Gavin ~ Part 1 of 3

It was another freezing December morning in Portland. Still rubbing the sleep from my eyes at this ungodly hour, I looked around me in the Tram. I always considered myself a "People Watcher." At 4:30a.m the reactions and attitudes of my co-commuters were predictably similar.

Ninety percent were sleepy, grumpy or generally unhappy, but then I don't know many that enjoy being up at this hour and on their way to work.

I could feel the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand up as we approached my stop. Unable to pinpoint the cause, I gazed intently at the passengers waiting at the platform. Nothing seemed out of place.

At first I didn't notice anything different about the two young men, standing together and conversing silently with each other. Their dress code was gothic, and very well tailored. In most places they would have stood out, but this was downtown Portland. Not much surprised people here. The artist in me registered their appearance. Both tall and seemingly well build. Ones hair as dark as the others fair, their skin pale. In the blink of an eye I dismissed them from my attention.

I barely had set footing on the platform and walked a few steps, when I heard a voice speak near my ear.

"I have been waiting for you! Would you care to join me?" The voice was deep and masculine without being threatening.

When I turned toward the speaker, I found myself with only the dark-haired stranger standing a short distance away and looking directly at me. As I met his gaze, he raised his hand and blew a kiss in my direction.

"How terribly odd," shut through my mind.

I walked the two blocks to my place of employment in a quick gait. No one was following me and yet I felt watched. Relieve flooded through me as I reached my destination.

The following three days fell into the same pattern. Each morning I beheld the two young gents and each morning I heard the same words spoken softly near my ear. The feeling of being shadowed remained. Most of the time I considered myself a sensible lady and as such tried to explain the fear away. I tried to convince myself that my sleepy mind was turning early morning shadows into "monster," but failed miserably.

During those days my life seemed to take a downward path. One personal disaster followed another and within the span of a week I was left to look at the ruins of my life.

The morning of December 29, 1999 found me uncaring if I would see another sunrise. For the last time before losing my job I stepped onto the platform. This time I saw the fair-haired man standing there, waving and smiling at me as if we were old friends. His companion was nowhere to be seen. I tried to smile, but settled for a half-hearted wave in his direction.

My body felt frozen and no matter how tightly I pulled my jacket around my shoulder, I could not find any warmth. I was shivering, miserable and empty inside. I had to force my weary feet to

take the necessary steps toward my work. Dark thoughts of despair were dragging my mind down even further. Nothing seemed to matter to me anymore. Not my husband that had disowned me and told his mistress that I was his sister. Not the job that I was losing due to my lack of existence. Not the bills that I was sure I couldn't pay and not even the church that tried to swallow me up. I had nothing left, but three small children that I thought were better of without me. After all how could I support them now? Such were my musings that morning.

A firm hand on my shoulder caused me to jump. So deep were my thoughts that the stranger had approached me unnoticed. It was the dark-haired Goth who had greeted me each morning with a blown kiss. Now standing directly in front of him I noticed his immense height for the first time. He stood an easy 6'6. I had to crane my neck back to look up into his eyes.

His grip tightened as he spoke. I recognized his voice at once. He had been the speaker from the days gone past.

"You seem so cold and lost today. I have been waiting for you to come to me for so long now. Didn't you hear me calling to you? Come home with me, join me!"

His voice was so compelling and his gaze seemed to touch my soul. I was entranced to say the least. His attention was like a balsam for my hurt spirit.

I never cared much for men with long hair, finding them too feminine in appearance or unkempt. Yet here standing only inches away from me with his long raven hair, he seemed like an angel

brought to life, beautiful beyond words. His hands moved and soon encircled my shoulders. He drew me closer, lending me his warmth. Gently he tipped my head up toward him so I would look deeper into his eyes. I felt as if I would fall should he let me go. This was not a usual behavior for me, even so I sound like the worst kind of romantic. I do not tend to swoon at the gaze of a handsome man, but here I wanted to follow him to the end of the earth, not caring if it was my doom or not. Again he spoke, telling me all the things I longed to hear, as if my heart was an open book and he was reading it.

"I will not betray you. To me you are beautiful. Follow me and you will know joy by my hands. I will never leave you and you will never be lonely again. I promise you this."

Oh how I wanted to believe him, but the more he spoke, the more aware I became. It was if someone was lifting a veil from my eyes. I remembered my children and my obligation to them. Obligations that I still held, although I didn't know how to fill them. Gently I removed his hands from my shoulders and stepped away.

Smiling I made an attempt to flirt, something I must confess never having been good at. I instinctively slipped into poetic speech.

"You tease me, kind sir and at his early morning hour. Surely, I 'm not what you are seeking. Your words are a balsam for my wounded heart, but when spoken without reason, can only cut more deeply. I have to go and bid you farewell."

With that I turned from him and took a few steps away. After several steps I turned to wave

Farewell, but to my surprise he had disappeared, not a trace of him or his friend remained.

Puzzled I hurried to work, again feeling an invisible companion shadowing me, seemingly only steps behind me.

