Heather Graham - Night of the Vampires

T HERE WAS JUST something about the man.

Kim knew it from the moment she first laid eyes on him.

It was just turning from summer to fall, and the day was beginning to die. Dust dazzled in the streaks of color that still formed the sky as the sun sank, while, already, the bountiful full moon was starting to peek out and rise into what would become a velvet and star-studded night.

He was the most unusual man. Even motionless, he compelled attentionshe had simply known he was there the minute he had come to stand beneath the gnarled oaks. His stature was impressive, his very stillness somehow provocative.

There was a sadness about him, a melancholy, really, that drew Kim Forrester in despite the amazing bounty of handsome, wealthy and eligible bachelors in the room. He was tallcertainly a plusextremely fine in physical appearance and with the requisite broad shoulders offsetting a lean waist. His hair was smooth and dark, his face clean shaven. He wore an elegant gray evening frock coat with a crimson brocade vest and a fine, matching stovepipe hat.

Something undeniable informed his movement. Sleek, like a great cat. Fluid, as if he were filled with confidence. This was strange, because Kim did not know him, and she knew most of the young bucks here, the sons of the most affluent men in the affluent community of exceptionally fine houses along the battery of Charleston, South Carolina.

I do declare! Marybelle Claiborne said, whisking her fan a thousand miles an hour. That gentleman, why, he is just scrumptious! So darkly dangerous, mysterious, anddownright alluring!

Hes not from here, Alice Payne said, sniffing, her nose in the air. Ive heard theres something quite scandalous and horrible in his past!

Alice Payne was known for her darling and elegant button nose. In Kims silent opinion, it gave her the appearance of a little piglet. Adorable, but a piglet all the same.

Kim forced a smile. Shed promised there would be no scenes here. In her mind, the balls were mindless endeavors where parents tried to sell off their daughters like chattel, hoping for the highest prices and the very best family alliances. Ah, and alas, so much for the pride of America, the people who would not bow down before kings! Here, there was a new king, and it didnt even have a soul: cotton. Sugar, of course, was in the royal court, and land meant everything. It provided a palace for the king.

So seductive, yes, and scandalous. Why? We dont know, do we? And thats part of what makes him scandalous! They say that hes from Texas, that hes wealthy beyond measure, Julia Lee chimed in. She winked. Hes given the other fellows a run for their money. I believe hes come here with Lieutenant Weston, and I believe that the lieutenant befriended him at a cattle sale. Business has brought him to Charleston. And we are, of course, my darlings, known for our Southern hospitality! She rolled her large blue eyes.

As they watched the distant figure, Benton McTavish strode out to where the young ladies stood, sheltered by the leaves of a giant oak. He greeted them all with a swaggering bow and the tilt of his hat. Afternoon, ladies. If youre gathered here in number for fear of the newcomers amidst our group, let me assure you. We of your community

He meant social rank, Kim was certain!

will absolutely assure that no harm will come to the damsels of Charleston!

Kim looked away, teeth gritting. Benton McTavish never lifted a finger to do an honest moments work. He rode to the hounds, drank brandy and smoked cigars and pretended to know about his fathers business. Proud as a peacock over his sexual prowess, it was rumored he had already sired several children with one of the beautiful young slaves on his fathers plantation. She wondered how the poor thing bore his attentions, but she knew as well that the woman had no choice. She hoped that at least she received lighter household duties in exchange for those she was forced to perform upon her back.

Why, Benton, wed never be afraid, not with big, strong fellows like you around, Alice said, slipping her arm through his.

Kim turned around, pretending great interest in the golden color of an oak leaf, lest she look straight at Benton and gag.

Shall we, ladies? A true pleasure to escort you all in! I do believe that our supper is about to be served.

Kim hung back. She watched them go, wondering if, when they noticed that she wasnt with them, they would then discuss her as freely and maliciously as they had the stranger. As hard as her mother might tryas successful as shed been in seducing Kims very rich stepfatherKim would never be among these elite. She was from the Caribbean, not Charleston, and her beauty seemed a curse, a cautionary tale about the seduction of good men, and nothing more.

It was thus that she was standing when the man came to her at last.

He smiled ruefully, and seemed to realize that she was here and yet far away, and among the crowd yet not of it.

Miss, you seem at a loss. May I escort you in?

His voice was rich, deep, cultured and bore an accent of the Deep South. The sound of it was like a sweep of honey into her bones. His eyes were darker than ebony and yet seemed to have a glow brighter than hells fire.

Forgive me. My name is Fox. Im here at the urging of a Lieutenant Weston. I dont mean to be rude or impertinent in any way.

Kim found herself smiling. Of course notnot with that accent. He had been born and bred to play the game.

Her smile faded, and she frowned. A chill, and then a rush of heat flashed through her.

Fear.

She knew.

She knew because of her mother. Her mother, who had been raised in the Caribbean, who had been the grandchild of

To her surprise, the sensation that had overcome her disappeared just as quickly. Her smile returned to her features. There was something so tragically sad about his eyes.

Looking at her, he somehow knew that she knew. The melancholy air about him deepened. I would never hurt you, he said simply. He opened his mouth, as if there might be more explanation, but he repeated, I would never hurt you.