Aphrodite
Chapter 3

Rachel groaned, rolling onto her stomach, her arm hanging off the edge of the bed. A pounding headache and the lingering heaviness of sleep plagued her. The familiar comfort of her pillow’s scent offered a fleeting respite. Compelled to look, she checked the time and was stunned to see it was already midday. Staring at the alarm clock’s red numbers, she was baffled by how she had managed to sleep through its alarm.

The pitch!

Facing a looming deadline, Rachel was under immense pressure. Losing Friday evening to Beth’s birthday outing had set her back, and she couldn’t risk her job over it. As she pondered her weekend tasks, she acknowledged the need to improve at declining invitations.

“Shit,” Rachel groaned, massaging her temples against the relentless ache in her head.

She was sure the pain wasn’t from drinking, as she hadn’t touched alcohol after the initial round. Trying to recall the night’s events in the alley, she remembered mentioning it to Beth, who had only laughed in response.

Rachel felt utterly exhausted, as if the man from the club had drained all her energy. Despite her best efforts to push the memory aside and move on, the events of that night had left her feeling vulnerable and exposed. She knew that she would never be the same again.

When she tried to get up, her legs just wouldn’t support her, and she fell back onto the bed. Not giving up, she pushed herself to try again, but suddenly darkness swooped in, and a numbing feeling started creeping up her legs.

As she lay there, thinking over her work, Rachel knew that rushing her pitch wouldn’t yield top-notch results. Yet, last night’s memories clung to her, refusing to fade. She remembered the green drink, but everything else was hazy. Still, one thing was clear in her mind: the sight of fangs, vampire-like fangs, and eyes that glowed.

Glancing at the clock, Rachel saw time was escaping her. Trying again to get up, a weight seemed to press on her chest, sapping her strength. Overcome with fatigue, she fell back onto the cozy mattress, yawning. Turning to her side, the scent of rest lulled her into relaxation, sinking into the bed’s soft embrace until she slipped into a deep sleep.

In her dream, Rachel found herself in an Asian country, seeking refuge from a terrifying beast within a temple hidden among mountains. Sadly, this dream followed the pattern of her recent nightmares, where the creature always found her, pushing her to leap to her death in a desperate bid to escape.

This time, when Rachel’s eyes snapped open, she felt unexpectedly awake and rejuvenated. She turned to see the clock indicating it was already 8 PM. Noticing an incoming call from Peru on her phone, she picked up. Her voice, still husky from sleep, broke slightly as she answered, “Hello?”

“Darling, I’ve been trying to call you all day. Is everything okay?” Her mother’s voice was filled with concern.

Exhaling, Rachel shifted onto her back. “Yes, Mum. I’m just tired.”

“The signal’s weak here, but I needed to wish you luck for the exhibition tomorrow. I’m sad to miss it. Tell me how it goes, and don’t forget to pass on birthday wishes to Beth for me.”

“Will do, Mum. And the trip? How is it?”

“Oh darling, it’s fantastic. The locals are so kind, and the views, breathtaking. We’re off to Chile and Argentina next. But tell me, are you really okay? You sound... off.”

“Well, apart from encountering a vampire last night...” she thought but didn’t say. “It’s just work stuff. My boss is really pushing me hard.”

“Beth told me.”

“You called her?”

“I’ve been trying to get you all day. She told me you guys went out and that you weren’t yourself. Who else was I supposed to call?”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

“I know you’re capable, but don’t let your boss push you around. They’ll drain you dry if you let them.”

“Wow, that’s dark, Mum.”

“Honey, it’s true. If you’re tired, you should call in sick. He can’t fire you for taking sick days and he’s the one making ridiculous demands. Just make sure you have a certificate from the doctor to back yourself up.”

Lindon was the type of manager who would go straight to human resources. Taking a sick day was not an option. “I don’t think it’s that easy.”

“Oh, honey, we’ve all worked for vampires. They want you to live in fear.”

Her mind flashed back to the previous night’s real vampire. “Sorry, did I hear you right?”

“Honey,” her voice started to drop out.

“Mum?”

“Sorry, the reception, it’s bad,” the phone crackled and her mum’s voice faded away. Rachel waited and answered the phone as soon as it rang.

“Sorry, the reception’s poor in this little town. Remember, your health is more valuable than any boss’s demands. If you need to stand up to him, do it. We can send money if you’re in a tight spot.”

“Thanks, Mum.” The offer made her miss her parents even more, but she wanted them to spend their hard-earned savings on themselves and their holidays.

“Love you. Sorry, honey. Got to go. The phone reception is bad,” her mother said before the call disconnected.

Rachel reflected on her mother’s words; Lindon truly was a vampire, just the kind that drained energy. Missing her parents deeply, she remembered how, after she finished school, they left their office jobs behind for a life of exploration. What started as long cruises turned into adventures across the globe, often leaving them out of touch for months, exploring the world’s vast and varied landscapes.

Rachel flung her phone onto the bed, a shiver of fear running through her as the image of last night’s man resurfaced. She wrestled with her memories, questioning their truth, trying to convince herself that vampires and glowing eyes were just figments of imagination.

Yet, despite her scepticism, she felt an irresistible pull towards the mysterious figure. She craved understanding, even though common sense warned her away from his shadowy presence. This inexplicable drive to replace him again and unravel the mystery kept her thoughts captive.

This encounter would be on her terms.

After stepping out of the shower, Rachel’s mind was made up: she had to face the man who spiked her drink, reclaim her autonomy, and make it clear that his intimidation tactics were unacceptable.

