Chapter 58:

Don't know why this took me so long to write. My apologies. The next chapter is flowing much easier. Enjoy!

Larten and Erin's first stop was a lovely French restaurant. Erin knew Larten could speak French fluently from a small flash she had into his past, but she couldn't help finding it rather attractive when he ordered for them. Larten noticed she was looking at him.

"What?" He asked, taking a small sip of his wine.

Erin smiled and lowered her eyes to her plate.

"Nothing. Your French is impeccable."

"Yes, well, I lived in France for quite some time." He murmured, stopping the thoughts that always seemed to bubble forth from the recesses in his memory concerning that particular time in his life.

He looked up. Erin had a far away, glossy look in her eyes. She was seeing something. He shifted uncomfortably. He knew she couldn't help it but it still made him feel vulnerable, which he did not like.

Erin blinked a few times, the blip over. Yes, she had gotten a sense of the overall sadness of it all, but he managed and he was loyal.

To break the tension and ease Larten's obvious discomfort and wariness of what she had seen, she immediately picked up her glass of wine and gave him a coy smile as she took a sip.

Larten's brow furrowed.

"What are you smiling at?"

Erin gave a small shrug, giving him a small wink.

"Nothing. I just think you should speak French more often."

"Why? You do not understand it."

"Yes, true, but it's very, how should I phrase this, attractive to hear you speak it."

Larten cocked his head slightly.

Erin gave him that look that Brigid gave him when he was missing the point.

"It's sexy, Larten. So, do it more. Especially when we're alone."

"Oh, I-I, yes, I will make a note of that." Larten cleared his throat looking around at the nearby tables seeing if anyone had heard their exchange.

Erin nudged him under the table.

"Stop being paranoid."

"I am not paranoid." Larten spat.

The waiter came to refill their wine glasses and that their food would be out promptly. Larten tore off a piece of bread. He was hungry. As he chewed he realized he felt something rubbing against his leg. It was trailing up his calf before slowly sliding to rub against his inner thigh. He glanced down quickly to see Erin's foot inching closer between his legs. He immediately felt himself harden. He knew she knew exactly what she was doing and entirely on purpose. Sensually, she slid her foot back as their food arrived. Larten could barely manage a 'thank you' to the waiter. He shifted in his chair as Erin took a bite of her food acting like nothing had happened. Well, something had happened and now what was he to do?

He took a deep breath and began focusing solely on his food.

They ate in silence mostly until Larten felt more in control of himself. He cleared his throat.

"What would you like to do after this?"

"Not ice skate, that's for sure. Hmm, what should we do? Do you have any suggestions? Aren't you learning spontaneity?" Erin laughed.

Larten sighed.

"I suppose I should try. Perhaps we should, um, go to the cinema? Although I don't understand what the use is with what your television provides every day." He mumbled.

"Yeah, I agree. Movies are fine but I go so often with Brigid I don't want to waste our time doing that. Any other thoughts?"

Larten pinched the bridge of his nose. This was harder than he had expected.

"Oh, I know! There's a place a couple of blocks away that has live music and a small open space for dancing. I know for certain you've done that." Erin said triumphantly.

Larten looked up unsure.

"It's not a modern club, if you even know what that is. It's in an old hotel. Very fancy. Think like a lounge of sorts. Expensive, but I have the money for it. Would you like to give it a try at least?"

"That sounds perfect. But you will not be paying. Ladies do not pay." Larten said gruffly motioning for the waiter to bring their check.

"But Brigid didn't give you any money? Which she shouldn't have last time." Erin frowned.

"I have my own means." Larten snapped. "I was foolish to let a child—hmph, well never mind that now."

Larten set the amount down and helped Erin put on her coat. He was a bit miffed as they exited the restaurant, a grumpy expression on his face. Suddenly he felt a kiss to his cheek.

"None of that now. Let's go dancing." Erin laughed, pulling him along.

They were soon entering into the foyer of the hotel. Dramatic gold guild was everywhere, art nouveau architecture and design surrounded them making Larten feel almost at home by stepping back in time.

"I knew you'd like it." Erin smiled up at him.

"You were right." He smiled back, offering her his arm properly to enter the large lounge area. There were tables, an elaborate bar, and a small ensemble concert band. The mix of instruments gave a wide variety of music to dance to.

