Alejo [Vampire]

Alejo- Chapter 10

::CHAPTER 10::

I disappeared into my room and took a long awaited shower. The damp cloth I’d used to wipe off the crimson splatters back at home hadn’t done much. First I sat on the bench that was bolted to the wall of the shower. I needed at least a half hour of hot water and steam to wash away the faint but lingering smell of a near kill. The scent of blood and gore would be picked up by any immortal and it wasn’t the sort of first – technically second – impression that I wanted to give tonight.

Soon the shower was filled with rising smoke and the glass fogged over with time. It was heavy enough to cause most to choke at this point. The mist clung to my hair while the spray of water touched only my body and face at this angle. The fine strands darkened with the dampness in the air. I pushed them from my eyes and stood up to leave. The second the door was pushed open, the steam wafted out of the cubicle.

I had scrubbed and rid myself of the pore-deep odor. Only now could I allow myself to get ready for tonight. It took nearly no time to dress. I dried my hair and passed a comb through the locks before running my fingers through it.  I allowed the strands to fall where they may.

My reflection blinked back at me. Its hair was in a far more casual style compared to what I was used to but it was no less suitable. Usually there was a place for every strand and every strand was in its place; severe, precise and pulled away from my face. But this time, my reflection had a lock that fell carelessly over my forehead as if it had every right to be there. It was so laid-back that it took a second to recognize myself.

I looked at the rest of the reflection with a careful eye; as if I were just a stranger glancing at me for the first time. Hmm, let’s see now. Dark jeans fell snug around the V of the hips. I wouldn’t have guessed that this was the first time that denim ever touched that body. It seemed so at home on the twenty-eight year old frame. It made me feel centuries younger. My eyes were drawn to the grey cotton that sat atop the jeans. The pale shade made it impossible not to look at my almost brutal stare. The irises held shards of palest blue and molten silver; a pairing that I’ve heard were both hard to look at and to look away from. The long sleeved t-shirt exposed a small, triangular expanse of skin beneath my collar bone that hadn’t seen hair in years. All in all, the reflection looked good and that was enough for me.

Grabbing my phone, I left the room and returned to the living room. Samuel stood up and grinned. I sensed the teasing before he opened his mouth but someone else beat him to it. “Look who’s wearing jeans,” Loki said eying my clothes, “Mr. Denim-Are-For-People-Who-Can’t-Afford-To-Fake-Class. Have you lost your money, brother?”

“No. I like to keep close tabs on the inheritance you have no chance of getting,” was the sharp response.

“The swords are out,” Sam winced with a glance at my brother.

“Below the belt, don’t you think?” Loki raised a brow.

I wasn’t paying attention to him. I had noticed another person in the room. In a far corner was a lurking Ana who was staring without shame or apology in that gaze. It was admiring and captivated. I was sure that she hadn’t realized until my eyes locked onto hers. The movement startled her and she turned away. Caught staring at your Master’s elder brother. Well this is interesting.

Having her as a fan of my work made it easier to get closer to her and use what she knew, but an attraction – no matter how subconscious – would make this child’s play. I put that information away for later. I could work on Ana later. For now, Caroline had to have my complete attention.

“I don’t have time to kiss your ego better. I have somewhere to go,” I told him.

“No. Can it be? Is our big, bad Alejo out on a date tonight?” he asked his eyes darting toward Ana at the sound of shifting in the corner.