Cameron Maržena had been watching the human known as Nikolas Mejias for the last three weeks. Though his girlfriend was always with him, it was Nik who Cameron couldn't seem to keep his eyes off of. Against the mundanity of the mass of humans that ebbed and flowed through the club, Nik was a shining star that caught the eye. His unwavering spirit had certainly caught the four hundred and sixty-three year old vampire's attention and he'd been unable to resist following him ever since.
Cameron watched from the high office of his club while the two humans danced and drank themselves stupid. He knew he wasn't the only one. There were some humans whose mere humanity lured in immortals, like moths to a flame; humans who lived so brightly, so fiercely that the undead wanted to catch it in a jar and hold onto it forever.
By nature vampires could not hold onto such a delicate flame without threat of snuffing it out permanently. Not when one careless action easily ended everything, quick as a fang slid into a vein. This lesson had been drilled into Cameron by his maker centuries ago.
That didn't stop him, however, from watching. With Darius slumbering for at least four more decades, Cameron was alone. He spent his time working but these last few weeks he had been distracted by Nik. He was constantly with his woman, those brown hands touching her skin, her hips, her hair. They orbited each other, but did not hesitate to shine for anyone else. Their smiles turned outwards as often as they did in.
The humans were foolish, no matter how much light they had. To be in this place full of predators so carelessly at night. They were both in leather jackets, their hair teased with hairspray and Kohl lined their brown eyes. They drew attention without effort, and seemed not to notice when not all of it was benevolent.
They weren't the only humans in the club, but Nik at the very least was the only one that Cameron cared about. Well. Perhaps 'cared' was too strong a word for Cameron's interest. However, it would be a waste of such a vibrant life if he were to die. Hopefully the human played his cards right and did not attract too many predators his way. Hopefully he made it to sunrise.
Cameron turned around and went back to his desk where he spent the rest of the night doing paperwork. The music was muffled enough he could focus and no one came to bother him. He took a drink from the tea cup on his desk. Good. It was still warm and pleasant. He had slit a wrist from a clubber and drained it into the cup half an hour ago.
It was an hour before sunrise when the club started to clear out. Cameron finished up his work for the night and cleaned up before heading downstairs. There were a few stragglers but overall the place was empty. The faint smell of blood still clung to the air and the dark curtains. Employees skillfully cleared out any bodies that had been drained that evening.
Cameron walked outside, the crisp autumn air hitting his skin. The cooling temperatures still made his bones ache. If he had thought of it, he would have brought his cane with him. Next time, then.
The sidewalks were empty aside from a few people who seemed to be on their way home. They all paid him no mind, just as he preferred. No need to stick out in the minds of mortals when life went so much smoother as a pale shadow on the fringes.
The thick scent of blood caught his attention as he passed the entrance to a nearby alley. His fangs cut against his bottom lip as the smell teased him forward. He found himself wandering down the alleyway to investigate. Even before he found two familiar bodies covered in blood at the very end he knew who he'd find.
Nik.
There was no one else, just the two of them. Light officially snuffed. And yet. Against Cameron's better judgment he found himself kneeling in front of Nik. That warm brown skin was splattered in blood, his and hers from the smell of it, and there were ragged puncture wounds on his tattooed neck.
There was a pulse, just barely one. Nik's dark lashes fluttered and he groaned. A spark, then? Blood pooled when Cameron ripped open his wrist. “Drink,” he ordered, pushing it against Nik's mouth. He would question his decision later.
Nik mumbled against his wrist, perhaps the name of the girl who laid dead next to them. But then he started to drink. Those dark brown eyes opened slowly and moved to Cameron's face.
For a moment time slowed down while Nik drank from him, it was just the two of them in this alleyway. When Cameron finally pulled away, Nik absently palmed at his healed throat. He blinked a few times, still staring at Cameron.
Inevitably his distant gaze landed on the dead woman beside them. That was enough to shock him into action. He scrambled towards her, long fingers going to her hair, her face, the bite marks on her neck. “Fix her.” Again those dark brown eyes snapped to his. Demanding, of all things.
“I cannot,” Cameron said, standing. He took out a handkerchief to wipe the blood from his hands and the dark cuff of his sleeve.
“What do you mean you can't!” Nik snapped. Despite the initial temper to his question, his voice wavered as he insisted, “Fix her.”
“She's already dead,” Cameron said. His blood would do her no good now, and Cameron wasn't one for empty gestures.
Nik pressed his forehead against hers. A shudder went through him, and then sobs shook him in earnest. Tears mixed with smeared eyeliner and blood. He held her face between his hands as if he could cup the soul already fled and keep it from slipping through his fingers. There was nothing Cameron could say to help the situation, so he said nothing.
“What good are you then?” Nik finally rasped. He visibly swallowed another sob and then ground out, “Why save me and not her?”
Again, Cameron offered no words. Nothing he could say would make any difference. He felt nothing when he glanced at the dead girl. It hadn't been her light he'd trailed over the last few weeks.
“Would you like me to take you somewhere?” Cameron finally asked. Immediately another thought hit him, a kindness he could offer, hollow though it was. “I could make you forget. If that would be easier.”
“Easier for you?” Nik asked. While his tone was accusing, the look he gave Cameron was lost. Adrift. Already fading.
“This does not matter to me. She does not matter to me,” Cameron said. “She matters to you. This would be easier for you.”
“Just go away,” Nik said. He brushed her hair from her face, smoothed it so it hid the punctures in her throat. “Go away and leave us alone.”
Perhaps that was best. The smell of blood was starting to get to him. His fangs ached and all the blood soaking Nik's skin was beginning to make Cameron dizzy with thirst. His eyes lingered on Nik's exposed throat for far too long.
Cameron inclined his head. “Very well,” he said, and then promptly turned on his heel. The smell of blood hunted him as he walked to his car.
It was a sleek thing, black with tinted windows, carefully made to prevent UV rays from penetrating inside. A sound investment for when he traveled.
He drove home in silence, his only thoughts on the human with blood that sang to him.
----
Cameron was vaguely surprised to see Nik again so soon. The very next night Cameron found the human in his club once more, long before the night reached its peak.
From high in his office, Cameron watched Nik dance around the club as if it was just another night. He wore eyeliner and glitter, he was fitted in a black leather jacket and white v-neck. He was the picture of feverish health. But- His movements were jittery and jerky. He was sweating more than anyone else.
Nik was now talking to a tall man, taking from him a small package and following him to one of the backrooms. Cameron argued with himself on whether or not he should follow. Nik was likely on his way to take even more drugs. Drugs, from a strange man in a club full of vampires while he still had vampire blood in his system.
Cameron closed his office behind him and followed Nik and the man back to the VIP room. He moved past vampires feeding, past dancing and sweating bodies. The music was so loud it practically made his brain rattle in his skull.
It took him longer than he cared for to get past all the people to get to the rooms. He didn't so much as glance at the bouncer in charge of the rooms before going through each room until he found what he was looking for.
It was the fourth guess before Cameron found the right room. The man with Nik was passed out cold, but he was still breathing. Cameron promptly ignored him.
He found Nik sprawled out on the floor, unconscious. There was blood streaked vomit beside him. Pain pinpricked behind Cameron's eyes when he leaned down in front of Nik. The stress of the last few days was going to trigger a cluster headache tomorrow, most definitely.
Cameron put his ear next to Nik's chest; he wasn't breathing. Cameron patted Nik's clammy face, he tried to do CPR. He tried to shove two fingers down Nik's throat to induce more vomiting, but it was too late.
Whatever was in the drugs Nik inhaled, it had killed him. Nik was dead. And he was dead with vampire blood in his system.
people want realistic trauma depictions until they get it. suddenly they're toxic and abusers and it's not okay. they don't want the real truth of how it can be as a trauma survivor. they want beautifully broken people that are ✨inspirational✨ and bonus points if that character is a woman
The house Levant had moved into seemed perfect. Spacious living room, kitchen with fantastic storage space and all new appliances, and two surprisingly large bedrooms. He hadn't needed two, knew it was an indulgence, but the idea of setting up a library was too tempting. Outside of setting up his bed, the first thing he'd done was buy three new bookshelves so he could start expanding his collection. The fact that he now had a massive bathtub to soak in while he read was also a bonus.
If only he hadn't had to move for fear of- oh alright, he figured fearing for his life might be a bit dramatic, but Remi's constant harassment had been too stressful to allow to continue. Rather than continuing to file useless police reports, Lev had quietly hired movers and vanished overnight. Sure it had cost extra to pay for them to help him pack up, but worth it to leave no trace of where he'd gone.
