The Shadow of the Simulacrum

Chapter 19: A Love Unveiled

Jesse returned home, having experienced one of the most thrilling evenings he had in centuries. The sensation of Sarah's lips exploring his drove him wild, and he thought about it constantly. The sweet taste of grapes mixed with her body scent was unforgettable. He managed to restrain himself thanks to his years of experience. However, this time it was too difficult, as he genuinely liked her. If he had tasted her blood or discovered a wound, he knew he wouldn't have been able to resist.

The vampire knew he had put her in danger by kissing her. He couldn't deny that he had enjoyed the moment, not only because he craved her blood but also because he had deep feelings for her. He had never felt such a sensation with anyone, and he had been alone for centuries. She loved him in return; the way she looked at him was unique. He couldn't imagine living without her. It would be too difficult, for she was his other half, and he knew it.

He thought Sarah would make an excellent vampire, given her strong and determined character. He imagined the effect of the venom inside her, transforming her into a creature of the night—cruel and merciless, yet still captivating. His lover wasn't one to be easily subdued, and it was precisely this resistance that made her even more alluring to him.

He wanted to possess her innocence and purity, traits he had lost centuries ago. She would be perfect, he thought—a version of herself corrupted by his influence, reflecting his own dark world. The idea of being the one to bite her, to inject his venom into her, drove him wild with desire. To possess her body and soul, to have her all to himself...

Sarah had touched him deeply, and she didn't even realize the state she had put her partner in. An obsessive and passionate love was growing within him, but she still didn't know his true nature and how far he was willing to go to possess her completely.

As he made his way to the kitchen, Gord passed by his leader, who was drinking from a blood bag under the dim light of the stove, trying to forget the taste of Sarah. Two other empty bags were scattered on the counter. Gord's laughter caught Jesse's attention, who asked him what he found so hilarious, pulling the tab of the bag from his mouth. The large, muscular man with curly hair responded mockingly:

— Who has reduced you to such a state of starvation?

— He who laughs last, laughs best. Be careful who you laugh with, Jesse said in a threatening tone.

— Why are you torturing yourself by staying with her without tasting her blood? She puts you in a trance that could make you sick if you don't taste her.

— I've tasted her, Jesse said, avoiding his gaze. By kissing and touching her, I was on the verge of feeding on her. I could have made a massacre.

— What's stopping you? Have you really fallen in love with her?

— Listen, I want to turn her, but first, I want to honestly reveal my identity to her before inviting her to a party I'll be hosting.

— I'm with you, my brother, Gord said, helping himself to a blood bag from the refrigerator.

— The evening will be incredible, but warn the others to be respectful and courteous to her. Let them know she isn't aware of the existence of vampires yet, Jesse said, looking at his friend with a sadistic smile.

The two exchanged a malicious glance, a glint of conspiracy shining in their eyes. Jesse's thirst for power was rising, burning like an insatiable fire. He almost had it all: the girl, and soon, the town would be at his mercy. The leader felt control slipping through his fingers, ready to steer the reins of fate. His thirst for vengeance would soon be satisfied, each piece of the plan falling into place for an unrelenting execution in a few weeks.