Lara viewed herself as a very typical woman, although there were many who would argue that she was extraordinary. She possessed stunning physical attributes that included piercing pale green eyes and a flawless complexion. Unlike her younger brothers who spent a fortune on pimple creams and wore obtrusive brasses during their teen years, her face never broke out with blemishes and her teeth grew in perfectly straight, giving her a radiant smile. She had golden brown skin with a few strategically placed moles that looked like beauty marks.

She had a lovely mouth and high cheekbones and was of average height, at five feet, five inches tall. But Lara possessed an Achilles heel in the form of a severe lack of confidence because of her ever-changing weight. In today's society she was neither fat nor thin, being a size 18, which meant that she was a few pounds above the current average weight in America, an average that has expanded in the last twenty years. The additional weight left a small excess of fat on her chin, known as a double chin and when she looked at her reflection in the mirror, all she could see was a fat chick. As a child, she was heavier than most of her friends and her mother assured her that it was just baby fat that she would grow out of when she became an adult.

But now as her thirtieth birthday approached, she was heavier than she had ever been in her life and although she still got carded for cigarettes, she couldn't see the beauty behind the extra pounds that weighed her down like an anchor holding a ship down in port. The extra weight was a source of discontent that kept her from reaching her true potential.

She had an average life filled with friends and family but she couldn't appreciate the gifts given to her because of the monster she saw in the mirror. If it wasn't for her best friend, Kelly, she wouldn't have a social life at all. Often they would spend their free time going to the movies and out to the local hot spot to drink and visit. It wasn't the life that Lara had planned when she was growing up.

If you had told her in high school that she would reach her thirtieth birthday and still be single, she would've scoffed and laughed in your face. By age fourteen, she had mapped out her life in detail. She would attend college and earn a bachelor's degree then marry the man of her dreams. By age twenty-five, she would be pregnant with her second child and by age thirty, she would re-enter the work force, working as a teacher so she could be home in time to raise her children without the aide of daycare. She could envision the two dogs playing with the kids in a front yard surrounded by a white picket fence. It seemed so simple and attainable at the time, but as dreams often do, they slipped away like an unmanned canoe swept away by the current of a raging river.

Instead, she was required to enter the work force shortly after high school graduation when her father was laid off from his job and needed the money in her college fund to help support the rest of their family, including her younger brothers. It was a disappointment but she was certain that she would return to school within a year, as soon as the crisis was over.

A year passed and she still didn't have enough money to support herself and attend college full time so she elected to go to the community college full-time while still holding down full time employment. The long hours studying and working left her with little time for a social life so after one semester she cut her course load in half. Eventually, she decided that working full time was enough of a burden and left school after three years with an Associates Degree in business.

It wasn't enough of an education for her to pursue a career in teaching or find employment as a manager but through hard work and determination, she figured she could work her way through the company ranks the old fashioned way, with hard earned experience.

She was very good at what she did and seemed to be well on her way toward her professional goals until the company fell on hard times and was forced to downsize. At least it sounded like a polite way to fire people based on their tenure with the corporation. Unfortunately, Lara had only worked there for four years and there were several people with five years or more at the company and she was left with a small severance check and letters of recommendation for future employment.

The next several years would prove difficult for Lara. Although she possessed hands on experience, reflected on her resume, most companies were looking for a Bachelor's degree to hire for management positions. She would take a position as a clerk, praying for the opportunity to prove her abilities and through a number of unlucky events, would find herself searching for a new job because of a company buyout, relocation or bankruptcy.

During this time, her love life wasn't fairing any better. Men weren't easy for her to attract. It seemed as though every handsome man was looking for a woman that had the body of a runway model. By the age of twenty-nine, she had tried every new diet fad on the market but it seemed to her that her body rejected the low fat regime or the high protein diet or low carbohydrate plan and every other gimmick available.

On occasion, she would meet a great guy whom she was not attracted to physically and he would worship the ground she walked on. But most often, she would find herself on the losing end of a one sided romance with a man who viewed her strictly as a diversion until he met the woman of his dreams. And many of the men she became enamored by simply weren't interested in long term arrangements, wanting only sex, something she did not give up easily.

So as the years passed, Lara found her usually positive attitude toward life turning negative. And as her thirtieth birthday approached, she was delving into a deep state of depression. She was unhappy about her appearance and blamed her excessive weight for her inability to find a decent man to fall in love with. She was about to turn thirty and there wasn't a white picket in fence in sight.



**



Lara's birthday was a week away and she was feeling particularly depressed. There is something strange about the turning of a new decade in a mortal's life that seems to enhance and amplify all of one's feelings, thoughts and emotions, both positive and negative. It is either a celebration or a reflection of one's past. For many, it becomes a time for radical change and for Lara Downey, it was no different. It was a time for quiet reflection and radical change.

She answered the door when she heard the familiar ring of the chimes. It was her good friend Kelly standing across the threshold. Kelly looked at her closely, observing her current state of dress. "That's funny. I thought we were going out tonight. You're not going to catch a man dressed like that."

"Come on in, Kelly," Lara replied, embracing the tall brunette. Kelly was everything Lara dreamed of being. She was much taller with a thin figure and all of the right curves in the right places, without surgical enhancement. She had a model's face with high angular cheekbones, full sensuous lips and stunning blue eyes that seemed to glow under thick black hair.

She was smart, funny and had a wonderful career. Although Kelly was still single, it was by choice. Men flocked to her when they went to a nightclub, clamoring for her attention and most often, Lara was content to chat with her rejects, even dating a few of them. She figured it was best to go after the bottom of the barrel of the best looking men then the ones she could attract on her own. And being the best friend of such a popular woman gave her the small amount of confidence she had in herself.

"I don't think I feel like going out tonight," she replied quietly.

"Oh come on. You can't bail out on me now. It could be your lucky night."

"You say that every week. What's one night without me?"

"A very boring time for me." Kelly frowned, allowing her lower lip to protrude for added effect.

"Fine." Lara never could say no to her buddy and tonight was no exception.

"Well that was easy."

"It must be your powers of persuasion," quipped Lara.

"That and that cute guy might be there again tonight."

"What cute guy?" asked Lara, feigning innocence.

"The one that has been staring at you for the last two weeks."

"In your imagination. The one who hasn't asked me to dance or even come near Me."?

"Well, go get spruced up and give him a reason to."

"Why? He's probably gay."

"Just because the last three guys you've had a crush on were gay doesn't mean all the cute men you like are."

"Cute straight guys don't like fat girls, Kelly. Only the gay ones do."

"Don't be so hard on yourself. You're not fat?"

"Don't you even finish that sentence. I've heard it all my life."

"I can tell you've lost some weight."

"Kelly, I said I was going. No need to keep sucking up to me."

"Just stating a fact."

"Five pounds doesn't make me thin. I'll be back."

Kelly watched Lara leave the room. At times such as this, it tore at her heart to see her friend so absorbed in her own low self-esteem. Sometimes, she felt guilty about her own good looks and high metabolism and always felt it was her personal responsibility to remind Lara of all the wonderful qualities she did possess. In Kelly's mind Lara needed the extra size to be able to sustain the enormous heart that beat steadily within her. Now if she could just find a good man for Lara who felt the same way.



**



They arrived at the club by eleven. As usual, a long line formed at the front filled with patrons hoping to be invited inside the club shortly. Kelly took Lara's hand and led her to the front and greeted Paul, the bouncer. Occasionally, Kelly would hook up with Paul and as a result, they had an open invitation into the hottest nightspot in town. Lara was convinced that if she wasn't Kelly's friend, she would be forever standing outside the club with the rest of the rejects.

They greeted John at the bar and ordered their drinks before settling onto a couple of stools. "Oh look," Kelly said, pointing away from the bar. "He's here."

Lara looked in the direction she was referring to. "So. I'll bet you fifty bucks he's gay."

"You are so negative. He's already looking this way."

"At you probably. All of the guys are looking at you."

"Lara, you have such a beautiful face," started Kelly.

"Don't even go there," Lara said interrupting.

"Lara Downey, I am not your mother," Kelly replied sternly. "If I was a guy, we'd be married."

"But you're not gay."

"But I have had sex with a woman."

"You never told me that. So how come it wasn't with me?"

"Because I never could get you quite drunk enough." She grinned. "Would you have said yes?"

"We may never know."

"Well, if you don't find yourself a good man by this time next year, you had better be careful because I might just make you my bitch."

"Promises, promises."

"I mean it Lara. Now what are you going to do about that handsome man?"

"Not a thing."

"You could approach him."

"Not in this life time."

"Why not?"

"For one thing, I probably weigh more than him."

"That could be a good thing. When he is pounding you, he won't have to worry about breaking you."

Lara furrowed her eyebrows. "Since when do you see the positive in everything?"

"Since all you can see is the negative. He is looking at you. So when he asks you out, where would you like him to take you?"

"Bed would be a nice start," quipped Lara.

"You are so not like that. I know you better. Come on. Play along."

"I don't care where he takes me, started Lara. Her tone became wistful. "It would just be nice to be asked out by such a handsome gentleman."

"Okay, let's say you ask him out?"

"Not gonna happen," interrupted Lara.

"Play with me here. Now, where would you take him first?"

"To the beach to get some color into his skin." Lara grinned, prompting Kelly to laugh.

"He is rather pale?maybe he's British."

"Oooh, accents are sexy. Like Sean Connery."

"Sean Connery is not British. He's Irish or something like that."

"Scottish, I think," chimed in Lara.

The two women continued their light banter until drinks began to appear in front of them, compliments of several men interested in getting to know Kelly. Eventually Lara found herself alone at the bar, trading quips with John, the bartender. She kept a watchful eye on the allusive stranger who did seem to direct his attentions toward her but he never came up and asked her to dance or introduce himself. By two in the morning, she was still alone, as usual. As they left the club, she convinced herself that the handsome man must be gay. It helped to ease the rejection she felt that evening.



**



The following week was relatively uneventful as the day she dreaded most was soon upon her. On Friday, the ladies at work were gracious and presented her with a birthday card signed by everyone in the office. At noon, the core group went to lunch and everyone pitched in to pay for her meal. Afterward, a birthday cake large enough to include everyone in the office was served and the obligatory happy birthday song was sung, quite off key.

She had already far exceeded her daily allowance of calories by the time her shift ended and she still had to save room for the dinner party her mother had planned later that evening. She was certain that those five little pounds she had spent three painstaking weeks dieting and exercising to lose, would all be back by the time morning arrived and she was officially thirty.

The following morning she woke up and weighed herself. According to the scale, she weighed three pounds more than the previous day. Depressed over the discovery, she remained in her pajamas and spent a quiet day with her large tomcat, Ares, aptly named because as a kitten he was overly aggressive and caused war and havoc wherever he went. She would attempt to fast until dinnertime when Kelly would be over to take her to dinner and feign surprise when they arrived at Club Dynasty, for her surprise birthday party. She didn't have the heart to tell Kelly that she had known about the event for several weeks.

As the lazy afternoon wore on, she kept her mind busy catching up on some recently released movies until it was time to prepare for evening.

Kelly was on time as usual, arriving at six o'clock and by seven; they were sitting down for a casual dinner at her favorite steakhouse. Neither of them noticed the handsome gentleman sitting alone in a booth near the back of the restaurant. Lara was unusually quiet until Kelly pushed a small, wrapped present across the table.

"I thought we agreed no presents this year."

"Since when do I ever listen to you?" asked Kelly, grinning. "Besides, it really is no big deal, something fun I saw on the Internet.

Apprehensively, Lara accepted the gift and opened it. Inside was a small stone, with a picture of a snake etched into the surface. "Oh cool, you got me a rock. A person can never have too many of those."

"It's called a wishing stone. It's supposed to have magical powers to make your wishes come true. This one in particular, is supposed to enhance your love life."

Lara read the information packet that came inside the box. "Puts people you desire under your spell," she said out loud. "You mean all this time, all I had to do was make a wish and I would get laid?" Lara asked sarcastically.

"Don't knock it till you try it."

"What does it do? Make people think I'm thin?"

"You are not fat."

"No, I'm pleasantly plump. Well if it just gets a handsome guy under me, I'll be happy. Of course, I'd probably crush him to death."

"Would you stop insulting yourself?

"And give you the impression that I'm happy? Not a chance."

"You know, for such a prude, you sure know how to talk like a whore."

"I learned from the best." Lara grinned and winked at her friend. "Thank you, Kelly. I know it was bought with love."

"Forget love. That thing cost sixty bucks. It had better work."

"Jeez, you paid that much for this thing. Take it back."

"Lara, it's symbolic. This is your year, maybe even your night and when you find the man of your dreams, you will be thanking me. So, when we get home tonight and light the candles on your birthday cake, make a wish and make it good."