Ideally, she’d face him in her go-to outfit of skinny black jeans, a blood-red top, and combat boots. However, the club’s strict dress code meant she had to adapt, or risk being denied entry.

Opting for a sleek black dress and ballet flats, Rachel pulled her hair into a ponytail, grabbed her cross-body bag, and left her apartment.

Standing at her building’s entrance, she drew a deep breath. Between the day’s work and the previous night’s ordeal, she felt off-kilter. She convinced herself it was all a big misunderstanding she needed to clear up.

As Rachel walked into the club, it struck her how packed it was, way more than last time. Maybe it was the full moon, or just the heat wave hitting hard, but everyone seemed to be dancing together as if they were under some sort of hypnotic trance.

With determination, she scanned the room, zeroing in on her goal. Marching towards the VIP section where she last saw the man with glowing eyes, Rachel’s resolve was clear. Suddenly, a firm grip on her shoulder halted her advance. Turning, she faced a burly bouncer, her eyes conveying a silent plea for him to let her pass.

“You can’t go back there,” the bouncer stated firmly.

Flashing her best innocent smile, Rachel pleaded, “I just need to see him for a minute.” She remembered Beth attempting similar tactics to bypass club lines, usually without success.

The bouncer paused, his focus dropping to his hands, as if caught in a moment of uncertainty. Rachel sensed an odd connection between them. When his eyes met hers again, they were filled with confusion. After a moment, he stepped aside.

Surprised by his sudden change of heart but not willing to question her luck, Rachel advanced towards the VIP area. There, she spotted her target, the man with the glowing eyes, intimately engaged with a fiery-haired woman.

Rachel stopped at the edge of the dark, crimson-lit lounge, slamming her hands down on the table to catch the attention of the man. He broke off the kiss slowly, his eyes shifting towards Rachel with a deliberate slowness as he pushed his companion aside, who seemed confused.

He smirked at Rachel’s arrival. “You came back. Did you figure out how to break it yet?”

“What am I, exactly? You’re hiding something from me, and I need answers,” Rachel demanded.

“You tell me.”

“Do you even know who you’re speaking to?” interjected the redhead, standing to confront Rachel.

The man’s touch on the woman’s arm was gentle. “It’s alright, Estella.” At his words, Estella’s brows arched in surprise. “Leave us,” he commanded. With a scornful glance at Rachel, Estella huffed and exited the scene, leaving them alone.

“What am I?”

“Do you think repeating the question is going to force an answer from me?” he said, leisurely picking up his drink and settling back. “Why don’t you ask me a question I can answer?”

His retort threw Rachel off. She had come so determined for revelations, yet now found herself speechless. The silence that ensued felt uncomfortably tense, and she chided herself internally for not coming better prepared.

Finally, she asked, “What exactly are you?”

He laughed softly, pausing to sip his drink. “I believe you’ve already figured that out, my dear.”

“Why didn’t you hurt me last night?”

“Because you have some sort of shield. Can’t say I’ve come across a creature yet who could bond to me and shield itself from me simultaneously. After all the time I’ve spent on this earth, I’m glad there are still things that continue to surprise me.”

Rachel felt a wave of scepticism wash over her. Shields, bonds, vampires—it all felt like a fantasy. “Why would I even want to bond with you?” she challenged, her initial confidence giving way to apprehension. “What does that even mean?”

He didn’t seem bothered by her confusion. “Protection. You wouldn’t be the first creature that’s tried, my dear. I am a powerful creature and a valuable warrior. Although you have been the first I haven’t been able to eat.”

As he spoke, a dark shadow formed, tendrils curling around his arms. Watching the shadows move, Rachel instinctively took a step back.

“So scared of me, child? Yet you came running back. Something tells me you’re curious about darkness.”

“How do I get you out of my life? I don’t know what you did yesterday, but I feel like you sucked the life from me.”

“Good, at least now we have a common goal. Why don’t you come and sit down?” He set his empty glass down and gestured to the space beside him.

Her heart skipped a beat at the invitation. Did she really want to get any closer to this mysterious being? But then again, did she have a choice? Perhaps it was the only way to get him out of her life.

“I won’t bite,” he said with a smirk.

With caution, she navigated around the table and took a seat, maintaining a cautious gap between them. As she did, he extended a hand towards her arm, seemingly to draw her nearer, only to retract it suddenly. His restraint puzzled her, leaving her to wonder about his motives.

In the club’s subdued light, Rachel could discern more of his details: the robust, muscular frame, the peculiar green shimmer in his otherwise glowing eyes. Her curiosity deepened with each moment she spent observing him.

“What’s your name?” she asked. She looked away, embarrassed, realising that he had caught her admiring him.

“Vlad.”

“Is this your club?”

He laughed softly. “Seeking to make friends, are you?” He leaned in slightly, revealing the sharp contours of his fangs. “I don’t make friends with creatures outside of my circle.”

The invisible shield’s presence, felt rather than seen, along with his hesitance to approach, fortified her courage. “I always figured the mafia owned this joint.”

“You are so innocent. I bet you’re still a virgin.”

His insinuation sparked her anger. “Well, you won’t get to replace out. I wouldn’t get involved with someone like you.”

“Seems you’ve grown comfortable around me. Not wise. You’ve yet to sever our bond, and there are others here I could draw upon. Maybe I’ll begin with that blonde at the bar to provoke you.”

She sighed, exasperated. “I want to break whatever this is between us. Know anyone who could help?”

Vlad took out his phone, swiftly typing a message. “Someone’s on their way. You might not appreciate his methods, but he might teach you something valuable.”