She's Not Afraid

Chapter One

Vlad stared at his watch wondering where the time had gone. Centuries had past, and he still remained in this world. He sighed. He sometimes wished he could end it all, but he could never bring himself to do it for some reason. He looked up rubbing his forehead, and he took the finals sip of his drink looking around to see what he might like to "help" home. Hearing loud giggles and hiccups he looked to see the perfect girl. She was a medium height with dark brown hair at the top fading to blonde the lower you look. Her eyes were what looked to be brown in the lighting of the bar. Vlad licked his lips and stood up. The group of girls that the young woman was with began to squeal and become giddy as he approached. He smiled at the young woman. "I would buy you a drink, but I'd be jealous of the glass," he said. She giggled and blushed. "I'm Miranda," she said. "Vlad," he said grasping her hand. He lightly kissed her hand not breaking eye contact. She blushed even more. Miranda reaches over on the bar for her purse. As she grabs it her keys fall off the bar onto the floor. Vlad reached down and picked up her keys.

"I believe these are yours," Vlad smiled.

"Oh sorry. I'm sooo clumsy," she said dragging out the 'so'. She took the keys from him.

"A beautiful woman like yourself shouldn't be walking home alone at this hour," Vlad said.

"Well maybe you could walk me home," she suggested.

Vlad smirked, "I would be delighted to escort you home."

Both she and her friends giggled. She told her friends good-bye and took Vlad's arm. Vlad walked the drunken woman out of the bar and down the street. She did her best to flirt with him, but she was trying too hard. Vlad kept her in his trance. They arrived at her apartment. Miranda began to unlock her door, but she looked to be having trouble. She jiggled the door knob and keys, but it wouldn't open. She sighed in frustration. "Allow me," Vlad said. He reached across and opened the door. She smiled, "Thank you." They both walked into the apartment. Miranda set her purse aside, and began to take her heels off. "I really do appreciate you walking me home," she said with her back to him. "Can I get you...," she stopped talking when she turned around. Vlad was only inches from her. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at him. He walked towards her making her back up until her back hit the wall. She stared at him with lust. Vlad reacted by kissing her. The girl reacted back by kissing him back. He earned a small moan out of her. He began to kiss her neck. She gripped his dark hair making him stay in place. Vlad could hear her heart beating. He could feel her blood pulsing through her neck. He felt his fangs grow. Before he could stop himself he fed.

—•—

Vlad walked down the street away from the now deceased girl's apartment. He didn't like to feed on others, but he had no choice. He tried to feed on those who would not be remembered. He knew the young girl Miranda was a prostitute with not many family members left to care for her. He found Scotty waiting for him down the street.

"Has everything been taken care of, Master?" he asked.

"Yes. Get rid of her body, Shkelgim," Vlad ordered.

"Yes Master. On the morrow I shall," he obeyed.

Scotty was the reincarnation of his former servant Shkelgim. Shkelgim had been his faithful servant for many years in many lives. Scotty or Shkelgim as his master called him was a good sized man who had little to say. His hair was a darkened shade of brown that fell to one side or the other. His eyes looked to be light shade of blue, so light that some could also call them greyish. The job description of the young Shkelgim was to go out during the day and find people who would not be missed for his master. Vlad walked into his apartment and sighed. He ran a hand through his black hair as he laid down on the couch. He looked through the window. It was nearly sunrise. Scotty was disposing of the girl's body as he laid there. "God forgive me," he mumbled. Vlad stood up and removed his jacket. He threw off his shirt and shoes as he headed towards the kitchen. He poured himself a drink, and headed towards his bedroom. He walked across his room. The wardrobe to his left caught his eye. He stared at it letting the memories flood back. He didn't dare open it. He never opened it.

—•—

"I told you, mom, I'm fine," Nicoleta insisted. She walked down the street as the sun began to set. "No, mom, I'm not moving back. I've got everything handled here in New York I promise," she explained. Her mother continued to pester her about moving back home to North Carolina again, but Nicoleta just rolled her eyes as always. "Mom, I'm absolutely fine on my own. I've got everything handled," she said. Her mother gave up trying to convince her. Nicoleta walked into the bar saying good-bye to her mother. She walked to the back, and she hung up her coat and bag. "Hey Nicki! What are you doing here?" someone called. Nicoleta turned around to see one of her friends Adam. "I switched shifts to the rush hour. Trying to get some more cash," she answered. "It'll be good to have you around," he said. Nicoleta went out front and went behind the bar. She picked up a rag and tossed it over her shoulder; hearing the bell above the door go off she looked over and smiled welcoming people as they came in. Nicoleta walked to the far end of the bar taking orders and serving. The bell went off and without looking up she welcomed the man with dark hair who walked in. "Take a seat and I'll be with you in a second."

Vlad pulled out his regular bar stool and propped his head up with his hand while he starred off into space. He started to think about the people who he had killed, and all the lives he had taken, but he was at least thankful for not being able to picture their faces of horror. He saw something move and come out of his deep thinking. There was a woman standing in front of him. She was a thin woman with her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. A few strands were hanging from her ponytail, her eyes shimmered like the most beautiful emeralds, while her lips were a perfect color of soft pink. Her teeth showing through her smile were as white as white could be. Everything around him seemed to be moving in slow motion, and no sound seemed to be coming from anywhere. She snapped her fingers, and life seemed to go back to normal. "I don't mean to be rude sir, but I don't have all night. I have other customers to help," she said. Vlad opened his mouth and nothing came out. All he could do was stare at his beautiful woman, and wonder why no words were coming out of his mouth. He cleared his throat, and words started to come as his face began to heat up. "I'd...um...I'd like a glass of scotch," he managed to say.