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Love, Transylvania Style

Copyright

 2011 by Stephanie Williams

ISBN: 978-1-61333-120-0

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Love, Transylvania Style

Stephanie Williams

A 1 Night Stand Story

Love, Transylvania Style

1

Chapter One

Thaddeus Dumas had finally reached the last page of the “Terms and

Conditions” on the 1Night Stand application, when his cell phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Tad. Whatcha doing tonight? I thought maybe we’d hit the bar scene.”

He rarely turned Randy down for a night on the town. His best friend never

held his immortality against him, and he’d miss him like crazy when Randy grew

old and eventually passed on. Being a vampire sucked that way. “Uh…not tonight.

I have business I need to take care of first.”

“Oh? Anything I can help you with?”

Thaddeus thought a moment. How do you tell someone the loneliness in your

heart and soul was so unbearable that the thought of living forever depressed you

every waking moment? “No…no. I need to do this myself. Let me call you back in

a few.” Before Randy could protest, he hung up.

I need to complete the application.

He couldn’t believe he was doing this. However, he went to bed every night,

lonely as usual, wanting someone to curl up with and wondering if he would ever

find his soulmate. He’d finally decided that a mate for one night would have to

suffice. No one to get attached to, just someone to share his bed. A different

woman each night, a different experience, but no one person long enough to form

a bond with. No one to drink blood from, to make his, only to lose them through

boredom or a horrific tragedy.

The next morning he sent an email to Madame Eve, owner of a dating service

called1Night Stand. She responded with the application and instructions to send

it back completed ASAP.

He read the terms then the questions. The entire application seemed legit until

the very last question. The others were pretty standard for a service offering one-

nighters, but this one stood out: Race/Species?

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2

Hmm. Was she serious? Well, there was only one way to find out.

He shrugged and typed: Vampire. He hit send.

Two minutes later, he received a response: I have your ideal match.

What the…? As he stared at the screen, Madame Eve popped up on IM.

Hello monsieur, I hope you are ready for your date tonight.

Tonight? Umm…Madame Eve, I just sent the application to you. How did you

find someone so quickly? And did you catch my answer to the last question?

Yes, I saw it. And she is waiting for you. Now, I know you can travel quickly,

so your date will be waiting for you at the Castillo Transylvania Resort.

That was it. Really skeptical now. Thaddeus felt his fangs breaking through his

gums. This woman clowned him, and he didn’t appreciate it. Okay, joke over. I

forked over a lot of cash on my credit card and got scammed!

No joke. Go to Brasov. I’m sure you’re familiar. The Castillo Resort is in the

renewed downtown area. Hurry. It will only take you seconds to get there.

*wink*.

Interesting. She knew more about Transylvania than most folks. Hmmm.

Maybe.

Well, why not take a chance. Besides, it had been some time since he’d been

home.

After a few minutes of straightening the house, Thaddeus checked around one

more time. He made sure the electricity and gas were off, told the mailman to

hold his mail for the next couple of days, and took his cat over to Mrs. Feldman.

Once satisfied with his arrangements, he left for Brasov.

As Madame Eve predicted, he arrived almost instantly. One advantage of being

the undead.

He headed over to the downtown area and spotted the resort. Well, I’ll be

damned. She wasn’t kidding. The enormous place, with its elaborate décor,

outdid any castle he’d lived in over the centuries. He began to feel good about his

plans.

As he checked in and received his “date” package, he surveyed the lobby.

Decorated in the old, gothic style that he’d come to know and love over the

centuries, rich jewel tones graced the floors, walls and windows. Deep burgundy

Love, Transylvania Style

3

velvet curtains dragged the floors, while golden silk tiebacks held them open to

the beautiful landscape outside.

Thick rich brown carpeting stretched from the front desk to the elevators.

French Provincial furniture greeted visitors strolling under the black crystal

chandelier.

Some might describe it as gaudy. Thaddeus called it homey.

Boarding the elevator, he tried to think of what he would say to his date when

they met. He scanned the info he’d been given. Donna Kent. Thirty-five years old,

MIT graduate. Hmm, an intelligent woman. He liked that. Race/Species: Human.

All of a sudden, Thaddeus’s insides did flip-flops and not in a good way. He

wanted to throw up. Not that he didn’t like humans; just the opposite, in fact. He

envied them sometimes. He’d been one before his change. But suppose he fell for

her, she would live out her life age, and pass away, and he would be left on earth

lonely—again.

She wouldn’t agree to be his forever, anyway. Allowing him to change her.

Humans were funny about being bitten, exchanging blood and having their blood

sucked out of them.

With a heavy heart, he got off the elevator and walked down the hall to his

room.

He found his suite just as elaborate as the lobby. All gothic and “homey.” He

sat at the desk and hooked up his laptop. Once he booted up, he messaged

Madame Eve.

I’m here. But this might not work. We are the epitome of a cross-cultural

relationship, if you get my drift.

I understand. Trust me, you are compatible.

She’s human.

Yes.

Did you tell her about me then?

Of course.

And she didn’t run screaming?

***

Stephanie Williams

4

Donna Kent sat in her room, staring at the clock. Her date would soon be

there. She had never been so nervous. She sat down on the bed, then she got up

and straightened out her dresser. Then she sat at the desk for a few minutes, only

to pop back up and check herself in the mirror. After she finished, she sat on the

edge of her chair and wrung her hands.

She reached over and reread her info sheet. Thaddeus Dumas. His name even

sounded romantic. Age: Nine hundred twenty-five. Race/Species: Vampire.

Well, she’d told Madame Eve she desired someone extraordinary. And that for

one night she wanted to live dangerously with a bad boy.

The emails back and forth hadn’t fazed her at all. Madame Eve had encouraged

her to be honest and upfront about her needs.

I’m looking for someone special…unique.

That’s what they all say. Can you be more…specific?

