L A T E N I G H T S E C R E T A R Y

2 - Trickery

Today, was another day at the Polverini Corp. HQ for Tyler, except this time he was researching all he could about vampires. Tyler sighed after thinking over the events that happened an entire month before. He was reading some more vampires books when suddenly, there was yelling across the hall coming from his boss's office.

"YOU'RE A MONSTER!! ARE YOU EVEN HUMAN!?!?!? YOU..." yelled a plump man in a suit addressing Jared.

"That's enough, Director..." the man's secretary, said trying to placate her boss. After that mishap Jared came strolling out of his office with a smug smirk planted on mouth, and a cigarette between his lips. "Looks like the mans' secretary is staying for a bit." Jared smirked. "Hm, and to think he'd compare me to humans." Said Jared to himself. When he looked over at Tyler's desk he was amused at the pile of vampire books he found and picked some up. "You trying to find my weakness so you can leave? Good luck, 'cause I'm not giving you up." Jared told Tyler matter of factly.

"No, I'm just researching to find out what you have to avoid, and what you don't. I don't like to do my job half-assed so I want to be able to help you with everything you need. I accepted, and I never go back on my word." Tyler replied and pouted because his boss doesn't trust him.

"Hmph, whatever. It doesn't matter. Anyway the stuff you have here for 'research' is useless. Humans are afraid of us so they try to depict us as 'monsters'. Immortal? Forever young? Living dead? All of that is bullshit." Jared took a drag of his cigarette and smiled. "You humans are so foolish that you believe such things."

"What about turning into bats or other animals?" Tyler asked with a mocking smile on his face. Jared's answer to that question was to slam his office door in his face. "Don't ask me stupid questions... you dimwit. You are so infuriating."

'Every time I ask a question I get the same answer. Every time. Might as well put it up on a plaque right in front of his office in gold. He's right though everything I learn from these books might as well be useless unless I see it with my own eyes.' Tyler thought. The rest of the day went by with Tyler studying his boss thoroughly. 'The director can eat human food. He isn't weakened by garlic. Midday sun is alright unless it's direct. And his " meals" only once or twice a week. Which makes me pity his dates even more. He likes wine. Vampires most definitely do not drink only from virgins. His dates wouldn't pass as virgins even if their lives depended on it.' After that thought he remembered how Jared held him so close on that fateful night and blushed a deep red. They only show very small symptoms of anemia if you look closely, but to anyone who is just glancing for curiosity it looks like anyone who just had a rigorous session of s*x. 'No wonder they hide in plain sight. It's easy to either have a fair complexion or be a man whore.'

Jared came out of the office. "Tyler, the gift."

"Yes, sir." Tyler replied and handed over the package with a gift for the secretary next to Jared.

"Oh, my gosh! It's beautiful!" The young lady exclaimed while pulling out a silver cross decorated with sparkling gems. "Jared, do you mind putting it on me?" she asked sweetly.

At the first sight of the silver object Jared scoffed and glanced at his secretary's face. When he realized he was being tested he just smirked. "Of course." He said taking the cross and placing it gently on the woman's neck with nothing happening to him.

'So crosses and silver don't work either.' Tyler thought interestingly already planning to keep that little bit of information in his head. "Here's a mirror if you'd like." Tyler said indicating a small oval mirror, and directing it not only at the woman, but also at Jared. 'Seems that his reflection shows in the mirror, as well. I guess he should be able to see himself otherwise he wouldn't be able to choose such flattering suits. Dammit! No he's my boss with a crap personality. If only his face matched his character.' He shakes head vigorously.

When Jared noticed his secretary's antics he started chuckling, and stopped himself from laughing out loud. "Keep trying Tyler. You are becoming quite amusing."

"Is something wrong? Does it look weird on me?" The woman wondered seeing Jared's reaction as ingenuine.

"No, it looks wonderful on you! I just remembered something funny that's all. Anyway, let me escort you to your car. We better hurry otherwise someone might drive a stake through my heart. You never really know. " Jared said amused looking directly at Tyler.

'Well sorry, for just trying to distinguish fact from fiction. And it wasn't that funny!' Tyler grumbled to himself after being embarrassed at Jared's mocking laughs. As Tyler thought quietly even more he began to try and justify his actions to himself. 'As a vampire's secretary I have to watch out for a lot more details than normal. I have to make sure his secret isn't found out. I've got to make sure his 'needs' don't get in the way of his work. He keeps saying that he's different from humans although that's true biologically, character wise he's ARROGANT! EGOISTIC! and to top if off a complete PLAYBOY!!! But apparently no one seems to care about that.' Finally, after his silent rant he hears footsteps walking down the hall, and what he sees is Jeffrey Polverini, his boss's older brother the manager of the company.

"Hello Tyler!" Jeff greeted politely.

"Hello, Manager Polverini! " Tyler blushed a pinkish color all the way from his cheeks to his ears.