My day continued as it started, bleak and depressing. The only smile that crossed my lips was caused by a single black rose, handed to me by a young coworker who sang in a gothic band. He had a surprised look on his face as he told me that the rose came from Gavin as a token of his affection. I laughed and remarked that I did not know any Gavin, but that whoever he was to thank him for me.

As mentioned before, the day ended with me losing my job and I did not have any more reason to go into Portland.

It was a few weeks until I found myself returning to Portland. I simply needed a night away from my apartment which had become nothing but a prison to me. So I dressed in one of my own creations and took the tram downtown.

It was late when I got there. The clock was pushing 11p.m. I exited at a stop closer to the clubs, but since I was unfamiliar with the area, I found myself wandering around in a back alley unknown to me. I was trying to find a club a friend of mine had recommended when I was surrounded by a gang of black youngsters.

I was frightened. The guys were very vocal about their intentions and thoughts, what I heard made me shudder. I could see one of the main streets close by and spoke louder in hopes to gain attention and with that help. My heart was racing. Suddenly I saw a couple I knew from church and called out to them. They looked in my direction and just shrugged, obviously not caring to be involved in anything that did not pertain to them.

My failed ploy had only succeeded in angering the punks. They started to tear at my clothing and call me names. I started to strike at them with my fists. The situation became worse with every passing moment. I was becoming frantic.

Suddenly I saw the black kids pale and strange darkness engulfed me as a black cape was drawn around my body.

A snarling sound seemed to come from all around me. Screams echoed out of the same lungs that had been just used to threaten me. I wished to be able to see what was happening, but I was cast into pitch black. I didn't think to struggle against the grasp. How long it lasted was beyond me, time seemed to have stopped. When the cape was removed from around me, I looked straight into the eyes of the stranger from the tram station.

"You are all right now, let me take you home."

I don't know why I followed him or why I felt so safe in his presence.

We walked toward the Tram station, but changed directions suddenly. Within minutes we entered a club. Heavy metal music was blaring out at us and I covered my ears.

My Stranger, as I was starting to think of him, turned me gently toward the kid at the door. He in turn came to attention the moment he saw us.

"This is a dear friend of mine; you will take care of her until I return. Make sure she is comfortable."

He turned and left me there, not doubting for a moment that his command would be carried out.

I felt puzzled and bereft.

The youngster seated me in a corner, furnished with a couch, soft enough you could sink into. I watched the change from "heavy metal freaks" to "Goth children." Young man dressed in almost feminine style clothing, dark colors ranging from black to midnight blue, with the occasional blood red thrown into the mix. Young women dressed in their imitation of fairytale witchesgarbes, a parody of theatrical proportions. The hall was flooded with stage fog and multitudes of candles in lieu of electrical lighting. Hauntingly beautiful music filled the air giving it an otherworldly appeal.

I observed as the youth gathered in little groups, feeling as if I was the audience of dozens of little performances played out all at once.

The young men, who had seated me returned with a crystal goblet filled with red wine. I was

sternly reminded that I was a guest of Gavin, as I tried to pay for the refreshment.

Like a puzzle coming together, I finally made the connection between the black rose, my rescuer and the name. I nodded my head in gratitude and took a sip of the very potent and strangely salty wine. The taste grew very quickly on me.

Sitting back feeling more at ease, I watched the couples on the dance floor, their bodies moving in perfect harmony with each other and the music. Soon the lure of the songs became too much for me and I joined them on the stage.

I abandoned myself to the rhythms and sounds which moved me like a puppet on strings.

My mind soared and the world ceased to exist. With my eyes closed I became one with my sensual surroundings.

I have no recall how long I was lost in such ecstasy, but I didn't stop until the music ceased to play.

I returned to my seat on the couch, leaned back, in an awkward way at home. My glass had been refilled while I was dancing. I took a deep drink, relishing the feeling and tastes of the smooth liquid rolling down my throat.

A kid dressed in ripped jeans, combat boots and a mesh shirt walked toward me. Without question he sat next to me.

I noticed the red scarf tied around his neck in an almost girlish fashion. It was the only color that

broke the solid black of his apparel. Without preambles he started to talk.

"You are new here."

It wasn't a question as much as a statement.

"My name is Andrew. You shouldn't sit over here you know? They'll be here soon!"

I looked at Andrew, his short statements confusing me. It must have shown on my face.

"You have no clue what I mean, do you?"

With that he removed his scarf and leaned closer to me, pointing to the various small puncture wounds and cuts on his neck.

"Them! The Court will be here soon."

A strange suspicion started forming in my mind. Andrew kept watching me, his face changing into a frown. We were joined by another young man, dressed all in black. He had not tried to conceal the bite marks, but displayed them proudly.

He smiled as he noticed me looking at them.

"It is an honor to be chosen my pretty, not to mention the rush you feel. Just wait, you'll see. I bet you won't have to wait long. Maybe you will get lucky enough and He will do it!"

With that they both perused me speculatively. I could feel the heat creeping up my body and spilling over my face. The newcomer just laughed at my blushes and left, Andrew on the other hand grew more somber.

"What is your name Sugar?"

"Regina."

