A Town Called Night

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Pamela Downs

A Town Called Night All Hallow’s Eve Series

By Pamela Downs

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A TOWN CALLED NIGHT

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. A TOWN CALLED NIGHT Copyright (c) 2005 by Pamela Downs Cover art and design (c) 2005 by Sable Grey All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form without permission, except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. Printed and bound in the United States of America. For information, you can find us on the web at www.VenusPress.com

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Pamela Downs

Dedication:

To Mike for suggesting the vampire paramedic premise; to Olivia for sharing her music with me; to Avril for her inspirational song “I’m With You”; to Scarlett for believing in my first vampire tale; and to Debbie for having such insight into my edits.

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~*~

Jaynie Petrov stowed her purse on the floorboard of the ambulance, tucking it away on the passenger’s side front seat. “Hi, Petrov.” She glanced over her shoulder at the unfamiliar voice. It emanated from the tall, dark and hunky paramedic dressed in the pressed blue uniform. She’d seen that perfectly coiffed raven hair before, last week when she pulled a double shift at the commuter bus accident. This was hmm…what was his name? His partner was Gary, and, if she worked at the Parthenon, she’d usher them both to the front row. Gay gods. Yep. Nobody is that good looking and heterosexual. Jaynie forced her eyes to the brass name badge on his left shirt pocket. H. L. Bledsoe. “So, how come you are letting me drive tonight?” What a familiar question from someone she’d never met. How did he know she usually drove Medic-7? “Have we met?” He extended his hand. She stood and shook it. And then had to exert a little force to pry it out of his grip. Great. He’s gay and weird. I have all the luck. “I’m Hal Bledsoe.” “I saw you last week on the commuter bus call. What an adrenaline rush, eh?” “Blood everywhere. We transported the driver.” “Did she make it?” “I don’t know. I never follow up.” Jaynie walked to the rear of the vehicle, opened one door and stepped up. Hal followed. She jabbed a key into the drug box and twisted it open.

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Pamela Downs “I don’t follow up either. As it is I have a hard time not hugging all my patients. Gotta remember this is just a job. And leave it when the shift ends.” Satisfied the narcotics were all accounted for, she locked them back up. They climbed into their seats. Jaynie hit the remote control button and the firehouse doors parted. After positioning the driver’s seat to accommodate his long legs, Bledsoe buckled up, then adjusted the mirrors. He toggled the headlights on. Jaynie noticed he didn’t primp as she’d expected a pretty boy to. She strapped in and rolled the window down an inch. Hal radioed the dispatcher. “Communications, this is Medic-7. We’re off the air, en route to our special detail.” The disembodied male voice said, “All right, Medic-7.” And away they drove through the streets of a town called Night. Jaynie reached down and grabbed her purse. Nervously fumbling through the contents, she felt for the smooth flat plastic and pulled it out. Peering into her lighted mirror, she finger fluffed her short brown hair, flipping it up and under. She shook her head to distribute some volume. Hal asked, “So, you didn’t answer me. Why aren’t you driving tonight?” “You have a license, don’t you?” “Duh.” She rolled her eyes at him. What a jerk…with an impossibly perfect jaw line. “Fine. Pull over and I’ll drive.” “Sorry, I didn’t mean to push your button.” “I’m just a little distracted tonight.” I hope I don’t throw up. Not that I’d been able to choke down more than a hard-boiled egg all day. Well, if I do, at least it will be over with quickly and I’ll feel better. Jaynie stared at the oncoming headlights, mesmerized as they wound through the mountains. She finally asked, “So’d you do something wicked and they punished you by detailing you to Medic-7 on the p.m. tour while my partner’s on light duty?” “I put in for a transfer to p.m. tour. No slots available, except this temporary detail.” “You like working at night? I mean at night in Night during night season?”

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After five years of living in the township of Night, Jaynie was accustomed to the two lunar months every autumn when the sun didn’t rise. Actually she looked forward to the extra sleep it stimulated. “Call me a creature of the night.” He shifted in his seat, adjusting his crotch. She watched. Jaynie enjoyed studying a good-looking man while he touched himself, even if it was nonsexual. He placed his right hand back on the steering wheel. She looked for a gay wedding ring. Nope. “Let me see your left hand.” “Relax, I’m not armed.” He held it up. From the green-lighted glow of the dashboard, she observed that one was also bare. Hmm…so no state sanctioned civil ceremony took place either. “Did you and your significant other have a falling out?” He changed lanes and passed a tractor hauling double trailers. “Significant other? Not me. I’m a lone wolf. Not the marrying kind. Not the shacking up kind. Not the commitment type.” “So did your partner give you the old ultimatum then, marry me or hit the road, Jack?” “Partner?” “Gary, or whoever worked with you on Medic-13.” Hal swung into the drive leading up to the only sports arena/theatre/concert hall/‘Pay-Per-View’ venue in the town of Night, their own version of the Parthenon. Jaynie performed another primping session. So he’s not answering my question. Must’ve been a bad break up. He parked the ambulance at the rear service entrance. “Come on, you don’t need makeup, you’re beautiful, Petrov. Besides, most of the audience will be female. Who are you trying to look good for?” Exactly why I have to look better than all of them. Jaynie slicked on one last coat of raspberry swirl gloss and rubbed her lips together. Capping the tube, she shoved it back into her purse and stowed it on the floorboard, under the glove compartment. Her heart pounded as they traversed the bowels of the stadium, across the vault, nodding to the no nonsense security guards. This could be the night I’ve dreamt of. 7

