Fated To A Vampire

Chapter 9: VAMPIRE!

The car roars its engine as we speed through the blizzard. The tires underneath crushed the quickly freezing snow. Jame's breath came out steady as his steel eyes and hard jawline faced the road, his expressionless face making the silence much more awkward. Looking at my lap, I wore light gray sweatpants and a matching plain top. Although it was simple, I would say it was comfortable and the fabric felt expensive. A Styrofoam dish sat in my lap, the steam long gone with not a bite taken. The chicken potato bowl smelled amazing, but my appetite wasn't there. I just simply wasn't hungry. Not only did I sport new clothes, he also bought me a new pair of sneakers. This creature was one surprise after the next. He demanded that the others were garbage. Then, when I stressed the fact we would be leaving evidence, he simply suggested I shouldn't worry. What the hell did that mean?

"Is that not okay? We can stop somewhere else.." His deep voice reached out to make the suggestion and shook me from my fogged mind, looking at him, but I just shook my head.

"I'm not hungry.." I said quietly, refusing to look at those haunting eyes again. I faced forward.

"You should try anyway." His voice held an edge that I didn't like. The El Camino slid on a patch of ice. Gripping the side handle on the door, I squeezed my eyes shut. Feeling the car edge itself back onto the slick road. "Are you okay?" His hand touched my shoulder and I jumped, looking at him. His eyes were back on the road, but I could hear the concern in his voice.

"Just.." I took a deep breath trying to calm the panic attack rising. "Just please keep your eyes front and center, 'kay?" I whispered and shut my eyes tightly again as the wind howled harshly against the car. He put both hands on the wheel after a quick side glance.

"I can pul-" his voice tried again, I cut him off before he could finish.

"NO." Closing the lid on the box, I set it between us, creating space. "I just hate this weather."

"Okay, well, if it makes you feel any better, we are about thirty minutes away now." His voice held notes of reassurance. It truly helped some. The last twenty have been gruesome. I've been putting off the question, but honestly, I could use the distraction... The last twenty-four hours have been a lot. After a few minutes of silence, I gathered my courage.

"Are you a vampire?.." My voice sounded quieter than I intended it to, but by the look he gave me I knew he heard it.

"What do you think that is?" Not an answer, but another question. This mystical creature didn't like to give answers, did he?

"Somebody who died and is alive again drinking people. A creature that is bloodthirsty and cruel." I said, looking in his direction while he just kept his eyes on the road.

"Do you think I am?" He sounded amused by the conversation. The wind howled loudly again, almost taunting me too.

"I do." I said shortly, keeping my eyes on him.

"So?" he asked, irking me.

"So. Are you going to drink me?.. What is the point behind all of this?" My questions could not be contained any longer. I am surprised to find I am not freaking out more..but he is a real vampire?! Shouldn't I be terrified?

"Maybe." His eyes looked at me, and I couldn't tell if he was joking or not. His smile suggested he was, but I don't think I would believe him even if he had said no. Sighing, he pulled the car to the side of the road. He undid his belt and angled towards me.

"What are yo-" I went to ask, but his finger came up to my lips hushing me.

"Just listen. Because this is going to sound crazier than finding out about us blood suckers." His deep voice and steel eyes had me captivated as the steel color swirled within itself. I was not able to speak or move, I just listened to him. Pulling his hand back, he ran it through his hair, pushing it back and out of his face. A car's headlights passed as the night darkened around us.

Taking a deep breath, he looked back at me. "You are what's called my mate. This doesn't happen frequently, let alone species crossing. It's rare for a vampire to find his or her perfect mate, with our numbers dwindling, and we are spread far and wide, it just doesn't happen. There are maybe two pairs every century or so. Once we find our other half, we are fated together, our paths crossing no matter how much we deny the draw towards each other. Most will just find a partner to live eternity with, and most are not granted such a blessing.." his voice trailed, before continuing.

"I wasn't sure before" he said. "When you ran into me that first day, I felt a spark, but I didn't understand. After advising my colony of vampires, we all agreed. They said to leave you to rot, that a human couldn't be our queen..." his voice sounded hurt and broken for just a moment before he continued with more confidence. Although, I was still stuck on the word queen. "The great ancestor Absalom, the-once all-ruling vampire lord, has blessed us with his union. I don't understand why, but as the King of all that roams the night, I have been waiting for a queen. A companion by my side. I won't disrespect my ancestor. I come from an incredibly long line of fated rulers that were able to convince, which is also rare." He looked at me gently and touched my cheek. His rough finger gently slid down my jawline, and for some reason I didn't want to pull away, even though I was still unable to respond or even move, the information was overwhelming my already fried senses. What the hell was happening? I did ask for this though, didn't I?

"So, yes, I am a vampire. A very powerful one. I won't drink from you unless you allow it though, and no one else will be allowed to touch you, or they will meet a much crueler fate than the human world could give. I promise you, I will protect you. You are not allowed to leave me though. You will either live with me til your last breath, or I will change you. Or you could choose the transition over the next year. I do care for you very much already, but you are mine. Mine alone. I have a reputation to uphold, and a kingdom to run." His voice sounded soft and edgy all at the same time. Even if I could speak right now, I wouldn't know what to say. He forcefully took me due to some stupid bond? What the hell, don't I get a choice? His hand grazed my cheek once again before the car rolled into motion again. He left me in silence. I felt a relaxed feeling come over me, and I could move again. Looking at him, I was silent. Turning my head, I looked out the window and started to process the fact he took me to be his prized, well-behaved queen. Little does this man know, that it is the opposite of who I am. He is in for a long eternity if that is how he thinks this will go.