Seraphine’s POV
Throughout the remaining school days, I maintained a vigilant watch over Vesperus, ensuring he didn’t engage in any nefarious activities. Until now, he acted like a regular teenager going to school, hiding his real age much better than I ever could. It almost seemed believable that he was an eighteen-year-old.
However, just as everyone was dispersing to head home, Vesperus inexplicably vanished into thin air. A scowl etched itself onto my face as I trudged back home, my mind restless and devoid of respite. The mere presence of Vesperus haunted my thoughts, igniting an insatiable curiosity about his purpose here and whether he had been sent by someone.
Morning arrived abruptly, the intrusive sunlight piercing through my bedroom window. I jolted out of bed, propelled by the blinding rays. Swiftly bypassing the living room, I made a beeline for the kitchen, where my wine fridge awaited me like a loyal sentinel. Retrieving a bottle, I hastily consumed its contents in a desperate attempt to ease my troubled mind.
Suddenly, a voice I recognized all too well resonated through the air, causing me to choke on the wine. The bottle slipped from my grasp, crashing onto the floor, shattering into a multitude of fragmented glass. Anger and frustration surged within me, and I spun around, utilizing my vampire speed to materialize before Vesperus. My gaze bore into him, an intense glare conveying my displeasure, as he nonchalantly helped himself to a bowl of my beloved Cocoa Puff cereals soaked in blood.
“What on earth are you doing in my house, casually munching on my cereal?” I demanded, my voice laced with annoyance as I swiftly snatched the box of delectable chocolate goodies from right in front of him. I circled the table, taking a seat across from him, my eyes fixed on his every move, awaiting an explanation.
As time stretched on without a response, my impatience grew. Finishing his meal, he methodically picked up his plate and headed to the sink to wash his hands. With deliberate movements, he turned to face me, his gaze meeting mine at last. Finally, he mustered the words I had been waiting for.
“I’m here because this is where I’m staying,” he replied, his tone laced with a hint of defiance.
I blinked in confusion, convinced that I couldn’t have possibly heard him correctly. Why on earth would he stay at my place without my permission? The idea seemed absurd.
Feeling a strong desire to vent my frustration and curse him, I soon came to the realization that it would probably be smarter to maintain a close relationship and uncover the true motive behind his sudden appearance. It dawned on me that understanding the real reason for his unexpected presence would be a more prudent course of action.
I realized that rushing into decisions would just make things more complicated. Instead, I knew it was crucial to handle this situation carefully, giving myself the chance to gather more information before making any definite moves.
Leaning back in my chair, I studied Vesperus, his expression unreadable. “Explain yourself,” I demanded, my voice now laced with a firmness that hinted at my centuries of existence and the power that lay within me.
Vesperus hesitated for a moment, seemingly evaluating my demeanor. He knew better than to underestimate the wrath of an angered vampire. “I am not here to cause trouble,” he finally said, his voice steadier now. “I am on a mission, and this house happens to be the safest place for me at the moment.”
My anger simmered, gradually giving way to a mixture of curiosity and caution. I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing as I studied him intently. “A mission?” I repeated, urging him to continue, but all he did was nodded and said nothing.
“And why, pray tell, have you chosen my abode as your sanctuary?” I asked, my voice tinged with skepticism after he didn’t elaborate on his so called mission.
Vesperus met my gaze, his eyes flickering with a hint of vulnerability. “Your reputation precedes you,” he replied. “You are known as a vampire of wisdom and strength. I believed that if anyone would dare mess with me, they would think twice knowing I’m staying with you.”
I let out a weary sigh, my mind replaying the conversation I had with him just yesterday, his words resonating in my thoughts. “So, you’re talking about Lucian?” I said, my voice tinged with a mix of frustration and concern. “We’re in this territory together, and yet you’re acting scared.”
He scoffed, attempting to dismiss my worry. “Me, scared? Never, my dear. Why would I be scared of a mutt like him?”
I muttered under my breath, my anger simmering beneath the surface. “Bastard,” my words barely audible. With a swift motion, I swung open the fridge adjacent to my wine fridge, revealing a collection of carefully organized cups filled with crimson liquid. I reached for one, its contents unmistakable to those in the know. Only vampires and perhaps werewolves would recognize the truth: it was blood.
Grabbing a straw from the drawer beside the fridge, I delicately inserted it into the cup, piercing the thick, creamy substance. As I drew a sip, the metallic tang of blood coated my tongue, mingling with the faintly sweet undertones. The velvety texture danced on my taste buds, tantalizing and familiar, before sliding down my throat, bringing a sense of temporary satisfaction.