She thought a moment. All her dates were the same old, same old. Dinner,

dancing, a movie, shopping—maybe some travel here and there. And sex. It never

varied. That’s when it hit her.

She would never find any variety as long as she dated ordinary men. So what

remained?

Extraordinary. But where the hell would she find that?

I realize that, but I really mean it. I need a man that’s…that’s….I don’t know.

Sigh.

I think I understand. You want something…supernatural.”

Yes. Yes. That’s impossible right? Even for you, and I‘m aware of your

company’s reputation.

Wait for my email.

Donna sat there in front of the screen, then:

An application just came in. Can you get to the airport in the next ten minutes

and board our private jet to Transylvania? Your date will be there.

Love, Transylvania Style

5

Chapter Two

Thaddeus paced the room a couple more times, before grabbing the bouquet of

roses and gardenias and the box of chocolate-covered plum candy he’d purchased

in the gift shop downstairs. Donna Kent’s room was on the floor above him.

There would be some issues to straighten out. Madame Eve had assured him

that Ms. Kent was fully aware of his nature, but who asks for a vampire for a date

and a one-night stand at that?

Suppose this woman was a slayer looking for a vampire to kill.

Nah. Thaddeus shook his head. That’s too crazy. Why would anyone shell out

that kind of cash to kill one vamp? And Madame Eve didn’t seem like someone

who would set him up. So this had to be legit.

But what mortal woman preferred to have an encounter with the undead? Ms.

Kent piqued his curiosity.

As he stepped off the elevator, every fiber of his being quaked. What made him

so panicky? It was just another date, not a lifelong commitment—not even for her

short, mortal life. After he made things clear to her, they would have a good time,

enjoy some great sex, and he would move on to the next. He’d keep telling

himself that.

Room 506. He took a deep breath then knocked. A few seconds later, the door

slowly opened.

“Mr. Dumas?”

“Ms. Kent?”

A broad smile spread across her luscious, tawny face. A petite woman,

standing about five-three, she possessed a curvy figure accentuated by a tight

fitting, low cut knit dress and high heels. Nice neck, too. Okay, I need to stop

that.

“Please, come on in.” She stood aside, as he brushed passed her “Have a seat.”

He paused and took a good look at her pixie-like face, captivated by large eyes

the amber of light scotch, sweet dimples, and bow lips. She wore her thick, tightly

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6

curled hair pulled back in a ponytail.

He found her the epitome of cute. He also found her very nervous.

Her vibes were out of control. The room was literally vibrating. It wasn’t a

fearful nervousness, however, which piqued his curiosity even more. So she

wasn’t scared of him. Hmm. Interesting.

“Um…these are for you.” He handed her the flowers and candy.

“Thank you. They’re beautiful.” She stuck her face in the bouquet and inhaled.

“Nice. And these chocolates just became my new favorites. I discovered them

since being here. They gave me a little box of them at the front desk.”

“I’m glad you like.” As she replaced the blooms in a vase provided by the hotel

with the ones he’d brought, he thought about how to approach the eight hundred

pound gorilla in the room. He shrugged. After arranging the flowers to her

satisfaction, she showed them to him. “This whole set up is new to me. You?”

“Umm…yeah. Ms. Kent. I think you should be aware that—”

“You’re a vampire. And please call me Donna.”

Well, that knocked the wind out of his sails. He knew Madame Eve told her

before hand, but he still wanted to bring home the point by telling her in person.

He thought it more dramatic that way. But she seemed so nonchalant about the

whole deal. “You know? I mean, you believe that I am…a vampire.”

“Oh, yes. I could tell as soon as I opened the door. Your presence is definitely

different from the other men I’ve been dating. You presence gives the room an

energy I can’t explain. It’s like…supernatural.”

Hmm. Was this the reason she wanted a vampire? Mortals were in awe of

vampires, not really knowing what they were getting into. “Do you realize what

could happen if we like each other?”

“Oh…well. Yes and no.”

“Uh huh. Donna—”

“Yes.”

She looked so sweet and innocent. Already drawn to her, he felt the need to

protect her, even from himself. “Donna. I’m not sure what you asked for on your

application, but I think you’re in way over your head.”

“Please don’t reject me yet. I’m human, but don’t hold it against me.”

Love, Transylvania Style

7

He felt a lump in his throat. Her quiet voice tore at him. “But I don’t think I

can give you what you need, what you’re searching for.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I’m tired of ordinary men. And they are all

ordinary. A mortal can only do so much. I have to have excitement.”

“I think you have a romanticized and not quite realistic view on being a

vampire.”

“Stop talking to me as if I were a child! I’ve read books. I know all about your

kind.”

He snapped his head up and stared at the diminutive woman in the middle of

the room. Hands on hips and tapping her foot, he could almost see smoke coming

out of her ears. In fact, he could see that she wanted to slap the shit out of him

and put him in his place.

Wow. Spitfire. At the moment, he didn’t dare touch her to calm her down. She

was a bit prickly, and he didn’t want to be on the business end of anything sharp.

Yeah, she was determined, and she wasn’t going to allow him to talk her out of

anything.

Okay, if that’s the way she wanted it. He would show her what she could expect

from his kind.

No more talk.

“Fine. But first, let’s have an early dinner.”

“I didn’t mean to yell at you. But you seem to think I don’t know what I want.”

“I understand what you think you want. I just wonder if you’re prepared for it.”

***

Donna couldn’t believe it. A real live vampire. Well, not live, but a genuine one.

Madame Eve hit the nail on the head. She’d found her an extraordinary man.

Now, what to do with him?

It seemed he suffered under the assumption that she didn’t know what to

expect from the undead. Ridiculous. She’d read countless books on the subject

and seen Interview with a Vampire four times. She was damn near an expert on

the subject.

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8

As she watched him walk around, checking out her suite, she studied him like

a bug under a microscope.