"Regina, you don't belong here. Leave while you still can. Once they take from you, that's the end."

His words more urgent with every passing moment.

The music had started again and I drifted off into my secret world, shutting everyone around me out. Andrew must have noticed me withdraw and reached for my arm.

That moment the music stopped abruptly and a hush fell over the crowed. Everyone stood, and a path was opened leading directly to the couch I reclined on. Andrew tried to pull me up and away, but stopped dead in his tracks.

I followed his gaze and found it hard to remember to breathe. The sight that greeted me was magnificent. A group of six splendidly clothed people stood on the steps. Four young man and two young ladies. Gavin and his companion from the bus stop were the head of the group. He walked toward me and stopped only inches before the couch. His Companion took Andrew by the shoulder, flashed him a smile and pushed him gently toward the tall blond lady to Gavins right.

"Gabriella, this one is for you my dove."

She smiled and received him into her arms. I watched as Andrews eyes glazed over almost

instantly. She leaned down to him and whispered something into his ear.

A smile crossed his lips.

The red headed beauty to Gavins left reached out toward me, only to have her hand turned away by his companion. Again he reached for someone nearby and gently propelled her into the direction of the red head.

"Ruby, this one will be your pleasure, she is delectable."

Ruby however didn't seem satisfied. Sulking she pointed at me.

"I want the insolent one."

At that Gavin raised his walking stick and like a Major Domo struck the ground three times. The redhead fell silent. Gavin spoke for the first time since entering; his voice seemed to fill the room.

"I present to you, the Lady Regina. This is my beloved. She is under my protection and not to be touched by any of you."

With that he took my hand and effortlessly brought me to his side.

Murmurs of protest rose from his female companions and the two males muttered in disbelieve.

After a short period of time spend in observance of the people on the Dance floor, we walked down a long hallway that seemed to lead into a place long forgotten from time. At the end of the

Hallway was a huge room, removed and solitary from the rest of the place.

The court and their chosen mortal companions were our only company in that place.

"Never enter this part of the building with anyone but me. No matter who it is, or what you are being told, you wouldn't be safe."

I looked around the room in awe. The Walls were hung with black and emerald green velvet. Overstuffed black chairs and loveseats were scattered in the immense room. A huge fireplace was giving it comfortable warmth and atmosphere. Wrought iron candle holders bore black beeswax candles. Everything in this room was of the best quality.

Each of his companions were entertaining their selves with their "Food." By the end of the night the clubbers would be found dead, or seemingly drunk and disorientated in a well-lit part of town. Their fate lay with the mood of their "benefactors."

I gazed at their blissful faces and wondered at their complete lake of fear. They seemed in a state of utter euphoria.

"Our kisses are illusion filled. Pain doesn't penetrate their minds and for once they are fully accepted. They are living their fantasies."

Gavin had wrapped his arms around me and whispered the answer to my unspoken question. I turned my head to him and replied.

"But they might die. How is that living their fantasy?"

"They are already dead inside, and they yearn for death."

Not knowing what to say I remained quiet.

Gavin pulled me closer until I was wrapped inside his cape. He was kissing my neck and coaxed a soft moan from me. I hadn't been held in so long and I could feel desire burning in me.

But this was all wrong.

Deep inside, I was wondering in a perverse fashion about the possibility of a carnal union with Gavin.

How were the 'undead' supposed to accomplish that?

Gavin chuckled softly behind me.

"Undead indeed. Hollywood mentality."

With that he placed his hands on my hips and pulled me even closer to him, his "capability" obvious.

"Any more doubts my beloved?"

"It is still wrong Gavin. I don't know who or what you are!"

At that he roughly grasped my head and turned it to watch as Gabriella flashed her teeth. Pearl white razor-sharp fangs which she lowered to pierce Andrews Throat.

Blood oozing down his neck and chest as she greedily sucked on the wound. Andrew didn't seem to mind. Her hands were softly stroking his back. When she finally lifted her head, I saw her

Blood stained teeth and her pink tongue licking her lips in relish. Andrews head rolled lifelessly backwards.

"This is what I am"; Gavin growled into my ear and then turned me roughly toward him.

"Now, will you trust me enough to find out, who I am?"

With that he handed me a black rose.

"I prefer the roses' red," I said stupidly. Not thinking in the least. Maybe I was looking for a way to break the uncomfortable tension that had settled over me.

Motioning for a girl serving drinks, he took her wrist and sliced it with his Finger armor.

Blood, her blood, dripped over the rose tinting the Petals red. Releasing her, he handed the flower once more to me.

"Whatever you desire my beloved."

He bowed in a mock salute.

I fought the sickness that threatened to overwhelm me. Once again I swore myself to be more careful with my words.

I wanted to leave, to run away, as fast and far as my legs could carry me. I was frightened and sickened, more so over my own behavior then anything else. Who had I become that I stood here in this embrace with this dangerous "thing"?

Slowly, the possibility that I might never make it out of this place again entered my mind.

"You can leave if you wish, but you must promise me to come back."

At that moment I would have promised to fly to the moon and gather the stars for him, anything and everything to get away.