Darien

He flicked on the light to reveal a cosy house adorned with decor and ambiance befitting that of the Victorian era. Rose especially loved it because of her love of art. There was the huge fireplace and mantle, polished marble ingrained into the wall and solid hardwood floor. There were no carpets lining the floor, but rather a soft rug set in the middle of the room. There was a large chandelier hanging directly above the dining area. The rooms were just as lovely, boasting canopied beds and elegant bed ruffles. Rose fell in love with the place and Darien’s features lit up with hers. She had not stood closely enough to the bed when he pounced upon her.

He stood up and told her that he was going to grab a shower. In two minutes she could hear the water running and she felt tempted to make trouble. She lay still nonetheless, trying to quell the throbbing he had started. By the time he left the tub, not ten minutes later, she was fast asleep. He knew she had had a long day and the news of everything must be overwhelming to her. He gently lifted her and placed her head against the cotton pillows, and smiled as she heaved a contented sigh and sank deeper into slumber. He stood looking at her for a few minutes, marveling at her beauty. Her curly hair now hung loose as she had not had a chance to pin it up. He sat next to her on the bed now and played with those on the side of her head, and then he bent and kissed her face and whispered words of love in her ear. She smiled, but remained asleep.

Darien walked to the living area and procured her bags. He placed them next to her bed, not wanting to unpack anything, just in case she was touchy about her possessions. Before she could awaken he took the liberty of scouting the external regions of the house, just to ensure no one had seen them come here. He was skeptical about leaving her here alone at night while he searched for the rogues, but he indeed felt better with her being here. This place was more secure than her home and at least no one knew about this house. 

He returned not an hour after he had left and found her sleeping still. He crawled into bed next to her, feeling her warmth on him. He would not sleep for he was naturally a nocturnal creature, but he loved the way she felt against him. He removed her slacks to reveal black lace underwear. He traced the outline of it and could feel his body responding right away. He quickly removed his hand before he was forced to take her without permission. She shifted just then and curled further into him, so that her breath now came in long, warm puffs, warming his stomach. He kissed her forehead and then lay against the free pillow, his palm resting flatly against the back of his head. He would enjoy her company tonight. Tomorrow, he would find the rogues attempting to steal his life and make them pay.

There was something about this that didn’t feel quite right though. Why would they take what he had said so personally? He didn’t know them, and they had drifted into his space. As far as territories were concerned, vampires were like dogs; they mark their territories and all others who should pass by would know and respect that. That was how it had always been. They weren’t the first to pass through town, but the rest had kept going. What made this clique so different? Why were they trying so hard to frame him and mess up his life. He had a feeling that when he found them, a lot more things would make more sense.