"Perhaps a cocktail first?" Erin said nervously.

Larten was surprised at the sudden change in her demeanor.

She glanced into his eyes before looking back down.

"I can't dance. I'm hoping a little more alcohol will at least get me on the dance floor and you can do the dancing for us and I'll just pretend I'm more elegant than I really am."

Larten gave a dismissive wave of his hand.

"You are right. I can dance for the both of us but you will easily pick up on my lead. As for the matter of elegance," Larten brought her hand to his lips, "you don't need to pretend."

Erin laughed, trying to hide that she was blushing.

"But can I still have that cocktail first?" She grinned.

"You may have whatever you wish." He kissed her hand again just to make her blush.

"Larten, stop!" Erin said still trying to hide her face, laughing.

They ordered their drinks and sat down. There were numerous guests about the tables and on the dance floor. Larten was actually eager to get on the dance floor and have Erin near him moving in sync to the music. All eyes would be on them he thought proudly.

Larten slid Erin's drink away from her.

"Wait, I'm not finished."

"Yes, you are." He said, offering her his hand.

Erin took a deep breath as she placed her hand in his and he led them to the dance floor. The band had started to play a moderately fast-paced waltz. Larten grabbed her hand and placed the other one on his arm. He held her firmly and began to slowly, at first, get Erin to loosen up and try to follow his steps, taking cues from his body movements.

"Stop staring at your feet." He said sternly.

Erin growled in frustration.

"I have to."

Larten swiftly pushed her chin up to look him in the eye.

"Focus on my face and let your body follow naturally with mine."

Erin swallowed and kept her eyes on his. Slowly she started to feel more comfortable even letting Larten twirl her around. Larten pulled her back to him as she beamed into his face, her eyes radiant, full of trust. Larten felt a surge of tenderness in tandem with a fierce desire to protect her at all costs and not fail as he had with Malora, Arra, and…. Alicia.

Erin looked at him quizzically. "What are you thinking about?"

Larten barked a laugh. "You mean to tell me you don't know?"

"You know I can't read minds. It's all-" Erin pouted.

"Yes, yes, I know. Flashes, "blips" as you call them, feelings. All uncontrollable in nature." Larten smiled at her.

"Yeah. Good luck to Murlough gaining Brigid and my abilities. Hope he understands the mechanisms of math theory and know how to not become a wreck unable to handle the surge of sensory overload when around people and constantly unable to shut your brain off." Erin scoffed.

The music had slowed down, couples simply swaying together on the dance floor. Larten pulled her firmly against him as they swayed gently. Erin rested her head on his shoulder, inhaling deeply. Larten rested his cheek against her head. He knew she was trying to joke about it but what she had said made Larten hold her tighter. He did not want to hear her being self-deprecating about the situation.

"Do not ever make statements like that again." He whispered against her head. The seriousness in his tone caused Erin to move her head and look up at him. They stared into each other's eyes; Larten's eyes tight in a mix of emotions. Erin nodded apologetically.

"I won't." She whispered.

Larten swallowed. He wanted to kiss her, deeply, but it would not be appropriate in their surroundings.

"Are you ready to leave and see what else the night has to offer?" Erin asked as they walked back to their table.

Larten nodded. "Yes, let's see where our feet lead us next." He offered his arm and as the two of them exited the hotel they were met with a cold breeze. The temperature seemed to have dropped significantly from earlier. Erin pulled up her collar.

"Brr! Our feet need to lead us somewhere and fast!"

"Perhaps a dessert and coffee? The same establishment we went to on your birthday?"

"Yes, sounds perfect. Ooh, this wind is cold. Let's hurry."

Larten stopped her and pulled her against him. He wrapped an arm around her waist and the other held her back against him, encircled protectively as he claimed her mouth and kissed her deeply, like it could be their very last one. Erin responded and wrapped her arms around him to hold him just as firmly. Breaking away, they looked in the other's eyes. Her eyes were so deep and dark but there was such warmth in them.

"Not that you need a reason for kissing me but why now? Aren't you supposed to be worried about appearances and all." She chuckled, hiding that she was actually curious why he had kissed her with such earnest.

"I just needed to kiss you." He said softly.

Erin smiled at him entwining their fingers together. "I'm glad you did."

