Tasting Andrew

Outside the University Auditorium

In an attempt to see if all that I had shared with the boy had been understood, I looked into Andrew’s eyes as we sat on the steps of the University’s auditorium. The massive beaux arts building was one of the campus’s original structures and sat on the highest point of the hill upon which the university had been founded over a century ago. The view from atop the steps in front of the massive wooden doors encompassed the spread of the city toward the north and west where the rolling hills were showing the beginnings of fall colors in the golden light of the late afternoon. At my side, Andrew stared thoughtfully toward that view and sipped his coffee as I waited for him to comment on what I had shared with him.

I had summarized as best I could about my thousand-year odyssey as a vampire and most importantly how I had learned to control my urges over the centuries with the help of others of my kind who had mentored me much like Jeremiah in the ways of surviving and thriving without taking a life. I admitted that there were those who I had killed but always in self- preservation. I had just lightly touched on those who had asked for me to grant them release, but the rawness of Carl’s demise still lingered with me. I shared that there were those who had requested to become like me, like my beloved James, but they always had made the choice without any tampering of their minds. I had explained the special internal healing powers of our kind which granted us fairly healthy and long lives with our physical bodies stunted at maturity. We were mortal and subject to fatal injury just like those not granted this longevity.

I had explained to Andrew that if I jumped from these steps onto the sidewalk below that I would make a splat just a like a non-vampire, but none the less a well-preserved splat. Andrew chuckled at my attempt to lighten the mood and he flashed his handsome smile at me. At that moment, I wanted to embrace him protectively. Yes, my vampiric nature would enjoy ravishing him, drinking deep from this lad but that was not driving that impulse inside me this time. Why did he have to look so much like Andrei? But he was not my Andrei brought back from the dead in some romantic act of reincarnation.

No. This young man was Andrew Houchens, a freshman university student who had come to this school to study art and escape a small town of small-minded people including unfortunately his own family. He had confessed that he never had been with a man until the night that I found him the library. I teased that he could have fooled me with his enthusiasm and his talented attention that he had paid to my penis. Andrew simply explained that “you can learn anything from the internet.” And we exchange some more laughter which now had drifted into this uneasy silence as Andrew contemplated the situation.

Andrew broke his deep thoughtful focus on the landscape laid out before us.

“Did you ever make someone into a vampire because they had no choice?” finally asked Andrew as he turned his gaze to me. “For instance, because of the ability to heal and fight infections?” It was a legitimate question coming from curiosity rather than fear or heaven forbid repulsion. Our conversation was settling into a more of tone of sharing stories rather than convincing Andrew that I was not going to rape and devour him.

India, late 1490’s

I proceeded to recount a time when I had used my vampire nature to save a friend who had no other choice.

Prince Yagna and I had been hunting the tiger for several days. It was if the beast was luring us deeper and deeper into the jungle for a particular reason. I had been enlisted into the royal court by Yagna’s father a few years before as a mercenary and trainer for his army. Yag, as I referred to him in private settings, became fast friends, constant comrades, and behind closed palace doors or in the shadows of the lush Indian jungle, lovers. Now our adventures had taken a grim turn as we tracked a vicious man-eating beast that had been terrorizing the villages of this outer precinct of his father’s domain.

The large male tiger had marauded the livestock of the villages until it turned its taste to human flesh. The first victim had been one of opportunity----a young father out gathering firewood for his family, but then the brute began to boldly attack within the villages themselves. The tiger had killed six villagers in just a matter of a few weeks, usually slipping into the village at night and attacking when least expected. A young girl had been mauled in her home and drug into the jungle shrieking by the beast.

Yag and I had taken up the challenge to pursue this monster and cease its existence. For Yag, this hunting expedition was to be literally a crowning achievement to prove to himself and his people that he was fit to rule after his father. For me, this was personal. To hunt and kill a monster was personally symbolic as to the internal beast that I had to keep tamed within myself. Yag knew my true nature and for him to be fed upon while we were in the throes of man-to-man passion was extremely arousing.

As we trod deeper into the jungle with our swords ready, I looked over at my companion. His rugged face was softened by a full beard which would be occasionally broken by his beaming smile. A smile that would brighten his handsome face now framed by his black hair which was becoming shaggy and long since our sojourn into the wilds. He had stripped off his shirt and his chest and back gleamed with sweat which accented his tight body and dampened the black fur across his pectorals and down his flat abdomen as we hacked into the foliage to make our way. He turned and caught my burning stare at his body.

