After Jennifer got rid of the bugging device on her dress, she and Manuel arrived at his place about thirty minutes later.

 

 

Manuel: "Well, here we are; My humble hideout."

Jennifer: "Huh. It looks oddly...."

Manuel: "...normal? Well, not all Vampires live in old mansions and castles. Most of us have a somewhat normal life, as you might imagine."

Jennifer: "Well, either way, it does look comfortable."

 

 

Manuel: "So, now that we're here, let's get to know each other a bit more. What's your story? I'm curious."

Jennifer: "What?"

Manuel: "Your story. Why you're one of us. It's a standard question for two vampires getting to know each other, but sometimes it's a bit traumatic, so if you don't want to..."

Can I trust this guy? I mean, he did help me with the Hawthornes, no questions asked... but I barely know him... so far, all Vampires I've met had some ulterior motives with me... probably wouldn't hurt to be a bit more careful...

Jennifer: "Would you mind if you told me yours first?"

Manuel: *laughs* "Fine. I guess you wouldn't be too keen on sharing your lifestory with a one-night stand, would you? Alright then. But first off, you know Vampires are immune to normal weapons, right?"

Jennifer: "I... guess? I don't really know how much of this stuff is real, and how much of it is just Hollywood cliché."

Manuel: "Well, garlic is basically like poison to us... and longer exposure to sunlight can kill us. Doesn't really matter for the story, other than the fact that we are, compared to humans, basically immortal."

Jennifer: "What does that have to do with your story, then?"

Manuel: "Before I turned into a Vampire, I became sick. The doctors said I was about do die, and an experimental treatment would cost about 70 Million dollars."

Jennifer: "Oh my god...."

Manuel: "What I didn't know at the time was that one of my friends was a Vampire. She couldn't bear the thought of me dying... which is why one night, she sneaked into my room and bit me. You should've seen the doctors' faces when I suddenly developed entirely different symptoms replacing the other ones the next day."

Jennifer: "So she saved your life."

Manuel: "Exactly. But now I had to readjust it completely, find synthetic blood sources, get a new job I can do at home, you know how it goes. To this day, I'm not entirely sure if I would have taken that decision if she had left it up to me."

Jennifer: "Well.... I for one think I'm pretty glad she did it... wait, is she your...?"

Manuel: "Girlfriend? No, not anymore. It was always a bit strained by the guilt I felt towards her, it didn't work out."

 

 

Manuel: "Alright, I've opened up to you. Now it's your turn, as you promised."

Jennifer: "Well... I'm afraid my story isn't as heartwarming as yours... I'm only here because of my own stupidity and naivety."

Manuel: "Because you trusted a handsome guy inviting you to his place?"

Jennifer: "Funny that you say it like that! In fact, I just entered college when I fell in love with this one guy... we... eventually got together, and when he invited me to his house, he put me in a prison."

Manuel: "Geez.... and I thought my dates were bad..."

Jennifer: "Oh trust me, you could try your hardest to be a jerk, but you'll never be 'I'll-use-you-to-kidnap-your-mom'-bad. Eventually, he bit me, which is how I've managed to escape."

Manuel: "And the guy? Did he get what he deserved?"

What now? Do I tell him 'Yeah, he ran into a portal that turned him into a skeleton made of ash'? According to Arnborg, that's crazy, even for Vampires...

Jennifer: "I... guess you could say that, yeah. It's unbelievable how stupid I was. Just because he was the popular guy and I was the shy, new girl at college..."

Manuel: "Really? It's hard to imagine you being shy after seeing you in action."

Jennifer: "Well, I guess I've come a long way... it's not even been a month and yet I feel like an entirely different person..."

Manuel: "Well, in a way, you are, aren't you? But that doesn't explain your business with the Hawthornes."

Jennifer: "I.... I had a job to do there. I was looking for something about the guy responsible for my imprisonment."

Manuel: "A job, eh? For a moment I actually did think about introducing you to the Hawthornes, but I guess you're already fine, then."

Jennifer: "Do you...?"

Manuel: "...work for the Hawthornes? I wouldn't say so, we only made a one-time deal. I can get along by myself pretty well."

Jennifer: "Is that so? I thought Vampires *have to* align with a family?"

Manuel: "Not if you keep a low profile. I have my methods of avoiding their racketeers. So, again, that was my turn. Who are *you* working with?"

Jennifer: "Oh, it's no one special. Just the guy from the cell next to me."

Manuel: "I see."

 

 

Jennifer: "So... what do you say? It's still bright outside..."

Manuel: "I'm... not too sure if that's a good idea, as much as I'd like to..."

Jennifer: "I mean, it's your call, but looking outside I won't have much of a choice but stay here for a little longer if I don't want to get burned..."

Manuel: "Ah, fuck it, I'll just live with it..."

 

 

Jennifer: "Let's take it to another level, shall we?"