Lara nodded quietly, not wanting to let her friend know about her knowledge of the surprise party and quickly changed the subject. "You know, sometimes I wish I was a vampire."

"Ssh, don't let it hear you."

"Kelly, it's not real."

"You never know. Why would you say something like that?"

"I was just thinking about the book mom bought me. It's the latest novel by Anne Rice. The male vampires are all so suave and debonair."

"They're so gay."

"Bisexual. That would be a step forward. Besides, they're rich and get invited to all the best parties."

"They're dead and they feed off people to survive," interjected Kelly.

"They're gentleman, worldly and educated."

"They sleep in coffins and can't even go out in the sunlight."

"They're very passionate."

"Yeah about killing people. It's like sex to them."

"It's more than I'm getting right now. Besides, I wouldn't have to worry about illness or injury. Hell, I wouldn't even have to worry about peeing ever again."

"Of course not. You'd be dead and have a really bad tan."

"True. I'd probably look fatter with pale skin."

"You've got to stop obsessing about your weight. You're just not that big."

"Compared to what?"

Kelly ignored the last remark. "Now when you blow out the candles tonight, make sure you wish for something good. Make it romantic."

"I was thinking more like hot monkey sex," Lara said, slipping the amulet into her pocket.

"Even better."

The conversation slowed down after their meals were served. Lara picked at her food and ended up taking most of the entrée home for her cat. It wasn't because she wasn't hungry. She was just afraid to add any more weight onto her already large frame.

Afterward, they drove to the club with Kelly attempting to act as if nothing unusual was about to happen. Once inside, Kelly took Lara's hand and escorted her to the banquet room in the back where several friends and acquaintances lay in wait to jump out and yell surprise at her.

Lara feigned surprise and was very convincing. After a toast of champagne and the opening of presents, a birthday cake was served with thirty candles. Everyone sung the dreaded song while she closed her eyes and thought about her wish. She envisioned herself filling out a beautiful two piece string bikini perfectly, standing by a pool with every man in attendance staring at her longingly and blew out the candles.

"So what did you wish for?" asked Kelly.

"It's a secret, otherwise, it won't come true."

"I hope it had to do with sex and not diets."

"Don't jinx it Kelly."

After the cake was served, all of the guests proceeded into the dance area. Each one took turns keeping the libations served to the guest of honor.

He was there, the handsome gentleman who seemed to have his eye on Lara and much to her surprise, he moved closer and asked her to dance. Happily, she accepted and followed him to the dance floor. By this time, her moves were sloppy, due to the amount of alcohol she had consumed but the pale gentleman move with fluidity and grace. It served to strengthen her opinion that he must be gay.

She watched him intently, taking inventory of his obvious good looks. He appeared to be a few inches taller than her, maybe five foot ten inches tall. He was on the slender side with bulging biceps that reminded her of the strong arms of her father holding her as a child. She yearned to feel those arms around her.

As if he was reading her mind, the gentleman drew her near and wrapped one arm around her back with the other held up to hold her hand. It startled her until she realized that the tempo of the music had slowed down considerably.

His skin looked and felt like alabaster. He had short blonde hair with a wisp of gray in the front and piercing pale blue eyes that seemed almost crystal in appearance. He had a strong, square jaw with a small cleft in his chin and a smile that made her insides turn to mush when two deep dimples appeared.

"My name is Jonas," he whispered into her ear. "You're even more lovely up close, Lara."

She looked up at him questioningly. "How did you know my name?"

"I did my homework." Lara continued looking at him, mutely. "The bartender divulged the information. I'm rather shy and wanted to learn a little bit about you before I introduced myself to you."

He spoke with a British accent and she prayed inwardly that he was straight. "You asked John about me and still want to know me?" she asked teasingly.

"He told me you had a wonderful sense of humor."

"And I'm ripe for the picking. I'm sure he mentioned that."

"He said that you were very particular about the men you date. As a result, it has taken a bit longer for me to gather the nerve to approach you."

"That pretty much means I never get asked out, except by bottom feeders." Her eyes widened in terror when she realized what she had said. "Present company excluded," she added, praying he did not take offense to the comment, a creation of her obvious nervousness.

"And you use humor to mask your insecurity. Say negative things before others can say them to you." He pulled her closer. "I hope you will come to realize that you don't have to act that way with me."

"It's just that most handsome men aren't attracted to fat girls."

"I think you are beautiful just as you are."

"You're very sweet," replied Lara, blushing a deep shade of crimson.

"You will allow me the opportunity to learn more about you in the future, maybe over dinner."

She couldn't tell if it was a question or a statement. Either way she knew what her answer would be. "Dinner sounds nice." It took a monumental amount of self-control to sound nonchalant and not seem as desperate as she felt.

"May I buy you a drink for your birthday?" he asked as the music wound down.

"Coffee would be nice. Suddenly, I want to remember this evening."

"Oh, you shall. I promise you that." He smiled and guided her from the dance floor, over to the bar and helped her to her seat before ordering a cup of coffee and some brandy. He stood protectively next to Lara and prepared the drink exactly as she had requested with heavy cream and two sugars. It was a simple gesture but one that made her feel like a lady. She watched mesmerized, feeling like a princess in the presence of her prince. Maybe tonight would be her lucky night.

Kelly stepped down from the dance floor and approached the couple, grinning cheekily. "So are you going to introduce us?" she asked as she walked up.

"Kelly, this is Jonas."

"It is lovely to meet you, Kelly," he answered, extending his hand. Before she could respond, he cupped her hand gently and placed a kiss upon the top.

"Do I detect an accent?"

"I'm English."

"Oh. I thought you were British," she said teasingly. The comment received the appropriate respond, eliciting a chuckle from the gentleman. "Before you go out with my girl, you have to answer one question. Are you gay?"

"Kelly!" exclaimed Lara, embarrassed by the inquiry.

"Hey, we might as well find out up front. So are you?"

"Yes, I'm very happy right now."

Kelly missed the carefree tone of his voice and looked at him slightly confused. "I don't care if you're happy. Do you prefer boys?"

"No, Kelly. If I did, I would not be in this establishment. I would be down the road a bit."

"Okay Lara, he's good to go."

"So the fact that I kill for a living is okay?" He grinned and winked at her.

"You are joking aren't you? You're not a hired assassin are you or some psycho that kills for fun?"

"Yes, I'm joking and no, I'm not a hired assassin. Killing is a serious business."

"You're messing with me, aren't you?"

Jonas grinned and nodded his head. "I'm a business man and I've made some lucrative investments that allow me a comfortable living."

"Rich and a sense of humor. Good job." She gave Lara the thumbs up. "I suppose I should stick around and give you a ride home," she said directing the statement toward Kelly.

"You're free to go Kelly. I'm sure I can manage a ride home."

"Oh my god! You're gonna take him home with you!"

Lara cringed in embarrassment and pulled Kelly away from Jonas to avoid further humiliation then spoke softly. "I didn't say that?.but I'm sure he'll offer me a ride home."

Kelly sighed heavily in frustration. "Come on girl. He's cute. Don't you think it's time to take a chance and walk on the wild side?"

"I haven't ruled out the possibility."

"That's my girl," Kelly replied mockingly. She sniffled as if crying and covered her eyes with the palm of her hand. "They grow up so fast," she added dramatically.

"Kelly!"

She smiled. "Lara, take a leap of faith. Enjoy yourself and him. He looks harmless and he might even be a lot of fun." She gave Lara a hug then turned to Jonas. "Don't hurt my girl or you'll have to deal with me. It was nice meeting you Jonas."

"As it was you."

They watched her as she turned and walked out of the club with a gentleman on her arm. "She is very covetous of you. How long have you two been friends?"

"For as long as I can remember. We grew up together. What about you? Do you have any childhood friends?"

"I'm a bit of a loner. I can't say that I have such a close friend, at least not here in the states."

"What do you do for a living?"

"I'm retired."

"You don't look old enough to be retired."

"I retired at the age of forty. I was an investment banker and earned enough money to live comfortably for the rest of my life."

"So how long have you been retired?"

"That's a clever way to ask my age."

"Pretty transparent, huh?"

"If you would like to know something about me, Lara, just ask."

"That could be dangerous. So how old are you?"

Jonas laughed before answering the question. The next hour was spent with Lara asking a plethora of questions. He quietly answered each one in detail. They talked about family and friends, what kind of music they liked and their shared interest in literature. He was a huge Anne Rice fan and made definite points with Lara because of it. He was charming and witty and Lara could feel the beginning of small butterflies fluttering in her stomach as she thought about kissing him.

They were so engrossed in each other's company that they hadn't realized the early morning hour. Lara hadn't even noticed that the brandy sifter remained untouched for the duration of their conversation. He drove her home, parked the car and opened the door for her and escorted her to the front door.

"I had a lovely time, Lara. I hope we can do this again soon." They gazed at each other passionately until he gently pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was over entirely too quickly for Lara and she didn't want the evening to end.

"Will you come in for a nightcap?"

"I was hoping you might invite me in."

"Just for a drink and conversation. I love listening to you talk."

"As do I." He grinned impishly and added, "I assure you my intentions are

honorable."

She fumbled with the keys until managing to open the lock on the door. Ares growled when they entered the room and turned and ran to the bedroom for cover. "Don't take it personally. He's a crabby cat."

She motioned for Jonas to take a seat on the sofa and offered him a glass of brandy then sat down. They chatted for a few minutes before Jonas leaned in and kissed her on the lips. This time he opened his mouth, using his tongue to gently pry open her lips. She acquiesced and invited him in. His skin was unusually cool to the touch and his lips were soft and supple. His tongue felt like velvet and he was very gentle, softly probing her tongue to taste her.

They continued lip locked for several, heavenly moments. He wasn't rough and seemed to know exactly how to excite her with his touch. He softly caressed the back of her neck, running his hand up through her brown tresses. His fingernails grazed her scalp, causing goose bumps to rise along the flesh of her arms. Lara closed her eyes and leaned her head back in ecstasy as he ran his tongue down the nape of her neck, gently nipping at the exposed skin.

"Lara I want to be with you," he whispered, stopping the contact momentarily.

"As in you want to sleep with me tonight?"

"Yes," he said breathlessly.

"I'm, um, not sure I'm ready to have sex with you. I don't?"

Jonas placed his fingers over her lips. "I only want to sleep with you in my arms."

"You want to cuddle with me?" Her voice rose an octave.

"More than that, Lara. Our connection is more than a physical one. I want the opportunity to know everything about you, your thoughts, your emotions, your passions. I would never take advantage of you."

Lara was swooning as he spoke the words. "So you're not trying to seduce me?"

"Love takes time Lara but I believe you are the one."

"Is it because I'm fat?" He looked at her questioningly, not quite understanding the tone of the statement. "You don't want to have sex with me because I'm fat."

He shook his head. "No, no. You have it all wrong. Lara, you are a beautiful woman, just the way you are. Tell me you want the same thing and I will make it happen."

"Yes, Jonas. I want nothing more than to have the chance to be with you."

Jonas leaned in to kiss her deeply before moving back down the nape of her neck. He nipped and sucked the smooth flesh as she closed her eyes once again to enjoy every sensation created by his touch. Lara felt a sharp sting that seemed to accentuate the pleasure she was feeling, not noticing that one hand was firmly against her neck. She felt lightheaded and opened her eyes to gaze at his lovely face. She opened her mouth to speak but no sound came out. Panicked, she began to struggle but his hand stayed in place. Lara felt her limbs weaken and was helpless to prevent what was happening. She wasn't even sure what was happening until he lifted his head.

Traces of blood clung to the outer part of Jonas' lips. His expression looked euphoric as he gazed softly into her eyes. "Don't be frightened, Lara. Now we can be together for eternity." He smiled through the pain from piercing his tongue with his fangs to create a flow of blood. He then pressed his lips to hers and urged her mouth open. Rivulets of his own blood, clung to his tongue as he transferred the liquid into her mouth. She was weak and near death and kissed him furiously, lapping at the blood until he pulled apart.

"What do you mean about eternity?" she asked weakly. She was powerless to even lift her head without his help.

"Just do as I say and I will explain everything."

She watched in horror when he opened his mouth and exposed two large fangs that he used to bite into his wrist. "Take my arm," he said, pressing the bleeding appendage to her lips.

"Are you nuts?"

"You must drink or you will die." He stroked the top of her head reassuringly. "Please Lara. We haven't much time."

"You're a vamp," she started. His wrist was pressed against her mouth before she could finish. A hunger for the blood gnawed at her and she could feel her life slipping away. In panic, she sucked the blood from his flesh. After a few seconds, she pulled away with a distasteful look on her face. "I can't."