“You might want to keep your focus on your surroundings rather than my backside,” warned Yagna with a broad grin and a twinkle in his eye. “Or that tiger will be fucking you.”

“Then of course, Yag, he will fall victim to your jealous rage,” I commented back with a laugh. “The poor cat won’t have a chance.” I moved closer to my friend and could feel his body heat and smell his scent. “Once we slay this monster, then we can celebrate properly.” Yag leaned in and kissed me passionately.

A rustle in the nearby undergrowth caught my sensitive hearing and quickly to up a defensive mode, but only to be disappointed as a deer crashed past me in flight. There was a sudden rush behind me and I heard Yag roar and then was greeted with a terrible roar from the tiger which now had become the predator rather than our prey. I turned to find Yagna engaged with the huge beast which swung its extended claws at the prince who deflected the blows with sword. The swipe of the claws raked across Yag’s abdomen luckily just tearing at the skin and not penetrating vital organs. Yag rolled aside and lunged finding my opening as I brandished my sword and my fangs extended. The massive tiger let out a surprised growl as I flung myself on its back and buried my fangs into its neck and plunging my short sword into its flanks multiple times. Though wounded, Yag regained his stance and plunged his sword into the surprised animal which howled piteously then drop to the jungle floor in a deep low huff.

The scent of blood, both of the dying tiger and my companion filled my nostrils and inflamed my lust, but the sight of Yagna’s wound shook me from my instincts and plunged me into the reality that my friend was gravely injured. I slid off the tiger and toward Yagna who proudly stood with his sword retrieved from delivering the death blow the menace.

“Just a scratch,” offered Yagna trying to rise above the apparent pain. “We need to get this carcass to the village.” Yagna set out to determine the best way to get the corpse of this monstrous tiger. I pulled out my shirt from my traveling bag and began to rip it into bandages to a least clean and cover Yagna’ angry bloody slash across his chest. It was not a fatal wound, but not properly treated it would invite a fatal infection.

“Yag, the cat can wait,” I argued and turned him to me. “This won’t.” I began to wipe the blood so I could get a better assessment of his wound. Yagna surrendered to my attentions.

“Victor, I just think you are using this as an excuse to play with my chest,” Yagna teased. I leaned in playfully bit his right nip letting my fangs graze into his muscled pec. My action was partly to make a point to the prince’s joking, but also to administer at least some of my vampiric saliva into his blood in hopes that its healing powers might delay any infection.

“Now, hold still,” I snarled as I encircled his muscled and furry torso with my torn shirt as an impromptu bandage. Once I had done what I could to administer aid to my friend, then we fashioned a sling to carry the tiger’s corpse back to the village as proof that this monster had been slain. We were still a good day away from the nearest village since this beast had led so deep into the jungle on our hunt. And to receive the care that he needed, Yagna needed to be back to his father’s palace which was still three days journey beyond that. On we marched back through the path that we had made as we had hacked our way into the jungle in pursuit of the tiger.

Carrying the tiger’s body on the litter took both of us. As the day’s journey to the village progressed, I could sense Yag was not doing well. By the time we arrived in the tiny village, my friend was hot with fever and his strength was waning. The villagers broke into celebration upon seeing the vanquished tiger, but an atmosphere of concern arose as they assessed the condition of their hero, the prince. We had arrived in the village just as the sun was setting and after we were greeted by the relieved but concerned villagers , accommodations were supplied to us in one of better dwellings that the village could provide.

Yagna lay upon the bedding feverishly. I removed the bandages and tried to clean the infection as I best I could.

“It is not good,” Yag stated sternly. “It is killing me, Victor.” His eyes brimmed with tears, but as I looked into his eyes, these were not the tears of man grieving his demise, but grieving the demise of all the possibilities for his people. With his death, the kingdom would be without a clear heir and surely conflicts would surface among the warring factions that his father had worked so hard to subdue and unite. And there was his princess to be awaiting their soon to be wedding that would also secure stability.

I looked at my dying friend and offered the only solution. “I can heal you, but….”

