Shadow Kissed: The Vampire’s Chosen One

Chapter 6: Deals Won, Pie, And A Clever Vampire

-ELENA-

Moment of truth, we finished eating our meals a few minutes ago. Anne has come by our table several times refilling our drinks or asking if we need anything else in an attempt to flirt with Eric but he seems to shut her down every time or ignores her completely. I don’t know why...she is an attractive woman, perhaps a bit desperate acting but only to get his attention.

If she’s not his type, what is? Perhaps Eric has a set of standards he goes by unlike his playboy bestie Gabriel? Oh, yes. I’ve heard about Gabriel...both of them actually. Samantha filled me in on the both of them during our many conversations over the years she was stationed here. Gabriel is a huge man w***e, one that seems eager to sink his teeth into me like I’m some fresh out of the Watchers Compound Slayer. Good luck with that, Gabe. I may flirt back with you but there’s no way you’re charming your way in between my legs.

Same goes for Eric. I don’t care how handsome, funny or charming he is. I don’t care that I automatically feel at ease around the vampire. Personal life and work life stays separate.

I watch as Anne makes her way towards us with the bill in her hand. She sets it down in the middle of the table on top of a napkin. “Just come see me at the register when you’re ready to pay, honey.”

When she walks away, both Eric’s and my eyes dart towards the receipt. Eric smirks. “See? No number. I believe you owe me a slice of pie.”

“Check the napkin, Mr. Ashford.” I watch eagerly as Eric lifts the receipt. There written in purple ink on the napkin is a name and phone number. Eric meets my gaze and I can’t help smirking at the look of disbelief on his face. “I’ll be taking a large slice of strawberry-rhubarb pie to go.”

Eric chuckles. “Anything else?”

“Since you’re offering, I’ll take a piece of lemon meringue too.” I wink at him, making Eric grin.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Eric replies grabbing the receipt before sliding out of the booth to go pay.

“I bet if you give her a melt-worthy smile, she’ll give you the pie for free.” I say teasingly.

Eric’s grin widens before he leans down towards me purring, “If I give you a melt-worthy smile, will you share your winnings?”

I lean in closer to him and reply, “Depends on the size of the slices, Mr. Ashford. You’ll soon learn that I’m a fatty when it comes to sweets.”

“So you’ll stab me with your fork if I try to steal a bite?” He asks, his blue-grey eyes twinkling with amusement.

“You can count on it.” I wink again at him. Gods, what is wrong with me? A little flirting is okay but I’m like full-on relationship flirting with him.

