Hey all, I'm finally back with an update! As an olive branch, it's double the length of the other chapters. I also could not find a good spot to end the chapter earlier.
Recap:
Adele Stackhouse is the college age daughter of Sookie Stackhouse and Eric Northman. Their living, breathing human child. Many years ago, as gift to his wife, Eric became human for a day. He did this with the help of Amelia Broadway and her coven. Little did anyone know that this one day together would turn Sookie and Eric's life upside down.
We first meet Adele as she's wrapping up her senior year winter break. She'd spent most of the time off working at Merlotte's. After her last shift, she takes a trip Fangtasia to pick up a belated Christmas gift. While there, she has a heart-to-heart with her father. Eric confesses that he feels he's missing the milestones of her life. Adele assures him there are plenty more to come. The following day, Sookie and Adele prep for a family dinner. Afterward, Eric takes her to a supe-only secret show put on by her favorite band, Blood Lust. Adele and Eric are able to meet them after the show. She and the lead singer of the band, Dane, hit it off and spend the rest of the evening together. Not without a dire warning first from Eric to both of them. It was vague, but Adele knew if she were to be any physically closer to Dane there would be an issue.
Adele returns to college in Baton Rouge. She lives there with her two housemates, Erin and Karsten. One night she ends up on an impromptu date with Dane. They started at an upscale lounge and eventually make their way to Dane's hotel suite where they spend the night together.
Five years prior…
Adele watched from the porch as her father's Corvette drove further and further up the driveway until it disappeared. No sooner was the car out of sight, she put her phone to her ear and listened to the rings. There were only two before he picked up.
"Hey, they just left."
"I'm already on my way."
Adele smiled, "D'you mind grabbing some snacks along the way?"
"Sure, was planning on stopping anyway for the…uh…" he trailed off.
"C'mon Karsten, if you can't say the word then maybe, I dunno, it's not like it's gonna bite you."
He sighed, "I was gonna stop anyway cause I needed to get the condoms. Happy?"
"Yes. Oh, and if they have 'em, grab me some barbeque chips!" Adele added.
"Can do."
The pair hung up and Adele went back inside, grateful for the air conditioning. It was no different than any other summer night in Bon Temps, hot and humid, and yet she felt a chill go up her spine. Tonight was the night. She and Karsten had been seeing each for the last six months, unbeknownst to their parents. It all felt very "Romeo and Juliet" despite their parents never saying they couldn't see each other.
However, other parts of their lives made it seem to them that they weren't supposed to be together. Karsten was Alcide Herveaux's son and as the son of the packmaster was duty bound to bring forth a new generation into the pack. As for Adele, her parents made it clear they wanted her to be far away from anything in the Supe world. She felt they were being overprotective if not a bit hypocritical since her very existence was based in the supernatural. So star-crossed lovers they became.
Karsten pulled up to the carport not long after they had hung up. He was to be long gone by the time Sookie and Eric returned. Adele greeted him on the porch and led him to the living room. He unloaded his convenience store bag of a couple bottles of sodas, chips, candy, and the condoms which unceremoniously fell onto the coffee table. They shared a look with each other before Karsten swiped the box and threw it back into the plastic bag.
"Don't need those just yet," he laughed dryly.
"How about a movie?"
He nodded in agreement as they took a seat on the couch. Before long they settled on a bad-good horror movie, which was followed by the sequel. They joked and laughed until their sides hurt. Their snacks and drinks were devoured in quick succession, which amped the riffing to 11. By the time the credits rolled on the sequel, the nocturnal summer orchestra was playing outside. The elongated shadow of a moth drawn to the porchlight caught Adele's eye as she excused herself to the bathroom. When she hadn't returned sometime later, Karsten got up to check on her but found the bathroom dark.
"Adele?"
"In here," she called.
Karsten followed the soft, lavender light that was spilling out from her bedroom door. Pushing the door open more, he sucked in a breath. Adele was poised on her bed, laying on her stomach with her head resting in her hand. The shine of black satin across her skin caught his eye. His heart was racing. It wasn't like he had never seen this much of her body before. Earlier in the summer, they went to a nearby lake and another time went to a water park a few parishes over. But, this time was different. The implication of this much skin was different.
"I'll…uh, be right back," Karsten took long striding steps back to the living room. He swiped the plastic bag off the couch and quickly reappeared in Adele's room. He was down to his boxers by the time he climbed onto her bed. Brushing her hair to the side, Karsten placed kisses across her shoulder and ended at just below her jaw. She felt flushed already from his Were body heat radiating from him.
Turning over, she ran her fingers through his dark hair and came to rest on his cheek. His eyes wandered downward and he quickly came to appreciate her lingerie even more. The satin set was ruched along the edges and slightly dimpled into her flesh, which made his stomach flutter in ways he couldn't understand. It had a similar effect on Adele just from buying it. Trying it on was a whole new set of feelings. Wearing it made her whole body tingle.
Karsten smiled down at her, feeling both excited and anxious, knowing she knew how he felt even if it was just in inference. He wished he could sense her emotions just as keenly. Karsten dipped his head and nuzzled her cheek before capturing her lips with his. The kiss started sweetly but soon grew more urgent. Their hands roamed each other's bodies almost aimlessly, wanting to acquaint themselves with the uncharted topography. Their make out sessions thus far were only brief explorations. As they entangled themselves writhing against each other, the remaining clothing was shed. Soon the box in the convenience store bag was grabbed and its contents fumbled with by inexperienced hands.
In an instant, two became one. Adele gasped and Karsten paused. He looked down at her, "You okay?"
"Yes," she waited a beat, "It's just…uh, more than I expected."
Karsten let out a deep, rumbling laugh, "Thank you?"
"But, uh, keep going cause I can tell this is gonna be good."
Adele's arms wrapped around his neck keeping Karsten close. Her eyes never left his, and for a moment Adele felt as though they could communicate without uttering a word. She watched as his face took on a curious look. Adele felt his hesitance but then calm joy. Karsten kissed her softly and as he pulled away, he smiled, "Adele, I love you."
Her breath hitched for a moment, but soon a grin spread across her lips, "I love you too, Karsten."
Karsten kissed her again, this one meant to stoke the flames even further. But, suddenly he froze. His Were hearing caught the distinct sound of a sports car engine rumbling towards the house.
"Shit!"
"What's wrong?"
"Your parents!"
Adele's eyes grew wide with horror. No doubt her father spotted Karsten's car by now. They sprung out of bed, Adele grabbing her robe as Karsten frantically tried to dress. Before she could finish tying her robe off, she heard the front door whirl open followed by her bedroom door. Clutching the thin fabric against herself, Adele could only look at her father in stunned silence. She watched his eyes narrow as they flicked from her to Karsten to his clothes on the floor accompanied by her underwear.
