The Vampire's PA

I wasn’t sure what exactly I’d been expecting. Bloody dead corpses hanging on the walls maybe… or red eyes gleaming in the little light there was… coffins against the walls possibly, but there was none of that. Instead I found myself in a hallway just like on our floor except half of the lights were turned off and the rooms’ doors were closer together. In conclusion I could say that the rooms were likely also smaller.

We slowly walked past all the doors and the deathly silence set me on edge, “Why is it so quiet?” I asked Zaiden in a whisper.

He chuckled and didn’t even bother to lower his voice, “This part in mostly unoccupied since we don’t really need sleep. Beds are only used for-” he stopped talking abruptly and looked at me before looking away again, “…um…other things.”

I grimaced, “I suppose you’re talking about unholy matrimony things?”

He chuckled again, “That’s one way of putting it.”

Silence engulfed us and I only spoke when my thoughts became too curious to contain, “So if you don’t sleep… what do you do during the day?”

“That’s what you’re about to find out.” He grinned evilly and pushed open the door we’d been walking to.

My mouth dropped open when we stepped into the dimly lit huge open room. Vampires sat in little groups on the floor and it didn’t look like they were uncomfortable in the slightest or the least bit bothered by the cold hard floor. They just sat there talking quietly amongst themselves. A few humans were sitting in the corner of the room near the door with dull expressions in their eyes as they stared into space. I half pointed in their direction, “What wrong with them?”

Zaiden hesitated only a brief moment, “They offered themselves up to the vampires in hope that we’ll turn them. Of course we don’t really turn humans anymore, it’s too dangerous, so they settled with being our blood source.”

“But why do they look so…” I searched for the right word, “Dull?” I finally asked.

“They don’t ever leave this room, they don’t want to, so I suppose in a way it’s their own fault for looking like that. They are free to leave whenever they like but they just sit there in hope that someone might turn them.”

I looked at them again, “That’s so stupid.”

Zaiden smiled as he pulled me forward, “I’m glad you think so too. Who knows, maybe you can convince them to go outside and get some sun. Their blood doesn’t even taste good anymore, it lacks life force.”

I frowned at the humans again. “Maybe I will…” They disappeared from my view when a female vampire came up from behind us. I didn’t know her.

She grinned at me evilly and spoke to Zaiden, “I see you brought a snack home, Zaiden.”

Zaiden’s grip on me tightened and his smile was forced, “Sorry, she’s all mine.” The female pouted unhappily and Zaiden spoke again but in a much lighter tone than before, “Ash, this is the eighth noble, Susannah.”

I nodded at her, “Nice to meet you, Susannah.”

Her eyes widened as she regarded me, “It speaks.” She said unsurely, “And it’s just Susan by the way.”

I smiled grimly, “Just Susan it will be then.”

She laughed like I’d said the funniest thing in the world, “Oh what a human you have here!” She continued laughing, “Very amusing.” She said, “I would love to drink the blood of such a fiery personality.”

I almost snorted, I did not have a fiery personality in the slightest, she must have been hanging around the dead for too long or something. I was definitely not amusing.

“Like I said,” Zaiden said, “She’s all mine.” He pushed past her, “Please excuse us.” He didn’t look back again and I only followed like a little puppy.

“You don’t like her much, do you?” I asked when we were a ways off.

Zaiden shrugged, “She’s fine when she’s not crazed by hunger.”

I frowned deeply, “She was crazed by hunger? I couldn’t tell.”

“She not a normal vampire, she’s a noble, like me, we can hide it better than the rest of them.” Zaiden simply said.

We didn’t speak again as he guided me through the mass of vampires. Some of the vampires turned to look at us and whispered about us. It was a strange thing to say but I could feel all of them talking about us. I could feel their cold stares on my back.

It seemed the further we went the darker it became and the more vampires there were, but I could see a bit of light in front of us somewhere. We were heading right for it and I felt relieved.

We broke free from the crowd of vampires and my relief must have been plain on my face because Zaiden chuckled and I hit him on the arm.

My relief, however, turned into horror the moment I looked away from Zaiden and to the scene in front of me.

There, sitting on what was probably the only couch in the whole room, was Alexander, completely still as Theresa slowly unbuttoned his shirt and placed open mouthed kisses up his neck. When their mouths met I was reminded of my dream and nausea overcame me.

I looked away from them to try and clear my mind but that image was scarred into my mind and this time it wasn’t a dream.

I wanted to plug my ears or tear them off when Theresa let out a moan and I grabbed Zaiden by the hand as I tried to block the whole scene out, “Come on.” I said as I started walking towards the door again, “You’re coming with me to the nearest toilet and holding up my hair while I puke.”

Zaiden chuckled and pulled me back into his chest, “Who would have thought you were so innocent…”

I scoffed, “I’m not, that was just the most disturbing thing I’ve ever seen.” It really was and it was playing over and over in my mind, scorching my thoughts. I wondered if it would help if I gouged my eyes out or if it was already too late.