"Yes, you can. It is the only way we can be together. It was your wish."

She allowed him to hold up her head. Confused, weak and frightened as death seemed to come for her, she turned her head to his wrist and did as he said. The copper tang of his blood began to fill her inside with a warmth she had never felt before. The smell and taste became intoxicating and before long, she was eagerly feeding until he pulled away and gently laid her down.

He continued to caress and hold her as her body convulsed, talking to her softly as her body died. She writhed in agony as her body released the life within. He consoled and caressed her, letting her know that the pain would soon be over and she would never again feel physical pain.



**



It was dangerously close to dawn when Lara woke up and Jonas was eager to take her back home to the safety of his coffin. "Okay, what the hell just happened?" she asked frantically, sitting up quickly on the sofa. She rubbed the nape of her neck, searching for bite marks but finding none.

"They've already healed Lara," Jonas said calmly.

"What healed? So you did bite me?" Jonas moved closer to comfort her. "Get back. Did you slip me a rufe?"

"I don't understand you Lara."

"You know, a pill, the date rape drug. Oh my god, you raped me!" Her hands roamed all over her body searching for signs of the invasion. "Who rapes a fat girl? We're desperate and easy."

"I did no such thing Lara. You must come with me quickly. We haven't much time."

"Oh, I think we've spent too much time together already. Please leave Jonas before I call the cops."

"Lara, they can't help you now but I can."

"Oh, yes they can," she replied, searching for her cell phone.

Jonas pulled it from her hands before she could press a single button and restrained her." "Please Lara, you must listen to what I have to say and trust me."

"A man who takes advantage of me?" she asked, struggling unsuccessfully to free herself from his grasp.

"I did no such thing. It was the only way for us to be together. It's what you wanted."

"I did not want to be drugged and attacked!"

"That's not what happened Lara. Please, come with me and I'll explain everything tomorrow night."

"No. We can talk about it now." She shivered in the summer heat.

He knew he would have to convince her swiftly or leave her behind. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything. Why is my skin so cold and how come I feel so warm?"

"You're dead Lara. It comes with the territory. You've just fed and the blood has warmed you inside and filled you with life."

"Excuse me?" she asked. Her eyes popped open wide with astonishment.

"You heard me right, Lara."

"No, I'm not dead. If I was, you couldn't see me. Besides, I saw no bright lights. There would have been a bright light." She looked hesitantly around. "Or flames?. All I see is my apartment."

"Lara, I'm a vampire, as are you."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Earlier, when I bit your neck. I fed from you. Then I opened my wrist so you could feed from me. Don't you remember any of this?"

Lara jumped up excitedly from the sofa and began pacing. "Oh no. That was a dream, a very twisted dream, caused by the drug you slipped me. Oh, hell, it was a fucking nightmare! Vampires don't exist except in novels!"

"Lara, we do exist," he started.

"Do not say we!"

"Lara, we haven't much time. The sun will be rising soon. If we don't get to safety, we will burn to death in the rays of the sunlight."

"This is a joke." She searched the room for signs of a hidden camera. "I swear to god, I'm going to kill you Kelly! Come out now! You punked me!"

Jonas grabbed her by the arm. "Lara, it's no joke. Please, you have to trust me."

"Or what?"

"Or you'll burn to death in the sunlight. You're not protected here."

"Okay, what's my third option?"

"There is no third option."

"But there's always a third option."

"Lara, this isn't a plot in a novel. We have to leave now. Just come with me. I promise no harm will come to you."

She shook her head, deep in thought. She didn't know what was real anymore and the mere thought of burning to death frightened her. Fire was the one element that terrified her in life and her gut instinct was telling her that this situation was very real. "Okay, fine. I'll follow you to your house but I swear if it's just a trick to fuck me, I know karate."

"Let's go," he said, ignoring the last comment.

He opened the door and began to run. She followed closely behind, amazed by the speed with which she was running. It felt as though she was flying and within minutes, they were in front of an expansive two-story house. A tall, black gate surrounded a perfectly trimmed, plush green lawn. Rose bushes lined the walkway that led up to the front door.

Jonas opened the door and motioned for her to enter then closed the door behind them and locked the dead bolts before running up the stairs that led into a large, darkened room. A small lamp provided enough light to see. A king size bed with a brass headboard and a black, satin comforter lined the far wall. Vertical blinds covered the small window above the nightstand. All of the furniture, including a high back chair, appeared to be antique and gave the room a classy appearance. Everything was polished and each item in it's proper place. It barely looked lived in. To her right stood a pedestal. On top of the structure was a large, ornate coffin with a high gloss black finish, trimmed with gold. Lara screamed.

"What's the matter?" asked Jonas, concern in his tone.

"You have a cof, coff, coffin in here."

"Of course. Where else would I sleep?"

"On the bed, like a normal person."

"I'm a vampire, Lara. The bed is for show."

"And I'm supposed to sleep where?"

"With me of course. There is plenty of room for both of us."

"Are you fucking nuts?"

"Lara, the sun is almost upon us. Please don't argue."

She was frantic now. "You want me to sleep inside of that thing?"

"Yes, please Lara. I'll be there with you."

"I'm not getting in that thing."

"It's the only way for us to be safe."

"No!" she cried emphatically.

"I'll put you inside myself if I have to."

"No fucking way!"

"Lara, please. I don't want to hurt you."

"Don't want to hurt me? You fucking killed me!"

Jonas grabbed her and placed his hand over her mouth then lifted her into the box against her will. She kicked and screamed but his strength was too powerful for her to overcome. Once inside, he shut the lid and lay down, with Lara in his arms. "You will fall asleep shortly and awaken refreshed when the moon is out," he whispered calmly.

"Yeah, whatever," she said yawning. Suddenly, the idea of keeping her eyelids open seemed like a monumental task and the fight to free her from his grasp ended. "This is so not what I had in mind about cuddling," she added before darkness took her away.



**





The sound of the lid lifting from the coffin woke Lara from a very deep sleep. Her eyes opened immediately and instead of the usual sleepiness she felt upon awakening, she felt completely refreshed with an incredible amount of energy. Her mind was filled with a startling clarity.

"How do you feel Lara?" Jonas asked calmly.

She jumped at the sound of his voice, eager to move from the confines of their close sleeping quarters. Once outside of the coffin, she looked around in the darkness of the room, able to see every infinite detail in the shadows of the moon.

"Lara," Jonas started.

"I hope Kelly paid you a pretty penny for this joke." She silently prayed that Jonas would jump up and yell "got ya" and Kelly would come running up the stairs but something inside told her otherwise.

"This is very real," he replied, lifting himself from the coffin and closing the lid. "You must be famished."

"I could go for a juicy steak, bloody red inside. In fact, skip the steak and just give me the blood." She froze and put both hands over her mouth, thinking of the words she had just spoken. The events of the previous evening flooded through her mind vividly. The thought of Jonas' blood on the tip of her tongue filled her with unrequited pleasure.

Fear of the truth hit her like a sledgehammer against the skull. Her legs became weak and buckled beneath her. Jonas caught her before she could hit the carpet. She bowed her head down, resting her head against her hand in defeat. "This is real."

Jonas held her gently, attempting to offer comfort. "Yes, love, it is real."

"So I'm dead but I'm not dead because I'm a vampire?"

"Yes."

"And how long will I stay this way?"

"Well, vampires aren't immortal but we are quite difficult to kill. As long as we stay together, away from fire and out of the sunlight, we could be together for eternity."

"That's a lot to ask on a first date, don't ya think?" she asked flippantly.

"Lara, I've been watching you for some time. I'm quite certain we are meant to be together. I've grown to love you."

"You barely know me."

"Everything I need to know, I can see in your eyes."

"Oh, that is so sweet," she replied, forgetting her situation momentarily. She pulled away from Jonas. "Wait a second. That still doesn't give you the right to do this to me."

"What's done is done. It cannot be undone."

"Anything's possible." Jonas shook his head. "Isn't there more to this like if I don't feed I can go back to being normal or something?"

"Once you drink the blood of a vampire, you cannot go back to the living."

"Oh come on. There has to be a loophole."

"No, Lara. I thought you'd be pleased. You won't have to worry about illness or injury. You said I am rather handsome and we do get invited to all the best parties. And look around you. I'm bloody rich."

Lara looked around at the eloquence of the room, knowing it was one small space inside an opulent mansion. She was beginning to resign herself to this fate and spoke softly. "So this is it? I'm dead and my body is never gonna age?"

"Isn't it wonderful?"

"Um, my body is never going to change. I'm going to look like this for eternity, right?" she asked, her voice controlled.

"Yes and I will love you for that eternity."

She became agitated and her expression animated. "I'm fat Jonas. Vampires aren't supposed to be fat! They're supposed to be perfect looking people. Forget the slow metabolism! Now I have no metabolism!"

"Lara, you're missing the big picture here. I love you. We have each other."

"I'm fat! I am the big picture!"

"Lara, I," started Jonas.

"I don't want to go through the rest of my life fat, yet alone go through eternity in a size 18! What a fucking nightmare!" Lara looked at her savior. "You did this to me," she cried before lunging onto his body and attacking him.

Jonas fought back to contain her. "You're beautiful Lara, just the way you are."

"Just fucking great! I meet a great guy who turns out to be a vampire. A vampire who likes fat chicks! Is that supposed to be comforting?"

"But I was just trying to make your wish come true."

The statement caused Lara to stop her assault. She broke away from Jonas and stepped away. "What wish?"

"The wish you made at the restaurant." She stared at him questioningly.

"You were there?" He nodded. "And you were listening to our conversation?"

"Well yes. I've been following you for some time now but as I told you, I'm a bit shy."

"You weren't shy about killing me."

"I thought that making your wish come true would make you happy."

"Well, if you wanted to grant me a wish, then where the hell were you when I was blowing out the candles on my birthday cake, wishing I was thin?" she asked excitedly.

"I, um, was still eating dinner."

"But you don't eat food?.Ah gross. What was I? A midnight fucking snack, you glutton?"

"When I learned that you wanted to be one of us, I needed the extra strength to make it happen."

"Unfucking believable. Okay, let's get this straight. I made a wish tonight." He nodded. "You wanted to make that wish come true. Are we in agreement?"

"Yes, Lara."

"Then get this straight, Jonas. That wasn't a wish!" Her voice rose to a shrill yell. "It was a statement?made during a conversation?obviously with a really bad choice of words. But it wasn't a wish."

"Well, you may think that now but it was a wish."

"No! A wish is when you see a shooting star and consciously ask for something you want. Or the candles. The fucking candles. That was a wish, to be thin, not eternally fat and feed off of human blood to survive!" Her voice was very agitated. "What you heard was a statement! Now fix things! I don't want to be a vampire."

"Things aren't that simple Lara. I can't undo the power of the wishing stone."

"That rock that Kelly gave me?" He nodded. "She is so dead!"

"You do have to feed, Lara."

"Oh gross, yet strangely tempting. Jeez, I don't want to feel this way, Jonas. You're a vampire. You must have supernatural powers. Do something!"

"Lara, you do understand what happened last night. I did it because I love you."

Lara looked at Jonas, deep in thought. She pinched herself, praying that she would wake up from this nightmare. She didn't feel pain from the action but she didn't wake up and wasn't sure which was more disconcerting, until she realized the meaning behind his words. "I'm really dead. And there's no heaven, no pearly gates, no harps playing, not even one fucking angel. Just you and a coffin."

He walked toward her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Such things are reserved for the living, not those that feed off of them. I only did it because I love you."

"So what do you do to those you don't like?" she asked sarcastically.

"I kill them."

She shook her head. "Ask a stupid question and expect a stupid answer."

He lowered his head, a sympathetic expression on his face. "I really thought that this is what you wanted. I only wanted to make your wish come true."

She threw her hands up in frustration. "Of all the wishes I have made in the past few months, you had to hear this one." Her voice and expression became animated. "I wished I had a family! I wished I had a better job but most important I wished I was a size five! Why couldn't you have chosen one of those wishes?"

"Those are things I could not grant for you and besides, they were made before the power of the wishing stone was in your hands."

"It's a fucking rock! What the hell do you mean? It was bought as a joke. It's supposed to help me in the romance department. You know, like looking at your horoscope but we all know it's a bunch of crap. Just a little harmless fun."

"Harmless! Maybe you should look in the mirror. You're dead," Jonas responded, pointing to the piece of furniture in question that Lara was standing directly in front of.

"So what's your point? I thought vampires didn't have a reflection."

"That's a myth. We have reflections, only mortals can't see them. Now that you're dead, you can see your own reflection."

"Lovely. I could see my reflection when I was alive. You know I wouldn't mind it so much if I was thin!!"

"Didn't you read your horoscope this morning?"

