Unveiling The Vampire's Omega (Bound By Blood, Freed By Love)

Chapter: 105
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TALON:

The car glided to a stop in the exclusive underground parking area reserved for high-profile guests. The driver stepped out and opened the door for me, a gesture that felt both formal and reassuring. Nights like this had become my refuge, especially since my first visit here with John. For far too long, I had struggled with my own well-being, enduring a hunger that seemed insatiable. After our initial encounter, I found myself staring at John's business card for days, contemplating whether to reach out. It wasn't until that fateful night, when my strength waned to the point of desperation, that I finally dialed his number.

John's enthusiasm upon receiving my call was palpable. Without hesitation, he whisked me away to the Crestwood Hotel, an establishment he owned, which also housed an exclusive members-only club concealed within the bustling casino. Upon our arrival, he presented me with a key to a private suite, where a server awaited with a replenishing supply of warm rabbit blood. While others chose to indulge from various servers, I was resolute that I could only drink from the one person I was trying to convince myself I no longer needed.

On that first evening, John had insisted I partake from the serving boy, reasoning that it was part of his role and that he was generously compensated for it. He suggested that since I had assumed a new identity, perhaps my cravings would have shifted as well. Yielding to John's persuasion, I shared the boy with him, each of us drawing sustenance from opposite wrists. For a fleeting moment, I felt a sense of belonging. The blood coursed through me, warm and revitalizing, like a lifeline. However, that fleeting euphoria quickly gave way to a wave of nausea. I released my grip on the boy's wrist, instinctively racing toward the bathroom. Unfortunately, my body betrayed me; I collapsed before I could reach my destination and succumbed to a violent bout of sickness, feeling more unwell than I had since awakening in Helios's form.

John felt a pang of regret for encouraging me to attempt feeding, but I reassured him it wasn't solely his fault. I understood the risk I was taking by trying to draw sustenance from a human, fully aware that my body might reject it, regardless of the vessel I now inhabited.

Once I was settled, John arranged for another server to bring me a bag of rabbit blood, which I consumed without further incident. The warmth of the blood coursed through me, restoring a sense of calm.

After we were both satisfied, John led me into the casino for a brief game and some conversation. However, our moment of respite was abruptly interrupted when a random patron collided with me. Instead of offering an apology, he barked at me to watch where I was going. The guards stationed at the entrance bristled, ready to escort the man out. Yet, I raised my hands to signal them to hold back. As the young man brushed past, I couldn't help but track his shoulder with my gaze, and when he turned to glance back at me, I quickly averted my eyes. Once I was confident he had moved on, I dared to look again, watching until he disappeared through the door.

A pounding sensation erupted in my chest as he left, an inexplicable urge to pursue him stirring within me. Confusion washed over me; only moments ago, John had inquired if I was alright, and I had tried to conceal the tumult of longing that was now overwhelming my senses.

The night passed, but the days that followed lingered in my mind, consumed by thoughts of the enigmatic man who had brushed past me. Something was captivating about his voice and the scent he carried, a fragrance I could have sworn I recognized. Could it truly belong to him? Yet, uncertainty loomed. The man had not seemed entirely human; he bore an aura that was almost familiar, yet distinctly other.

Drakenshire was predominantly inhabited by humans, and I had encountered only a handful of non-humans-those I could count on one hand. Still, the stranger from the bar stirred a longing in me. I felt compelled to see him again, and I resolved to return to the hotel the following night. However, an urgent call summoned me to Qiemont City for a meeting regarding the production of a new medication our company was developing. It would require my presence for several weeks.

Throughout my time there, my thoughts were divided. Half of my mind grappled with responsibilities, while the other clung to the memory of that stranger. I couldn't help but wonder if our paths would cross again. Yet, deep down, I was determined that once I returned to Drakenshire, I would visit Crestwood night after night until I found him again, hoping to dispel the doubts that clouded my mind.

I needed to uncover the truth: was he truly the one I suspected him to be?

Vale was all the way in RiverBay, so what could possibly draw him to Drakenshire-and a bar, of all places? He certainly didn't fit the mold of someone who would frequent such establishments. The man I had encountered bore little resemblance to the Vale I remembered, yet the nagging feeling that it could be him persisted.

Tonight, I returned to Crestwood with the hope of crossing paths with him once more.

"There you are," John called out as he emerged from a concealed door near the parking lot. "I was starting to think you'd changed your mind." He approached me and, without warning, enveloped me in a warm embrace.

The comfort of his hug elicited a soft chuckle from me. "Alright, that's enough, Teddy Bear," I teased as I pulled away, and he laughed heartily at the nickname.

"Have I mentioned how much I adore that name?" he replied, and I shook my head, still smiling. "So, what can I tempt you with tonight?" he asked, feigning ignorance, despite knowing my preferences for rabbit blood and the finest spirits his club had to offer.

"Why don't you surprise me?" I retorted playfully, mirroring his tone, and we both shared a laugh.

"You're such a tough customer," he feigned annoyance, and I laughed again as we stepped into the elevator, descending the club.

"How was your trip to Qiemont?" John shifted the conversation to business, and we discussed the details as we made our way down a dimly lit hallway adorned with red walls and a plush red carpet that cushioned our steps. The receptionist greeted us with a nod as we passed, and soon we arrived at my private space.

John gestured for the same server to fetch my usual selections, then guided me inside. After I settled in, he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead before leaving me to enjoy my solitude.