"Da-" The word was barely formed on her lips when Eric had Karsten pinned to the wall.
"Dad! Put him down!"
Eric spared a quick glance at his daughter, "You have one chance to explain why you're here, puppy dog. You better make it good."
"I…uh," Karsten looked past Eric to Adele who looked just as helpless as him.
"Dad, please let him go. I can explain but just let him go," she pleaded.
"You and I will have our time to talk," Eric replied, looking over his shoulder, "Now you were saying?"
Before he could speak again, Sookie appeared as she finally caught up to her husband, "Eric, it's okay. Please, put him down."
"You know him?"
"That's Alcide's son!"
Eric turned back to the boy, who was eternally grateful he managed to at least get his boxers on. Eric released his grasp,"If it weren't for my wife's friendship with your father, you would be in pieces. Do not squander this gift. Leave. Now."
Karsten nodded and quickly grabbed his things from the floor. He stole a quick look with Adele before he damn near ran out of the house.
It was a cool early spring night where Adele found the apartment all to herself. Erin was working until close and then going out with some coworkers to bar hop the rest of the night. Adele declined the offered invitation. Karsten was away on unspecified Were business. Well more like dragged away by his father. Being the packmaster's son came with responsibilities Karsten had very little interest in. His lack of involvement in pack activities widened a pre-existing divide between father and son.
Normally, Adele would revel in the quiet and maybe take a long soak in the tub or devour one of the many books on her ever growing pile. But tonight, like the many nights that preceded it, have been fraught with anxiety. She had been harboring the secret of her and Dane's relationship for the last couple of months. At first, it didn't even cross Adele's mind as she was consumed with all of the excitement of the new facets she learned about Dane and his life. But, as they grew more comfortable and familiar, the dread began to grow too.
From a young age, her parents instilled in her how important it was to tell the truth if only to them. At that time, it was under the guise of learning honesty and how even if she thought they would be upset it was better to come from her than someone else. Now, Adele knew it was about her safety. Her father, being who and what he was, left Adele and her family in a precarious position. In all of her years of existence, nothing ever happened or nothing she knew of at least.
This sin of omission was born out of her previous experience with her parents', namely Eric's, reaction when they came home to find Adele and Karsten in bed together all those years ago. The admission of dating a vampire, a notable one at that, would not be taken well either.
Lying to her parents was only made worse by lying to her friends as well. At least Karsten was aware of her particular family dynamic. But poor Erin was left completely in the dark. She and Adele have been nearly inseparable since meeting freshman year. Adele hated having to be careful of what she said regarding her family or how much she knew of the Supe world. She was planning to tell Erin at the end of the semester so even if Erin ended up hating her at least they didn't have to live together anymore. But, meeting Dane completely derailed that.
Selfishly, she wanted to extend this carefree time with him. Well, as carefree as it can be with her growing anxiety. Soon she'd be done with school and her future was unplanned for the first time in her life. Dane mentioned that the band was about to start working on their next album, but she was unsure if that meant he'd be leaving the area too. Adele also planned to bring this up to him, but kept putting it off.
For now though, Adele tried to muster up something to do to take advantage of her alone time. Making her way into the kitchen, she started pulling out ingredients for a quick dinner. As she grabbed the knife out of the drawer, Adele felt a familiar void approaching. Not a moment later, there was a tap on the window leading to the fire escape.
Placing the knife down, she opened the window to allow her father in, "I have a front door, you know."
"Yes, but what would your friend think of you letting a strange vampire into your home?" Eric asked as he smoothed out his suit jacket.
A prick of paranoia ran through her head. Strange vampire…
"Well, Erin's not here tonight as I'm sure we would discuss before you came waltzing in."
"I didn't want to scare the dog either," Eric shrugged.
"Dad…"
"Sorry, the wolf."
Adele sighed as her hands went to her hips, "Dad, you know his name. And it's not like Karsten doesn't know who you are."
"I'll keep this in mind for the next time."
"Thank you," Adele took a seat at the table with Eric joining her, "So what brings you down here?"
"I'm headed to New Orleans to see the King. He's called a meeting of all the Sheriffs. But, truthfully, I would be here regardless," Eric paused, "I've sensed you're under some sort of stress. Is everything alright, my älskling?"
It was unclear exactly how it came to be, but Eric and Adele shared a type of supernatural bond. The running theory was that their shared DNA built the connection. It was something between a blood bond and the bond between maker and progeny. It was seemingly one sided, Eric was able to sense, to an extent, Adele's emotional state. But finding her location or being able to summon her wasn't in the cards. She was grateful she couldn't feel her father's emotions because when he had them they were as intense as he appeared.
"I'm okay, this semester is harder than I thought it would be. Kinda thought I could coast through," she said, trying to sound dejected and hoping her father couldn't sense the lie.
Eric seemed to accept this answer, "You'll do just fine."
"I hope so."
Reaching across the table, Eric took his daughter's hand into his and squeezed it reassuringly, "I know so."
"Appreciate that."
"Oh, your mother sent these along too," Eric released her hand and fished his hand into the interior pocket of his jacket. He pulled out a waxed paper bag and handed them to Adele. Opening them she found a mixture of different cookies and spied her favorite, peanut butter.
"I'll call her later to say thanks," Adele smiled.
"Good," he nodded as he tried to appear casual for the next question, "Did you decide if you're coming to Dracula Night?"
Adele suppressed a smile, "Yes, I'm planning on being there."
"Great," her father seemed relieved, "And if you need anything beforehand let me know."
"I will, but I'm sure I'm already all set," she laughed, "But, if you're willing to buy me a new dress I won't say no."
"Send me a link and I'll have my day man pick it up for you and bring it to the house. Try not to cut it too close since it's next weekend."
"I won't, I promise. Are you reinstating the formal dress code again?"
"Yes, of course." Of course!
"Noted."
Eric stood and smiled, "I must be off. I'll see you next weekend."
He kissed the top of her head and in a wink Eric was gone. Adele poked her head out the window to catch the last glimpse of her father disappearing into the moonlight. As she pulled herself back inside her eye caught another white, glowing face looking up at her from the back alley.
She hadn't seen Dane in a little over a week. Their schedules simply did not align, he was out of town and she had her school obligations. There were calls and texts to hold them over, but he hadn't mentioned he would be stopping by. He knew where she lived, but the nature of having housemates meant they often met at his loft downtown. This arrangement was perfectly fine as far as Adele was concerned. While she and Dane had grown closer and more comfortable, she was still cautious. Adele doubted he noticed. Like her mother, she had gotten very good at not letting her emotions show when she didn't want them to.
To her surprise, Dane didn't immediately appear in front of her. He seemed to be waiting. Did the fire escape constitute as her home as well? With a quick nod that only a vampire could perceive, Adele invited him up. At least to the fire escape. An unnatural gust of wind came up through the metal slats as if it were a steam vent. Dane smiled when their eyes met. That smile was almost enough to undo her. She had missed him and his touch more than she wanted to admit.