"Should I have?"

"It said beware of what you wish for."

Lara threw her arms up in frustration. "Just fucking great."

"I know that things can be a little disconcerting at first, but after awhile you'll see the benefits. Let me take you out, enjoy the night."

Lara sighed deeply. "So what do vampires do for fun? Kill unsuspecting mortals?" she asked sardonically.

"Lara, the world is at our fingertips. We can do anything we want."

"I suppose a visit to the tanning salon is out."

"Lara. I thought we would take a stroll along the strip, maybe go gambling."

"I love to gamble but I can't afford to play with the high rollers on the strip."

"We're bloody rich, remember?"

"Cool."

"And then I will teach you how to hunt."

"You just had to ruin the moment, didn't you?"



**



The evening was spent in luxury. Their first stop was the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace for some power shopping to purchase new clothes for Lara that would be appropriate for a night on the town. Afterward, they went to the gaming room and joined the high rollers at the craps tables.

Lara had never been to this particular part of a luxury casino before and was astonished by the amount of money changing hands so rapidly. Jonas placed one hundred dollar bets while she rolled the dice. Within an hour, they were up by two thousand dollars and the casino manager offered them several comps.

Inwardly, she laughed at the irony. She was finally being offered the good life reserved for the rich and famous and treated as royalty but the free rooms, drinks and food would only go to waste because of the creatures that they were. No one even questioned the dark sunglasses they wore to shield their eyes from the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip.

They did however, accept the free show tickets and eventually left by three in the morning, hand in hand. Lara was beginning to feel weak and knew that the time had come for her first lesson in the hunt. She didn't know if she could stomach what was expected of her to survive as a vampire.

Jonas told her that Las Vegas was a perfect town for a vampire because it was the city that never sleeps. There were always tourists roaming the streets at all hours of the night, making it effortless for them to blend in with the crowds and not draw suspicion to themselves. He explained to her that he never fed on the innocent and always chose victims who were a menace to society.

"But Jonas, how do you know who is innocent and who isn't?"

"That's all part of the hunt. I follow them. I read the papers and look for stories about crime victims. I've even witnessed some terrible crimes and attacked the perpetrator just after he has killed. It makes the meal much sweeter to know that I might be saving an innocent."

"Is there always a guilty party available? I mean, what if all you see are innocent people?"

"Then I choose a drunk or two. It's only happened on occasion but I figure if I have to feed off a couple and leave them alive, no one is going to believe their story. It is Vegas, after all and what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

"What if I can't do it?"

"Eventually you will. Tonight, I will share my kill with you. Just do as I say."

They had walked to the outskirts of town, near an open field. Jonas pointed to a man walking out of his house. "There he is. He's a drug dealer. A child, one of his customer's, over dosed on some bad heroin. It's time to pay him a visit."

He looked in every direction to make certain that no one else was out at such a late hour then motioned for Lara to hide behind a tree. She watched him move stealthily toward the man and grab him from behind before he could reach his vehicle. Jonas had one strong arm around his waist and held the other around his neck as he bit down. The drug dealer seemed to be frozen in his grip with his eyes open wide in astonishment. He looked as though he was attempting to cry out but no sound came from his mouth.

Jonas lifted his head and motioned for Lara to join him. She hesitated. The man was extremely unattractive and obese. The idea of being near him made her slightly nauseas but the pangs of hunger drove her toward the two men.

"Are you telling me there are no handsome evil men in this town?"

"Lara, now is the not the time to quibble over how he appears."

"You're used to this. That man has been beaten over and over with the ugly stick and he smells."

"The blood Lara. That's all that matters."

She sighed heavily then counted to ten, closed her eyes and bit down while the man continued to struggle. The coppery tang of the crimson liquid tasted like ambrosia on her lips. She drank greedily until their victim slowed his struggle. Lara opened her eyes and realized that her feast was killing this man. No matter how despicable he may, she couldn't bring herself to be the one to end his life so she pulled back.

"Lara, you must drink more to be strong."

"I can't. I can't be the one, not tonight Jonas." She shook her head and backed away.

"He's evil Lara. A twelve year old girl died because of his filth."

"Please Jonas. You finish him off."

"I don't need to feed every night but you do."

"Not this way. Mother always told me never to let food go to waste but I don't think this is what she had in mind."

"Okay Lara." His expression softened until he placed his mouth against the weakened victim and drank as the life of the dealer slowly ebbed away. When the man stopped struggling, Jonas pushed him into the back of the SUV and together they drove to a deserted field and set the vehicle on fire.

Even with the small amount of blood consumed, Lara was filled with a renewed energy and together they ran through the city and back to the safety of Jonas' magnificent home. It was close to dawn and time to get back into the coffin. This time she entered the box willingly, looking forward to falling asleep in his arms. Her affection for him was already growing and despite the circumstances, she was thankful that such a handsome man would be attracted to her.



**



The following evening they awoke at sunset. Lara knew that her family and friends would be looking for her. After a lengthy discussion with Jonas, she convinced him that she needed to go home and make sure that Ares was taken care of. She promised him she would be careful and he agreed to wait for her.

Lara moved with a supernatural swiftness through the trees that lined Kelly's street, leaping from one to the next with relative ease and using the light of the moon to guide her way. She felt as though she was flying and relished the sensations until she landed quietly on a branch of the grandest of trees, the old oak that still stood in the backyard of her best friend, Kelly. The tree house they had built with the help of their fathers was still intact and gave her the cover she needed.

The house was well lit and she was thankful for the protection that her sunglasses provided. She listened intently for sounds of life, hearing two distinct voices that she recognized as belonging to Kelly and her mother. Footsteps moved toward the front entrance of the home.

"I promise you Mrs. Downey, I'll contact you the minute I hear from Lara."

"You have absolutely no idea where she might be?" asked Mrs. Downey.

"I told you already, she hasn't contacted me. I'm sure she's okay."

"I hope you're right. It's not like Lara to even call in sick, let alone not show up or call the office."

"Maybe she's somewhere having a lot of fun. It was her birthday this weekend."

"Is there something you're not telling me, Kelly?"

"Nothing of importance. Connie, you know I love Lara like she was my own sister. She'll be okay."

Lara could see both women standing in front of the door. Kelly embraced her mother and gave her a compassionate hug. "I'll talk with you soon."

"All right Kelly. Call me as soon as you hear from her."

"I will."

Lara giggled as she watched Kelly give her mother a push down the walkway. She waited patiently on the largest tree limb until her mother left and waited several minutes before climbing down.

She took a deep breath and strode purposefully toward the front door. After several seconds of procrastination, she nervously rang the bell and ducked away from the porch light. Moments later, the door opened. "Hello." Kelly looked around cautiously, searching for signs of the unexpected intruder, jumping back when she heard a rustle coming from behind the rose bushes.

"Ah shit!" exclaimed Lara, pricking herself on a thorn.

"Who's there?" asked Kelly anxiously, nervously looking for the source of the sound.

"It's just me Kelly, Lara."

"Where the hell are you?"

"I'm behind the bush."

"What the hell are you doing lurking around my front yard? Come out where I can see you."

"That could be a problem."

"Lara, stop playing games. There are a lot of people worried about you. Where have you been?" asked Kelly stepping toward the sound of Lara's voice.

"Don't come any closer, please Kelly. Not yet."

"Lara, what's wrong? Are you sick? How come you didn't go to work? Your mother is crazy with fear. They called her you know," Kelly said, rambling incessantly.

"Kelly," whispered Lara.

"What?"

"Shut up!"

"Why are you acting so weird?"

"Let's just say I'm not myself right now."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It's kind of tough to explain."

"Well try. And come out where I can see you."

"Okay, but turn off the porch light first."

"Why?"

"Because it's too bright. It hurts my eyes."

"Lara," started Kelly.

"Just do it!" demanded Lara.

"Okay, okay. Don't pop a blood vessel."

"Funny. If you only knew the irony," mumbled Lara. Her voice was too low for Kelly to hear. She waited until the porch was dark before taking off her glasses then stepped away from the bush. She looked rather haggard, having acquired quite a bit of debris in the form of branches and tree leaves attached to her hair and clothing.

Kelly's eyes popped wide open with concern when she saw the state of disarray her friend was in. Worried, she moved toward her. Lara put her hands up in front of her face to ward off the advancement. "Please, don't come any closer. I've had a rough couple of nights."

"I'd say. Lara, you do look sick. What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? I'm dead. That's what's wrong, replied Lara, still quite frazzled from the recent string of events.

"That's a little bit of an exaggeration. You look pale but," started Kelly.

"Kelly, I'm not kidding. I'm dead. This is what dead looks like, only now I'm the walking dead or the undead or whatever the hell you want to call it!"

"Lara, come inside. You must have a fever. You're delusional."

"I'm dead. What part of dead don't you understand?"

"Oh, I don't know. The parts where you're actually talking and walking like the living. Come inside before you catch your death of cold."

"Already been there."

Kelly extended her hand and grabbed Lara by the shoulder to pull her inside. Lara grabbed the hand and held it sharply until her friend cried out in pain. "Ouch. You're hurting me."

"I'm sorry," Lara said, releasing the limb quickly. "I forgot the extra strength I have. I'm not kidding here, Kelly. I'll go inside but don't turn any more lights on. They hurt my eyes."

Kelly looked at her questioningly, before turning toward the house and walking inside the threshold. Lara followed her and closed the door behind. Kelly turned around and planted her feet on the carpet with her hands placed firmly on her hips as she confronted her friend. "Now, tell me what's wrong with you. I'm really concerned."

"You and me both. You know I don't do sensitive chats well and I'm sorry I blurted it out, but it's the truth Kelly. I'm dead."

"Okay, let's try this again," started Kelly.

"I'm not fucking with you. Look at me. Look at my eyes. What do you see?"

Kelly leaned forward, staring directly into pale green orbs. "Oh my god, Lara. Your eyes are glowing!" She started looking around the room for answers to the questions in her mind.

"There are no hidden cameras. This is real, very real."

"Lara, you're starting to scare me."

Lara threw her hands up in frustration. "You're not the only one! I'm dead. Fucking dead! Not alive! Deceased. Passed on. D.E.A.D. No matter how you want to say it, I'm still dead!!!" Kelly stood motionless with a horrified expression on her face, not saying a word. Cautiously, she reached out to touch her friend.

"But, but, I, um, I can see you and touch you," she stammered.

"I know. I'm a vampire."

Kelly's face went from grim to goofy. "Shit, you had me going there for a moment. Come on. Where's the camera?" She playfully slapped Lara on the arm.

"No cameras, Kelly. This isn't a joke. I'm a fucking vampire."

"And I'm a fucking virgin. Come on Lara, fess up."

"Okay, just relax for a moment. Look at my skin."

"You haven't had a good tan in years."

"I'm going to open my mouth. Now, when I do, tell me what you see." Lara opened her lips as wide as she could and tilted her head back to show off her fangs. Kelly stepped closer and looked into her mouth.

"Man, you really went all out for this joke. Those are fantastic. They look so real. Where'd you get them?"

Before Lara could reply, Kelly stuck her hand in her mouth and began tugging at the fangs. When they wouldn't budge, she pulled harder, while Lara struggled to get away from her grasp. "Ow, ow, sthop tht! Kel!"

"Come on Lara!" Kelly yanked sharply, until her friend cried out in pain and bit down on her fingers, drawing blood. "Shit! You bit me!"

"Damn it!" Lara licked the blood from her lips, savoring the copper flavoring. The stirrings of hunger hit her with full force when the taste of the sticky substance slid down her throat. "God that tastes good! You're bleeding Kelly. Let me take care of that."

She grabbed her hand quickly and licked the remaining droplets from her hand until Kelly pulled back in horror. "What the fuck are you doing?"

"I'm starving. Come on, I won't hurt you. Just a little more." She reached for Kelly who lunged backward just out of her reach.

"Enough, Lara! This is a sick fucking joke."

Lara shook her head, attempting to regain her composure. She put her hands up defensively in front of her face. "I'm sorry. That was inappropriate but I'm so hungry. I have to feed soon. You've got to help me, Kelly. You're the only living person I can trust." Her eyes momentarily glazed over with hunger and lust as she stared at the lovely nape of her friend's neck. "Kelly, help me. I need to feed and soon."

The frightened look in Kelly's eyes tore at her heart but she was desperate and didn't have anyone else to turn to. She knew that Jonas would be worried if she didn't return soon and she had to act fast. "I'm not going to hurt you. I swear." Kelly didn't answer. Instead, she stood there mutely, trying to sort the situation out in her mind. "Follow me to the bathroom."

"Why? What are you going to do?" she asked apprehensively.

"Prove to you I'm telling you the truth."

