Sanguine Sorrow 1

--------This is a co-op written by me and KravenK (link in description)--------

I always hated these so-called parties... people only come to these things to show off who is richer, older or just extremely snobbish. If there weren't so many good looking women around, I'd just hit the streets to hook-up.

But the women on the streets are dirty. I'd rather not spend eternity dealing with the STDs of some tart. These women are special. They are a challenge.

The only problem is that I've hit on so many of them I've developed something of a reputation so most people are cautious around me. But it wouldn't be fun without the risks, especially when such a beautiful piece of pretty like that silver haired countess by the fireplace. She's a piece of work alright, seems quite popular too.

I wonder how a woman like her makes it in the world. Such elegance surrounded by a lifetime of chaos and destruction. I've got a special feeling about tonight; it's a perfect night for a chase .

"Someone caught your eye, Lamia?" a familiar voice asks.

I look up to see my dear friend Lizzy. "Oh, Lizzy, you know me all too well..." I take a moment to admire her frame. "It's not like you to go to a party like this," she says, smirking as I look her over. "It's not like you either," I shoot back, "Though... I must say you look delightful." She's wearing a black, Victorian style dress with a corset. The unbearable garment is forcing her large breasts up and into my line of sight. Her dark hair was pinned out of her face and under a matching hat. Those dark red lips pursed into another smirk. "Stop looking at me like that, and I'll give you the dirt on that bit over there," she spits, jerking her head towards the countess.

"I'll start by saying you've got no chance with that one, not that it'll stop you anyway. Her name's Sofyia, Russian and about two hundred years old. There was a rumour once that she's into women but it's your risk."

"Russian, huh? I do love an accent..." "You realize that when you inevitably fail to seduce her, she'll be pissed, right?" I am already on my way, and don't answer. "Lamia?" Lizzy just doesn't get me sometimes. Like anyone has ever resisted me. Even the 'straight' girls fall.

"Heh, don't say I didn't warn you," Lizzy says walking away. What does she know? The harder they are to get the more fun it is when they finally give in. Besides, I would have tried it even before she told me about the rumour but now that she has... how can I resist?

I straightened myself up, striding confidently towards the fireplace.

But as I walked towards her the ones next to her looked at me then whispered something to each other, looking snidely at me from the corner of their eyes.

I really hope my reputation hadn't preceded me this time. I looked at the beautiful countess and my confidence falters.

Surprisingly, she smiles at me then whispers something to the others who give her a confused look then leave her alone. Once they're gone she turns to look at me, she's practically challenging me to talk to her.

I smirk, sensing some banter will ensue. "Hello there, dear miss," I say in the sweetest voice I can muster. I drop to a knee and hold out my hand for her (I should do well to keep my place when flirting with the higher nobles). She places her hand in mine and I kiss it gratefully before standing. Now the social graces are over. Time to really play the game.

"Something I can do for you, young one?" she asks with a delicate smile.

I grit my teeth at the use of such a phrase. That smile looks gentle, but I'd swear it's a smirk. "No, my dear miss, I just wished to formally introduce myself. My name is Lamia."

"Pleased to meet you... though, if you don't know who I am then I must be doing something wrong," she says and pulls on my hand to get me to stand.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Not to sound snobbish, but I like to think I've lived long enough in this town to be well known."

"I'm sure you are quite well-known, but I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting you."

"Call me Sofyia. Now, what is it you wished of me?" she asks then sits down on a couch, her legs crossed.

"I simply had to meet the most beautiful woman here, if you don't mind my saying so."

"Come now... I'm certain you can do better than that, although I do appreciate the compliment."

"Pardon me for my ignorance," I say, sitting myself down next to her, "But I am unsure how to properly and politely flirt with a woman of your stature. I'm afraid I have little dealings with the higher nobles."

"It takes enough courage just to walk over to talk to a perfect stranger, let alone a noble. But don't hold me in too high esteem. I'm only the third oldest vampire in this city. Do feel free to flirt with me any way you like."

I turn myself to face more towards her. "Is that so?" I ask coyly. I take her hand in mine and bring it to my lips once more. "Such a pretty woman like you, I find myself lucky to have gotten the chance to speak to you, Miss Sofyia."

"Really?" she responds taking her hand away from mine but places it on my left cheek. "So you're not just interested in getting me into your bed tonight?" she asks perfectly candid.

"A woman like you? You are worth at least a week in my bed, if not more," I smile, letting my good sense of humour shine through.

"A week or more? Well, I suppose I should be flattered, shouldn't I?" she asks and takes her hand away and places it on her knee.

"If you were in my bed for a week, I would be the one being flattered."

"Lamia, you're a very attractive young woman but don't think I haven't heard of your reputation."

I bite my lip. "I don't deny that I've certainly gotten around."

"You can understand that a woman of my stature would rather not be associated with you," she adds, her smile disappearing.

Ouch. I thought she was different than all the snobs here. "I can see how someone could come to that conclusion. Though, I'd rather you didn't."

"I'm afraid it was unavoidable. Being too accommodating to you would spread unpleasant rumours. So I'm afraid we cannot leave together tonight... I'll be going to my remote house at the outskirts of town where I live all alone," she says looking at me from the corner of her eye.

Oh, this one knows how to play. "Is that so? What a terrible shame. Shot down before I even got a chance!" I feign a dejected look.

"I'm sorry, but it would simply lead to complications I would rather avoid," she says standing. "Maybe we'll see each other again... sometime."

"Until we meet again, Miss Sofyia."

She leaves me alone on the couch while she walks over to her friends and resumes her earlier conversations. But she left enough clues that we'll be meeting later at her place. Maybe she doesn't want to be seen with me but she is interested in me.

I stand and locate Lizzy. Gotta find someone to talk to for the remainder of this snore fest. "She rejected you, didn't she?" "You warned me," I say with a shrug. "Damn right I did." "Hey, I have a question." "Yes...?" "You know everything about everyone, don't you, Lizzy?" "I pride myself on getting my hands on dirt." "Where does little Miss Sofyia live exactly?" She gives me an incredulous look. "What are you gonna do, stalk her?" "Just write it down."

At least Lizzy is used to my weird demands and gives me the address, possibly she just wants to see me hurt myself, hoping it would knock some sense in me when Sofyia lets me down. When she doesn't know is that as soon as the party is over I'll be heading towards the most fun I've had in years.

I keep a watchful eye on Miss Sofyia for the remainder of the party, looking for sign of her leaving. She's quite the socialite, chatting it up. I wonder if she's talking so much to make me long for it. Evil pretty lady. Eventually, she does seem to wind down.