Blackwood Manor - Hunting Grounds - 6:30pm
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Three weeks after the attack on Victoria Falls High school...
Viviana's finger pressed against Andrei's lips, the touch radiating and sending a shiver down his spine. She raised another finger to her ear, signaling him to focus. "Be a ghost, be fast," she whispered, her voice bouncing around his head. Her breath caressing his skin. "Go for the neck. The deer is a larger target, so it will heal faster and be able to continue feeding you." Her voice was low and husky, like the rustle of leaves in the wind.
As they watched, the deer became wary, its ears twitching and its eyes scanning the surroundings. Viviana and Andrei remained hidden in the shadows, their presence masked by the darkness. The forest was alive with sounds: the hooting of owls, the chirping of crickets, and the distant rush of Falls River.
Andrei launched himself at the deer, his body a blur of motion. He struck with precision, the impact of his body colliding with the deer toppling it over. For him everything was moving at normal speed. To everything and everyone else it was a blink. His fangs sinking into the deer's neck. The deer let out a startled bleat, and Viviana applauded, her eyes gleaming with approval. "Bravo, Andrei!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying through the forest as she seemingly teleported over to him.
As Andrei fed, the deer's blood warm and rich on his tongue, he felt his senses come alive. The forest floor, once a dull brown, was now a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures. He could smell the deer's fear, the earthy scent of the forest floor, and the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. He was aware of Viviana's presence sensing her movements almost like echo location.
When Andrei finished feeding, Viviana placed a hand on his cheek, he was looking at the stunned deer before him. She cocked her head to the side looking proud of him "How do you feel?" she asked, her voice low as the deer sprang back to life. With a start it stood up and fled the scene. Andrei bowed his head to the animal as it left before turning to Viviana.
Andrei's eyes, now tinged with amber and gold, met hers. "Fucking fantastic," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He licked around his own fangs similar to how a baseball player would make sure their chewing tobacco was in place. "But the animal blood isn't satiating my thirst." He said as he sucked his teeth.
Viviana's gaze roamed over him, her expression thoughtful. "You're keeping it down, which is good. I'm teaching you the basics of survival." She paused, her eyes glinting in the moonlight. She moved her hands as if conducting a magic spell. "Hunting game is good practice, as they can't be mojo'ed into giving in. It's essential that you learn how to live off more than humans, because you might not always have them."
Andrei nodded, his mind racing with the implications. "I think I'm ready for bigger game," he said, his voice firm. "it's been three weeks since you turned me. We have been living on wild game and blood bags." He paused "Blood bags being human definitely quell the thirst. This much I know for certain"
Viviana's vampiric amber eyes flashed with amusement. "Alright, but you need to be prepared not just 'ready'." She moved closer, her thumb pressing against his carotid artery. He was taken aback by her confidence and fluid motions. Andrei's skin tingled from the touch. He wanted to reach out and touch her but he left his arms hang knowing she was teaching him something.
"Shhh," Viviana whispered as if sensing his feelings, her breath dancing across his skin. "When dealing with humans, press the artery from below where you bite. Doing so will allow you to control the flow of blood."
As she went through the explanation, Andrei's blush grew. He felt Viviana's touch like a spark of electricity, her fingers sending shivers down his spine. He nodded, still caught up in his feelings, his eyes locked on hers.
"The thing you need to remember Andrei-" She paused making sure she had his attention. He murmured a response. Satisfied she continued. " - With human blood. You won't just feel the persons emotions." Viviana lined up her fangs gently brushing his skin. Andrei's whole body lighting up like a live wire.
Stunned an unable to speak he simply listened. While surrendering himself to Viviana "You will see things. Very real things as if that persons very life is flashing before your eyes." Her breath hot leaving goosebumps in its wake. There was a moment of silence that hung in the air for seemingly too long. "If you get good you can learn how to sort those memories fast to find things you need or want to know without killing them."
As Viviana's fangs pierced Andrei's skin, she was flooded with visions of his deepest desires. She saw the way he longed to touch her, to hold her close, and to feel her skin against his. The images danced in her mind, but instead of fueling her desire, they sparked a sense of caution. Viviana's instincts warned her to be wary of Andrei's feelings. She had to be sure he could not only live but thrive like this before she would let herself fall too deep.
