The Nightwalker

You're a VAMPIRE!?

So here I am, Standing in the office of my boss, Loki Odinson, Late at night. He is crouched over his VP, Hannah, His eyes glowing red, and his fangs dripping with blood.
"*GROWL*" I was so afraid, that I was paralyzed by the scene in front of me. I gripped onto the door frame "*Growl*" Loki slowly straightened up.
"Shit!" I scream as I turn to run, Completely terrified. But Loki is quicker and in what could only be described as a flash of lightning, Loki leaps off the desk and moves around me. I was now trapped in the room. I was gonna die "I... I... Please" I back away terrified, As Loki steps forward. And then another voice suddenly cuts in.
"How dare you!" Hannah bellowed, Causally sitting up, Hand pressed to her neck. And boy did she look pissed. I scrunched my face up. I can honestly say that I have never been more confused in my entire life!
"He was... You were..." I pointed back and forth between the two. Loki strolls back to the desk, Takes a black handkerchief out of a drawer and hands it to Hannah.
"Thank you" Hannah sighed, She cranes her neck to the side with an expectant look "Loki, if you mind"
"Of course" Loki grins as he lightly pricks his index finger on his fangs. He then presses said finger to Hannah's neck and her marks quickly knit back together.
"Whoa," I was gobsmacked. I wish I had known that trick back in high school. Would have come in handy when I climbed up the tree. Hannah calmly wiped at her skin with the cloth. Once done, She glares at me.
"Now then, You will listen very clearly. Do not ever walk into Mr Odinson's office unannounced again, Do you understand"
"But he was"
"Yes?" Loki stepped towards me, Eyes still glowing. Now I ain't stupid, I've seen movies and was raised in a witch's house. I should have worked this out sooner.
"You're... you're" I feel like I am in a movie.
"You can say it" Hannah spoke up.
"I don't think I want to" Saying it makes this dream a reality.
"You need to say it. out loud" Hannah sighed. I swear to god I am in a Twilight film.
"Then allow me" Loki let his hands drop to his sides "I am a vampire"
"Am I being pranked? Are there cameras?" I looked around the room. It had to be a prank. I knew aliens existed. Wizards too but the supernatural? That wasn't ever spoken about.
"My dear, this is the truth" Loki looked almost sad at my reaction.
"This is impossible! Totally unreal!" I then looked around the room. Loki's office had blackout curtains. I leaned against the sofa "And yet somehow... it makes complete sense" I gripped the leather sofa to steady myself "Oh. My. God"
"I am standing right here" Loki joked. I noticed the red fading from his eyes, His fangs receding. Why wasn't I scared? "I will admit, I didn't think that you would find out quite this soon"
"When was I meant to find out? Right after you sunk your teeth into me?" I frowned. Loki coughed and looked away, guilt on his face. I gripped my hair and paced around "So explain how this works?"
"Curious?" Loki tilted his head at me.
"I am just trying to understand what I just saw" I huffed. I don't know what I was feeling. What was in that wine that I had with Melody? Could it be that I have had too much coffee?
"Sit down. I'd be happy to explain" Loki nodded.
"With all due respect, Loki, Perhaps it's time to take care of her" Hannah piped up. Loki turned to face her. I rolled my eyes at her. Then I realised what she meant.
"You ain't gonna hurt little old me now, Are you?" I squeaked.
"No. I ain't a monster" Loki looked at me over his shoulder.
"Just a vampire" I folded my arms. Loki shrugs as he turns around. God, his turning is worse than Nick Fury's station on the giant flying ship thing.
"It's true that I was indeed feeding on Hannah but I can assure you, It was consensual" I glance at Hannah and she nods.
"And it doesn't hurt?" I frowned.
"Define hurt. Actually, don't" Hannah waved a finger at me. I really don't like this bitch "Loki, We need to debrief her. Now"
"Debrief? What does that mean?" there are two meanings to this, My knickers come off or the military phrase. I get the feeling it's the latter.
"I'll do it, Hannah. Don't worry. But there is no rush. We can talk this through. Seeing me like this can cause quite a shock. Emily deserves some time to process it all" Loki leant against his desk. Hannah nods but keeps glaring at me. I get the feeling this bitch hates me.
"Very well" Hannah folds her arms and hops off the desk, hands on her hips "What are you doing here?"
"Oh! Yeah! When I got home, I realized that Munnin downstairs in creepy town gave me some mandrake extract to give to Loki" I scramble into my pocket and take out the vial.
"Thank you very much" Loki takes the vial from me. 
"Don't forget, Loki, you have a meeting with Hela in an hour" Hannah adjusts her hair.
"I'll take Emily with me" Loki pointed at me with his thumb "You're not busy right now, Are you, Emily?" 
"Now? Hang on, You've got another meeting tonight?" Loki shrugs, The corner of his mouth is almost in a smirk. I slap myself once the realization dawned on me "I'm an idiot. You're nocturnal"
"So? Will you come with me? As my assistant? Don't worry, I'll pay overtime" Loki joked.
"Oh, I expect double over time. Let's get going" I grinned, leaning against the wall.
"Just like that?" Loki's mouth dropped.
"I'm sorry, I'm I reacting wrong? Should I be more scared or something?" I put my hands on my hips "Shaking with fear? Wetting myself?"
"Well. Maybe a little scared. It's how normal people react"
"I ain't normal" I wasn't, I came from New York. Seeing weird and fucked up things was nothing new "Did you forget that I worked for Stark and I am guessing that you know Fury from SHIELD?"
"I can see that and yes to both questions" Loki pinched his lips together "I'll answer as many questions as I can"
"I would like to add to this delightful conversation that this is a bad idea" Hannah raised her hand.
"Your opinion has been noted. See you on Monday" Loki looked over his shoulder.
"See you then" Hannah slips on her heels, Picks up several folders from the desk and exits the room. Giving me some serious death glares. As she walked away, I stuck my middle finger up at her.