 

 

Manuel: "Oh daaaamn... it's been a while since it was *that* fun..."

 

 

 

Jennifer: "Man... the opportunities...."

 

 

Manuel: "Yeah... I think that was worth it...Succubus magic be damned..."

Jennifer: *laugh* "Glad to hear that... I could get used to making you addicted..."

Manuel: "Could you, now? Heh. Funny that you say it... I was just gonna ask you something..."

Jennifer: "What?"

Manuel: "It's probably a weird question to ask after sex, but... why did you do that?"

Jennifer: "Well, I remembered my powers and thought it might be a bit-..."

Manuel: "No, I'm not talking about the flying... why did you fuck me?"

 

 

Jennifer: "Well... I... I... just thought it was appropriate for the situation. You... did want this, did you?"

Manuel: "I meant what I said. It's a risky decision, but I calculated the risk, and it was worth it. I just wanted to know if it... meant something. Or if I'm just prey to you."

Jennifer: "I.... uhh..."

Manuel: "Which would be fine by me either way. I just want to know just what is going on here."

Jennifer: "Well, it really is a weird question I think. I mean, why does anyone do that? I certainly wouldn't fuck a guy I hate."

Manuel: "It's totally okay if you don't want to answer the question."

Jennifer: "No, no, it's okay. I... I like you. Yes, I did it because I like you. I think I could get used to... liking you. Ever since I've been turned into a Succubus, I felt like I couldn't really trust anyone... until you helped me with the Hawthornes."

Manuel: *laughs* "Well, that's good to hear. I could get used to this too. If you ever need a place to stay, just hit me up."

 

 

After a few hours of sleep, on the evening, Jennifer's phone suddenly rings.

 

 

Jennifer: "Yes?"

Gina: "Jenny, there you are!"

Jennifer: "Mom?"

Gina: "You know, you're an adult now, and while that does mean I can't forbid you from staying away so long, that doesn't mean I won't worry about where you are. You haven't been home in days, where have you been?"

Jennifer: "I uhh... I've been staying at a friend's place."

 

 

Gina: "Thank god. I'm relieved. Everything is alright, isn't it?"

Jennifer: "Yes, yes, there are no problems at all, mom."

Gina: "...you've been acting kinda weird lately, Jenny. You know you can always talk about what's on your mind with me, right?"

Jennifer: "I... I know, mom. Don't worry, I will come home today."

Gina: "I'm so glad to hear that. Take care, okay?"

Jennifer: "I will, mom. See you later."

 

 

Manuel: "Trouble at home?"

Jennifer: "Oh? You're... already awake? Yeah, my mom is worrying a bit, I have to go now."

Manuel: "Oh. Well, you better get ready then."

Jennifer: "Ready for what?"

Manuel: "Going... outside...? You're still missing your dress..."

Jennifer: "Oh, of course, right. I should also probably shower."

 

A few minutes later...

 

Manuel: "Alright, you're good to go. Just one more thing?"

Jennifer: "Hm?"

 

 

Manuel: "I'll miss you."

Jennifer: "I'll miss you too."

 

A few minutes later at the Kyron-Basu house...

 

 

Gina: "...and how does my daughter do in your courses?"

Arnborg: "Oh, she has much potential, but she lacks the... Oh, look who it is!"

Gina: "Jenny! You never told me that your professor is Arnborg Rehnskiöld! I would have invited him earlier if I knew!"

What the fuck....?

 

 

Jennifer: "Yes, he's... he's only been our professor for a short time. What a... pleasant surprise to see you here, Arnborg."

Arnborg: *laughs* "Yeah, I mean, even though you are an adult, I thought it was a good idea to tell your parents about your... problems."

Gina: "Problems? What kind of problems?"

Arnborg: "Gina, I'm afraid your daughter has missed some... assignments. Critical ones. As I said, her passion is a bit... lacking."

Jennifer: *laughs* "Well, maybe my 'passion' would be a bit better if the students could have a bit more of a say in how the course is running!"

Arnborg: "Miss Kyron-Basu, I think you know very well that these demands are not very realistic."

Jennifer: "Mom? Can you excuse us for a moment? I think I need to talk to Mr. Rehnskiöld in private."

Gina: "Oh, you sure seem to have some problems you two. Take your time."

 

A few seconds later, Jennifer and Arnborg retreat to her room.

 

 

Jennifer: "I take *one day* off and you immediately drag my family into this?!? Are you insane?!?"

Arnborg: "I do *not* intend to harm them. I just figured they'd be my best bet to find out where you have been."

Jennifer: "You better not be. And that's none of your business. My life is still mine to control, and if I want to take a pause for one day, I can do that."

Arnborg: "You seem to severely underestimate the threat we find ourselves in. If the Hawthornes oppose us, then the entire American Council probably opposes us. Mess with one dynasty and you mess with all of them."

