Chapter 2: Wheels in Motion

Vampires are devious creatures by nature, and when Beaux laid eyes on the girl, his original resolution was breached. Perhaps, he thought, I can allow myself a single indulgence.

If he had to be completely frank, he would probably say that Meliah was not a particularly stunning person in appearance, but she did have blossoming potential. She was tall and had a slender frame. Her eyes, though lacking any vivid coloring, were piercing and brimming with a powerful ulterior emotion. Beaux caught her gaze for a brief moment before he quietly contented himself with staring at the biblical décor upon the walls. Even so, he could see her small, doll-like face from the corner of his eye. Her dark hair cascading down to her waist was intricately studded with crystal flowers; Beaux could see that she had put some diligent effort into her assemble and mentally made a note to compliment it later.

Beaux could not ignore the fact that she was still an adolescent. He could detect the faint traces of blemishes on her ivory forehead and cheeks that were perhaps beginning to heal. The whole image, nevertheless, was unspoiled and pure. Girls like her, he knew, had the most delicious blood. He broke out of his brief reverie as Mr. Lavoirsier led him to the dining hall. Meliah kept keeping her hands tucked away in the folds of her satin gown. Beaux knew she did not want him to kiss it and for some strange reason, he found that rather adorable.

Dinner became a fascinating experience for Beaux. Meliah, who, despite his first impression, was exuberantly loquacious and humorous, enraptured him. Her spontaneity and questions kept him speaking more than he ever had before. Her voice was amazingly melodious, and she used the right inflictions in pitch and tone at the exactly right moment. Something about the way she exaggerated her gestures and expression kept Beaux clinging to every word, and he did want her to stop. His former desire for blood was eradicated from his mind. This girl would not become his prey, but perhaps something more…

To Beaux's delight, he and Mr. Lavoirsier were unable to complete all the necessary paper work for their business deal. This time, Beaux did not hesitate to invite Mr. Lavoirsier and his family to visit his lovely chateau. Mr. Lavoirsier, of course, agreed.

Finally relieving his anticipation, the Lavoirsier family arrived to Beaux's home at night. Upon entering, they were stunned by the beautiful architecture and unique relics. Beaux was amused and pleased that Meliah seemed thrilled by the mystery of the chateau. He invited her to look around anywhere she pleased. On second thought, he did not believe that wise. He warmed her that the third floor was under renovation and under no condition to be ventured. She looked suspicious at this new restraint but did not hesitate to leave her father and mother to their more formal, business-related matters.

Beaux was blatantly anxious to conclude the business meeting, and hurriedly gave Mr. Lavoirsier the papers to read over and sign. After that was over with, Beaux had the butler give Mr. and Mrs. Lavoirsier a tour of the immense gardens. He also suggested that they enjoy a quiet, moonlit dinner, alone. Flattering the two and their romantic courtship, he convinced them to leave their daughter unattended. She will be fine, they agreed.

Beaux found himself running through his home, looking for Meliah. He heard a gentle melody drifting through the hallway. He found the girl sitting in the dark music room, her eyes intrigued by the dancing figures inside a rococo music box and her lips humming its familiar tune. He smiled to himself and was highly amused by her childish fancies. He tried to regain his composure; he did not want to look as though he had been seeking her – it had to look like a mere coincidence. But despite his valiant attempts, he could not help sounding breathless. He caught her by surprise but she courteously straightened her posture and complimented his possessions. He was stunned by her formality. He did not want to feel like they were simply acquaintances.

So he tried to ease the tension by asking her questions. She answered, as he so hoped, with enthusiasm about what interested her. She playfully concluded with the fact that she was pleased that there was no sign of insects, which she detested above death itself. Beaux could not help but laugh and she is surprised by his reaction. "I don't believe it was that hilarious," she said, almost to herself, but his smile was so endearing that she felt suddenly close to this stranger.

"Do you like my music box?" Beaux asked, noticing how her eyes and fingers kept straying toward its ornate cover.

"Yes, I've never seen anything so beautiful before. I like the song too," she said quietly.

"I want you to have it," Beaux said after a brief pause. It was true. He wanted nothing more than to please her if he could.

"Really?" she questioned incredulously. Beaux chuckled softly as he came over to the music box and handed it to her. She did not try to reject his offer as he had expected. Her eyes brightened as she clasped her small hands on either side of the box.

"Of course. On one condition," he said. She looked so surprised that Beaux laughed out loud. Meliah's confounded expression was absolutely precious; Beaux only hoped his memory would do her justice. "Don't worry," he finally finished, "just promise to think of me when you play it. Simple enough?"

