A Stranger in the Night

The next few moments were hazy. I don't really remember what had happened, all I know is that once I dropped to the floor, it was a blur of flashes, screams, roars and blood. I do remember that a figure walked towards me and scooped me up into their arms. I was too weak to do anything and didn't have the energy to fight anymore. They were built and quite muscular. Their strong arms enfolding me as they carried me. I remember burying my head into their chest and the scent of something familiar sent my head swimming.

I must be dreaming again because how the hell did I end up in bed...in my bed! In my apartment! No. No. I must be dreaming. I hop up and walk into my bathroom and splash some cool water on my face. Trying to wake myself up, but it's not working. I head to the kitchen to get a drink of cool water, when I am stopped dead in my tracks. There was someone sitting in my armchair. Their legs folded, glancing over the book I was reading. They must have noticed me coming because instantly they looked directly at me. I froze. I swear my heart stopped as I was met by a faintly familiar figure, although I couldn't see his face. He sat straight up, with an air of mystery about him. Wearing a black suit, with a silver button up shirt that reflected slightly in the moonlight through the window. I studied his face a bit more before realising it was him. The handsome and mysterious man from the club a few nights ago. The man who made my knees go weak and regretted that I left the club when I did. A low deep laugh fills the room and he uncrosses his legs and stands, placing my book gently down on the side table. I begin to pinch myself to wake up. Ouch! That hurt! Ok. Time to wake up Luna! The figure begins to approach me as I feel my eyes adjusting to the light. His features coming more into view. The long dark hair, the chiselled jaw line, the light facial stubble that's trimmed and compliments his face and that devishly mischievous smirk. No. It can't be. I raise my hand to slap my face to try to wake myself up one more time, when within a flash, he is in front of me and grabs my hand. "There's no need for that dear. You are definitely not dreaming.". I feel myself begin to get light headed again, the room begins to spin and I feel my knees growing weak beneath me. He catches me and carries me to my armchair before placing me down and putting Nanna's blanket over my legs. He moves away for a few moments but returns with a glass of water and sets it down on the side table. He kneels down infront of me and gently lifts my chin to gaze into my eyes. His eyes are now a glowing emerald green and his face filled with growing concern. "Are you ok Luna?".

Huh? Wait, what is going on? How did he know my name? Why was he in my apartment? How did he get in here and what happened before in the street? So many questions began running through my head, I couldn't concentrate. I raise my hands to my temples and try to get a grip on what's going on. I felt the gentle touch of his hands on top of my hands, instantly calming me. He was close enough that I could smell him now and my heart begins to flutter as I take in the earthy and magical scent that is all him. He lowers my hands to my lap but does not let go of them. "You are safe Luna. I have known you, well known of you for some time now. I brought you back here after the incident in the street. I know you have lots of questions that you want answers to, and I am prepared to answer them all in due time. But for now, you need to rest." Handing me the cup of cool water. I slowly take a sip and nod my head. Too exhausted to fight what's happening and somewhat comforted by him just being here with me. He brushes the hair gently off my face and whispers in my ear, "rest my dear, I will be back soon".

I must have slept for some time as when I woke up and it was still dark. The clock on the wall said 7.43pm and I quickly dash to find my phone. Knowing that I was supposed to be at the Cafe for a shift 4 hours ago. My phone is banked up with messages and calls from George. Jess has also messaged me a couple times. Normally we messaged each other once we get home to let us know each other is safe. I call George and immediately start apologising and begging for forgiveness. I explain that I've caught a bug and been sleeping all day. George accepts although I can hear the concern in his voice. He tells me to take a couple days off to recover and will see me on Monday. I try to argue because he knows I need the money but tells me not to worry about it and he will sort it. It still amazes me how much of an amazing boss he is and I am super grateful for him. I thank him and then message the dog walking client and cleaning client as well to apologise for missing them today and that I will arrange a make up time for them. Well Jess, I don't even know where to start or what to say to her. So I flick her a quick message saying sorry and that I would call her later.

