Vampire Lore

Brit’s head was resting on Ethan’s tummy as he woke. The ever-present candles were near and she was reading a slim book that she had obtained from the library. Her whispered voice lisped as she read. “Vampires are mythological or folkloric revenants who subsist by feeding on the blood of the living,” she read. Her feet flexed and her toes curled while she deciphered the page at a maddening slow rate.

“Is this a quiz?” he teased.

She rolled to her side smiling at him before completing the roll to give him a soft kiss. “You wished that I knew more about your kind. So I got this book. It has a lot of pictures.”

After mussing her hair, Ethan grinned and snagged the book. “Hey,” Brit exclaimed and engaged in a playful tugging game while she tried to retrieve her book.

Keeping the book, Ethan sat up and quickly thumbed through it. “It’s not even written by kindred,” he grumbled. She bounced into his lap settling back against his chest. His eyes grew wider at each new page and he said, “Brit, this is a horrible book. It…it says nothing at all of value. Do I look like a mythological being?” Paging through, he read, “Ruddy, bloated countenance beings in the dark ages.” He turned another page, “Gaunt, pale vampires emerged in the nineteenth century.” He glowered at the pages. “I have never been ruddy, bloated or gaunt!”

With a slight frown, she flopped back against him. “But you are pale,” she said matter-of-factly.

“And I am much older than nineteenth century!” He continued to look through the book. “Pulp. Cheap fiction.” Turning another page, he glowered, “Worthless.” His fingers tightened on the book in disbelief that such a think would ever be in print. “At one time, books were treasures. Not everyone had even seen a book and this…worthless.”

“No book has nothing of value. Just ask any librarian,” Brit giggled as she pulled the book free from his grasp. Settling back again, she flipped through it and she perked pointing to a page, “See? Listen!” She mouthed over words before reading them aloud, “Many rituals were used to identify a vampire. One method of finding a vampire’s grave is to lead a virgin boy through a graveyard or church grounds on a virgin stallion. The horse would balk at the grave in question. Generally, a black horse is required, though in Albania, the horse should be white.”

Ethan growled softly and snatched the book away again before staring at the words on the page. If it were anyone else but Brit, Ethan would have thought the person was trying to goad him. Recomposing, he said evenly, “Well, that is quite true, baby. The horse balks because if it is aware that if it enters anywhere with a virgin Albanian boy …well…” He coughed politely and then stated, “If the horse balks, it has nothing to do with the kindred in a grave. Besides, today’s hotels are far more comfortable than an Albanian graveyard.”

Nodding, Brit gently took the book from him again. Ethan raised an eyebrow realizing that he just handed the book over without a kiss or anything in return. Again, she looked to the book seeking something he might deem worthy. With a hint of a grin, he watched her while cuddling her to him. His relaxation stopped as he glimpsed a page. Ethan grabbed the book yet again and scanned the pages with no little shock. Emphatically, he said, “Brit. I am not an evil spirit in a dead corpse. Nor do I sleep with crossed thumbs. I’m quite fond of crosses and as far as the general beliefs during the Dark Ages, they were…well. Dark.” Snapping the book closed and placing it aside, he said, “Just ask me if you are curious, baby.”

“Okay,” she lisped as her eyes followed the book. Puffing her cheeks, Brit cuddled against him and seemed lost in thought. Where were the questions, he wondered. As the candle burned lower and no questions came, Ethan realized that Brit could only ask questions if she had somewhere to start. He reluctantly returned the book to her before cuddling her back to him again. She clutched it to herself which caused him to smile and pull her closer.

Brushing her neck with his lips, he whispered wickedly, “It is true that I need blood.” His words and touches caused her to smile shyly. Enjoying her smile, he lowered his voice, “Some blood, I have grown to crave.” Brit giggled as she squirmed slightly. His arm slide around her to support her body and he fixed his lips where her neck melted into the curve of her shoulder murmuring, “Especially when it is so sweet.” Ethan continued feeling her artery pulse beneath her flushed skin.

Her pale skin started to tingle from the vibration of his voice and the tickle-touch of his lips. Brit melted against him feeling his fingers on her neck moving her hair aside. He bit playfully causing her to gasp in surprise while the adrenaline built in her bloodstream; and then her breath caught feeling his fangs sink into her neck. Her muscles tensed as he bit harder causing her blood to flow. Brit could feel the pop when he punctured her artery and started to drink. Sweetness in both her flavor and feel. To her, the sweetness was found in the sensual pleasure of his dark embrace.

Brit’s fingers circled lazily against his cheek encouraging him to drink. Her fingers and toes cool started to cool as he drank. Her lips parted from the caress of his mouth that pulled blood from her. Though his heart rarely beat, she felt hers was beating for both of them. Using her necklace, Ethan punctured his wrist and held it to her mouth so they drank mutually. His blood strengthened her body. Her blood allowed him to subsist. Thus they started their evening. Later, he recommended that she read the book so they could discuss it. It was a starting point and therefore the book had value.