“Guess I’ll just have to buy the whole thing then.” Eric sighs before making his way to the register. Wait! What did he just say?

~~~~~

-ELENA-

“This was unnecessary.” I comment as we exit the diner, me carrying a whole strawberry-rhubarb pie and a whole lemon meringue pie.

Eric shrugs. “Not really. You and I share a love for pie...and you obviously weren’t going to share with me.”

“I hate to break it to you, but I’m not going to share these with you tonight either.” I say.

Eric frowns and leans against the side of the Lamborghini, crossing his arms over his chest. “And pray tell why not when I just spent fifty dollars on pie?”

I shrug. “I have a date...” I glance at the watch on my wrist. “In about an hour actually.”

Eric narrows his eyes at me and states. “It’s Wednesday.” He thinks for a moment. “Your date wouldn’t by chance be with a spunky, outspoken brunette, would it?”

I smile at his description. “Yes and her name is Abigail.”

Eric rolls his eyes. “Yes, I remember. I had the pleasure of talking to her several times when Samantha was my charge.”

I chuckle. Eric apparently had to deal with Samantha and our date we always scheduled on Wednesday when the three of us...sometimes four if I could get my brother on, would video chat to keep in touch and check up with one another. “I tell you what...tomorrow after we get our work finished, we’ll come back to my apartment and dig into this diabetic coma I’m holding in my hands.”

The corners of Eric’s lips twitch as he holds back a smile. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Great! I’ll see you tomorrow.” I reply before starting to walk on the sidewalk towards my apartment.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Eric asks me as he pushes off the car.

I frown. “Home?”

“You’re walking?” He says incredulously.

“Uh, yeah?” What’s the problem with walking?

“Get in the car.” Eric orders me, making me raise my eyebrows.

“Excuse me?” I look at him like he’s crazy for trying to boss me around. Just who the hell does he think he is?

“Elena, it’s at least a twenty minute walk to your apartment. You’re carrying fifty dollars worth of delicious diabetic coma in your hands...if you get attacked on your way home, we won’t be enjoying pie tomorrow night.” Eric says a matter of factly.

Is he serious? “Ye have little faith in my skills, sir. The pies will survive.”

Eric sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. “You didn’t seem to have a problem with Gabriel giving you a ride home the other night.”

Is that a bit of jealousy I sense coming from him? Naw. I must be imagining it. Why would he be jealous of Gabriel giving me a ride? “I’ll be fine.”

“Look,” Eric says as he rounds the Lamborghini to the drivers side. “I’ll get you there in half the time. That way you can shower or whatever before you talk to Abigail.”

Hmmm. He does have a point but me being a smartass replies, “Are you saying I stink?”

Eric opens the door, pausing briefly to look at me over the hood of the car. “Aside from smelling like you rode the subway, you now smell like a Cuban cigar too.” He scrunches his nose in disgust. “It doesn’t suit you.”

I roll my eyes dramatically walking over to his car. “Yeah well, next time you decide to drain a truck of alcohol by yourself, do me a favor and drink a bottle of Listerine afterwards. s**t, maybe eat a couple boxes of tic-tac’s too.” Eric chuckles as he climbs in the car. It may sound odd but I really enjoy bantering back and forth with Eric. It’s nice...I don’t feel like I have to be so guarded around him like the previous vampires I worked with. Part of me is telling myself not to get too close to him for the sake of the Sheriff and Watcher relationship. To stay professional...but the other half of me enjoys his company. It’s so strange that he’d have this kind of affect on me and I’ve only known him two days. For now, I’ll just have to be careful.

~~~~~

-ELENA-

I plop down on the bed feeling refreshed after an exhilarating hot shower. Eric was right...Cuban cigars and the subway stench does not suit me. I much prefer the delightful scent of warm vanilla sugar from my bath products. It’s the little things like that I get to enjoy. Grabbing my laptop from the bedside table, I set it on the bed. I open it and start it up, logging onto the video chat program once the laptop is ready. Abigail isn’t on yet, but that’s no surprise. Out of the three of us, Abby is the least likely to be on time for anything. Samantha was always early to everything and I was the one that was on time exactly.

I lay on my stomach on the comforter of my bed, resting my head on my hand, waiting for Abby. My thoughts can’t help but drift to tonight...and Eric. Although dinner was technically supposed to be on the professional side of things, he ended up asking some personal questions...not that I minded. He’s probably just curious since I’m his new charge. He was close to Samantha, I know that much. He told me tonight that he felt like he failed her...I didn’t know what to say to that because in a way...I feel like I failed her too. I failed to act on the signs she was showing me and now she’s dead. The guilt eats at me...like it does to Eric. I guess we also have that in common aside for our love for pie.

Our ride to my apartment was fairly quiet. He still asked me where I lived, even though I knew he already had the address. Hell, Gabriel didn’t even try to hide his stalkerish tendencies about knowing where I live...but that’s also part of Gabriel’s job as a Baron, having access to knowledge and information like that. Some people may see it as stalkerish, but in reality it’s completely normal since I’m the charge of his Sheriff. Now, if Gabriel starts showing up on the fire escape and peeping through my apartment windows...we’re going to run into some issues.

Once I was inside my apartment, I checked my emails. It’s a habit I’ve grown accustomed to. The Watchers Council and Vampires Council usually converses this way. Plus, Eric and Gabriel email me too if there’s work to be had that’s too much to put into a text. It’s much easier because of the different time zones everyone is in rather than trying to organize a group call. After I had finished responding to the emails, I took the opportunity to sample a slice of the strawberry-rhubarb pie that was practically calling my name. Eric shouldn’t be too upset I dug into it without him, right? Naw. We still have plenty of pie for tomorrow night. Once I finished my sample, I took a shower and washed away the daily grime that came long with my job as a Slayer. After brushing my teeth, I dressed in a pair of blue cotton shorts and a white spaghetti strap top, ready for bed once my date is over with Abigail.