Jennifer: "And yet, the Hawthornes didn't kill me when their matriarch looked straight into my face, standing right before me. Interesting, isn't it?"

Arnborg: "What are you getting at?"

Jennifer: "I've figured it out, Arnborg. I realized something when I was in there, knowing that they would attack you, but not me. This is not about the revenge of the Hawthornes. It never has been. Not for me. The only problem the other Vampires have is you, not me. You need me, but I don't need you."

Arnborg: "Amusing. You know very well that only I can revert your Vampirism, do you?"

Jennifer: "Well, as it turns out, you aren't."

Arnborg: "Manuel... don't tell me...?"

Jennifer: "Again, none of your business. Just know that if I want to leave, I will leave, and you can't do anything about that."

Arnborg: "You trust that guy? That guy who had an audience with Julia Hawthorne, the most cunning Vampire on this side of the Atlantic?"

Jennifer: "Well, I sure trust him a lot more than I trust you."

Arnborg: "This is madness. You might very well be sleeping with the enemy here."

 

 

Jennifer: "I control this game now, Arnborg. Tell me what you really want with the Hawthornes, or I will never return to your base and revert my Vampirism. Then none of this will have ever happened and you'll have to look for a different lackey."

Arnborg: "You're right. Unless, of course, I *do* decide to harm your family."

Jennifer: "Please. I wanna see you try. Come on. Just give me a reason. You know I am more powerful than you."

Arnborg: "...You are learning quickly, Kyron-Basu. Alright. You've called my last bluff. I will tell you why I have a grudge against the Hawthornes. Besides my imprisonment, that is."

 

 

Arnborg: "When I just arrived in Frederickston, my first job was to stop Maximilian Erhler."

Jennifer: "Valerian's Father.... and Mom's Ex..."

Arnborg: "Correct. He had just killed his own father, and the European Council of Vampires didn't get any reports from the Erhler family in years. I was sent to investigate why, and found out about Erhler running a kind of... Harem in his Father's apartment, before disappearing. He was living with several women, and apparently used all of them for sex."

Jennifer: *sigh* "Let me guess... including my mom?"

Arnborg: "Yes, but that's besides the point. I investigated the crime by talking to one of the women... Celine Trelienne. I... had to make her a Vampire so she would survive and be able to talk to me."

Jennifer: "So.... you saved her life?"

Arnborg: "Yes, and she helped me solve the case... with some... detours, but still. We uhh...."

 

 

Arnborg: "We... eventually became a couple, and I was assigned the new Governor of the European Council in Frederickston."

Jennifer: "Sounds like a happy ending. So what?"

Arnborg: "How brutally ironic that you would say that.... I have been thinking about it like that myself for years now..."

Jennifer: "Uh-oh."

Arnborg: "I was a bad Governor, it's something I can't deny. I barely did any paperwork, and only governed to make life as comfortable as possible for Celine and me. We led a happy, open relationship."

 

 

Arnborg: "Then, one fateful day, I went to an art exhibition... and I met Julia Hawthorne. At the time, I didn't know she was a Vampire yet; To me she just seemed like a big name in the art scene. So I talked to her, and eventually we slept with each other. It... did not end well?"

Jennifer: "What happened?"

Arnborg: "She knocked me out, and dragged me to Maximilian Erhler's house, where I found out that her brother, Nicholas Hawthorne, had kidnapped Celine at the same time as Julia kidnapped me. With one quick sweep, they took out the only branch of the European Council in Frederickston. I got imprisoned.... but I never found out just what happened to Celine."

 

 

Jennifer: "So.... you hope you can find her by using me?"

Arnborg: "No. I hope I can find her... and push the Hawthornes out of Frederickston again."

Jennifer: "What? Why?"

Arnborg: "You know, the Hawthornes aren't exactly benevolent rulers. They threaten to expose, remortalize or even burn their subjects if they don't do what they want from them. The only way to avoid them is to make sure they don't even notice you... which is very unintuitive for new Vampires."

Jennifer: "Oh god. So that means..."

Arnborg: "Hundreds, if not even thousands of Frederickston Vampires are suffering... because I was such a fuckup that I couldn't protect them.... or Celine."

 

 

Jennifer: "....I had no idea. This must mean a lot to you, then. I feel sorry now."

Arnborg: "No, I am. More than twenty years in the joint and I use the first person that doesn't try to imprison me again for my revenge. You can leave if you want. It doesn't matter, I'll just get someone else."

Jennifer: "Wait!"

Arnborg: "What?"

Jennifer: "I.... I'll help you. For real this time. But please, stop bossing me around. I have a life too."

Arnborg: "I understand. Revenge being the first thing on my mind when I got out, I got a bit dragged away there. Tell you what; How about I take my time with making the new base operational and we see each other again in a week?"

Jennifer: "That sounds acceptable. I'll see you around, then."