The Bartender's Vampire [COMPLETED]

Chapter Eighteen - Vampire

Draculaura and Clawd's sixth pup, a girl that they've named Ellie, is born nearly seven years into the couple's marriage. To say they had purposely put off having a sixth pup was an understatement. 

After Clawd had told his wife that he'd let her father turn him after their sixth child, neither one had wanted to rush into a sixth kid. But with six healthy pups, the promise has to be fulfilled. This is why Clawd and Draculaura are at Vladimir's house. The kids are with Clawd's parents. 

Vladimir pulls a chair up to the bed and sits down. Elegantly, he crosses one leg over the other, lifting his gaze to Clawd's face. "This is going to hurt, son. A lot," he says, his voice heavily accented as usual. 

Clawd nods. "I know." 

"It is going to be the worst pain you have ever felt," Vladimir explains. "You will feel your heart stop, and it will hurt more than anything you have ever experienced. It will knock the breath from your lungs." 

Clawd closes his eyes, squeezing Draculaura's hand. "Okay." 

"You don't have to do it," Draculaura says suddenly. 

Clawd's eyes fly open as he turns his head to look at his wife. "What?" he asks. 

"You don't have to do it," she repeats. "I don't want you to suffer, Clawd," she whispers. 

"I won't live forever if we don't do this," he says softly. "And when I die, you'll be alone. Forever," he adds. 

"I know. No one wants to go through this, Clawd. You don't have to," she says. 

Clawd shakes his head before looking back at Vladimir. "Do it." 

Vladimir raises one dark eyebrow. "Are we sure?" he asks. 

"Yes," Clawd says, nodding. 

"Clawd," Draculaura whispers. 

Clawd places a hand on the back of her neck and presses a kiss to her forehead. "I will go through every pain in the world if it means I get to spend literal eternity with you," he whispers. "Okay?" he asks, brushing a thumb over her cheek. 

Closing her eyes, she nods. "Okay." 

Clawd leans back against the headboard and holds his arm out to Vladimir. "Do it," he says again. 

Vladimir wraps one hand around Clawd's hand, his nails grazing the werewolf's palms. He wraps his other hand around Clawd's forearm and lifts his gaze to Draculaura's face. "Look at your husband. Not me," he says. 

Draculaura nods. She knows why he's requested this. He doesn't want his only daughter to see him bite Clawd. 

"Do you want a countdown?" Vladimir asks. 

"No, just do it whenever--" Clawd's words turn into a low growl as Vladimir bows his head and sinks his teeth into the wolf's wrist. Clawd's fingers tighten around his wife's hand. He turns his head, burying his face in his own shoulder. His heartbeat increases rapidly, the organ thumping painfully in his chest. All of a sudden, the beating stops. His chest tightens as the breath catches in his throat. 

"Daddy, you're killing him!" Draculaura exclaims. 

After several more seconds pass, Vladimir pulls away from Clawd. "No, I am not. I told you both it would be painful," he says. He pulls a handkerchief from the breast pocket of his suit jacket. Unfolding it, he wipes his mouth. "The bite is already healing," he points out. 

Clawd opens his eyes, inhaling deeply. "Christ," he mutters. His gaze shifts to Draculaura's face. He swallows. "I-I need to get out of here," he whispers. 

"You are smelling her blood. It is the human part of her," Vladimir says. "I will get you something to eat, son." He pushes himself to his feet, clearing his throat. "If you bite my daughter while I am gone, I will kill you." 

"Of course," Clawd says quietly. After Vladimir walks out of the room, Draculaura wraps her arms around her husband. He lets out a growl. "I love you," he whispers, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. 

"I love you, Clawd," she whispers back. 

He squeezes her tightly, closing his eyes, fighting the deep urge to sink his teeth into her neck. 

***

It's been a year since the day Clawd was turned into a vampire. Much like his wife, he's taken on an entirely vegetarian diet. Their children are happy and healthy, educated, making friends. 

At night, when he's not working architecture or construction, he runs his father's bar. Tonight, Draculaura sits on a stool in front of him, a pop can held between her hands, her violet eyes focused on her husband. 

And just like the first night they met, she's still the bartender's vampire.

END