A tall man, at least six three, he was built but not overly muscular. His hair the

blackest she’d ever seen, almost a midnight blue. A true fallen angel/bad boy with

soul-searching eyes in the incredible color of azure. Strong, chiseled features in a

ruggedly handsome face with a five o’clock shadow and yummy lips.

After this man, ordinary mortals paled in comparison. She wondered if she

would ever go back to plain men again. She might date only vamps from here on

out. She would have to use Madame Eve’s services on a regular basis though.

Luckily she got that degree from M.I.T in Nuclear Science and Engineering—she

could write her own ticket as far as pay. Yep, Madame Eve was the only way to go.

One couldn’t just go to a bar and find a vampire.

Thaddeus turned to her and smiled. She could barely catch her breath. Forget

about other vampires. This one was a keeper—just absolutely gorgeous.

Now she needed to convince him they could be lovers—without him biting her.

“Where would you like to go for dinner? I’m not familiar with Transylvania.

And this is such a beautiful city.”

Another genuine smile swept across his face. “Why, thank you. It was my

home, originally. Brasov has changed a lot over the centuries, but some of the old

charm remains. Would you like a tour?”

She forced herself not to jump up and down like a schoolgirl. “I would love it.”

“Very well.” He bowed. How regal. “We’ll have a hearty dinner and then paint

the town red.”

“Wait! You eat regular food?”

He cocked his brow. “Do you think I drink blood all night long?”

“Well…yeah, if you really are a vampire, or is this a damn good act?” Hands on

her hips, she tapped her foot.

“Ahh. Now you have doubts. Or is that fear mixed with hesitation?” He gave

her a knowing smile.

“Not many people meet the undead.”

“True. So what proof do you need? Me showing fang? Turning into a bat?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “No need to get cynical.

Love, Transylvania Style

9

He slowly strode over and fixed her with his hypnotic gaze. “You said you

wanted someone different. I assume that means in the sex department as well?”

“Uh…yeah.”

He closed his eyes and furrowed his brow in deep concentration. The room

darkened. “Wha…what’s going on?”

“Just relax,” He approached her and swept his hand across her cheek. “You’re

going to experience something quite extraordinary.”

Shadows drifted along the wall as though candle flames flickered in the room.

Her bed didn’t appear quite the same, either.

She neared it, reached to touch the sheets and suddenly, she lay flat on her

back.

“Oh!” She tried scrambling to get up, but was brought back down by some

unseen entity, as if it latched onto her shoulders.

“Just relax, Donna.”

His velvet voice flowed over her body like a warm breeze. A second later, heat

flared between her thighs, right at her core. Her whole body lit up in sensual

flames.

She rolled around like a cat in heat; touching herself, her breasts, her stomach,

stroking her pussy fast in a desperate bid to find relief. But she couldn’t find it

there. She just got hornier and wetter.

“Thaddeus! Please!”

“Please what, darling?”

“I can’t come. Ooh!” She removed her hands squeezing her thighs together, but

that made the situation worse. Then strong hands caressed her body, stopping to

stroke her now soaked core. She saw nothing there, but her body was out of

control. Rather, something unseen entity took possession of her.

“Oh my God! Thaddeus…I can’t come!” Her body stiffened, as if her whole

being, body and soul, held its breath, then, “Oooh! Yes! Oh, God!”

She flopped back and forth until the tremors ripping out of her core stilled.

And she blacked out. When she regained consciousness, she lay in a pool of sex

and sweat. Thaddeus stood over her wearing a wicked grin on his face.

“Have I convinced you?”

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10

She propped herself up on her elbows. “Oh, yes. Yes indeed,” she panted.

“Good Lord.” That was more intense than masturbation with the best dildo.

“Ho…how did you do that?”

“I thought you studied all there was to know about vampires,” he mocked.

“I must have skipped the chapter on making women come without touching

them.”

He snorted, which she wouldn’t have expected, he seemed so regal. But it was

endearing, to say the least.

“There are a lot of things that vampires can do, and there are even more things

we can’t. And even though you hate that I’m not taking your vast knowledge of

my kind seriously, debunking stereotypes can be fun.”

“All right, I admit, I’m not a scholar on everything about you, but I’m willing to

learn. Perhaps you can give me a crash course and maybe….”

“Yeees?”

“Maybe you could do…that again.”

A feral grin crept across his face. “I’ll see what I can do. Now, are you ready for

an extraordinary date?”

“Bring it on.”

“Good. I’ll wait while you freshen up and change your clothes, then we can

leave.”

Donna got off the bed, a little shaky, and headed to the bathroom. She made

sure to dress extra special for this night considering her date. What she

previously had on just wouldn’t do now. She put on her lucky satin blouse: royal

blue, spaghetti straps, a low V in the back, and it clung like saran wrap over her

ample breasts. A pair of tight jeans and kick-ass stilettos added the finishing

touch. Little had she known he was going to light her fire before they stepped out

the door.

She anticipated a night to remember.

Love, Transylvania Style

11

Chapter Three

“After we eat, I’ll take you on a little visit,” Thaddeus suggested as they

scanned the menu at the Bella Musica restaurant. He considered the mostly

Hungarian dishes, pleased that if Donna wasn’t that adventurous, they offered a

selection of Mexican fare. All Americans liked Mexican right? Besides, who could

turn down free nachos?

However, the real attraction lay in the restaurant’s location, near the Black

Church at Gheorghe Baritiu. One walked through a small gate next to a music

shop turned through the door on the right and descended some sharp stairs into

a four hundred-year-old cellar to get to the eating establishment.

“The food looks delicious, but I’m not sure what to order,” Donna’s eyes zipped

back and forth over the menu. “I’m glad it’s in English too. I wouldn’t want to

keep asking for translations. Although it’s still not telling me exactly what I will

be eating.” She picked up her glass of water, and he noticed her hand was

trembling a bit. He reached over and stroked her wrist. He then took her hand

and held it. She looked up at him and smiled.

She still seemed a bit shaken from their encounter back at the hotel. In all

fairness, he would give her that. Solo sex like she’d experienced could have that

effect on a mortal.