“But I would become one like you,” finished Yagna then he coughed in pain. He nodded his head in realization. “Lay with me, Victor, just like we did that first time you….you and I at the waterfall that afternoon.” I tried to cool his forehead with a damp rag. I would have to act soon or the infection would be too much for my vampire venom to conquer.

I stripped off my clothes and covered Yag’s body with mine. My mouth traveled across his body flushed with fever. I targeted his left nip and bit gently to be rewarded with the taste of my comrade in arms and in bed. But the taste was not sweet and intoxicating as that first time as our wet bodies met under the waterfall. I was greeted with the sour taste of the expanding infection. My body was responding to the feel of Yagna’s body under me, but my mind focused on what I had to do to safe my friend’s life. My mouth and hands teased him into response.

There was an urgency with this act that was not in our love-making under the waterfall and the successive times when we could steal the opportunity. My hardened dick penetrated Yag’s ass which was hot and tight with the reaction of the body trying to fight the infection. Yag moaned and tried to respond. I tried to be careful as to avoid his wound as I engaged into a slow fucking rhythm.

“Do it, Victor,” groaned Yagna. I reached down and stroked his responding cock then kissed him deeply. I kissed down his neck biting gently and was greeted with more of his ebbing life. I had to hurry. There was no other way. I kissed across his left pec and then pierced deeply into his chest with my fangs penetrating his rapidly beating heart. His cock and mine exploded simultaneously. And darkness overtook the prince.

The village erupted in joy at seeing their prince miraculously healed after a day’s rest. I had sired Yagna as a vampire and it was my responsibility to teach him the ways of survival both as a predator but also as a being who would experience a long, long lifespan.

A few months after our return to the palace from our that fateful tiger hunt, Yagna presented me with gift after I announced that I needed to leave. I had taught him everything that I could and my wanderlust had me ready to return to Europe. The Prince was growing into a capable and revered leader and had learned to control his vampiric nature and indulge discreetly and with reserve. Yagna handed me a silver pendant of a roaring tiger’s head.

“Remember me,” Yagna said as he slid the chain over my head then kissed me deeply. “This will hopefully remind you of the bond that we share, my friend. In you, beats the heart of the noble tiger and not enraged beast. May our long lifepaths cross often.”

Bellingrath Gardens, Alabama

Jeremiah followed Mitzi down along the pathway toward Mirror Lake in the heart of Bellingrath Gardens. The gardens were starting to show the passage from their spring and summer splendor to the more sedate autumn setting. Regardless of the absence of the massive amounts of blooming plants, especially the camelias, the Bellingrath house and grounds were still stunning as fall mums and stacks of pumpkins and gourds decorated the landscape.

“I know that Jason is around here,” Mitzi explained as she scanned the landscape to locate the security guard. “I am sure that he wouldn’t mind giving you an after-hours tour. Actually, I think it will be good for him to have a little company. We are all a little worried about him.”

The young lady was determined to accommodate Jeremiah’s request, partly out of their friendship and mostly out of the fact that I was a major financial supporter of the park. The Greene family had been a longstanding anonymous supporter to the gardens. Only a handful of upper management and key board members knew their identity and their appreciation was deep for their major monetary gifts they had bestowed upon the facility provided Jeremiah the opportunity to make this afterhours visit just as the gardens were closing for the evening.

Mitzi was one of his favorite people to visit with when Jeremiah could slip up from the beach house down on Dauphin Island to take in stroll through the gardens or the massive collection of the Boehm Porcelain figures housed near the historic home. She was a gracious southern lady who loved to share her enthusiasm for this beautiful place and its many natural and man-made treasures of Bellingrath. Of course, Mitzi loved to share her experience from her youth of being one of the Azalea Trail Maids donning a bright yellow hoop skirt and broad brimmed hat and parading with her fifty cohorts across South Alabama. Her southern charm and hospitality was only outdone by her huge caring heart. When Mitzi had shared her concern about Jason with Jeremiah, the sentiment was genuine.

They found Jason leaning thoughtfully on the railing midway across the rustic bridge spanning Mirror Lake.

“Good evening, Jason,” called out Mitzi as we approached the big security officer so as not to startle him. Jason turned his gaze to us first smiling at Mitzi then looking quizzically at me.

“I thought I might find you out here on the bridge.” She closed into the space between them and patted Jason on his solid arm in a comforting gesture. “You two spent a lot time out here on this bridge just hanging out. We miss Rick, too, baby.”

