Dark Desire (Chuckeles & darkangel76)

Constanza stood on top of the brownstone, looking down at the people bustling about on the streets below. The sun had set and the stars were shining brightly despite their light being dulled by the flashing artificial lights of downtown. Watching the people, she tried to make note of where people were heading, what they looked like, what they seemed to be up to. She was hungry. She needed to feed. The burn deep within her soul trying to consume her and make her the beast her kind usually was. Flicking her nearly black hair over a shoulder, her blue eyes flashed as she caught sight of a potential blood host.

Constanza was not your average 22 year old woman. She was much older, nearly 300 years old, though she didn’t look it. She was other. She was vampire, a beast out of mythos that humans believed non-existent. Oh how wrong they were. So naïve. She’d been turned during the mid-1700s, a time when music, romance and proper etiquette were the way of life. She’d seen many things over the centuries. So much death, so much sorrow. Now she was looking to find out who she truly was, disregarding that she’d once been human and that she was now vampire. She wanted to know who Constanza Strauss was, no ties to anything save that which made her live.

Standing atop the brownstone, Constanza licked her lips as her fangs started to grow, making her gums ache. She’d found her blood host. With a smile, she gracefully leapt down off the building, landing in a dark and deserted side street. With supernatural speed, she ran around the building and sighted her target. Casually, she walked up to the man and gave him a smile. Almost immediately, he feel under vampiric spell. All too easy. Giving him a nod, she walked back to the deserted street, the man following her like a loyal puppy. The moment they were alone, she struck, sinking her fangs deep into his neck. His blood had the slightly metallic taste of cigarettes, but she didn’t care, she swallowed down each drop greedily.

Constanza’s blood host was starting to go limp in her arms, so she knew it was time to pull away. That was always the hardest part. Mustering up all her will power, she let go. She then licked his wounds, sealing them up and stood before the man smiling brightly, her cheeks flushed as his blood began to nourish her body.

“Thanks,” Constanza said to the man.

“Sure,” he replied slightly dazed. He wasn’t sure why Constanza was thanking him, but no matter. At that, he walked away, not having any idea as to what had just occurred.

Constanza stretched and looked up into the night sky and smiled. From the looks of it, it was slowly approaching 9pm. She’d promised a human friend she’d made that she’d attend a party he was hosting. Normally, she didn’t like such things, but lately she found such affairs to be good for her, a way for her to mingle with humans, to reacquaint herself with their ways. It was one of the things she felt must be done if she was to truly discover who she was as a being. Heaving a sigh, she brushed her hands over her fitted black pants and straightened out the sleeves of her pale blue three-quarter sleeve blouse. Setting her jaw, her fangs no longer present, she set off to go to her friend’s party.

Stephen sits before his computer rubbing his eyes as he one handedly types the screens flashing by almost to fast for him to read. He sighs softly as he leans back his back popping fully as he runs his fingers through his hair. Beside the computer sit several empty red bull cans from his long session.

He runs his fingers through his hair as he waits for the program to excute on his screen. His hair is a dirty blonde color and can at best be described as shaggy. On his young almopst baby looking face is a unkept beard from the last few days.

He turns glancing at his clock sighing at the time. Its now 9:15 as his phone rings reminding him of his promise to at least make an appearance at his friends party tonight. His lanky from rises from the chair as he begins searching for a shirt finding one that at least appears clean and almost unwrinkled. He sprays himself with some axe before slipping his lap top into his bag and shutting the lights off before heading for his friends.

Constanza walked up to the door to her human friend’s house. She gave the wooden door a solid knock. It swung open quickly, making her quirk up an eyebrow. The guy who’d opened it was already quite tipsy.

“Hiya, beautiful,” the drunk guy said, his speech slightly slurred. Constanza could smell the alcohol on him, rolling off of him in waves.

Constanza just gave the guy a nod and walked past him. She just wasn’t in the mood for dealing with such human behavior. She gave him a wave as she got further away from him and began to search for her human friend, Chris. After weaving through the crowd of people, she finally spotted him. She had all she could do to not hold her nose in disgust. The place reeked of cigarettes, alcohol and sex. And to a vampire, whose senses were quite acute, it was more than overwhelming. Overwhelming to a point of nauseating.

“Chris,” Constanza said as she approached her friend, flicking her dark hair over her shoulder.

“Stanzie!” Chris shouted out above the noise. He gave her a hug and kissed her cheek. “Glad you made it.” He looked at his watch and chuckled. “It’s nearly 9:30pm.”

