Chapter 12: Love

*VICKY* Love couldn't be reasoned with. It was not subjected to individual will, external forces, or God. Nothing mattered when it came to love. What you needed was to enjoy the moment. I enjoyed being in the same room as Leon. His scent was more like hypnotic incense to me at this moment, and his kiss was intoxicating. I leaned into it, with a small groan escaping from my lips. Nothing in my life had felt more right than this, and I was confident he felt that too. I wrapped my arms around him and teased the hair on the nape of his neck. All of it felt natural; the way he pulled himself closer, how his hand found the side of my face and fit it so perfectly, the way his lips collided with mine. Time seemed to have paused. My heart was no longer as restless as before. I was entirely his. Only, this couldn't last—not unless I was honest with him about the different lives I've been through and what had happened on Earth for the past 500 years. But I knew I couldn't tell him. In this life, my name was Vicky, and I was only 20. My life had barely begun when it was about to come to an end. I moved my hands along the side of his face when he pulled away; both of us were entirely breathless. "I-I'm sorry," he said as he wiped his now-red lips with his index finger. "I-I don't know what came over me…I've never—" He didn't finish his sentence. Instead, he watched me as if he were waiting for my reaction. I couldn't speak. The Blood Perfume had taken over my state of mind, and I was in an entire haze. So, before I could talk myself out of it, I gave myself another second to enjoy the moment. This time, I initiated and reached around the back of his head, pulling him back in. My kiss was gentle and responsive, which seemed only to strengthen his confidence. Seconds later, he was devouring me as if I were the latest dish on his menu. His lips hungrily knawed at mine, asking for immediate permission, and I didn't hold back. My lips parted, and his tongue made its way in, exploring every inch of my mouth. Fuck, if this is what a Blood Bond felt like…I'd go for one any day. I groaned against his mouth, prompting an instant grin. It was like we couldn't get enough of one another. Despite meeting only two days ago, the Blood Perfume and bond between us had entirely taken over, and our instincts responded. I could feel the budding love in my heart, but I'd been hurt before. I didn't want to deal with it again. However, no matter how hard I tried to fight it, there was only one way to solve this problem, and that was to drink a drop of our Lord Ancestor's blood. Believe it or not, no one who had tried had ever successfully found his coffin. But if by some sheer luck or will you did, you'd spend the rest of eternity…bondless. In short, I would never have a mate again. And I would never be able to feel emotion again. Then a knock erupted on the door. We both quickly pulled back, and I could instantly feel the longing replace my elation. Leon stood and wiped at his mouth again, to which I did the same. After a moment, he called out: "Come in." Leon and I jumped a good distance apart as Mason entered and stood in the doorway with his hands behind his back. "Sir, Mr. Loyal is here to see you." Leon looked at his watch and then back to Mason. "It's 11:30, almost lunch rush. Can he come back?" "No, sir," Mason answered, shaking his head. "I'm afraid Mr. Loyal said he has another meeting at noon and this is an urgent matter." Leon sighed. "Alright, send him in." Mason nodded and stepped out of the office. I looked at Leon who had shifted his stance and expression. "I can go…" I said, unsure. I moved toward the door, when Leon's hand reached out and grabbed mine, stopping me. "Stay," he stated quietly. I turned to look at him, perplexed, but didn't have time to respond before Mr. Loyal walked in. He was decked head-to-toe in a navy blue suit with matching tie against his white dress shirt. His black hair was in loose, natural curls, with streaks of grey lining them, and his beard was immaculately trimmed. This man oozed confidence and civility with a mixture of complete wealth. "Leon, great to see you again." "Mr. Loyal," Leon said, stepping behind his desk and gesturing at the chairs we were literally just making out in seconds before. "Please, have a seat." "Thank you, my boy." Mr. Loyal unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down. I stood awkwardly in the same position, unsure whether to listen to Leon's request, or take my leave. But when his eyes flipped to me and I got a whiff of his Blood Perfume, my body instantly relaxed. "Mr. Loyal," he began. "This is Vicky, my newest hire, and one of my best chefs." Best chefs? I knew I was good—but I was only hired a few days ago. I clasped my hands together in front of me, and gave Mr. Loyal, who had spun around to look at me, a smile. "Is that so? Well, if Leon thinks highly of you, then I'm sure you're just as talented as he says." I couldn't help but beam. This was slowly turning into one of my best days yet. "T-Thank you, sir," I said once I finally found the courage to speak. "I'm honored." "Please," he grinned. God, he teeth were perfect. "The pleasure is all mine." Mr. Loyal then spun back around and faced Leon who had now taken a seat behind his desk. "So, Mr. Loyal," Leon started. I was so amazed at his ability to switch back into professional mode so quickly; as if nothing had happened. "What can I help you with today?" "Well, I was hoping to continue our dinner conversation from last night. As you know, I'm expanding Chez Local