Page 17 of Little Wing
Silas stepped back, his hands back in his pocket with an unmoved reaction. He wasn’t startled at my question, nor was he shocked. I mean, he could probably smell me from a mile away but why make it such a big deal that he had to show up everywhere? I was not doing anything wrong. It was as if I told him that his perfectly-fitted pants were an eye-sore, because they pointed me directly at his crotch.
“I’m just fascinated, that’s all. And frankly, irritated.” He stepped back suddenly, running his thumb over his lower lip. I could see his chest expanding more rapidly. “You know I’m a vampire too, Lotus.”
“Of course.”
And what a beautiful one he was, too.
“Why are you pretending to be human?” he asked, finally a direct question. Again, no malice but more… intrigue wrapped around his sharp tongue.
Pretending, hiding, cosplaying; I heard it all from him. Sure, I had other vampires give me the quick once over, but they usually just turned their head and went on their way. Silas, however, was stuck on this like a leech. What did it matter how I carried myself? I wasn’t putting anyone in danger nor was I getting in anyone’s way. If he wanted to live his life without a hint of fear of being a vampire, flashing his brilliant fangs and stunning eyes, then I wouldn’t judge him for it. So why was he judging me for needing to live in a more muted way?
“I never said I was pretending,” I said again. “I never said I was human, but am I really supposed to be throwing my hands up and announcing that my main source of nourishment is fucking pig’s blood?”
“No, but—”
“But what, Silas?” I growled, stepping toward him. “But what? Is this not what you wanted to hear?”
“Lotus, I didn’t mean—”
My hair fell over my face as I clenched my fists tightly at my sides. My freshly trimmed nails bit into my skin. “Do you seriously think I’m pretending? That I don’t know what I am?”
“I didn’t know,” he replied quickly and quietly, the strain in his voice just moments ago quickly reduced to something much smaller.
“Exactly,” I exclaimed before a weary sigh escaped me. “You do not know me.”
I didn’t get him. All this back and forth—what was it for? I didn’t want to argue, nor did I want to pour more fuel on the fire of our interaction. There was already a rush that fluttered in my chest that I needed to settle, and I couldn’t do it standing on that patio. While Silas watched me carefully, I shook my head and pointed to the door leading back to the bar.
“What?” he asked, looking over his shoulder.
“I have to get back otherwise I may say something I’ll regret.”
The man before me stood, stiff and contemplating. He gently rubbed the corner of his eyes and for the first time that evening he avoided my gaze. “Sorry.”
I was ready for the night to end right there. End scene. Let this just be over for my sake, not his. I wanted him to steep in that embarrassment for a bit longer, especially for how worked up he made me feel when all I wanted was a relaxing night after work.
As I only nodded in acknowledgment of his apology, he glanced toward the noise coming from inside and pivoted. “Let me cover our tabs, okay? Can we at least walk together? I feel like an ass.”
Though my mind wanted to shut him out completely and just leave my card, I swallowed and nodded slowly.
“Good,” I said. “You should.”
Whatever just happened, whatever energy shifted, I didn’t think he’d do something stupid like attack me. If he wanted to pay for my drinks and walk me home, I wouldn’t say no.
The walk back along my favorite cobblestone streets was normally one I enjoyed. Tonight, it felt eerily quiet and charged with whatever energy that still lingered between me and Silas. Like static in the air. Since the moment we left the bar, we walked in silence. The only sound between us was the click-clacking of our shoes against the stones and I didn’t think it could have been any louder. I could feel we both wanted to speak, but were we supposed to insert small talk after what happened on that patio? Was Silas waiting to throw out more questions that would send us both into a rage? I considered every word that I was holding on the tip of my tongue, even as I noticed Silas glancing at me. His lips parted then closed as he stuck his hands in his pockets.
It wasn’t until we stopped by the gated entrance to my apartment building that I turned to him and opened my mouth to speak, yet nothing came out. As frustrated as I felt in the last hour, I knew that Silas was everything I feared and envied. And when my eyes, concealed by uncomfortable lenses, locked in on his gentle silver orbs, I felt my mouth become dry. Could he tell how fast my mind was racing when I looked at him? Was he as wound up as I was?
Was he recalling what it felt like to graze his lips over my delicate flesh? Perhaps that was why he was looking down at me with the same hunger he had in his eyes when he had me pressed up against the fence.
“S-Silas?” I finally found my voice, even if it was a bit hoarse.
“Yes, Lotus?” he said, his voice steady.
Each beat of my heart thrummed in my throat as my memory ushered a single question past my plump lips:
“What would you have done if I told you I was human?”
“What would you have done if I told you I was human?”