Pamela Downs They emerged on the floor in front of the stage, in the pit where the general admission ticket holders with neon orange armbands sat on the floor with their legs crossed. Hal commented, “The house is only half full. These guys are fading.” “Maybe so, but they sure used to rock my world.” “So music moves you?” “Of course.” Her eyes traveled up to the stadium seating. A few people sat all the way up against the wall in the cheap seats. But most of the audience was down low, to the left of the stage. “Let’s go stand on the other side,” she said. Devin always performs on the left side. “Yeah, whatever.” Her hunky partner followed her across the floor. She glanced over her shoulder. Damn I love his lips…so darned kissable… They positioned themselves near the stage. Jaynie studied Hal’s face. Oh no. I’m staring. Better say something. “Does your hair do that easily, or does it take a lot of work to get the disheveled cover model look?” Hal smiled as the room went dark. The fans squealed as they clambered to their feet. Blue and green lights searched as the opening act, a Beach Boys cover band, warmed up the ladies. Jaynie didn’t know if she wanted them to hurry up so the main attraction would commence or hope something went wrong and the main attraction didn’t show. No, I don’t want anyone to get hurt. There would be a revolt of the fans and a stampede-meaning cuts, bruises and bones to set. Jaynie enjoyed the latter. She’d been top in her cadet class at setting bones. Splinting compound fractures were a rush. Well, provided the patient was unconscious. She turned her head and stretched up toward her partner. Damn. His ear was even perfectly wrought. All the best specimens are married or walk on the other side of the moon. “Make a deal with you. I’ll take the broken bones and you take the abrasions, cuts and concussions.” “Who’ll do the syncopes?” 8

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“Yeah, the girls will be fainting tonight, swooning over Devin,” she sighed. “I hope they stocked the triage room with water.” “You didn’t inventory?” “Have you seen me leave?” “I guess it’s too late now.” Her mind drifted back to where she hadn’t let it in such a long time. To a sultry summer in Miami. She’d sneak out at midnight and make her way down along the bay. Her friend Samantha’s family ran a boutique hotel two blocks from the beach. Okay, Miami Beach is an island, and not very wide, mostly beach front, so, within that context, it was nowhere near the beach. And boutique hotel didn’t exactly classify their establishment. Something along the lines of flophouse would be more accurate. Think transplanted New Jersey and New York residents, ancient Jewish and Italian men with leather faces and hanging skin. The flophouse sat diagonally across the street from the recording studio where Devin and his band worked. Jaynie and Samantha would sit on the hotel roof and spy, waiting for Devin to emerge. Samantha was a fun girl, always eager for the next adventure. Jaynie felt a bit guilty sometimes for using her. He usually emerged around 2:00 a.m. God, he was such a fine specimen. And he had that extra something. Well, so the rumors went anyhow. He was supposed to be half-vampire. That’s what drew Jaynie to him more than his music. She had always wanted to be kissed by a vampire, and to bite one. Yep, bite one. Taste his blood to see if it rocked her world. **** Jaynie found herself singing along to “Help me, Rhonda.” No, these middle-aged Beach Boy wannabees didn’t have quite the same harmonies as the originals but, since two of the Wilson brothers are playing in rock and roll heaven with Elvis, Mama Cass and Maurice Gibb, these guys weren’t so bad. A ferocious security dude alerted them to a girl down. She’d collapsed in the pit in front of the stage. Jaynie helped the semi-conscious pre-teen to her feet. Hal took one arm, the girl’s mother took her other and they made their way through the left wing and into the rear hallway. The poor kid’s over-sized low-cut jeans drooped down, so Jaynie grabbed her waistband to hold them up. Didn’t want the guys seeing her panties. 9

Pamela Downs In the triage room, they helped her onto a gurney. Jaynie asked her mom, “What’s her history?” as she pricked the girl’s finger to test her blood sugar. It was normal. The mother calmly said, “She’s healthy. Only been on antibiotics twice in her life.” Hal took her pulse as Jaynie placed a stethoscope on her chest. Her heartbeat was normal. Jaynie asked, “What’s your name?” “Amy.” “How old are you?” “Twelve.” “Who is the president?” “Bush.” “Count backwards from 100 by 6.” “94, 88, 82, 76--.’ “Okay, honey, that’s good.” Hal unscrewed the cap and handed her a bottle of water. “How much have you had to drink today?” The girl’s mother replied, “Milk with breakfast and lunch. We didn’t want anything else to drink, afraid we’d miss the concert if we had to go.” “I think she’s just dehydrated, but if you’d like her to be seen by a doctor, we’ll transport her to the hospital,” he said. “No!” the girl said. “I’m missing the concert!” They heard Devin singing lead, which meant the main attraction had commenced. Jaynie and Hal accompanied the girl and her mother back into the pit and stayed close enough to keep a scared eye out for her. The volume was incredibly high this close to the stage. The pulsating percussion actually caused Jaynie’s pants to vibrate. She twisted a lock of hair and licked her lips when she caught Devin’s eye. God, he’s singing right to me. I wonder if he remembers me? It doesn’t matter. Tonight I’ll give him a bite he’ll never forget. Moisture gushed to her privates. It was the best fifteen seconds of her life. A fight broke out in the nosebleed seats. They spent the rest of the session mopping up. Hal bandaged and Jaynie set a broken wrist. After they’d transported their 10

