As the melodic notes of "Jingle Bells - 9ja Remix" filled the air, Valentin's eyes slowly began to flutter open. He had been asleep for what felt like an eternity, his body frozen in a state of suspended animation.

But as the music washed over him, he felt his heart begin to stir, his senses slowly coming back online.

He lay in the darkness for a while, his ears straining to pinpoint the source of the music. It was coming from above him, from the room he had occupied for centuries. Valentin's curiosity was piqued, and he slowly began to stir, his body unfolding from its cramped position.

As he pushed against the lid of his coffin under his bed, it swung open with a soft creak, revealing the dimly lit room above. Valentin's eyes adjusted slowly to the light, and he saw her. 

Adaugo

She was an ebony beauty, whose skin gleamed like polished stones as she stood in the center of his room. Her back was all he could see as she sang along to the carol with abandon.

She was wearing a sexy pink lingerie, the fabric hugging her curves in all the right places as she twerked. Valentin's eyes were drawn to her like a magnet, his heart racing with excitement. He felt a surge of hunger, his fangs aching to sink into her tender flesh.

But as he took a step closer, he felt something strange. A pang of... not hunger, exactly.

Not thirst. 

But something else. 

Something that felt almost...human.

Valentin's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with confusion. What was happening to him? Why was he feeling this way?

As he took another step closer, Adaugo suddenly spun around, her eyes locking onto his. She let out a blood-curdling scream, her face contorted in fear.

"Pervert!" she shouted, her voice echoing off the walls.

Valentin felt a jolt of surprise, his eyes widening in shock. He took a step back, his hands raised in a placating gesture.

But then his expression hardened, his eyes flashing with anger. "What are you doing in my room?" he demanded, his voice cold and imperious. "You have no right to be here."

Adaugo's eyes widened in fear, but she stood her ground.

"I...I was just exploring," she stammered.

Valentin's eyes narrowed. "Exploring?" he repeated. "In my bedroom? At midnight?"

As Adaugo opened her mouth to respond, Valentin's eyes locked onto hers, and he felt a jolt of...something. He wasn't sure what it was, but it was enough to make him blurt out a single word:

"Mate?"

Adaugo's eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back, her face pale with fear. "Get away from me, you pervert!" she shouted, her voice echoing off the walls.

Valentin's eyes flashed with anger, but he stood his ground, his chest heaving with emotion.

"You have no idea who I am," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "But you will. Soon enough."

A KISS UNDER THE MISILTOE 

It is the season of joy and cheer,

When love and magic fill the air,

A time for dreams, for hopes, for fears,

When Christmas magic is beyond compare.

The snowflakes fall, like tears from above,

As bells ring out, with a gentle love,

The scent of pine, and peppermint too,

Fills hearts with wonder, and a spirit anew.

The tree stands tall, with branches wide,

A symbol of love, that will not subside,

The lights that twinkle, like stars in the night,

Reflect the love, that shines with all its might.

The room is filled, with laughter and glee,

As family and friends, gather 'neath the tree,

The fire crackles, with a warm and cozy light,

As love and joy, banish the dark of night.

But amidst the cheer, and the festive delight,

There are those who struggle, through the dark of night,

Their hearts are heavy, with sorrow and pain,

And the magic of Christmas, seems but a distant refrain.

Yet even in darkness, there is a light,

A love that conquers all, and makes the heart take flight,

For Christmas is a time, when love shines bright,

A time when hope and joy, dispel the darkest night.

So let us spread love, and kindness wherever we go,

Let us be the light, that shines in the darkest woe,

For in the end, it's not the gifts we give,

But the love we share, that makes the heart live.

The magic of Christmas, is a love that's true,

A love that conquers all, and sees us through,

So let us cherish, this love that we share,

And make the magic of Christmas, a love that's always there.

As the night winds down, and the tree lights shine bright,

Let us remember, the true meaning of this night,

It's not just a time, for presents and for cheer,

But a time to remember, the love that casts out fear.

So let us hold dear, this love that we share,

And make the magic of Christmas, a love that's always there,

For in the end, it's not the gifts we give,

But the love we share, that makes the heart live.

The magic of Christmas, is a love that's strong,

A love that conquers all, and keeps us moving along,

So let us spread love, and kindness wherever we go,

And make the magic of Christmas, a love that forever glows.

And as we look up, to the starry sky above,

Let us remember, the love that shines with a gentle love,

For in the magic of Christmas, we find a love that's true,

A love that conquers all, and sees us through.

By Angeline Richmen Ozigi