Constanza just rolled her eyes. “Be glad I came at all,” she said. She glanced around the room, taking everything in. There were so many people milling about and it made her glad that she’d decided to feed just before arriving. Even though the stench of the place was quite strong, the smell of the blood would’ve been stronger. And she didn’t even want to think on what that would’ve meant had she neglected her ‘hunger’.

Giving Chris a pat on the shoulder, Constanza began to walk over to where the drinks were being kept and distributed. She didn’t really need to drink and the alcohol would have no affect on her whatsoever. But, she needed to blend in, play the part. As she walked over to the drink area, she couldn’t help but notice several of the guys ogling her. But it was always like that. Vampires had a natural charm, it drew in their human prey. Some resisted better than others, but whenever alcohol was involved… well, men had a hard time resisting.

Heaving a sigh, Constanza poured herself a cup of white wine. She smiled when she saw the bottle, Chris knowing full well that it would be the only thing she’d drink. Though she didn’t need to consume normal foods and didn’t need to drink, she did like the tastes of certain things. And white wine was something she liked the taste of immensely. Picking up her cup, she took a sip and looked around the room, hoping to find someone interesting she could ‘learn’ from.

He walks along the street sipping at his red bull spotting his friends house. His steps quicken making his laptop bag bounce against his hip as he hurries. He pauses before the door checking his watch seeing it is now 9:45. He sighs still hesitating before the door wanting to keep his promise but unsure of himself.

He runs his fingers through his hair before knocking on the door waiting for a moment before the door is opened by an obviously drunk man. He nods at the man as he enters the room looking around slowly. He shakes his head noticing a couple of women busy with men.

He nods slowly at Chris as he makes his way towards the kitchen grabbing himself a bottle of water. His eyes scan the crowd blinking as he notices Constanza. He tilts his head watching her for a moment before giving himself a shake and heading for a semi secluded seat as music plays. His hands dig out his lap top as he fires it up.

As the laptop begins to start up he looks around the room smiling as he sees her again noticing the glass of wine in his hand. He arches an eyebrow as he notes the particular drink while everyone else seems to be drinking harder drinks.

Constanza sipped on her wine as she continued to scan the place. It was filled with the usuals – idiots too drunk to talk to or too stupid to carry on a decent conversation, which would get her nowhere considering that she wanted to use this party as a way to better understand humans. Shaking her head, she didn’t understand what Chris saw in these people. He was above them as far as she was concerned. Or, well, at least most of them.

Heaving a sigh, Constanza turned around hoping that she’d finally see someone worth conversing with. She suddenly caught sight of Stephen sitting in a corner by himself. She recognized the guy though she didn’t really know him, just of him. Chris seemed fond of him, but given the way his other friends were, she didn’t know if that truly meant anything or not. Chris was just a good guy all around, nice to everyone, which was why so many people seemed to like him as much as they did.

Constanza stood motionless for several moments, watching Stephen. He sat alone, a bottle of water his chosen drink.

“Excellent,” Constanza whispered, smiling. Finally someone, other than Chris, who wouldn’t be influenced by the intoxicating affects of alcohol. Perhaps he’d manage to captivate her interest, the way Chris had. She’d learned quite a bit from Chris and though he had no idea of what she was and that she was trying to gain insight on humanity through him, she knew she’d learned all she could from him. It was time to move on. Plus, she didn’t want to lead him on. On more than one occasion he’d hinted at wanting something more from her. Something she just wasn’t willing to give him.

Constanza suddenly began walking toward Stephen, the people at the party giving her room to move as she made her way over to where he was sitting. As she approached him, she smiled even more. There was something about him. Something unique, something different. She noticed that he was working on a laptop. So curious given the environment he was in. In a way, she found him to be like her. Out of place. It only drew her more.

Standing in front of Stephen, Constanza smiled, “Hi,” she said softly, taking a small sip of her white wine.

He takes a drink from his bottle not realizing Constanza has been watching him for the last few minutes. His fingers dance over the keys to the lap top as he absorbs himself into it. He frowns as he his bumped from a passing couple obviously more interested in each other then in any damage their passing might cause. He uses the interperuption to take another drink.

His fingers brush though his hair as he smiles at a small break through he seems to have had. He glances up noticing the woman is closer now which makes him swallow softly. He squints slightly trying to recall if he has meet her but gives up after a few moments. He scratches his chin as he lets the computer run silently his eyes on this woman heading his way.