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patients and returned from the emergency room of Night Memorial Hospital, they were just in time to see the house lights come up. Jaynie suggested, “Let’s go see how the band’s doing. That one guy looks wobbly, let’s check him out.” “I’m sure any wobbliness is self-induced.” “What? You think all rockers are self-destructive druggie drunks?” “Yeah.” “That’s not nice. Be professional.” He rolled his eyes at her. “Fine, I’ll check on him. You go sit in the ambulance and work on the reports.” “You’re hot for him, that’s why you were fixing your face and hair and were smiling all goofy at the band.” “I am not!” “Whatever.” He walked out through the vault. **** Jaynie made her way to the dressing rooms and knocked on Devin’s door. Her heart pounded. “What?” he called out. “I’m with the medical team. I’m here to make sure you’re all right.” “What?” “I need to examine you.” The door flew open. Jaynie’s knees went weak. She’d dreamed of this moment for seven years. But instead of swooning into her beloved vampire’s arms, she recoiled. He’d removed his shirt and boots and his belt was unbuckled. The button was undone on his jeans. Devin took a big swig from a bottle of Jack Daniels as he burped. The alcohol ran down both sides of his chin and some dripped on Jaynie’s arm as he leaned in close to leer. He stunk. B.O. and whiskey. And eww…his stage makeup looked garish up close. A man wearing makeup. Yuk. “Come on in, little girl. What’s your name? You have a very cute Halloween costume. You wanna play doctor? Come on and bend over and I’ll take your temperature.” He yanked her into his dressing room and slammed the door. The metal echoed as the partitioned wall shook. 11

Pamela Downs Jaynie’s heart pounded in fear. This was so wrong. He was so wrong. So much for my happy ending. Drunken Devin leaned down and kissed Jaynie. Slobbered all over her. She wiped his drool from the side of her mouth, realizing what a terrible mistake this had been. Fantasies and daydreams should be kept as such. Her heart was breaking. “Come on, little girl, say trick or treat. I’ve got some candy for you.” He whipped it out, a pitiful semi-soft three inches. Devin tried to shove her head down. Jaynie pulled away. She ran to the door. “Oh, come on back, little girl, it’s not nice to tease Devin.” Jaynie turned so her back was flush against the cold steel door. She stared at the weird persona inhabiting her dream man. She twisted the doorknob. He stepped closer. Impulsively, she met him halfway and bit his chin. “Hey! What did you go and do that for?” “To taste a vampire’s blood!” She didn’t even draw any, only left a small red mark. I can’t even bite a vampire the right way. “Okay, little girl. If I get a vampire costume, will you say trick or treat and eat my candy?” “I thought you were a vampire.” He stumbled to the huge red sofa, laughing before passing out in a heap on the cushions. Jaynie took off running through the bowels of the venue, out to the rear loading dock. To the ambulance that wasn’t there. “Bledsoe left me!” Damn him. This isn’t funny. Just because he thought it was dumb of me to visit my superstar. Well, yeah it was dumb. Downright stupid. Now what do I do? Jaynie walked back inside and roamed around until she located a surly security guard. “Did you see when the ambulance left?” “Where’ve you been?” he yelled. “The kid that fainted in the pit tonight went into cardiac arrest. My supervisor had to drive them to the hospital, while your partner performed CPR. Where the hell were you? This is gonna give the venue a bad name, 12

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lady. You better hope she pulls through. Don’t even think about coming to work here again.” This guy has no say in my job details. He’s just a big-mouthed cop wannabee. Jaynie’s stomach churned with guilt. How was she going to explain this away? She could say she was sick. She’d told Hal earlier she wasn’t feeling well. That’s why she wasn’t to be found when the incident occurred. She was in the ladies room. Maybe she passed out too. That would account for the lost time. “How long ago did they transport?” “Just left.” “Are there taxis normally out front?” “Yeah.” Shoot, her purse was in the ambulance. Well, she could commandeer one. Yeah, as if. No way would these rugged hacks buy her story. “Come on,” the guard commanded. “What?” “I have to go and pick up my supervisor. We’ll do an even exchange.” “Thanks.” Jaynie followed him to a small pickup truck and climbed in. She tossed maps, a hooded sweatshirt and a hamburger wrapper into the back seat in order to have a space to sit. They belted in and he let the horse run to the highway. She babbled, “I was sick…in the ladies room. I must’ve passed out and hit my head on the toilet. I don’t know how long I was out--.” “Save it, slut. I was watching on the monitor. You were playing trick or treat groupie with what’s-his-name. Got it all on tape. Including the assault.” Flushed red, Jaynie felt her career flushing down the toilet. With vomit. Which she felt like doing. Rolling down the window, she stuck her head out and up it came. Her driver cussed, “Drunken bitch! You’re paying to wash my truck, lady.” When the dry heaves stopped, Jaynie pulled her head back in. She spied a yellow napkin on the floor. Leaning down, she grabbed it and wiped her mouth. “I told you I’m sick.” “You don’t have to convince me. You’re some kind of sick in the head to have bitten that guy. Just wait ‘til his attorneys press charges.” 13

