Bloodletting: Among the Thorns



In perfect horror I recoiled as the pale hand beckoned. Eyes widening I tried to take a step back only to find out. I could not. What did this creature want? A cool hand slipped around my neck and pulled me gently but firmly forward.

I felt unable to move to strike out against this ghastly thing before me. It spoke in a soft soothing tone, “ No harm will come to you. You are my wondrous beauty. This night and everyone there after are yours to do as you wish." He said to me. I shuddered slightly as he bent his head toward my neck. Inside I began to panic, my mind danced and whirled with to many thoughts. His grip on the back on my neck felt like that of solid stone. Yet it yielded a softness that seemed unnatural to me. "No . . . " I heard myself say over and over. I think he laughed at me. This tall slender monster with eyes like emeralds. So entrancing was this creature that I would have yielded to him in an instant, but my mortal mind knew this was a dead thing and I had to struggle. I had to fight to save my soul.

He felt like solid marble as he pressed himself against me. My hands were on his shoulder. I pushed and kicked as hard as I could to get him away from me. He merely laughed at me and leaned forward more towards the nape of my neck. Cool breath washed over my skin. I began to shake harder as this demon held me to him. "No." I told him." You can't do this to me." My eyes began to well with tears as my fists pounded him. He slipped an arm around my waist and lifted me off the ground as he kissed my neck softly. So cold I thought. I felt a sharp stab of pain in my flesh. His mouth locked onto me, as he moaned softly against me.

My body went ridged for a moment as the sharp fangs pierced my flesh. My lips parted long enough for a soft sigh to escape. I sagged against him as his arm tightened around my waist, as if he meant to pull me into him completely. I knew he was draining me of blood. Stealing my life from me like monsters do. I felt such rapture in his embrace. I loved him in that moment. I wanted him in anyway I could possibly have him. This cold being, this dead thing, which held me close that loved me in his own way.

My eye lids felt heavy as did my limbs. It felt like someone was pinning me down. I couldn’t move. My head dropped forward onto his shoulder. My heart was slowing. I was dying. My mind panicked. My body wouldn’t respond to the urges from my brain to fight and move away from him to save myself before it was too late. I wanted to live and yet I wanted to die in the same instance if it meant I could be with this creature forever. To stalk the nights like legends do.

He pulled back from me slightly and pressed his now warm lips to my ear and whispered, “ Ask for it my beauty. Ask for the elixir that will save you from death.” I couldn’t open my eyes and as I struggled to open my mouth and speak my voice sounded strange to me. So dry my throat parched and cracking. “ Yes . . . want it . . . please.”

He had made a small cut on his neck for me. His hand slipped through my hair sending tiny shockwaves over my scalp causing my hair to rise slightly off my head, while moving my head towards the wound that sweetness was flowing from, he gingerly pressed my mouth against his neck. I felt something hot against my lips; it passed over my cracking lips into my mouth. Hot stinging liquid flowed through my body causing an internal fire to erupt throughout my body, my hands, arms all of my limbs felt suddenly alive. My tongue slipped out of my mouth and flicked against the wound he had made for me. My mouth locked against his neck as he cradled me like a child terrified of the darkness.

Sweet warm blood poured fourth into my mouth. I had never tasted anything so sweet in all of my life, it was better than chocolate or honey it was even better than sex. I could feel it course through every part of my body, heating me as it went. My arms slid back around him and as hard as I could be I crushed him against me. He was lovingly rubbing the small of my back while slipping his fingers through my hair, the same tiny shocks again as it was the first time he had done it. The mixed sensations I was feeling was to me at that point of nirvana, utter bliss. I pulled and sucked the blood from him in great droughts. I couldn’t get enough of his blood, our blood.

With a gentle hand he pushed me back away from him. My mouth wide and my brow furrowed. I felt like a child who had her favourite toy taken from her. He smiled at me and spoke once again softly to me, “ I have much to teach you about our kind. But for now I must help you deal with the one death none of us ever wants to face . . . our own.”