To make this house better than the steal it was, it was neatly situated in the suburbs of a larger city, meaning it was within walking distance of at least one little grocery store, and a library, and a park, and anything else was just a couple bus rides away. He rarely had to go anywhere, but even if he did, he could be back home in a flash.
Tonight was one of the rare times he ventured out for something not strictly necessary. There was a little used bookstore only a fifteen minute bus ride away. It was a longer walk, but he'd decided it was worth it, even if he'd misjudged when the sun was setting. He'd gotten lost in browsing, and was now loaded down with more books than he'd intended to buy this trip.
It wasn't really that he was scared of the dark, per se, but really, who wasn't a little bit more on edge when the shadows got longer and it was harder to see. He told himself he was overreacting, and cast a glance around to prove it to himself. See? He wasn't the only one out and about in the summer evening. There, a mom and her child toddling beside her with one hand on the stroller she pushed. When Lev took another look, he realized there was an infant in the stroller as well. Well, now. And no sense of urgency from them either.
And there! Across the street, two men were perched on a bench near the edge of the local park. Their distinctly opposite aesthetics (some sort of stylistically punk next to someone in a perfectly pressed three piece suit) caught Lev's eye briefly. There was a gorgeous white golden retriever that held his attention more, tucked under their bench between them. Tempting, truly, but he saw she had some sort of service dog vest on, and turned his search onward. After all, he was on a mission now to keep reassuring himself.
Further along, a group of teens were shooting hoops. While their occasional scuffles and jeers amongst each other made Lev's shoulders hunch just a bit, it was comforting too. Rowdy teens doing rowdy teen things, while inherently stressful for Lev, was still a normal and safe thing to expect. Likely their game of basketball would end soon, with the sun well and truly set now, but it was summer and there would be no school, and Lev heard no parents yelling for them to return home.
These little observations helped Lev force his shoulders to relax; anxiety wasn't always something he could reason with, but with this many people out and about still there was no way there was something to be afraid of out here. Besides. In the time it'd taken him to talk himself down, observe the world around him and see everything was calm, he was at the front walk to his house.
It had no porch big enough for a swing on it like he would have liked, but he supposed eventually he could invest in one for the yard. Tonight, however, he merely unlocked his front door and slipped inside to put his new treasures on one of his bookshelves. He already had one picked out to curl up in bed with. Maybe some chamomile tea. Not the shit stuff his cousin sent him regularly, though he hadn't the heart to tell her that it tasted awful. He just didn't have the heart to throw it away either.
----
Cameron had been sitting next to Nik on the bench, people watching for the better part of an hour when a young man caught their attention. Or rather his attention. Nik was messing with his phone and also watching a group of people playing basketball. Nik's attention got snagged when Cameron said, “That one there.”
Nik looked to see who Cameron was looking at. And he smiled. The plump young man had a skittishness about him that was hard to miss. He was wearing a plain black tee, scuffed hightops, and carrying a load of books. He was new to the area, Cameron was sure. He hadn't seen the man around during his hunts.
“Really?” Nik said. “A bookworm? What about him?”
“Have you noticed the way he carries himself?” Cameron said, glancing at his watch. “He is afraid of his own shadow.”
Nik snorted. “Okay so what does that mean to us, though? Blood that tastes like Xanax?”
Cameron flicked him a cool look, stifling an eye roll. “It means, Nikolas, that it will not be so easy to eat him.
“It can't be that hard.”
Cameron sensed a way to make this a teachable moment for his young fledgling. “Care to make a wager?”
As suspected, Nik perked up. “What are the rules?”
“No compulsion,” Cameron said. “I want you to get inside his house on your own merits. You can't kill him. And you cannot feed until you feed on him. I suspect it will take the better part of… hm. Three weeks?”
“Three weeks?” Nik gaped at him. “I'll desiccate before then.”
“No you won't,” Cameron said, matter of factly. “You'll be hungry but you won't starve.”
“Hmph.” Nik chewed on his lip ring, thinking over Cameron's offer. They both watched the young man with his books finally disappear. “What do I get if I win?”
“What do you want?”
“I want a solis ring,” Nik declared. “I haven't been able to walk in the sun for forty years.”
“Forty years isn't too long,” Cameron replied mildly.
“I died when I was twenty-three!” Nik said. “What do you mean it isn't too long!”
Cameron studied the shiny end of his elegant cane. Moonlight glinted off the silver. “I didn't have a solis ring until I was well over two hundred years old.”
“Well. Shit.” Nik wrinkled his nose. “I don't see why I have to wait that long though.”
“Because you're still a fledgling who struggles to not kill anyone,” Cameron said. He absently reached down to pat Sacha's head. His service dog gave a small sigh but didn't move. “I cannot just give you unfettered access to the entire human population.”
“A solis ring,” Nik insisted. “That is my prize.”
Cameron thought about it. Nik had been mostly successful with not killing anyone as of late. Though there had been a few close calls. Cameron did not see this test ending with the anxious man ending successfully, either. But he found himself saying, “Alright. You know the terms. Don't feed and don't kill that human and we will discuss you having a solis ring.”
That seemed to satisfy Nik. These last forty-two years hadn't felt so long, really. Nik came to live with him when he turned and his life fell apart. Cameron was there to show Nik the ropes to being an immortal enslaved to the night. The fledgling often got too worked up, and too into the Hunt sometimes to be able to control himself. He was a glutton.
Cameron got up from the bench, ignoring the familiar pain that laced down his back and limbs. He leaned on his cane while Sacha came out from under the bench, her white gold fur shining in the moonlight.
He'd had her for about five months. His physical therapist recommended getting a service dog to help monitor his pain and headaches. So far she had done a well enough job. He found her temperament satisfactory and she also kept Nik entertained when she wasn't working. And that was a positive all on its own.
Nik slid off the bench. He leaned down and rubbed Sacha's head before straightening back up, his gaze off in the direction that human had gone. “Should we start tonight?”
“If you wish,” Cameron said, starting down the sidewalk. Sacha walked in step beside him. Some of the humans glanced their way, curious, but kept their distance. He had bought the vest on her in order to keep people away while she worked. Also he didn't want humans to be bothering him, and surely a dog will give the humans the idea that it was okay to approach him.
Nik hummed under his breath, picking at his black chipped nail polish. They followed the sidewalk the human had taken. It wasn't hard to find his house. There were only a few in the suburb and there was a big red SOLD sticker slapped on the for sale sign still in his front yard.
They watched the human from the street. He was sitting in a chair by the window reading one of the novels he picked up at the bookstore. Cameron waited for about fifteen minutes before Sacha nudged him, warning him he needed to be getting home. “Stay if you wish,” Cameron said. “I am going home for the evening.”
“I'll come with you,” Nik said. “Tomorrow I'll be back.”
Boxes lay half unpacked in Lev's living room. Oh, not so many that he had to maneuver around them. But enough that he knew he really ought to have done more unpacking today than he'd bothered with. His library was worse, books spilling off of shelves and out of boxes in haphazard piles while he hemmed and hawed over how he wanted to organize them. By author, the proper way? By color, just for the delightful visuals? By his own secret code, his favorites always at eye level and easily in reach? The options were endless, and no one would be coming over to judge, so he had no real force to guide his decision. It was left for yet another day, for today was over already, the sun set over an hour past.
He'd pulled his blinds shut tonight, having felt oddly... observed the night before. No one there when he'd looked up, but better safe than sorry. Even the idea of Remi hiring a P.I. to track him down had sent a shudder down his spine. He pushed the thought away yet again and snuggled deeper into his arm chair. His feet were tucked underneath him, a feat only possible because he'd lucked out years ago in finding this extra wide seat. It all but swallowed him even now, despite the fact that moving on from Remi had led to more than a couple pounds settling around his waist. He chose to see it as a sign of healing, considering he'd wasted away to elbows and ribs while living with the-
No, he told himself sternly. Book. Hot werewolves and vampires fighting over their one true love. Past relationships did not get overanalyzed after eight p.m. A new rule he was establishing right now.
How effective that rule would prove to be would have to wait. Lev went still as someone knocked on his door. Who on earth could be out and about at this time of night? Robbers? No, that was silly. Thieves didn't knock to ask permission to come inside. Still. Lev had no intention of opening that door. Even as whoever it was knocked again.
“Hello?”
