Blood Moon

The Offer

I peeked my head around the corner to the visitor.

The man shook his head and his jolly smile returned. "No, I'm here to help!"

"Uh...what?"

Charlotte gave me a quick glance but I was of no help to them.

"Help! Hello, can you hear me?" He laughed in a mocking manner.

The girls stood in shock. "With...what, exactly?"

"This hospital, of course! I," he pointed a proud finger to his chest, "want to help you run it."

Charlotte again looked in my direction then responded, "Why?"

The man stood back. "The newest age of vampires are threatening to overthrow us older vampires. It would be nice to wipe out a bit of the competition," he added with a smirk to me.

"Besides. There is nothing in this world that is even remotely entertaining these days; I remember when the industry was at its peak."

He seemed to glance off into the distance as he spoke. Snapping back to reality, he waited patiently for Charlotte to answer.

She remained silent, so he continued. "Maybe your little passion will help with that."

"So...does this mean that you think vampires could be rehabilitated?" Charlotte asked, a hopeful smile on her face before he waved the thought away.

"Don't be ridiculous! Redemption, humanity, HA!" He laughed in her face. "Maybe if one had nothing to do it would be interesting to go on a diet. Unfortunately that won't last forever. Nothing can save such lowly suckers."

He gestured to me, and I flicked up a middle finger before Vaggie, who was now sitting beside me on an uncomfortable couch, pulled it down.

"Yet I find the idea intriguing! So, I have taken it upon myself to help manage this fine establishment!" He now threw his arms up in the air.

I looked up to see what 'fine establishment' he was talking about.

He turned back to her and, taking her hand, lead her away saying, "I see great things coming your way!"

"So..." I pointed a finger at him. "What's up with smiles?"

"Wait, you've never heard of him? He's all over the news and everything," Vaggie asked with a bit of concern in her voice.

I shrugged awkwardly.

"The most powerful vampire of all four territories?" She gave me an annoyed look.

"Eh, not big on politics," I sighed.

She scoffed, then looked me in the eye.

"Long ago, Alastor and a Vox, another vampire, were responsible for a whole new wave of vampires. They killed millions of innocent people and broadcast their murder throughout Earth."

I sat wide-eyed at her serious expression, waiting for her to continue.

"Many have tried to explain what makes him so powerful. They say daylight holds no effect on him, and a spear through the heart wouldn't kill him instantly. Of course, I don't believe that load of shit," she retorted as she eyed the red-dressed vampire.

"But what I do know is that he is a wicked spirit capable of great destruction and chaos. He is violent and cruel with no heart in his chest. And it'd be the wisest choice to kick him out to the curb on his ass where he belongs unless we want to end up erased from existence!"

"Woah, toots...calm down," I said with a laugh at her angry glare focused on the air. She always seemed mad at something.

Then I pointed to him. "That guy? Really? He looks like some strawberry pimp."

"Well I don't trust him."

"To be fair, do you trust any man? Any men? Heh, men?"

She gave me a look before getting up from the couch. I almost followed, but I knew better than to get between her and Charlie. She protected her like some baby.

"Charlie," she grabbed her shoulders as the vampire walked away to survey the building. "tell me you don't trust this creep! He's not just a happy face. He's a villian, a deal maker. He can't be redeemed, Charlie. And he is probably trying to destroy everything we are trying to do."

The blonde sighed. "L-look, I know he's bad, and he probably doesn't want to change," she eyed him as he pulled a small object out of his coat. "But...how can I refuse him? I can't. It goes against everything I stand for."

Vaggie bit her lower lip. "Alright...but whatever you do, do not make a deal with him!"

I looked over to the man as he curled his fist around, almost expectantly, and grinned to her. I noticed he seemed to have his eyes locked on her more than anything, and his menacing smile widened each time.

I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Don't worry Vaggie. I picked up one thing from my father: 'You don't take shit from anyone!'"

With that, she cautiously walked up to Alastor.

"Look, Al, you're sketchy as fuck and you obviously see everything I'm trying to do as a joke." His face darkened as she spun around, but quickly returned to normal after she faced him again. "But I don't. I believe everyone should be given chances to become better."

"So..." she crossed her arms in a confident manner, "I've decided to take your offer to help. O-on the condition there be no weird vampire strings attached."

Charlotte's smile was quickly turned around when the man held out a bony hand.

"So it's a deal then?" His voice held an unnatural quality; he almost sounded...demonic.

He stood patiently, as if he knew she would shake his hand, but to everyone's surprise she hit his hand up with her own.

"Nope! No deals!" She glanced to me yet again. I smiled a tiny bit.

"I-hmm..." Charlotte was lost in thought. "A-as the daughter of Lucas Magne and heir to the family business, I ask of you to help with this hospital. For as long as you desire," she added with a smile.

Alastor seemed to ponder the offer.

"Sound fair?" Charlotte asked.

"Hmm...fair enough," he responded as his smile grew.

Charlotte let out a soft sigh of relief and pointed her thumbs up. "Cool beans."

I felt another chill run down my spine as I watched him.

Vaggie was right. This man meant harm, I could feel it.

(YAAAY! Another chapter! I'm sorry for not updating a whole lot, because my life has just been super hectic lately. I hope all of you are staying safe and well. Please show some love to Fantasyandromance516 if you haven't already, and check out their profile! They have some super awesome stories that I'm sure you will enjoy. And with that, I end this chapter. With love from your sleepy writer, GreenHigh5Guy! <3)