"And how are you going to do that?"

"The mirror. You won't be able to see my reflection."

The two walked silently through the hallway with Lara in the lead. Kelly kept a watchful eye on her until they entered the room. Lara stood directly in front of the mirror while Kelly searched in vain for a reflection. "How, how, did, did this hap, happen?"

"Let's just say that the man of my dreams is dead and leave it at that."

"Jonas is a vampire?" Lara nodded. "Shit, he was kind of pale but I thought he was just British."

"Well, he is British but he's a vampire and he has a thing for fat chicks. Kelly, you gotta help me or I'm going to have to spend eternity fat!"

"You're dead and you're still worried about your weight? You need to seriously get your priorities in order."

"Easy for you to say. You're a perfect size five!"

"I didn't know that vampires obsessed about their weight too."

"They're not supposed to! They're supposed to be thin and beautiful! Now I'm going to be fat forever!"

"I'd be worried about other things right now, Lara. Like the little part about being dead!"

"Maybe you're right. I need to feed." She looked longingly at Kelly, unaware of the intensity of her piercing gaze. "You can help me with that."

"Whoa, I don't know what you have in mind," she started, backing away nervously. "I love you and all, but."

"Kelly, relax. I'm not going to have you for dinner."

"Then stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like, like, you know, like you want to take a bite out of my neck," stammered Kelly.

"Okay, but go put on a turtle neck. Right now you look like a piece of choice prime rib, cooked rare and bloody?"

"Okay, I get the picture. I'll be right back."

Lara waited patiently for her return, attempting to ignore the sharp pains of hunger nipping at her like a rabid dog.

"So now what?" asked Kelly as she re-entered the room.

"I have to feed soon or I'm going to go crazy but I don't want to kill."

"Well, can't Jonas make the kill and give you the leftovers?" Kelly inquired seriously.

"Kelly, have you ever watched a man die?" She shook her head in response. "I have. I didn't kill him, Kelly, but I drank his blood. And I liked it. It was as if I could see all of the evil things he had done in his life, all of the lives lost because he made his living selling drugs to other people, to little children. He deserved to die and I relished in the idea of being a part of his end. Do you have any idea what that feels like?" Kelly's expression turned grim as she listened and hesitantly shook her head. "It was powerful. I felt powerful! For an instant, I could hardly wait to find the next victim and mete out justice."

"You said that your victim was a murderer. He deserved it and you have to survive. How can killing the slime of the earth be such a bad thing?"

"Because, I felt like a god. No being should have that kind of power. And yet I'm doomed for eternity to wield this power just so that I can survive." They gazed at each other silently. "Why are you so calm about this? I just told you I was part of a murder."

"I know you, Lara. Just because you aren't human anymore doesn't mean you don't have a soul. If you didn't, you wouldn't be so agitated over this. If this is what you have to do to survive, then I know you'll do the right thing and rid the world of the evil that the courts can't seem to contain."

"Don't be so certain, Kelly. Who's to say that I won't get bored and go after people just because their beliefs are different from mine? A person can be a bigot and not harm other people but they piss me off. Power doesn't corrupt people. People corrupt power."

"You'd never do that."

"I'm not immune to it, Kelly and it's a chance I can't take."

"What are you saying?"

"I have to find another way to survive. Otherwise, the next time you see me, you have to promise to kill me."

"You're asking me to do something I could never do."

"Kelly, you have to. I don't want to spend eternity feeding off of human beings."

"'Lara, how could you ask me to kill you?"

"Because, you're the reason I'm in this mess. You know I could just kill you now." She walked menacingly toward the tall brunette.

"Me? What the hell did I do?"

"You bought me that damn rock. Consider it my thank you," she replied sarcastically.

"The wishing stone?"

"Yes, the wishing stone." Lara's voice imitated the sound of Kelly's. "He heard me Kelly. He heard me make that stupid statement about vampires and now I'm dead and eternally fat. And don't even ask where he was when I blew out the candles on my birthday cake and made a wish to be thin. It's a moot point."

"It was a lark. A gag. I had no idea that it held mystical powers." Kelly paced the floor deep in thought. "That's the key. Get the stone and make another wish."

"It can't be that simple."

"You'll never know unless you try."

"True."

"Where is it?"

"My pants."

"What are you waiting for? Go get it."

"First things first. I really have to feed." Her eyes glazed over when she looked at her friend.

"Stop looking at me like that. You bit me once. No more," she said, shaking her finger at Lara.

"You stuck your hand in my mouth," Lara replied defensively.

"So what are you going to do?"

"I need your key."

"What key?" asked Kelly.

"The key to your office."

"I'm not following you."

"The blood bank."

"OH! Lara, you're really grossing me out right now."

"Sorry, Kel but right now, blood sounds better than a coke slurpee."

"That is so weird."

"How do you think I feel?"

"What about the security cameras?"

"Hum. Go get your Polaroid." Kelly looked at her not quite understanding. "Just get it." Kelly quietly left and did as requested. "You do have film right?" Kelly nodded. "Then take a picture of me."

"Oh I get it," Kelly replied and snapped the photo. They waited patiently as the photo developed. Just as they had hoped, Lara did not appear in the picture. "Okay, give me the key so I can go."

"How will I know if it worked?"

"What?"

"The wishing stone."

"If I'm not back in three days, then you'll know."

"What am I supposed to tell your mother?"

"I don't know. Be creative."

"And work?"

"Screw work. I'm dead Kelly. If the worst thing that happens is I lose my job, I will be thankful."

"Can I ask you something, Lara?"

"Sure. I have nothing to hide."

"What's Jonas like?"

"He's a fucking vampire, Kelly!"

"Yeah, but do you like him?"

"Does it really matter?" asked Lara.

"I think it does."

"Explain."

"All of your life, you've wished for the companionship of a good man, a man you could fall in love with and spend your life with. I know the circumstances aren't perfect but I love you Lara. You deserve a chance to be happy, even if it's as a vampire and I never see you again. Think about it before you make any rash decisions."

A drop of red crimson slid down Lara's cheek. The compassionate words of her friend touched her deeply, giving her hope that she did in fact still possess a soul. "He is pretty wonderful."

"Go on."

"He's kind, a gentleman and a really good kisser."

"Have you two had sex yet?"

"No!" Lara thought about the possibility and then thought about the written words of her favorite author. The expression on her face turned to frustration. "Shit!"

"What's wrong?"

"Well, so far, everything that Anne Rice writes about vampires has been true."

"So. I don't get it."

"Her vampires don't have sex. They can't because the body is dead."

"Bummer."

"I finally meet a handsome, sexy man and I can't even fuck him?This night just gets better," she said, rolling her eyes in frustration.

"Isn't drinking blood like having sex? That's the way it seems in the books."

"Killing is like sex. I don't want to kill."

"But he does love you, doesn't he?"

"He says he does and you know, I believe him. We connect on so many levels and except for the hunt, last night was pretty incredible." The corners of her lips turned upward into a smile as she spoke. "Why can't I meet a normal guy?"

"The stone, Lara. Find the wishing stone."

"What if it means I have to give him up?"

"Lara, that's a decision you have to make on your own."

"I guess."

"Look, if I never see you again, it will be because you've found your piece of happiness. I will miss you but I want you to be happy and I have confidence in you that you will always do the right thing."

"I love you too, Kelly. If I'm not back in three days, then I've made my choice but you have to promise me that if I return again after those three days, you'll do as I asked."

"Kill you?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yes. Please, I'll only return because it's my wish."

Kelly bowed her head in defeat. "Take a week, a month to think about things."

"Three days, Kelly. Either I've found the wishing stone and am back to normal or I will live my life with Jonas, like this and you'll never see me again. But if I come back after that, it means I want to end my life."

"Lara, I don't know if I can do that."

"Fine! Then I'll have you for fucking dinner!"

"Okay, okay. When you put it that way."

"There's one more thing you need to do for me. Take care of Ares."

"That cat hates me."

"Dinner, Kelly," Lara threatened.

"I'll love him like he was my own."

"Thank you. I have to go. Remember your promise." Lara gave her a hug goodbye and held her tightly before breaking the embrace.

"I love you. Be happy Lara." Both women held each other tightly and crying into each other's arms. Lara wiped the blood from her face, took the key from Kelly and disappeared into the night.



**



Lara went to the blood bank and took the units necessary to sustain her for the evening, then went back to Jonas' house. As expected, he was anxiously awaiting her return and very happy to see her.

"Is everything okay, love?"

"Considering the circumstances, yes."

"You look flushed, as though you have been feeding."

"I raided the blood bank."

"Lara, you can't do that every night. It will draw attention to us."

"I know. I'll cross that bridge later. Where are my dirty clothes from the other night?"

"I took the liberty of washing them."

"Where are they?"

"They're hanging up in the closet."

"Um, where is everything from the pockets?"

"I placed your things on top of the dresser." She nonchalantly walked over to the dresser and casually looked through everything. The wishing stone was missing. "You look upset."

"Is this everything?"

"Yes. There was a small rip in one of the pockets." Lara didn't say anything. "Is something wrong?"

"I was looking for the wishing stone."

"You're not happy, Lara."

She shook her head. "I'm confused and tired, very tired. Can we talk about this in the morning?"

"Well, not in the morning but as soon as the sun sets, we will."

He extended his hand to Lara. She took it and allowed him to lead her up the stairs and into the coffin, without a word. She snuggled against the nape of his neck, feeling comfort from his strong arms, and closed her eyes.



**



Lara awoke, feeling refreshed. Jonas held onto her tightly and kissed her deeply. "Good evening, Lara."

"Well that was a pleasant way to wake up. You don't have morning breath."

"It is the evening, Lara."

She playfully covered his lips with her fingers. "You know what I mean silly."

"It is one of the advantages of being dead."

"What else do I have to look forward to?"

"Well, we don't have to worry about offensive body odors or bodily functions. I'm sure you figured that one out on your own."

"Guess I was too busy dealing with the dead part to notice." She ran her hand down his chest to his lower abdomen. "Your nipples are responding to my touch. How about the rest of you?" Her voice was husky.

"Lara, I'm afraid that not all of my body parts work like they did when I was alive."

"I see." Her face revealed her obvious disappointment. "I suppose that's why you settled for me. You don't have to worry about having sex with the fat chick."

"Lara! I'll not have you speaking about yourself in such a manner. If we were both alive, I would ravish your body every day."

"That's an easy thing to say knowing you'll never have to rise to the occasion."

"What is it going to take to get you to accept the fact that I find you beautiful in every way?"

"We may never know, Jonas. I'm stuck in this body for eternity."

"That is sad indeed but I won't give up on you."

"Let's get out of this thing. I am so not comfortable with sleeping in a coffin." She stood up quickly and stepped away from the box.

"As long as we can get ready to enjoy a night on the town."

"Are you like asking me out on a date?"

"I believe I am. Do you accept?"

"As long as it doesn't start with dinner."

"Lara, you will have to feed every night to keep up your strength."

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Anything."

"Do you enjoy being a vampire?"

"I love it. I do occasionally miss the sun but other than that, I wouldn't have things any other way."

"You would rather be dead than alive?"

"Trust me, Lara. I'm more alive dead than when I was living."

Her eyebrows furrowed into a question mark. "Was I supposed to understand that?"

"When I was alive, I was a hermit. I worked hard and made a great deal of money but I didn't know how to live. Orlando taught me otherwise."

"Who is Orlando?"

"Orlando was the vampire who created me."

"Oh, shit, you are gay. I knew it."

"Lara," interrupted Jonas. "When I was alive, I fancied women. The truth is, they just didn't fancy me. Orlando was searching for a companion. We were friends long before I ever knew his true nature. He refined me and turned me into a gentleman."

"He couldn't do that without turning you into a vampire?"

"It was my wish, as I thought it was yours."

"You seriously chose to be a vampire?"

"Yes. Lara life is a wonderful gift. I was forty years old, retired and just learning how to enjoy life. He gave me a chance at immortality and I have the luxury of living everyday as if it was my last and knowing that there are many more days ahead."

"What happened to Orlando?"

"I'm not quite sure. He was tired of his immortality and spoke of walking into the daylight. I haven't seen him since."

"How old are you?"

"I have been a vampire for one hundred years and I have seen some miraculous things. I have traveled the world and met fascinating people but none have inspired me more than you."

"You're being sweet again."

"It's the truth. I was ecstatic when I heard your wish. I've been alone for four years, with the exception of Benjamin."

"Who's Benjamin?"

"He's my butler. You will meet him shortly."

"You have a butler?" He nodded. "Wow. I can't even afford the Merry Maids once a month. How do you explain the coffin in the bedroom?"

"Benjamin has been with me since he was a young man. I trust him with my life and my secret."