Zaiden turned me back towards the couch, “Well don’t worry, they stopped, you can look now.”

The moment I did look back to the couch and my eyes met Alexander’s and then drifted to Theresa who was still practically trying to undress him. Alexander didn’t even seem to notice that his shirt had been ripped off as he stared at me and I tilted my head to the side and frowned at the crazy female vampire. What the hell was wrong with her? Was she really so bewitched that she didn’t even realise he wasn’t paying any attention to her?

I sighed and looked at Zaiden, “Well, I think you were right when you said that he was ‘caught up’, I’ll just talk to him at a later stage.” I turned to walk away again and the moment I’d taken the first step away from them someone was in front of me.

I stared at the beautiful bare chest in front of me for a long time before I pulled my mind together and looked to the face that came with it. Alexander’s eyes seemed brighter than they’d been a few seconds ago, “I’m not doing anything, Ashira.” He assured me. Poor Theresa was grasping at air after his sudden disappearance and I held back a snicker.

My name rolled over his tongue beautifully and I couldn’t stop the chill that pulled down my spine. My throat was dry, but the moment I reminded myself not to act like that around him, I regained control of my eyes that had unwillingly drifted down again, “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” I said sarcastically “But Zaiden said you wanted to speak to me.”

Alexander frowned at me and looked me up and down. He spoke like he hadn’t even heard me, “What are you wearing?” He poked me in the forehead, “What have I told you about what to wear?”

“To be careful?” I asked and crossed my arms over my chest defiantly, “I didn’t exactly have time, since you know, Zaiden dragged me here because you wanted to talk to me. So really, me looking like this is all your fault.”

Alexander flashed me a predatory smile, “I apologise.”

I nodded, feeling pleased with myself, “So get to the point of this encounter because I have somewhere to be.”

His smile didn’t drop, “And where might a little human have to be so early in the morning?”

I opened my mouth to answer but Zaiden beat me to it, “She has a date.” He said happily.

I blushed deep red again at that word, “I’ve told you before, it’s just breakfast.” I looked at Alexander and nodded reassuringly, not really noticing the dark look in his eyes, “It really is.”

Zaiden snorted, “A guy gets up in the middle of the night, when he was supposed to be sleeping to give you a letter with flowers and invites you out for food. That is seen as a date, my little pet.” He petted me on the head.

I frowned and brushed his hand off, “You’re doing it again.”

Zaiden smiled innocently and shrugged.

“Anyway,” I said turning back to face Alexander, “Why did you want to see me?”

He watched me with some unreadable blank expression, “No reason, I just wanted to talk to you.”

Bare arms suddenly went around his neck and a different female pulled herself up to his level, “Alex, Alex, Alex.” She sang cheerfully and if possible that sickened me even more that the make out session I’d seen between him and Theresa. She longingly placed a slow kiss on his cheek.

“Wow, Alex,” Zaiden said sounding impressed, “They really want you today.”

I rolled my eyes and pursed my lips, “Alright then, since it seems I’m not needed, I’m going to converse with my own kind and get them to leave this dark make-out hole.”

“Dark make-out hole?” Alexander asked, sounding half amused as he pried the female’s arms off of him.

“Yeah.” I stated in a duh tone and turned around and marched off to the humans. I could feel Alexander’s eyes burning on my back. The vampires actually gave me space to walk and none of them came near me. It was almost like they fell quiet the moment I passed them and I was grateful for it.

The humans’ eyes locked on me the moment I was in their line of vision and they stared at me blankly as I approached them. I stopped when I was right in front of their little group, wondering what I was supposed to say to them.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before I started yelling at them, “What the bloody hell is wrong with you people? You’re humans! Humans, I say!

Don’t you miss the glorious warm sunlight on your skin and the beautiful blue waves and the cool wind blowing your hair in your face? Don’t you miss laughing and being happy while the salty water sticks to your skin? Don’t you miss people?

Up there there’s all of that and more and the vampires still drink your blood so what’s the big deal? Why don’t you go up there? This is a dark hole and it’s cold and lonely and it sucks the life right out of you.

You all look like crap! I mean, take a look at the person next to you and know that you look exactly the same! You need the warm sun. The vampires don’t even like your blood anymore, that’s how soulless you are!” I stopped for a breath. “You don’t have to stay here.” I said more gently, “So if you chose to stay here I only have one question for you… oh no wait… make that two questions. What the hell is wrong with you? And is it really worth rotting your life away here when they aren’t going to change you anyway?

You should be happy with what you have and make the best of it.” I took a deep breath, “That’s all I have to say.”

I could see the door and I bee lined for it since everyone in the room had fallen silent to listen to my little rant. Nobody tried to stop me so I just kept on going and pushed the double doors open and strode through them.

I was mad, how could they life like that? My anger was unmatched but I wasn’t so sure if all of it was at the humans… it might have been more directed at a certain vampire. I snarled like an animal and hit the nearest wall with my fist.

“Bastard.” I hissed.

“Ashira.” Alexander said from behind me and I stiffened with my fist still against the wall.