He laughs when she is just shy of him shaking his head thinking she is merely making her way towards the door outside beside his chosen seat. His head darts up hearing her voice and her saying hi. He quickly looks around to make sure he is the one being spoken to. He even points at himself swallowing heavily.

He waves his hand at her slightly. "Umm Hi."

“Stephen, right? You’re one of Chris’ friends,” Constanza said casually, her eyes locked on to Stephen’s, unblinking, unmoving.

Contanza glanced over Stephen, taking in his appearance, his demeanor, even his scent. He seemed surprised that she’d try to talk with him. Why? She had no idea and that intrigued her further. He was the only one there who seemed to be about his wits, except for Chris. And the fact that he chose to remain alone rather than interact with the other idiots milling about spoke volumes to her. She smiled as she looked at the laptop he was so eagerly working on, wondering what sorts of things were capturing his attentions, diverting him from going after one of the pretty intoxicated girls stumbling about who’d surely give anyone a ‘good time’ if they got the attention they were seeking from the guys that were there.

“Constanza Strauss,” Constanza added. “I’m a friend of Chris’ as well.” Constanza smiled at Stephen, her blue eyes flashing. Running her long, delicate fingers through her dark hair she moved to be at his side and leaned over his shoulder to get a look at what he was doing on his laptop. Her hair gently brushed his cheek, so she nonchalantly pushed it behind her ear. “What are you working on?” she asked, her voice calm, almost cool. Standing back up, she then asked. “Or is it top secret?”

Constanza sipped at her white wine again and breathed in deeply. She could smell Stephen’s blood perfectly. There was indeed something about it, something that beckoned. And strongly. Yes, he was the perfect person to converse with, the perfect person to re-acquaint her with humanity.

He nods slowly. "Yes Im Stephen. Stephen Layette." He looks around again still seeming to be confused by her banter.

He looks over her shoulder seeing several of the intoxicated women sighing softly as he shakes his head at them. He seems pretty ordinary to her gaze. He swallows quickly as he drops his gaze for a moment but lifts it letting his eyes roam over her slowly studying her. He tilts his head noticing her longer hair smiling.

"I..I dont believe weve actually met Constanza." He offers his hand to her as she introduces herself smiling softly.

His heartbeat accelerates as she sits and leans close glancing on to the computer screen. He hesitates his mind almost going blank at the closeness of her. The slight touch of her hair makes him jump slightly making him pause as he tries to collect his thoughts. "I..Im just working on a computer program. Its kinda of a hobby of mine."

He swallows again letting out a slow breath as she moves away from him. "Im alittle surprised you dont have any attention on you.' He smiles looking at her.

“A computer program?” Constanza asked, a small smile playing on her lips. “You must be rather intelligent. And patient.” She took a sip of her white wine, pleased with Stephen so far. “Not many people can do such things.” Again she leaned over his shoulder to peer at the screen, her cheek less than an inch away from his.

Constanza could sense Stephen’s heartbeat accelerating, could smell his blood coursing quickly through his veins. It sung to her, beckoned her. She could feel her gums beginning to ache, letting her know that her fangs wanted to grow, to free themselves. Taking in a deep breath, she slowly let it out, letting her vampiric nature settle down and bury itself deep underneath the layers of false humanity she’d created for herself. Layers she hoped Stephen would help her rediscover, making them become real and no longer the façade that they were. Over the centuries she’d come to feel like a shell of her former self. And she was tired of it. The time to end such things had come.

“So, Stephen. Can you tell me what sort of program you’re working on?” Constanza asked. “You said it’s a hobby for you, so I’m curious…” her voice trailed a little. “So you do this for fun?” She turned toward him ever so slightly, her breath caressing his cheek.

Yes, Constanza thought to herself. There definitely was something about Stephen and it needed to be explored. She wondered if he’d dare let her, especially if he knew her true nature. He was so different than Chris. Much more intriguing, much more promising.

Before Stephen could answer her first question, she then asked, “What else do you do for fun?”

He nods softly as he turns his head to look at her smiling softly. "Yea. I write programs and find weaknesses in them. I also do alittle hacking in my spare time.'

He swallows softly as he feels her inches from his own body. He clears his throat slowly as he turns to look into her eyes. He tries to force himself to calm down slightly.