Andrei's thoughts were a jumble of emotions, a mix of lust and affection, denial and above all else hope as he felt Viviana's presence in his mind. Andrei had let her in willingly. Showing her first hand what he was thinking. Of course Andrei did not realize he was doing it.
He couldn't hide the way he felt, the way he fantasized about running his hands over her curves, and the way he yearned to feel her lips on his. Suddenly as Viviana drank his thoughts she was engulfed in white light which gave way to the two of them standing alone in a snow covered field outside of a castle in Hungary. It was night time the snow falling softly around them. She was inside one of Andrei's fantasies.
"Viv…" he said softly leaning in to her. He could feel her pulse thumping in her neck. Viviana was in her own shoes here. Not simply playing voyeur to Andrei's inner thoughts but rather an active participant. It was as if she had gotten sucked into the moment. "Y-yes?" She asked as she felt Andrei wrapping his arms around her. Pulling her close. "I could live here like this forever… Here in this moment" he said. Viviana blushing deeply at the words. On instinct she replied "We have all time…" Then she blurted out the words she had been avoiding. "My love…." She moved her head to meet his and just as she was about to kiss him she was back on the outside. Suddenly it was over as if it never started.
The sudden feeling of emptiness Andrei felt as he tortured himself with every morning the visions he had of Viviana from his life before being turned. Had turned itself on her. Half of her wanted to go back to the snow field. Feel his lips on hers. She knew what he meant by wanting to live in that moment forever. Even though it never happened. She craved to see it through.
Viviana's outward expression remained neutral, only betrayed by her cheeks going flush. Her eyes watchful as she drank in the images. She sensed the depth of Andrei's attraction to her, and it made her cautious. Yet something about him maybe it was his blood? Maybe the vision? Whatever the force was, it was driving her toward him. Despite her outward reservations. Her blush deepened.
As she pulled away, gasping for air leaving off a little moan. Viviana's smile was a subtle, enigmatic curve of her lips. "Your turn," she whispered, her breath dancing across the already healing punctures in his neck. "If you think you're ready, feed on me." She grabbed Andrei's wrist and pulled his hand up to her neck, her eyes locked on his. The invitation was clear, and Andrei's heart skipped a beat as he considered the implications.
Andrei's heart was racing as he leaned in, his fangs aching to sink into Viviana's skin. His thumb shakily pressed to her carotid. He felt a surge of nervousness, but Viviana's presence in this moment oddly helped him steady his nerves. With a deep breath, he craned his neck bearing his fangs. He bit down, the sound of her skin tearing similar to the sound of an apple being bit seared its way into his head. His fangs pierced the vein in Viviana's neck.
The taste of her blood was like nothing he'd ever experienced before. It was rich and complex, with hints of dark chocolate and berries like a fine wine. As he drank, Andrei felt a rush of images and emotions flood his mind. He saw glimpses of Viviana's history, her experiences as a vampire, and her connections to the Sanguinari.
He saw her as a young woman, full of life and passion, and then as a vampire, struggling to come to terms with her newfound immortality. He saw her relationships, her triumphs, and her losses. He saw the weight of her centuries-long life, the burdens she'd carried, and the secrets she'd kept.
Andrei's mind reeled as he tried to process the sheer amount of information he was receiving. He felt like he was drowning in Viviana's memories, but he couldn't help but be drawn to them. He wanted to know more, to understand her better.
As he drank, Andrei felt a sense of intimacy with Viviana that he'd never felt before. It was as if they were connected on a deep, primal level, their minds and bodies linked in a way that transcended words.
Finally, Andrei pulled away, gasping for air. He felt dizzy and disoriented, but also exhilarated. He looked up at Viviana, his eyes searching for answers. "What just happened?" was all he could manage ask. His eyes now glinting the same deep amber as Viviana's indicating his abundance of raw vampiric power. Much more than animal blood could provide him with.
