Poison & Wine

CP I: Facing the Demons

Flying home after completing another season as a journalist for NASCAR was meant to be peaceful. The transition from a bustling Charlotte to the small West Michigan town of Ingleshire was meant to be calming. Things can rapidly shift like the weather over Lake Michigan.

Waking up suddenly in the dead of night, Lana sat up in the bed and glanced around the bedroom. Sleeping beside her was Ghost, the pure white Siberian Husky. She was softly snoring without a single fuck to give. It was apparent that both of Lana's parents had passed out as well, causing a small amount of unease to arise. Someone uninvited watched her nearby, her senses were swift to pick that up. Even with the howling fall winds and chilly temps, someone or thing was close by.

"You've passed out because you know they can't come inside, huh?" Lana softly questioned her dog.

Slipping out from the layers of blankets, the 30 year-old woman crawled to the window, shivering slightly as the long t-shirt and thong barely retained any body heat. Ghost woke up, whining softly while sensing the same thing her owner had. Peeking out, Lana rolled her auburn-red eyes. There was his signature vehicle; a brand new black BMW sports car. She never understood why he needed such lavish items, considering where he resided at. Grand Rapids would make him stick out less. Maybe he enjoyed the attention.

"Always watching." She whispered, glancing down at her left hand. The ring finger seared when he was near, it was something he had done to her at the age of 16.

This is to remind you of who you belong to.

His voice replayed within her mind over and over again throughout the years like a tape recording. Sadly, all her parents could do was refuse him entry within the house. She was cursed to be with him for eternity. It was just a matter of time before those fangs would sink in and convert Lana into a full blooded vampire. For the time being, she cherished being half-bred. It had most of the benefits of a normal blood sucker, but without frying in the sun and the need to drain humans of their blood. It was a 'gift' her parents unknowingly handed down. Her brother had been spared.

"I'm not going anywhere, Adam." She spoke, knowing her target could hear her voice. There was no response back.

Ghost released an audible low growl, causing Lana to briefly look back. The dog was not a fan of the man and for good reasons. Lana looked back at the window, yelping at the sight. There stood Adam, attempting to look and act like a human. He wore a winter coat as if the weather still bothered his body. Waving slowly, he sported a creepy grin while Lana clung onto Ghost.

"It's a wonderful evening to go out on a walk." Adam mouthed warmly.

Lana shook her head, "It's awfully cold out there."

"Well, if you wear my coat, you'll stay warm and happy. Sounds like a deal?"

"I'm good," She replied, "Supposed to be asleep, anyways."

Adam sighed, "You wouldn't have to worry about the cold or sleeping at night if you'd accept your fate already."

"You're forgetting the promise I made to you twelve years ago, Adam." Lana raised an eyebrow, "My finger sears whenever you're near."

"A promise you've kept this whole time," He nodded, "That's something I highly admire and desire. You behave so well."

"If that's how you feel," She glanced directly into his eyes, "Why did you decide what my fate should be?"

He rolled his eyes, "It wasn't my choice. Ingleshire chose it hundreds of years ago. A deal most women would die for."

"You could have picked any of them."

Clearly the vampire wasn't going to win this petty argument. Ghost had calmed down, realizing the interloper was unable to come inside. Howling in the distance caught Lana off guard.

"Suppose I do owe you some alone time."

"Why yes," Adam agreed, "That's a part of our agreement. What do you have exactly in mind, darling?"

She knew this wasn't safe, but an agreement needed to be fulfilled in order for her to remain mortal. Sighing, she caved in and threw her idea on the table, "Del Claire. 8:30pm on Saturday. I'll pay for dinner. Tomorrow I'm meeting up with Abby for drinks. Sounds like a plan?"

"Why yes," His icy blue eyes calmed down, "That is a wonderful idea! You can stay at my place for the late night and early morning, I'll make sure there's human food for you to munch on. It all sounds splendid, like a perfect date. Thank you, Lana."

She frowned, noticing her canine teeth had extended out, "Figured dinner would be something both of us could partake in. I'll make sure to dress properly."

"Good," He smiled, "Looks like I should let you rest. Lana?"

"Yes, Adam?" Her tongue swiped over her 'fangs'.

Exhaling, the vampire responded warmly, "Don't hide who you are. No one can take your 'gifts' away from you. Sleep well."

Vanishing into the night sky, that left Lana to ponder alone with her dog. That had been the kindest and most sincere Adam had been for some time. He behaved almost human in nature, as if her words had actually meant something to his immortal mind. It was her biggest fear, to lose all feeling and emotion becoming a vampire. To become a living statue with no real purpose or goal. Shivering at the thought, Lana crawled beneath the blankets while Ghost curled up beside her. Perhaps pushing against the inevitable was a poor decision.

"Oh Lord," Lana prayed, "I need some sort of sign, if you could hand it over."

She was soon fast asleep, dreaming about NASCAR and her racing friends.