New Year's Eve, a couple hours before midnight, 1997

"Why are we the only ones here?"

Daniel asked upon entering Sangria's lavish penthouse hotel room with Ben and Chris close behind. He looked around the pristine space before him. He was annoyed and hungry.

Ben ran over to the massive entertainment system and started to fiddle with the remotes and dials. Chris made himself comfortable on a plush sofa, stretching his legs out in front him and putting his hands behind his head.

Dan's brows furrowed. Just wait 'til the vamps start showing up, mates, then you won't be so chillaxed.

"What's the matter, Daniel, are you feeling peckish?" Sangria teased, batting her lashes, her eyes as blue as oceans. She did not have her party dress on yet. Her white lacy robe was loosening around her waist, and she was not bothered to adjust it. There was no trace of makeup on her face either.

The frontman pursed his lips and shoved his hands into the pockets of his loose-fitting, black trousers. He wore the dark grey dress shirt Chloe had given him for Christmas the previous year with the sleeves rolled up. His nails had scattered remnants of gunmetal polish on them and his only accessory was the silver wallet chain dangling from his hip.

"I'm not sucking anyone's blood tonight, if that's what you're keen on thinking."

"And why not? You can't starve yourself forever, precious silver boy." She ran her pointer finger along his neck and up to his chin.

Daniel's jaw tensed. "I'm not a boy. I'm a man. And just try me, Sangria. I've gone this long without it."

She wanted to say more, but she left Daniel and his mood to simmer.

"What? No comment on my hair?"

She had noticed his hair and was very pleased with it but she remained cool.

"My God," Ben shouted. "You've got a hell of a lot of chick music here. Where's the rock? Give us some rock, please!"

Sangria slivered on over to his side and opened up a compartment just above his head full of CDs more to his liking. There was that blooming scent again. Like lilies. Ben breathed it in while Sangria spoke.

"Women have layers, so many layers. Better to accept that now than later, Benny. Love the hair, by the way. Very handsome."

She winked before leaving his side and closed her bedroom door behind her.

"I feel like she just told me something very important, but . . . "

"But what?" Chris smacked the back of Ben's head. "You were too busy checking out her arse as she walked past ya?"

The drummer shook the fragrance of lilies out of his wandering mind. "Shut up, help me find something good to listen to, will ya?"

Before long some Zeppelin was pulsating through the speakers and the boys joined Daniel out on the balcony.

Ben wrapped his fingers around the railing and rocked himself back and forth. "Sangria's got a good point, mate. You can't go forever without blood, can ya? I mean---could you get so hungry one day that you black out and, uh, have Chris and I for tea?"

Chris shot the drummer a look. The most abhorrent of looks.

Daniel looked at his mates' faces before panning his eyes back over to the night sky that hung like onyx silk above the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Cars zoomed past on it. Their lights tiny and bright, insignificant yet widespread. Their passengers free and hopeful, ready for the brand new year.

"I've already told you. Neither of you have to worry."

"We trust you, Daniel," Chris said.

Ben's grip on the railing tightened.

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Though it was barely audible over the sound of the music, there was a banging on the door. Daniel could hear it well, but did not care to open it. Sangria opened her bedroom door and yelled, "Can someone get the door, please? Do you Aussies have no manners? I'm trying to get ready!"

Chris was contentedly snacking on some crisps that were on the counter of the open kitchen area. There wasn't much food left out, since Ben and Chris were the only humans invited to this party. He cracked open a Coca-Cola and took it with him to the door.

The sight before him took his breath away.

The eyes of the vampiress in front of him burned violet as she scanned him over.

"Truly, love, this is all very flattering," she said as she shoved her way past him, "but, please, let me in."

The petite vampiress spoke with a velveteen British accent that seemed to have come straight out of the London club scene and a Merchant Ivory film at the same time. Her tight skirt was short. Her golden brown hair was long. She had a ruby red bottle of champagne in her hands that was dripping with condensation.

"Where's Sangria?" The vamp asked as she blew into a couple of flute glasses and set them down on the counter. "I am in desperate need of my favorite accomplice in crime and drinking. I need a bloody drink!"

Chris just stood there looking at her. He did not even take a sip of his Coke.

Ben, feeling electric with Robert Plant's vocals echoing in his ears, saw an opening and could not help stepping in.

"She's in the bedroom. Fussing with her makeup and whatnot," he said as the enticing scent of chocolate and spice lingered in the air between them. "I'm Ben Gillies," his pupils dilated, "the drummer of silverchair, and you are?"

The vampiress, though very amused and somewhat enticed by the young man's boyish good looks, kept her hand to herself and muffled a small laugh before answering him.

"Oh, I know who you are. I'm Kim Walker. Sangria's longest and best friend. Also, I take photos. Mostly for fashion magazines."

Kim had never grown old of how transparent human men were, especially the doe-eyed ones. It looked as if he wanted to eat her up. She wanted nothing more than to return the favor.

Chris somehow came back to existence and mechanically joined Ben next to the counter.

"No need to introduce yourself, Chris. I know who you are, too. Do not overly stress that perfectly round head of yours."

Ben chuckled. "Yeah, the jury's still out on whether there is anything of merit in that head of his."

And just like that Chris was back and he fired Ben a look of complete loathing.

Kim's jeweled halter midriff top glistened under the track lighting above them as she began unwrapping the foil from the top of the bottle.

"I know you lads are rock stars, but I must assure you nothing you have seen or ever will shall prepare you for what's to come tonight."

With a twist of her hand and a loud pop the champagne bottle was opened and she poured the fizzy and bright red liquid into the glasses.

Both teens got squeamish at the sight before them.

"Daniel, love," Kim said to the air above the largest sofa in the room, "are you sure you don't fancy any blood at all? This is imported. A real treat. Blood mixed with the finest of champagne."

Daniel rose from the sofa and spoke as if tickets to his favorite movie had just sold out.

"How did you know I was over here?"

Kim took a generous sip from her glass and smiled.

"Daniel, dear, the longer you're dead, the more you know."

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Thank you for sticking around, and be sure to prepare yourself for lots of new faces.

xo,
Leanne

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Not the best photo, I know, but they're sooo darn cute I don't even care. 😍

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