"You're alone tonight?" he asked, looking past her.
"Yes, or else you wouldn't be up here."
"Fair point," Dane conceded and waited.
"You may come in."
He stepped gracefully into the kitchen despite the small opening. Adele closed the window and debated her next move. Soon more than her own mind occupied her head.
"I've missed you too," he said, a sly smirk on his face.
Food no longer interested Adele. She had a much more urgent hunger to feed. Neither spoke as she led him to her bedroom. Dane took a moment to appreciate the uncharted territory he was in. She wondered what he thought about her IKEA furniture and the uncoordinated sheets and comforter from Walmart on her bed. Adele doubted they matter to him in a snobby, materialistic way but suddenly she felt all of her meager twenty-two years. She batted the thought away for the moment as she sat down on her bed.
Dane walked slowly towards her, shucking his leather moto jacket and unbuckling his belt. He didn't need to take off his pants for Adele to see he was primed and ready to go, but she certainly wanted him to. By the time he reached her bed, every inch of his Roman statue body was visible to her. Grabbing her ankle, he pulled her to the edge of the mattress and positioned himself between her legs. He kissed her hard as his hands were busy working off her leggings and oversized tee. Within three pauses to take a breath, she too was naked and sitting up with Dane behind her. His long legs wrapped around hers keeping them open and their bodies firmly pressed together.
"Should I tell you what I've thought about doing with you since we were last together?" he whispered breathlessly into her ear before nibbling on the lobe, which sent shivers down her spine.
"Wouldn't you rather just show me?" Adele's voice was low and hungry.
"Hmm," he mulled over her question, "Are you asking me to show you?"
"Yes," she squeaked.
He wrapped one arm around her waist, while his other hand stroked, pinched, and otherwise teased its way down from her shoulder to her breast and finally between her legs. She sucked in a breath and shuddered as he slipped his fingers inside her. She was warm and familiar. They moved in time inside her as his thumb swiped at her clit. No matter how much Adele squirmed and bucked against his granite body, his arm kept her firmly in place. Her breathing became ragged which soon turned into mewls of wanting him to slow down to savor the feeling and then wanting him to go faster to get to the release she so desperately wanted. He listened to neither plea. Dane remained quiet, which was unusual for him. He was constantly in her ear about all the things he wanted to do with her and how some of them she couldn't even think about without blushing. His lips were decidedly absent from her skin as well. Usually he was leaving suck marks and fang scratches on every inch of her he could reach. All of this would be more curious to Adele, but the haze of pleasure kept her mind elsewhere. However, she did feel him become harder, somehow, as she writhed and whimpered. At once all the stimulation backed up on her and she cried out his name, his fingers and thumb never relenting. To Adele's surprise his fangs found the juncture between her neck and shoulder. It was an area he was particularly fond of which shot that exciting and enjoyable pain through her body.
"Holy shit," she whispered, her heart pounding out of her chest.
She went nearly limp against him, but she didn't get a moment to gather herself. In a flash, Adele was on her back and Dane on top of her. In her. Another gasp escaped her lips. He planted knees firmly on the mattress as he plunged forward. Her arms wrapped around his neck and held on for dear life. He was moving at a pace she thought might be unwise for her almost all-human body. That wasn't to say it wasn't enjoyable. But it certainly was primal. The look in his eyes was one she'd never seen before. They were dark and almost far off as if this wasn't about her or them together. Her nails dug into his back as she came again. It escaped her throat as a whimper. She was overstimulated in a mind numbing way. His lips found hers. His kiss was possessive and consuming. Adele tasted her blood on his lips. She had to fight to get a breath once or twice before she found his tongue in her mouth again. Dane soon went rigid and he came with what sounded like a growl.
He lay on top of her for a long moment, seemingly collecting himself. They disentangled and Dane curled around her on his side. His physically affectionate self returned as his nose nuzzled her shoulder blade and his hand ran up and down her leg, soothingly. Adele was pushed past the brink of satisfaction and she wasn't sure she liked it. Whatever this was, it was different enough that made the gears in her brain turn as soon as she got her bearings.
"Dane?"
"Yes?" he sat up a little, peering over her.
Adele hesitated, wondering if what she was about to ask would open the floodgates of addressing her anxiety-inducing issues head on, "Is…is there something you need or want to tell me?"
"There is, in fact. But, may I ask what made you ask that?" Dane's face remained neutral, which was reassuring to her.
"The sex…"
"The sex?" he repeated and after a moment, his eyes went wide and filled with shame, "I hurt you?"
"No, no - well, I might be sore tomorrow because that wasn't how it usually is," Adele paused trying to put her words together, "How do I put this? It felt more like what two vampires would do together instead of a vampire and human."
"You would certainly know if it were like two vampires, and not pleasantly so. But, I believe I understand what you're saying. It was too rough."
Adele pondered this usage of 'rough.' To her rough was getting slapped or choked and while some may enjoy that it wasn't her cup of tea. It felt like a negative connotation to what they did and it wasn't a negative experience for her, mostly. A small part of her felt like it wasn't their special connection but that she could have even been a stranger. It felt so impersonal. Used. I feel used.
As she tried to compile her thoughts into a coherent sentence, she felt the intrusion of his mind. It was like cool water running down her head on a hot summer day. They shared a quiet moment, looking at one another and he understood. The shame returned to his eyes, "I am truly sorry. The last thing I want is for you to feel like a stranger to me. Or that you're somehow disposable."
She nodded, acknowledging his apology - a rarity from any vampire, "What did you want to tell me? It might make all of this more clear."
"I was in Dallas, as you know, and while visiting the sheriff's nest there was talk of you and your mother," he paused, "The Queen of Texas is looking to do some 'aggressive expansion'. I believe she means to try to take over the whole southwest, if not the whole west, starting with New Mexico. She also knows of your mother and you."
"And you think her underlings want to ask one of us to get some information like some sort of reconnaissance?"
"Ask is not what they would do," Dane's voice took on a grim tone, "The King of New Mexico has a new progeny, young by vampire standards. So, they're vulnerable and unpredictable and the Texas queen means to use them as bait. She thinks you can get someone to tell her where the king's progeny is."
"And the Queen told you all of this offhandedly?" Adele was skeptical at best.
"It came from the sheriff I was visiting. She's trying to sure up her numbers. She wants to lure as many Old World vampires to settle in her queendom. She offered me a position as sheriff and quite the relocation bonus, but I declined."
Adele propped herself up on to her elbows, now incredulous, "The sheriff let you walk free with this knowledge?"
"Come on, Adele, you of all people should know how stringent and structured our world is. So long as I stay unattached to any area or kingdom the Queen is interested in I'm free to do as I please. She is unable to harm me so long as I keep the tête-à-tête I had with her sheriff private. Surely you know this."