He closes his eyes for a few moments before turning towards her. He buys himself a moment as he chugs down the last of his water smiling. His eyes study her face slowly trying to get a read on her keeping his smile on. He blinks at her sudden next question. A soft laugh escapes his lips as he answers the first. "RIght now Im working on a program to turn the lights on and off with a simple command phrase."

"As for other things Im afraid Im kinda of a simple guy. I read, watch movies usually while Im programming. Can I ask what you like to do?"

Constanza smiled as Stephen explained what he was doing with his laptop. And she smiled even wider as he listed off the simplicities of life that entertained him. She liked the fact that he seemed comfortable with solitude. It was something she could relate to and seeing another human pursuing such a lifestyle made her feel not so alone, as if her choices weren’t merely a result of what she was. A vampire.

Laying a gentle hand upon Stephen’s shoulder, Constanza chuckled softly. What would he think if she’d told him that she liked stalking prey and then sinking her fangs in their flesh so that she could feast upon their deliciously intoxicating blood. But not to worry, she wasn’t the sort to kill those she fed from, she merely took what she needed. No, telling him such a thing would most definitely not go over well. And it would hinder her from better getting to know him, a person she was certain would help her reacquaint herself with humanity.

“I enjoy the simple beauties in life. Like a starry night, gazing at the moon, dusky evenings by the river.” Constanza paused a moment. “And music. Did you know I play cello?” She smiled at Stephen, waiting to see what other interesting things he’d divulge about himself.

He lets a small smile form on his face as he turns to look at her enjoying himself as he looks into her eyes. He continues to to type although decidely distracted with his conversation now. He punches in a small sequence of keys before closing the lap top and turning his full attention on her.

He swallows slowly his heart rate taking off once more as her hand comes to rest upon his shoulder. He smiles and lets out his own laugh at hearing her chuckle. "The simple things in life always seem to be the best. Although I have to admit I dont make it outside much anymore."

He slips the laptop into his bag as he turns to face her fully. HIs own light grey eyes study her face enjoying himself alot more then he first thought when he got the invitation from Chris.

"So how long have you known Chris?"

Constanza was happy to see that she’d managed to capture Stephen’s full attention. He put his laptop away, his eyes focusing on her now. She knew it meant he found her interesting or intriguing in some way and that delighted her. Especially since she hadn’t used any of her vampiric charming abilities on him whatsoever. He was interested on his own.

“I’ve known Chris for a few years now,” Constanza said just before taking another sip of her wine. “And you really ought to try and make it outside.” She paused chuckling softly. “You’re missing out.”

Constanza could sense Stephen’s heart rate increasing, could see the vein in his neck pulsing. She knew his blood would be delectable. Oh to take one small sip. But she couldn’t. It was too risky and he seemed perfect as the one to reacquaint her with humanity.

“Want to go now?” Constanza suddenly asked Stephen. She placed a delicate, yet cool hand on his. “We can leave here and enjoy what the night has to offer.” Her blue eyes flashed a little as she waited for his answer.

He smiles at her silently. "Go outside more often. That means Id have to see that big giant hurtball people call a sun." He smirks as he says it his sarcasm obvious.

He blinks slightly at her offer to go out. His heart rate jumping even further as she touches his hand. His hesitation is a long time but he slowly nods as his hand turns and lightly grasps hers. "I guess we could."

He stands before her gently holding her hand as he offers to help her up almost like a perfect gentleman. He blinks giving a slight look of annoyance as a drunken girl bumps into him laughing. "I dont think I could deal with much more this anyone. Despite my promise to Chris."

He slips his pack on to his should as he starts to let go of her hand unsure of if himself now as it seems to hit him that he is going to be leaving with this stunning woman before him. He glances downwards his heart beat seeming to fluctuate as he goes between being excited and extremely nervous.

Constanza took Stephen’s hand in her own as she led him to the front door of the place. He was proving more and more that he was a worthy choice as far as she was concerned and that only pleased her further.

Glancing over her shoulder, Constanza spoke, “We can apologize to Chris later for leaving earlier that I’m sure he expected us to. Though I’m sure he will understand our reasons easily enough and accept it without question.”

As they reached the door, Constanza twisted the knob and pushed it open. The night air felt wonderful against her skin. It felt freeing, so unlike the stifling inside air at Chris’ place. Once they’d exited, she shut the door behind them and took a nice, long deep breath before releasing it once again.

Looking up at the moon shining brightly in the inky black sky, Constanza smiled. “Let’s go,” she whispered as she began to walk away from the place and up the street, her pale eyes locking onto Stephen’s gray ones.