The door clicks shut and Loki and I are left alone.
"What is her deal?" I pointed with my thumb "Pocketbook Elsa doesn't seem to like me very much"
"I'll explain her deal at a later date" Loki let out a breath, walking closer to me "Are sure you are okay?"
"Yeah, I think so" I turned away, Taking in a deep breath "This is the wildest, Downright scariest thing ever to happen to me" And yet, I feel oddly calm. A little excited even. What the hell is wrong with me!?
"I never lied to you by the way. I just omitted some things" Loki sighed. There was something about him that seemed different. He looked like a great weight had been lifted off him.
"I'd call being a vampire a big omission!" I frowned, crossing my arm.
"It's not easy telling people what I am. Most people would think I am 1, crazy or two a monster" Loki listed. I nodded along.
"For the record, I don't think you're a monster" I shook my head.
"What can I tell you now that will ease your mind?" Loki lead me to the sofa and we sat down.
"I don't even know where to bloody start. Everything that I know about vampires is from TV"
"TV ain't completely wrong. Depends on what show" Loki rolled his eyes "And no, I don't sparkle"
"Oh, that I knew. Twilight is for crackheads"
"It was a strange movie"
"Books were better" I nodded. Loki agreed "So I take it that you're immortal"
"Correct, I don't age"
"How old are you? Like, I know you said you were 32 but what's your vampire age?"
"Let's see... I was born in the 1700s, And if I do my math right, I ain't quite 300 years old yet," I think my face must have said something because Loki put his hand on the back of his neck "I must sound pretty old when I put it that way"
"Only a little" I pinch my fingers together "I am going to need more details. A lot more details"
"I understand. Right now though, We need to get to Hela's studio" Loki went to his desk and grabbed his phone.
"Hold the phone, Hela? As in THE Hela, The fashion designer?" I squealed, Jumping up and down.
"You know her work?" Loki smiled.
"Are you kidding me? Her studio is The Green Snake. Which is only the most famous studio since Andy Warhol! Her shows are legendary!"
"Hela would be delighted to hear you talk about her like that. Given that she is throwing a show tonight. But we must hurry" Loki went to open the door but I stood still "What's wrong?"
"This outfit is not Hela worthy" I looked down at my skirt "I will look like a sloth compared to her" I rubbed my upper arms. Loki put his finger on his lips, Tapping them twice.
"Hmmm... You know what, I can help you with that. Hela sent over a ship of her newest dresses today. We might have something that will fit you" Loki ducks into an adjacent office and comes back holding an Avante garde, iridescent dress on a hanger "This was hanging on the door. Do you want to wear it?"
"Please" I took the delicate material in my hands and went to try it on.