Viviana's voice was low and husky as she explained the intricacies of blood sharing. "When we drink from each other, it's not just about sustenance," she said, her words dripping with a nuanced sensuality. "It's about connection, about intimacy. The taste of each other's blood is like a key that unlocks our deepest thoughts and desires." She paused "The snow field for instance.." Andrei reeled back blushing as Viviana caught his wrist pulling him into her and she simply held him there mirroring the scene.
As she spoke, Viviana's eyes seemed to glaze over, her gaze drifting into the past. "The first time I shared blood with another vampire, I was overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of it all. The taste of their blood was like a rich, velvety wine that filled my senses. I felt their emotions, their memories, their deepest fears and desires."
Andrei listened, entranced, as Viviana's words painted a vivid picture in his mind. He could almost smell the metallic tang of blood, feel the rush of emotions as their minds connected. "It's like a doorway to the soul," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Viviana nodded, her eyes snapping back into focus. "Exactly. When we share blood, we're not just exchanging fluids – we're sharing our very essence. It's a deeply intimate act, one that requires trust and vulnerability."
As she spoke, Viviana reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Andrei's ear. Her touch sent shivers down his spine, and he felt a surge of desire. "When I drank from you earlier," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "I felt your thoughts, your desires. I saw the way you see me, the way you want me. It's flattering but I don't see myself the way you do."
Andrei's heart pounded in his chest as he met Viviana's gaze. He knew that he was taking a risk, but he couldn't help himself. He leaned in, his lips brushing against Viviana's ear. "And what about now?" he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine. "What do you see?"
Viviana's eyes flashed with desire as she met Andrei's gaze, but she quickly regained control, her expression softening into a gentle smile. She leaned in, her lips brushing against Andrei's cheek in a tender kiss.
The touch sent shivers down Andrei's spine, and he felt his heart skip a beat. He turned to meet Viviana's gaze, hoping to see some sign of reciprocation, but her eyes were calm and unreadable.
"I think that's enough for tonight," Viviana said, her voice husky but detached. "You need to rest, and I need to... reflect on what we've shared."
Andrei's face fell, his disappointment palpable. He felt like he was being teased, tantalized with the promise of something more, but ultimately denied. Viviana's kiss on the cheek had been a cruel kindness, leaving him wanting more. The thing he did not understand was Viviana felt the same.
As Viviana stood up to leave, Andrei caught her wrist, his eyes pleading with her to stay. But Viviana's gaze was unyielding, her expression a mask of calm control.
"That is enough, Andrei." she said, her voice firm but gentle. "We'll talk more tomorrow." With that, she slipped away, leaving Andrei to wrestle with his frustration and desire. The kiss on the cheek lingered on his skin, a haunting reminder of what he wanted but couldn't have.
Blackwood Manor - Victoria Falls, PA - 10:30pm
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The night air was heavy with tension as Andrei slid into bed beside Viviana, her gentle breathing a soothing melody that contrasted with the turmoil brewing inside him. As he wrapped his arms around her, the softness of her skin and the warmth of her body seemed to seep into his bones. The scent of lavender and vanilla wafted from her hair, calming his racing thoughts. Viviana murmured incoherently, her voice husky with sleep, sending shivers down Andrei's spine.
His heart pounded in his chest as he debated whether to delve into her dreams, the temptation almost palpable. Then, like a spark of electricity, Viviana's words burst into his mind: "I...can't help...L...ove...You..." The syllables hung in the air, suspended like fireworks exploding on a summer evening. Andrei's cheeks flushed with heat as he softly pulled Viviana closer to him, his fingers grazing the soft fabric of her sleepwear.
As she turned to face him, her amber eyes gleamed in the dim light, like embers smoldering beneath the surface. "My bed tonight?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her breath caressing Andrei's skin. He reached up, gently tucking stray hairs behind her ear, the tender gesture sending a flutter through his chest. "Yeah, it's the warmest bed in this palace of yours," he replied softly, his voice low and husky.
Viviana nodded smiling softly responding to his humor, her eyelids drooping, as she pressed herself closer to Andrei, her body molding to his like a puzzle piece. "Do you really think you're ready for hunting humans?" she asked, the question seemingly random, yet perfectly timed. Andrei's thoughts swirled as he met her gaze, the weight of her words settling upon him like a challenge.