“Thank you, Mitzi,” said Jason softly stilly eyeing me suspiciously with those steel blue-grey eyes.

“Jason, this is Mr. Jeremiah Greene,” introduce Mitzi and Jeremiah extended his hand. “He is a special patron of Bellingrath and wanted to tour the grounds after we closed. I suggested that you might be willing to accompany him and share your insights about the gardens and bayou.”

Jason shook Jeremiah’s hand firmly.

“Sure, Miss Mitzi, be glad to have some company for a little while,” Jason remarked. He appraised the handsome figure of Jeremiah standing there on the bridge. Under other circumstances, Jason might have even been somewhat attracted to this stranger, but Rick had filled his thoughts even before his untimely death and now mourning the loss of his buddy and lover had crushed any semblance of desire. But giving a guided tour while making his rounds this evening could at least give his mind a respite from his sorrow and frustration.

“Thanks, Jason,” said Mitzi as she leaned up to kiss Jason on his cheek. In that proximity she could see that the fellow’s eyes were misty with sadness. “Well, I will leave you two gentlemen to enjoy the evening. I need to get home. Robert Ray is wanting to go out to dinner and a lady does not keep her beau waiting too long or some other sweet thing will snatch him up.”

“Are you gonna wear your bright yellow hoop skirt for Robert Ray?” joked Jeremiah. Mitzi’s eyes lit up with mischief at Jeremiah’s suggestion.

“Quit your teasing. I haven’t been able to fit into that dress for years, Jeremiah,” replied Mitzi.

“Well, then maybe that broad-brimmed hat and nothing else,” offered Jeremiah. Jason watched the exchanged bemused by their teasing.

“Why, Jeremiah Greene, you are scandalous man,” gasped Mitzi in her best southern belle tone. “Anyway, a true lady never reveals the intimate secrets of what occurs in her boudouir.” Jeremiah responded with one of his boisterous laughs and both he and Mitzi were pleased as Jason added his laughter to the mix. “With that sir, I bid you good evening.” Mitzi turned and trotted away snickering and feigning indignation.

“Should I call Robert Ray and tell him to get ready for a long passionate evening?” called out Jeremiah in a parting tease.

“Just scandalous, Mr. Greene, just scandalous,” remarked Mitzi then she gleefully cackled as she strutted away from the lake and back to the entrance.

The peacefulness descended back to the lake and its wooded shores as Jason returned his gaze back across its serene surface. The two stood in silence for awhile watching the shadow of dusk descend across Mirror Lake.

“Have we met before?” asked Jason thoughtfully. Jeremiah decided to keep his cover and replied that he didn’t think so.
“You just looked familiar,” added Jason with a tone of disbelief and a tad bit of suspicion which caught Jeremiah off-guard.

“I love this spot,” Jason shifted to “guide-mode” as Mitzi had asked of him. “Well this one and over at the bayou lookout. My buddy Rick and I would just be out here taking in the view. We served on the Mobile police force together and I took this job after I retired.”

“Having two capable law enforcement officers watching over the gardens and house was a great benefit,” Jeremiah remarked as there seemed to be a growing uneasiness within Jason, almost like a cat prepping to leap into action. “Mitzi shared a little about Rick and what happened and I am very sorry.”

“Are you?” quizzed Jason turning his eyes back to Jeremiah which now seemed to blaze with a cold determination tinged with hatred.

“Yes, I understand that you two were very close,” explained Jeremiah as he tried to gauge what exactly was transpiring with the man. This was not exactly what Jeremiah had expected from their first encounter. Jeremiah had hoped to find out something from Jason about whatever Rick had been working within that had led to untimely death. What was supposed to be a simple and hopefully friendly conversation and possibly an offer of being someone that Jason could additionally share his grief was turning out to be completely different and in a most dangerous way.

“Yes, Rick and I were lovers, if that is what you want to know,” snarled Jason as his body began to exhibit the tension of springing into action. “Of course, you know that among other things since you have been stalking me for the past week.”

“I ..uh…what are you talking about?” stammered Jeremiah as his head spun while attempting to touch Jason’s mind and hopefully diffuse this situation which seemed like that approach of a runaway train.