They sounded friendly. Lev didn't trust it. He eased from his chair as quietly as he could, book still clutched in his hand. He agonized over turning off the lamp and revealing he was home, before deciding the auto-timer he had it set to turning it off at eleven would be good enough. He inched backwards down the hall, deeply grateful that he'd chosen to sleep in the bedroom facing his back yard. The front bedroom, his beloved library, would have felt so exposed.
It was silly, to creep around in the dark, brushing his teeth by feel alone, and slithering out of his clothes as he shuffled towards his bed, but he preferred it to revealing to whoever might still be at his door. They'd only knocked one more time, but Lev felt that turning on the lights would bring them back. A peek through his curtains told him his backyard was empty as ever, so he didn't bother to twitch them fully closed before he got into bed. His front yard had a picket fence, but the back had a gate and a privacy fence. In that at least he felt safe.
He knew in the morning he'd have a good laugh about this. Tonight, he stared at the cover of his book, sitting in a shaft of moonlight, teasing him with the idea of romances that did not work out in the real world. He wondered, somewhere deep within himself, if skittish little freaks got the same happy ending that spunky blonde heroines did. And then he decided that existential crises were also not allowed after eight p.m., kicked off the sheets that suddenly felt constricting, and rolled over to go to sleep.
----
Nik spent all day thinking about how he was going to do this. There were a thousand ways he could go about this, and if Cameron was right it might just take forever to get inside the human's house. He decided it was best to start off easy, though. Just simply knocking.
It was only eight when Nik knocked on the door. He rocked on his heels, waiting for a few heartbeats before knocking again.
“Hello?”
Nik hummed and listened intently. He could hear the human moving around inside the house. But he was moving away from the door. Nik frowned and looked down at his phone at the time. It was, indeed, barely past eight-thirty. He sighed. Perhaps Cameron had a point. It was going to be a pain to get inside this human's house.
Nik knocked one last time and waited a few moments before deciding to wander around the yard and peek through the windows. It wasn’t hard to jump the gate to get into the back yard. Most of the curtains were closed all the way, but there was one window in the very back where the curtains were partially open. Nik leaned in as close as he could get and peered inside.
The human was already in bed. He seemed to be wearing nothing but boxers and hugging a body pillow tightly. Nik watched his body loosen and relax, his breath evening out. Who on God's green earth hid from the doorbell and went to sleep before nine at night?
Nik sighed and finally stepped away from the window. He made his way back to the sidewalk and then eventually started for Cameron's club. He didn't bother with the line; the bouncer knew who he was. The inside of the club wasn't nearly at capacity yet. It was barely nine o'clock! He was still amazed that the human went to bed before eleven. Was his life just that sad that he needed to be in bed at the same time as a ten year old?
Nik made his way to the bar and sat on one of the stools. Zareth, an ancient vampire turned bartender, slid a shot of tequila in front of Nik. “You're early,” he said. “It's not even midnight.”
Nik screwed up his face. “I made a bet with Cameron.”
Zareth snorted. “And how is that working out for you?” Without missing a beat he passed another drink to a patron nearby.
“Great,” Nik snipped, slamming back the shot. “Minus the part where I can't feed for the next three weeks.”
Zareth whistled and filled his shot glass back up. The bartender was older than even Cameron. He had fought in some of the earliest wars against the rise of Christianity back in ancient Denmark. Well, it hadn't been called Denmark when Zareth was a human. “Sounds rough.”
“I'll make it,” Nik said. He swished the clear liquid before downing it once again. The alcohol burned on the way down and blunted the edge of hunger. He set off for Cameron's office once he slid the shot glass back to Zareth.
Nik didn't bother knocking and walked right on in. Sacha was on a bed next to Cameron's desk. She lifted her big brown eyes to him and thumped her tail a couple times in 'hello' but stayed put. Cameron didn't so much as lift his head before, “You're here early. Not going well?”
Judging by Cameron's mild tone, Nik knew Cameron wasn't surprised in the slightest. Nik scowled and plopped down in the chair across from him. “He went to bed so he didn't have to open the door. Who does that?”
“Someone afraid of their own shadow.”
“Hmph. So you said.” Nik picked at his nail polish again. He really should touch them up soon.
“What will you do with the rest of your evening?” Cameron asked. Nik stared as he took a drink from the tea cup full of blood. His throat burned with want. God above, how was he going to last for three weeks?
“I don't know,” Nik admitted. “Maybe I'll take Sacha to the park if that's okay with you?”
Sacha's ears perked up at that and she lifted her head to gaze at Cameron, as if asking her master for permission to play. Of course Sacha wasn't a normal dog so Nik wouldn't take offense if Cameron said no.
Cameron looked down at her, pale blue eyes considering. “For a few hours,” he said. “Then she needs to be back at my side.”
Nik was already getting to his feet and reaching for the service dog. He cradled her soft face in his hands. “Yay,” he said. “Let's go have some fun, you and I.”
---
The morning light did in fact make Lev feel a bit silly about his reaction the night before. Surely it’d been a neighbor. He almost felt bad about ignoring them. Almost. He told himself he wouldn’t have wanted them to see his house in this disarray anyways, and spent most of the morning clearing out empty boxes and situating his living room properly. He promised himself that he’d get to his budding library soon as he set up his trinkets here and there. Maybe some floating shelves for the knick-knacks Amara kept sending him.
By noon he’d made surprising headway in the task that was unpacking an entire life. That was all well and good, but when he circled back to make lunch he was dismayed to find that all he had in the fridge was condiments, half a carton of eggs, a slice of stale pizza he’d forgotten about, and some leftover lettuce. Right. Grocery then.
He thought about ordering a ride, and then dismissed it. He’d picked this neighborhood so he would be able to walk most places; he’d never been a confident driver, and so never bothered to get his license. His learners permit was still sitting, years past its expiration date, useless but safe, in his wallet.
After gathering up a few reusable bags and jotting down a vague list of staples he’d need, Lev headed out the door. The walk was in a similar direction as the used bookshop he’d visited the other day, but far closer. He got there in under ten minutes, grateful for the air conditioning already. In order to not get too distracted, as he needed to be able to carry the groceries home, Lev employed the strategy of circling the edges of the store first before risking delving into the temptations of the inner aisles.
He perused the produce with a skeptical eye, before deciding to indulge in something nice. He picked out some heirloom tomatoes and some cucumbers. He’d make some very fancy subs for dinner tonight, finish off the lettuce, which meant circling to the deli. If he was going to do fancy, he wanted to go all out. Before he did, though, some almost too-ripe bananas on sale caught his eye. Perfect. He could make banana bread in the next day or so too.
With dinner for tonight settled, Lev finally braved the middle aisles. He’d hit the frozen section last, as he wanted some ice cream too, but didn’t want it to melt too much. He gathered up some basic staples, changed his mind and circled back for some apples and grapes for snacks, and then made it to the baking aisle. He couldn’t remember if he had brown sugar at home, and so committed to it, along with more flour for his canister. He dropped chocolate chips in his cart, and then frowned up at the walnuts on the top shelf, shoved all the way to the back. It wasn’t like Lev was short.
An arm reached past him, startling him enough he rattled his cart. When he turned around, blinking owlishly at the tall, pale man standing there, his first thought was that it seemed absurd to see someone in a clearly tailored grey suit standing in the dingy light of a chain grocery store. His second thought was that he recognized the golden retriever at his side from a couple of days ago. It really was a beautiful dog. His third thought was, Oh. He got the walnuts for me.
“Thank you,” he said automatically, taking the bag.
The guy inclined his head. “You’re welcome.”
To call him a guy felt too. Casual. Nothing about this man seemed. Casual. He seemed almost excessively formal, actually. Absolutely zero laugh lines, and his pale gaze pinned Lev in place like a butterfly on a corkboard. Now why was that the mental image his brain had provided? Lev realized belatedly he was staring.
There was no saving the interaction now, Lev had already managed to fumble it, but for some reason he stuck out his hand and said, “My name is Levant. Lev.”
He got an almost-smile in return. “Cameron Maržena.”
When the man made no move to shake his hand, Lev lowered it awkwardly. “Um. Thank you, again. Wouldn’t be the end of the world to make banana bread without the walnuts, but you know. They help.” They help? He asked himself incredulously, knowing he was slowly turning red. They help? “Wasn’t really feeling experimental.” Nope. This was going nowhere.
At last the man threw him a bone, even if he looked faintly amused. “I suppose they do help.”
Lev cleared his throat. “It was, um. Nice to meet you?” Screw getting ice cream, he needed to check out now, before the ground answered his prayers and swallowed him up.