She sighed, "I do, but even when my father explains all these nuances and rules it doesn't make it sound any less ridiculous." Adele settled back down, now facing Dane, "So her possibly not nicely asking for my mother's or my service made you want to have me eight ways to Sunday? A service I, for what it's worth, do not provide."
Dane remained quiet for a moment. Adele could tell he was suppressing whatever anger was bubbling up. His brow drew together at the memory, "No. One of her other sheriffs was there, he knows of you and your mother. He has seen you before…and the comments he made about you. What he wanted to do to you. How he would make you do it. I wanted to stake him right then and there."
"I see," Adele shivered in disgust, "I understand your anger, but I still don't see how trying to pound me through the mattress helps." She paused for a moment, "You wanted to show them that I'm yours."
A long pause, "Yes."
"Even though they're hundreds of miles away," she said evenly, "Mark your territory, so to speak."
A longer pause, "Yes. I am sorry. Very sorry."
She nodded, but didn't make any other acknowledgment of his apology. They laid together for a while, neither speaking as Dane traced abstract shapes across her skin with his fingers.
"We should," Adele braced herself, not looking at him, "We should form a blood bond."
"You should not suggest that lightly," Dane's voice was mild and cool.
"I'm not. If what you say is true that connection is faster than any phone call I could ever make and a lot more discreet."
Dane weighed her response and then was on top of her again. He looked into her eyes, unabating, "We could do it the fun away or the boring way."
The fun way sounded promising. She cocked her head to the side with a wry smile, "What does the fun way entail?"
"Well," Dane began as he cupped her cheek, his thumb running over the soft skin, "It seems I have much penance to do. I've disappointed and saddened my lover and that cannot stand. That would be the fun way."
"That sounds amiable," she laughed, "And the boring way?"
"I bite my wrist right now and you drink my blood," he sounded dour.
Adele sat up a little, "That is boring and I do think you should make up for what happened earlier."
"We'll have to do this at least once more to establish the bond."
"I'm sure we'll manage," she grinned.
Dane flashed her that smile that made her weak. He kissed her gently before his lips explored other parts of her. Dane was laser focused and his movements just as precise, which was all for Adele's benefit. As she crested her peak, her mouth found his neck and bit hard. He grunted, but didn't seem perturbed by it. In fact, he seemed to have enjoyed it. His blood flooded her mouth. She drank slowly, by Dane's instruction, her hand firmly pressed to the other side of his neck. Adele felt a rush of energy as she pulled away, needing a breather. His blood glistened on her mouth, which Dane found deeply arousing. He sensed it was for Adele as well.
"I can't go another time," she laughed.
"It's just as well, we have plans tonight anyway," he shrugged.
"We haven't done enough already?"
Dane smiled, "This is purely fun."
"Well, we should probably shower then," Adele swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up.
"May I wash your hair?" he asked, following her to the bathroom.
"You may."
Adele discovered this was one of his favorite things to do. He never elaborated on why he enjoyed it so much, but it wasn't like it was a hardship she had to endure either. They stood under the warm spray, wishing they could stay there a little longer.
"So these plans of ours, do we need to be somewhere by a specific time?" she asked as he massaged the shampoo into her hair.
"Yes, but not until ten."
"Good, cause I'm starving."
"We certainly have time for that," Dane said, rinsing out the shampoo.
They hopped out of the shower shortly thereafter and he left for her room to dress while Adele slapped on some makeup and dried her hair. She returned, clad in a robe, not long after and stood in front of her closet. After pushing a few hangers aside with different options, she turned to Dane, "So, what kind of place is this?"
"A club, nothing fancy," he assured her.
"I think we have two different ideas of what fancy is," Adele was a little exasperated.
"How so?"
"I'm fairly certain just your jacket cost more than my rent, like multiple months of rent," she said pointedly.
"Ah. There's no dress code, if that's what you're asking. Something you might wear to go out with your friends for a night out," he suggested. She eyed him, better taking in his own ensemble. Aside from his leather jacket, he'd donned a taupe tee with black jeans and pointed toe boots. All of it looked like it was tailor made for him, which it might very well be.
"That I can work with," she said with a nod and turned back to her closet.
She was sliding on a pair of high cut, seamless undies when she felt Dane's cold hand on the bare juncture of her neck and shoulder that he loved so much. His voice was just barely perceptible, "Would you like help with those?"
"Depends," Adele turned slightly to look at him, "Are you trying to get them on or off again?"
"Is off so bad?"
"Later, maybe. But you have a date to take me on right now," she said, playfully poking him in the shoulder.
He smiled, "Of course, you're right."
Her fingers danced over the hangers once more, until they landed on one in the far reaches of the closet. She dropped the robe and shimmed into the taught fabric. Adele could feel Dane's eyes on her. The dress was the color of sapphires which made her eyes pop. It had a cut out going from the front, just about her waist, all the way around to the other side. Only a thin seam kept the two pieces together. It also had just one sleeve that draped her arm in long, chiffon. The dress was meant to be knee length, but given her height it was definitely a mini. Adele was thankful the fabric was stiff enough since a bra was non-negotiable.
Adele polished off the look with a golden cuff around her bare upper arm and her platform heels that she rarely wore since she was sometimes self-conscious about her height. She dug out her small, black purse and threw in her necessities - phone, keys, and wallet. Grabbing her own leather jacket from the hall closet and they were out the door. They walked, arms linked, down the road to Dane's car, which gleamed even in the dim street lights.
"Your car is beautiful," she said as Dane opened the door. Adele didn't know a Ferrari from a McLaren. But, she knew a good looking car when she saw one and this one was down right gorgeous. It had a sleek black exterior with caramel leather on the inside and every possible extra and perk you could imagine.
"Thank you, I've always been fascinated by cars ever since I saw one."
I bet it was the first one off the Ford factory floor.
"No, on the streets of 19th century London," Dane replied, closing the door.
"Hey! You can't just pop in there uninvited all the time!" Adele said, her temper flaring, as he appeared in the car and turned over the engine. "I know it's a neat little trick we have but it's not an open invitation."
Dane started to laugh, but once he saw not even a quiver of an upward angle on her mouth he stopped. No one has yelled at him in over a century, least of all a human. This somehow endeared Adele to him even more. After he uncurled the fists she made in her outburst, he took her hands into his. His voice was calm, but earnest, "My dear Adele, the one I hold most dear, my lover, and the embodiment of warmth and sunlight, I did not intend to make light of this bond we have for which we've made even more sacred with our blood bond. For this transgression I will make the most sincere atonement possible."
He saw a ghost of a smirk, even a smile perhaps, appear across her lips. She unceremoniously kissed him. It was quick, but Dane knew his apology was accepted wholeheartedly.
"Thank you."