"You're not afraid that he might turn on you?"

"And give up the very handsome salary I pay him? He has a lavish benefits package, complete medical and weekends off. He is quite the man's man, you know."

"I guess that would be incentive enough to keep quiet."

"Besides, he knows how powerful I am and I could snap him like a twig."

"He is the only one who likes boys, right?"

"Of course Lara. Look around. You'll never want for anything ever again, my love. The world is at our fingertips. We can travel to Europe, see the states, go to the Orient and travel first class all the way. And you'll never be alone again."

"It sounds enticing but there's that whole killing thing I'm not too comfortable with."

"In time Lara. I assure you that my victims deserve their sentence. Knowing that they are a scourge on this earth makes the kill so much sweeter."

"I can hardly wait," she mumbled, mockingly.

"Let's get ready. I shall take you to see Zumanity tonight and afterward, we can do anything you like."

"Can we ride the roller coaster?"

"Anything Lara. The world belongs to us."



**



The two spent a very busy evening together, taking in the show then gambling the evening away with the other high rollers at the casino. Lara reveled in the attention she received from casino personal and her own personal escort, Jonas. He proved to be quite the gentleman with impeccable manners that made her feel like a member of royalty. She knew she could easily see herself spending the rest of her life in the constant companionship of such a man.

"Did you enjoy the show, love?"

"It was wonderful and frustrating at the same time."

"How so?"

"Because my mind is telling me I'm really horny but I don't feel it down here," she replied, pointing to her groin.

"As I've said, we don't function quite the same as the living. A good kill will satisfy your needs and I know just the victims to go after."

"I must admit that Benjamin is looking pretty tempting," she started.

"Now, now. No eating the help," Jonas quipped.

"I should say not," added Benjamin.

"Stop listening to our conversation, Benjamin or you shall be a midnight snack."

"Yes Mr. Niles. That threat is getting rather old."

"Never mind him, love. Are you ready for another lesson in the hunt? I assure you that it will satisfy you."

"I'm not ready yet. I have a confession to make."

"I'm listening."

"I told Kelly that if she didn't see me in three days, that she would never see me again. I don't know if I can handle being a vampire but if I could just find the wishing stone, maybe I could make the decision on my own. It might reverse things and until then, I don't want to kill."

"Lara, that's too long to wait without feeding. You'll never survive and you can't go back to the blood bank. You saw the story in the newspaper."

"I know but I can break into the meat packing plant."

"That's nasty. I won't allow it."

"Please Jonas. It's only for a few nights."

"Well, I'm not going to let you go to the plant and feed off of blood drippings. I have another idea." He knocked on the window and motioned for the driver to pull over. "You wait here. I promised to take care of you." He kissed her on the forehead and left the car.

"So how long have you worked for Jonas?" Lara asked, attempting to break the uncomfortable silence in the limousine.

"Thirty-five years."

"I see. Do you like working for him?"

"I'm here aren't I?" Benjamin sounded bored by the questions.

"How many vampires do you know?"

"Two."

"Who else besides Jonas?"

"You, Ms. Downey."

"Are you always so talkative?"

"Only when I find the company so fascinating," he replied sardonically.

"I get the hint. I'll shut up."

"No you won't."

"What bug crawled up your ass?"

"See. I told you so," he replied drolly.

"You're not very nice. You don't even know me and yet you act like you hate me."

"Don't take it personally. You're a girl."

"I see. You're not just gay. You're a woman hater."

"I care very much for young Mr. Niles and would prefer that he seek a male companion who won't hurt him."

"Why do you think I'm going to hurt him?"

"Do you really think I stopped eavesdropping on your little conversation because Mr. Niles threatened me?"

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"He is intent on spending his nights with you and already you're looking for a way out of this life. A man would embrace his gift."

"I'm dead. He killed me. You call that a gift?"

"He has given you an incredible opportunity that most mortals will never have and all you can do is obsess over the trivial little inconvenience of killing mortals who deserve to die." He mimicked her voice very poorly. "I don't want to kill, Jonas." Benjamin rolled his eyes before continuing. "Death is a part of life, Ms. Downey. Mr. Niles has already fallen in love with you and you are going to break his heart when you leave."

"I haven't left yet."

"But you will," he replied smugly.

Lara sat back in her seat and thought about his words. She knew he was right.

"You've suddenly became very quiet, Ms. Downey. Was it something I said?" he asked mockingly.

"I don't want to hurt him," she said, barely audible.

"Then open your mind to the possibilities."

"If I could find the wishing stone, maybe both of us could be alive again."

"That is exactly what he does not want. He loves his immortality. Did you not listen to anything he said?"

"He misses the sun."

"That is nothing compared to the luxuries afforded to him now. He will never age or lose his looks and become a wrinkled old man as I have become."

"You're not that wrinkled."

"Stop attempting to be nice to me. It will not work."

"Okay. You look like a char pei."

"That's better. I would not want to ruin the relationship we have developed."

"There's more to life than looks."

"Says the girl who doesn't want to be eternally fat."

"How do you know about that?"

"He confides in me. I know everything," he answered smugly.

"I know everything," Lara mumbled, imitating Benjamin.

"I heard that. He also will never have to worry about getting sick and dying of some terrible disease."

"Was he sick before he became a vampire?"

"No, but cancer does run in his family.'

They sat in awkward silence until Jonas returned, flushed from feeding. He sat next to Lara and cut his wrist with his fangs to allow her to take the nourishment she needed. Benjamin returned them to the house before the sun rose and together they laid down to sleep in each other's arms.



**



They woke up together the following evening at eight and dressed for another night on the town. Jonas had VIP tickets for the Faith Hill concert at Caesar's Forum and backstage passes to meet the top selling country singer. He insisted on feeding early so they could enjoy the evening and look less inconspicuous among the crowd.

Lara found herself once again alone in the company of Benjamin as they waited for Jonas to return.

"He can't do this every night," Benjamin said, breaking the silence.

"I'm aware of that. I offered to go on my own. I could get in and out of the warehouse at my work without being detected."

"Well I suppose there's that."

Lara leaned over the front seat of the vehicle. "Do I detect a compliment somewhere in that statement?"

"It doesn't mean I like you, Ms. Downey or approve of Mr. Niles' choice."

"Don't worry Benjamin. My opinion of you hasn't changed either."

"But you like me, Ms. Downey."

"Well, someone is full of himself."

"You're one of those flippant little girls who likes everyone. You can't help yourself."

So you don't like women and happy people. A happy chick must really piss you off."

"No, Ms. Downey. Just you."

"Touché'.

"Tell me Ms. Downey, what is it you seek from Mr. Niles?"

"So now you're talking to me?"

"If I don't engage you in conversation, you will ramble on and on incessantly."

"Well, for your information, Jonas sought me out."

"I am well aware of that. He has been following you now for months."

"Months? How many?"

"Since Christmas. Are you going to answer my question?"

Lara was silent for a few moments, contemplating her reply. "Well I guess a husband, two point five kids, a dog and a white picket fence is out of the question. Isn't that what every American girls years for?"

"Precisely," interrupted Benjamin. "Jonas is not a family man. He loves his lavish lifestyle and loves the nightlife."

"He's a vampire. He has no choice."

"Ah, but he did have a choice."

"Yeah, a hundred years ago. Life was pretty different at the turn of the century. How do you know his desires haven't changed? A person can have a pretty interesting life without going out every night and partying."

"True but he has never said otherwise to me and I don't think that his interests have changed that dramatically."

"But you don't know for sure," Lara replied confidently.

"Talk to him, Ms. Downey. It's the only way for you to find out. If you don't find his answers satisfactory, leave him."

"And be a vampire on my own? I don't think so."

"The wishing stone, Ms. Downey."

"I don't have the wishing stone."

"Then find it."

"Then find it," she repeated, mimicking him again.

"I heard that."

'Bite me."

"That wasn't a threat when you were human."

"Yeah, well maybe you could help me overcome that little killing problem I have," she said tauntingly. She bared her fangs and hissed for added effect.

"The little one has potential," mumbled Benjamin.

"I heard that."

"Heard what?" asked Jonas as he stepped into the backseat.

"Ole' Benny here is starting to warm up to me."

"Bite your tongue!" exclaimed Benjamin.

"I'll bite it for you," replied Lara, grinning widely.

"It appears that Lara likes you Benjamin," Jonas said.

"She likes everyone Mr. Niles."

"She would have to in order to like even you."

"True," agreed the butler. "In the future Ms. Downey, please refrain from referring to me as Benny."

"And if I don't?" she asked, grinning.

"I shall scream."

"Whatever works for you Benny."

Benjamin rolled his eyes in frustration. Jonas leaned back in the seat. "It's good to see the two of you getting on so brilliantly." He focused his attention on Lara to provide her with the nourishment she needed. Few words were spoken as they proceeded to the concert. Lara was consumed in deep thought over the words spoken by the butler.

Jonas led her by the hand to the backstage area where the met with the singer and posed for souvenir photos. It was entirely for show as their images would not appear on the actual pictures. They enjoyed the concert from the front row and stayed until the last encore was finished.

Afterward, they drove to the nightclub where they met and danced the night away. She was quick to say hello to her friends at the club and they sat at a small booth in the back so they wouldn't draw too much attention. Jonas was an excellent dancer and kept her on the dance floor most of the evening, teaching her some new moves. Lara discreetly kept her eyes on the floor, searching every inch of the facility in hopes that she might find the missing stone, without any luck. By three, Lara was ready to head home.

"Do you mind if we stop by my apartment?"

"Whatever for?"

"I would like to check my phone messages, you know, in case anyone might be worried about me, and maybe get some of my own clothes."

"Sure love." He directed the driver to her apartment complex. "Shall I come in with you?"

"I'll only be a few minutes."

"Okay but don't be too long. It is rather late."

She nodded and left the vehicle. Once inside the apartment, she began searching frantically for the wishing stone, turning over every pillow and cushion on the sofa and looking under all of the furniture. After several minutes, she gave up and grabbed a few items from her closet and left the building.

Back inside the limousine, she asked Jonas to hold her and spent the rest of the ride laying against his chest inside the comfort of his strong arms. Lara knew she had only one more night to find the stone or reconcile with the fact that she would be destined to live the rest of her life as a creature of the night, a fat one at that. Jonas seemed to sense her discontent and held her tightly until they were safe within the confines of the coffin.



**



Lara woke up before Jonas and turned to face him inside the coffin. She watched him sleep for a few minutes before leaning toward him and placing a kiss upon his lips. He responded immediately and wrapped his arms around her, then deepened the kiss. They lay together entwined enjoying the intimacy of the contact. Lara was breathless when they finally broke apart.

"I love this no morning breath thing," she said.

"I must admit that it has me thinking about other delicious things."

"Things we can't do together?" she asked quietly.

"I'm afraid not. Feeding Lara will fill that void."

"One more night Jonas. Can we spend this evening in?"

"What shall we do to occupy our time?" he asked curiously.

"We could talk and cuddle, make out a little and watch TV."

"That doesn't sound very exciting, although the making out part does have potential."

"Not every night has to be a party. Sometimes the best times are spent just enjoying each other's company."

"I suppose I could have a go at it. I'll have Benjamin go out and buy a television."

"You don't own a TV?"

"I've never had a reason to."

"Well, then make sure Benny gets a DVD player and a VCR while he's there. I'm going to show you how fun the simple life can be in the twenty first century. We can cuddle on the sofa and talk until he returns." She paused. "You do have a sofa don't you?"

"Of course I do, Lara. I am a civilized vampire."



**



Lara dressed in a comfortable pair of shorts and t-shirt and encouraged Jonas to do the same, then sat him down on the sofa to have a serious discussion.

"We should talk, Jonas."

"Nothing good ever comes from those three little words," replied Jonas, concern etched in his face.

"I didn't say we need to talk."

"There is a difference?" he asked.

She nodded her head. "Big difference."

"We talk every night."

"And I've learned quite a bit about you. but I want to learn more and I want to hear it from you, not ole' Benny."

"I love your spirit, Lara, the way you stand up to Benjamin. He has a good heart, even if he is as cranky as your cat, Ares."

"What else do you love?"

"About you? I love your beauty, your sense of humor," he started.

"That's all well and good but I want to know what you love about life, or death as the case may be."

He sat there contemplating the question. "I love hunting and knowing that if I am careful, I shall live forever or at the very least, a very long while. I love spending my free time in the company of people who will grant my every desire. I guess I love power and money as well."

"Then why did you choose me when you could have anyone you want?"

"Because you are different. You find joy in the simplest of pleasures."

"Exactly. So why would you pick me?"

"Opposites attract, Lara."

"Yeah, they do and it's wonderful for a few months but we're talking about eternity. You were reluctant to spend tonight indoors."