Pamela Downs All this because of a dumb teenaged fantasy I just had to live out. How could I have been so damned stupid? Jaynie pleaded, “So what do you want?” “A cheeseburger, a college degree and a ticket out of the town called Night.” Jaynie sighed. Yeah, she’d like the same. Why wouldn’t he ask for head or something she could perform quickly while he drove? Well, it was worth a try. “How about some head?” she offered. He looked at her and grinned, adjusting himself in the seat. “Five years ago, sweetheart. I’m married now.” “It’s not cheating. Remember the impeachment hearings?” “My wife is an expert in that department. Not interested in an amateur attempt. And I don’t want you to bite my chin, Vampire-ette.” “When I get my purse, I can buy you a cheeseburger and we can talk about where you’d like a bus ticket to.” “Bus ticket?” “Yeah, you wanna blow Night.” “Where would I go? And how about my wife and kids? Lady, you’re just talkin’ to talk.” He pulled into the ambulance-loading zone under the blue neon Night Memorial Hospital sign. Jaynie sighed. Yeah, this was a memorable night all right. The night the music died. Hal shoved a freshly made gurney into the rear of Medic-7. Jaynie jumped out of the pickup truck before the guy put it in park. She didn’t bother closing the door. Her partner glanced at her and walked around and climbed in the driver’s seat. Jaynie hurried to her seat and closed the door. She didn’t know what to say. The old I got sick and passed out story wouldn’t cut it because she’d told her partner where she was going. Hal picked up the microphone and said, “Medic-7 to Communications.” “Go ahead, Medic-7.” “Put us in service.” “Negative, Medic-7. Report back to quarters.” “Shit.” The two medics said in unison. Jaynie looked at Hal. He was pale and sweaty. “You’re sick!” “I’m sick?” 14

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“You’re diaphoretic and all the color has drained from your face.” “The kid didn’t make it.” **** They rode in silence back to the firehouse. Jaynie rolled down her window and let the tears run. The ambulance beeped as Hal backed in. Jaynie couldn’t take her eyes off the car on the ramp. It belonged to the ambulance service supervisor. Once Hal turned the engine off, they walked out onto the ramp. Beatrice-the-beast Smith rolled down her window. “The two of you. Turn your uniforms in to property by Monday morning. You are no longer employed by the Town of Night Emergency Medical Services.” “No, that’s not fair!” Jaynie exclaimed. “I take full responsibility for my actions that led to…” The tears flowed again picturing that little girl. “Don’t punish Bledsoe. He did the best he could.” “Bledsoe is being terminated because the city council reached a decision on a prior infraction. But it’s timely and will save face with the taxpayers if they assume you both were incompetent and we cleaned house.” She rolled her window up and sped off. Stunned, the two, fired paramedics looked at one another. Hal asked, “What now?” Jaynie walked purposefully into the firehouse. He followed. She flung open the doors on the back of Medic-7. Hal watched incredulously as she calmly unbuttoned her uniform shirt, removed it and tossed it onto the stretcher. Her white lace demi bra showed the blush of her nipples. Next, she kicked her black shoes off, unbuckled the leather belt and whipped it out of the loops. She threw that in, and picked up her shoes and chucked them, hitting the driver’s seat with one, the dashboard with the other. Hal stepped behind her as she slipped her uniform pants off and flung them into the ambulance. Her matching white panties barely covered her ample derriere. By this point, the rookie firefighter at the watch desk had hit the bells and switched the bunkroom lights on. Three sleepy firefighters slid the pole. They stood, stunned into silence as she slammed the doors. Then the wolves whistled as she stomped 15

Pamela Downs to the passenger’s side and leaned in to retrieve her purse. Jaynie traversed the length of the firehouse dressed in black socks and white lace unmentionables. Hal followed her. “Petrov. Stop. Where do you intend on going?” “I’m going to jump on my pony and ride into the sunrise and out of Night.” She sniffled. “You’re in no condition to go anywhere dressed like that.” “You don’t like how I’m dressed? Oh, that’s right. I’ll bet your lingerie is prettier than mine.” “What?” “I know your type, pretty boy. Damn it, why do you have to be that way?” “What way?” “Why can’t you be interested in a girl like me?” “What?” “Never mind. Forget we ever met.” She climbed in her black Toyota Camry and slammed the door. He yanked it open. “Leave me alone!” she screamed. “You want to see what I’ve got under my uniform?” He ripped his shirt open, sending the buttons flying. After tugging the shirttail out of his pants, he struggled his arms out of it and threw the shirt over his head. It landed on the grill the firemen barbecue on. She couldn’t take her eyes off his torso. He was out of a magazine. Every muscle was chiseled and sizzling. Not an ounce of excess fat. His boots went flying next, one busted a pane on the watch room window. She laughed. He glanced back at it and said, “Fuck ‘em.” He emptied his pockets, tossing keys, wallet, receipts, a comb and coins into Jaynie’s car, then whipped his pants off. Oh, those legs. They matched his torso perfectly. The snug-fitting gray boxers outlined his chiseled gluts. As he turned toward her, she stifled a gasp at the size of his pouch. He said, “Move over.” “No.” 16