“You as well, Levant,” Cameron said before leaving, his service dog following obediently. Only then did Lev realize the only thing Cameron had in the basket on his arm were some of the more expensive dog treats. Lev shook his head. That dog was probably far more pampered than seemed at first glance. A smile crossed Lev’s face despite his stubborn flush. That certainly spoke to the character of this Cameron. Lev often judged people based on how they treated their animals.
He let out a slow breath, tried to remember the settling techniques his old therapist had taught him. One weird social interaction was not the end of the world. Likely Lev would never see the man again. He dropped the walnuts in his cart, and determinedly went looking for the frozen aisle. He got himself some mint chocolate chip, and some vanilla. Add some fudge to that, and-
Lev’s skin prickled. He turned around, so sure someone was staring, but the only other person nearby was an older lady struggling to free some mixed veggies from a shelf. Best to pass on the good karma, Lev supposed, and helped her.
He detoured indecisively back to the produce, and frowned down at the strawberries. It’d be a waste to buy a whole pint just for one bowl, maybe two, of ice cream, but- ah, well, he could cut some up and put it on his cereal. He could freeze the grapes for later, and snack on the rest of the strawberries and apples. Satisfied, and decidedly ignoring the feeling he was being watched again, Lev marched himself to the checkout counter. It was far more than he’d intended to get, but he was pleased nonetheless. He wouldn’t have to leave the house for a few days, and that was always the goal, after all.
---
It had been easy to follow the human into the grocery store. Cameron had the afternoon to himself and decided to make himself acquainted with Nik's latest choice in meal. He seemed mannered enough, just awkward enough he could see precisely why he didn't answer the door for Nik last night.
Cameron decided to make a day out of it and get Sacha some treats while he stalked Lev. She was sure to deserve something nice after working for such a long day. At least the human’s thoughts were easy enough to zero in on. Even when Cameron lost sight of him, his flighty mind voice was a thrum of shadowy anxiety Cameron could trail
At least he couldn’t fault Lev’s pickiness with the produce. Despite the slim pickings, Lev managed to pick out what had to be the only decent vegetables this small grocery store had to offer. Throughout it all, Lev’s thoughts circled back to banana bread, of all things.
The food choices Lev was making were unsurprising. He seemed like a homebody that enjoyed making desserts. In fact, it wouldn't be surprising to Cameron if the human took up the mundane craft of knitting in order to justify never leaving his house. Wouldn’t that send Nik into a fit? The idea left the ghost of a smile on Cameron’s lips.
His actual interaction with Lev didn’t reveal much. Unsurprisingly, the moment Levant laid eyes on him his thoughts became a senseless jumble. Typical. Cameron wondered idly if this would help or hinder Nik’s hunt, if Lev couldn’t handle a simple conversation with a beautiful man. Even if it was to be expected. Cameron was beautiful after all.
After it all, Cameron decided to follow him home. With the superiority of vampire hearing it was little effort to hear the clatter of the groceries on the counter, the sound of the fridge opening, and the creak of the floorboards under Lev’s steps as he puttered around his kitchen. Lev spent the better part of an hour dedicatedly making his banana bread from scratch. It wasn’t until the bread was out and cooling that the actual meal Lev had prepared for was made. Cameron decided it was best if he helped himself down the street before Lev came outside to eat dinner on his porch like he’d heard Lev internally plan to do.
Cameron took Sacha to the park instead. An excuse to sit down was welcome, even if he’d barely admit it to himself. He fished out a few of the treats he bought and fed her before unhooking her leash, undoing her vest, and letting her go run for a little while. It was best to let her get it out of her system now than have to come back in a few hours.
Cameron scrolled through his emails absentmindedly as he thought about the human Nik was hunting, and he thought about Nik keeping himself out of trouble. And most importantly, his thoughts then trailed off to where they eventually always trailed off to. Darius; who was to awaken from his slumber within the next few months.
He could barely admit it to himself, sometimes, how much Darius meant to him. It was more than a like, deeper than a love. Darius was the second half of his soul. Cameron did not feel particular romantic or sexual attraction to anyone but Darius… romance and sex were too small to mean anything to him. With Darius, it had been like waking up, like finding someone who understood him better than anyone else. Like finally being able to step in the sun after centuries in the dark.
He had spent two years in the last two centuries with Darius and soon it will be one more year to add to time. He would make the most of it. Cameron was more than ready to welcome him to the new millennium.
Cameron Maržena had been watching the human known as Nikolas Mejias for the last three weeks. Though his girlfriend was always with him, it was Nik who Cameron couldn't seem to keep his eyes off of. Against the mundanity of the mass of humans that ebbed and flowed through the club, Nik was a shining star that caught the eye. His unwavering spirit had certainly caught the four hundred and sixty-three year old vampire's attention and he'd been unable to resist following him ever since.
The last time Lev had tried drinking had been several months after his twenty-first birthday. It was also the only time Lev had tried alcohol. This wasn’t nearly as bad, even if Lev had barely gotten through a drink and a half before getting sick that one time. This was much more manageable, even if Lev was now trying to be more aware of where he put his feet.
For a few moments Lev lingered on the edge of the crowd. The solid presence of Nik beside him and the way everything was just a little distant now helped Lev scan the room instead of staring blankly. He was starting to pick out who were humans, and who were not. He remembered Cameron saying there was more than just vampires in the club, but right now he wanted to prove to all three of them in Cameron’s house that he could do this. Being curious could wait.
Nik nudged him. Lev followed where he pointed as Nik said, “That guy.”
When he saw who Nik was talking about, it made sense. The man was alone, and looked more than a little drunk, unlike the pair of humans they’d talked to earlier. Lev didn’t even say anything, just nodded and started moving.
The next part was a bit of a blur to Lev. He wasn’t sure if he actually compelled the man, or if they just talked. There was a rushing in Lev’s ears that he was pretty sure was more anxiety than alcohol. It made it harder to hear the guy than the music blasting overhead. When Nik suggested one of Cameron’s private rooms, Lev agreed without questioning it. He hadn’t even known Cameron had those, though it made sense.
Nik led the way through the crowd. Compelled or not, their intended victim followed willingly enough, drink still in hand. Lev trailed on the rear. Quiet, don’t move, feed, don't kill him, Lev reminded himself. He could do this. He had this.
He eased the door shut behind them. The muffling of the music out there was a blessing enough Lev let out a relieved huff. His relative peace was soon interrupted by the drunk slurring something at him. Whatever it was, Lev quieted him with a hand over his mouth. Lev was pretty sure he’d used his vampiric speed to cross the room. Mostly because the guy’s eyes were wide, and Lev had been at the door the last time he’d checked.
“Don’t,” Lev said. Wait. Right. “Don’t scream,” he corrected himself, “And don’t move.” He wasn’t sure if it’d worked, so he took his hand away. The guy hadn’t moved, and despite his bug eyed look, he didn’t scream. Okay. Good.
Unexpectedly, guilt struck Lev. The man must be terrified. He dug through his memory to the night Nik fed on him. Ah. Yes, that would do.
“Don’t be scared, either,” Lev tried gently. He could see the guy relax some. He wasn’t sure he liked how hard it was to sort his thoughts, but at the same time, he’d never gotten this far into being drunk and unlike last time he didn’t feel the nausea that had ruined his one attempt at drinking before. Out of sheer curiosity, he added, “Go ahead and finish your drink.” No reason to fully ruin the guy’s night. And he felt like pushing his luck just a little.
There was only so long Lev could wait. He was just grateful the guy was almost done before they lured him away, anyway. “You’re going to be just fine,” he told the guy, leaning close. He’d meant to stick to the wrist, like Cameron had shown him, but now that he was in the man’s personal space he could literally see his heartbeat thrumming under the skin of his neck. That proved too much for Lev’s self control.
His fangs snapped down a second before he latched onto his prey’s throat. Unlike last time he could actually taste the alcohol in the blood. It burned a little, but not as bad as Lev had expected. The rush was heady, a thrill Lev didn’t think he was ever going to get used to. He wrapped his fingers around the collar of the man’s jacket and tugged him closer.
Through the double intoxication of blood and drink, Lev tried to listen for whatever signs he’d felt before that had frightened him away from their last attempt. It took a herculean effort, but at some point he noticed the guy had started grasping at Lev’s sides. Lev pulled back, more curious than anything at the interruption. He could still hear a heartbeat, mostly steady, perhaps a bit weaker than before. Blinking back the impulse to bite down again, Lev shook his head.