He had convinced her—she knew he was not an ordinary man. She still wore

an expression of satisfaction on her face. She’d mentioned she’d like another little

demonstration. He’d love to make her come like that again. Even in public.

Right now, however, they would chow down. After watching her flip through

the menu several times, he decided to take some action. “May I suggest

something?”

“Please do.”

“Let’s start off with ciorb

ă de burtă—tripe soup—then mititei—grilled minced-

meat rolls in bread. You’ll love that; the flavor is wonderful. Then, on the side,

some ardei umplu

ţi—stuffed bell peppers—and for dessert, let’s see…” He flipped

Stephanie Williams

12

to the back of the menu, “…how does amandine sound?”

“What’s that?”

“A chocolate sponge cake filled with chocolate and almond cream.”

Her tongue snaked out and licked her lips. Thaddeus suppressed a groan and

picked up the wine list. “Do you drink? They have great wines.”

“I would love to taste some of the local vintages. I’ve never been to Romania,

not to mention Transylvania.”

“Okay, we’ll have…. Ahh. Romania is famous for their plum brandy.”

“Wow, this spread sounds decadent and filling. Are you sure we’ll have energy

to sightsee, or will we have to go back to our rooms and take a nap?” She

chuckled.

“Is that what you really want to do if we go back to the hotel?” He wiggled his

brows.

Meeting his gaze, her eyes dilated. Interesting. Was she so willing to lie down

with him still knowing what he was capable of? Her openness pleasantly

surprised him.

“So where are we going from here?” She shook out her napkin and smoothed it

on her lap.

“Bran Castle. One of many fortresses here that purport to be Dracula’s home.”

Her eyes widened. “Really? Um, did you know….the count, or was he a myth?”

“I’m acquainted with a family that actually claims the bloodline, no pun

intended.” Thaddeus waved his hand in slight dismissal, rolling his eyes. “But the

veracity of their assertion has yet to be proven. As far as me knowing the Dracula,

no.”

“Oh.”

“You seem disappointed.”

“No, no. But it would have been cool if you did.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle, which brought her to laughter also—a musical

sound he could get used to.

As the food arrived, Donna stared at him. “You have a question, my dear.”

“Yes.”

He tasted his tripe. “Mmm. Good. Go on.”

Love, Transylvania Style

13

“I wonder why a handsome vampire such as yourself would go to a dating

service.”

“Ahh. For that, I would have to give you the sad story of my life.”

“I have time.”

Thaddeus looked at her and smiled. Her curiosity, for some reason, turned him

on. Then again, if she hiccupped, that would have the same effect. “Okay, I won’t

bore you with the gruesome details of how one becomes a vampire. As you

pointed out, you’ve read lot of books on that topic. I will fast-forward to a few

weeks ago.

“My views on dating and finding Mrs. Right changed when I realized I would

never find someone to spend an eternity with. I’m nine hundred and fifty years

old. I was very young, just coming out of my teens, about twenty.”

“Your app said nine twenty-five.”

“I lied.” He grinned and took a sip of wine. “Anyway, I have had many

women—and men. I’ve changed a couple, but they either wanted to find someone

themselves to bring into our relationship or they just tired of me.”

“Bored…with you?”

“Or I with them; it can work both ways. Three weeks ago, I did some soul

searching. Yes, I can do that,” he said as an expression of doubt crossed Donna’s

face. “I wanted someone to spend the rest of my life with, however long that will

be. Then it dawned on me; that will never happen.”

“Why? I’m sure, through the years, you’ll find the one.”

“Mortal women live short lives, so I can’t get close to them, and I don’t want to

change anyone unwillingly. So I decided, why not play the field? I love sex and

variety. What better way to indulge in that than to have a different date every

night? So I sent an email to 1Night Stand. The service seemed perfect. Madame

Eve can get me someone every night, or every other night—if I need a break.”

Donna just stared at him. She didn’t move a muscle. What could that mean?

***

Donna listened to Thaddeus’s tale, a sad one mixed with a little cynicism. Even

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14

though she couldn’t relate, she did empathize.

To walk the earth for hundreds of years, sometimes alone, must weigh heavy.

She had read books, but they never dwelled on the fact that vampires did have

feelings, just like humans.

She neglected her food; transfixed by his story; she dared not eat for fear of

missing vital information. Then she realized what he’d said. “Umm…after your

date with me, do you plan to move on?”

He wiped his mouth and set his napkin on the table. “Before I answer that, I’m

a bit curious, too.”

“What’s that?”

“Why did you contact 1Night Stand?”

She put down her fork. “Oh, well…to tell you the truth, I was getting bored

with my dates. I wanted someone exciting, dangerous—but romantic.” Her cheeks

heated. “I need someone above the ordinary—someone extraordinary.”

“Ahh. And here I sit. What did you think I could bring to your romantic life in

one night?”

“I don’t know. Maybe excitement, mystery?” She shrugged. “And I didn’t

expect an actual vampire. But hey, if you’re gonna go big….”

He cocked his head and smirked. “Not sure if that’s a compliment, but I’ll take

it.”

“Please believe me it is. I’m sure once I tell my girlfriends, I will be the envy of

the lingerie parties.”

Thaddeus quirked his brow. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t.”

“Didn’t what?”

“Tell your girlfriends.”

Donna put her hand over her mouth. “Ohh. I forgot, people are still scared of

you and probably don’t know you walk among them.”

“Exactly, not to mention the possibility of outing me to some crazed vampire

hunter who would love a feather in her cap for killing one of us.”

“I couldn’t imagine some crazy person wanting to murder someone as

stunning looking as you.”

“Why…thank you.”

Love, Transylvania Style

15

They continued talking, mostly about him. Donna found his life very

intriguing. He was like a walking history book. After they finished their dessert,

they left the restaurant to begin the tour.