Larten gave a small chuckle as the pair walked towards the coffee house.

It was now the early hours of the morning and the town had closed down a few hours prior but Larten did not want to go home just yet. The wind had died down and Erin had stopped shivering. They were strolling along the road in silence, enjoying the other's presence in the darkness. Soon they would be flitting back, but for now, walking down the street, the lamp lights guiding their way, putting off a hazy orange glow, was too peaceful to stop just yet.

Suddenly, Erin clenched Larten's arm tightly.

"What is it?"

"There's a man. A man nearby who is trying to follow us. I can't see where he's at but he's waiting." Erin nervously whispered.

Immediately Larten's vampire senses and training kicked into gear. Once a vampire knew danger was lurking nearby, it was near impossible to take them by surprise. But Larten didn't hear any movements in the alleys they passed or see any movement in the shadows between the lamp posts. He glanced to the roofs of the buildings surrounding them. An attack from above would make them sitting ducks. Erin and Larten kept walking as if nothing was wrong but both were on alert.

"You said 'man'. Is it just one?" Larten asked quietly.

"I-I think so."

"Does he plan to attack?"

Erin shook her head unsure. "He—" Erin's eyes with hazy for a second. Suddenly she choked when she inhaled. Her breathing soon returned to normal, she glanced around in fear before settling down.

"Keep walking." She said quietly. "He's close. Waiting. He's meant to stalk."

"I will deal with him accordingly." Larten hissed under his breath.

It was only a few minutes later that Larten became aware that they were no longer alone. Erin felt him tense. She cocked her head ever so slightly to the side. Larten nodded. She swallowed and kept her eyes focused on any sort of movement. That was all the blip had shown her. Now it was up to chance.

They continued their pace, the man following closely behind. He was armed with a Ruger 9 mm and had it drawn and ready. He had been told to follow them and make his presence somewhat aware so he could herd them to where his partner was stationed just up a block now. He was certain the vampire knew he was there but had no way of knowing the trap that was set. The man was surprised when the couple ducked down into a small alley. The man slowed until he saw his partner emerge and motioned him to slowly go towards the alley.

The two stopped on either side of the alley's mouth. They could hear whimpering and crying and could make out a figure bent over a smaller one.

"What the fuck?" His partner mouthed.

"He must be feeding." The man motioned, his partner nodding. They would have the element of surprise after all. Nothing much had been told to them from another man they knew who knew vampires existed. It had taken seeing that creature, Murlough, that they came to believe. He was a monster but hunting vampires was a much better thrill than anything he could have imagined and the pay-off was a major factor.

He made the motion to engage.

The two men entered into the alley, pistols out. They were shocked when they saw the vampire drop the woman onto the ground, the light giving the vampire's face a sinister look as he grinned at them, blood on his teeth.

"I am afraid you have interrupted my meal, gentlemen. You should know better than to do that to a vampire." Larten hissed dramatically.

"Shut the fuck up, man! We got you!"

Gunshots shattered the quiet night as Larten lunged towards the two men, dodging the bullets. He reached one grabbing him by the wrist and twisting it until it completely shattered and was left sticking out of his body before landing a blow that crushed the man's face. As he did that, he kicked the other man crushing his ribcage. The man landed and shook for a minute before going still, blood pooling everywhere.

Larten shoved the other man's corpse to the side. He was immediately by Erin's side helping her up. It had been her idea that he pretended to "feed" from her to lure the men, hopefully, into a false sense of having Larten distracted. The luck of the vampires had been on their side in their gamble.

"Ow." Erin said, not touching the place on her shoulder where he had "bitten" her. Well, he had bitten her if only for effect as she pretended to be a meal.

"Hold still." Larten spit onto his fingers to close the superficial bite marks. They were deep enough that he did actually drink from her prior to them attacking. She had known he needed to and it was the perfect opportunity to give him the strength and speed to deal with the two hunters. But had her whimpering and crying been real?

Erin stood up a bit wobbly. She immediately threw her arms around him, burying her face into his chest. "No, it didn't hurt." She said, her voice muffled.

Larten held her for a moment before pulling away.

"We need to leave quickly. Those gunshots were surely heard and the police will show up soon." Larten grabbed Erin and, in a flash, they were flitting home, leaving the bloody alley behind them.