A Vampire’s Betrayal

“I know you’re here,” I said, into the darkness. Something, or someone had been following me for several blocks. Each shortcut I took, it was behind me. I was being hunted. I heard a deep, menacing chuckle before I felt alone once again. Shaken, I teleported home, abandoning my nightly walk. The first thing I saw was a man, he wore a black suit, accented by red. He turned towards me, revealing his blue eyes, full of panic. “Lady Audrey, we have been looking for you!” My high steward, Marcus, said, looking relieved. “You did a terrific job of finding me, then.” I shook my head. “Where have you been?” “Is that really any concern of yours?” I asked, bluntly. Ever since I took over as Lady of this clan I have had no privacy, save for secret walks throughout the nearby town. I had to be careful, of course. The towns people were scared of us. Too many of our type had slaughtered their families. For this reason, something following me was unnerving. My family had let things waver. Our guards were too proud to believe a hunter, or hunters would find us. My people were too interested in the finer things in…”life.” We were a weak clan, laughable at best. “Lady Audrey, might I remind you, you have a duty-“ “To watch over this clan, I know. What’s the point of watching over a clan full of proud, weak vampires? Don’t you remember the days we could fend off anything? Hunters, wolves, humans did not dare double cross us,” I snapped. “Now what do we do? Sit, and drink, and have fancy gatherings, which not many show up to anymore. Do you know why?” I asked, tired of this conversation. “Our guards don’t pay attention to what’s going on,” he answered. “My parents spoiled this clan, let them become soft. I can’t let them be vulnerable,” I told him. “Any word of hunters in the area?” “No, Lady Audrey.” “Please, stop saying Lady Audrey when nobody else is around,” I sighed. “Yes….” “Just say Audrey.” “Yes, Audrey.” He was definitely old fashioned. I could tell he wasn’t fond of my request. “Fine, just Lady then.” He looked relieved by my change in heart. “Thank you, Lady, I shall!” “Where’s Crispin? I need to speak with him,” I asked. Crispin was the leader of my trackers. I had persuaded him and his group to come to Varenheil Estate and help reform my clan. Everyone was cautious at first, not having had very many dealings with werewolves, but I knew some, and being Lady Audrey Varenheil meant I had to upkeep relations with not just other vampire clans, but also werewolf packs. “I believe he is in his quarters,” Marcus answered, pointing in the direction. “Thank you, go ahead and do whatever it is you do,” I told him, with a head nod. “Yes, Lady.” I walked up the grand staircase. It was metal, but made to look like redwood. The steps were covered in a dark blue carpet, with wavy designs for the poles. At the top of the steps I turned left, and walked down a hall with the same carpet, but grey and red trim. The colors did not mix well. One day the carpet would be changed. Towards the middle of the hall I knocked on a door to my right. “Well, hello there, Lady Audrey,” Crispin said, with a smirk. Crispin was easily six foot seven. Large muscles, deep brown eyes and neatly cut medium/short brown hair. “Why is it Lady Audrey always has such a weird….ring to it?” I asked. “Well, due to our arrangement, I don’t think the need for formalities is required.” I smirked as I walked into his room. His room was a basic Victorian era room. Victorian dresser, canopy bed, lamps, lounge couch, etc. he still hadn’t had time to change it to his preference. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” He asked, putting his hand around my waist and leading me to the couch. “As much as I would like to say this is a….personal visit, it’s business related.” His attitude changed instantly. He went from suave to serious. “What do you need us to find?” “I don’t know.” He c****d his head in confusion. “Something followed me during my walk. It followed me for awhile. I finally stopped and confronted it, but I just heard a laugh, and felt it leave.” “Hm. I can have some of my men go to where you were, try to find something off. The guards who are actually doing well I can have stand watch for anything that may come near. Do you have any idea what it may have been?” “No, none at all.” He leaned back into the couch. “I have a friend, remarkable with smells. She can put something together to hide this place from all, except us,” he thought, out loud. “At this point you might as well be my head of security,” I laughed. He shrugged “Not like anyone else around here has that experience. No offense.” “None taken.” He looked thoughtful as his rubbed his thumb on my waist. “I suppose, since I’m here, it could also be a personal visit,” I said, softly, bringing my face closer to his. “Oh really?” He asked, the suave accent returning, as he smirked. I nodded before lightly licking his jaw. He wrapped his right arm around me, pulling me onto his lap. “You know, your clan might not be too happy about this,” he whispered, before kissing me.