"Well," Mary asked, "are you ready to piece it all together?"
"It's quite simple," she said.
"Reincarnation," said Eric.
Mary nodded. "I'm guessing that her first vision is of when you were turned, Eric?"
"Yes. I've never told anyone the exact details about how it happened. And to be honest, I had forgotten what I was doing on that road at dusk. I had forgotten that I used to whistle. I never whistle anymore, seeing as I don't breathe. I don't let myself remember much from my human life. But... now that she's described it, I remember. And I remember seeing her in the other places, as well."
"It makes sense. Your rational mind wouldn't let you see the same girl, century after century, at least not a living girl." Mary said.
"Lover, that rustling sound you heard in the trees, that was Appius. He had been watching me for some time, and was jealous of you, I suppose. He took me that night because he knew he couldn't let me belong to you. I stayed with him for many centuries, which is probably why you didn't reincarnate. It's interesting, though, that you appeared to me at some of the most memorable places of my long life. The St. Petersburg Massacre, Pam's turning. And of course the night you walked into Fangtasia with Bill for the first time was memorable in and of itself." He smiled.
"Eric, I'm confused on one point though. Why would I find Bill attractive, be in a relationship with him if I knew on such a deep level I was supposed to be with you?"
"Because, dear one, Bill threw a monkey wrench in the cosmic plan, as they say. He was under orders from the Queen, and he knew he had to make himself attractive to you. So he gave you his blood when you were attacked. Therefore, you were attracted to him because of his blood. Simple as that. But I knew as soon as I saw you there was something special about you and that I'd get you away from him eventually. And now I think we've taken enough of Mary's time tonight. It's almost dawn and I need to get you home." He helped her stand and led her out to the car.
On the way around the Corvette Mary asked, "This is the one you are bonded to?"
"Yes, this is my bonded. Be sure to send me the bill for tonight. You can send it to Fangtasia, I will see that its taken care of."
"Oh, there's no charge. I like to help souls get where they are supposed to go." Mary smiled.
"Well, in that case... thank you." Eric smiled back.