I could hear his breathing, and through the dark I could see the soft rise and fall of his chest. Yes, all was perfect. He was in a deep slumber. I could easily slip in, take what I need, and he will think it all a dream. Ha!

I slid the window up and set a quiet foot, walking slowly around the room. I kneeled by his bed and whispered into his ear. “Sleep My Love, do not stir.” I ran a cold, pale finger along his neck. His skin, so soft, so warm, so alive! The blood lust was nagging at me. Urging me to rush and bite at his neck, drinking vigorously. But I was not as famished as to do such a thing. He would surly wake. Instead I kissed his neck, savoring the moment, basking in his warmth, and then I did it. I opened my mouth and scratched the skin with my fangs before I found the one spot, the spot where the blood and life force ran. Yes, that one vital vein!

My fangs slid painlessly into his skin as I savored the metallic taste of his blood. So thick, yes, so warm! The blood lust was taking control as I began to drink faster, deeper, but I stopped! My intentions were not to kill him! I pulled away in one quick motion, whipping my mouth. I got carried away. I touched the two holes in his neck with my fingers and they sealed with no evidence that I had been there. I took enough blood so that I would not kill him, but he would probably be weak for a few days.

Knowing my work was done I left the room, closing the window. I jumped from the second floor window to the ground landing in a crouch. Suddenly I stared ahead in horror. There stood a dark figure, one with a dark aura. It was another vampire. Had I hunted in their territory? I cursed myself for not being careful enough.

“Who goes there!” I called in a British accent.

“Don’t play games with me Carmen!” The man’s lucid voice held no enthusiasm, no humor. He was serious as the darkness around us. “I know as well as you of your folly. You are nothing but a child! Leave now and maybe I won’t hurt you…too bad.”

I stared at him trying to conceal my fear. I felt myself tremble. “You know me, who are you?” I asked trying to keep my voice steady.

“Do you not remember me Carmen?” he said taking a step forward dropping his hood. “My name is Mark, Mark Dan’atonio.” I gasped at the name, clasping my hand over my mouth. Mark had been the Vampire of legend, the most fearsome. And yet, he was also my father! “You act surprised to see me again Carmen!” I hate it when he says my name. He uses such calmness, but behind all the veils, I can hear the scorn, the resent. I know he regrets the everyday after he turned myself to the darkness.

“Why do you come to me Mark?” I asked.

“Me? To you? Darling Carmen you are in my land, and it is my duty to protect it!” he said with bravado. “You do not know the terrain my dear, well learn fast for others may not be as generous as I,” he said turning, his black cape billowing around him.

I stared for a moment as he disappeared into a shadow. I knew he was still watching me, so I left quickly. I took form of hawk, and with a shrill caw; I flew off, back to my place of dwelling.