"And yet I'm having a lovely time." Benjamin walked through the door before she could respond. He was carrying several boxes and did not look happy. "Maybe now would be a good time to feed, while he figures out how to hook up those contraptions."

"Agreed."

The two slipped out of the house without Benjamin noticing. Together they walked swiftly through the neighborhood and into town. Jonas had a target in mind and Lara agreed to follow without an argument.

When they had their fill, they walked back home, this time slowly, hand in hand. Lara couldn't tell if it was the blood warming her insides or whether it was the man on her arm. "You know, I don't think you're as materialistic as you say you are."

"But I am Lara. And I'm selfish and rather heartless.

"Maybe it's the company you keep."

"No Lara. It is part of what makes me a strong vampire. We care only for ourselves."

"Are you saying that if I was in danger you wouldn't come to my rescue?"

"That's an entirely different matter." Jonas stopped walking and turned to her, pulling her into his embrace. He delicately pushed an errant strand of hair from her forehead. "I don't know what I shall do if I ever lose you."

She gazed into his eyes searching for signs of insincerity but only seeing the truth. "I don't want to lose you either but we want different things out of life." She laughed at the irony of the statement.

"Such as?"

"A family. I want children some day."

"Vampire children are just a really bad idea."

"That's not exactly what I had in mind."

"You really don't want the gift?"

"No but I do want you." He lowered his eyes, feeling ashamed of what he had done. The words crushed him inside and he felt a void he had not felt since his younger days as a mortal. Lara noticed the change in his demeanor and cupped his cheek to turn his face toward hers. "What's wrong?"

"My actions have caused you great pain. A vampire who cannot kill is like a mortal who does not enjoy the sunlight. It was never my intention."

"You are such a beautiful man. I feel like a princess when I'm with you."

"But it's not enough." He lifted his head. His sensitive nose could smell fire. He looked around, searching for the source, until he spotted the smoke coming out of a house at the end of the street. "We must leave."

"Why?"

He pointed to the house. "Because there is fire."

She turned and saw the smoke billowing out the window. "Use your cell phone and call 911."

"I don't have it with me. Let's go."

He turned and began walking in the opposite direction of the burning building. Lara grabbed him by the arm and stopped him. "The fire is this way."

"We are vampires Lara. Fire can kill us."

"It can kill humans too and there could be people in there."

"Lara I won't risk our lives. The house could be empty."

Lara ignored his warning and ran toward the house. Reluctantly, he followed closely behind. He stopped her just as she reached the front yard. "Where are you going?"

"Inside, to see if anyone is in there," she replied as she caught her breath.

"I will not allow it." Lara opened her mouth to protest but Jonas placed his hand over it. "I will go in there." He motioned for her to stay quiet when he released his hand. She acquiesced. "I have to take care of something first." Jonas reached into his pocket and pulled out an object. "I hope you will forgive me but I was afraid to lose you." He placed the object in her hand.

"It's the wishing stone. Where did you find it?"

"I must confess that I took it from your pocket. I hope you can forgive me."

"You kept this from me?" He nodded. "Why?"

"I couldn't bare to lose you."

"But you knew I was looking for it."

"It was wrong of me. I'm truly sorry."

"I thought you loved me," Lara stated. Tears filled her eyes as she thought about his betrayal of faith.

"I do Lara, very much but I warned you that I'm selfish."

"You know that the wishing stone works."

He looked pensive. "There are forces more powerful in the universe than you or I. I can't be certain that the wishing stone didn't lead me to you. It was a risk I wasn't willing to take, I thought because of the love I feel for you."

"What's changed?"

"My love for you."

"So what? You're trading me in for a sleeker model already? Maybe a showgirl with a perfect body?"

"No!" interrupted Jonas. "You are so far from the truth. I wish you could see what I see when I look into your eyes."

"What do you see?"

"Love and so much more. You're the girl I've spent my whole life searching for. You're smart, funny, and beautiful and you have so much life to offer. When I look at you, I wish that I was mortal again. I'd give up my immortality just to live one life time with you."

"You'd do that for me?"

"Yes, Lara." He clasped his hands over hers, encompassing the wishing stone. "You must leave now. Kelly will be expecting you. I just hope that one day you can forgive me for what I have done."

"There's nothing to forgive. Come on. Let's do what we came here to do."

"I won't let you follow me. It's too dangerous."

"But," started Lara.

"No arguments. If I don't return, go to Kelly's." He kissed her soundly on the lips and kicked open the door. Dense smoke filled the bottom floor.

"I'll be here waiting for you."

She waited anxiously for her prince to return, relieved when she heard the familiar sound of sirens. She ran to the truck when they reached the address and told them about Jonas. Moments later, she saw Jonas push a disoriented woman out of the door and disappeared before she could reach him. She ran toward the open door but was restrained by the strong arms of two firemen. "Sorry ma'am but it's too dangerous in there."

She was frantic. "But Jonas," she cried.

"My baby," cried the woman. "He's gone back in for my baby."

"Step back ma'am so we can do our jobs."

"You have to save him," she said, struggling to free herself.

"We'll do our best," replied the fireman. "But you have to come with us."

Reluctantly, she allowed them to pull her away from the property. Her sharp eyes focused on the front door as she prayed silently for his return. She held the wishing stone tightly in her grasp. "Please god, if I can have one wish tonight, bring him out safely," she whispered, attempting to contain the tears welling up in her eyes.

She moved away from the others to wipe the blood from her face and waited. Finally, one of the firemen came out of the building with a child in his arms. She watched silently as the woman ran to him and took the baby from him. He looked over at Lara and shook his head. "What?" Her heart beat wildly in her chest as the man walked toward her and lowered his head.

"I couldn't pull him out."

"He's dead," she asked tentatively.

"The roof caved in. I couldn't save him."

She shook her head in disbelief. "But you didn't see him die."

"No one could have survived ma'am. I'm going to have to ask you to step aside so you won't get hurt. I'm sorry."

She was numb and didn't struggle when they pulled her away from the building. She stared and watched as the fire was contained and eventually put out. The woman walked over to her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He saved our lives. He was a hero."

Lara stared blankly forward. "He didn't want to be a hero. He just wanted to live."

"I'm sorry for your loss." Lara grasped the stone in her hand and heaved it toward the burned out building. "What was that?"

"Just a fucking rock." Lara stood up and walked away, then began to run until she reached Jonas' house. With trembling hands, she turned the knob and walked across the threshold.

The front room was in a complete state of disarray with electrical components and chords strewn across the room. Benjamin stood in the middle of the mess. "This is a bloody nuisance. You'll have to figure it out Lara." She didn't respond. Instead, she walked past him toward the stairs. "Lara, where is Mr. Niles?"

She turned her head. Streaks of red flowed down her cheeks. "He's gone Benjamin. I killed him."

He looked at her with dismay and skepticism in his eyes. "That's not even humorous Lara."

"I wish I was lying." She took one step and collapsed at the bottom of the stairs, bursting into a torrent of tears while Benjamin looked on helplessly. The sight tugged at his heart so he ran toward her and held her, waiting patiently for her to regain her composure and offer an explanation.

When she was ready to speak, she told him everything that happened. He held her as she told the story and cried for the loss of Jonas, then sat in silence for many minutes afterward. "Lara, it's not your fault."

"Yes, it is. He didn't want to go near that house but he did it for me."

"It was his choice Lara."

"You were right. I was bad for him. I didn't hurt him. I killed him."

"Jonas was happy when he died."

"How can you know that?"

"I know everything. He told me tonight just as he told you he would give up his immortality for you."

"Well that just sucks." Lara began to wail loudly. "He wasn't supposed to die tonight. I'm not worth it," she added in between sobs.

"To Jonas, you were."

"I wish I could believe that. He was everything to me Benjamin."

"As you were to him." He waited for her to calm down before speaking again. "Did you see his body Lara?"

She shook her head. "The fireman said that the roof collapsed on him." Benjamin's face lit up with hope. "What?"

"He is a very strong vampire."

"You mean he might have survived?"

"I don't want to give you false hope but it is possible."

"Then I will wait here for his return."

"What about the stone?"

"I threw it into the fire. It doesn't work. If it did, Jonas would have come back to me from the fire."

"You would rather have him back than be alive again?" Benjamin was mystified by the change in her personality.

"Yes."

"And be fat forever?"

"I'm not fat. I'm pleasantly plump." Her lower lip protruded as she spoke giving her the appearance of a puppy that has just been scolded for chewing his human's best pair of shoes.

"And you very beautiful," Benjamin added.

She lifted her head up and smiled. "I've grown on you."

"Like a fungus, ma'am. You should get some rest. Let me help you upstairs."

She was too drained to argue and allowed the old man to help her to the bedroom and opened the coffin lid for her. She ignored him and dropped onto the bed.

"The light will seep through the blinds, Lara."

"I don't care." She closed her eyes and ignored his words. He pounded some nails into the blinds to prevent any light from spilling inside then placed a blanket over Lara and kissed her on the forehead.

"Sleep well, little one. Tomorrow is another day."

"I'm not Scarlet fucking O'Hara," she whispered.

"Sarcasm. Thank goodness. Any more bonding and I shall be sick." He chuckled quietly.

"Goodnight Benny," Lara added as he left the room.



**



Kelly stood by the window, watching as the sun slowly crept up from the horizon. She had taken the day off from work to sleep so she could be awake all night in case Lara showed up. When the sun was high, she stepped away from the window and sat down on the sofa. Ares jumped up on her lap. He seemed to understand what was happening and called a truce. Quietly, he curled up in Kelly's arms to console her.

"I guess it's just you and me." Ares meowed loudly. "I'm gonna miss her too." She looked up toward the ceiling. "I hope you're happy, Lara." She leaned her head against the pillow and closed her eyes.



**



Lara woke up the following evening with renewed energy. Her stomach was growling loudly, reminding her that she would have to feed tonight. She opened her eyes and was startled by what she saw. She was lying against Jonas' chest in the very position she had been in when she closed her eyes but instead of being alone, her beautiful man was laying next to her, enveloped by satin sheets. Cautiously, she touched his chest and felt his heartbeat.

She looked around hesitantly, searching for the coffin. It was nowhere to be found. The only light came from the fullness of the moon outside the window. Quietly, she slipped out of the bed, careful not to wake Jonas, and tip toed down the steps.

"Good evening Ms. Downey."

The sound startled her. It came from the distinguished looking older gentleman, Benjamin. "Jeez, you scared the piss out of me," she stammered.

"My apologies if I surprised you, Ms. Downey."

"Oh, nothing surprises me anymore. Is this a dream?"

"Sadly, it is real ma'am and you are here," he said teasingly.

"I don't believe it. Benjamin, pinch me."

"Gladly Ms. Downey." He pinched her roughly on the arm causing her to cry out in pain.

"Not so damn hard. Okay, maybe last night was a dream. Where's the coffin?"

He stared at her with a perplexed look. "Coffin, ma'am?"

"Big ornate box? Sleeps two? Black with a brass design? Satin sheets and pillow? Is any of this ringing any bells?"

Benjamin' expression turned distasteful. "I believe your bell has been rung, Ms. Downey."

"Cute. Did you like take it to clean the sheets or something?"

"Have you been drinking, ma'am?"

"Why do you ask? Do you think I look darker than usual or maybe too pale? Did I drink some bad blood?" she asked with a panicked voice.

"Blood, ma'am? That's rather morbid. Maybe you should lay down."

She put her hands on her hips. "I would you know if you'd tell me where the coffin is."

"Here's an idea. Why don't you lay down on the bed upstairs like a normal person?" Benjamin suggested facetiously.

"Someone is snarky this morning," replied Lara.

"Is that even a word, Ms. Downey?"

"I thought we were past all that formal crap. Call me Lara and yes. It's a word that describes you very well this morning."

"You are aware that it is the evening?" He flashed a sardonic grin.

"Yes, I am Mr. Snarky."

"I live to annoy."

"And you do it so well."

"Now if you will excuse me, I was just about to go upstairs and call you for supper. You missed a splendid day. We don't get many perfect days and I've been hounding Mr. Niles about getting some color into his skin."

"You mean like a suntan?"

"Of course, Ms. Downey. Just because he's British, doesn't mean he can't have a little touch of color in his skin."

"But he, um, burns easily."

"Nothing a little sun block can't handle. I swear you would think he was a vampire, he's so pale."

She laughed nervously. "A vampire. How, um, silly. Excuse me but I have to pee."

"Shall you wake up Mr. Niles or shall I?"

"I shall, will, I mean." She quickly spun around and ran up the stairs to the restroom. "I have to pee," she cried.

