Page 5 of Because the Night

I turn away before I can fixate on the sight of all that blood rushing beneath their skin. Hunger will not control me. I am not an animal, no matter what he’s done to me. The light turns green and away we go.

“What are the rules for being a vampire?” I ask.

“Do as I say.”

As if.

It’s truly ridiculous how attractive he is, with his flawless skin, deep blue eyes, and glossy, thick hair. The driver’s-side window is down, and a breeze tousles his locks. He’s like something out of an ad for cologne or designer jeans. Though, I guess that helps them ensnare the next meal.

His gaze is constantly on the move. Taking in the people on the sidewalks, other vehicles on the road, and the buildings we’re passing. High-rises amaze him, and the digital advertising billboards fascinate him to no end. Along with a group of scantily clad people spilling out of a bar. And following close behind them is a woman who absolutely cannot be human.

“That woman,” I say in horror. “She had amber eyes, and her teeth…holy shit!”

“Sounds like a werewolf,” he says. “Such things have always been here. You’re no longer susceptible to the human unwillingness to see what’s in front of you. To excuse away the things that scare you. Don’t be so shocked. What you consider unnatural is really just the parts of our world you have yet to experience.”

None of this makes me happy. “So, what do you want at my work?”

“I haven’t decided yet. But it’s interesting that they had the house keys.” He runs his tongue over his fangs as he looks people over as we drive. “The style of clothing has certainly changed.”

“Your suit is dated. But people wear all sorts of things now. Dressing in vintage clothing is common enough.”

He nods.

“Have you ever even seen a TV?”

“Yes. I bought my first one at the 1939 World’s Fair.” He points toward the circular Capitol Records Building. “They’d only just started work on that the last time I saw it.”

“How old are you exactly?”

“Have I mentioned that your manners are appalling?”

“You attacked me, drank my blood, and turned me into a vampire. Do you really want to discuss manners?”

“Drinking blood is a matter of survival,” he says. “I won’t apologize for it. And I could have left you to rot. I still might.”

Here’s the thing. The idea of becoming a vampire is seductive, in theory. Movies make it look so good. Live forever and all that. But the actual process of being attacked and exsanguinated is traumatic as fuck. Not to mention all of the changes to your body. The demand that you leave your everyday life behind and embrace…whatever this is.

I press my hand to my chest, waiting to feel the beat of my heart. It doesn’t happen. I hold my breath and wait. And wait some more.

“You don’t need to breathe,” he says. “You’re just doing it out of habit.”

“How were we even invented? Who made the first vampire?”

“Invented?” He laughs. “You make us sound like Frankenstein’s monster. The truth is, no one knows for sure. Or no one I’ve ever met. I believe it’s some sort of magic, though the how and why of it are lost to time.”

“Magic is real?”

“Your heart no longer beats and yet you’re still walking around. What would you call it?”

He has a point. Not that I’m going to admit that. “You haven’t told me your name.”

“Lucas.”

“Lucas. Okay. I don’t sparkle in sunlight now, do I?”

“No. You burn to ash.” His dark brows draw together. “Sparkling. What an absurd idea. Why on earth would you think that?”

“No reason.” My stomach churns. Good to know that even the undead experience anxiety. “Take the next left and park anywhere.”

---