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Randy stared at Ralin and his fangs. He cried out and ran from the room. The door slammed behind him. Ralin turned toward Kate. His fangs were now gone.
�Will you give me five minutes to explain now?� he asked gently.
Kate slowly nodded and lowered her exhausted body to the step by the railing. Ralin slowly approached her and sat on the step along side her. Kate watched him carefully.
�I know most people�s perception of vampires,� Ralin began. �It�s true there were vampires who were the undead, drinking human blood to sustain life, and killing mercilessly. That�s not true of us. We�re an evolved civilization. We drink blood on occasion, but none of us have killed a human. We work closely with blood banks across the country. None of us are dead, but we have crossed into immortality, so we may not be killed. We don�t sleep in coffins, and we may walk in daylight.� Ralin studied her as she sat quietly and without comment. �We�re actually rather shy people.�
Kate glanced at Ralin and stared for several minutes. �I do I know you�re not lying?�
Ralin smiled warmly. �Have you been harmed? Randy, of all people--didn�t he deserve to have the life sucked out of him? Was he even harmed�aside from a few traumatic, emotional scars? What possible motive would I have for lying to you? If it was a matter of forcing you to stay, I would have done that, if it were my intention. Why bother explaining things to you, if I could simply bite you and make you stay?�
Kate continued to stare at him. �I believe you,� she said gently. �Will you still return me to town?�
�Of course, I will�as had been my intention all along,� Ralin replied simply. �Everything that�s happened here tonight has been a tremendous shock to you. I can understand if you never wanted to see me again, but I can hope that, with time, you can see beyond our differences and see me again.� Ralin stands and extends his hand to her.
Kate accepted his hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet. They were only inches apart. Kate stared into his eyes. A tiny smile crossed her face. �I�m not doing anything tomorrow night.�
Ralin allowed a soft laugh to escape along with a slight sigh of relief. �Tomorrow would be perfect.� Ralin led her down the step and toward the wine cellar. �Could I interest you in the sunrise? There�s a spectacular view from my roof.�
Kate smiled and laughed softly. She released his hand and clung to his arm. �That sounds nice--� They continue into the wine cellar. �--as long as you promise not to incinerate.� They walk up the spiral, stone steps. Kate�s voice trails behind. �Can you do that fang thing again?�
Ralin can be heard laughing lowly.
*End*