“You’re one of them things,” spat Jason. “I figure it wouldn’t be long before you came for me, too, vampire.” Jason reached for his revolver in his hip holster. Jeremiah let his self-preservation instinct kick in and in a flash he tackled the big body of the officer from behind as one hand prevented Jason from retrieving his gun while other arm pulled the man’s back against Jeremiah’s chest. Instinctively, Jeremiah’s fangs had descended in a defense posture. The move was so quick that it shocked Jason not providing enough time to react to escape this vampire’s deadly embrace.

“Just do it,” hissed Jason as he leaned his head over exposing his muscled neck to the bewildered Jeremiah. “Take me, dammit. You have already ripped out my heart when you murdered Rick so that should make it easy.” Jeremiah attempted to gain entry into Jason’s mind to see how to diffuse this situation. What had led this man to the assumption that he meant harm. Jason’s thoughts were all over the place.

“Just bite me, freak,” howled Jason. “Drain me dry and toss me in the lake. I don’t want to live.”

“Jason, I am not here to harm you in any way,” Jeremiah calmly spoke in Jason’s ear still holding the big guy tightly against him. “You and I are seeking the same answer to the question of who killed Rick. Yes, he was killed by a vampire, but it was not me or any of those of my kind that I know.” It felt like an eternity as Jason started to relax some but still was very guarded.

“I need to confess,” added Jeremiah. “We have briefly met at Bienville Books in Mobile last week, but I have not seen you since.”

“Then you aren’t him,” concluded Jason. “But something about you feels the same. Felt like he was watching me like some hunter watching a damn rabbit. He would be at the grocery. Or I would notice him while I was getting gas. I never could get a good look at him, but I could sense him.”

Jeremiah made a mental note to return to the subject of Jason’s “sensing” but at a much more opportune and calm moment. This moment was definitely not now.

Jason’s body was still limp in Jeremiah’s embrace, but the tension was receding. “Now, I am going to release you if you promise not to put a bullet in me. Deal?”

“Deal,” answered Jason nodding to underline his sincerity. Jeremiah lessened his powerful hold on the man and Jason turned to him and suddenly engulfed Jeremiah in a sobbing hug. Jeremiah thought to himself----well this is not exactly how I had planned this evening to go, and patted Jason gently on his broad shoulders which were wracked with his intense sobs.

“It is ok, big guy,” genuinely comforted Jeremiah. “I promise that we are going to find Rick’s killer, but I need your help.” A moment passed as Jeremiah just held Jason. This was the mournful cry of a strong man who needed the private release of a breaking heart and of holding all those feelings in for way too long. This was not a sexual moment, but one of two souls trying to find comfort and understanding of a horrible and unexpected circumstance. Minutes later, when all was released from Jason’s wounded soul, he released Jeremiah from the hug and stepped back eyeing Jeremiah cautiously.

“There are others like you?” Jason asked.

“Probably about ten thousand or so of us spread around the globe,” answered Jeremiah. “Most people have not idea that we really exist and we have decided that we have no reason for them to know that we exist. But this one that killed your Rick has been responsible for several other similar deaths and his actions are threatening that very delicate balance of “not knowing”.

“How can I help?” inquired Jason slipping back into control of his emotions and into the relief that finally someone might be able to bring closure to Rick’s death.

“Let’s take that walk and we can talk,” replied Jeremiah. “There are things that we each know about this situation which might help us find Rick’s killer and prevent anymore deaths. Agreed?” Jeremiah extended his hand to shake Jason’s hand in a gentleman’s agreement. Jason shook Jeremiah’s hand and they headed across the bridge back toward the main trail as darkness was falling. Jeremiah suddenly stopped and turned to peer across the lake to the opposite wooded shore.

“He’s been watching,” Jason stated tensely as he watched Jeremiah stare intently into the dark woods. “I thought it was you. But it’s him.”

“Whoever it was,” concluded Jeremiah. “He is not there now. Let’s have that talk.”

On the steps of the University Auditorium

“You have seen so much,” remarked Andrew staring at me now with a look of admiration as I concluded my tale of me and Prince Yagna. “I could listen to your stories all day.”

“And into the night it seems shortly,” I added smiling at him then turned my eyes back to the red setting sun in the hazy sky.

“It is the smoke from all those fires out west making it look like that,” explained Andrew eyeing that sunset not so much in wonder but in dread. “It is like the whole world is burning up and this is some ill omen.”