Feeling icky, I jumped into the shower. The feeling of the hot water running over me calms me to no end. I always have loved being near water. My parents always used to call me a water baby, I just assumed it was because I was always wanting to swim or play with water. Even in the middle of winter, surrounded by ice and snow and I still wanted to play with it in some way. I stay in the hot, steamy shower for a while, enjoying the release and silence. Not letting any cares or worries bother me, when I suddenly feel myself begin panic. Did last night actually happen? Who was he? How did he know me and what the hell is going on? My head would not stop nagging me with questions. I got out of the shower, quickly drying off and putting on my thick robe and slippers before walking out, drying my hair off with a towel. I stop in my walk in robe to grab some clothes, and get dressed. Nothing special, I am only at home, just some sweat pants and a baggy shirt. Comfort first.

I began to walk to my lounge room to go to my armchair, still drying my hair off with the towel, only to be startled out of my wits by someone in my arm chair again. I look closer....its him. How the hell did he get in? "Well that's a look now isn't it..." my face must have turned white as I was struck with shock and panic. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you and I know I shouldn't have let myself in but I did knock several times. But when you didn't answer... I got concerned.". I twist my head in confusion. "Once in I realised you were in the shower and I didn't want to disturb you.". I head to the kitchen and lean on my island sink. He stood and walked behind me, I could feel his eyes following me the whole way. I turned to face him and noticed his face, a face full of concern. "Who are you?" I ask. My defensive side getting ready to go into full blown psycho mode. "I am Alessandro, but you can call me Alex. Again I am sorry for the intrusion. But I did tell you last night that I would be back.". Oh yeah. He did. I do remember that part. "OK. Next question. What the hell happened last night in the street?". His head dropped, and he began to speak, "Ah yes. Well fortunately, those were some unsavoury characters you won't ever see again. I have made sure of that.". I grimaced at the response. "Would you care to elaborate?". He nodded. "Well, I think I need to explain from the start and I'm sure your wondering about me, so maybe I should start there." I nodded briefly before a flash of white caught my eye. Were those fangs? No. Surely not. "Yes... they are." Almost as if he heard my thoughts. This isn't the first time its happened where someone just seems to know exactly what I'm thinking. "Yes.... I did hear them. Sorry, we all have different gifts.". I wonder if he heard the other thoughts I had been thinking to myself about how handsome he was. A cheeky smirk gleamed across his face, "Maybe". Far out. I could feel my cheeks beginning to burn, I needed to deflect. "So were they....". He instantly folded his arms and turned away from me. "Yes. They are. I am sorry for what happened. Those though are a lower form of us though. Halflings they are called. Disgusting creatures with no dignity or respect for other living beings.". I got a bit giddy again and leant on the island to hold myself up. I tried to take it all in but was still confused. "Before you even ask the question, yes. The outcome from last night might have been different if I was not there. And I'm glad I was there." Hmmm yeah...why was he there? "Well my dear...one might say I've been keeping an eye on you lately." Curiousity getting the better of me, "why me?". I tense, not sure I'm wanting to hear the answer. Another deep, low laugh, "I have felt your energy for a while now, and I sought you out. This is my town, so I usually know when all new people arrive, however no one could share any information with me about you. When I found you the other night at the club, something in you called to me and I knew it was you I was searching for." What the hell? Searching for me, what would make me so special to a vampire? Maybe for being a meal. "Yes you are special Luna, and yes, I do drink blood, but no. I'm not planning on drinking from you, unless that is if you want me to." A small smirk slid across his face. I shook my head furiously. Nope. Nope. Nope. No thanks. "That's ok. Like I said. I wasn't planning on it.". A sigh of relief passed my lips.

He walked over to the bay windows and stood, leaning against the window and looking out over the city. I followed behind, but still keeping some distance. Eyeing my baseball bat in my umbrella holder being mere metres away should something happen. "That's not necessary Luna. I have no intention of harming you at all. Quite the opposite actually" All of a sudden he shot me a look, his eyes glowing crimson red and gold streaks that made his eyes sparkle. I know those eyes. I've seen them many times before. Was this him? The man whose been haunting my dreams for months on end? The man whom yearn for every time I wake and wish he was here with me? "Yes.....Luna.....I am.....".