control. "It… it's… quite alright…" she said, voice shaking slightly.
"No it isn't…" he said sadly. "Please… allow me to bind that for you…" he said. "Are you sure… that's a good idea?" she asked, looking at him for any sign he might attack her again.
"I swear… I will not harm you. I was just… taken by surprise…" he said. "I have it… under control now…" he said rather hoarsely.
She sat there amidst the wreckage of the vase while he went to get a bandage.
When he returned he sat next to her and gently cleaned the cut. She winced slightly as it stung.
He trembled slightly from the effort of holding himself in check as he finished cleaning the cut and binding it in a bandage. Her blood was still calling him. Only his horror at what he had almost done kept his head clear. And her closeness was helping matters…
When it was done he let out a slight sigh of relief. Liz still looked a bit shocked at what had happened.
He couldn't help looking into her face. She was so beautiful. Inside as well as out. He'd never forgive himself if he hurt her.
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she saw how he was looking at her. She got slowly to her feet. "I'd better get Willie to clean up the rest of this. Thank you… for binding up my hand"
"Your welcome…" he said softly as she quickly left the room.