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“Fine.” He walked around the front of the car and climbed into the passenger’s seat. Hal slammed his door and commanded, “Let’s go.” **** Jaynie drove north. “Where do you live?” he asked. “In this surreal land of midnight. Until morning.” “Where will you live come morning?” “Somewhere fresh. Where the sun shines every day.” He cringed. She asked, “Are you cold? Push the button on your door. Seat warmer.” “I’m fine.” “Where do you live?” she asked. “In the town of Night. Born and bred here. Native son.” “Ever traveled?” “Nope.” “Why not?” “Can’t.” “Why not?” She switched the music on. Devin screamed from her speakers. Her car swerved, nearly missing an oncoming hearse as she ejected the CD and chucked it out the window. “I take it things didn’t go as you’d hoped with your dream boy?” he asked. “Nightmare drunk.” “He was drunk?” Hal asked sarcastically. “A skunk drunk punk.” “Maybe if you catch him before a show--” “No. Not necessary. That little teenaged Jaynie fantasy has officially been crossed off my to-do list.” “So tell me what else is on your list.” He stretched his impossibly long legs. “Just one thing. The reason I moved here. But I can’t do that, so I’m leaving Night.” “What can’t you do? Can you do it some place else?” She stopped at a red light. Nobody was at the intersection. Damn stupid waste of her time. She watched the LED blue numbers on her dash turn to 2:11 a.m. 17

Pamela Downs “What the hell, you can’t think any less of me than you do now.” “I don’t think poorly of you.” Yeah, sure. “I want to bite a vampire.” He reclined his seat back two notches and stretched as he breathed deeply. “Come again?” “That’s why I moved to Night. The last remaining North American vampires are cloistered here because of the autumnal night season, but you know that. I’ll bet they taught you that in elementary school.” “Yeah.” His gaze fell to her milky white thigh. Nice and fleshy. “So where should I drop you off?” she asked. “I live on the south side of town. Just go to your house, and I’ll get a cab.” “In your underwear?” “You got a pair of shorts or sweatpants I can borrow?” “Whatever.” Jaynie pulled into her sister’s driveway, behind the minivan. She turned to her former partner and said, “Shh…don’t wake up anybody. This is my sister’s place. I live in the basement and help her out with the kids sometimes.” Hal nodded and opened his door. The light came on. Jaynie stared at his perfect body and nearly cried before she got out and locked the car. It’s just not fair. She opened the gate. He followed her through the yard to the basement door. Jaynie unlocked it and walked in. Hal followed. “Are we alone down here?” he whispered. “Yes. You can speak now.” Jaynie pointed to the acoustic ceiling. “It’s pretty much soundproof. Come on and we’ll find something for you to slip into.” He followed her past a pool table and a treadmill. She opened a door and flipped the light on in her bedroom. As she rummaged through her closet, he focused on her hourglass waistline and the small of her back. He gently closed the bedroom door. “I guess this will have to do.” She turned and offered him a gray pair of sweatpants, then gasped. Hal had removed his underwear and before her stood a figure that could only have stepped out of Greek mythology. 18

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“Here, see if you can fit it--into these. I’ll go into the other room.” The gay guys get all the good ones. It’s just not fair! He stepped up to her. She tried to skirt around him. He grabbed her wrist. Their eyes locked. Hers were confused. His were determined. He traced a luxurious pattern on her wrist with his thumb. She nervously giggled. “Feel good? You ticklish?” “Umm…you should get dressed. I’ll call you--.” He ran a finger down her cheek, and she quivered. He placed it on her lips and said, “Shh…” He grabbed her other wrist and backed her against the open closet. As he leaned closer, she felt the smooth hard head of his massive erection on her stomach. “I’m confused,” she said. “Allow me to clear your mind. I’ll take all your worries away. Rest your troubles on me awhile.” And then he kissed her. It had been so long since anyone had kissed her. Full closed lip presses, increasing in tempo. Nobody had ever done that before. She remembered he was gay. Well, maybe that’s how men kissed one another. But wait a minute. What is he doing? Am I the first woman to tempt this god? What an honor. Maybe I can convert him if I do everything just right. Hal pressed the palms of her hands against the wood moulding around the closet door. And pulled away from her mouth. He looked into her eyes. Through her eyes, into her mind. Her very soul. Hangers jabbed into her back. Not painful, they just made it difficult for her to maintain her stance. With one synchronized movement, he pulled both of her arms over her head and joined her hands together into his left hand. A large, long lean-fingered hand. With his right hand, he fumbled behind her in her clothes. “What are you searching for?” “Scarves.” “No, I’m not the girly girl scarf type.” “Bandanas?” “No, I’m not a tough biker chick.” 19

Pamela Downs “Stockings?” “No, I’m not the rich bitch vixen.” “What do you have then?” “For what?” She couldn’t wait to hear his plan. “To cover your dangerous mouth.” “Control top pantyhose. Top shelf, on the right, in the pink plastic basket.” Did I really say control top? Jaynie blushed. The basket flew to the floor. Hal had a pair in his hand. He walked her to her unmade bed. “Sit.” She did. “Lie back.” Her eyes hooded in anticipation, every nerve ending alive, she complied. He straddled her, pinning her down with his rear end on her stomach. “Too heavy?” “Yes.” Oh why did I admit that? I hope he doesn’t stop. “Sorry.” He moved to a position where he was kneeling around her. Jaynie’s attention went straight to his phallus, the tip meeting the clasp on her front-closing bra. She heard a rip. Letting go of her wrists, he tore the undergarment in two. Gently brushing the hair from her ears, Hal smiled as he threw his arms over his head and stretched the nylon tight. She enjoyed his pectoral muscles rippling. He slipped the fabric behind her head and kissed her lips before crossing it over them and then wrapping it in back again. One more loop around, then he kissed her though the fabric and tied a bulky knot. Hal gently lifted her head and asked, “Too tight?” She shook her head. Jaynie wondered why such a good kisser would block her lips. Was she talking too much? No, she hadn’t been talking lately. She watched in curious anticipation as he used the other half of her pantyhose to gag himself. And she sighed in disappointment. Well, that not only eliminated kissing, but also suckling and cunnilingus. And she couldn’t perform the reciprocal moves on him. So what’s left? Oh no. He’s gay. That means…