"Yes! I will take great care of it," she answered happily.

Beaux offered to give her the official tour of the house, and although she reluctantly admitted that she has scrutinized the whole area, she agreed excitedly when Beaux told her there are secret passages and trapdoors. He offered her his arm and she looked suddenly wary, as those questioning his motives. Beaux found himself hurt once again by her suspicion so he carefully coaxed her. "I don't bite…" he said quietly as he looked deeply into her dark eyes, "hard." He thought this was extremely ironic – him being a vampire and all. A small smile escaped his lips, making his features so much more alluring.

She finally broke her stoic façade and laughed at his attempt to cheer her. Hearing her laugh like that made Beaux's heart soar, and he smiled more beautifully than ever. She casually entwined her arm in his as though she did this every day, and the touch of her bare skin made Beaux's who body tingle. He thought his skin might singe.

He showed her the staircase behind the bookcase that led up to a private balcony. The two of them watched the stars, winking at them superfluously from the black sky. Beaux expertly pointed out the constellations. She was gradually frustrated when she could not recognize any on her own. She let out a prolonged sigh and leaned further out across the balcony's ledge. Fearing for her safety, Beaux quickly grabbed her waist. Meliah snapped around and looked at him with what seemed like fear. She stepped away from the ledge and Beaux dropped his arms limply at his side.

"I'm so sorry," Beaux began, "I feared you might fall. These edges are not built to withstand much weight." His voice was faltering; she had seemed so afraid of him.

"Are you implying that I'm heavy?" Meliah inquired with a metallic tone. She glared at him with her bright eyes and put her hands on her hips.

Beaux was shocked. He had never meant to offend her. "Absolutely not!" he exclaimed, "How could I ever dare to? No! Never!" He could barely get a sentence through.

Meliah's burst of laughter stopped him in his tracks. She was laughing so hard she fell over on the balcony floor clutching at her sides. Beaux, though flustered, rushed over and gathered her in his arms just in time to cushion her landing. It took him a few seconds before he realized what an awkward position they were in. Meliah, still unaware, was giggling hysterically in his lap.

Still at loss to what the mania was about, Beaux gazed at her hopelessly. She was adorable. A sanguine hue was rapidly dominating her small face and Beaux began to worry for her health. Meliah seemed like she could hardly breathe.

"Your face is turning very red," he murmured softly - not wanting to offend her again.

"It is?" she managed to choke out between her spasms of laughter. She began fanning herself and taking deep breaths.

"What was so amusing?" Beaux asked, hoping not to sound bitter. It did not work though. Meliah's face paled instantly and she looked up at him in surprise.

"I'm sorry," She whispered, all hints of her previous glee gone, "I wasn't trying to be rude."

"No, no-" Beaux insisted putting a cold fingertip to her warm lips to stop her from continuing, "I just wanted to know what had made you so - cheerful."

"Mr. Beaux," she began.

"Just call me Beaux," He interrupted.

"Yes then, Mi- I mean, Beaux," she said, "You seemed so serious! Your expression was timeless! I was only kidding. Although, I am very heavy - you were right to take precaution."

"Oh no, I don't think so Miss Meliah," Beaux said - relieved, "You look wonderful." He said that last part with such sincerity, he feared she would catch the gist of his feelings. But she only blushed brilliantly and looked up into his eyes with a small smile.

"Thank you," she said softly. Beaux caught a glimpse of what looked like tears clinging to her lashes, but she turned away. And with that, Meliah pulled herself off of his lap. The two made their way downstairs.

As Meliah and her family came back to the entrance to leave, Beaux could not help feeling distressed. He quickly contemplated excuses in which he could lure her to him again, but none of these options were deemed feasible even in his creative mind. He finally decided he would contact her later. As he watched her dark silhouette against the darker backdrop of the night sky, he felt his heart throb excruciatingly.

That night, he could not sleep because his thoughts were so far away. They were consumed by thoughts of Meliah. Unfortunately, he did not know as much as he would have liked to. His fantasies were rudely interrupted by long gaps of missing details. What was her favorite dish? Did she enjoy shopping? How did she manage to get her hair in such an elegant bun?

He wept bitterly as he wondered if she would ever love him back. He knew he was being extremely silly about this whole ordeal. Then, he realized he had never spilt tears over anything before.

Would she ever love him knowing what he truly was? He was not sure he wanted to hide being vampire, assuming it could be kept a secret. If he were to attain her love, he would do it genuinely.