"So how's my brother treating you. I know his character is a hand full, but I hope it doesn't bother you too much." He said worriedly.

"To tell you the truth he is a bit difficult, but I'm not going to let that bother me."

'Manager Polverini is Jared's older brother. I was working as his secretary until last month. He is the perfect boss, kind-hearted, sweet, and gentle. The absolute opposite of the director.' Tyler sighs.

"Is he here right now?"

"I'm sorry you just missed him. He should be coming back soon. Why don't you wait for him in his office."

'I'm pretty sure he's not a vampire and is the same as his father. I wonder if he knows his younger brother is one. Maybe, they're not all blood related. Hmm... '

"Tyler, I'm very happy that you are getting along well with my brother. I can feel better that someone as capable as you are with him. He acts without thinking, and is very stubborn. I just get so worried." Jeff confessed with a sad smile.

"I don't need your concern." Jared replied firmly. He entered so quietly that no one even heard him until he said something. The tension in the room is almost immediate and quite sufficating.

"Jared?" Jeff wondered why his little brother sounded so mad.

"I don't need babysitting. Jeff, why are you really here?"

"So you won't believe that I just came to check on you?" Jeff replied while rolling down the blinds.

'So he does know about the Director's condition!' Tyler observed silently while the two siblings were talking or more like Jeff was talking and Jared is well.... Jared.

"Excuse me, but I find what your saying to be bullshit. Now tell me why you're here, Jeff." Jared replied angrily.

Jeff sighed. "Would you please come to the party at the end of next week?" Jeff tried to placate his already unbending brother.

"I thought I told you I'm not going." Jared tried to answer patiently while hiding his frustration as best he can.

'At least he somewhat cares.' Tyler raised his water to his lips and took a greedy gulp.

"You have to show up at these things sometimes. The only time any of our clients see you is during meetings. Dad's getting mad, and mom and me are worried-'' Jeff tried to reason with Jared, but was cut off.

"STOP IT ALREADY! Dammit, I'm not like you! I don't give a rat's ass about what my family or relatives think! You are just an annoying bug to me. Now, LEAVE! " Jared answered not able to hide his anger anymore.

'Oh, my gosh! He's horrible. I can't believe he just talked to his own brother like that. So much for thinking he cares.' Tyler's shock was completely ignored as the two siblings still continued their 'discussion'.

"Jared... please...." Jeff looked stricken.

"Mr. Manager..." Tyler tried to cheer up Jeff by speaking to him gently, but not really knowing what to say at this situation.

"Sorry, it's just a normal quarrel between siblings. Don't worry." Jeff replied with a weary grin and made his leave.

"What?" Jared questioned Tyler who was staring at Jeff's retreating form intently.

"Oh, nothing. Would you like anything else?" Tyler asked politely already keeping his emotions inside not showing anything on his face.

"You like him?" Jared inquired amused at this new information.

'Fuck.'

"Everyone admires the manager." Tyler tried to argue weakly.

"Hmph, don't aim too high."

'Why you... Calm down Tyler. He's just trying to get you riled up again. Like he usually does.'

Switching topics to ease the tension, Tyler stated. "Your next appointment is an official dinner with Mr. Kripke from 'Kripke Products'. You have to leave at 5 pm. For this meeting you might need me so I will be accompanying you. Is that a problem?"

"That's okay." Jared replied nonchalantly seming to not have a care in the world.

'What the hell is his problem? His family is worried about him and he just pushes them away. Not caring at all of their feelings.' Tyler mused while getting ready all the materials needed for the meeting and dressing appropriately. Tyler psychoanalysis of the Director led him to believing that Jared was probably rebellious as a child, but he sympathizes with his boss as well. He was also thinking of Jared's driver, Cliff. 'He knows about the director's true self, but he's still here. I wonder if the only reason he's staying is because he was threatened just like me.' Getting lost deep in his thoughts he never realized they had just arrived. When he saw the meeting place it was an old church. Finally realizing what it was he glanced at Jared to see if he was still alright.

"Ah, Jared. Welcome." A man who could only be identified as Mr. Kripke appoached.

"Mr. Kripke, wonderful to see you again." Jared replied with not a hint of pain in his voice.

The church was brightly lit, and had many religious artifacts such as crosses, candles, and statues of saints. There were tables with food that looked as expensive as the decor. It looked as if the inside of the church was a restaurant with a maître'd and everything. "This place looks amazing!" exclaimed Tyler, "Your wife is the manager, isn't she?"

"Yes, she purchased this church before it was to be destroyed. The opening was just a few days ago." Mr. Kripke happily answered. "Truth be told, my entire family including myself are very pious Christians." Mr. Kripke confessed proudly with a smile that could out shine a fly zapper.

"He has quite an exquisite wine collection." Jared stated for Tyler's behalf.

"I would love to give you a tour of the wine cellar after dinner."

