The Vampire's Reluctant Bride

The Vampire's Reluctant Bride: chapter-8

Chapter-8

Amelia paused before the cottage door, wondering if it would be improper to enter without permission, but she wanted to surprise him and decided to throw caution to the winds for once.  The unlocked door had her assuming that he would not mind the intrusion. However, she had barely taken a step inside; when she was stopped short by the sight before her.

Lucius stood with his back to her, his face partially hidden by the cascading blond locks of the girl in his arms.

A stifled gasp escaped her lips, making him drop the girl and face her. Amelia’s eyes widened in horror.

 He had been feeding.

 A thin spray of blood erupted from the incision in the girl’s neck making her gasp at the sudden withdrawal of Lucius’ lips. Her strangled sob forced him to turn in attention back to her, even as Amelia stood rooted to her spot- face ashen and her chocolate eyes the size of saucers.

She watched as he tightened his hold on the (mildly) struggling girl and his tongue snaked out to lap at the blood which had trickled out of the incision on her neck. His lips locked over the wound and she went still. He straightened in the next second, tossing the girl aside, who collapsed on the bed. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew his handkerchief, carefully wiping his lips before he turned to face Amelia again.

She watched, frozen and fascinated all at once as he studied her mutely, noting the delicate red haze over his eyes which made them look more like Amethysts than their usual Sapphire. He held still, making no move to approach her- almost as if he were afraid she would bolt, if he so much as took a step in her direction.  A tiny red dot gleamed to the right of his lips where he had missed a spot. She touched her finger to the same spot on her own face, making him wipe it swiftly off.

“I am sorry you had to see that.”

“Is- is she dead?” Amelia questioned hoarsely.

“Of course not!” He seemed surprised by her question. Still watching her, he took a hesitant step in her direction. Amelia held her position.

“Are- are you frightened of me?” He asked softly, taking another step towards her. The colour in his eyes had deepened, returning them to their usual cerulean blue.

She shook her head.  Strangely, even the sight of him feeding had failed to frighten her.

“Will she be alright?”

He nodded.

“Does it hurt a lot? When you feed?” She asked, walking towards him as she re-gained her courage.

 He stepped backwards, watching her warily. “NO, our venom has a mild anaesthetic to dull the pain.”

“And she won’t change into a vampire?”

 “No...That-that is different.”

“Any side effects?”

He narrowed his eyes,” A little weakness from the blood-loss perhaps, but nothing serious.” He paused, “Unless the vampire stops feeding abruptly and doesn’t close the wound.”

“I don’t follow.” She admitted.

“The venom contains a potent anti-coagulant. The victim can die of desanguination if not treated properly.”

Amelia thought about it for a minute before nodding.

“Mia,” He paused, looking at something behind her before giving a curt nod. She turned to see the blond-haired girl slip out quietly.