“I can’t wait to see this castle. It sounds kinda creepy, yet romantic at the same

time. Truly fascinating”

“You seem to find dark, dangerous, and creepy…sexy. I find that fascinating.”

“Well, a person can find sexy in just about anything, I guess.”

After a stroll along some garden paths, they wandered through the town

square, where a farmers’ market was being held. Donna exclaimed over the

different foods and folk art for about thirty minutes, until Thaddeus bought her

some items that she admired and urged her on their way.

Ten minutes later they finally reached the end of the path to Bran Castle.

“Wow. How beautiful. Did you ever live here?”

“I’ve visited from time to time. But it’s been a while since I’ve been back home.

Kinda getting homesick.”

“I can see why you love it here. It’s so beautiful. When one thinks of

Transylvania, the image that springs to mind is dark, dreary, frightening,

depressing—”

“You’re depressing me at the moment.” Thaddeus said, rubbing her back.

“Oh, sorry.” She chuckled. “But you get my drift. Look at the landscape—the

trees, the hills, the valleys and mountains. Postcard perfect.”

When they reached the entrance to the castle, Donna nearly did a backflip.

“The actual doorknob you see on Bram Stoker’s vampire novel!”

Thaddeus laughed. “Let’s go in. I think you’ll be very surprised by a few things.

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16

Chapter Four

As they passed under the portcullis, Thaddeus considered her remark. I

couldn’t imagine someone wanting to murder someone as beautiful as you. If

that didn’t leave a lump in his throat…. That had been happening to him a lot

with Donna. She brought out feelings he hadn’t experienced in a long time. He

actually felt…loved. Damn.

He needed to put some distance between them. This was a one-night stand,

but he could already foresee it becoming something else. He couldn’t go through

heartbreak again.

Thaddeus followed Donna, watching her get excited over every antique

chandelier, couch, dusty table, and tapestry in the castle. He then got a great idea.

Donna romanticized this castle so much, maybe he could talk her into some kinky

playtime in one of the bedchambers. Sex, just sex. If they both realized what this

date was really about, then when they said their good-byes at the end, it wouldn’t

hurt—much.

“Welcome to Bran’s Castle.” An elderly man in a dusty, formal suit approached

them. He looked as old as the castle Thaddeus mused to himself.

The castle teemed with tourists, but that wouldn’t be hard to rectify. The last

thing he needed was an audience.

“Look up there.” Thaddeus tapped Donna on the shoulder and pointed to one

of the many high windows.

“Oooh, the sky is getting black. I didn’t hear any news about a storm.”

“I don’t think this is a storm.”

Some tourists ran to the various windows, others looked out the door. Gasps

echoed throughout the castle. “People, I think we need to leave.” yelled the guide

as he tried to gather everyone together. During the confusion, Thaddeus took

Donna by the arm and dragged her to another room.

“What is it? Why aren’t we leaving with the rest? What’s going on out there?”

Panic filled her voice, but he smoothed the back of his hand over her cheek and

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17

she immediately calmed.

“Just a little illusion. Some say this castle is haunted. So why not give the

tourists a little show. Plus, it gives us a chance to get to more acquainted with

each other on more…intimate terms.”

“You mean, you did that?” she asked, staring at the windows.

“Of course. I had to be alone with you…here.”

“Oh? You really can do a lot of stuff, can’t you? Can you change things into

other objects?”

“Is my name Merlin?” Thaddeus glared at her. “Let’s just say, when the

situation requires it, I can manipulate the elements” He nodded and held out his

hand. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”

As they walked through the castle, he pointed out various pieces of heavy

furniture and faded tapestries, giving their history.

“Why does a lot of this stuff look nineteenth and twentieth century, you know,

modern?”

“Many of the furnishings come from Queen Marie and her heirs during the

turn of the twentieth century. This castle has been through a great deal. Wars,

political tugs of war. A New York millionaire tried to purchase the place. Finally,

the Romanian government decided to make it a museum.”

“So this castle, out of all the others, was the most coveted. Is that because this

one is said to be the Count Dracula’s home?”

“Yep.” Thaddeus stood in front of a large, wooden door. “Come here. This is

the bedroom where Count Dracula himself supposedly slept.”

They entered, and once again Donna stood transfixed.

“Wow. That bed, it’s so…dark and…” she walked over and rubbed her hand

over it, “…heavy. Solid wood. And the bedding…are these the original linens?”

“That’s what they say. They treat them every so often and store them away

when the museum is not open.” Thaddeus joined her. “We’re alone.” He wiggled

his brows. “We have the whole place to ourselves.”

She fixed him with a stunned look, then narrowed her eyes. “This isn’t like

having your parents’ house for the weekend while they’re out of town. We’d be

desecrating a historical monument.”

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18

“Where’s your sense of adventure?” He sat on the edge of the bed and patted

the spot next to him. “Come here.”

She stood by the bedpost, holding onto it for dear life, more than a bit hesitant.

Time for a little seduction. “Come on, Donna. You said yourself this place was

romantic.”

“Yes, but I didn’t mean for us to turn it into a make-out spot.”

“Make-out? No, no, no, dear. I plan to make love to you.”

“Make…?”

“What better place to have a vampire ravish you than Dracula’s castle? You can

put this in your diary.”

“Thaddeus, don’t you think you’re moving a bit fast?”

“This is a one-night stand, remember? It’s already getting late. And remember

your request to Madame Eve. You wanted an extraordinary man.”

“Well yes, but…saaay.”

“What?”

“You were out in the daylight.”

Thaddeus sighed. “I get it. The old, vamps-frizzle-up-as-soon-as-the-sun-

shines stereotype. No, dear. Some of us with the right DNA can walk the earth in

a hundred and five degree Texas heat if we have to.”

“Hell, I can’t even do that.”

“Now, are you ready for the lovemaking of a lifetime?” His fangs pushed

through his gums. He tried to hold back, but the more time he spent next to her,

the more his body cried out to take her.

