She remembered when he was just in high school. His family lived next door in an old ranch house with a rabbit warren of added on rooms. There were six Jackson kids. Paul was the peacemaker, the child of compassion, and the smartest of the bunch. He went to the local all boys’ Catholic high school then on to get a doctorate in theology and the priesthood.
Elizabeth never questioned his faith or his decision to enter the priesthood. There would be those who would question what they could not understand. Paul just took it as part of the job.
In turn Paul never questioned Elizabeth. He certainly asked questions but never judged. He just accepted what neither one of them could change. Nor did he ask her if she was afraid of eternal damnation of her soul or her life in the shadows.
Now years after they met they sat together. At the age of 54 his hair was turning gray and crows feet crinkled at the edges of his eyes when he laughed. At 195 years she looked the same as the day he met her in 1975 – a beautiful vision for any young man, including the teenage Paul.
The two old friends walked along the path in the oak forest together. Elizabeth took Paul’s arm.
“You always accepted me as I am. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”
“Same here.”
“Stop.” She then embraced him. It was a warm day but her embrace was like ice to him. “I mean it Paul.”
He never used the word Vampire when he thought of her. She was what she was. Maybe a creature of evil but he didn’t know that for sure. Sure she drank the blood of others but that was nothing compared to some of the evil he’d seen in the world. At the same time he feared for his own soul when he was with her but he couldn’t resist. It wasn’t romantic or sexual at all. She’d always been there for him, unconditional. But that wasn’t it. She drew him in as if she was the only one who knew his heart and soul – as if she owned him.
Elizabeth let him go and then gave him a knowing smile. “I understand it is sometimes trying to have your own Vampire. You handle it well. Oh, yes, by the way, I’m having a party next weekend. You know, just cocktails and finger food. I want you to meet my boyfriend Austin. He is like you, not a priest, but warm, like you. You know what I mean. Forbidden love. Who would have thought. But you know how that is.”
“Uh, sure. A boyfriend? Sure. Will Vampires be there?”
“Of course. No worries. You know most of them.”
Paul was waiting for lightning to strike but it never did – never with Elizabeth.
By the way this was first published in 2017.
Vampire Maman 
Have you considered publishing one or two of your series as a book
As a matter of fact I’m working on one right now and it is going to the editor in a few weeks. I’m also working with an amazing cover artist. Thank you for asking. I’m flattered and honored (coming from you.) As always thanks for stopping by. What are your favorite story lines?