CHAPTER 21: UNITED

Tom stepped up, instinctively shielding Suzanne with his body, covering her petite body behind his towering frame. Suddenly, he believed every horror story he had read as a child, that they were all true; the undead walking amongst the living and feeding off them. At that very moment, he wanted to run away, more than anything. But he stood firm, he would protect Suzanne with his life if need be.

The vampire found this amusing, “How sweet.”

His tone turned serious as he stared at them, eyes dark and hypnotic. He had power in his stare. It took all of Tom’s willpower just to break free from the vampire’s gaze.

“Do you really think you can fight me?” his voice echoed in Tom’s head.

The vampire smiled slyly at them. The redhead was in heat, she started unzipping the vampire’s pants, ignoring both Suzanne and Tom.

“What do you want?” Suzanne asked again, breaking Tom out of his trance. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind. Beads of perspiration formed across his forehead.

“Sweetheart, why don’t you go and pour our guests some drinks? I’ll make up to you in a while,” the vampire said to the redhead, zipping up his pants. The redhead pouted, not happy to have to be interrupted. But still, she obeyed and got up from her seat, and it was only then she seemed to notice both Tom and Suzanne’s presence. The vampire was alluring, but Tom was also gorgeous in his own right. She eyed Tom suggestively and reached out to touch his chest. Tom pushed her hand away.

Her lips curled slightly and she blew him a kiss before heading over to the wine bar situated at the head of the cabin.

“I’m here to help,” the vampire said simply.

Suzanne had only heard about vampires from old man Hendricks but had never personally met with one before. Hendricks had once mentioned that a vampire saved his life. So they couldn’t be all that bad, could they?

*They suck people’s blood for goodness sake!*

“That mark on your palm, it’s spreading isn’t it?” the vampire continued. He had her full attention now.

Suzzane’s heart skipped a beat. *He knows?*

Tom was still not budging, but from the corner of his eyes, he saw Suzanne lower her wand. She patted his shoulder and gave him a silent nod when he turned his head to look at her.

“Tell me more,” Suzanne said. “But one wrong move and you’re dead meat.”

The redhead must have been listening to their conversation, she chortled, as did the vampire, “But darling, I am dead. I am the undead.”

Suzanne rolled her eyes. She hated people making puns, usually, she was the one who made them.

“I’m heading back to my own seat if you’re not going to be serious,” Suzanne growled.

The vampire held his hands up in mock defeat, “Alright Summers. But do sit down. What I am about to tell you will take some time.”

Reluctantly, both Tom and Suzanne took a seat at the adjoining sleeper seats and the redhead proceeded to give each of them a glass of cognac. The vampire shifted his lanky legs to face the aisle, placing his elbows on his knee.

There was a silence as both Suzanne and Tom waited for the vampire to begin his tale. Outside, the sun began to set, casting a saffron hue through the windows and into the cabin. It was going to be dark soon. By the time they landed in Seoul, it would be midnight.

The redhead took a seat next to the vampire and starting polishing off her drink, all the while eyeing Tom. Suzanne did not like it one bit.

“Can you stop doing that?” she asked flatly.

The vampire chuckled, “Celine loves company.” He reached out and yanked down Celine’s red bodycon dress, exposing her breasts before giving one of them a squeeze. Celine moaned.

*What the?* Suzanne was stunned. The sight appalled her, and yet, for some reason, it pleased her. Her thoughts and inner desires had been growing darker ever since the black mark started to spread.

“She could even teach you a thing or two.”

Suzanne could feel her face flush with embarrassment, she hoped Tom could not see her face right now. She quickly stood up, feeling offended.
*
*What makes YOU think I’M bad in bed? I could teach Celine a thing or two.**

But this was not a time for a sexual debate, Suzanne glared at the vampire with disapproval.

“Ah yes, “ he gave Celine’s hardened nipples a tug and patted her head before whispering into her ear, “Sleep.”

The effect of his voice on Celine was profound, the redhead’s eyes fluttered slightly and she slumped onto her sleeper seat in deep slumber. Some of her tresses that were tucked behind her ear earlier on fell and covered a part of her face, others settled provocatively on top of her gently heaving bosom, nipples still in full glory. The vampire made no move to cover her up.

There was a sudden flash of movement and both Suzanne and Tom found the vampire standing at the bar, pouring himself another drink. Tom blinked, the speed at which the vampire moved stunned and confused him.

“You were right Suzanne, I am a vampire.,” the vampire’s voice startled Suzanne. He had allowed his voice to change and to deepen, it resonated with his incredibly long life and Suzanne could feel the power of it. It greatly intimidated her, but she would not let him know. She stared at him, her gaze deadly.

"Let me begin my tale, a tale of long ago...." the vampire began, his voice penetrating their minds, allowing them a glimpse into his past. And they began to witness a history so dark and beautiful, one that had taken place long before the time of men. One, that would change their lives forever.