Donna’s eyes grew wide. “I…I…think, I changed my mind.” She turned on her

heel and headed toward the hallway. But Thaddeus shut the door with his mind

right as she reached the threshold.

“I don’t think so, my dear.”

***

Donna spun around when her escape was cut off. Thaddeus still sat on the

edge of the bed.

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19

“Umm…look. Maybe you’re right. Perhaps I didn’t realize what I was getting

into.”

He stood up to his full height. He appeared taller here than he had back at the

hotel. “I told you earlier that you didn’t know and that you were in way over your

head. But you welcomed me with open arms. You took my kisses and my flirting

up to this point, so what is holding you back?”

“I…you…might bite me.”

Thaddeus threw back his head and laughed a deep guffaw that echoed

throughout the castle. Now, she was scared. Reality really hit her. Yes, you’re

dating a vampire.

“Is that all you’re worried about?”

She put her hands on her hips. “Is that all? How would you like if someone bit

you without your permission.”

“I didn’t like it. Remember, I was human once.”

That revelation hit her in the gut. How could she forget?

“Nine hundred and fifty years ago, I was minding my own business, when my

sire saw a young man he fancied. He took me down an alley and drank me dry. I

belonged to him for at least three hundred years, until he met his fate.”

She felt bad. All this time she’d romanticized vampirism and all the trappings

that went with it, not realizing the price he paid for his immortality. So here she

stood before him, facing her own mortality. She began to shake.

He prowled toward her until he stood inches in front of her. “Don’t worry, my

dear.” He stroked her face with the back of his hand. “I will not take from you as

my sire did me. I will let you decide. It’s because the feelings I have for that I will

give you a choice—and sacrifice my own desires.”

“Suppose I say no.”

He shrugged. “It won’t be the first time I’ve been rejected.”

She thought a moment. She was so curious. Not about becoming the undead,

but about being made love to by a vampire. What would it be like? What would

she feel? How long did an orgasm last? How many would she have? And, damn it,

couldn’t she experience that without having him clamp onto her neck?

“Sex with a vampire is an experience that no one can describe. You will

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20

experience euphoria, your orgasms will last as long as I want them to, and you

will have as many as I wish you to have. And yes, I would have to clamp down on

your neck. I would be in such a state of arousal, heightened by yours, that I would

be in a frenzy—the situation could get out of hand. I would be forced to pull back.

That takes a toll on me. And the only way I can truly change you and make you

mine forever is to exchange blood.”

“Ewww. Wait. You…you read my thoughts.”

“Of course. Are you sure you didn’t read the comic strip version of

vampirism?”

“I read what were supposed to be reliable sources. But some tidbits may have

slipped my mind. No pun intended.” She sighed and looked into his hypnotic,

azure eyes. “So what do we do? Do we part ways now and never see each other

again? Are you really willing to sacrifice your needs and walk away—just for me?”

“Yes. I’m in as much turmoil as you are, Donna. I want you, but I know you

don’t desire this—this life, yet your need for me is strong. There is no

compromise.”

“But how about what you did to me back at the hotel?”

“That was for you and you only. I got no direct physical pleasure from that, just

emotional at knowing I pleased you. A vampire can’t live on sex by osmosis.”

She kept her head down. “So where does that leave us?”

“I’m not sure. I didn’t want to fall in love with a mortal again, and I definitely

didn’t want to fall for you. I like you, and because of my fondness for you, I don’t

want to take from you. And I can see you’re not feeling the whole, biting me and

drinking from me thing either.

“I appreciate that. But I feel bad for you. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you

like me.”

He laughed and kissed her on the cheek then moved to a nearby window. He

stared out, not once turning back to her. “You didn’t do anything but be yourself.

I’m sure it’s not the first time a male fell for you.”

“Well, many men have told me that they were in love with me. But a vampire,

something so extraordinary to fall for a mere mortal. I’ve never had a vampire go

head over heels for me.”

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“I see.” He faced her. “Please don’t put me on a pedestal and don’t think so low

of yourself. I admire mortals. But how do you feel about a vampire going ‘head

over heels’ for you as you put it?”

“Kinda weird. I mean…I think I’m flattered, but scared.” She wrapped her

arms around her waist.

“Ahh, because you know there is only one way you can really be with me—

forever.”

Her hands shook. She just hoped Thaddeus didn’t notice.

“I don’t have to see your nervousness. I can sense it.” He reached for her hands

and held them.

Damn. I keep forgetting. “Can we go back to the hotel?”

“It’s not what you thought it would be like, is it?”

“I’m confused.”

Thaddeus released her. He smiled down at her and ran his fingers through her

hair. “The reason you are so mixed up is because you’re thinking too hard. It

should be open and shut. Your conflict means only one thing.” He stroked her

cheeks.

“Wh-what’s that?”

“That maybe you might consider lying down with me.”

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22

Chapter Five

He had her, but he wouldn’t act on it yet. There was still plenty of time. Right

now he’d to deal with Donna’s feelings.

Even though he could read her mind and sense her turmoil, one thing was loud

and clear. She wavered. But he still would not take from her.

He meant what he said; he liked her. If he were truly selfish, he would drink

from her in a second and not care whether she sought it or not, as long as he had

her.

He couldn’t quite tell which way she leaned and that annoyed him a bit. But it

was okay. He understood the conflict within her. “Tell me, Donna. Have you

thought about what it would be like to be bitten?”

“Well…not really…I mean, I haven’t really sat down and thought the whole

situation through, obviously.”

“I told you about my life. Walking the earth for an eternity, watching my

mortal friends age and die, without a true love. Are you willing to share that

existence with me?”

“I…I’m so confused.”

“You said you wanted an extraordinary man in your life.”

“Actually, just for the night.”

“Ahh, but you haven’t really had that, have you, except for what happened back

at the hotel. But I can’t be doing that to you all the time. It’s emotionally draining

for me.”