I took my fist away and turned around slowly, “What?” I asked him challengingly. I was itching for a fight, one against a vampire might not be the wisest choice but who cared?

Alexander looked uncertain and uncomfortable, “Are you alright?”

I let out a bark of hysterical laughter, “Well, I was taken away from my friends and family and to some strange desert land where I’d never been before, on a ship full of vampires who probably want to kill me, only to find out there are actually humans who want to become demons themselves! So yeah!” I threw my hands in the air, “I’m just peachy!”

I could see Alexander didn’t know what to do so I just turned and walked away from him. He followed me.

When I rounded a corner and he was still following me I spun around and jabbed him in the chest, “What is your problem? Hu? Can’t you just leave me alone?”

Without a word he pulled me against his chest, “Well, I can’t have you punching walls again, what if you actually manage to break something and we sink?” He sighed and buried his face in my neck, “I suppose it’s normal for all of it to catch up with you eventually.”

I stared at the wall behind him open mouthed. He was hugging me? A Vampire was comforting me. I pushed against his chest to make him let go of me, “Let go of me you jerk.” I said angrily. I hit him with all the strength I had, “Let go!”

He didn’t even move, he merely sighed again, “Best to let you take out your anger on me than risk us sinking.” He turned his face so he could lay his head on my shoulder and I realised his eyes were closed, “You need to calm down Ashira, I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

I cursed him loudly and tried to shove him away but to no avail.

He frowned as he lifted his head and looked me in the eyes, “Are you mad at me too?”

“Yes!” I screamed at him almost immediately but then followed an uncertain, “No! I mean… maybe… I’m not sure…” now I was confused as well.

Alexander didn’t really react to that, he just firmly took hold of me and pulled me alongside him as he guided me through the halls, “Why?” He finally asked.

“You wasted my time.” You were kissing her.

“I’m sorry, Ashira.” Alexander said sincerely and he glanced at me, but when his eyes met mine he didn’t look away. We came to a stop and simply stared at one another for what felt like forever.

His beautiful bare chest was starting to get distracting again and I was afraid of where my eyes would wander if I didn’t take control of our conversation. I just couldn’t stay mad at him when he was looking at me like that, “You know; most people only call me Ash instead of wearing the whole thing out.”

The atmosphere lightened and he smiled at me, “I refuse your indirect request.” He winked, “But I like your name,” he came closer to me and under normal circumstances I would have quivered but I was ready for it when he whispered in my ear, “Ashira.” His voice was so deep and alluring but I didn’t react, I refused to react. Alexander waited for my reaction but when he got none he pulled away from me with a slight confused frown between his brows.

“Well,” I said innocently, like I hadn’t even noticed what he’d tried to do, “I best be going now, places to be and all that.” I pressed the elevator button to go up and it lit up as I waited.

Alexander watched me passively, “You alright with taking it on your own?” he asked casually but he sounded a bit concerned.

I shrugged nonchalantly, “I got over it.”

Alexander grinned, “Was it my trick that helped? Was I the one to cure you from your ultimate fear?”

I snorted, “No, I just got over it.” Alexander watched me doubtfully and I cracked under the look he was giving me, “Fine, I tried it and it worked and now…” I paused, “I’m better.”

His face softened, “I’m glad I could have been of some help to you.”

I grunted and looked away from him. I folded my arms across my chest as I waited for the doors to open and impatiently tapped my foot against the floor. Why was it taking so long?

“So…” Alexander said awkwardly after a moment.

He didn’t add anything and I raised a questioning brow, “So what?”

He shrugged, “I don’t know, I just wanted to start up our conversation again and ‘so’ seemed like a good place to start.”

I rolled my eyes, “Smooth, real smooth.” I bit my lip as I debated whether or not I was going to do what I had in mind, “I have a question for you.”

“Sure.” He said happily, “You can ask me anything you want to, Ashira.”

The doors slid open and I stepped inside with him right behind me, “I thought you were going to let me take it alone.” I said confusedly, my question momentarily forgotten.

He shrugged, “That was before, this is now.” He pressed the button to go to my floor and leaned against the side of the elevator, “So what did you want to ask me?”

“Well…” I said hesitantly, “It’s about the times that you healed me.”

Alexander tilted his head to the side like he found me highly amusing and his eyes twinkled a light green, “What about it?”

“Well…” I said again and swallowed nervously, “Every time you did that you kissed me.” Oh my gosh, I was such a loser, “And I was wondering why that is. Is it like a rule that you have to bless the wound or something before it can heal?” The doors opened and I stepped out and turned back to look at him, expecting a very logical answer.

Alexander watched me carefully and smirked evilly, “You think my kisses are a blessing?”

My eyes widened and I honestly thought a vein in my head was about to burst. I slammed on the elevator’s down button again and spun around without saying anything.

That stupid idiot! What was wrong with him! Stupid! Stupid! That Jerk!

I didn’t even realise that I hadn’t even needed to count the floors when we were in the elevator…