“You, uh...” Lev’s own words came out a bit unsteady. He shook his head again. Cleared his throat. “You are going to forget you met us,” Lev said. On impulse, he leaned forward, licking the bites closed before he pulled further back, straightening the dark denim jacket he’d been clutching. “You had a good night, and um.” He paused, firmed his voice, and said sternly, “You’re going to call a cab home and drink some water before bed. Go on.”
To his surprise, the guy did, though he glanced back at them with confused looks before he slipped out the door. Lev waited until the door clicked shut to look at Nik. Nik grinned, giving him a double thumbs up.
Through the increasing buzz Lev felt, elation bubbled through him. He’d done it. Beginning to end. No death, no tears, no screaming humans. Just the rush of blood and alcohol and success. Maybe... Maybe Lev could make this work. Maybe everything would be just fine.
That thought had barely crossed Lev’s mind before Lev was standing in front of Nik. It struck him again how nice it was that he could look Nik right in the eye. It made it far easier to lean in and kiss him. If Nik was surprised, Lev couldn’t tell. Nik’s hands were on Lev’s waist, pulling him closer, and Lev wasn’t going to say no. He was just pleased Nik let him crowd him up against the wall.
“I did it,” Lev said when they finally broke apart. His head was more than spinning now and he didn’t care. “He’s not dead and I didn’t throw up and I didn’t cry and I did it and you kiss really good.”
That stupid grin that made Lev’s stomach do somersaults was back on Nik’s face. “You did a good job.”
Lev couldn’t resist kissing him again, though this one was shorter. “I think I can do this,” he said, trying to sound serious. It was very hard to sound serious. “Like all of this. I wasn’t sure. I wanted to be. But I wasn’t. But I am now.” He kissed Nik one more time, and then ducked his head to laugh against Nik’s shoulder briefly. “My cousin called it the cockroach gene. We always figure it out. In our own way.”
”I can see that,” Nik said, looking amused when Lev studied him.
To Lev that was enough of a stamp of approval for now. He was very tempted to see how long Nik was willing to keep kissing him, but another thought occurred to him. “You,” he said, trying to make sure his words were in order, “Haven’t eaten yet.”
“Yeah. I just wanted to make sure the baby was fed first.”
Nik was laughing. Lev was pretty sure Nik was laughing more at him than with him, but Lev liked the sound of it too much to care. He frowned, debating if he wanted to be offended. In the end he peeled himself off Nik. “Baby is fed,” he promised. “Baby is... not used to alcohol. Can I wait here? I don’t really think I could walk in a straight line right now, and I like that it’s quieter in here.”
That seemed to be good enough for Nik. He was gone, after promising to return, leaving Lev to sink down onto a surprisingly comfortable seat. It was strange, to be able to wallow in hope for once, but Lev thought he might like the feeling.
---
Once Zareth deemed Nik a safe enough host, he excused himself upstairs to Cameron’s office. He knocked once before sliding inside. He found Cameron sitting at his desk, rifling through paperwork, though Zareth had the sneaking suspicion that he hadn’t been doing paperwork for all that long.
Zareth sat in the chair across from Cameron, waiting patiently for Cameron to finally give him the attention he required. When Cameron finally looked up, Zareth leaned back against his chair. “So Nik’s hunt didn’t go over well, hm?”
Cameron’s brows narrowed just a fraction. “Did you come to waste my time by pointing out the obvious?”
“I was just curious about how well you knew your newest addition to the coven.”
“I would hardly call my situation a coven, Zareth,” Cameron said, frowning. “And what did you find out about the fledgling when Nik brought him by the bar? I assume you went rifling through his head the moment you laid eyes on him.”
He couldn’t really argue against that. The moment he saw the fledgling’s irregular eyes he felt the need to get a closer look. “He seems… different,” Zareth said. “His eyes are not normal, even by vampiric standards.”
“What’s that supposed to mean to me?” Cameron asked. “Should I just kill him?”
“I don’t think there’s anything too pressing,” Zareth said, holding his hands up. Gods knew Cameron was more intent on keeping any potential problems at bay than having to deal with them like any normal person. “There just might… be some magical interference.”
“Like a witch?”
“Maybe,” Zareth said. “Okay. So. How much do you know about your vampire lore?” Cameron looked at him like he was tempted to throw him out of the office. “Right, okay. So there was once a family of Hunters out there, or so the legend goes.”
“You’re saying that marshmallow of a human is a Hunter?”
“No,” Zareth said. “Not completely. I’m saying he might be genetically linked to a family line of hunters. A witch placed a curse on a family centuries ago- or maybe a blessing. It left a genetic marker in their eyes- making them appear more inline with other supernaturals than plain humans.” Cameron stared deeply at him, as if he were trying to decide what would be the best course of action. “Did you notice anything strange about him?”
“I noticed he lacks a sense of self preservation,” Cameron said, flatly.
“Maybe you could just keep an eye on him,” Zareth said. “His thoughts all seem harmless enough. He’s been through a lot.”
“We’ve all been through a lot,” Cameron replied.
“His family wants nothing to do with him,” Zareth said. “They don’t seem to care about him- why else would they have abandoned him.” Cameron’s brows pinched together. “They likely won’t come looking for him. He was just a child when they left.”
“Anything else?” Cameron asked, turning back to his paperwork.
“I just think you should hold out on doing anything too rash,” Zareth said. “If it becomes a problem later on down the line you can kill him then.”
“Anything else?”
“No, that was it,” Zareth said. “I just wanted to give you a heads up.”
With that, Zareth got up from the chair and excused himself from the room. He made it back to his bar when he encountered Nik feeding off a young woman. He was dancing, eyes closed and likely buzzed. Zareth said above the music, “Where’s your friend?”
Nik opened his blood speckled brown eyes and gave Zareth a dreamy smile. “He’s in one of the private rooms,” he said. “I’m heading back in a second. Just needed to feed first.”
“Did it go well?”
“Went right as rain,” Nik said, moving to take another bite from the girl’s neck. “Minus the panic attack anyways.”
Zareth shook his head and went back to the bar. He let the rest of the night carry on as it should, keeping an eye on both humans and vampires alike.
--
The break for some peace and quiet was exactly what Lev needed. He was enjoying the feeling of success. He was even able to enjoy the partier Nik brought back later for them to share. He was pretty sure that human was also drunk, because Lev’s buzz never abated, but that was okay. If this was how being drunk was supposed to be, Lev was pretty sure he didn’t mind too much.
By the time Cameron came to find them, either their dessert had wandered off, or they’d been sent away. Lev wasn’t really sure. He and Nik had traded kisses back and forth for a while. Lev had no real interest in doing more than that. The effort it’d take to get undressed when Lev was ready to curl up and sleep this off was too much tonight.
Lev was the one who noticed Cameron in the doorway, frowning slightly at them. A flush crept up Lev’s cheeks, but he managed a smile for Cameron. “Hi Cameron,” Lev said, refusing to unwind from Nik just yet. He was comfortable. Instead, he enthused, “I managed it without killing anyone. Or throwing up. Or crying.”
“It’s time to leave,” was all Cameron finally said before walking away.
Lev blinked after him and then looked at Nik. “He's very to the point, isn’t he?” Lev mumbled, before sighing dramatically. “I don’t wanna move.” He would. But he didn’t want to, and that should be noted.
Nik gave an impressive yawn. “I’m pretty sure Cameron’s autistic, honestly, but the jury’s still out. Not like he’d ever admit it.”
After letting out another sigh, just because his lack of interest in relocating needed to be reiterated, Lev untangled himself. He held a hand out to Nik in offer. “I could tell you speculating about people's mental health is...” he gave Nik’s expression a long look, and then snorted. “Whatever. You’re probably right, from what I can tell.”
Nik accepted his hand. Lev was not one to waste an opportunity so after he helped Nik up he didn’t let go of Nik’s hand. They meandered through a much smaller crowd towards the front door. By the time they’d managed it, half tripping each other, Cameron’s car waited outside. Somehow they ended up in the backseat, because Lev was able to snuggle into Nik’s side.
They spent most of the ride glued to each other’s faces. If Cameron minded he didn’t say anything; Lev wasn’t interested in checking in on him if he was going to be so quiet. It let him enjoy having someone to make out with again. He really had gone too long without someone to ease the physical ache being alone so often left him with.