For the first time I noticed his accent. He was obviously British by birth. Thick it was and so very proper. His manner also spoke this to me, he carried himself well, the proper British gentleman. He reached out to me, a perfect pale hand. I placed my hand in his and he pulled me to him. He brushed his lips against mine, his cool breath washed over my face so sweet, so cold again. I kissed him back like a lover would with hunger and passion, I felt things so much keener now than I had before, was this a trick of the blood? He turned taking me with him; everything seemed to be going by me so fast making my head swim with the sights my eyes beheld. His cold hand found mine, lacing his fingers around mine. My eyes were wide as I looked at the world around me. Everything looked fresh and new, yet it stayed the same. I think he was watching me this perfect specimen of the thing I had become. I turned to look at him, his eyes seemed to dance in the limited light around us.

He was beautiful to me. His hair was the color of a raven, so black against the sky you would have thought he had taken a piece of it to adorn himself with. His hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail. I longed to run my fingers through it. He was dressed in modern fashion. Straight cut blue jeans that were snug in places. A starched white T-shirt that fit tight across his chest, showing his broad well-carved chest. When I said, his eyes were like emeralds I meant it. As if they were made just for him. They had such depth I could have stared at them for hours, never truly finding the bottom. He smiled at me with those perfect white teeth. His fangs caught a glint of light off a street lamp. It was a dazzling sight to behold. This man, this perfect creature. This dark angel in a world of light.

“ Where are we going?” I asked him as we moved through the near dark streets of San Francisco. Not many people were about at this hour. My stomach cramped and I looked at him in pure panic. He slipped his arm around my waist and led me to his car. I knew a strange hunger like I had never known. There was more to this pain that wracked my body. I reached up and gripped his arm as a spasm of pain coursed through me.

The pain I felt rushed through me like flood gates, knowing my pain and distress he held me close and whispered in my ear, "This is mortal death…I will ease you through it as best as I can...you must trust me." I dimly remember nodding through the pain and haze that seemed to cover my eyes, blinding me. He didn’t take me directly to the hotel, knowing this was one situation that demanded a small amount of privacy. Instead he walked with me down these sparsely lit streets in search of fresh warm blood. He knew I had to feed. It would help with the pain of this death I was experiencing. Soon enough we happened upon my prey. She was walking down the street looking around as if to say no one and nothing will sneak up on me. He nodded at me then motioned to her discretely. I pulled away from him reluctantly and approached her.

“ Are you okay?” I asked as I got within a foot of her. She had short blonde hair and brown eyes. Her body was as I could tell near perfect. I longed for her I could smell the blood within her. Pumping through her body, salty hot blood, standing so near to me. I could hear her heart beating wildly as anxious eyes surveyed the dim street. She furrowed her brow a little and spoke softly, “I just hate walking at night alone you know. You’re a woman you should understand that.” I nodded and she relaxed visibly. Was I this fascinating to behold while I was human? I would ask David this later of course. Right now I was entranced by the woman near me. The curve of her soft arms, the gracefulness of her willowy swan like neck, all of that held my attention firmly. Her skin was as pale as mine had been in life, creamy and inviting.

I offered to walk with her a little ways to make her feel at ease. She smiled and started to walk again. I saw her looking at me and smiled. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold out, I wanted to take her right then. To pull her against me and steal the blood. To make her love me like I loved her right then. She was an angel, and I needed her so desperately. As we neared an alley I quickly slapped my hand over her mouth and pulled her, with a force and strength I didn’t know I could possess, into the dark alley. She struggled against me as I pressed her close to me. She tantalized me. My senses were going crazy. I turned her around and smiled darkly unable to control the base urges, the urges of a new born vampire starving for living blood.

“Hush now. Do not struggle so soon you will feel no pain.” I pulled her close to me as she fought with all her strength which was to say limited compared to mine. Her chest heaved as she sucked in breath after breath. Her skin was hot against mine. Oh how I longed for her wanted her. Like one craves the touch of their lover. I looked up into her wide doe eyed gaze and smiled. I pressed my mouth against her hot, salty neck and kissed her softly.

“Yes, I love you. Need you want you. Don’t be afraid my love.” I whispered softly against her neck, sending cold breath over her skin. She shuddered slightly. It was a mixture of scents that flooded my senses, her perfume and blood as well as David’s his scent still clung to me. Ah it was pure bliss. I could feel her stiffen against me as I sank my fangs into her neck. Her blood splashed the back of my throat rushing into my body. I couldn’t help it I wanted her. I moaned loudly as I took drink after drink. So sweet, so warm this wonderful liquid. And I would drink blood for many years to come.