"The only way I'll know is if I try, right?" he said finally, his voice laced with uncertainty. Viviana's smile curved gently of her lips, and she nodded, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint. She pulled her wrist to Andrei's mouth, the scent of her skin and the pulse beneath tantalizing him. "Drink," she whispered, her voice a siren's call.
As Andrei's fangs pierced Viviana's skin, he felt himself being pulled into a vision, a memory that wasn't his own. He saw Viviana, radiant in a red gown, her amber eyes sparkling like jewels in the dim light of a crowded party. She was laughing, her voice music to the mortals around her, as she led a young, awkward-looking vampire by the hand.
The vampire, pale and uncertain, stumbled along beside Viviana, his eyes darting nervously around the room. Andrei recognized him as the one Viviana had mentioned, her last turned vampire. Viviana's words, husky and seductive, whispered in the vampire's ear, seemed to be urging him on, but the young vampire's eyes betrayed his fear.
Viviana expertly maneuvered the vampire through the crowds, pausing to whisper in his ear, her words lost to Andrei's vision. The vampire's eyes locked onto a unsuspecting mortal, a young woman with a bright smile and sparkling eyes. Viviana's hands danced across the vampire's shoulders, her touch both reassuring and provocative.
The vampire's hesitation was palpable, and Viviana's words grew more insistent. She led him closer to the mortal, her eyes gleaming with excitement. But as the vampire's fangs bared, he faltered, his eyes wide with panic. He stumbled backward, away from the mortal, and Viviana's face fell, her disappointment clear.
The vision shifted, and Andrei saw the aftermath. Viviana's expression had turned stern, her words sharp with frustration. The young vampire looked crestfallen, his eyes downcast. Viviana's hands were on her hips, her stance tense. The partygoers seemed oblivious to the drama unfolding before them, too caught up in their own revelry.
The vision faded, and Andrei found himself back in the bed, Viviana's wrist still in his mouth. He withdrew his fangs, and she pulled her wrist away, a small smile playing on her lips. "I see you," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Viviana's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she leaned in, her breath warm against his skin. "I suppose you do."
Vivivana's expression turned somber, her eyes clouding over like a stormy sky. "He didn't make it," she said, her voice low and husky. "Not being able to take the leap, it...consumed him. He starved himself, slowly, over time. I tried to teach him, to guide him, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it."
Her gaze drifted off, lost in memories. "It's not just about the hunger, or the need. It's about embracing what we are, and accepting the darkness within. He couldn't do that, and it killed him." The words hung in the air, heavy with a weight that seemed to press upon both of them.
Viviana's eyes refocused on Andrei, her gaze piercing. "I don't want that to happen to you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're different, Andrei. You have a spark within you that I haven't seen in a long time. I want to help you fan that spark into a flame, to teach you how to navigate this world, and to find your place within it."
Her words seemed to wrap around Andrei's heart, like a gentle caress. He felt a sense of longing, a desire to be close to Viviana, to learn from her, and to understand the secrets she kept. The darkness within him stirred, responding to her words, and he knew that he was drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. "My place is firmly with you…" he said as he finally let his emotions win. He grabbed Viviana's wrist and pushed it firmly over her head into the pillow.
Viviana's expression gleamed with amusement as if challenging him to proceed. Andrei took the opportunity and pressed his lips against hers. They were soft like velvet. But the emotion was only on one side. His. He pulled away and let go of her wrist falling next to her before he started to move to get out of the bed. "Wait…" Viviana's words stirring some hope in him as she pulled him back laying him on the pillow she draped herself over him. "Don't leave."
As Viviana held Andrei close to her he could feel her weight on his body. She sighed "look, let's stop dancing around this… I know you how you feel about me." Pausing Andrei sucked in some air bracing for impact. "You need to understand, until I know you can survive like this… I can't get 'involved' with you…" Andrei wanted to protest and say he was capable of survival already. Viviana pushed a finger to his lips. "Feeding on Animals will sustain you if you absolutely need it. But it's like being a human and swearing off meat. Yeah you can survive on plant protein but you wont be at your full power or efficiency."