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He returned one hand to grip her wrists while rolling off of her. With a lot of tugging on his part and lifting her hips and pivoting on her part, he managed to get her panties down to her ankles. She struggled to kick them off. Rolling her onto her side, facing him, Hal took his time exploring the wonders of Jaynie with his right hand. She shivered as he ran his nails down the inside of her arm. Slipping two fingers under the lace, he explored one nipple, then the other. It’s a front-closing bra. Just twist the clasp. She wanted to tell him, but he’d made speech impossible, and with his grip still around her wrists over her head, she couldn’t do it to herself. He ran his fingers over her hipbone and down to where her thighs met. She lifted her top leg to encourage him. When his hand found her button, Jaynie’s hips began a rhythmic bump and grind. Hal slipped a finger between her labia to check for moisture. It was covered in a sticky string as he pulled it away to examine it. Positioning himself, he thrust inside. First, just the head. As he insisted his way in deeper, and deeper, Jaynie felt her body stretching to accommodate his size. Pulling her closer, he threw his leg over hers. She squirmed, the position slightly uncomfortable. She couldn’t concentrate on her clitoris. He abruptly stopped and withdrew. Pulling the gag from his mouth, he asked, “Am I hurting you?” She nodded. After rolling Jaynie onto her back, Hal placed a pillow sheathed in a floral case, under her hips. He replaced his gag and gently mounted her. Oh yeah. He found the right spot. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he held himself up with one hand, so he wouldn’t crush her with his weight. Jaynie dug her fingernails into his hand as the first tidal wave of pleasure engulfed her. He thrust faster, hearing her muffled ecstasy. At last she relaxed her fingers and legs. Then it was no holds barred. He was like a racehorse bent on winning. Faster, faster, faster and then he withdrew, rolled next to her and came inside the pillowcase. Eww, she thought, then realized her hands were free. She pulled off the pantyhose. He threw his gag into the pile of clothes on her sewing machine chair. “Sorry about the pillow. I’ll replace it.” “I would hope so.” 21

Pamela Downs “Well, you didn’t want to make a baby, did you?” Good point. “Thanks for being…um…responsible.” Hal grinned and cuddled next to Jaynie. Rising up on an elbow, he brushed the brown hair from the side of her face. “So, tell me. Was I better than your dream boy?” “What?” Oh, he means Devin. He thinks I screwed Devin. “Of course you were. I didn’t let him touch me.” “Why not? You had the perfect set up for a quickie.” She sighed. “I don’t want to relive that disappointing one-on-one with him, ok? The guy is a drunk. He’s got a serious substance abuse problem.” Hal rolled onto his back. “So you think less of him now? People like that can’t help it. He didn’t decide one day to become a drunk. He was born with the predisposition.” “No, that’s not what I mean.” Hal thinks I’m a snobby bitch. “I won’t let him pull me into his personal demons. And I don’t think he’s that stellar of a man anyway, from the way he treated me.” “So you would be willing to love a substance abuser?” “Not until he hit bottom, took responsibility for his actions and felt remorse for those he affected with them. And cleaned himself up and never took another drink.” Hal stood. As he turned his underwear right side out, he confessed, “I have a substance abuse problem.” “I thought I cured it,” she said. “Perhaps you have.” “What do you mean, perhaps? You made love to your first woman. I’ve converted you.” “My first woman?” “Yes, so how do I compare to your pretty boys?” “You think I’m gay?” “Of course. Look at you. You’re perfect. Body, hair, pressed uniforms…Gary.” “Vain, yes, I am. Gay, no way.” She giggled. “I’m so sorry.” Her laughter escalated until tears fogged her eyes. “It’s not funny.” 22

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“I’m not laughing at you, honestly. I’m laughing at the absurdity of my lack of common sense.” Hal slipped into her sweat pants. They fit him like capris. He said, “Now you have something to laugh at.” “You can’t take a cab in that get-up. I’ll drop you off at your place on my way outta Night.” Jaynie pulled fresh panties out of her closet and hurriedly dressed in jeans and a white button down shirt. Yanking a duffel bag from under her bed, she flopped it on top of the tangled sheets and began filling it with clothes. “So, you’re really leaving town?” he asked, disappointment in his voice. “I can’t stay here. I have no job, and, once my name makes the morning news, I won’t be finding any type of employment for a hundred miles.” “But what about your sister?” “She doesn’t really like me much. I’m just convenient to help pay her mortgage and provide free babysitting.” Jaynie tugged on the suitcase zipper. It was stubborn. Suddenly her arm went flying with the zipper and she exclaimed “Oww!” as she caught the skin of her finger in it. Hal quickly unzipped it and she pulled it out. He grabbed it. “Let me see.” Blood trickled out. He licked it. Jaynie stared at him, not sure if she should be freaked out or flattered. Maybe it was a show of affection. He was a little kinky in his pseudo bondage scene they acted out. “Why did you gag us?” “I didn’t want you to bite me.” “I wouldn’t have bitten you. That wouldn’t make any sense. Why do you think I would bite you? I only bit him because he’s a vampire…or there are rumors he is…you know that’s probably a bunch of B.S. What a gullible girl I am.” Jaynie held her finger up to the light. Satisfied it had coagulated, she heaved her duffle down to the floor and pulled up the retracted handle. “Come on. Let’s get this over with.” 23