into the Western parts of the country, and we discussed the prospect of you joining my establishment." "Yes, sir. I was and still am very honored, but as I stated at dinner, I can't leave Kingsland Hotel. This is my business—my home." "Oh, of course," Mr. Local continued. "I would never expect you to abandon this position. Believe it or not, I admire you for your dedication to your restaurant." He sat up straighter in his seat, like he was about to make the offer of a lifetime. "After we talked last night and you shared your opinion on the matter, it got me thinking…I need someone competent by my side through this transformation and Osip was telling me of your management capabilities. So, I was wondering, would you like to sign on as co-owner of Chez Local? Then you can remain here, and continue to run Kingsland Hotel, while also managing affairs for Chez Local from afar." Oh, he was making the offer of a lifetime. Leon's eyes grew three-times the size. "Sir…" he finally stated after a few moments of shock. "I-I don't know what to say." "How about yes?" Mr. Local coaxed. "I-I'd love to!" Leon grinned. It was a true, blue smile that radiated the eagerness and bliss of a young boy. I could almost see the kid he used to be watching his own dreams come true. Then another scent penetrated my senses. It wasn't the Blood Perfume—it was something much stronger and sinister. It was the smell of a Blood Hunter. Blood Hunters were a part of the Predators group. Whether it was day or night, until they succeeded, they would search for their prey. Anyone in their path was instantly in immortal danger. However, what I couldn't figure out, was why I was smelling it. It was the late morning, early afternoon, and the probability of one hunting during the day was relatively low. I'd know if either Leon or Mr. Loyal were Kindred or part of the Blood Hunters. The worst thing about the Predators were that they were like cockroaches. When you found one, it was easy to guess that a few dozen more were around. Leon and Mr. Loyal continued to chat while my mind wandered. Leon must've heard my thoughts, as his gaze kept flicking back toward me with growing concern. But I couldn't shut it off—the smell was potent, and they were close. Suddenly, Mr. Loyal stood from his seat and buttoned up his jacket. "Well, Leon. As always, it's been a pleasure, but I do have to leave for an upcoming meeting. Here's my card. Please call once you've sorted out the details with Mr. Spenser, and we can go from there. Welcome to the team, my boy." Leon outstretched his hand and shook Mr. Loyal's. "Thank you, sir." Seconds later, the door opened and Mason appeared, ushering Mr. Loyal—who shot a curteous smile my way—out of the office. Once the door closed, Leon walked around the desk to meet me. "Everything alright?" I shook my head. I didn't need to look at myself to know how distraught I was. The scent had faded ever so slightly, but it still lingered, and my abilities were that much more heightened. I could feel the feral being inside of me itching to get out and find its source. "I-I'm sorry," I said, my own voice unrecognizable. "I need to go." "Vicky, wait—" But it was too late, I had already left. I bolted out the front entrance of the Kingsland Hotel and followed the scent down the street. Normally, I wouldn't care—the Predator's business was really no concern of mine. Except now it was different: I had experienced the Blood Bond, and according to Kindred stories, once you experience the bond, your instincts would do anything to protect your mate. As I worked my way through the crowd searching for suspicious targets, I suddenly spotted a guy in a denim jacket and a baseball cap. He was emitting a specific aura that I just couldn't quite put my finger on. This was one of them. I knew it. I wasn't sure of what I was going to do when I approached him. According to Kindred law, Blood Hunters couldn't take a person's life at will unless that person threatened their interest. It was a rule to protect Kindred, but also humans—one that the Predators and Blood Hunters were trying to abolish. I followed him through the crowd and down a less busy street. He hadn't noticed me, and I was hoping to keep it that way. The closer I got to him, I could see that he wasn't anyone I recognized, meaning he wasn't a Kindred from my community. But there was still a part in my brain that was itching with the fact that I had seen him somewhere once before. Once again, he turned the corner and went down an alley. I ducked behind a near by garbage bin when he began to look around for safety. One he found a spot with no one around, he jumped and with complete grace, flew up to the roof of one of buildings. I watched from below as he took a spray-like object from his pocket and shook it. I knew exactly what he was doing: it was a primitive way of marking things. Only, what was he marking and why? He then put it back and in its place, pulled a phone out, placing it to his ear. "It's done. The target has been marked at all known locations. We've got Leon." Wait, what? I knew my senses weren't going off for any random reason—this was why. They knew even before I did. He hung up the phone and put it away. I wanted to jump up there and tackle him, but I couldn't. I wouldn't be able to take on a Blood Hunter myself. The man paused and waited, then tilted his head up to the sky, smelling. Shit. "You can come out," he called. "No use in hiding. I could smell you the entire time. Word of advice? If you plan on following a hunter, next time, mask your scent." Well, fuck.