Bright Lights and Dark Blood (On Hold)

Chapter 14

“Cut! Print!” the director shouted over the megaphone. Nicholas stooped and wiped the evil grin off his face and the lifeless bodies of his victims stands up revealing the sweet smile of the extras. Its another ‘blood’ soaked day for him but he isn’t complaining because he loves what he does. The woods they were taping in is actually just behind a big old mansion where they tape the indoor scenes.

Somebody tossed a towel to him. “Clean up, Nick. Someone wants to see you” Dolores, his assistant, points towards the mansion. He struggled to get the corn syrup out of his brows “Whoever he is, he has to wait” he scoffed. “She” Dolores corrected. No, it couldn’t be. The staff that came from the mansion gave knowing smiles and little hushes as Nicholas pass them by.

There she was in her white shirt and faded jeans and somehow radiating in her place. People around her noticed her presence and when a smile crept to her face, Nicholas felt warmth and he bets everyone else did too.  “Hey” Ella greeted him. “Hey. . .I should say I’m surprised” he quickly tried to wipe the traces of corn syrup there might be suddenly feeling conscious. She reached out her hand and rubbed her thumb on his jaw.  At that second, he forgot the earth beneath his feet. “I figured that after you told me the complete address and detailed description of the mansion that you’d like me to visit your set, I can take a hint, Nicholas.” she smirked. He can’t help but smile, he is glad she came. After that odd and slightly ambiguous parting last night he’s glad to see her and put his worries to rest. “I’m happy to see you” he confessed.

“well its nice to see you too, although. . .” —she gives Nicholas a quick look from head to toe— “You look absolutely gruesome” and smiles. He was covered in fake blood that his black leather jacket is dripping.  “well yeah, I had to kill a couple of werewolves in the way of my despicable plan” he throws quotation marks with his fingers which made Ella laugh.

Ella had to admit that she found this quiet strange to see Nicholas in red contacts and prosthetic fangs covered in blood but the all black and leather ensemble did look sexy. She was glad that she waited outside before Nicholas had to give his wardobe back. The mansion might have chairs to sit on but it reminded her too much of the home she fleed from not to mention this Eric guy seems to be under the impression that she’s a phone directory for other models. She is pretty sure that Libby would tear him limb by limb if he makes a move though, well sort of. It seemed that last night’s rendezvous spread like wildfire. Everyone who knew Nicholas in the set came forward to give her a warm welcome and introduced themselves with a little comment on how ‘Nick’ is such a workaholic that he doesn’t seem to have time for a lovelife but they were clearly wrong.They even said something about “being part of the family”.  On that note, she left Libby to wait for Nicholas outside.

By now, Ella has noticed the number of vampires around by how many discreetly bowed at her. It seems that the council really is paying attention to this little project of theirs. “Your grace” a feminine voice spoke. Ella turned around and saw a a petite woman with red hair and green eyes. “Megan?” Ella didn’t recognize her. Megan seems to have aged more than she should. She saw how  her face no longer exuded the innocence and joy Ella loved eight years ago. “Long time no see, Elizabeth or Ella?” her eyes now harsh and no longer sparkled when she smiled.

Ella took a step and threw her hands around Megan’s neck to a tight hug. “How are you holding up?”Ella said as they broke their hug “I’m doing okay, the shows doing great. Big ratings. What could a writer-producer ask for more?” Her eyes looked around. She saw the emptiness and sadness in Megan’s eyes. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for Frederick and the least I could’ve stopped this nonsense” Ella’s voice was low as she looked around the mess of peoplewith cameras and cables.  “Naah. . .you tried and I like to think he would want this. I don’t want his death to be in vain”  Megan has been through a lot. She was happy once; her new show was in midseason when the network signed for two more, her vampire boyfriend has found a way to turn her. It was almost perfect. Almost. When they were attacked one night on the parking lot four years ago by vampires sent by a Council of Elders she didn’t expect the worse was yet to come.