"Of course," Dane pulled onto the road, heading for the main boulevard, "You're the first person, human or otherwise, to yell at me in a long time."
Adele's eyes watched the road as Dane's car maneuvered through the downtown traffic, "Are we talking decades or centuries?"
"At least a century."
She felt a self-satisfied warmth bloom in her chest, "Are you wondering why I constantly break human-vampire decorum?"
"The thought has occurred," Dane said after a moment but his voice didn't inflect with annoyance, only curiosity, "I assumed it was your particular family dynamic, but I know Eric wouldn't raise a fool."
"No, he certainly hasn't."
"Are you not afraid of us then?"
"Afraid isn't the right word," she paused, "I know and appreciate that a vampire could snuff me out in an instant. But, the mythos that both vampires and humans have created about vampires doesn't hold water with me. I think that's why a lot of humans fear you, especially the ones who've seen the pageantry of vampire politics. Everything I've ever known has a touch of otherness, I find comfort in it. That said, I wouldn't be so brazen with a vamp I didn't know well. I might have a temper but I'm not suicidal."
"Well keep that in mind tonight."
"Not being brazen?"
"Yes," he glanced at her while at a red light.
"Where are we going?"
"Oh, that's a secret," Dane replied, clearly delighted with himself, "But, there will be quite a few strange vampires."
They drove towards the outskirts of the city, near the port. Residential buildings gave way to warehouses and towering cargo containers. Before they got too deep into the terminal, at Adele's request, they pulled off the road and into the dirt parking lot of a burger shack. It was about the length of a school bus and double the width and its chrome exterior was still shiny like the day it opened. Its tall neon sign hummed in the evening sky, a beacon of life and sustenance. It was one of the best kept secrets of the city, and its citizens liked to keep it that way. Every once in a while a nosy food writer or travel blogger would try to suss out its location, but the locals kept their mouths zipped. Like every night there, it was a hub of activity.
After placing her order, Adele rejoined Dane at the picnic table by his car. They chatted for a bit, before a comfortable silence fell upon them. They people watched and commented on those coming and going. Every once in a while, someone would do a double take of Dane either because they thought that he was famous, a vampire, or a famous vampire. But soon that idea left their head, too ridiculous to think that someone of note would be here of all places. He did receive many compliments on his car though.
Adele's number was called and she downed her food with gusto, which Dane found fascinating. Normally, she did her best to eat before seeing him since vampires were too keen on being party to human meals. To Adele's surprise, Dane didn't seem to mind much. He'd often ask her to describe the food to him since food, even as a concept, had changed so much since the last time he could eat.
Once she was done, they piled back into the car and Dane sped off. He weaved his way around the many small roads of the port. After a while, they arrived at a security gate to a pier. Dane rolled down his window and greeted the vampire guard.
"Name?" the vampire of indeterminate age asked.
"It's under Marcus Freed, for two."
"Invitation?"
Dane pulled down his sun visor and grabbed the postcard sized invitation. It had gilded lettering and on textured, matte cardstock. He handed it to the guard. How vampire.
The vamp guard nodded, approvingly and raised the security gate arm, "Park behind the containers."
He nodded and sped off down the pier. After a moment, Adele spoke, "Are we joining some sort of cult?"
"No, but I've been invited to do so once or twice," he laughed.
"I can only imagine," she joined in the laughter.
As they approached the stacked shipping containers, Adele saw that they nearly covered the pier from side to side. They were placed at varying levels after an even layer of two. Adele could sense the minds of humans and Supes nearby but saw not one car.
"This place guarded by magic?"
Dane nodded as he shut the engine off and in a flash opened Adele's door. She took his offered hand as soon as her door was shut, the car winked out of sight. She yelped. She knew witches spells could be powerful, but this was something else.
"That's not something you see everyday," she commented as they walked towards the looming containers.
Rounding a corner, Adele saw one of the container doors set wide open. The opening appeared to not go as deep as the full length of the container. Dane guided them forward and as they approached the opening, she saw a small, industrial looking switch on one side. Adele gave him a questioning look, but continued with him. Standing in the middle of the metal cavern, Dane flipped the switch and the floor slowly gave way. Adele held on to his arm like her life depended on it.
As they ascended, the space began to gradually show itself. First with music, loud and bass-y. Second was the colorful lights glitzing around in time with the music. Finally as they stepped off the elevator platform, Adele found they were in a club. It was dark and moody save for the dancing stage lights and backlit bar. There were tables and booths scattered around the perimeter and concentrated by the bar. Adele looked up, her eyes following the tall walls and spied lofts in what must be the higher layered shipping containers. Long, spindly staircases provided access if you could get past the velvet rope and attendant. In the center was a large dance floor. Set back from the dance floor was a moderate sized stage. Normally it would be occupied by the DJ but there was band equipment set up around his booth.
Dane led them to another velvet rope and attendant, also a vampire like the security guard. She was tall and lean with wispy black hair that fell to the middle of her back. She wore no emotion on her face, like all vampires. Dane gave her the same name he gave the guard. She nodded, "Your cellphones please."
"Certainly," Dane obliged and handed his phone and Adele's over once she got it out of her purse. The vampire hostess put both phones into a zippered pouch and labeled it. She then beckoned them to follow her.
"What is this place?"
"The King of Louisiana's off the books club, funnels right into his pocket I'm told."
"Explains the no phones rule. And supe only I'm guessing?"
"Humans are welcome to come, but the vampires who run it do a little glamouring to make them forget how to get here and who brought them. The protection spell is just insurance."
Adele wondered if they would try to do the same to her. Before she could ask, the vampire they were following brought them to a cordoned off booth near the stage. A server came by moments after they were settled to get their drink orders and scurried off just as quickly.
"So, who's playing?"
"Lilith."
If glam rock and pop-punk had a baby, that baby would be the vampire band Lilith. While they were a little more aesthetics focused, they were still undeniably good. The lead singer, Zachary, was frequently on tabloid covers. The paparazzi loved him and the feeling seemed to be mutual.
"Do you know Zachary?" Adele asked.
"We're professional acquaintances."
"He's not your cup of tea, I take it."
Dane shook his head, "Hardly. I find him incessantly obnoxious, but he's quite an accomplished vocalist."
"So, why are we here if you two are particularly fond of each other? Not that I'm complaining, but it seems strange," she said after taking a sip of her recently arrived drink.
"We're on the same label and the execs think that it always looks good to show we 'support' each other," Dane explained, rolling his eyes, "Good look for the media outlets and such."
"Ah, I see," Adele nodded.
"But, I thought you'd enjoy seeing them regardless of my feelings towards Zachary," Dane smiled, "Plus, I can endure anything as long as I'm with you."
"Keep talking like that and we may have to leave early."
"Promise?"