"What about blood bags?" He finally was able to get out. Viviana thought for a moment. "You wont always have that either. Blood bags are a rare thing. A blessing yes as it saves the need to hunt." She again paused "And there are members of the scientific community of the Sanguinari who are working toward creating a synthetic blood. However, it's a means to an end. Human blood direct from the vein is a vampires main source of sustenance. Second only to feeding on another vampire."
Suddenly it all became clear to him. Why Viviana was so focused on teaching him to live and thrive. The desiccated one and her partial emotional distance from him. "I'm sorry for being so insistent." Viviana. Pressed a finger to his lips "It's not you, and let me be clear here. I feel for you. I don't see myself in the way you do. I have to do my job as a high ranking member of the sanguinary first and foremost." She paused "Which is to ensure that you survive." She clarified before continuing "We have eternity Andrei. For now enjoy knowing you are closer to me than anyone else could be." Her words left him speechless.
Andrei finally mustered his words. "Understood… Then i shall rise to meet this challenge." He said his voice determined. Viviana blushed softly acknowledging Andrei's conviction even if she did not say it herself. She simply nestled into him.
The next day came around Viviana rolled over in the bed and her hand met empty space. "An..ndrei..." she murmured Andrei sitting in the chair next to the bed reading a book he had found on the table. 'The Draconis Prophecy.' He perked up hearing Viviana wondering where he was. "I'm here..." he said as he moved back over to the bed.
"I did not want to disturb you that and you looked like living art there..." Andrei said softly. Viviana smiled softly a blush rising in her cheeks. "Oh my Goooooddd-" she stretched out "-To early for your frippery..." she said yawning. To Andrei she still looked like an angel even in her bed head phase of the morning. Andrei smiled softly as he brushed a lock of hair out of her face. Before moving to place his hand on her stomach. Viviana let out of a little gasp at his touch.
Viviana nodded "There is a party tonight in the parking lot of the school. A bonfire to celebrate the reopening next week." She paused "Something about the flames of conviction burning bright." Viviana smiled softly as she stood up from the bed. Her sleep wear consisting of a Teeshirt and a pair of red satin bikini panties. "I have a lot of experience with parties, Andrei," she said, her voice husky. "I've been to many gatherings over the centuries."
Andrei's eyes were drinking in the details. From the way her shirt bunched up in the back just under the waistband of her underwear to the way they perfectly accented her backside the way a frame accents the work of art it held. He could not help but feel arousal and embarrassment for staring so long. A deep blush forming on his cheeks.
Andrei regained his composure as he looked around her instead of at her, intrigued. "What was it like, living through all that time?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Viviana's eyes seemed to glaze over, her gaze drifting into the past. "I've lived for centuries, Andrei," she said, her voice low and husky. "I've seen empires rise and fall, and I've walked among humans, always on the periphery, always observing. But I've never felt a connection like this before." Viviana's expression turned serious, and she leaned in closer to Andrei. Her voice low and husky. "I've seen many things, and I've done many things that I'm not proud of. I was turned by Vlad III, the Voivode of Wallachia, many centuries ago."
Andrei's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. "Dracula?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Viviana nodded, her eyes glinting in the dim light. "Yes, Dracula. He was a complex man, driven by a desire for justice and a need for power. He saw something in me, something that resonated with his own darkness."
Viviana's eyes seemed to burn with intensity as she spoke, her gaze piercing the darkness. "He taught me how to hunt, how to feed, and how to live among humans without being detected. He showed me the secrets of the shadows, and I learned to use them to my advantage."
As she finished speaking, Viviana's expression softened, and she leaned back, her eyes still fixed on Andrei. "My connection to him has shaped me in ways I still don't fully understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I know that it has given me a unique perspective on the world, and a deep understanding of the darkness that lies within us all."
Andrei nodded thoughtfully, his mind racing with questions about Viviana's past. "I can see that," he said, his voice filled with curiosity. "But what about now? How do you fit into the vampire world?"
Viviana's gaze shifted, and she smiled slightly. "I'm part of the Sanguinari," she said, her voice taking on a more formal tone. "It's a group of vampires founded by Vlad who work together to maintain order and stability in our world." She was leaving out details. Like the fact they operated in the shadows.
