The Camarilla

Chapter 1

It took more than the electric alarm's beeping to awaken me for morning activities, however, as the voice of the news anchor woke me even more.

"Good morning Braceburg City! It is Spring 2019! The snow has finally melted, the sun is shining, the birds have returned, and new life is appearing. Time to wake up from our winter slumber and get moving!"

Rising from my bed I glance at the clock and glare at it: 6:50 a.m. I swear a line of insults at the cursed machine and eventually get up, the cold floor greeting me.

Staggering out of bed was one thing, but not tripping over Rexy was another. It was a fifty-fifty chance she would be there and lo and behold, I found myself face first on the floor, with a large black and white tegu walking up to my back, "morning Rexy... Had a good sleep?" I didn't want to be on the floor forever so I grabbed Rexy off my back and sat her in my lap, watching her tongue lap at my fingers, "You cheeky rascal, if you weren't so cute, I would have eaten you by now." Rexy said nothing, being a tegu, simply licking my hand waiting for food. I wouldn't hurt this adorable girl. She's my best friend in this uncaring city. What more could I ask for from a lizard?

Either or less, I simply placed her on her bed (there was a heat lamp over it) and proceeded to the kitchenette to prepare breakfast. Reaching into the fridge, I grab some reptile sausages, some blueberries, some snails and dust it all in calcium on a tasty plate. This was for Rexy of course. My breakfast? A packet of blood thanks to a friend to works at a hospital. In case you hadn't figured it out already, I am a vampire, and had been one for a long, long time.

After I place the plate of food in Rexy's enclosure for her, which she immediately dives in for the snails, I sit off to the window, staring at the city below, sipping on the blood packet, thinking. Work was just across the street, so I didn't need to rush. It was a quaint local café that wasn't part of any broader corporation, so I was able to hide my secret quite well from the employees and owners, though I could have sworn one of the employees is a vampire hunter due to a few close calls, however, those could just be coincidence though; a lot of people put garlic in their pasta and are willing to share.

After finishing my meal for the day, I took the plastic and shredded it, hiding the remnants in a bin for the incinerator. Couldn't have people catching on that I drank blood. After digging into my closet, I dusted off my uniform and quickly got dressed, showing off my snazzy new bow tie to Rexy, who was unimpressed. I just smiled my toothy grin and walked out, locking the door behind me.

But before I was 5 feet from my door, another swung open and hit me in the face. I yelped in pain and rubbed my nose. Who dares assault the magnificent Harley? I opened my eyes and glared at the sap, but turned out it was just Robert, a tired and dead inside soul who lived across the hall from me. "Whoops. Sorry Har."

"What? No no, it's fine." I lied; it did hurt, but I knew he didn't get much sleep so I didn't want to start any fights.

Unfortunately, Robert saw through me and frowned, "You're lying."

"Yeah well, I can't blame you for accidentally hitting me. I mean you got a lot on your plate as it is."

"Actually," He corrected me, "I've been promoted and don't have many duties anymore." There was a small light of hope in his eyes before being exhausted by his next sentence, "It's just this dammed insomnia keeping me from resting."

I felt pity for this man, and pat him on the shoulder, "I understand what you mean. It gets better though, eventually you will find the rest. Has your doctor prescribed you anything yet?"

"Yeah, but it's not in until Saturday." It was Monday.

"Well, it's only a few more days. "Hang in there, Robert." Robert smiled and his eyes filled with hope. We walked to the elevator and headed down to the hobby, saying hello to Karen on the way out. I waved goodbye to Robert and headed across the street to the café.

Though the sign said closed, I was invited before, plus the welcome mat at the door was a brilliant loophole I found a few years ago. I suggested placing one at the entrance and no one was suspicious. I waltz in with my typical flourish and behind the counter were two of my coworkers, Margert and Johnathan. Margert, bubbly and personable, waves me over, "Harley! There you are, girlfriend!" I smiled and walked behind the counter. Johnathan was placing the pastries while Margert was working on the till. "I was just telling John all about the event last week! Your band was such a hit!" Margaret pulled out her phone and opened a social media app. She pulled up a post with a picture of me with my band of goths. The caption reads:

"Goth and Pastries! The Living Dead playing live at Highland Café, playing their new hit original song, 'Oh Dracula!'. Visit the Highland Café for more details on how to save your spot!"

If I could blush, I would blush quite a lot. Alas, I had no warm blood, so I just rubbed the back of my neck and smiled, "Aw... You know it was nothing. We were just there for the free pastries."

"But look!" Margaret shoved the phone in my face, "1.8k likes! 2.1k comments! This is a plus for business! So many people came last week and I don't see business slowing down! Thanks to you and your band!"

I blew a raspberry, "Naaaaaah! It was nothing. It's just a side gig."

"Dude. Take the complainants, she looks like she's about to explode." John smiles as Margert is vibrating with excitement.

"Fine! It was no problem. And hey if the owners want to hold another concert, we are always open." I don't know why, but an unholy screech erupted from Margert's mouth. I could only guess she was happy.

Either way, we opened the café up to the tired drones waiting outside, and today seemed like another day in the life of a vampire among humans.

At least. That's what itseemed.