Page 42 of Vampires of Eden

An odd emotion pulls at the edge of my heart. A twinge of something that I can’t immediately process. Brushing it off, I close the app and hand the phone back to him. “She’s pretty,” I reiterate. “They say that people who prefer cats are very different compared with those who prefer dogs.”

“How so?”

“Cat people are non-conformists, but also more flexible and open-minded. It takes patience to put up with a cat’s bullshit, you know? Cats don’t just automatically love and bow down to you like dogs do. You have to earn their respect and trust.”

Alexander breathes in a soft laugh. A discreet huff through his nose. “That… almost sounds like a compliment, but since it’s coming from you, I’m sure there’s an insult there if I read between the lines.”

“No insult,” I say. “I’m not always a jackass.”

“A mean jackass.”

“Alright, alright. You’ve made that point enough times, now. I get it.” I glance over and he grins as he drives. The stern set in his brow has finally relaxed and I sit back, feeling more at ease myself. “What other shows do you like? Have you ever watchedSupernatural?”

If he’d been drinking something, I swear he would have done a spit take. His vivid eyes go wide as he looks at me, then back at the road. “Are you kidding? Of course I have.”

This launches us into a rather obscure and detailed exposition aboutSupernaturalfor the remainder of the drive. We both agree that season seven and the Leviathan arc is our least favorite season. We don’t see eye-to-eye on which season is the best, but we both loved theFan FictionandBabyepisodes. Alexander also has a huge crush on Castiel. If he ever had the chance to attend one of those comic book conventions that humans throw, he’d dress upas that character. Personally, I think Crowley is more interesting. But that’s just me.

Before I know it, we’re pulling up to the cottage. Time has flown by, and as he brings the car to a stop, I find that I’m not quite ready to leave this oddly contented space we’ve established. Outside of Leoni, I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a harmless conversation with another vampire like this since… well, ever?

Part of me wonders if, once I exit the vehicle and this night passes and brings a new day, will I be capable of fostering this again? Will we be back at ground zero?

Why the fuck do I care?

Why does it bother me?

“Thank you for the ride,” I say, grabbing the door handle, hesitating.

“You’re welcome.”

I push it open, but pause. I take a breath and turn to meet his eyes. “Do you… want to come inside for tea? You know, for restitutions sake.”

His smile is polite. Distant. “No, thank you. I appreciate the offer. You don’t need to do that.”

Why the hell did I say it like that? God. “Alright… are you coming to Kat and Roland’s this week?”

“Probably. That’s the plan.”

“Well, maybe I’ll see you.”

He shrugs. “Maybe.”

“Good night.”

“Good night.”

I step out of the car, close the door and head up the steps. All the while kicking myself for being incapable of inviting someone inside like a normal vampire. For being self-conscious about it in the first place, and above all, for wanting him to stay longer. I expect to hear the car turn and pull off on the gravel with lightning speed, like he can’t get away from me fast enough. But he doesn’t move.

At the door and while pulling the cottage keys from mypocket, I look back. He’s watching. I turn away, feeling stupidly insecure again as I fumble with the keys. What is he waiting for?

Finally, the lock clicks and I push the front door open. Alexander maneuvers the car to turn around, and as I step over the threshold and turn on the sitting-room light, I hear the car drive off and back down the lane.

Was he waiting to make sure I got inside?

After closing the front door, I lean against it, resting with my eyes closed in the silence. A faint warmth like a quiet shimmer swells within my chest. This space inside of me has been empty, hard and cold for so long and I don’t… I don’t know what to make of it. What any of this means.

Most Eden purebreds are awful. They’re raised to be classist, arrogant and rigid sticklers for the rules. But, Alexander…

He senses me and he’s interesting. Not awful.