This dress has to be the most fancy pants thing I have ever put on. Admittedly I looked like a fancy goose. but oh my god, I was wearing a Hela dress! I slipped on all the add-ons and strutted out the door.
"Well?" I posed in front of Loki. He grinned and chuckled. He looked me up and down, biting down on his pointer finger.
"You do look ravishing. It's almost as if it was made to fit you" Loki licked his lips. Why didn't that creep me out like it did when Frandal did it?
"You really think that I can pull this off?" I hugged myself, suddenly feeling very vulnerable.
"I think you kill it" I glance down, My cheeks burning "Ready to go?"
"Yeah, Just keep the wine away from me. I will die if I get a stain on a dress that cost more than my whole year's worth of rent"
"Don't worry. This is more of a champagne sort of night. Ready?" I take a minute to think about the sheer absurdity of this whole thing. I was accompanying a real-life fucking vampire to a high-end fashion show. I had to laugh.
"Let's do this"

Loki and walk down the sidewalk, The twinkle and neon glow of New York City dancing all around me. We passed a couple holding hands, People laughing. It is a gorgeous night, and everyone seems to be starting the weekend in good spirits.
"Right, You have until we reach Hela's studio. So ask your questions"
"Can you fly?" I was trying to remember what I knew from TV. Which was surprisingly little. I really need to catch up on vampire shows.
"No, and I cannot turn into a bat either" Loki put his hands in his pockets.
"Aw really?"
"That is the most disappointed you have sounded this whole time" Loki cocked his right eyebrow "Turning into a bat is an old wife's tale. Kinda based on the fact that we are nocturnal and have fangs" I pouted.
"Bats are awfully cute though"
"And often rabid"
"Eww," I shuddered. Still would love to pet one "How super strong are you?"
"Define super strong?"
"Are we talking HULK strong or wrecking ball strong" HULK was stupidly strong but then again, he does have gamma radiation flowing through his veins. his cousin Jen is sound. I need to call her and sort out a night out with her.
"Despite looking like a bean pole, I can easily lift a car" Loki smiled. The man might be a beanpole but he is still hot.
"Yeah, you're... urm... strong" I bit my bottom lip. I then cough and shake my head "Does sunlight hurt you?"
"Yes"
"So one ray of light and you go poof?" my hands did the action for poof.
"Not quite. the older you are, The longer you can hold out but it would be fatal after half an hour" Loki winced. It was like a shudder ran through him "Think of it like accelerated heatstroke"
"The blackout curtains in your office make total sense now" I clicked my fingers "Can you eat garlic?"
"It causes minor annoyance. Like IBS" Loki pulled a face of disgust "But even when I was human, I hated garlic"
"So if I said that I wanted to go to this really old-school place that makes the best garlic rolls in the world"
"I would pass" Loki smiled softly.
"How many vampires are there?" I hugged myself as some guys wolf-whistled on their pushbikes. Loki glared at them before answering me.
"In the world. No idea. there are still so many places that my kind still has to hide our true nature"
"How can that be? We live in New York. It's Alien Central. We get invaded every other year" I exclaimed. We only got invaded last year by some ugly, one-eye octopus thing. Got cut in half by a wizard in a red cloak. I watched that on the news with popcorn.
"And yet, we still have to hide" Loki sighed.
"despite the fact that we have seen a giant purple man with a ballsack chin. We have wizards and a fucking dude dressed as a spider flying around?" I looked up, I thought I saw the spider boy swinging around but it was just my old boss, doing his thing in his overpowered tin can.
"The world is broken" Loki sighed.
"How about the vampires in New York?"
"180" Loki answered quickly.
"That's quite precise"
"I know. Anything else?"
"Morbid subject, Have you... Have ever killed someone?" Loki is quiet for a moment. He looks like he is considering how to answer my question. I put my hand on his arm "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--"
"Yes. I have" Loki finally spoke, sighing heavily "But not in a long, long time. Not anymore" And on that note, We walked the rest of the way in silence. I didn't want to make him upset by saying the wrong thing.