I could hear her heart slowing as I had not to long ago heard my own do. I wanted to suck every drop of blood out of her body. She was mine in this instant. My lover my victim. I was a greedy child who wanted it all and would do what she could to take it. She moaned a little as she went limp in my arms. Was she thinking the same things I had though when it was my dark angel doing this to me?

When her heart stopped I pulled away from her and looked at her. So serene she looked in the shroud of death. And I had brought her death the greedy monster that I am. Forever to feed on life. She was beautiful in death, even as I laid her down and hid her body among the discarded cardboard boxes and stray newspaper of the dingy alley that would become her mausoleum, her tomb for a time. I turned and exited the alley to find my angel watching me with a smile on his face.

But before I was to get even three paces out of the alley I collapsed in a terrible rush of pain. Doubling over my knees bore the brunt of the shock as I crashed down into the dirty water below me. I rolled onto my side clutching my middle as the pain rolled through me. Yes the blood eased the pain but now my body was going through something else entirely. Davis knelt down beside me and took my hand firmly as my body forced the fluids out. I felt so strange and dizzy even with the pain that plagued my body. Feces and the vital living fluids of my womb passed through my clothing and onto the alley floor.

My wild eyed gaze met with a softness I hadn’t expected he was still crouched down with me whispering to me. “Everything is alright, this was the death I spoke of, your own death Keegan. Your mortal life is over and will now begin anew this night, with me.” He rose and held a hand out to me.

I loved him so much. He held his hand out to me and I eagerly slipped my hand into his. The pain vanished after I sated my unnatural hunger on the poor woman. I pulled him close putting my arms around him and leaned in kissing him once more. The taste of her was still lingering in my mouth and I wanted him to know the sweetness of her blood. He pulled away and glanced around hurriedly then walked back into the alley over to the place where I had deposited my first victim. He moved the newspaper and cardboard I used to cover her up, removing her purse he rose gracefully and walked back over to me holding the small black bag.

“We need to get you to her apartment for a bath and a change of clothes.” I knew of course what he meant. The blood eased my pain but my body had rejected its mortal fluids and I was covered in a sick film that I longed to be rid of.

We didn’t have far to walk, her apartment was less than a block away. He took my hand and hurried me along, pushing past the few people who were out that night. In his other hand he held a set of keys, it didn’t take him long to figure out which one would open the gate that would admit them into the complex this woman, I was later to find out that her name was Sarah Mitchell, called home. Did I regret her death, within the very depths of my dark soul I regretted taking her life. But not for long this was of course much later.

The complex was blanketed in blessed shadows and darkness, the cloying scents of magnolia, roses and other wonderful flowers filled my nose and mind. Glancing around for a few minutes he then pointed up to the second floor.

“Almost there love.” He said with a grin as he gently pulled me towards the stairs that would lead us to her door. It was quiet and I think now in retrospect that he was glad of it because as it was everything was a distraction to me. We quickly ascended the stairs mindful of attracting any attention as we crossed the concrete walkway searching for her apartment. My eyes didn’t linger on anyone thing, they searched everywhere still caught in the rapture that was my first night. I spied a black widow spinning something into a sack, her eggs that she would guard jealously. The sprinklers had been on recently because I could smell the water that still clung to the foliage.

We stopped in front of apartment thirty-three this was the place. David fumbled with the keys till he found the correct one. With a quick twist of his wrist the door opened, pushing it open further he urged me inside. I stepped into a very neat home full of strong scents. Perfume and sandalwood incense filled the small living room that had served to be this woman's home. I almost felt as if I was violating some ancient temple grounds. But having no real sense of god or anything holy, wasn't a huge impact on me at the time. Closing the door after us he took a quick look around then led me to the bathroom. She had so many things in there and I looked them over as if imprinting them in my mind. David was running the water finding a suitable temperature for me to bathe in while he found me something else to wear.

“I’ll leave you to shower.” He kissed my cheek softly then winked before walking out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

I can’t recall why I hadn’t done much talking, now I think it was the rapture of my new existence. I quickly shed the soiled clothing and stepped into the shower. The water was hot, I loved how it felt as it rushed over my body. Closing my eyes I stood under the running water for a few minutes before I grabbed the soap and began to clean myself of my mortal life. I remember looking down at the drain watching the filthy water slip away, it was a very serene moment. The old life washed away and the new one was just beginning.