He smiles as he tries to relax slowly letting his hand rest in hers slightly. He follows her to the door glancing back slightly. "Shouldnt you tell Chris your leaving."

He stays close to her as they walk out the door. He pulls his hand back from hers for a moment as he slips out of his jacket stepping back to lay it over her shoulders. He smiles at her letting his hands linger on her shoulders for just a moment.

"I dont want you catching a cold Constanza." He glances down his nervousness still showing through as he walks with her.

He looks around slowly lifting his gaze. "It certainly feels wonderful out here. I can see why you like it so much out here." He moves to slip his hand back into hers enjoying the slight touch of her hand.

Constanza chuckled. “Chris knows me well enough to know that I’d never stay at such a party for very long.” She smiled, her blue eyes glittering. “He was lucky I even showed up at all.”

As the two of them walked away from the house, Constanza felt Stephen slip his jacket over her shoulders. The gesture caused her to feel an odd sensation deep within her chest. She couldn’t place the feeling, but it was strong. Was it pain? No. It wasn’t that. It was curious and almost shook her off balance.

“I don’t want you catching a cold Constanza,” Stephen said, a nervousness about his voice. Trying not to dwell on trying to understand what she was feeling too much, so that she could focus on learning more about Stephen and thus humanity, Constanza just smiled at him. “It certainly feels wonderful out here. I can see why you like it so much out here,” he then added.

Constanza continued to smile, the odd sensation seeming to radiate throughout her body, making her warm from the inside out. As she turned to look at Stephen, he slipped his hand back into hers. Almost instantly, she sensed his heart rate speed up, causing her breath to catch. The quickening of his heartbeat only made the scent of his blood become stronger. And it was beckoning to her on every level.

Swallowing, trying to tamp down her basal vampiric nature, Constanza cleared her throat. “There’s a peacefulness about it, isn’t there?” she spoke more than asked. “It’s why I never venture out during the day.” She looked into Stephen’s eyes, waiting to see what his reaction to such a statement would be. “Some call it eccentric,” she added. “But I call it merely preference.”

He keeps his hand in hers enjoying the feel smiling as he feels it warm up slightly. He keeps his footsteps slow as he turns to face her listening to her.

"I dont actually go out much during the day. I know it sounds weird but I usually work late so Im up late in the afternoon and just seem to repeat it." He smiles as he hesitantly takes a step towards her.

He swallows seeming to get more nervous as he reaches out with his hand to brush a strand of her hair back from her cheek. He seems to blush as he feels his hand touch her cheek softly. "I..Im sorry. You just had a loose strand there." He swallows again as he looks down afraid to look at her once more.

Constanza arched an eyebrow when Stephen mentioned that he wasn’t the sort to meander about during the day like most humans. She found it rather odd. Most that she knew preferred the day to night. And during her days as human, she recalled spending many an afternoon strolling the countryside back in Europe, spending time by the river or in the gardens. This Stephen was proving to be more and more interesting as he slowly told her things about himself. It pleased her greatly.

Just then, Stephen brushed at her hair with his hand. Ever so lightly, Constanza felt his skin touch her cheek. It sent an odd sensation to radiate over her skin. One she rather liked, but couldn’t really place. She had been detached from humans for decades now that it was hard to distinguish feelings and such any more. All she knew was that she craved more of what he’d caused her to feel.

“Don’t be sorry, Stephen,” Constanza said softly, her eyes locking onto his gray ones. She gave him a smile, but soon had to look down. She could feel her fangs begging to be released. Oh she wanted to taste this one. Desperately. Getting a hold of herself, she looked back into his eyes. “You aren’t like most men.” She paused a moment. “And that’s a very good thing, you should be proud of that.”

Smiling, Constanza took Stephen’s hand in her own. Immediately, she felt a jolt of electricity pass over her skin, making her feel warm. She gasped a little at the sensation, so new, so wonderful. She wondered if he felt anything when he touched her like she did with him.

“Let’s take a walk through the park. It’s beautiful this time of night. Peaceful,” Constanza suggested. The park was near her place, not to mention more secluded. Perhaps going there they’d be able to speak without having to worry about passersby or anyone else interrupting them.

He smiles at her as he adjust his pack one handed. He turns his eyes to study her slightly still nervous in his time spent with her. "I seem strange to you dont I?"

A small laughter echoes from his lips as he begins walking with her thinking slightly. "A walk through the park?" He shrugs slowly but nods to her.