“There is always hope,” I added trying to comfort this young man who was facing along with his fellow cohorts a very uncertain future. “I have seen many horrors in my time, Andrew, and I have seen such great beauty and accomplishment. We have always faced wars and rumors of wars, but we always have to hope that we can endure.” Those words echoed in my mind as the reality sunk into me that whether I liked it or not, there were fires burning, some just below the surface of society, and my role in helping to extinguish these threats was a certainty.

Our conversation was suddenly interrupted by “Hey, fellows, what are you all up to?” I turned to see a police officer strutting toward us. I grinned as DJ recognized me.

“We are completely up to no good, Officer Higgins,” I replied with a broad smile. Andrew nervously looked from me to the police officer as if he wanted to flee from this very uncomfortable scene.

“Professor Browning,” DJ addressed me formally. “I thought that was you and I thought I would say hey.” DJ carefully observed Andrew as the lad tried to sink himself into the surroundings as to not be noticed by the policeman.

“Officer Higgins, this is Andrew,” I amicably introduced the obviously nervous Andrew as I attempted to dissolve the tension. DJ extended his hand and Andrew stepped forward to shake it as he was still concerned that he was going to be in some kind of trouble.

“Andrew is interested in history,” I explained as I watched DJ sized up Andrew cautiously. “We ran into each other a few times on campus and found we have some common interests. We have been just chatting away this pleasant afternoon enjoying the last bit of warm weather. I have been sharing some of my personal experiences of history with him.” DJ chuckled.

“So, the professor has been telling you all sorts of tales?” DJ chuckled as he spoke as he realized that there were no secrets between us three as to my true nature. Andrew looked into the officer’s eyes and was greeted with the knowledge that DJ and I were more than just acquaintances which seemed to put the boy at ease but also with a tinge of arousal as Andrew caught a glimpse of a memory of the last time the officer had given into Victor.

“He has some quite fantastical stories to tell about his long career,” added DJ who sensed Andrew’s increasing level of comfort with the situation.

“What he has shared so far is rather interesting,” Andrew finally said breaking into his handsome smile that made him almost irresistible.

“Nice to meet you, Andrew,” concluded DJ as he turned his attention back to me. “I need to borrow the professor for a quick chat if you will excuse us.”

“Nice to meet you, Officer—“replied Andrew not only relieved that he was not in any kind of trouble but with a tone of gratitude that this police officer was not a threat but seemed very likable.

“Call me, DJ,” finished the grinning police officer adding a friendly pat on Andrew’s shoulder and then headed down the steps with me following behind to have our own private conversation.

“So?” inquired DJ glancing back at Andrew who now seated himself on the steps.

“Andrew is an interesting young man,” I explained. “And not for the reasons that you are thinking, DJ. Well, not all the reasons that you are thinking. His mind has some interesting talents beyond the obvious physical ones. I could sense him reading your thoughts just now. He knows what I am and he knows what we are.”

“Wow,” remarked DJ at the revelation. “So he has that ability?”

“I don’t know why our paths crossed, DJ,” I added, “But it is a rather powerful and unnerving bond that I have not felt in a long time. I have no idea where our crossed paths are going to lead.”

DJ stood for a moment looking me in the eyes not as a challenge but in an attempt to understand what his friend was dealing with. The bond between us is a deep friendship that was more than our roleplay of master and servant. The care expressed in his face made him even more attractive.

“Have you and he….”DJ delicately tried to state out loud the obvious question in his mind. DJ knew that there were other men in my world and that was not the crux of the question as much as his curiosity of why this young man was shaking me so much.

“No,” I admitted. “Well, it came close but the intensity was too much for me. He is special and I don’t know why, DJ. But he is curious about that and like I said he has talents.”

“He is hot,” added DJ with a smirk and then thought quietly. “Curious, huh?”

“Yes,” I replied thoughtfully. DJ shifted his muscled bulk as I could tell the thought was having an effect upon him physically.

“I need to run and finish up my shift,” explained DJ. “I had planned on going to the gym before heading home but maybe I could drop by at get a work out at your place?”

“I would be glad to accommodate you this evening,” I answered accepting DJ’s offer of what would be a intense workout for the both of us.

“And Andrew?” added DJ.

“Maybe we can address some of his curiosity,” I agreed looking back at the handsome lad who now had stretched himself down the steps with his eyes closed in deep thought. “Within limits, of course.”