As I stepped out of the shower I grabbed a white fluffy towel and began to dry myself off. Had the one who made my David done the same, got him a bath and clean clothes when his bodily fluids forced itself out of his body. Of course it had that was the way of things when you became a vampire. A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts, David poked his head in smiling.

“Feeling better now my love?” He asked as he came completely into the bathroom as I wrapped the towel around my body.

He held a light blue summer dress in his left hand. I deduced that he thought feminine clothing was best. Or more to his tastes. He was after all from a different time and still clung to the same notions of how a woman dressed.

“The shower was wonderful, yes I am feeling better. Now what did you find for me?” I asked with a raised brow glancing down at the dress he held in his hand.

He grinned still as he held it up for me, “It was the nicest thing she had in the closet. It was in a garment bag, and I believe it’s silk.” He handed me the dress, which I took happily.

The fabric felt odd beneath my fingers, soft and supple. It was nearly the same texture of David’s skin, thinking that particular thought made my skin pebble. Smiling I looked back up at him tearing my eyes away from the soft blue dress.

“Thank you, I’ll change into it.” I let the towel drop then raised the dress over my head, letting the silk trail over my body slowly. The sensation tantalized me beyond measure. I wondered in that moment, as the silky feeling washed over my head, if I would always be in awe of how things felt. I later learned that this was very true, as it was among all other immortals.

I turned and gave myself the one over. My eyes widened when I realized the beautiful pale creature in the mirror wearing the dress I had put on was actually me. I leaned in closer taking a better look at my face. It seemed that all of the lines of my face took on a sharper definition. Looking back at David I could see that the tiny lines around his eyes had begun to fade. Tearing my gaze from him I looked back into the mirror. I was astonished by the change. My lips looked a little fuller and it’s possible that they had always been, but I never noticed till that moment. David wrapped his arms around my waist then rested his head on my shoulder and smiled.

“You are beautiful Keegan. He lifted one hand and stroked the side of my cheek lightly.

How much I truly did love him. He was my light in lone darkness. The beckon that guided me to my final destination or to the harbor during a terrible storm at sea, he was my anchor that held me in place, which kept me grounded. He guided me out of the bathroom and out to the livingroom handing me a pair of sandles. I wasn’t sure what he did with my clothing so I asked him as I slipped them on.

“What did you do with my clothes David? Surely those can’t be left behind.” My brow furrowed in slight puzzlement.

“Don’t worry darling, I took them out and put them where no one will find them.” He smiled and kept an even tone, I don’t know why I worried exactly but I had. Perhaps it was just that fact that I was young. I’ve never questioned any of the other one’s I meet but I am sure it’s much the same with all of us.

Soon enough we found ourselves back on the street walking back the way we came. We went past the alley that I had taken my first victim. I looked down the alley and couldn’t see any signs that her body had been discovered, that was a relief. David didn’t seem to be phased by it like I was. That too I had to wonder about. After a while you get used to killing.

“Come on now Keegan. We have much to do still while there is something left of the night.” His smile could light any room he chose to enter. With it he could command Kings to do whatever he chose. And I was his and he was mine. And that is all I wanted. . . for now. There were so many things I wanted to ask him. Which tales of vampires were true. Or were there tales unknown to mortals. Different from the one I had been told. Hand in hand we walked through the streets on that cool summer evening. My eyes lingered here and there, but he was as gently as he could prodding me along. We walked up to an old looking Roadster. Impeccable it was. I could have sworn this car came right off the show room floor.

Such a gentlemen opening the car door for me. I slipped into the passenger side of the car. The smell of leather was strong mixed with Aspen cologne. I loved this smell and I wanted it to permeate every article of clothing I had on. After closing my door he went around to the driver’s side and got in. I chuckled a little realizing I didn’t need my seat belt. Did dead things worry about such things? He smiled at me as he started the car. The engine roared to life, like a great purring cat. He sped off where at that point I didn’t know.

“ Why so quite my pet?” He asked me in the same soft tone he used over and over. I glanced at him and smiles softly.

