Warring Logics *COMPLETE* (Book 1 of The Institute of Fantasiological Studies)

The one where she learns about the bite (Chapter 22)

Lisa doesn't say anything for a moment and I begin to worry that I have put her off of the interview by implying there might be anything negative about her decision to become a vampire. Maybe she won't be as willing to share her opinion or views if she feels judged?

She licks her lips and briefly glances at the closed door one more time, "I'm really happy with my decision."

I nod and look down at my notes for the next question; at least she doesn't seem to have completely shut down on-

"Obviously the master thing is a little odd, yes? But that all the more reason I am happy with the Weiß coven, they have a real mission. I trust Mr. Weiß and so I don't really worry about it"

I know I should ask what in her view the coven's mission is but I can't help but ask, "master thing?"

She shrugs, "You don't know? Whoever changes you can compel you in certain circumstances, but, I mean, it's not really done, but you have to be careful who changes you because of that."

What? My mind screams. Who the hell would give someone that kind of power over them? I fight to keep my face neutral or maybe I should try smiling? No, no smiling is going to come off as too weird in this situation.

I scribble the word master on my notebook and circle it so that I remember later.

The rest of the interview goes on as expected. Because Lisa is new to the coven, she doesn't have much knowledge about the coven's political activities or engagement with the public, but it doesn't matter, my mind is narrowly focused on the idea of a master being able to compel a new vampire- how had I not crossed that fact in my readings? I was focused on vampire politics, but still.

I remember distinctly that Albert said that when a vampire bites his beloved his cannot stop the turning process and that makes me really worry about the process of discovering if Max is my beloved. I mean, does that mean he will be able to control me? I would never want to be in a sick relationship like that- I'm already not sure about becoming a vampire.

Of course, my mind is still occupied with these thoughts when putting on my coat to head out and Max steps out of a door that I assume leads to his office.

"Did the interview go well?" He runs a hand through his hair.

I smile at his polite question, "yes, Lisa was very helpful"

"I'm glad. Hey uh..." he runs his hands through his hair again and looks nervous, "I was wondering if you wanted to get together again sometime soon."

"Oh, uh..." now it's my turn to be awkward, "" I'm not really sure what we could do with the lockdown and all..."

The so-called 'lockdown-light' had been announced earlier this week and it meant almost anything you would do on a date is closed. Movie theaters, events, bars, and restaurants are all closed for at least the next month, most likely closed for the winter. There really isn't anything we could do.

"I was thinking that... maybe I would make dinner for you at my apartment"

"Oh" I wasn't sure what to say. Being in his apartment seemed too intimate too fast, and this was only our second date. But then again, he is apparently my true love, I guess, and who knows how long this lockdown will go on for....

The whole 'whoever bites you controls you' thing weighs on my mind, making me even more nervous about the potential beloved thing. I almost wish hadn't asked Albert to move out so I could ask him about it. Of course, I couldn't really have him sitting around my apartment looking at me all googly-eyed.

I feel Max grab my hand and I can't help but glance down at where he holds my hand softly. "Alexis, I know it seems fast, I just... and I am trying to be patient, but... I've been waiting for you for a long time and I'm really excited to get to know you better. But that is it- we will just be getting to know each other better. I promise nothing else will happen until you are ready for it"

He looks at me with such a sad longing face, I feel embarrassed about my hesitation. Not that I am ready to commit- I definitely am not, but here is a man who just wants to be near me. It's so sweet that the icing sugar-covered kaiserschmarrn has nothing on him.

"Okay, yeah... dinner at your place sounds nice"

A smile breaks out on his face like he just won the lottery. His whole posture changes from a slight droop to one of excitement.

He claps his hands, "I know exactly what to make you!"

His happiness is infectious and I find myself smiling brightly back at him. I find myself wondering what our future together would be like. Would he be too busy with coven work? Would he make time for me? Something tells me he would be a doting partner, the kind that makes time for you no matter how busy they are, the kind that is there when you need them.

"How about Friday?" he asks.

"I have a big meeting with my supervisor next Wednesday I have to prepare for. Would next Friday work?"

"Of course, Alexis," he says my name like a caress, his unique eyes focused on mine, "I look forward to hearing all about your meeting." His hand not holding mine comes up and brushes my shoulder.

"Yeah, okay, um..." I look around and pick up my bag that had been on the floor "see you then?"

"I look forward to it, Alexis"

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Happy reading!

Heather