“Thaddeus, to be honest with you, when you first walked through that door,

you took my breath away. I’ve never laid eyes on a man so beautiful. Then when

you had sex with me, without physically touching me, that was amazing.”

“But…?

“I have to experience all you can give me, and I’m aware of what that entails.

I’m scared, Thaddeus.”

Her little voice pulled at him again. He should just walk away and ask Madame

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23

Eve to find another. It would be easier on him. Just a random woman, one he

didn’t give a shit about. Someone he could walk away from after a night of

meaningless, empty sex. Someone he wouldn’t want to change.

So he was back to square one. No one to be with for an eternity, just a bunch of

faceless, nameless people visiting his bed. He would settle for that.

No, that wouldn’t do. He’d fallen hard for Donna. Her vulnerability, her

meekness, her innocence all tugged at him.

He must get her to come to terms with whatever decision she would make

tonight. He didn’t dare control her thoughts or feelings—her choice had to come

from her heart. He didn’t want this decision to linger any longer than the date.

There would be no hooking up later or even calling. He would have to walk away

and she have no memory of him—period. So he needed her to be one hundred

and ten percent sure that this is what she wanted. Either way.

“I need to be honest with you, too. I am more than attracted to you. You’re the

first woman I’ve felt a need to protect, to care for twenty-four hours a day. But I

will do this for both of us.”

“What?”

“I will erase your memory of me. I will leave you tonight, after our date, but in

the morning you will have no knowledge of this rendezvous. If that’s okay with

you.”

“It’s not. Why would I want to forget an incredible night like this? And what

does that mean for you? Will you erase your own memory?”

“No, I can’t do that.”

“But that means that you will remember this and me.”

“True. But I’ve suffered for many centuries Donna. This will be just one of

those memories that I carry with me. The recollections of a vampire stay with him

always. I remember every detail of my life since the time I was changed.”

“You’d do that for me?”

“Yes.”

She looked up at him, her eyes tearing up. He reached over and wiped them.

“No need to shed tears for a vampire. It’s our life. That’s why I said at the hotel

that you probably didn’t know what you were getting into, with me. Not just

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24

becoming the undead, but also carrying painful memories that follow you

through the years. You see, the one thing that’s great about being mortal is that

the mind has a great way of suppressing painful memories. We can’t do that.”

She moved closer to him, then stood up on her tiptoes. She gently kissed him

on the cheeks, her lips softer than a dove’s wing. Thaddeus nearly melted.

Overcome by her compassion, he picked her up and carried her over to the

huge, dark wooden bed, the one that historians or storytellers, claimed Dracula

himself had slept in. He gently placed her in the middle of it.

She leaned on her elbows and gazed lovingly at him. He couldn’t resist, and he

didn’t try.

He leaned over and took off her clothes, starting with her blouse. He peeled it

off, stopping just for a moment, to see if she resisted, but she seemed more than

willing to let him continue.

He then removed her bra, sucking in his breath as he gazed at her luscious

skin. He touched her, sliding his hand from her collarbone to her waist. Her skin

felt like the finest silk from the most exotic land. “So beautiful,” he whispered.

As his hands came to the top of her jeans, he paused and gazed into her eyes.

Her dilated pupils told him what he needed to know. He unzipped the jeans and

slid the skintight material down her legs. As his knuckles grazed her skin, she

released a soft sigh. He tossed her pants to the floor and kissed her feet, her

ankles, her calves, her thighs, her hips then moved on to her neither region.

When he inhaled her scent, his fangs extended and his muscles grew a bit and

tightened.

Sitting up, he tried to calm down—seriously. If this were any other time, any

other woman, he would have ripped into her neck a long time ago. But this was

no ordinary moment, and she was no ordinary woman.

He continued his exploration of her body, her skin soft, warm, and pliable. He

loved the feeling of mortal flesh, especially that of a receptive female.

He leaned over and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and

pulled him into her embrace.

He broke free of it grudgingly and ripped his shirt off. Taking her hand, he

placed it on his bicep. “Feel that? See, you can even get the cold blooded vampire

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25

hot.”

“Like nothing I’ve ever felt before.”

Thaddeus chuckled. “Is that good?”

“Oooh yes!”

Thaddeus took her hand and placed it on the aching bulge trying to break

through his leather pants. “Have you felt anything like that?”

Her eyes grew wide as saucers. “Oh, heavens, no.”

She rubbed her hand over his cock, making it harder than he ever thought it

could get. Thaddeus did all he could to keep it together. He needed to be inside

her. If he drank from her now, it would ruin the whole mood. He wanted to feel

her mortal flesh wrapped tightly around him.

“That’s enough.” He removed her hand and stood up, unfastening his belt, not

once taking his eyes off on her as she remained where he had placed her.

He dropped his pants and heard a faint gasp from Donna. A smile stretched

his lips as he stepped out of them, walking slowly to her. “Lie back.”

She did, opening her legs, inviting him.

He put his knee on the bed and bent down, stroking her thighs. “You are so

ready for me, aren’t you? As you can see, I’m ready for you, too.” He straddled her

and spread her legs even wider. “Relax, this is going to be an experience you have

never felt before in your life. If I do say so myself.” He grinned.

Donna calmed under his touch. He leaned into her, placing kisses all over her

body while caressing her. Slowly and with much effort, he eased inside her. His

initial thought was just to plunge into her. But in order for her to feel every inch

of him, he needed to savor every agonizing muscle of her core surrounding him.

“Oh Thaddeus! You’re…so big”

Her comment brought another smile to his face. “It’s okay; I think you can take

me within a few moments. If not, we have the rest of the evening to try.”

He slid in further, her pussy walls tightening around him. Tears filled his eyes.

“You’re killing me, love.” He sank in even deeper. He not only wanted his cock

inside her but his whole being.

