“A witching hour a witching hour so many mouths to feed and death relieves the hunger,” Amwolf Van Horn said.
Sigman Van Horn answered, “Do you have to say it? It's so 1350's. I mean get with the twenty-first century.”
“You think we're the only Draculans who survived the middle ages? Everybody learned that nursery rhyme,” Amwolf said.
“Yes, because it's stupid. It takes three bites before a human becomes a Draculan, so it's a myth about there being too many of us...well after the black plague there was those hundred years when we had to ration how much blood we drank...but then again, I thought that was a legend,” Sigman said.
“Don't get me started with our kind's history,” Amwolf complained.
“Tell me that story--”
“No brother dear. You never paid attention to anything Father told you. Vampires legends were spread to protect us." Amwolf began to tap his foot.
“It's such a slur to use that term, don't,” Sigman said.
“I forgot you cared so much about it. Okay, okay, Draculans,” Amwolf said.
“Thank you.”
“Oh, here's a group now. Time for dinner.”
“I hate Philadelphia girls, south side. They taste like garlic,” Sigman complained.
“Now, now, talk about stereotypes...it's a healthy thing, you tend to pack on the pounds anyway. Remember Atlanta?” Amwolf said.
“Oh yeah. Twenty girls on Friday the thirteenth. Wow. I had to diet for six weeks to fit into my pants,” Sigman complained.
“I'm telling you. You should try men. It's less fattening,” Amwolf said.
“Lean muscles. But I'm saying the girls taste better.”
“I'm just telling you...oh, time to party.”
A group of four girls walked along the buildings outside the club.
“You mean pig out,” Sigman said.
***
Sigman wiped his mouth. It was refreshing to be satisfied again. The girls, lying on the grimy ground, were nearly dead.
Amwolf pulled a man from the sidewalk and dragged him to the back corner of the alley. Sigman watched his brother for a minute and heard the man pleading for him to let go of his neck. He knew Amwolf’ s meals would not suffer because his brother was a compassionate Draculan. He, on the other hand, liked the hunt almost as much as the meal.
The girl Sigman spied standing at the corner was thin. He supposed even after his second one, a thin one wouldn't make him pack on the pounds. He left the shadows of the alley and walked along the boulevard.
It was late and the crowds were beginning to fizzle out. If he wanted the girl, he better hurry. He walked up to her. He stood six feet and his dark hair and hypnotic dark eyes alone didn't attract the ladies. Usually he took off his shirt to show off his six-pack abs. It was hot enough so he peeled off his shirt. He walked up behind her.
“You seem lost. May I help you?'' Sigman said.
Kelly Harper turned around and saw the great looking shirtless man. She laughed.
Sigman didn't expect that response.
Kelly put her hand over her mouth. She said, “I'm sorry, it's been one of those nights. I suppose there's a reason you're walking around half-naked?”
“Yes, it's hot. Would you like a ride home?”
“No thanks, buddy. My cab will be here any minute so move along,” Kelly said.
Sigman was angry. He said, “If you only knew who I am you'd treat me with greater care. I could make it painless for you or make it hurt for days before I put an end to you.”
Kelly moved away from him and turned toward the club. She began to run but the shirtless man appeared right in front of her as if by magic. She screamed and he pulled her close. She looked at him as he kissed here. Kelly wanted to resist but his kiss was intoxicating. She knew she should run, yet she felt powerless. Kelly knew she wouldn't make it out alive if she went with him, and yet he kissed her again and she stopped struggling.
“Come with me, and we will share a wonderful memory,” Sigman said.
Kelly nodded. They walked together down the alley and he continued his advances as she was too hypnotized to think clearly. Kelly was too weakened by some power he had over her. She was sure he would take advantage of her, but instead he touched her neck. He massaged it and she bent back as if she weren't in control of herself. He kissed her neck as she thought that she should scream. No sound came out as he put something sharp into it. If she could move she would have, but her body felt paralyzed Did he cut her? It was razor sharp only the pain was dull. She felt him suck on her neck and then she heard another voice.
“Let me try! She looks so yummy! Don't drain her. Leave me some!” Amwolf said.
Sigman looked up at his brother, wiped his mouth and said, “You always were a selfish brat that Mother spoiled rotten. Can't I have a meal in peace?”
“No. I can tell the way you're slurping like a pig she's good. I want her too.”
“I'm keeping her for myself. You've had three and she's my third. Go find another guy,” Sigman said.
“Hello?” A male voice echoed down the alleyway.
Amwolf looked at the man who was getting close to Kelly.
“This is too easy. Hello yourself,” Amwolf said.
The man looked familiar to Kelly. He was the insurance salesman. Kelly felt her neck as the man who bit her looked at the insurance salesman. She felt wetness and she couldn't move. She was a rag doll in the stranger's arms.
“I think you should let go of the girl,” the insurance man said.
Amwolf laughed hard.
Sigman said, “Why would I listen to you?”
The man named Liam lunged at Amwolf and slashed his arm. Kelly felt herself being let go and she felt her body crumple to the ground. She was a dropped rag doll on the side of a cement alleyway. She knew the blood was draining from her wounds on her neck and she was blacking out.