It was for the best that Cameron also herded them up the stairs. Lev had the sense of mind to not try to keep holding onto Nik while they stumbled into one of the bedrooms. Nik’s, Lev thought. It had a lot of reds, and Nik seemed a fan of red. Like the pretty specks in his eyes, Lev mused.
This time Lev did bother to undress, but mostly to avoid sleeping in the fancy clothes Cameron had provided. He flopped into Nik’s bed in his boxers, rolling into Nik’s solid weight with an ease that would surprise him in the morning. The quiet of the house was soothing after a night at the club. It felt right, tucked into Nik, cozy under the duvet, belly full and heart light.
Lev glanced up, some sixth sense warning him someone was watching. He relaxed almost instantly when he saw it was Cameron in the doorway. Lev couldn’t quite read his expression with how he was silhouetted against the hall light. Nik was already breathing deeply against Lev’s neck, so Lev assumed he was asleep. He kept his words to a whisper as he said, “Thank you. He probably shouldn’t have been driving tonight.” But he also meant, thank you, for giving me a chance. Lev had every intention of making this one count.
---
Once Cameron was sure both Levant and Nik were squared away in Nik’s bed, sleeping off their night, Cameron made his nightly visit to Darius. He leaned a bit heavier on his cane than he would have liked, tonight, but he spent most of the night in his office working on paperwork- at least when he wasn’t watching the clubbers (and Nik and Lev) dancing and feeding.
Sacha fell to Cameron’s side the moment he had arrived at home, likely sensing his need of her. Her paws were silent along the dark wood while they made the trek up the stairs to Darius’ room. His spine crunched with each step, though he did his best to ignore it.
He pushed open the silent door to Darius’ room and immediately went to slump down into the soft chair next to Darius’ coffin. The pain in his back released just a bit and Cameron let out a small breath. He ignored the look Sacha was giving him, as if she were chiding him for overextending himself.
“The new fledgling seems to come with… complications,” Cameron said, “if Zareth is to be believed.”
Cameron told Darius of everything Zareth had told him, and his fears and concerns about what would happen if hunters made their way into Cameron and Nik’s lives. Nik was already a bit of a beacon himself, for hunters, but Cameron… in his diminished state… he wasn’t too sure if he could be as much of a protective force as needed to keep Nik safe- to keep Darius safe.
“Surely it would be in everyone’s best interest to remove him immediately," Cameron said, gripping his cane. “We cannot afford to be gambling with a fledgling who fears his own shadow.”
He glanced at Darius’ peaceful face, as if he were to speak to him in this moment, to offer him some advice. Though even with Darius being silent, Cameron knew well enough what Darius would be telling him.
No, don’t kill him. He hasn’t done anything wrong. Give him the same chance you gave Nik.
If Cameron were in a less charitable mood he’d feel inclined to roll his eyes. This was likely to blow up in their faces. He had managed to avoid hunters for the last five centuries and in the span of weeks… Cameron just hoped that Darius was right and that this would not become a problem.
Cameron stayed with Darius throughout the long hours of the night before finally growing tired himself. He slowly eased himself from his chair and began to leave, only to look back upon Darius’ sleeping face. The rising sun set Darius’ golden brown skin aglow, making him appear as youthful as always.
Cameron gave one last lingering look before he turned around and made his way back to his bedroom with Sacha in tow.
Cameron’s physical therapist was exactly on time for their appointment. The lights were dimmed down low and the curtains drawn shut to help with clients who had sensitive eyesight. But there were also the clients who could not handle being in the sun, like vampires. Cameron had been seeing Estelle for the better part of the last four years.
Cameron had gotten through a chapter and a half of his book while he waited for her to come get him. He was naturally the last client of the day, but that never stopped her from being late to his appointments. She took his warning of tardiness in stride and had not yet disappointed him.
Cameron closed his book and stood up when the familiar soft feminine voice called his name. Estelle Esna was standing in the doorway in her purple scrubs waiting for him, white shoes without scuff and perfectly immaculate. “How are you today, Cameron?” she asked, leading him back to her workspace.
“Fine.”
She hummed and looked at her clipboard. “What has your pain scale been like since the last time we saw each other?”
They met every other week at exactly 11:30am on Tuesday mornings. Zareth had recommended Estelle Esna to him when he had a rather rough morning. He claimed she was a witch and one who valued her work with supernaturals and more importantly discretion and not wasting people’s (his) time.
“I’ve had more migraines," he said. “I’ve had to use my cane more.”
“Any new stressors?”
That was the understatement of the century. “A few.”
“And Sacha’s been helping your pain?”
“She has,” he said. “I don’t want to overwork her, though.”
“Of course not,” she said. She led him to the bench where they worked on their stretches. He sat down and began to wait for further instruction. “Have you thought about other pain management methods? Tylenol? Ibuprofen?”
The only way those would be getting into his system was if he gave the pain killers to his blood sources. The thought sounded unappealing and he said as much. It did not sit well with him to have others take pain medication simply for his sake.
They went through the required warmups next in comfortable silence- unless she had more questions related to his health. Once before she had tried to get him to open up about his personal life and Cameron had promptly ignored her. Since then, he was glad she chose to stick to important tasks related to his health and nothing more.
By the time the hour was complete Cameron had three new nightly exercises to work on before bed. She also gave him some recommendations for some new blackout curtains and homeopathic tension release oils. Cameron wasn’t sure that oils were going to help the throbbing at the base of his skull but he elected to not question her.
After his appointment, Cameron went back by the club and decided to get a few hours of work done before he subjected himself to the newly minted stressors he had living in his house.
--
Nik was in the living room playing with Sacha when Cameron came home. Sacha padded cheerfully up to him when he walked in the door, tail wagging. Nik got up from his knees, arms folding in front of him, likely to keep himself from looking anxious. His thoughts flickered between apprehension of Cameron’s disapproval and the sheer boredom he had felt since he woke up.
Cameron petted Sacha’s head, letting her warmth seep into his skin. “Levant still sleeping?”
Nik scratched his face. “Yeah. Sacha has been keeping me company.”
“Are you hungry for lunch?” Cameron asked. “I can make something.” He looked at his watch, debating and trying to decide if it would be best to wake Lev up and get food into him as well. Eating did help sublimate the blood cravings. Nik, of course, could eat his way through the house on his own if left to his own devices.
“If you want,” Nik hedged. “I could eat.”
Cameron nodded and started for the kitchen. Darius was nowhere to be seen for now, and Cameron made a mental note to go see him later and tell him about his latest appointment. Surely he would be pleased that Cameron was seeing a witch for his physical therapy.
Cameron made easy work of grabbing the things to make a nice lunch. He had prepped salmon the night before for today’s lunch so it was only a matter of getting the ingredients out and preparing the meal.
“Lunch will be ready in about twenty-five minutes,” he said, moving to wash his hands. “Why don’t you wake Lev up and have him be ready for lunch.”
Nik took that as his cue to go do as he was told.
It wasn’t long until Nik and Lev were coming into the kitchen. Lev was fidgeting, clearly trying to not come off as awkward as he felt. He was also trying his best to not make eye contact with Cameron. It was irritating enough dealing with Nik being flighty, now he had to deal with another fledgling flapping his hands and being unable to just be normal.
Cameron only said, “Wash your hands.”
Both boys hopped to and did as they were told. Nik started up talking about taking Lev to the club that night. Cameron had to admit it seemed like a good place to take a fledgling for their first hunt. Cameron would have to warn Zareth to keep an eye on the two of them so they didn’t cause too much of a scene.
Lev looked owl-eyed at Nik, and if Cameron was a betting man he’d think Lev was surprised about going to a club. He’d likely never even been in one. He likely had no clothes that would be club appropriate. Cameron would have to solve that issue. He made another mental note.
He served lunch and watched the boys eat with gusto. His inner chef was pleased with seeing his food being eaten. He took a couple of bites himself- made himself eat at least half a plate worth of food.
He listened quietly to Nik hash out his plans for the night while he sent a message to one of his employees to pick up something decent for Lev to wear that night. Time ticked on and Cameron served Nik and Levant both seconds and even thirds.
---
The rest of the afternoon somehow sped by and dragged at the same time. Nik hung around while Lev unpacked for a little, but it was clear Lev’s fastidiousness did not entertain him enough. Lev was painfully aware of him slipping away, but he chose to finish unpacking, saving the long white box for last. He hung his mother’s jacket up this time, smoothing his fingers over the leather before fishing out his father’s journal and tucking it away in a drawer.
