Page 85 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Of course. Please, put your hand here.” The last, she said to me.

A portion of the desk lit up in the shape of a hand.

“You are high tech here.”

My vampire mate shrugged. “Of course.”

I did as instructed, and she took a scan.

To my surprise, she repeated the process with Nimbus, her eyes alight with joy at seeing him. He consented to a scratch, then demanded another to her delight.

Then Katsuro placed his hand on the panel, as well, and the door behind her slid open. This was the start of the security that let me believe Katsuro was right in saying they were safe. It would take a literal tank to get through that thick metal door. I followed him through to an elevator.

“There is a stairwell, also, if needed, but the elevator is much faster.”

He pushed a button, and we went down.

“Some crazy engineering must have gone into the construction of an underground complex.”

“Yes. We’ve expanded over time, as well. Many of my vampires have modern, advanced degrees.”

When we got to the bottom, the elevator opened into a scene out of a Victorian mansion. Except, the more I looked, the more I saw influences from many cultures, including a heavy Asian overtone. Which made sense since Katsuro was Asian.

“Who decorated?”

He smiled. “Everyone, really. It clashes a bit, but we like it.”

I followed him through the heavy wood paneled corridors for a way, marveling at the treasures from around the world that everyone had displayed. We went down a wide flight of stairs, took a right and Katsuro led me through another door that opened into a cultivated Japanese garden, complete with robust plant life.

“The grow lights are mildly uncomfortable, and many choose to avoid the gardens, or switch the lights over to something a bit more vampire friendly while they are enjoying them. This is my personal space. A few others enter to care for the gardens, but I and they can tolerate the discomfort easily. I will introduce you to them at some point. They are my oldest companions.”

I walked over the wooden footbridge and watched the koi dart underneath. The air smelled faintly floral, and peace pervaded the atmosphere.

“This is amazing.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

I glanced up at Katsuro. His eyes lit up with joy at my appreciation.

“This way. We will spend more time here and you are welcome any time, day or night.”

Nimbus grumbled, dipping a paw in the water and staring intently at the koi.

“No hunting!” I scolded him. I didn’t actually know if cloud dogs hunted or not, but I suspected from his interest, that they did.

He huffed, looking abashed.

“This way.” Katsuro led us into his home. I didn’t know much about Japanese architecture, only what I’d seen in movies, but this seemed to fit with everything I’d observed. He gave me a quick tour of the place. It was beautiful, everything crafted to perfection. His home was smaller than I would have expected from his position, but they did live underground so that might have been part of it.

In the dining area, he seated me at a low table where I sat cross-legged. Nimbus sat next to me and looked expectantly at Katsuro.

Katsuro ruffled the cloud dog’s soft ears before leaving the room.

He returned a moment later with a delicate tea service. “A small ceremony before we proceed.”

Though I didn’t know the meaning behind his actions, it was clear each precise movement had a purpose, and I did my best to follow along with a few of his murmured instructions and match the gravity of his intent. He included Nimbus in the tea service, providing a not quite matching bowl that would accommodate the cloud dog’s lack of thumbs. Nimbus was appropriately solemn for the event.

The vampire smiled approvingly at my efforts as we sipped the delicate tea. “If you want to learn, I will teach you some of my culture in the future,” he offered.

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