Up ahead, I could see a large crowd outside a black door and I could hear the thud of the music.
"Here we are" Loki pointed.
"The Green Snake" I squeaked. I was so excited "It's so crowded for a show that starts at midnight"
"Please, This is early for Hela" Loki scoffed.
"Let me guess, She's a vampire too?" I tilted my head.
"Ten points to Gyfrindoor" Loki beamed. This man is such a dork "In fact, She is one of the 6 most powerful vampires in New York. She sits on our council"
"Council?" I frowned "What?"
"New York is split into 6 clans. Each is ruled by a single leader and they have 29 followers. Hela is one of them"
"So that explains the 180 vamps at this time. 6 times 30" I stated. Loki nodded.
"The leaders of the clans tend to be older vampires, Vanguards in their fields"
"So Sif and you?" I was walking the streets with a high-class vampire. Melody is not gonna believe this "I think my brain is about to explode."
"Indeed" Loki smiled.
"Is that creepy ass bastard, Fandral one?"
"Aye," Loki nodded, walking slightly in front.
"I slapped a vampire" I should have added that to my bucket list.
"And it was glorious" Loki grinned. I blushed as I tucked some hair behind my ear "Anyway, about 75 years ago, the 6 of us formed the council and agreed upon a pact of two principles" Loki held up 1 finger "First, Vampires can only feed off willing humans"
"Consent, I like it" I smiled.
"the second is that the creation of any new vampire is strictly limited and subject to the approval of the council" Loki held up the second finger.
"Why?" I tilted my head "Damn his fingers are long"
"Many reasons. To keep the peace, preserve the secrets of our kind and allow us to gain power behind the scenes"
"So you guys are the vampiric Avengers?"
"Though we are not like Captain America. Who is holier than thou" Loki rolled his eyes. He then laughs and I can't help but laugh with him "Sorry. It's just that man gets on my nerves"
"You would get on well with Stark"
"The show should be starting soon. Shall we go inside?"
"There's still a massive line"
"Please, Follow me" Loki wiggled his fingers at me.

As we get closer to the front of the line, I can that the crowd are made up of incredible-looking people. Some are in outrageous outfits, There are fashion groupies. Models that look like they have just stepped off the cover of Vogue or the runway. It's official, I look like a sloth compared to this lot.

At the door, The bouncer is only allowing a few guests in at a time. but as Loki and I try to follow, He steps right in front of me, Blocking my way. Loki stood behind him.
"I'm with Loki"
"Oh really?" The bouncer put a hand up in front of me "Listen, little lady, You look great. But I have no idea who the hell you are"
"I'm his lover" I spoke quickly. The bouncer moves three inches to the side and gives me a small nod of approval.

"My lover, Eh?" Loki leaned in, his head dangerously closer to my ear.
"Don't get any funny ideas. I just said what I needed to get me in" I think I was a bard in another lifetime. I can bullshit my way through a lot of things.
"Then to keep the act up, I shall act like one" Loki smiles and puts his hand firmly on the small of my back, Gently guiding me into the booming heart of the club. How are his hands so warm yet he is technically dead?

We descended some stairs into a cavernous room, Pulsing with music. A raised catwalk, Glowing under bright white light, extends through the middle of a packed crowd. The show is underway. I paused on the stairs to look down at the scene, Taking it all in.
"Holy fudge on a stick" I gasped as the model strutted the runway in a rainbow of neon colours "The colours are fantastic" I gawked. Staring at all the famous faces that I can see "What the fuck did I eat? Were the drugs in the lobster?" I rubbed my temple "Are all these people, Vampires?"
"Nope, not at all. There ain't that many here" Loki put his hands on my bare shoulders "Just watch and enjoy" Loki gave me a gentle push forward, Encouraging me to step closer to the runway. An extremely hot, shirtless waiter approached me, Carrying a tray of champagne flutes.
"Champagne?" he offered.
"Thank you" I smile, taking a flute.
"Hang on, Didn't I just see you on the runway?" The waiter gasped.
"Me? Fuck no" I shook my head "I ain't a model"
"My bad, It's just that you look stunning in the dress. I thought you were a model" Then the man smiled, and he licked his lips, eyeing me up and down.
"Thanks!" The waiter moved away and I sipped my drink, Watching the show's finale.

After a few minutes, I stroll over to the bar for a refill but as I do, there was a small green crystal on the bar. I titled my head at it.
"Ooh, that's pretty" I reached for it and it felt like it was charged with some sort of magic. As I looked at it, I felt a little lightheaded. As soon as my fingers wrapped around it, My knees quivered as the world swayed. I slump against the bar and a green mist envelops me as I feel myself leave my body.

A cabin, Old and rustic. The air is stale and heavy. A man is laid out in the middle of the floor. He jolts awake, Gasping for air.
"Hhhhh!" He sits bolt upright, eyes darting widely around the cabin in uneven pants "Where am I?" A figure emerges from the dark shadows and reaches out, placing a large hand on Loki's shoulder "Who are you?"
"I assume you have some questions?" Loki winces and jerks away, Rubbing his temples with a frown "I apologise, didn't mean to startle you"
"What the hell is wrong with me?" Loki climbed onto his knees "Why do I feel different? The world looks different. Like I am seeing it for the first time"
"Well you sort of are, My friend" the strange man knelt in front of Loki "You have gone through a transformation"
"You better start explaining" Loki frowned as he stood up. Slightly wobbly at first.
"It left you rather incapacitated. I took it upon myself to bring you back here"