Chapter 12: Feeding

"What was that?" Ethan asked as the trio made their way back to the car.

"You mean the dogs?" Terrell asked.

"Yes, the werewolves."

"That was Duke and his followers. He's the leader of one of their tribes," Clara replied as she drove the car away.

"Is he strong?" Ethan couldn't help but ask.

Clara hesitated for a bit before nodding. "He is." Terrell scoffed but didn't refute her words. Interesting. Just how strong was a werewolf compared to him?

"Compared to me, who is stronger?"

"You'd win but would probably sustain some damage," Clara answered calmly.

Ethan frowned. That meant this Duke fellow was strong- stronger than both Clara and Terrell.

"Then what about the two that were with him?"

"Just lousy dogs, especially that nasty bastard, James. You should have let me at him, Clara."

"We were outnumbered, and what is the point of starting a meaningless fight? You'd do best to control that temper of yours, Terrell. Times have changed. The council wants peace."

Terrell sneered, "Peace, how ridiculous."

"What's wrong with peace?" Ethan asked as he leaned forward.

"Hah? What's wrong is that those bastards are a bunch of savages! There is no peace with them!"

Clara sighed and shook her head.

"You should know damn well that I'm right, Clara. This whole peace with the dogs is a ticking time bomb. Mark my words."

Another sigh escaped Clara's mouth as she suddenly stopped the car next to the sidewalk. "How about you go take a walk and clear your mind? I'll take Ethan to hunt."

Terrell harrumphed and opened the door. "Fine."

Ethan watched him leave in confusion and turned to glance at Clara.

"Why don't jump in the front seat?"

Ethan nodded and opened the door, scanning his surroundings. Terrell had already vanished. That was fast—Ethan hadn’t even seen him leave.

Once inside the car, Clara drove off. "He really hates werewolves, huh?"

"Hate is an understatement."

"Did something happen to him?"

Clara hesitated for a second before she nodded. "He lost someone dear to him to a werewolf."

"Oh, that makes sense..."

"Yes, it's not my story to tell, but I do understand where his hatred is coming from."

Ethan nodded, "What about you?"

"Me?"

"Yes, you don't seem to hate them as much."

"I suppose I don’t," Clara shrugged. "It’s nothing personal. I’d prefer not to fight them, but if the council or their tribes start a war, I’ll have to join."

"So basically going with the flow. I get it."

"Something like that. War is meaningless if you ask me."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

The duo continued their conversation as Clara led them out of Ironwood and back into council territory. The night was still young. Ethan lowered the window and enjoyed the cool breeze. It was cold but still refreshing.

"I just remembered, I have a weird question."

"Hmm?" Clara glanced at him. "What is it?"

"Can I still eat normal food? I mean, like a pizza or a burger?"

Her eyes softened with pity. "Oh dear, I’m sorry."

"Seriously? Fuck, that sucks."

"On a brighter note, blood is tastier than anything you’ve ever tried. I can guarantee that."

"Is that so? But then again, what's the point when you say I only feed once in a while."

"You'll understand."

The car soon stopped in a bustling district filled with clubs and bars. This part of town was livelier than most, with people walking in and out of bars, and a few standing by the sidewalks, smoking and chatting despite the cold weather.

"It's here?" Ethan asked in surprise.

"You've been here before?"

Ethan nodded, "This is where I met that crazy b- I mean my crazy master."

“Oh, this area is part of the council’s feeding grounds.”

"I see. I didn't think I would be back here so soon. Won't it be a problem if someone recognized me? I thought I was supposed to be dead, after all."

"No one will, don't worry. Come on."

Ethan shrugged and followed Clara out of the car. His attire wasn’t exactly club-appropriate, but it didn’t seem to matter. Clara led him to one of the higher-end bars. They climbed the steps where a tall, heavyset bouncer stood. The moment he saw Clara, he quickly lowered his head in respect and opened the door.

Ethan followed her inside, hands in his pockets. The bar was dimly lit and sparsely populated. A few tables were scattered by the corners and windows. In the middle was an empty dance floor—well, mostly empty, except for a drunk woman dancing by herself.

Clara led him to the counter, where the bartender, a man with bright blue eyes, smiled as they approached.

"Clara, a pleasure to see you," the bartender greeted with a warm smile.

Ethan could tell almost immediately that the man was a vampire. His bright eyes marked him as a Blue, which meant mental powers. Ethan pondered this with curiosity.

"Julien," Clara smiled back.

The bartender turned to Ethan with a nod. "And you must be the man of the hour. Julien, a pleasure to meet you," he said, extending his hand.

Ethan shook it and replied, "Ethan, nice to meet you."

Julien's eyes gleamed with a bright blue light for a second before he looked at Clara. "The same as usual?"

"Nobody's upstairs?"

"No one, you're in luck."

"Great, then we'll go ahead, and get settled first."

With that, Clara led Ethan to the second floor. A few sofas were neatly arranged, overlooking the ground floor. The space was empty, giving them the entire place to themselves.

"So this place also belongs to the council?" Ethan asked.

"Yes, along with most of the clubs and bars in this area."

"So the way you feed, is on drunk people?" Ethan raised his brow.

"Not necessarily. Come, let’s sit down first." Once they settled, Clara continued, "I’m sure you’ve heard the stories about how vampires can charm people, and so on."

Ethan nodded and motioned for her to continue.

"There is some truth to that. Though some are more proficient than others, especially the Blues, almost all vampires can exert a certain amount of hypnosis on mortals. That makes it easier for us to feed."

"I see."

Just then, a young man walked upstairs, looking slightly confused. He seemed to be a university student, likely out partying with his friends.

"Watch," Clara said, turning her gaze to the young man.

"Ah, sorry, I—" His words were abruptly cut off as he stared into Clara’s eyes.

"Come to me," she commanded. The young man’s eyes glazed over as he obediently walked towards her.

"Sit," she spoke and he complied.

Clara moved slowly, her fangs elongating as she sank them into the young man’s neck. He remained still, his expression resembling that of a drunk person. After drinking for a moment, Clara pulled back, licking her lips before turning to Ethan.

"Leave," She whispered and the young man suddenly stood up and walked away with a dazed look.

As he watched him go, Ethan couldn't help but ask, "Is that okay?"

"As long as you don't suck them dry, then there is no problem."

"I mean, wouldn't he remember what just happened?"

Clara shook her head, "As long as it's not a traumatic experience, then no."

"So, all vampires can do this?"

"Yes, but like I said, Blues are the best at it. For us to hypnotize anyone, they must first lock eyes with us. For a Blue, however, they don't need such a thing. So what do you think? Want to give it a try?"

"I'll be lying if I said I wasn't curious."