Lev had his books on the one set of shelves he had, reorganizing for the third time (by preference, and then series this time) when he heard footsteps down the hall that were accompanied by the sound of a cane. Something told him Cameron could have walked so silently even Lev’s newly sensitive ears couldn’t hear. If he’d wanted to, anyway. Lev was turning around by the time Cameron appeared, two neat boxes tucked under his arm.
“You didn’t seem the type to have clubbing clothes.”
Somehow it didn’t feel like Cameron meant that as an insult. Lev nudged the book he’d been toying with moving back into place so he could cross the room and take the boxes from Cam. “I don’t,” he replied automatically. He set the boxes on the bed gingerly. “Thank you.” The ingrained polite script out of the way, he wasn’t sure what else to say, and ended up with, “I was putting off trying to cobble something together...” here he glanced out the window, where the sunset was a vibrant orange across the sky. “A bit too long, maybe.”
Cameron took Lev’s nervous ramble in stride. That or he ignored it. Either way, what he said was, “If you need anything at the club, Zareth will be there.”
Lev nodded as if he knew who Zareth was. He figured Nik would point him out. Or he could ask. Normal people asked things. He’d probably still wait to ask Nik, however. “Thank you,” he repeated.
“Do you need anything else from me?” Cameron asked.
Lev forced himself to meet Cameron’s silver-streaked gaze. “No.” He tapped the lid of the box, managing a small (if a bit tired) smile. “This was already above and beyond. Thank you, really.” There. That one sounded more sincere. It was more sincere than the others, at least by way of him finally shaking off his surprise.
Seemingly satisfied, Cameron left. Lev gave him a few steps down the hall before he flipped open the box. The black button down was soft as silk beneath his fingertips. He had a sneaking suspicion it might actually be silk. There was a faint pattern to it, but Lev didn’t care enough to look closely. He was more concerned about what the other box was. Pants, it turned out. More like slacks, really. Lev’s nose wrinkled. What kind of club was Cameron running again? He tried to readjust his mental image and found it impossible. Well, he’d just have to see.
Lev carefully set the shirt back in the box before he poked his head out the door. It was easier than he expected to find and follow the salt-and-sandalwood scent of Nik’s cologne. Not that he really needed it; Nik was almost ready in his room.
“I was hoping Cameron was just being overly formal when he showed up with slacks,” Lev admitted, trying and failing to keep the mournful tone out of his voice. Nik’s shirt was a near-black red, but he too was wearing slacks. The leather jacket was a nice touch, worn but well made. Lev thought about his mother’s briefly, but he’d not worn it outside... well, ever. Tonight was not the night to try breaking that habit.
Nik met his gaze with the mirror as he gave his red-streaked hair one last fingercomb. “Unfortunately no,” Nik said with an easy laugh.
Lev sighed softly. Better to ask forgiveness than permission, he decided, and assume he could wear his converse over those dress shoes Cameron had picked out for his date with Nik. “Noted,” he said. “I guess I should go get ready. Do I need to meet you downstairs or...”
“Yeah, that’ll be fine,” Nik said, focusing on his own reflection again. He seemed to be touching up something glittery around his eyes, but Lev hadn’t really learned much about makeup during his very brief assumption that he liked women.
Lev just hoped Nik and Cameron didn’t expect him to bother with makeup. Even watching Nik fix his hair had felt like a bit much effort, but he’d at least try brushing his own unruly waves before he headed downstairs. If he owned a brush.
It turned out Lev did not own a brush. He searched before he got dressed, and after, to no avail. In the end he got his hands wet and ran his fingers through his hair until it was all. At least mostly doing something uniform, though the cowlick in the back remained as cheerfully heartshaped as ever. Good enough. He shoved his phone and wallet in his pocket and headed downstairs as quickly as he could. That was. Very fast, admittedly. He damn near ran into Nik before he pulled to a stop, blinking twice in quick succession.
“Careful, Speedy Gonzales. You about ran me down,” Nik said, one hand moving halfway out his pocket as if to steady Lev.
Lev grimaced. “Sorry,” he said automatically. “Did that in the kitchen earlier too. I can’t figure out how to go human-fast. I’ve got the walking down, but— well. You saw.”
Nik gave a little nod as he held the front door for Lev. “I get it. Took me a while to figure that out myself.”
Lev ducked under his arm and peered at the horseshoe shaped end of the drive to see if they were taking Cameron’s fancy car this time. Lev almost assumed they were until he realized it was a slightly different black car. This one felt. Sportier, somehow. Though he wasn't positive, Lev still sorted the car into the ‘Nik’s’ column in his head.
He still felt a bit awkward sliding into the passenger seat; the car was so low and he swore it even smelled fancy. “Are all of the cars you two have like this?” he finally asked, not quite able to keep his tone neutral.
“Like what?”
The car had already purred to life around them. Lev eyed the interior, and looked up at Nik. The red flecks in his eyes was still a shock, somehow. Harder to adjust to than Cameron’s silver streaks, even if the red went along with the streaks in Nik’s hair. “Like they belong in a movie about the one percent,” Lev finally said, unsure of how to phrase it any politer. Lev was set for life without ever having to lift a finger, and even he didn’t throw money around like this.
“We graduated from the one percent to being vampires,” Nik said. Only when Lev glanced out the window did he realize the car had already started to move.
“So turning into a vampire automatically grants you infinite money?” Lev asked dubiously. “Or is this...” He hesitated over his word choice, not wanting to say stolen. That sounded remarkably like an accusation. “Things you both have compelled people for?” he finally settled on.
Nik scratched his face absently. “Eh, Cam had money long before I came around.”
Lev did some quick math in his head. He checked his work, and then shrugged. “That makes sense.” And it did. Kind of like how old money just grew at some point. Lev had a stupid amount of money left to him because he’d always done his best to live frugally off his parents’ life insurance money. He’d tried jobs to fill his time and never done well at any of them, so it worked for him. The house and furnishing it had been his biggest purchase... well, ever. A fresh pang of loss caught him off guard.
“You care if I put on music?”
Lev couldn’t tell if Nik had noticed the shift in Lev’s mood, or if he just wanted music on, but he gave a nod anyway. Nik didn’t even take his eyes off the road as he queued up a playlist on his phone. Lev let the now-familiar sounds of the band he and Nik had seen live at the park wash over him as he leaned against the window. The rest of the ride was spent in silence, other than the music over the stereo.
----
The club was jam-packed when Nik pulled up. He parked in Cameron’s parking space and led Lev past the long line of clubbers to where two rather large men stood, checking IDs and letting only the most elite past. Nik took Lev’s hand and shouldered his way between the men and led them inside.
Just like he thought, it was filled to the brim with dancers. There was bodies slick with sweat, drinks were passed around and he was sure if he looked close enough there was stronger party favors getting passed between people. And if he looked even closer he could see the vampires feeding off their guests.
Nik flashed Lev a blinding smile that shone against the club lights. The club music made his blood feel like it was thrumming alive and dancing along. Lev looked bewildered and a little lost, his hand holding onto Nik’s for dear life. He smiled back shyly.
“I’m gonna take us to the bar,” Nik yelled over the music.
He didn’t wait for Lev to say anything before dragging him through the throng of people and heading for the bar where Zareth was handing off a drink to a blonde haired vampire woman. Zareth turned his green flecked gold eyes to Nik and then to Lev. He held out his hand. “I’m Zareth,” he said, to Lev.
Lev took his hand and shook it. “Levant,” he said, before grimacing. “It’s Lev.” He gave Zareth another smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Zareth looked rather amused, his eyes lingering on Lev’s for a heartbeat too long. “Much nicer than this one,” he said. He turned to Nik. “You weren’t this nice when you first turned.”
“I was having a crisis of faith, sue me.”
Lev gave a scandalized, “Nik,” that he promptly ignored.
Zareth arched a golden brow. “Ah yes,” Zareth said. “You must be tired of believing being a vampire means your soul is damned for all eternity.”
“What’s a godless heathen to know about souls,” Nik sniped. “You’re just jealous I’ll get into heaven one day while you’ll be serving overpriced alcohol in Hell.”
“Oh so true,” Zareth said. “Would you like a drink now?”
“Yes please,” Nik said. “My usual.” He tapped the dark wood countertop. “What do you want Lev? Apple juice? I take it you don’t drink.”
He suspected if Lev had the blood in him, he’d be blushing. Nik smiled at the thought and plopped down in a chair. “Just a water is fine, thank you.”