Adele laughed and nodded. The pair soon fell into a comfortable silence as the dance floor filled in with more and more people and supes. Not too long after the crowd swelled did the house lights dim and applause and cheers erupted. The band members came out one by one, with Zachary being last. He got the loudest ovation. Without preamble, the drummer counted them down and began playing. They played uninterrupted for nearly an hour. Not having to breathe has its advantages.
"Alright, alright," Zachary began, his English pronounced and not of the modern variety, "You lot have been a lovely audience. Wish I could make a snack of each one of you." That comment earned him quite a few whoops from the audience, "We must part, but we have a few more songs to leave with you."
The band started up again and played another twenty minutes. As the last song came to an end, each member raised a hand in acknowledgement and walked off the stage. Adele turned to Dane, "I get your begrudging respect."
"Hard to deny the talent."
Before Adele could comment further, she heard someone hail Dane. They both turned to see a well appointed man approaching them. He was in his mid-forties and dressed like someone who had money and knew how to flaunt it without being gaudy. He sidled up to their booth, "I'm surprised you actually showed up, Dane."
"For you Marcus, I will do almost anything," Dane said with an affable smile, "Adele, this is my manager, Marcus Freed."
"Pleasure," Adele said, sticking out her hand, which he shook firmly, "Would you care to join us?"
"Certainly," Marcus sat down across from them, "Adele you must be the young woman who has Dane quite smitten."
"I would hope it's me," she joked, "But, I suppose as Dane's manager you wouldn't say otherwise."
"Guilty as charged," the manager laughed.
"So what are you doing here, Marcus? I know you're not made to come to these things," Dane asked.
"I have another favor to ask of you," Marcus said regretfully or at least acted so, "There's a journalist following Lilith around to write about the twentieth anniversary of their first album as well as the production of their newest. The label wants you to sit down with the journalist and give them fifteen minutes to interview you."
Adele found it surprising that the executives would demand anything of a vampire, let alone one as old as Dane. She watched his face carefully, which still had its friendly and open demeanor. He sat forward an inch or so, "What do they want me to say?"
"Oh you know they would never put words in your mouth," Marcus weakly assured him, "But, just talk about your time together as you were both making a name for yourselves especially amongst the human population. It's a fluff piece, you've done this hundreds of times. Give your praise and maybe a funny story you have."
"I can do that, when is this happening?"
"Now, if you can," Marcus answered.
Dane shared a look with Adele, "Do you mind staying a bit longer?"
"Might as well get it over with."
"Sure, let's get this done," Dane nodded.
"Fantastic!" Marcus said as he stood, unaware of the silent conversation that was had in front of him.
Adele and Dane trailed behind Marcus as he led the group to the green room, which was quite large with a very modern decor scheme. There were a few leather couches in a semi-circle in the middle of the room with tables lined up on either side against the wall. They were filled with refreshments for both vampire and non-vampire guests. The trio found the band had changed and were looking significantly less dramatic. There were a couple of other vampires and one Were walking around with purpose. They seemed to be event staff. A few humans were there too. Some were with the band in some capacity or another and a few more were fans who just happened to be willing donors too. The remaining human in the room was the reporter, he was in his early thirties with sandy hair and an inquisitive face. He was speaking to one of the other humans associated with the band, his audio recorder held between them.
Marcus called over to a woman speaking to Lilith's drummer, Augustine. The drummer was short and thin with an antiquarian air to him. Marcus met the woman in the middle and they began chatting. She looked to be in her mid-thirties and impossibly thin with a pantsuit that cost as much as Adele made in half a year at Merlotte's. Her hair was perfectly coiffed. Not a flyaway in sight. Adele presumed it was all business judging by their body language. She knew she could dip into their heads, but who wants to hear corporate negotiations or whatever they could be talking about? Adele thought about it a moment longer and well, Dane might want to know.
"Hey," she said quietly, "Do you want to know what they're really talking about?"
"No, Marcus is very straightforward with me. Plus, I can always make him tell me anyway," Dane shrugged.
"You really ruin my ability to show off," she sighed.
Dane laughed, "Apologies."
The bassist, Ian, walked over to Adele and Dane and greeted them both. His accent was newer than Zachary's, "Dane, it's been awhile."
"It has," Dane nodded, "We last saw each other in…'74 in Berlin, no?"
"Sounds about right," Ian smirked as his eyes wandered to Adele. He eyed her curiously, "Who's your friend?"
"This is my companion, Adele," Dane answered.
Ian inclined his head just enough to be considered a greeting, "My, my Dane. You certainly know how to pick 'em. What are you? I know you're not wholly human."
"Human enough," she replied tartly.
"Easy."
"Hmm, what a pity. I presume you're his and I know Dane doesn't share," Ian cast a sidelong glance at Dane, "Maybe in another hundred years that'll change."
Ian sauntered off and over to one of the female donors. She was more than ready to offer a meal to the musician. Marcus and the other label representative joined them as Ian left.
"Dane, this is Cleo. She's the new manager for Lilith," Marcus said. Dane nodded in acknowledgement, "Cleo, this is Adele. She's Dane's companion."
"Pleasure to meet you," Cleo offered a proffered hand to Adele, which she shook.
"You as well," Adele grinned.
Marcus clapped his hands together, "Well, it seems like the reporter, Martin, is finishing up with the head roadie. Dane, are you ready to give your interview?"
"Certainly," Dane said amiably, "Adele, do you want to come with me?"
"No, it's okay. I don't want to distract from the interview. I'll grab a drink and mingle," she assured him.
Dane nodded and left with the two managers, "I'll be quick."
Adele watched Dane disappear into a small hallway across the room with Martin the reporter. She went over to the refreshment table and grabbed a bottle of sparkling water. One of the human donors bounced over next to her and flashed a big grin. She was older than Adele, but only by a year or two. She was wearing a peach bodysuit with a long black tulle skirt and platform sneakers. This was her first time being a donor and was exceptionally nervous, but if she was going to let any vampire bite her, might as well try to make it a famous one.
"That's one fine vamp you're with," she said sweetly.
"No argument from me there," Adele replied, "You with anyone in particular?"
"Nah, hoping to be at the end of the night though," she winked, "You been with your vamp long?"
"A few months."
"Is there, uh, any tips you can give when it comes to feeding?"
"Do your best to relax and if the vampire is kind it won't hurt at all," Adele advised.
"Shouldn't be too hard," she nodded.
"Oh, and make sure you eat something," Adele added, "Unless you wanna faint."
First Timer was about to respond when her eyes went wide. Adele looked over her shoulder and saw Zachary coming towards them.
"Evening ladies," he greeted with a wicked smile, "I hope you're enjoying this venue's fine hospitality."
"Very much so," FT replied eagerly.
"And you?" Zachary looked down his long, thin nose at Adele.
Adele nodded, "Yes, thank you."
"Have we met? You are mind-bogglingly familiar," he asked.