Pamela Downs “Wait…” he said. She stopped, just short of opening the door. Jaynie turned toward him. “Why didn’t you ask me why I was gagged to?” “Okay. So you gagged me because you were afraid I’d bite you.” “And I gagged myself because I was afraid I’d bite you.” He searched her face. Jaynie let go of the handle and cupped a hand over her mouth. Her eyes darted around the room as her mind rewound their conversations. Lightheaded, she staggered to the bed and plopped down, hugging the bedpost. “What is your substance of choice to abuse and why were you fired from the department?” He sat next to her. She tingled as he took her hand in his. “Gary turned me in for not following the departmental guidelines for biohazard disposal.” She squeezed his hand. “Needles?” He shook his head. “Blood?” she choked out. “Yes. I’m addicted.” “Kiss me. French kiss me,” she blurted out. He leaned down, and slowly opened his mouth before his lips met hers. Jaynie passed out as she saw his fangs. She came to, lying on her bed with her feet elevated. He was standing over her with a glass of water. “Drink this.” He gently raised her head, cupping his hand at the back of her neck. She took a sip and it ran down her chin. Jaynie grabbed the glass from Hal and eyed him as she sat up and drank it. After she finished, she handed it back. “Thanks.” “You need to eat.” “Is that an invitation?” “Sure, I’ll take you out to the all night diner if you want…but not in these pants.” “No, that wasn’t what I meant.” “Why, Jaynie, are you flirting with me?” “No. Trying to understand you. What in the hell were you, a vampire, thinking when you took a job as a paramedic? That’s like an arsonist taking a job as an arson investigator.” 24

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“I couldn’t resist. I can’t help it I was born a vampire.” “Well, it’s a good thing that happened tonight, you getting fired.” “You’re right. I need help,” Hal admitted. “What, you want me to take you to a blood drinker’s anonymous meeting?” “That’s not funny.” “You’re saying that a lot tonight.” “That’s not funny either.” Jaynie brushed his cheek with her finger. “How can I help you break your craving and dependency for blood?” “Bite me.” “What?” “Bite me. That will arrest the active gene in my DNA. Your saliva will seek out my vampire cells and attack them, rendering them impotent.” “No. There has to be a better way. You’ve got too good of a thing going on in those silly pants for me to render you impotent.” “Not my cock. Just my craving for blood and my inability to survive in sunshine.” “Really?” “Yes.” “Why would you want to give your vampire life up?” “Because it’s wrong.” “Not if it’s your species. Your heritage.” “And who do I walk this world with? A handful of vampires and a majority born of a humble breed.” “And it’s caused a lot of trouble. Hiding in the closet must be extremely difficult. No wonder you’ve never left the town of Night.” “I want to. I want to explore the world outside. I want to get sunburned. I want to squint and see the terrain through brightness. Why did you have an urge to bit a vampire?” he asked her. Jaynie had never thought about it before. “I don’t know. For as long as I remember, I’ve had a secret wish to bite a vampire.” “Darling, I’m your destiny.” 25

Pamela Downs Wow. He’s right. Fate brought us together for a bigger purpose. “Okay, I’ll do it.” “Bite me?” “Sure. Where?” “Wherever you’d like.” Jaynie tugged her sweatpants down to his ankles. He stepped out of them. “Well, come on,” she ordered, “Remove your drawers.” He did. “Lie down.” Smiling, he stretched across her bed. “Turn over.” Hal cocked an eyebrow and followed the lady’s directions. “You’re gonna look even more gorgeous all bronzed from the sun like the Greek god I know you are.” She ran her hands over his shoulders and felt every muscle, working her way down to where his torso vee-ed in at the small of his back. She kissed one finely wrought cheek and said, “Roll over.” He did. His staff was at full attention. Her lips went directly to it, kissing the flawless phallus from tip to base. She pulled away as he tried to persuade her head back down. Jaynie ran her hands up from his private fur, circled his navel and then skirted both flat male nipples. She lowered her head, searching his face with hooded eyes. His were intensely probing. Jaynie bit him in the chest, over his heart. Just barely breaking the skin. He convulsed as she laved her tongue around the weeping abrasion. **** His seizure stopped. She looked up at him, wiping drool from her chin. “Well?” “Thank you.” “How will we know you’re cured?” “Come here.” He pulled her face close to his. “We’ll know when I can French kiss you without drawing your tongue blood.” “Oh, my kinda medical test.” She lowered her lips onto his. He pressed his against hers and nervously parted his lips. She thrust her tongue inside and licked his smooth 26

