Ok, get this. High summer, midnight in the middle of a fairly big city. It was my birthday and I was spending it at this supposedly 'goth' club downtown. Oh god, what a boring night it'd turned out to be so far... I was all alone and the band (if you could actually call them that) totally sucked. I was seriously thinking about heading home and was only two steps away from the door when I had this strange feeling come over me: a warm glow that started in my belly and slowly spread outward. I felt all warm and tingly, as if I'd been bathed in an electrical field. It was odd; I felt both so languid and yet very alert. It felt great and so I turned back, studying the slowly writhing mass of black leather and crimson velvet behind me. After all, it was my night and I had no intention of leaving without a birthday present. It'd been awhile since I'd given myself something nice. It wasn't long before I found the perfect gift. I don't know why I didn't see him before.

He was sitting at a little table in the darkest corner with his girlfriend, a skinny little blonde, his arm wound tightly around her, sneaking little kisses every now and then and sharing a glass of some pale liquid. They resembled Dracula and his Bride out for a night on the town and seemed like a happy couple at first glance, but I knew better. His lips may have been all over hers, but his eyes were definitely on me; I'd seen the hungry expression written in those black orbs. Mmm, I thought. I licked my lips in response and watched his own part in a slight smile, a rather suggestive smile. I licked my lips again and tossed my head as a shiver ran down my spine. The way he was looking at me made the warmth in my belly turn hot and I knew what I wanted, no, what I needed to happen tonight. My blood sang. I'd been so hungry for so long and he looked positively delicious. It felt like years had passed since I'd last had something to sink my teeth into. But the feeling passed... I'd just been invited to dinner.

I let instinct take over and stalked him in the darkness, slipping around tables and behind gauzy curtains, through small clumps of club kids chatting with their friends; every step taking me closer but in a circuitous way, a deliberately slow and winding path... Slowly, slowly just long enough to prolong the tortuous sweetness of anticipation.

As I passed the dance floor, I couldn't help myself; I closed my eyes, raised my arms and swirled around in a dizzying spiral. A mischievous giggle escaped from my throat and upon opening my eyes, I found myself at his table. He was leaning back, with a hint of a grin on his chiseled features. We gazed at each other and I blushed, something I hadn't done for a very long time. I was suddenly intrigued. The goth kids filling the club were the usual kind, all dark flowy garments and heavy dramatic makeup, just little kids playing the Immortal Ones... But after looking at this man gazing hungrily at me in the darkness, I started to wonder: Had I found the real thing here?

Another thought presented itself: In all likelyhood he was probably just like the rest of them tonight... But on the off chance that he really was one of the Ancient Ones, did it truly matter? I mean, c'mon, it certainly wouldn't be the first time I'd gotten involved with a Vamp... I was known in my pack to play with my food, so to speak. I sighed inwardly. A moment of clarity hit me and I had to answer myself truthfully... Yes, of course, it mattered. Our two races had been at war with each other for untold centuries; many of our people had died at the teeth of their people, just as many of theirs had perished at the claws of mine. The history between our peoples, Loups-garoux and Nosferatu, was a long and bloody affair and I was sure that nothing would ever change that. I didn't even know anybody who'd want to change things. Okay, historically speaking, we were traditional enemies, but generally, most comtemporary Wolves didn't really give a damn about the bloodsuckers; and a small number, like me, thought the Vamps existed only for a ripping good time on a hot summer night. And the occasional fight to the death. Nothing too serious. Like now. I was just out to have a little fun tonight. Exactly the kind of fun sitting before me with a cocksure smirk on his face. I'd just have to be extra careful around this one, was all. Just like a cat plays with the mouse. I know I can be a bit reckless, but hey, life's too short to spend it sedately. And who the hell would want to? Not me.

I smiled at him and brushed my long thick dark hair out of my face. The blonde sniffed in annoyance but I ignored her. She opened her mouth to say something but he stopped her with a glance. As he leaned over to whisper in her ear, I watched her pale blue eyes harden. A moment later, she gave me the evil eye, got up stiffly and stalked off towards the bar, white gauzy dress swishing angrily. I growled very softly, thinking Yeah, that's right, honey... you just keep walking... and pray we don't meet next Full Moon.

There was a soft chuckle behind me. "My lady, she is not worth the cheap perfume she has drenched herself in tonight." His voice was silky, smooth. I froze. It wasn't his scent that clued me in but rather his lack of one. Oh yeah, he was definitely one of Them. These days, what with all the crazy wannabes lurking everywhere, they had to be more careful, disguise themselves as much as they can... But, given enough clues and/or time, I can always ID a Vamp. Even in a setting like this: Real Vampire posing as a Human posing as a Vampire.

Turning back, I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? You seemed to be totally enamored with her few moments ago. In fact, it looked like you were about to suck the life right out of her... lips." Silently, I wondered if he knew what I was.

He just swirled his drink in its glass and chuckled. "What can I say? She's a wonderful kisser." He gestured at the seat beside his.

Sitting down, I took the glass from his hands and set it down. "Just so long as she doesn't have to think too hard, right? As in 'I wonder why he never comes around before sunset?'" I gently traced the knuckles of his right hand with my fingernails and grinned wickedly. His skin was cool to the touch. "Or maybe she was just tonight's midnight snack? A little takeout, then home to the crypt?

He tilted his head slightly, giving me a more thorough inspection. "Direct, aren't you? But we shouldn't forget our manners, my lady... even if you were raised by Wolves." He smiled, white teeth flashing. "I'm Corin." He waited for me to introduce myself.

So he did know. How interesting, I thought but didn't answer him. I just closed my hand over his and brought it up to my lips. I kissed his fingers slowly, letting one slide between my lips and teeth. I released his finger. He sat there, watching me lick my way down his palm. A few more soft licks and kisses and then I let him go, sighing as I did so. Ok, so he did have a scent; a sort of spicy musk mix, so light it almost wasn't there. And he tasted great. Delicious, really.

"Not much of a talker, are you?" he smirked and then quickly ran his tongue over his own lips playfully. Oh, that was just too much. I leaned over and kissed him fiercely, pressing my body firmly against his. He slid his hands around me, pulling me closer. We kissed passionately, our tongues dueling with a fierceness I'd only ever felt with another Wolf; gently biting lips and just letting the simple desire flow. He hugged me tight and I moaned. I wriggled my hips and my skirt hiked up a bit, giving him a glimpse and feel of my thighs. Gradually, reality set back in and the heat lessened a bit. I leaned against his strong chest, breathing hard. My heart was pounding and my skin was flushed with excitement. Next to me, I could feel him trembling slightly as he tilted my chin and kissed my forehead and then my lips oh-so-gently. When the kiss broke, I sort of sighed and he hugged me close in response. We stayed like that for awhile.

His reaction and my feelings took me by surprise; both seemed so genuine. Could it be that he felt the same things I was feeling for him? Was that even possible? And just what was I feeling anyway? It certainly couldn't be anything as stupid or trivial or fleeting as love. I mean, love just wasn't in the cards for me; every single one of my Seeing aunts had said so and I'd already accepted that a long time ago. So what exactly was happening here? Damn it! I'd only wanted fun tonight, nothing more than that... and especially with an ancient enemy. 'Tempt not the Fates' as my maternal grandmother had always said. Sitting there with my head lying against this Vampire's chest, I almost snorted in disgust. Good advice, Grandmother... Very good advice, actually.

I just wished I'd listened for once.