"No, and I'm sure I would remember if we did."
Zachary laughed, "As would I."
He turned and motioned for Augustine to join them. The drummer appeared in front of them in a flash, causing First Timer to jump with surprise. Augustine grinned, his long brown hair still fluttering from the movement. He held out his hand to FT, "My aren't you sweet."
"Wouldn't you like to find out?" FT asked with her best man-eating grin.
Augustine didn't answer, but led them away from Zachary and Adele. She watched the two walk towards the same hallway Dane had gone down. Despite the room still buzzing with people, alive or otherwise, Adele had the distinct feeling of being alone and hunted. She felt a cold hand pulling on her elbow to turn her around. Zachary loomed over her, "I know why you look familiar, you're the woman who was sitting with Dane, no?"
"Yes, I am," she nodded, there was no point in denying it because she was absolutely sure he knew this already.
He leaned forward so they were eye level, "And I suppose you're his as well?"
"Yes," Adele answered, although to her knowledge she didn't know if he had declared it out loud to another vampire or supe.
"Pity," Zachary sighed, "Not that I care or abide by such silly declarations."
"You'd be the first vampire I've heard of to do so," she replied dryly.
"Wasn't a rule follower in life why should I be in death?" he shrugged, "Why don't we go somewhere more private, hmm?"
"I'm not a donor," Adele said firmly.
Zachary smirked, his grip on her elbow becoming painful, "I'm sure I can persuade you otherwise."
Adele felt him trying to assert his influence on her mind. It had no effect of course, but she debated for a moment whether or not she should let that information be known. She consciously pushed back on his attempt to galmour her, which startled the vampire.
"What are you?" he pressed.
"Not someone you can glamour," she replied quietly and acridly, "Now, let go of me."
"You will come with me, with or without a broken arm," he hissed and pulled her along, "Scream or don't, no one here is your friend."
Adele dug her heels in, but Zachary moved her along with ease as if she were nothing more than a piece of empty luggage. Her whole upper arm ached from his grip as he led them down the darkened hallway. The only sound that could be heard was their footsteps. No murmur of voices or the sound of feeding pierced the silence. The rooms must've been soundproofed and Adele doubted her pleas for help would be heard. She hoped desperately that the blood bond she and Dane started had actually formed. Adele wouldn't bet on it though.
They stopped at the end of the hallway and he shoved Adele into a small room. It was clearly designed for blood donation. In the corner was a table with wet wipes and paper towels for clean up and to Adele's mild horror a glass container of condoms. In the middle of the room, there was a bench with a padded vinyl cushion. It reminded Adele of an examination table at a doctor's office. If this were a state run site there would be many posters reminding the vampire and human of the Do's and Don'ts.
"Dane's going to be done with that interview any minute now and will notice I'm gone," Adele seethed.
"Won't need much time," he shrugged as he locked the door, "But, I did glamour that reporter into making that interview at least an hour long. Plus given our personal misgivings towards each other, those two shills for the label will keep him in that room as long as they need to. Vampire or not, Dane knows the value of business."
"All of this for some blood?" she asked, incredulously.
"I can't hunt anymore thanks to those fucking mainstreamers, so schemeing is the next best thing," Zachary gave her a deadly and fangy grin.
"So you knew Dane and I would be here?" Adele asked, hoping to stall long enough for Dane to notice she was missing.
"You specifically? No, but I knew Dane heels well to his manager and likely to bring a date."
Before Adele could say another word, he was on her and pinned her to the wall. His hands roamed her body and groped at her. Adele screwed her eyes shut, not wanting to see his enjoyment as his hand went up her skirt. He pried her thighs apart with his hand and knee. His hand moved northward and prodded at her between her legs. After what seemed like an eternity, he dragged her to the bench. Zachary positioned himself behind her and held both of her arms behind her in one hand, "Fight if you want, but dislocated shoulder or not, your blood will be just as good to me."
Adele's body tensed upon feeling his lips on her skin. He inhaled deeply and shuddered with delight at her scent. Her fight or flight senses were in overdrive, "I'm under Eric Northman's protection!"
"Northman doesn't scare me," he snorted, "He thinks he's much more powerful than he actually is. He loves being the big fish in a small pond. Besides, there's only one human I know Northman cares for and you're not her."
"His human wife is my mother," Adele retorted.
"Even if that were true, he's sheriff of Area Five and we're in Area Two," he said as if he were talking to a child. With his free hand, Zachary took a fistful of her hair and pulled her head to one side causing her to yelp, "After I'm done feeding, you and I are going to have some fun."
"I doubt I'll find it fun," she said through gritted teeth.
"That matters not to me," he replied simply.
Adele flinched as Zachary dragged his fangs across her skin, which caused a small amount of blood to erupt to the surface. His tongue lapped it up greedily. She shuddered. Zachary sighed contently before sinking his fangs deep into the flesh of her neck. Adele bit the inside of her cheek to keep herself from crying out. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of vocalizing her pain.
Zachary pulled his mouth away with some effort, "You truly are something else. Definitely not fully human, what are you?"
"I hope Dane drives a stake through your chest."
He laughed loudly in her ear at the thought before sinking his fangs into another section of her neck. This time a small groan escaped her throat. She was starting to feel dizzy from the blood loss. Once he had his fill, Zachary moved in a flash and was on top of Adele with her arms now pinned above her.
"You're even lovelier from this angle," he said with a bloody smile, "Perhaps after I fuck you, I'll turn you. I've yet to be a maker this century and why not start with Dane's human?"
"I can't wait to watch him rip your head off," Adele matched his grin with her own.
The locked door gave way as if it were only painted cardboard. Zachary had only but a moment to take in the scene before him. He took a moment too long. Dane was enraged. He imperceptibly crossed the short distance and decapitated Zachary with his bare hands and a gruesome roar. Adele didn't even recoil when the remains of the vampire splattered across her.
Dane sat her up carefully as he kneeled next to her, "Are you okay?"
"Do you really need to ask?" Adele peered at him as she held her head in her hand.
"I suppose not," he sighed and brushed back her hair to get a better look at the bite marks, "How badly did it hurt?"
"He certainly didn't spare my feelings," she answered.
Dane's fangs descended and he pricked his index and middle fingers. Once the thick blood slowly surfaced, he gently rubbed the blood into the wounds. As the puncture marks began to close, he looked up at her again, "Did he do anything else to you?"
"He…he, uh," Adele's voice hitched. At this moment, she couldn't say it out loud but she didn't need to. Dane got the full picture from her head.
"A swift death was too good for him," he growled.
Adele nodded as silent tears welled in her eyes and spilled over, "I guess the bond didn't form early."
"You've only had my blood once," Dane said softly, "It's rare for it to form with only one exchange."