Zareth went back to work and Nik pushed out the stool beside him for Lev to take. “Zareth has been around for a while,” Nik said. “You can tell because his face is a little more, ah, angular than most. And he has two sets of fangs. And pointed ears. We start to change just a little bit the older we get. Though Zareth is old old.”
Curiosity lightened Lev’s face. He was sure Lev thought it was interesting- Nik had when he had first turned. This wasn’t exactly the status quo of the normal vampire lore. Lev inched a little closer to the bar, getting a better look at Zareth.
When Zareth turned around, he was still looking rather intently at Lev. “So where’re you from?” Zareth asked. “Nik mentioned you were new to town.”
Nik frowned at Zareth. He had done no such thing.
“Oh I’ve been in the city for a few months,” Lev said. “It seems nice.”
“Any family in the area?” he asked. “Or is it a complete fresh start?” Zareth scratched his face. “I’m sure you’ll find your footing around here, eventually, though.”
“I don’t really have much contact with my family,” Lev admitted. “Just a cousin who checks in every few years when she remembers I exist.”
“Sounds rough,” Zareth said. “Though it might be best with the whole vampire thing. Families tend to not react well when their loved ones become undead.” He motioned to a thick scar at his throat- which had likely been done to him back when swords were relevant.
Lev blinked, startled, and then looked incredibly sad. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “My family never really had been all that interested in me. After my parents died they practically shut me away.” He paused, grimacing. “Sorry. You don’t need my sob story. I mostly just meant they won’t care if they can’t find me.”
“If it makes you feel better,” Nik said, after an uncomfortable beat of silence, “My mami called me a demon and wouldn’t let me in her house. Held up a crucifix and everything.” Only Nate had let him in. Nate was in his sixties now and lived with his husband— Nik saw him every now and then but it got harder and harder throughout the years.
Zareth’s frown lasted a beat too long but Nik ignored it. He took a nice long drink of the tequila in front of him and mourned the buzz it would have given him had he been alive. Lev leaned against Nik’s shoulder in silent comfort, but Nik just cleared his throat. “No use crying over spilled milk,” Nik said. “Anyways, we are here for our first hunt.” Nik slammed his hand down on the counter. “Barkeep— we need victims.”
Lev’s head whipped around, looking afraid someone would overhear Nik; though Zareth looked unimpressed with Nik’s witticism. “I think there’s a few humans over by the booths,” he said. “They’re lightly buzzed but pretty relaxed. I don’t think anyone has fed on them this evening.”
“Perfect,” Nik said, motioning to Lev. “No time like the present.”
Lev stared at Nik with wide eyes. Something like fear flickered in Lev’s face. “Oh. Um. Just. Like that?”
Nik gave him a lopsided grin. “Just like that. They’re under the influence so they should be easy to compel.”
“I don’t know how to compel anyone,” Lev said, an interesting mix of frustration and desperation in his tone this time. “Neither of you have actually explained much yet.”
Irritation flashed through Nik. “Levant,” Nik said, impatience edging his words, “that is what we are literally doing. Right now. God. Keep up.”
This time Lev flicked a slightly panicked look Zareth’s way, before looking over at the group of humans again. He took a deep breath. The fangs faintly visible betrayed how hungry Lev was. Even if his thoughts rebelled, his body certainly knew what it needed. After a second breath he set his shoulders, and nodded once. “I don’t actually like being called Levant,” he said softly. Those gold eyes never left the humans as Lev left his glass of water on the counter and started sliding through the crowd.
Nik fell in step next to Lev. “Okay so the first thing you’re going to need is eye contact,” Nik said. “Older vamps don’t really need it but we for sure do. And then you’re going to need to at least fake some confidence and introduce yourself. When they lower their guard you’re then going to look them in the eye and tell them to not move and to not scream. Got that?”
“I think so. Eye contact, fake... fake confidence. Don't move, don't scream.” Lev wiped his palms on his pants. “Nik, I’m like. Comically bad at small talk. What do people even talk about at bars?”
“About whatever,” Nik said. “Don’t think too hard about it. Just ask them if they came to see the band or compliment their clothes or something. I just tell them I think they're hot.”
Lev gave an unconvincing nod, but his mouth was set in determination anyway. Nik didn’t think that would help with seeming confident, but he refrained from saying anything. Lev needed to figure out his own learning curve.
Surprisingly, Lev didn’t falter as he approached. Instead, he said over the music, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to overhear, but was that the concert last week? The one in Dolberry Park?" Nik hung back a few steps to give Lev his space, but still close enough in case he needed to come in and save the day. When Lev got confirmation, he flashed the humans a genuine smile. “My friend and I were there too. He actually introduced me to the band.”
For all Lev insisted he wasn’t good at small talk, he held his own in the conversation. If Lev could get himself together enough to stop being afraid of his own shadow, he’d be a natural at this. Something told Nik Lev’s round face and sweet smiles would be just as effective at disarming his prey as Nik’s own shining personality. It even looked natural when Lev touched the closest human’s wrist to ensure their attention was on him.
“Don’t scream,” Lev said earnestly. “Just. Hold still.”
While Lev was occupied with his prey, Nik went for the other person who Lev didn’t compel. Nik caught the man’s wrist and looked him in the eye. “Hi, I’m Nik,” he said, compulsion weaving into his words. “Nothing to worry about here. Hold still and don’t scream.”
The earlier ease in Lev had vanished as he turned to Nik. “Nik, I—” He swallowed. “Cameron tried to show me how to do this earlier, and I almost...” His voice almost became a whisper. “Don’t let me hurt them.”
“You’ll be fine,” Nik promised. “I got you.”
The gold in Lev’s eyes was almost swallowed by his pupils; his fangs were threatening to cut through his lip. For a moment Nik thought he was going to have to make him drink, but before his annoyance could really get going Lev latched onto the wrist in his hand like a snake striking. Nik’s brows went up.
Nik wasn’t so far from his being turned that he’d forgotten how raw the hunger had felt. Unlike when Lev had fed off the blood bags Cameron had provided, Lev wasn’t pausing for breath. Nik held off indulging in his own meal, even if his fangs ached with how close the human was. He’d promised, after all, and he wanted to be sure Lev didn’t need to be pulled back. What Lev had confessed told him he probably should ask what exactly had gone down before.
Right as the temptation to feed himself was convincing him Lev would be fine, Lev fully let go of his human. The fledgling’s hands were trembling, his breaths coming in aborted little gasps. With no warning Lev flitted away, his new vampiric speed making him a blur. Nik was left with both humans to deal with.
Nik cursed under his breath and compelled both of the partiers to forget him and Lev before following Lev. He had the sense that Cameron was watching them from high up in his office. He wouldn’t call this a failure, at least not yet. But the night was young. And hey! Lev did manage to compel the man right before he had his meltdown.
He found Lev in the bathroom in the bottom of a stall clenching onto a handful of paper towels, though for now they were unstained. Nik just shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned a shoulder against the stall.
Nik gave Lev’s deep breathing a minute. Before he could figure out how to start the conversation Lev started apologizing. Nik only waved him off. “You were doing good until you started freaking out for no reason,” he said. “Your compulsion was perfect.”
Lev swallowed visibly. “I figured that out once I got away,” he finally admitted. “I overreacted, but in the moment I figured... I figured getting out of the situation was better than accidentally murdering someone in a room of strangers.” He gave a wan smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “And then I freaked that I’d fucked up by running away. I’m... I’m good now.”
“You weren’t going to murder anyone,” Nik said. “I was right there. If you keep acting like an anxious baby the whole time you’re never going to get to where you need to be. You need to trust yourself.”
Lev gave a slightly unhinged laugh. “I have a diagnosed anxiety disorder. I’m trying. I’ll do better.” The unspoken ‘I have to,’ hung in the air between them.
“We all have our issues,” Nik said, scratching his face. “But you’ll get over it or at least manage it. If Cameron didn’t think you could, you wouldn’t be here right now, right? Right.” Nik held out his hand. “Let’s try this again.”
Lev only eyed Nik’s hand for a moment before he took it. Once on his feet, Lev listed to the side for a heartbeat, blinking. “Good Lord,” he muttered, bracing a hand on the stall door. “My head is... spinning a little.”
“Well the human you fed off of was drinking,” Nik said. “It was bound to make you tipsy.”
“I should feed off someone who takes xanax,” Lev replied. He rubbed his face, gave a small, tired chuckle, and then shook his head. He looked down at the paper towels in his hand and then sighed. “Okay,” he said, tossing them in the trash. “Okay. I’m good. I can do this.”