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teeth. They both began to giggle. She pulled away and looked into his bright milk chocolate eyes. “Hal, your eyes have lightened. They sparkle even.” “They are reflecting your wholesome goodness.” “Wholesome goodness?” she balked. “I’m a good boy now. For the first time in my life, I’m safe to be around. I won’t harm another creature…” She put a hand over his mouth. “Don’t talk about that. I don’t want to know about anything you might have done. No. It will ruin us.” He licked her hand. She giggled and kissed him gently. Hal whispered, “Us?” Her heart pounded as she rolled off him. “Great. Just great. I assumed that by curing the vampire, I’d get the perk of…” “Of what, Jaynie?” He rolled to his side and stroked her cheek. “Of having you for a boyfriend…soul mate…lover…” “Do you want me to be your boyfriend, soul mate and lover?” “Yes.” she sniffled. “Then teach me.” “Teach you what?” “How to use my mouth. My tongue, to pleasure you.” “You mean you’ve never…?” “Let’s not talk about my past.” “Right.” She smiled and guided his head to her chest. He huffed hot breath on her shirt, dampening it over a nipple. “Nibble it. Just a little. Don’t really bite down.” Hal’s eyes searched her face. He lowered his mouth and sucked hard, trying to raise the nipple through the two layers of fabric. “May I remove your blouse?” She nodded and unbuttoned it for him. His head dropped to her lacy bra, wetting it with saliva. She struggled with the clasp until it popped. He moved it out of the way, exposing her beautiful fleshy mounds. Hesitantly, he touched them with his fingers, rolling them with his thumbs until they hardened. Softly he kissed one, then gently sucked. She groaned as his tongue flicked her 27

Pamela Downs into deep breathing. Jaynie grabbed her other breast and squeezed the nipple. He placed his hand over hers and mimicked her movements while flicking, sucking and finally nibbling on the other. He had one leg between hers and she began rubbing her clitoris against it, humping her way into a scream. Hal placed a pillow over her mouth, pressing down hard enough to muffle her, yet not harm her. When he felt her body stop trembling, he removed the pillow and thrust his tongue deep into her mouth. As he licked her palate and the hot insides of her cheeks, Jaynie’s tongue mimicked his movements. His smoothly rounded incisors tingled down to his groin as she licked them. His cock jumped and he had to have her tongue around it. Breaking the suction of their mouths, Hal said, “Suck on it.” as he guided her hand to his pulsing phallus. “No. I can’t. You have to eat me. Now. Well, you do understand, you don’t actually gobble and swallow, right? Cunnilingus?” He grinned. “I’ve seen a few movies. Relax.” Neither moved. “Well?” he begged. “Please suck my cock.” “Please suck my clitoris,” she said breathlessly. “Sit on my face and suck my cock.” Jaynie struggled out of her pants and panties and climbed on top of her lover boy. As Hal made love to her with his tongue, Jaynie focused on giving the best fellatio in history. As he gushed down her throat, she moved off him. “That was fantastic.” His eyes rolled back in his head. “Thanks.” She righted herself and traced a path across his chest. He closed his eyes and pulled her into the crook of his arm. “Not so fast, mister. You need to reciprocate.” “You didn’t peak?” “No.” “I’m sorry.” Hal crawled out of bed. He pulled Jaynie by the legs, until her bottom was near the edge. Then he took the pillow he’d come inside and handed it to her. “You want me to place this under my hip?” “No. Bite it when you come. Don’t wake the people upstairs.” 28

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She smiled and placed it across her face, inhaling his scent. He knelt on the hard concrete floor and gently kissed her slippery lips. Jaynie ran her fingers through his silky raven hair as he licked and laved and teased. He inserted a finger deep inside and rhythmically moved it in and out as he suckled her clitoris. She wrapped her legs around his head and squeezed his whiskers with her thighs, like a vise as her climax rang out. She bit the pillow. He pulled away and took the pillow from her, wiping his face on it. “Well, how’d I do?” “You’ll do.” “I’ll do?” “Did you say I do?” she asked “Do you want me to?” “I’ll think about it.” She stood and kissed her impossibly gorgeous Greek god. **** Jaynie drove Hal to his apartment on the south side of Night and helped stuff his suitcase. He locked up and they climbed into her car. The couple journeyed to the checkpoint at the border. The guard asked, “Where are you going?” Hal replied, “To find fun in the sun.” “Will you be returning to Night?” “No, thank you.” The sentry scribbled the license plate number down on his clipboard and said, “Have a nice day.” Hal and Jaynie giggled as they drove east. When dawn’s orange sunrise peeked over the mountains, Hal asked Jaynie to pull off at a roadside scenic viewing park. He removed a blanket from the backseat and the pair stepped out, and into the morning. Hal inhaled deeply, and opened his eyes to a new day. He grabbed Jaynie’s hand and hurried the length of the parking lot, stepping over the steel guardrail. Carefully footing their way down the mountainside to a plateau, he spread the yellow blanket. They lay down, cuddling. Jaynie kissed him and dropped her hand down to his pants. He pulled it away. “Later. I don’t want to miss the sunrise.” She snuggled in between his legs and turned to face it, settling her head back against his chest. As the sun rose over the valley, Jaynie felt Hal’s teardrop splash into her hair. 29

Pamela Downs

Author Bio

Pamela is married to the firefighter that saved her life. She writes erotic romance hoping to earn enough of a supplemental income so he can retire and enjoy himself while still young and healthy. They live in a suburb of Washington, DC with their son, daughter, hyperactive Labrador retriever and sassy Eclectus parrot.

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