“Of course, Master,” agreed DJ assuming his roleplay persona half in jest and half in anticipation of being taken in front of Andrew. “I will be at your place promptly in an hour and half.”

“See you then, DJ” I hissed threateningly to seal the deal. DJ bowed his head in an obedient nod and then stepped away. He stopped and turned back.

“I almost forgot why I pulled you over her to talk privately,” stated DJ returning to his professional role. “What you shared with me the other night about these homicides has led to a few hits when I did a search. You are correct. Someone is up to some really bad shit. It has even got the fed’s attention. I will let you know if I find out anything that might be helpful.”

“I will do the same,” I remarked slightly disturbed by DJ’s revelation. “Thank you, DJ. Andrew and I will see you shortly at my house. Be safe, DJ.”

I turned and climbed the steps to where Andrew waited patiently. He rose to his feet and greeted me with a smile.

“DJ wanted to ask if you would like to join us this evening,” I said as I looked at him to gauge his reaction. “Purely to demonstrate of what you are curious about me.”

“Yes.” Andrew replied softly. “Thank you.”

I looked at this beautiful young man and realized that we were heading down the path that the Universe seemed determined for us to follow. A path that seemed thrilling but also filled with shadows of threats that were sure to manifest themselves. At least now he and I were not making that journey on our own. We had each other and also other allies were coming to help fend off any monsters lurking along the way.

Bellingrath Gardens, Alabama

The Wolf watched from his hiding place not far from across the lake as the vampire strongly overpowered Jason from behind.

It had taken a little while, but Rolf had tracked down Jason as he had threatened Rick just before draining the man dry within the shadows under the Pensacola Beach Pier. Rolf had lain in wait for the opportunity to catch the nightwatchman alone as he was making the rounds of the gardens. Unfortunately, another vampire had found the big fellow as appetizing as Rolf had.

Rolf had watched Jason and the other vampire stroll out across the bridge spanning Mirror Lake then stop and engage in conversation.

Slightly disappointed that another vampire had moved in on his intended prey, Rolf did not want to make a scene and respected the rules of engagement of this fellow hunter who was holding Jason tightly from behind and leaning close to the doomed man’s neck. Jason seemed to offer little resistance and seemed to go slack in the rival vampire’s deadly embrace. Rolf was many things but voyeurism was not something he enjoyed and he receded into the bushes and headed toward his waiting car.

Disappointed, but not defeated, Rolf pulled out onto the highway and headed back toward Mobile. The city offered some possible prey, but Rolf decided that hunting in a rival’s territory was just in bad form even for him. Surely something would catch his attention on the interstate back to Pensacola.

Just on the other side of the Florida-Alabama line, that something manifested itself as Hispanic hitchhiker caught Rolf’s eye. The young man was obviously one of the many who had crossed the border into the states in search of a better life or at least a steady wage. Rolf pulled along the shoulder just ahead of the hitchhiker. The fellow ran toward Rolf’s car relieved to be catching a ride as night was falling. The migrant was stocky but muscled from hard work in the fields obviously. He smiled thankfully as he opened the door to Rolf’s car and asked in better English than Rolf had expected, “How far may I travel, sir?”

Rolf explained that he could take him to Pensacola tonight, but would be more than happy to get him to a further destination tomorrow morning. The young man set his backpack in the back seat of the car and got settled in. All the while Rolf took in the measure of this potential prey----strong, well-built, body that strained against the tank top and the jeans. He smelled of the road and sweat, but not in an unpleasant way and that aroused Rolf’s appetite. The man’s bulk settled into the seat and Rolf returned into the flow of traffic along eastbound I-10.

Rolf tried his best to communicate with his passenger to explain that they would be spending the night at a friend’s horse farm just to the north of Pensacola before traveling further in the morning. Of course, that was a lie. This young man would not see the morning, but was strong enough to last into the night at least. Rolf thought to himself that his tastes had been running rather bland lately and that it would be good to have some “Mexican” to spice up his diet.

“Do you like horses?” asked Rolf trying to have a conversation with his passenger. The young man nodded enthusiastically. He thought that this handsome blond man in this expensive car was about to offer him a job, possibly tending to the horses at his friend’s farm. “I will have to introduce you to my horse Lucifer. He will love to meet you.”

Rolf and his prey drove into the night and Jason faded from Rolf’s memory.