Andrei's eyes widened in interest, and he leaned forward. "I see," he said, his voice filled with curiosity. "And what role do you play in the organization?" he pushed a little deeper but was not expecting any real response. He figured he would learn more in time.
Viviana's smile grew wider. "I'm a bit of a mentor, really," she said. "I help new vampires adjust to their new lives, and I provide guidance and support when needed." Leaving out the part where she was the rank right under Vlad himself. Which unknowingly thrusts Andrei into the midst of vampiric royalty.
Andrei nodded "I am to guess you being a member of this Sanguinari group that you spoke to the school, told them what happened to me?" She nodded "Officially I took you to the hospital. From there, you explained your living situation and I agreed to take you under my wing. The school is well aware of our... Connection."
Andrei nodded to her. "What of my parents?" Viviana looked to the side "I compelled them into agreeing to let me take you. I also compelled your teachers into giving you a proper passing grade." She paused "To be honest, your grades weren't exactly stellar before...this happened. But don't worry about it. You'll have plenty of time to catch up. What's important now is that you focus on adjusting to your new life."
Viviana's expression turned serious. "As for school, I'll need you to keep up appearances for now. Attend classes, participate in discussions, and try to blend in. I'll take care of any...other issues that may arise. And remember, it's essential to keep your new nature a secret. The humans can't know what we are."
Andrei nodded, taking in Viviana's words. "Got it," he said. "Keep up the charade, and don't reveal my true nature. But what about my future? Do I still need to go to college?"
Viviana smiled. "We'll worry about that later, Andrei. For now, let's focus on getting you settled into your new life. We'll take things one step at a time."
Andrei smiled "So, why are we going tonight?" he asked Viviana smirked "Because you want to hunt. So hunt you shall." Andrei looked at her baffled. "By hunting on people we know?" Viviana's eyes glinted a little "Do you think you are the first student to fall head over heels for me?" she asked "The ones who do, I usually end up compelling to let me feed."
Andrei laughed "So that is why random single nerds keep showing up with 'Hickys' from seemingly out of nowhere." Viv poked him in the chest "Not funny... I am more discrete than that! I keep a blood bag on hand."
The air between them seemed to charge with tension as Viviana's words hung in the air. Andrei's eyes locked onto hers, and he felt a spark of desire ignite within him. He started making kissy faces at her, his voice teasing "Ohhh Stannn!~ Let me nibble your neck!"
Viviana's expression turned stern, and she climbed back onto the bed, for reasons she would not admit she found herself straddling him, her legs wrapping around his hips. effectively pinning him to the bed. "Stop it!" she said, her voice firm but her eyes betraying her arousal. "Besides, I know you'd get jealous and want to kill them," she added, her voice low and husky. "You'd rip their throats out for daring to get close to me."
Andrei's eyes flashed with a mixture of surprise and possessiveness, and he felt himself grow hard, his bulge pressing against the deep red satin she wore. Viviana let out a soft moan, her eyes locking onto his. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable.
Viviana's eyes glinted with amusement, and she smiled slightly. Finally breaking the silence. "Oh... Bed Chem..." she teased, her voice barely above a whisper. She finally moved to get off of him, her cheeks flushed. "W-we need to go shopping, Y-you have been wearing the same four sets of clothes since you moved in." Andrei looked down at his beat up tee shirt. "Yeah not a bad idea... I think one more blink and the fabric will tear like a hole in reality." he laughed his brain continuing the fantasy Viviana had just provided him with.
Andrei sensing some tension in Viviana's demeanor moved over to her and rubbed her shoulders, his touch gentle. "I do have a question.." he paused leaving the air thick with anticipation. He rested a hand on her side between her hip and her thigh. Viviana's breath hitched a little in response as he spoke "Did you ever have a connection to any of them?" he asked Viviana instantly shook her head leaving no possible doubt "No, not like what we have. To me they were easy prey."
Andrei nodded "Then I wont kill them." he said his voice confident. For a moment Viviana looked back and wondered if she made a monster of him. She knew she did but for some reason she was attracted to him like this. Brutally honest. He looked up at the ceiling as visions of Viviana danced in his head. "Tonight. I hunt." he said lowly. He was already making a list of potentials in his head.