Donna slid farther down on the bed, opening her legs even wider. He ground

his hips into her as she bucked her hips. She pulled on his hair, using it to bring

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26

his face to hers. Thaddeus took her hint, bent, and kissed her hard. He forced his

fangs back, for fear of even nipping her. As he got closer to a frenzy, he pulled out

and was met with an agonized protest. He grabbed her and sat her on her knees

pressing his body against her back and caressing her from her neck to the

opening of her now soaked pussy.

“I’m going to make this last all night,” he whispered in her ear.

She loved the way his arms felt when they wrapped around her, and how his

hands caressed the bottoms of her tits. She took her hands, placing them on top

of his as he played with her breasts. He moaned with pleasure as they both

caressed and massaged her breasts, making her nipples so hard they ached.

His hardness pressed against the cleft of her ass, the hot pre-cum dripping

from his shaft.

Not able to take any more, she turned around, spread her legs, and took his

hand. “You feel how wet I am? My pussy is so wet and still hungry for you.” He

reached down and slid his fingers over her hard clit and she moaned as he

separated her slick lips.

His eyes glowed and his tongue snaked out and licked his lips, huge, long, and

pointy. Immediately she felt more of her arousal flow out. God, what would that

tongue feel like on her pussy?

“Would you like to find out?”

“Oooh, yes”

“Lie down and open up for me.” He licked his lips again. More of her juices

poured out. She didn’t think she had that much in her. But seeing that nefarious-

looking tongue snake out between his lips, imagining what Thaddeus could to do

with it, got her so hot she literally couldn’t see straight. She just wanted that

tongue inside her—now.

“I’m just going to give you a little sample. If I take it too far, it could get out of

hand.” Thaddeus held her gaze while easing down her body to her pussy.

“You…mean…you’re not going to eat me until I come?” She heard the panic in

her voice, but it couldn’t be helped. The fact he would start something and not

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27

finish would drive her insane.

“Your scent and both our states of arousal would cause me to show fang…and I

might take from you.”

She sobered up a bit from that admission—but not much. She was still hot for

that tongue.

Before she could form another thought on the subject, Thaddeus rammed his

tongue inside her deep and twirled it slowly, hitting every inch of her core.

“Ahhh! Deeper please! Oh God, that feels so good!”

Thaddeus pulled his tongue slowly out of her, almost as if he was withdrawing

his penis, before he came. “No, my love. As much as it’s killing me, I can’t” He

lifted her up to her knees, facing him.

With a slight roughness, she dragged her nails down his chest to his waist,

then inched slowly downward, touching just above his penis.

“Keep going, baby. I want you to feel how much I want to be inside you again.”

Her fingers slid down his shaft, to spread his pre-cum over the head of his cock

in small circles.

He positioned his shaft between her legs, getting it nice and slick by fucking

the space between her pussy and legs. She felt the ridge of his cock brushing

against her silken lips, and all she could do was grunt and sigh with each swipe.

Her only instinct was to try to raise her hips to give him better access. She needed

him in her even more now. After he gave her a tease of what that tongue could do,

her core felt empty and needed filling.

Thaddeus pushed into her. They both seemed to be holding their breath. He

began to pump into her while lowering her onto her back. Once again, she lay

under him, helpless but loving every minute of it.

With each stroke of his shaft, she felt her soul being bound to him. Tears came

to her eyes while her body desperately begged for release. He’d told her he could

make it last for as long as he wished, and it seemed to be taking forever. Her head

and limbs felt like they were going to disconnect at any moment.

“Please! Please! Take me!”

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28

Thaddeus heard her cries loud and clear. She wasn’t just caught up in the

moment. She wanted this. She was willing to be his for a lifetime—an eternity.

He’d waited for Donna for over nine hundred years. And to think it took an

Internet service to find her.

He closed his eyes and held her tight and close. He would not warn her when

the bite would come, wanting to keep her in her state of frenzy and not tensed up.

It would be easier on her.

“Thaddeus.”

The sweet sigh of his name pushed him over. His fangs extended and the

muscles in his body tightened. He looked down at Donna’s beautiful, angelic face.

A tear rolled down his cheek. It was a bittersweet moment, but in the end neither

would have any regrets.

No more thinking, He raised his head and let out a hiss before sinking his teeth

into her neck. The familiar taste of copper flowed over his tongue and down his

throat. He rested there a few, allowing his saliva, with the mixture of her own

blood, to get into her system and make the transformation. After a few moments,

he too felt the familiar sting of fang on his neck. Her fangs. Seconds later, he was

in a state of euphoria, hearing only Donna’s soft sighs as she slowly drifted into

darkness.

She reached out and tried to grab anything to hang on to, to keep from falling.

The second Thaddeus’s fangs sank into her skin, an orgasm hit, and that’s when

the room spun wildly out of control.

Or had it? When she came to, she lay in the same spot with Thaddeus sitting

beside her, stroking her leg, and smiling.

“Wha…what happened?”

“Hello…my love.”

“Is it…is it over? Am I changed?”

“Yes. You’re changed. Is it over, no. You will be with me for an eternity.”

“You mean I’m a vampire now?”

He nodded. “How does it feel?

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Donna lifted the hand to her neck, and carefully traced the bite area that was

already healing. “It feels…wonderful. Especially if I’m to spend forever with you.”

Thaddeus’s smile lit the dark, eerie room. “Then this one-night stand turned

out to be more than I could have ever wished for.” He held out his hand and she

placed hers in his. Together they floated out the window of the castle and into a

life of love and adventure.

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

“My name is Stephanie Williams. I am a native of Los Angeles, born 45 years

ago. I am a full-time home business owner in the export/import trade as well

as a contract Purchasing Agent for a medical facility. I enjoy opera, classical

music and am a huge history buff. Reading is my passion and it’s not

unusual for me to read a book a week whether it’s War and Peace or short

stories by Poe and of course romance and erotica. I’ve traveled extensively

and it’s not unusual to find me celebrating Christmas in the Land Down

Under with a shrimp on the Barbie.”

www.missstephaniewilliams.blogspot.com