The laptop dings, announcing Abigail’s arrival on the video chat. A few seconds later, my laptop screen switches to video and Abigail’s tired looking face appears on the screen. “Rough night?” I ask amusedly as I take in her appearance. Her long brown hair is thrown on top of her head in a messy bun that is half way falling down. She has bags under her eyes clearly from the lack of sleep. There’s a fairly new cut on her lower lip and the t-shirt she’s wearing has a tear in it.

Abby says something unintelligible as she yawns big, not even bothering to cover her mouth.

“What was that?” I ask with a smile.

When Abby finishes yawning, she blinks a few times, her hazel eyes focusing on me on the screen. “I said, shut it, Grimm. Not all of us can look fabulous all the time.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m far from fabulous and you know it.”

It’s Abby’s turn to roll her eyes. “Please. You have natural beauty unlike some of us. You’d look good in a paper sack.”

I smirk. The girls always give me a hard time because I apparently have a natural beauty that makes other females envious of me. Abigail and Samantha always felt the need to pile makeup on themselves to make them stand out. I on the other hand apply a little lip makeup and maybe some eyeshadow if we are going out to a club. I guess I’m considered fabulous for having naturally dark long eyelashes.

“How goes it in Texas?” I ask her. Abigail transferred to Texas about six months ago. She loves the heat but the heat and added humidity does not love her hair. Yes...I imagine her hair stays up in a bun most of the time in an attempt to keep her hair from overtaking Houston.

“Overloaded with Sabbat.” Abby points to her busted lip. “As you can see, I have my hands full with the fuckers.”

“Los Angeles is the same.” I reply. Luckily for Abby, Houston is a much smaller and far less active Hellmouth. “It seems like the Sabbat numbers are increasing lately.”

“Yeah.” Abby rubs the back of her neck with her hand. “I’ve been fortunate that no assholes have tried anything serious over here yet.”

I smile. “Well, you know where to find me if you need a hand.”

Abby furrows her brows. “What about the Sheriff? Is he going to just let you leave the territory to come help out?”

“The Sheriff and Baron of California seem to have a good handle of things. The Sabbat seem to be the only ones causing problems here. Everyone else it too afraid to cross them.”

Abigail snorts with laughter. “I can only guess why. Not many vampires are near a thousand years in age and you have two of them maintaining the same territory.”

“It’s necessary.” I admit, making Abby raise her eyebrows in surprise. “I know this Hellmouth is the largest documented...but I can feel some real darkness to it.” A darkness that Samantha never mentioned. Other Hellmouths I’ve been stationed at never came close to the darkness pull I feel in L.A...and if I can feel the pull so can every other supernatural in the territory. It’s only a matter of time until some asshole tries to tap into the Hellmouth and use the significant power boost to send the world into the next apocalypse. Although I came here for Samantha...perhaps it’s my destiny to be here and protect L.A. even with my previous history of dying here. f*****g irony.

“Enough about work.” Abby wags her eyebrows at me. “So...what do you think about Eric?”

“He’s alright.” I smile behind my hand while Abby lets out a heavy sigh. I know what she wants. The same exact thing she wanted about Gabriel. Details. Abby is not opposed to having intimate relationships with other supernaturals. Lucky for her, her previous relationships have never been with one of the vampires in charge to bring too much attention to her. You’re pretty much put in the spotlight as Watcher when you get into an intimate relationship with a Baron, Sheriff, or Prince.

“You have to give me more than that!” The brunette whines.

“What do you want to know?” I chuckle.

“I’ve only seen a pic that Samantha sent to me of him. Is he gorgeous?” Yes. “Does he have a killer body?” Yes. “Does he make you want to be a bad Slayer?” Most definitely.

“I’ve only known him two days, Abbs. Yes, he is gorgeous but I will not behave like a bad Slayer.” Even if my body screams to jump on Eric and ride him until he pops like a bottle of warm champagne. My brain intervenes, telling me...girl, get yourself a vibrator and avoid the relationship trouble you’ve experienced in the past.

Abby rolls her eyes dramatically. “I’m telling you...you need to get laid by one of those smoking hot vampires. I don’t care at this point whether it’s the Brit or the insanely handsome Mr. Ashford. Think about it...they have to be incredibly experienced in between the sheets plus...they don’t have to breathe.” Abby wags her tongue suggestively at me.

