Blood and Roses ~ A Vampire Romance - Ch. 9

I entered the library and walked around, peering into each aisle of books, breathing in the smell of aging parchment. Eventually I found that I was alone and decided to start my research. I found the aisle of books under the listing of 'V' and found an entire book case of nothing but vampire books. "This is going to take a while" I said to myself as I grabbed the first five books from the top of the bookcase. I took them over to a candle lit table by the window and laid them in a stack as I sat down. I grabbed the first book in the stack and set it infront of me. The title read, "The Ancient History of Vampires" by Gregory T. Misten. I opened it to the first page and began to read. It started with the first vampires known to man. Most legends came from Europe, but this book told the facts. I read along as I learned that vampires came from an inate lust for blood. One of the most blood thirsty men was Vladimire the III, also known as Vladimire the impaler. He was a the brutal ruler of Wallachia using morbid tactics to torture his enemies. Eventually he was beaten in battle around 1460 B.C.E.and his head was removed from his body and his body was burried in a monastary. Later, when his grave was re-opened, all that was found was a pile of horse bones. That is where the legend ended, but is also where the facts begin. Vlad was the very first vampire. The truth is, vampires are not all that old. Vlad went on to turn many other people who inturn became vampires and turned others as well. All these vampires branched off into different areas of the world and began to grow into the vampires of today. That was the gist of the first book I read.

Two hours had past, and I had already called Melathany for two other cups of tea. I switched to the second book that read: "Vampire's Secret" by Jasmine Hooritt. This book described the abilities of vampires. Vampires can read others minds as well as delve into their past and learn more about the person. But vampires can also, by drinking the blood of others, feel every emotion and see every memory of that person. "So thats how he knew so much about my past." I said to myself remembering the first night in this mansion. I continued to read. Vampires are not harmed by sunlight nor garlic andwooden stakes and crusifixes cannot kill them. They have massive strenght and speed and have heigtened senses. A vimpire's blood lust cannot be tamed, so vampires must find a steady supply of blood. They are sonsidered the 'living dead' so they cannot produce blood themselves. They must obtain it from an outside source. Vampires can only die from four things. One-which has yet to happen-is immense old age such as thousands of years. Two: lack of blood, three: death by another vampire, or four: child birth. Vampires cannot teleport but can speak to other vampires through their mind. Vampires can see their reflectioin and their shadow, and no, they do not have an obsession with counting seeds.

I set the book down and took a sip of my tea as I looked out at the beautiful Irish forest. The mountains and hills seemed endless as the sun began setting lower in the sky. The green seemed more vibrant than ever as abird chirped happily and swiftly glided by the window. I set my cup down and stretched my legs under the table and leaned my head back, over the chair, releasing a sigh of relaxation as I noticed Logan standing gehind me looking down at me. "Hows it going, love?" "Ah!" I squeeked, standing up quickly. "You scared me!" "I'm sorry, my love. I came to see how you were. I can't seem to keep my mind off ofyou...." I blushed madly as I looked down at my feet. "I'm..fine." I was just researching on the facts about vampires. I....think I have a pretty good idea..." "Indeed you do." he replied. "How about lunch?" "Sounds great!" I said, "I'm famished! Oh! The books." "Dont worry, my love. The maids will deal with that." "Ok," I said, "thanks." Logan nodded and escorted me to the dining area.

We sat down as Logan called to a butler. "What would you like for lunch, Evylin?" "Um...suprise me?" "Ha ha! very well" he chuckled, sending the butler to the kitchen. "So, now that you have studied up on vampires, do you have any questions?" "Yes actually. Just one." I replied. "I was wond....well, you already know what I am thinking, don't you?" "Ha ha ha, indeed I do." Logan chuckled again. "You learn fast." I smiled and blushed. "You want to know how child birth can kill a vampire." I nodded in responce. This fact had been nagging at me. "Well, child birth is avery strenuous thing. And all though vampires are exceptionally srong, birth is something female vampires have problems with. It takes an exceptionally strong woman, even for vampires, to live through child birth. This is why many vampires becames vampires by being turned." "Wow. That must be very difficult for some women who want to have children." "Yes," Logan replied, "unfortunately, it was too much for my mother. She died while giving birth to me." My heart immediatly sank at this. "Oh not, Logan! I'm so sorry." I felt so sad for him. I knew how it felt to not have a mother. "Oh, its alright. I have moved on. I only wish it wasn't so for other women." "So, you were raised by your father then?" I was curious now about his past. "No, actually. I was raised by a maid in England. My ather kept me there to keep me safe from rogue vampires. However he died shortly after my mother by the hands of one of these rouge vampires. I have been ruling this estate as the last of the vise family ever since." "Oh my... I'm so sorry Logan." "Oh, it's alright love. I was young then. Now I have learned the value of life and have enjoyed my life since." "Wow, it takes alot of strenght to do something like that." I replied. "You must be very srong." "Thank you, love" I smiled in reply. Logan simply stared into my eyes, causing butterflies to stir in my stomach.

The butler came and sat a hamburger with fries and a coke infront of me and a glass of blood infront of Logan. "Wow!" I exclaimed. "I thought you would like something to eat that you are familiar with" said the butler. "Thank you" I replied, "This looks good!" The butler bowed and then walked away. I immediately dove in. Before I knew it, my mouth was full of hamburger when I looked up at Logan to see him smiling at me. I felt so embarassed. I quickly swallowed as I began to blush. "I'm so sorry!" I said trying to wipe my mouth clean. "It's quite alright, love" Logan chuckled. "You are so beautiful. I can't help but to stae." I blushed even brighter. All I wanted to do was jump into his arms. Logan reached over and placed his hand on mine.

My heart began to beat madly and butterflies were attacking my stomach. I kept looking into his eyes, not wanting to be anywhere but here. 'Am I falling for him?' "Evylin" Logan broke me from my thoughts, "I am hosting a ball here in my mansion to bring new information to the council on my work on rouge vampires. I was wondering if you would accompany me..." "You mean, like a date?" I inquired nervously, but hopeful. "Well...um...uh...ye...yes..." Logan tried to keep his composure, but I could tell that he was nervous. 'He he! He is so adorable when hes nervous.' I hadn't realized that I had been smiling at him this whole time. A cocky smile formed on Logan's face that sent shivers up my spine. I immediatly snapped out of my daze. "I would love to be your date, Logan." He smiled big as he lifted my hand to his soft lips.