"Certainly then. You wont get in trouble for being out to late will you." He smiles at the teasing tone to his voice. He seems to walk closer to her trying to make sure she is warm enough even with his jacket on.

Constanza couldn’t help herself and laughed. If only Stephen knew, he’d see just how amusing his question really was. “Definitely not. I’m a night owl!” She was proud of herself for using a human colloquialism. “Dusk is nice too, just after the sun sets beyond the horizon…” her voice trailed as a tone of sadness could suddenly be heard in it. “The colors are quite breathtaking.” She looked at Stephen and smiled, pulling his coat tighter around her body.

As they reached the park, they sat down underneath a tree, the silvery moon shining down upon them as the stars twinkled in the black sky. There was something about the moment that made Constanza suddenly feel warm inside. Everything was just perfect. The atmosphere, the company. She hadn’t experienced such a thing in an extremely long time, not to this level. It made her happy that she actually had gone to Chris’ party despite the fact that she hadn’t wanted to. If she hadn’t, she’d never have come across Stephen, the one person she felt for sure she’d find some sort of connection with.

Constanza looked over at Stephen and smiled. “This is one of my favorite places to come at night. It’s beautiful isn’t? So peaceful.”

He kneels down slowly sitting next to her as he looks around the park. "I dont think Ive ever been here after dark before. Its actually a nice place."

He leans closer to her lightly touching her arm as he sits next to her unsure of what to talk about. He clears his throat as he turns his head watching her. He lays his hand on her hers slowly as he leans in. "So Im glad I came to the party. I wouldnt have gotten a chance to meet you."

HIs fingers stroke her hand softly as he holds her hand taking a slight bit of comfort from it. His heart beat rises again as he swallows nervously.

Constanza was able to tell the moment Stephen’s heartbeat sped up. It made the smell of his blood that much stronger, that much more intoxicating than it already was. She knew if she were to taste it, it would be the most rapturous feeding she’d ever encountered. The pull was strong and would’ve been stronger had she not fed earlier.

“I’m glad I went as well,” Constanza spoke softly, her voice almost a whisper. She was more than aware of Stephen’s hand brushing against her own, moving ever so slowly to take it in his. Liking the sensations it was stirring up inside of her, sensations she hadn’t felt in decades, she let him. She felt a strange sort of connection to this human and she planned on exploring it as thoroughly as she could.

Constanza looked over at Stephen and gave him a smile, making no indications that she wanted him to move away or release her hand. Instead, she leaned closer to him, her instincts taking over. As she moved closer, the scent of his blood filled her nose. She took a deep breath, her fangs threatening to protrude from her gums, and managed to relax herself and tamp down her vampiric instincts.

“I feel a strange pull to you, Stephen,” Constanza whispered. “Do you feel it too?” she asked, curious to learn what he was feeling and to find out if it was remotely close to what she felt coursing throughout her own body.

He swallows nervously once more but keeps his hand in hers still rubbing it slowly. "I never realized how beautiful the park was in the moon light."

He leans closer to her his heart rate jumping up even more unware of it what it was doing to her instincts. He smiles as he leans in closes bringing his other hand to take hers rubbing it slowly. He looks into her eyes leaning in closer even as she does the same letting her lead the events not wanting to push things to far in fear of pushing her away.

"There is a kind of strange pull between us isnt there Constanza?" He looks into her eyes once more as he swallows again.

Contaza gave Stephen a little smile as he spoke. She could easily tell that his words were truthful. His heart rate and the smell of his blood gave him away completely. And that only added to the intrigue, made her desperate to get to know him better, to learn what she could from him.

Her vampiric instincts hidden just beneath a single layer of the false humanity she could fool everyone with, Constanza couldn’t help but move even closer to Stephen. The feel of his hand on her own made her skin feel interesting. She finally recalled the sensations and she liked them, she wanted to feel more of them. It had been decades since she’d felt such things, so very long.

Constanza then leaned toward Stephen, her mouth and nose barely brushing against the flesh of his neck. She inhaled deeply, taking in his scent. She could sense his uncertainty and that only made things better, made his blood that much more aromatic and pleasing. Oh to taste it. Just then, she pressed her lips against his neck, letting her teeth graze the skin ever so gently. It was the next best thing to tasting his blood. Plus, it stirred things inside her that she found herself suddenly craving. It had been such a long time and this human beckoned to her for some reason. She wasn’t about to let that go, especially now.