To an unsuspecting onlooker, it might seem like I was simply sipping on a glass of beet juice. However, for those who grasped the concealed mysteries lurking in the shadows, it represented an act of nourishment—a subtle yet potent reminder of my genuine essence. While fresh blood straight from a human would be preferable, time constraints left me with no choice but to rely on the reserves I had stored in the fridge.
With each swallow, the sensation of power coursed through my veins, momentarily satiating the hunger that constantly gnawed at me. The rhythmic pulsations of life within the crimson elixir stirred a primal desire, reminding me of the intricate balance between my existence and the world of mortals. In that moment, I allowed myself to revel in the dark allure that came with being a vampire, embracing the duality of my nature.
“I’ve got to get to school,” I exclaimed to Vesperus, hastily slinging my bag over one shoulder while my other hand clutched onto my drink for dear life.
“Just a moment,” he replied, causing me to finally notice his attire. He was donning the school uniform, but instead of neatly tucking his crisp white shirt into his dress pants, he let it hang loosely, a few buttons undone, revealing his well-defined chest.
“You can’t be serious,” I gasped, my eyes widening in disbelief as I stared at him, utterly perplexed by his audacious fashion choice.
“Thought your jaw was about to hit the ground there,” he teased, stepping closer until our proximity became uncomfortably close. With a determined look in my eyes and a jaw tightly clenched, I found the courage to respond by swiftly stomping on his feet before making a hasty exit from the house.
Glancing back, I saw him wearing a smug smirk, nonchalantly following me and occasionally whistling a tune. Determined to escape his relentless pursuit, I quickened my pace, utilizing half of my vampire speed, nimbly dodging trees in an attempt to lose him. But my efforts proved futile.
I rolled my eyes in exasperation as I reached the bus stop, realizing he was still tailing me without the slightest hint of fatigue.
“Why don’t you just use your speed and go straight to school?” he inquired, a hint of amusement lacing his voice.
I muttered under my breath, frustration seeping through my words. “Because I don’t want anyone to discover my true nature as a vampire. Can’t you grasp that I’m striving to embrace my humanity?”
“Honestly, I can’t comprehend it. Why would one choose to be human when they can bask in the extraordinary existence of a powerful vampire? Our immense strength, lightning-fast speed, and the uncanny ability to discern even the faintest sound from miles away—such gifts bestowed upon us,” Vesperus expressed passionately, his words tinged with a profound sense of conviction.
I paused, a mixture of contemplation and conflicting emotions washing over me. The allure of my vampire heritage was undeniably seductive, each heightened sense and supernatural ability a testament to our remarkable nature. But deep within, a longing for a different experience, a yearning to blend into the human world, stirred like a dormant ember.
“But Vesperus,” I replied softly, my voice carrying a hint of wistfulness, “don’t you ever wonder what it’s like to truly belong? To walk among the mortal realm without arousing suspicion or fear? To savor the simplicity of human experiences—the taste of a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning, the touch of a loved one’s hand, or the sound of laughter that resonates deep within your soul?”
As I spoke, I couldn’t help but imagine the richness of these sensory encounters, the symphony of colors, scents, and textures that awaited me as a human. While our vampire existence bestowed upon us extraordinary power, it also carried the burden of isolation, forever distancing us from the warmth and interconnectedness that defines the human experience.
Vesperus regarded me intently, his gaze reflecting a mixture of curiosity and understanding. “I suppose there’s a certain beauty in embracing humanity after all you are half vampire and half vampire,”
Lost in my thoughts, the previous conversation with Vesperus faded into the background as a distinct aroma, uniquely Lucian’s, wafted towards me, electrifying my senses. The scent, as if carried by an invisible breeze, tantalized my nostrils, evoking an insatiable desire within me. Across from the bus stop, Lucian’s wolf form paused abruptly, fixating its gaze upon me with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. In that moment, all I yearned for was to abandon everything and rush towards him, succumbing to the intoxicating temptation of tasting his blood. I couldn’t help but wonder if it would surpass the mere contents of the cup tightly grasped in my hands.
However, before I could seize the opportunity to act upon my unyielding cravings and the profound longing for his essence, Lucian abruptly darted off in the direction of the school, leaving me stranded, forced to patiently await the arrival of the bus. Regret washed over me like a relentless tide, as I fervently wished I had utilized my supernatural speed, transcending the boundaries of time and space, to transport myself directly to the confines of the educational institution.
As I stood there, anticipation mounting with each passing second, the weight of my decision weighed heavily upon me. The prospect of mundane human existence seemed further out of reach, overshadowed by the intoxicating allure of Lucian’s presence. Reluctantly, I finally boarded the bus, my mind filled with contemplation about the choices ahead. Uncertainty and longing swirled within me, weaving together like the complex threads of a mysterious tapestry. This journey I was about to undertake would challenge my self-control and profoundly shape the essence of my being.