“Yes,” he answered simply.
It reinforced in an instant just how little I knew about his life, and his experiences, and the true nature of being a vampire. I knew sweet FA. My knowledge all came from novels and movies.
“There are many different beliefs about our lifestyle,” Hans said as he began to change the bedsheets. “Don’t criticise yourself for ignorance.”
“Yes, but I should’ve asked before assuming.”
“You’ve had more than enough questions on your mind lately.”
“There are some questions that are totally obvious, though. I just figured…”
My naked vampire started fluffing up the pillows. What a sight. And how surreal.
“Yes, you figured vampires take victims, and create more of their own kind by offering their own blood in return, and that is true. As I said to you, that’s what dear Edwin offered me. But as with everything else in this world, there are levels.”
“Levels?”
“It takes a fair amount of vampire blood to convert a human body to fully vampiric. Call it a beautiful poison. A lethal dose of rat poison will kill a rat, yes, but a token dose likely won’t. The rat will feel it, most certainly, but it won’t take its life away.”
I nodded, following his words. I kept on listening, totally consumed.
“You’ll see this for yourself in the blood house.” He stepped on over to me. This time my eyes stayed on his. “Rat poison is a poor parallel, you’ll observe that clearly when you see the blood games at work.”
I got a shiver.The blood house.It would be so intriguing that I’d be tingling in private places like a dirty bystander.It would be so much fun. Forbidden. Filthy.
“No more questions now. Let’s get ready for bed.” His hand met mine and I was pulled lightly to my feet.
I threw off my blood-stained sweater and followed him into the bathroom, for hair brushing and teeth cleaning. All I could think about was the blood house, wondering just what blood games would be happening with experiencedvictims.Players.
“They are players, yes? That’s what people are called?” I asked and Hans sighed as we slipped under the bedcovers together.
“What did we say about questions?” He switched the light off. “Yes, they are blood players. As are you now.”
He pulled me close, so my head was on his chest and his arms were wrapped tight around me. We were locked up safe in the steel box again, and I loved it. It was beginning to feel like home.
His voice was a whisper.
“When do you want to see the blood house? How strong is the pull in your veins?”
I sighed, comfortable in his arms.
“Your turn for questions now, is it?”
“I think the scales are very lopsided on the question score, don’t you? I’m owed some answers.”
“Yes, but you’re also a mind reader. You know when I want to see the blood house. You know about the pull in my veins.”
He kissed my forehead, his full lips so deliciously warm.
“Yes, but some things need to be spoken aloud.” He tipped my face to his in the darkness. “So, I’m asking you. When do you want to see the blood house?”
I let my instincts guide me, common sense left behind. I was thrilled at the idea of seeing a blood house in action, meeting blood players who were going as crazy as I was. I needed the sense of solidarity in my brand new world.
“As soon as possible,” I admitted. “I want to see it all.”
He stroked my hair. “You really are the curious little soul I believed you’d be. I can’t wait to see how the years unfold for us.”
Years…