I jumped awake at the sound and said something quickly that I couldn't quite recall, but I think had something to do with fireplaces being dangerous in libraries. Alexandre laughed quietly. I felt like I was blushing, but can vampires even blush? Mental note: ask Alexandre about that later.
"You are truly unusual." Alexandre said with amusement. He was in a casual suit today, a dark blue that was almost black. It made him look every bit the vampire he was. "What are you reading?" He picked up the book from where it had fallen on the floor.
"Ah, it seems you and I have similar tastes." He complimented me, his eyes gleaming. Something about the look made my neck hairs stand up. It was like watching a wolf stalk a rabbit. I shivered and Alexandre's gaze shifted.
"Are you cold?" He asked with concern. "Come, follow me, I bought some new clothes for you, they're waiting in your room. We can return whatever you don't like."
"Wait-how did you know my size?" I wanted to know and then with rising horror and humiliation I groaned. The clothes I was currently wearing were not mine, and I was completely clean. I felt the embarrassment climb as I realized I had been covered in my own blood so that must have taken some quite... intimate... washing. All of my remaining blood should be in my face at this point, if I was still human that is. Alexandre gave me the wolf look again and even though I didn't think it was possible, my humiliation doubled. Could I just dig myself a grave and crawl in now please?
"Calm down. I have been on this earth for a very long time. I have seen lots of nudity. You had blood and dirt all over you and I had to be sure there weren't any other wounds besides the IV. You needed to be cleaned and your clothing changed. I preserved your modesty as best as the situation allowed." I groaned with embarrassment when he reached this part, feeling like my face should be even brighter red if it were capable. For a brief moment the weird looked returned to Alexandre's eyes and I started to get the feeling he was enjoying taunting me.
"For practical purposes, I burnt your old clothes. The last thing we need is some cop sniffing around because someone or something finds your old bloodied clothes in the garbage. I would like to replace your clothing for you as an apology, since I had to destroy them. Now, if you'll follow me..." Alexandre continued. I crossed my arms and put my head down so he could no longer read my expression and followed him back to the-my-room silently.
Alexandre's taste in clothing was just as eclectic as his books. There was a wide range of clothing, from my own personal everyday style of just jeans and a T-shirt, to a couple of crazily fancy gowns and dresses that I didn't think I'd ever wear, but I was desperate to try on anyway. I gasped as I read the label on one of the clothing items, and then looked through the rest with panic, realizing almost everything had high-end or designer names.
"I...really can't accept these. They're far too pricey. My clothes were just cheapo generic brands, and if you want to replace them that's fine really. I mean, thank you for everything, but wow... wow..." My voice trailed off into a whisper by the end as I pulled a pair of designer shoes from a box. My mouth fell open and Alexandre looked at me delightedly.
"You can and will accept. You are my responsibility for the foreseeable future, at least until you adjust to your new life. I have not had the opportunity to share with or spoil anyone in a very long time, and after what you've just been through, I declare these items a gift. Non-returnable. Unless they're the wrong size or not to your style or something of course." Alexandre stipulated.
"But...the price!..." I objected. Alexandre waved a hand.
"Consider it advance pay then. You will be my companion for an indeterminate period of time. I am not easy to get along with and I have not had company in many years. You will grow tired of me quickly I'm sure. Consider this your incentive to stay. Something like a bribe." He laughed. My mouth fell open to object again but Alexandre interrupted.
"Fine, consider it my way to assuage my guilt." He growled abruptly.
"Guilt?" I asked with confusion. Alexandre sighed quietly.
"I am waiting for your inevitable anger. I infected you with a virus that has changed your life and very existence without your permission or knowledge. You were too far gone to ask. And one day, you will be angry at me for that, and push me away as you face down the inevitable years of your long life, and I will once again be...alone." He said sadly. I had a sneaking suspicion that I was being manipulated, but his words also rang of some truth.
"Listen, my life...wasn't easy... and it was very, VERY boring. I had no reason to live, but I didn't really want to die either. Then, before I could figure out what I even wanted to do with my life, some psychopath kidnaps me and murders me. You saved me, and for the moment at least, I am very grateful." I told him sincerely. While speaking a sudden light bulb went off in my head. That psychopath... the nurse... Shelving the thought for later I continued in a mumble "Though I have to admit, I still feel like this whole thing isn't real."
"Don't make us go through all that again." Alexandre's voice had a hint of warning in it. Adopting one of his gestures, I waved him off. He looked perturbed, then a flash of amusement stole across his face.
"When you are ready, please meet me downstairs." Alexandre told me, leaving the room.
"Wait-how will I find you?" I called after him, concerned.
"Just follow your nose." He said as he walked away, and surprisingly, I understood every word.
Leaping down the stairs in my new jeans, shirt and sneakers, I followed the trace of Alexandre's scent in the air. He smelled of old books and flowers. Not completely an unpleasant smell. It was really awesome that I could do this, but to be fair, I kind of felt like a dog with my nose in the air. I ended up back in the library where a stack of books awaited me on the table by the fire. Alexandre's voice floated down to me from above.
"I've set aside some vampire lore for you. It will give you a good start." I picked up the books and looked through the titles.
"Dracula? Really?" I asked under my breath with sarcasm.
"Yes, really." Alexandre said directly behind me. I jumped and ducked like someone had shot at me, holding up the book in front of me like it would protect me.
"Goddamn, ok, I get the Dracula bit now. Sheesh." I stood up and faced him again.
"You have good reflexes, but very poor spatial awareness." Alexandre observed.
"Yeah, thanks. The 'How to avoid being attacked by a vampire' classes were all full." My voice dripped with sarcasm. "I also missed 'Your life as a vampire 101 and 102'." Alexandre's expression was a mixture of amusement and irritation. I flinched, wondering if I had taken it a bit too far. Alexandre suddenly looked confused, and cupped my face in his hand.
"As long as you obey me and do not go rogue, you will never have a reason to fear me, child." He said softly. It still sounded like an ultimatum to me, but the hand was gentle and his eyes warm. He quickly let go.
"I will just have to adjust to having someone around again. That and your rather...headstrong...and abrasive personality." Alexandre told me.
"What you're saying is, I'm a smartass." I replied.
"Yes." He agreed simply, turning around.
"I bet you wouldn't say that if I was a guy." I mumbled.
"I can still hear you, you know." He said over his shoulder, leaving the library. I grabbed the books and followed him.
"Are you regretting saving me yet?" I flung at him.
"Yes." He replied.
"Ok, I deserved that. But Dracula? For real?" I called from behind him.