Symbiosis

The explosion from within the city interrupted Brit and Ethan’s routine greeting as they woke at the moment of sunset. Brit’s eyes widened as the sound shook the city. Ethan’s eyes flashed red for a moment. Keeping her in a comforting embrace, he said, “It seems there is excitement in the city, princess. Shall we investigate?” They both extracted themselves from the plush rug and covers dressing quickly. Ethan handed her a box of juice and encouraging her to drink quickly. Even though he acted quite calm, he was curious what had happened during the night.

Brit was very thirsty and gulped down the juice box. They both quickly dressed and slipped out into the night. People were running back and forth screaming. Angry gunshots and accusations were heard. Ethan’s eyes flashed crimson again as he pulled Brit closer and walked faster toward where many were running. Fires blazed, and there was a harrowing howl of anguish. Soot and ash were settling like snow as they grew closer to the warehouse. Ethan stopped someone he knew and asked what was happening. It seemed that a pack of lycans had blown up the blood fountain that fed so many vampires through the city.

Outside of the building that housed the smoking fountain remains, a crowd had gathered. Upon closer inspection, an injured lycan laid on the ground surrounded by citizens from all fractions in the city. A vampire kicked the lycan hard as another pressed down on its spine crushing it. A demon was pleading for the life of another lycan whom she called "family." Brit paled visibly as the sounds of bones breaking mingled with the angry voices and shrieking from the injured lycan. Taunts that the lycan’s pups had already died were shouted along with clamoring to crucify the remaining, injured lycan.

Seeing Brit’s reaction, Ethan took Brit further down the street slipping into the building. After gesturing for Brit to stay back, he inspected the fountain. “Indeed destroyed. There will be a lot of hungry vampires.” Turning to her, he cautioned, “Make sure you do not hide your bite marks, Brit. And if anyone approaches you, let them know that you are exclusive to me.” His voice lowers as he watches one come and then leave. Turning back to her, Ethan said, “Should they dare touch you, they will be brought before the sun.”

“No one cares about sunshine when they wish to bite, Ethan,” she said with concern in her voice.

Ethan cocked a brow at her response. “Even beasts know when the other beast will kill them, Brit. And self-preservation usually is enough to keep them from acting. Instincts will always kick in.” Ethan watched as another kindred came to the room hoping to grasp a few lingering drops. Staying between Brit and the other, he said to the kindred, “In case you have not noticed, the blood fountain has been destroyed.” Taking Brit’s hand, Ethan started to walk out of the building. He instructed to her in a low voice, “This is why you must make sure they know it will mean their death. There are plenty of others walking around that will make for better targets, baby.”

They walked through the city keeping to the shadows. He escorted her down back alleys and across less populated streets where fewer dangers might be encountered. Picking up food at the diner, they returned to their resting spot. “Maybe we should return to the Mainland,” she offered. “Just until the city calms.”

With a shake of his head, Ethan told her, “This will not be over for some time, I fear.” His fingers trailed through her hair as he thought of the situation at hand, and how it could impact him and his mortal wife. He could also see that Brit was worried for him and for others like him. He insisted she ate while he rubbed her back to relax her. “Do not worry, princess. I will keep you close to me.”

Brit stretched beneath his fingers on the rug. Turning to her side, she looked up at him. Never had she thought of herself as a food source, but she knew he would need blood. “You can drink from me when you need so, Ethan. I do not wish you to ever suffer or feel hungry.”

Rolling her onto her back, he leaned kissing her. “I know, baby. And I do appreciate that.” Running his fingers over her bite marks, he said, “You have made the search for blood so much easier.” Gathering her to him, he kissed her deeply after opening his own lip on his fangs. His vitae filled her mouth and she could feel the strength of it hitting her system. He continued to kiss her until his lips had healed. Settling her back against him, he simply held her. After a while, he softly said, “I never want to have anyone else make me feel less hungry.” Then he drank from her heavily knowing that the vitae he had just given her would have her healthy by morning.