Footsteps came pounding towards the doorway. Adele and Dane looked over to see the two managers. They wore the same horror-stricken face. Cleo's eyes locked onto the flaking remains of Zachary on the floor.
"What have you done?" Cleo demanded.
"It wasn't nearly enough for what he had done," Dane's voice was icy at best.
Cleo crossed her bony arms over her chest. Her voice was indignant, "And what did he do exactly?"
"He forcefully fed off of Adele who was not here as a donor," Dane answered, "He also assaulted her and he would have again had I not stopped him when I did."
"I see," she said, losing some of her bravado. Cleo turned to Marcus, "We better call the label and get the other band members together to get the story straight."
"I agree," Marcus nodded and looked at Dane, "Once we're done talking to the office and the remaining members of Lilith, I'll come find you."
"No, I'm taking Adele home," Dane stood and helped Adele to her feet.
"Dane," Marcus said gently, "I think it's best you stay here. The both of you."
The vampire's demeanor changed instantaneously. He was no longer obliging and calm. Dane was feeling every century of his age and the power that came with it, "Marcus, you and I have had a good working relationship and I would like to keep it that way. However, if you get in my way of protecting what's mine I will drain you dry and leave not a trace of you left."
"I understand that," Marcus replied carefully, "However, the protection you just offered caused more problems than it solved."
"My day man works for you more than he works for me, if you need to relay something to me tell it to him. Otherwise, I will call you when I am ready."
Marcus' statement was an affront to Dane on many levels. He knew he needed to leave before another decapitated body appeared in the room. With a swift motion, Dane picked up Adele and they were out of the horrid little room. She buried her face against his chest as he glided through the club. They were outside another moment later. He lowered Adele to her feet and gave her back her phone. Dane's car materialized with a whirl of magic. He helped her into the passenger seat and soon they sped off back to the road.
"Let's go to your apartment," Adele said after a long silence.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I don't know when my roommates will be home and I don't know how to explain any of this right now," she said wearily.
Dane nodded and directed them towards his loft. As they got closer to inhabited parts of the city, Adele's phone gained a stronger signal. In quick succession several notifications popped up, most were for missed calls from her father. He had sent her a text as well asking her to call.
Tapping his name, Adele held the phone up to her ear. Eric picked up on the second ring, "Is everything alright?"
"Yes," she replied, "I'm sorry I missed your calls. I didn't have much service."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Eric asked again, unconvinced.
"Yes, I promise."
"What happened?"
Adele glanced at Dane, hoping for an idea. He simply shrugged. She sighed, "I was out at a concert and…well, a vampire forced himself onto me to feed."
"I'll stake him myself," her father's voice was deadly calm.
"Already taken care of," Adele assured him.
"By whom?"
"Another vampire," she replied.
"That you were with," Eric filled in.
"Yes."
"Who?"
"Dane."
Her father was quiet for enough time that Adele thought the call had dropped, "Are you still there?"
"Are you with him now?"
"Yes, we're going to his place now since I don't know when Karsten and Erin are coming back home," Adele explained as she and Dane made eye contact again.
"Sorry, I knew he would ask anyway."
"I understand."
"Send me his address and I will meet you there later tonight. If it's too close to dawn we'll talk tomorrow night. Does he have a guest coffin?"
"I do," Dane answered.
"Good," Eric paused, "I'm glad you're safe for now. I'll see you shortly."
"See you soon," Adele replied, tears in her voice as they hung up.
Dane silently took her hand into his and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He wanted to acknowledge the deep devotion Eric had towards Adele, but that was better saved for a later moment. She held onto his hand as she let her head rest against the cool glass of the window. On top of the blood loss, Adele was coming down from the adrenaline rush hard. She sent Eric the address.
They arrived at Dane's loft not long after since he was close to the river. They parked and took the short elevator ride up to the fifth floor. Without a word, Adele made her way to the bathroom. Dane trailed behind her. After she got the water started, Dane unzipped the back of her dress. Adele peeled off her dress and underwear and tossed them right into the trash. The sight of the bruises that had begun to rise made him see red. He left her to shower. Adele stayed under the warm spray for a while and wondered if she could use up all the hot water in the building. She let her mind go blank. Even the smallest memory that began to form was quickly batted away. Adele wanted to only be in the present for now. Once she felt sufficiently rid of any trace of Zachary, she emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel.
She pulled on a sleep shirt and some fresh undies from her drawers in his dresser and went to look for Dane. Adele found him in the living room. He was sitting on the sleek, modern leather couch. The room was only half lit, which caused harsh shadows to form around him. He took her hand into his as she sat down next to him, but would not look her in the eyes, "I failed you."
"I don't want to talk about it right now," she murmured.
Dane nodded understandingly, "I can give you more blood. It'll at least help you to heal quicker."
"Sure," Adele accepted without hesitation.
Rolling up his shirt sleeve, Dane brought his wrist to his mouth. One wet crunch later, the thick blood began to ooze slowly from the wound. He held out his wrist to Adele, which she took into her hands. Lowering her head, she drank the blood as it continued to pool in her mouth. Adele pulled away after a moment and released his wrist.
"Thank you," she said with a small smile.
"Let's take a look at the bruises."
Adele pulled up her sleep shirt past her thighs. The handprint mark no longer looked so distinguishable. It had also shrunk in size and turned an ugly yellow-green of a nearly healed bruise. Dane nodded, knowing the others would look the same.
"How do you feel?"
"Okay, and I'll probably be even better tomorrow," Adele answered.
"Good," he replied, "I have a question, not directly about what happened with Zachary though."
"What is it?"
"How did Eric know you were in trouble?"
"Oh," she paused, her stomach dropped. Frankly, it felt like it was free falling to the pits of hell, "He and I have a bond of sorts."
"What are you to him?"
Adele sighed, "He's my father."
"What?" Dane's brow came together, puzzled.
"He's my father," she repeated.
Dane fell back against the couch and blew out a puff of air between his teeth, "How is that possible?"
"Witches," Adele answered.
"Witches?"
"My mom is good friends with a very powerful witch. Eric…my father, appealed to her and her coven for help to become human for a day," she explained.
"You do know how strange that sounds, right?"
"No stranger than talking to a vampire," she shrugged, "Or my ex being a Were."
"Fair point," he conceded, "I'm just surprised it worked."
"To be honest, I think he was too."
Dane sat forward, "So, who all knows this?"
"Maybe two or three people outside of my family," Adele paused, "And now you."
"I see," he said after a moment, "This explains a lot about Eric's protectiveness."
"Yeah, that's the polite way of saying it," she chuckled, "So, how fucked are you and/or we?"
"Hard to say. I don't believe Zachary's maker still lives. She was ancient when she turned him seven hundred years ago or so. I don't know what the sheriff of the area or the king will want, if anything. Eric will know better," Dane said after a moment of thought.
"I hope he has a plan," Adele sighed.
"Me too."