"Do all of you Yanks get so excited about their bodily functions?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Lara ignored the comment, lowering her voice to a mumble. "Vampires don't pee." After taking care of business, she ran back downstairs and stood in front of the large mirror that hung on the wall behind the sofa and stared at her reflection.

"Is something wrong" Benjamin asked.

She shook her head. "How do I look?"

"You look lovely, Lara."

"I mean, look in the mirror and tell me what you see."

"I see a woman in love, a rather odd woman but one in love."

"But you can see me right? My reflection. You can see it."

"You are acting quite bizarre even for you tonight."

"Please, just tell me. Can you see my reflection?"

"Of course I can. Can you see mine?" he asked, posing like a model.

"Thank you," she said, ignoring his tone. She grabbed Benjamin and hugged him tightly.

"Please, Lara. No squeezing the help. You'll wrinkle me."

"As if I could wrinkle you anymore," she said, grinning. Before he could respond, she gave him a sloppy kiss on the cheek and ran up the stairs. She walked into each room and opened every closed door, searching for the coffin. She turned on every light until the second floor of the mansion was completely illuminated.

She ran to the front of the bedroom and stood there, watching Jonas sleep peacefully, until he turned around and opened his eyes. "Good morning, love," he said, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

She jumped on top of him and showered him with kisses. "I can't believe you're alive," she said excitedly then kissed him on the mouth. She scrunched her nose when she detected an offensive odor coming from his lips. "Oh my god. You have morning breath."

"I'm sorry, love, but most people do, especially after a long night and some alcohol."

"People do, but not vampires."

"Are you making fun of my skin tone again?" She stared mutely at him. "Is something wrong?"

"I, it's just that I never thought I was going to see you again."

"Why would you think that?"

"The fire."

"I was never in any real danger, Lara. Did you have a bad dream?"

"Vampires don't dream," she mumbled.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Jonas looked out the window. "Did we sleep through the entire day?" She nodded. "I bet we missed a brilliant day."

"You sound surprised."

"Well, we were up late talking this morning but I certainly didn't expect to sleep until nightfall."

"Excuse me? I've never even seen you in daylight. That whole burning alive thing?"

"Lara, what are you talking about? We spent the entire afternoon yesterday by the pool."

"No, we slept in the coffin, the one that seems to have disappeared. Then we went out hunting and you died in the fire."

"Lara, I'm not dead. What's this about a coffin?" He sat up against the headboard.

She shook her head in disbelief and walked closer to Jonas. "Your eyes look darker. You look darker."

"That's something no one has ever told me before."

"Did you go out and feed already? You're warm," she said, touching his arm.

"Lara, what is wrong with you? You seem very?agitated." He pulled her on top of him. "Come back to bed. I'll relax you."

His lips covered hers before she could respond. Lara opened her lips to feel the smoothness of his tongue and deepened the kiss. Jonas roamed his hands along the small of her back until Lara rolled onto the bed and pulled him on top of her. They continued their passionate kiss for several seconds. Lara ran her hands down his back and over his buttocks, squeezing tightly and pulling him even closer. She slid her hand around his groin and gently caressed the bulge in his pants, then pulled away. "You're hard. That's not possible."

"I'm only human, Lara," he replied, breathlessly.

"But you said it doesn't work."

"I said no such thing," he said defensively.

"But I thought vampires can't, you know."

He looked at her sternly. "Lara, what are you talking about? You're beginning to scare me."

"You and me both." Jonas rolled over to the side of the bed. "I don't understand what's going on."

"You act as if this is the first time we have woken up together in bed," he said.

"Because it is. Usually, we wake up in a coffin."

"I didn't think you had that much to drink last night."

"Only what you gave me. Does feeding too little give us hallucinations?"

"Us? As in you and I?"

"As in vampires."

"Lara, vampires only exist in novels. You must have had a bloody nightmare."

"I think I need to lay down."

"Darling, you are laying down."

She glanced anxiously around the room. "Oh, right. Was it a dream?"

"If we were vampires, it was a dream."

"But it seemed so real."

"Why don't you relax. I'll go downstairs and get you some water, then you can tell me all about it."

"Okay." She leaned her head back and closed her eyes until Jonas returned. She drank the glass of water and proceeded to tell him every detail of the last five days. He listened with rapt attention until she finished her tale.

"You don't remember a thing?" Lara asked perplexed. She was certain that her recent experience had been as real as her perceived weight problem.

"Lara, it was just a dream, a rather disturbing one at that."

"But it seemed so real."

She wrapped her arms around herself. Jonas moved behind her and wrapped his strong arms around her in comfort then whispered in her ear. "I'm not a vampire, although I wouldn't mind having a nibble at your ear."

The warmth that emanated from his body gave her a small sense of reassurance. She leaned her head back to look up at him and gazed lovingly into deep blue eyes. He seemed even more beautiful than she remembered. "But you are British." He nodded. "And you're straight?"

"Shall I ravage your lovely body to prove it?"

"Have you been ravishing my body?"

"As much as you will allow me."

"So we've been sleeping together and actually just sleeping?"

"I told you love that I'm willing to wait. Besides, I'm saving money on my gas bill."

"How's that?"

"Cold showers, love. I believe I'm overdue."

"Do you love me, Jonas?"

He held up her left hand. A one-carat diamond marquee ring wrapped around her ring finger. "That's an odd question to ask your fiancé." Her eyes bulged when she noticed the rock. "I told you last night that I would give up my bachelor lifestyle to live the rest of my life with you."

"That's not quite how I ."

"Well, I best get a larger rock so you won't forget."

"No. It's stunning."

"Well, I think I had better take a shower so we can have supper."

"Jonas, would you be upset if I take a rain check on dinner tonight?"

"Of course not. I haven't said anything to upset you, have I?"

"No. Not at all. I need to talk to Kelly. Besides, I haven't even shown off my ring, have I?"

"I suppose I will survive without you for one night. Just don't make a habit of it."

"You really are a dear man, Jonas. I love you."

"As do I."

"It really was just a dream?"

"I'm not a vampire, Lara. I do however, love a fine, bloody rare steak on occasion," he whispered, grinning.

Lara leaned in and kissed him deeply, savoring the taste of his sensual lips. "Can I take a rain check on the ravaging of my body?"

"Just say the word."

"How about tomorrow afternoon? I'll meet you at the pool."

"I will count the minutes until your return."

"So you're okay about meeting in the sunlight?"

"Yes, Lara. Now, I will have Benjamin drive you to Kelly's house."



**



Lara sat quietly in the backseat of the limousine, attempting to remember every detail of the past five nights. She was certain that what she had experienced had been very real. She wondered if Kelly would react the same way and asked Benjamin to pull up a few houses down from Kelly's place.

Her stomach continued to growl, only this time she craved a thick, juicy steak cooked well done. Stealthily, she walked up to the front door. She could see the lights on in the house and knew that Kelly would be home. With trepidation, she rang the bell. No one answered but she saw the curtains move and Kelly's face. "Go away, Lara. I don't want to do this."

"Do what?" asked Lara but Kelly was gone. She rang the bell again and pushed open the door when she didn't return. "Kelly, it's me." She heard movement in the kitchen and walked toward the sound.

"Damn you, Lara!" She jumped when she heard her friend's voice and turned to confront her. Kelly was standing there with a giant butcher knife in her hand. Lara screamed loudly and ran around the island in the kitchen.

"Kelly, what are you doing?"

"Why'd you have to come back?" she cried before lunging at Lara, who ducked just in time to avoid the weapon. Lara screamed in terror.

"Stop it, Kelly!" She ran around to the other side and out of the kitchen.

"Don't make this any more difficult than it has to be!" Kelly came after her, swinging the knife wildly.

Lara ran through the hallway and into the guestroom. "Please, Kelly stop!"

Her friend ignored her request and lunged across the bed. Lara rolled away just in time and ran out the door and back down the hallway, into the bathroom. "Kelly, I'm not dead!" she said, then slammed the door shut and locked it.

"Oh sure. First you're dead, then you're not. I waited up all night for you Lara. Why did you have to show up now?" Kelly tried unsuccessfully to turn the knob then began kicking the door.

"It's kind of funny actually." The door was becoming unstable as Kelly continued to pound furiously.

"I'm not laughing," shouted Kelly.

Lara leaned into the door to hold it steady, until the blade went through the wood and nicked her on the arm. "Ouch. Shit, Kelly. I'm bleeding."

"Wait until I get done with you!" Kelly sounded like a crazy woman on the other side of the door.

Lara panicked and looked around the bathroom for a way out. The window was too high for her to reach and too small to go through. She stood in a defensive position in front of the door, praying she could disarm her friend without too much bloodshed until her reflection caught her eye. She stood behind the door and opened it, watching as Kelly flew across the threshold. "Look Kelly! Look at the mirror before you do something you'll regret!"

Kelly paused and turned to her left. Her eyes widened when she saw her friend's reflection staring back at her. "Is this some sort of vampire trick?"

"No, Kelly. It's real. I'm real and alive! I found the wishing stone."

Kelly took a deep breath and relaxed her hand, allowing the butcher knife to fall to the floor. "I thought I lost you," she said before breaking into tears.

Lara moved closer and wrapped her arms around Kelly, moving her away from the weapon. "I thought I was never going to see you again."

"How? I mean why?" asked Kelly.

"Because I chose to stay with Jonas." She broke the embrace and backed up, showing off the ring on her finger.

"You're married?"

"We're engaged."

Kelly hugged her again. "I'm so happy for you."

"So happy for me that you tried to kill me, Kelly?"

"You told me to," she answered defensively.

"If I told you to jump off of a bridge, would you do it?" Lara asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"No, but if you asked me to push you off that same bridge, I would do it," answered Kelly, grinning widely to break the tension. It worked and the two shared the ridiculousness of situation together.

Lara spoke when the laughter died down. "So, if you were trying to kill me, then I really was a vampire. I'm not going crazy?"

"Yes and no. You came over last week looking all sickly and told me you were dead. I didn't believe you until you showed me that I couldn't see your reflection. You even tried to bite me."

"I did not," Lara said defensively.

"Did too."

"I was hungry."

"You wanted to eat me."

"That just sounds wrong."

"What you had in mind was definitely wrong."

"You know, Jonas doesn't remember a thing."

Kelly threw her arms up dramatically and her voice became animated. "That's just like a man. He sucks the very life right out of you and doesn't remember a thing!"

Lara couldn't help but laugh at the wit of her friend. "This is soo weird. Jonas thinks I just had a disturbing dream."

"Well then, I remember your dream. She paused. "And you were looking at me like I was a chocolate sundae."

"Ooh, that sounds good right now."

"That's a relief to hear but maybe we should talk about your latent tendencies."

"Let's talk about latent tendencies. A butcher knife, Kelly? I ask you to kill me and you choose a fucking butcher knife that could hack an elephant!"

"You caught me off guard," Kelly said defensively.

Lara moved menacingly toward her. "You're a nurse! Haven't you ever heard of lethal injection?"

Kelly backed up, keeping an arms length away from Lara. "I don't think quickly on my feet?"

"Try again."

"I love you?"

"So much you were willing to split me in half and clean up the mess!"

"I'm sorry."

Lara stopped and smiled. "Apology excepted, but a butcher knife?"

"You threatened to have me for dinner."

She cocked her head. "True. Maybe we both over reacted." They both relaxed and smiled at each other.

"Apparently."

"Hey, where is Ares?"

"He's probably under the bed."

As if on cue, the large black cat meowed loudly and brushed up against Lara's leg. She picked him up and showered him with kisses, relishing the sound of his purrs. "I hope I can make Jonas purr this loudly when I stroke him."

"You mean you two haven't done the deed?"

"We were vampires. Not all of his parts worked properly."

"How frustrating."

"Tell me about it."

"He gave you a ring and he hasn't fucked you yet?"

"So eloquently put. But, yes he did."

"He must really love you girl. Now's the part where you thank me."

"For what?"

"The wishing stone. Do you have a better explanation?"

Lara contemplated the question and reluctantly spoke. "Thank you."

"Well, give me all of the details. Don't leave me hanging."

Lara recapped the events of the previous evenings, giving her every minute detail of their time together. Their chat continued until midnight.

"So are you really going to marry him?" asked Kelly.

"I'd be a fool not to. He loves me just the way I am and doesn't care about my weight." She paused momentarily then grinned. "Of course, I'll have to talk to him about his taste in women."

"You're not going back right now, are you?" Kelly inquired excitedly.

"Oh no. I want to be certain. I told him I would meet him at noon, at his pool, when the sun is high."

"It's supposed to rain tomorrow."

"Then it will have to wait another day. If he loves me, he'll wait."

"How can you be sure he's the right man for you?"

"If he's alive and wants to shag me, that's good enough for me."

THE END