“ Things seem so much more alive David. Much more then I ever knew. I find myself drawn to things as if I had never laid eyes on them before.” I was enamored with my surrounding and the things in it. The petals of a flower looked different. I could make out every tiny line in those soft colorful petals. He hit the freeway. The I-10 was desolate this time of night. No other vehicles as far as the eye could see on the vast stretch of high way. I was watching things pass us at great speeds. I was fascinated with everything. To a degree just between you and me, I still am. Some things will always pull me into a void of staring for hours.

The wind made my long dark hair tumble about wildly as he drove fast into the night. I delighted in the sensations of the wind passing over me. As my hair tickled my face and arms. Smiling broadly I looked over at him. He winked at me then pulled off the ramp that would take us to Sausalito.

I thought of her again. The sweetness of her consumed me for the moment. I could still feel my arms around her as I stole her life’s blood. My eyes drifted closed for a moment as my mind flashed back to the scene of my hunger. Her hot breath washing over my face. The smell of her blood enticing me. I began to hunger again for the taste of her. For the scent of her jasmine perfume mingled with her blood and I could still smell it on my hands. In my hair. I believe I moaned softly as I thought of these things. I wanted her again. For the feel of her body pressed against mine. Yes I loved her too but more simply then I loved David. Her blood pounded through me. It warmed my cold skin and brought color to my cheeks and lips once more. But of course at that time I hadn’t gotten a good look at myself to know this just yet.

I felt his hand brush my cheek bringing me back to the present. I smiled and opened my eyes. We were parked in front of a grand hotel. My eyes washed over it as a valet opened the door for me. I stepped out and looked at him. I could hear his heart pounding in his chest. I hungered for this one as I had done the girl hours past. He smiled nervously at me then shut the door once I was further away.

“ Welcome to Casa Madrona Ma’am.” he said in a slightly shaky voice. David had by this time rounded the car and had taken my hand once more in his.

He was leading me into this place full of light. House keeping was busy cleaning the large expansive lounge where many people had been but hours before. The place was thick with the smell of salt and blood. Cigar smoke lingered here. As did the smell of old wood. It was a rich scent that seemed very approiate for this grand Victorian styled Motel. He led me to the front desk where a small petite looking woman was standing and smiling as they approached.

“ Any messages for me?” He asked her as he gave my hand a soft squeeze. She bent down and searched for a moment then straightened and looked back at him.

“ No Mr. Woodward, nothing just now. Will you require anything before you retire?” She smiled and her eyes seemed to dance as I looked at her.

“ No nothing right now. Make sure to tell house keeping not to enter my room today. I work long hours and I am behind. They can come after I go out tomorrow night.” He nodded to her and pulled me along gently, which meant I had to stop staring at the girl. She seemed to notice my eyes on her and a slight blush appeared on her cheeks.

Once we reached the elevators he pulled me very close to him. I smiled at him and he leaned down to kiss me once more. The thrill of his lips and his touch sent tiny shocks throughout my body. He was mine utterly mine. No one could keep him from me. And I feel sorry for the foolish one who tries to come between us. I wanted to tell him how much I loved him and that he was mine forever. He pulled me into the elevator with him. The look on his face was pure impish mischief and I adored it. He had something on his mind and I wanted to know what.

A few minutes later the door opened and he yanked me out laughing very softly. I had no choice but to follow him. His strength alone could have torn my arm from the socket. His urges were gentle but I could sense in him that he was eager to have me alone. Soon enough we stood before the door. Into his pocket his perfect hand went then out it came with one of those new cards for the doors. In it went and then in we went. I walked further in while he hung the “ Do not Disturb” sign on the door.

The room has three large bay styled windows, all covered in heavy thick, dark blue, velvety curtains. There was a large fire place in the central part of the room. Stacked neatly with four logs in case a fire was wanted. A high four poster bed in white pine took up a good portion of the room. Two Victorian styled chairs stood next to a small mahogany table that held a green glassed vase brimming with roses and baby’s breath.

Sitting on the mantel over the fire place is a well carved Carousel horse. The brilliantly painted white, the decorations on the horse are breath taking. Roses and carnations and ivy run the length of the statue. It has a golden colored pole going through the center of it. It looks as if it could come to life and prance around the length of the room. I smiled as I saw it and ran a finger over its delicate back. I wandered around the room enthralled by the colors and textures. I felt like a tactile child exploring her world. My hands seemed to touch every surface in the room. Every texture felt different under my finger tips.








The Saga will continue....as soon as I write more.



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