When the dinner was finally over Mr. Kripke escorted them to the door and invited them again for a second dinner if they wanted. In the car Tyler noticed Jared's heavy breathing. Jared was sweating as if he just ran a marathon, and was trying to cool off by loosening his tie. "Director? Did you have too much to drink?" Tyler asked worriedly after a few moments when Jared's condition was practically getting worse. He tried to reach for him, but was stopped instantly when Jared slapped his hand away.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!!" Jared said with all the strength he could muster. Which sadly wasn't very much if his heavy breathing still continued. His fangs became elongated revealing them to be razor sharp. His eyes were becoming mere slits similar to a cats.

"Are you not feeling well?"

"I'm FINE!"

"You don't look fine! Now please tell me what's wrong, so that I may help you." Tyler tried to get closer only to be once again pushed off forcefully by him.

"I am telling you to stay away from me. The kind of condition I'm in right now, I won't be able to make a choice much less a coherent thought." Jared tossed his head back against the leather seat letting out a painful groan.

Suddenly, as if struck by lightning, Tyler realized what he needed. Blood. "You need blood? Why? You just had a 'meal' today!"

"Mr. Polverini, the client you were just with... was he Christian?" Cliff queried.

"Cliff!" Jared scolded. Angry at his driver's question.

'The religion!' Tyler thought astounding. "Wait a minute, are you just now telling me that you're weak to the piety of Christians! That's why you were okay with the cross and necklace! The Kripke's church was an entirely different story with them being extremely devoted to their faith!"

"Congratulations! Looks like you found my weakness after all! Aren't you just jumping for joy?" Jared sarcasm not being lost although his reply was weak.

"Please! You may be a complete vampiric asshole, playboy, uncooperative, egoistic bastard, but I'm still your secretary, and it's my job to take care of you." Tyler replied adamantly looking right into Jared's eyes daring him to argue back. "So, how are you really?"

"His life forces were drained during the meeting. Right now, he's at his weakest." Cliff answered honestly not caring if he will be reprimanded.

"Cliff!" Jared exclaimed yet again.

"The source for a vampire's life force is blood. But, don't worry it can be completely restored by consuming blood."

"... So you do need blood..." Tyler stated thinking of something to make the situation better when it hit him. "It's going to take too long to get another... You can have my blood." Tyler stated boldly. Swallowing nervously at what he just suggested.

Jared just looked at Tyler. "Are you serious? Do you have any idea of what you're even saying?"

"I have a very clear idea of what I'm saying. Even though it isn't even part of my job description. Sorry, Director, but you're just gonna have to stick to my non-high quality blood." Tyler answered with a smile, but on the inside was screaming at what he had just done.

Jared smirked at his secretary. "Extremely admirable devotion." After saying so he looked at Tyler and realized that the other man was blushing at his comment. "And I'm not complimenting you." He looked at Tyler's forest green eyes and cupped his face. He turned his secretary's head so he would have better access to his slender neck. His fangs were already elongated, and he soon began to pierce Tyler's neck.

Tyler's heart was pounding in his chest rapidly as if trying to jump out. He was in a daze - feeling as if he were floating. It felt as if Jared was trying to consume his with pleasure. There was pain and there was pleasure, but the latter overpowered everything else. It felt like his entire body was on fire, and there was nothing to cool it down. The only way he could use to describe the feeling was 'Utter Ecstasy'. Tyler felt as if his entire body was adrift, but every little touch sent him shivering. Jared pulled off of him, and he realized something. He was blushing furiously and realized his groin seemed to have liked the experience very much and turned an even darker red. While trying to back off of Jared he tried to cover his clear erection since his pants aren't exactly loose. After calming himself down he began to think clearly again. "Sir, are you sure that was enough?"

"Trust me if I took 'enough' you wouldn't be here talking to me right now. Cliff, call two women and one man for me." Jared said as if what happened was nothing out of the ordinary.

Tyler felt a painful feeling in his heart as if it were just pierced. 'That's right... I'm just another 'meal' to him. More like a first aid one though.'

"Tyler, I knew you didn't have anyone, but in how long a time, exactly? I mean you were extremely sensitive. Very delicious." Jared exclaimed licking his lips as he remembered the taste.

Tyler blushed at his comments. "I'm sorry sir, but that's none of your business. And furthermore you're a very lucky, boss. That was pure Dallas, Texas delicacy right there, and unfortunately you won't be having some again anytime soon." Tyler exclaimed angrily some of his Texan drawl escaping. "I will make sure of it so don't you worry about a thing. "

"Hmph, well on that note. Want to know another secret about me?" Jared replied smugly.

Tyler looked at Jared with flaming cheeks. "I am listening."

"The whole religious thing...." Jared smiled broadly. "All made up." Jared leaned in close to Tyler's face. "Nice to know you care so much though. Better than seeing that stupid look on your face when you look at my brother."

'You f*****g bastard.'