The Vampire's Pet: Part One

The two young women went into the house and I kept in the shadows, standing in the darkness outside the window and watched as Calla turned to Chelsea.

"There's something I have to tell you."

I tensed, wondering if she’d be able to resist my compulsion. She might have some degree of resistance and so I hoped it wasn’t too strong, or I would have a lot of trouble with her.

Chelsea leaned against the kitchen table and crossed her arms. "That doesn’t sound very good. What is it?"

Calla opened her mouth, but no words came out. I sighed in relief. She was unable to completely ignore my compulsion.

Finally, Calla spoke. ”I can't say."

Chelsea made a face of confusion, her brows knit over her blue eyes. "What? Why?"

Calla tried to speak. I could see her mouth open and close. "I can't say."

Chelsea shrugged. "Okay, then, Miss Cryptic. I need to use the bathroom. When I get back, maybe we can play twenty questions so I can figure out what this great secret is you can't tell me."

Calla stood like a statue as Chelsea walked by. I went to the patio and stood outside the sliding door. When she turned and saw me, I smiled, trying not to appear too menacing.

She slipped out the sliding door and came to me, closing it softly behind her.

“Is that the guesthouse?" I asked and pointed to the small building off the main cottage.

"Yes."

"I'll stay there. Your friend doesn't even have to know I'm here."

She nodded. "Let me get the key."

She ran inside and then ran back, breathless when she reached me.

"Here," she said. "Feel free to stay as long as you need."

I took the keys, my hand catching hers and holding it. She tried to pull her hand away but I wouldn't let go.

I smiled. "Is there food?"

She shook her head. "The kitchen hasn't been stocked. Do you eat?" she said, her voice wavering. "Food?"

"Yes." I let go of her hand, but then I touched her cheek, cupping it, my eyes on her mouth as I spoke. "Find an excuse to bring food as soon as you can. Then I want you back after your friend has fallen asleep."

She nodded obediently. My compulsion was working and she couldn’t refuse. She was strong, but not strong enough to resist.

"Good girl," I said softly. "You and I are going to get along very well."

Then I turned to the guesthouse. “Take me there,” I said. She obeyed and went to the door and opened it with the key.

“Invite me in,” I said simply.

“I don’t even know your name.”

I sighed. “The less you know the better, but very well. Considering I’m staying here, you might as well know. My name is Kier.”

She hesitated for a moment, but then, she turned to me.

“Please, come in, Kier.” She pointed to the interior, which was dark and smelled a bit dusty from non-use. I stepped across the threshold, and then turned and stood in the doorway for a moment.

“Bring me food, soon.” Then I closed the door behind me.