I drop my head back and groan. “I’m fine.”

“That’s what you say but I can see the s****l tension in your body from here, babes.”

Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes dramatically. “I’m not sure how you can see anything with the tired as s**t look you have going on.” I smirk.

“Meredith likes keeping me busy.” Abby sighs as she rubs her eyes with the back of her hand. Meredith is Abby’s Sheriff. “You know, I never thought I’d say this but...after I transfer out of Texas, I don’t want to look at barbecue ever again.”

I laugh. “California has a nice selection. If you’re over my way, I’ll take you to Red’s Diner they have great food and the most amazing homemade pies ever. Eric and I had this sourdough melt sandwich tonight...”

“Wait! Did you say you and Eric?” Abby narrows her eyes at me, looking for a reaction.

Whoops. Let that slip. Apparently I’m more tired that I originally thought. “Uh, well...”

“SPILL!” She demanded.

“There’s nothing to spill. We followed a lead on Samantha’s murder. Once we were done, he asked me if I’d eaten recently...”

“Wow, he’s smooth.” Abigail smirks. “He probably knows us Watchers never turn down food.”

I sigh. “He was just being nice. We hadn’t gotten to talk at all and I’m sure he was just trying to gauge how big of a pain in the ass I’m going to be.”

Abigail’s smirk widens. “Yeah, sure. Did he ask you any personal questions that weren’t the standard Sheriff-Watcher bullshit?”

I furrow my brows. “Yes.”

Abigail squeals, clapping her hands together in excitement. “Girl, I bet he wants in your panties!”

“I highly doubt that Abbs.” Although, Eric has been rather flirtatious. And...

I frown.

Abigail doesn’t miss my expression. “What?”

“Well, he bought my meal.” Which isn’t a big deal. A lot of Sheriffs take care of their charges like that. “And then we made a bet that he wouldn’t receive a phone number from an over flirtatious waitress. He lost and had to buy me pie.”

“And?!” Abby gestures with her hand at the screen for me to continue.

“AND instead of buying me the two pie slices we agreed on he bought two whole pies...so we can share them...” My frown deepens, realizing what I actually agreed to. Wow, Elena. How did you miss that? “Tomorrow.”

Abigail looks impressed, even in her tired state. “Wow. He’s smooth to get passed you like that. He’s already got you on the hook for a date and you agreed!”

“It’s not a date!” I argue. “He’s just being friendly!”

“Just keep telling yourself that, babes.” The brunette yawns again. “Must be nice having two major hottie vampires wanting a piece of your recently neglected v****a. Maybe they’ll be into taking you in a threesome?”

I groan, scrubbing a hand down my face. “Gods, give me strength!”

“You’re definitely going to need it with two elder vampires in your bed!” Abigail continues teasingly.

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose with my fingers. “That’s not going to happen.” I tell her confidently. Not. Going. To happen.

Abby obviously ignores me and continues. “So when it does happen, you better give me all the juicy details. I’ve never had an elder vampire...let alone two at one time...”

I rest my head against my hand and let her continue to babble. She does this...a lot.

“Can you imagine? You’d be a Grimm sandwich between those two hunky vampires.”

“Oh wow.” I mutter as she prattles on for the next few minutes about me, Gabriel, and Eric engaging in some extremely creative and I’m not even sure possible...sexual positions. I scrub my hand down my face again at the vivid images Abby has put into my brain. How am I going to face them now without images of Abby’s pornographic sexcapades starring me, my Sheriff and my Baron flashing before my eyes and my body reacting as any other female would...getting f*****g turned on. I groan and cover my eyes with my hand. “I hate you.”

I can hear Abby laughing at me. “Naw, you’ll thank me later.”

We talk for another thirty minutes before we say our goodbyes and end our virtual date. I turn off the laptop and set it on the bedside table before throwing myself backwards on the bed. How the hell am I going to face them now!? f*****g Abby and her kinky ass, s*x perverted mind! I grab a pillow and hug it to my face in hopes that I will suffocate myself before tomorrow evening to avoid the pending embarrassment I’m going to face. f*****g. Abby!