Fallen (Fallen 1)

“So, how come you didn’t tell me in the beginning?”

“I couldn’t risk telling you all of this if it turned out you really weren’t the one. There are several tests, the smell, the attraction, and the kiss. The kiss confirms it. After we kissed and I knew for sure I was free to tell you everything.”

“So what kind of other stuff can you do?” I asked leaning in to him.

“Well, we can predict the weather. Our bodies give us a sense of what the day is to be. After all we can’t risk exposure. We can predict it much better than humans with their silly instruments. We can diagnose sicknesses. That’s why my uncle volunteers at the hospital so much.”

“Can you sleep?” I asked.

“Yes, we can sleep. We don’t necessarily have to but it’s a habit, like breathing.”

“So you could hold your breath forever?”

“Yes, I suppose I could. It would get uncomfortable but I could do it. You can’t smell anything though, not even your prey,” he said.

I jumped at the word prey knowing that he was referring to humans.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I was just giving you the facts.” He looked truly sorry.

I instantly regretted my jumping. “I’m okay. Really, it’s just, you saying prey kind of . . . I don’t know. Frightened me. It’s like watching a lion kill a zebra. Predator vs. Prey.”

“Yes, that’s how it is. You’re catching on fast.” He was so calm telling me all of this. But it must be hard saying all of this. Harder than he’s letting on. He had kept this secret for almost seven hundred years.

I traced the outline of his hand before asking my next question. It was all so much to take in. “How come your hand is always so cold but sometimes it feels a little warmer?” I asked looking up into his eyes.

“We’re so cold because technically we’re dead. Or, I guess undead is a better term. My skin feels a bit, only slightly, warmer after I’ve eaten.” Suddenly serious he said, “Kylie, there’s something you should know about your mom,” he said suddenly. I was surprised by the change of subject.

I gulped. “What?” I said shaking.

“She died.” He said bluntly.

“You can’t be serious? She was fine this morning.” I began gasping for air.

“Yes she still is fine. Except maybe a little thirsty. On our way to the hospital her heart slowed to almost a stop. I knew she was dying. I asked you to park the car to stall for some time. I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to lose you. I’ve waited nearly seven hundred years for you. I couldn’t lose you now. I knew if your mom died you’d leave and go home. I feel so selfish Kylie. It was so wrong of me. But we only get one chance with our soul mate. If you left I would literally die. I know that sounds stupid but it’s true. I can’t lose you. I’m so selfish, I love you more than you could possibly know already. It was wrong. I’m sorry. Really sorry. I know I’m rambling and yet again I apologize for everything.”

“This is my home now.”

I said.

“But you’re not eighteen yet your father would take you back and I’d never see you again. Then I’d die. And I wouldn’t have you.” He continued on like I hadn’t interrupted. “So my uncle knew you were probably my soul mate.” He probably saw my eyes go wide at the word. “I already had two signs saying you were my soul mate. So the third, the kiss, would have probably have sparked. Which it did.” He added hastily. “If a vampire loses their soul mate they destroy themselves. My uncle didn’t want that to happen to me and I didn’t want to lose you. So, he helped me turn your mother into a vampire. I’m so sorry Kylie It was so selfish of me.” He looked so ashamed. I wanted to comfort him but I couldn’t get my muscles to move I was too stunned. So, just stood with my mouth hanging open, like an idiot.

“So, you’re telling me she was going to die?” I was able to ask.

“Yes.” He whispered. Suddenly I got my voice back.

“Well, the way I see it you saved her. But how did you get it to look like her heart was beating?”

“Prerecording.”

“How come she didn’t try to kill me?”

“That,” he said in a voice that clearly said he didn’t want to discuss it but he continued anyway, “There’s a vampire, her name is Morgina, she’s a morpher. She controls the vampire blood bank at the hospital so I got her to help me out. If your real mom had been there she would have definitely have tried to kill you.”

“Wouldn’t this Morgina have wanted to kill me too?”

He chuckled, “No, most vampires are very in control of themselves. We’ve had to learn to control our impulses in order to survive. We can’t just be killing humans left and right.”

I felt stupid, “That makes sense,” I conceded. “Am I going to be able to go home?” I knew the answer before he spoke.