"Stay here, I won't be long." Levi's hand brushes over my shoulder and down my arm. The touch is simple and innocent, but carries so much meaning.

He nods at the man behind the deli counter and slips out the glass door, the chime ringing as he exists into the night.

The last meal I ate was brunch, but my body doesn't seem to register the need to eat. Unlike Levi, my hunger isn't triggered by being too close to a food source. I'm far too busy digesting the new knowledge of what I am to consider digesting food.

As I sit, small fragments of the day float back to me, but only a few pieces at a time. Almost as if my memory has turned into a movie which I'm unable to watch straight through.

Vampires were one hurdle, but the existence of Necromancers is a level above. Much less being one myself. I shuffle through memories, jumping from one scene to the other to see if there were other signs I missed. But everything is a blur, and all I can do is skim past parts of my life I'm already familiar with.

"How does a house special sound, young miss?"

I glance over at the man behind the counter. A salt and pepper beard frames a worn face, but his eyes and smile are as youthful as ever. "That would be great, thank you."

Levi will worry if I don't eat, and if nothing else I can take it to go. "Actually, can you make two?" I'm not sure if Levi will want people food, but since he always eats with me, I figure it won't hurt to have an extra on hand.

"Sure thing." The man gets to work and soft pop music fills the store.

On the way here, Levi explained that this was his default destination of sorts, a place he uses when he needs to lay low.

About twenty or so years ago he took down a drug ring here and the owner of the deli happened to catch him in the act. Although he witnessed Levi's obvious inhuman nature, the owner was grateful for the intervention and has been kind to Levi ever since, exchanging free meals for continued protection.

Due to their friendship, the store has been able to maintain a decent and profitable business. It's no surprise that Levi can counter an entire gang by himself, but I'm still impressed.

"You two make a fine couple," the man says as he works on the sandwiches. I'm glad his attention is focused behind the counter, because the words bring heat to my face. Despite my silence, the man continues. "My apologies if I overstepped, young miss."

"Oh no, it's okay," I say. "I've had a long day."

"Ah, then I know just what you need." He puts down what he's working on and walks around the counter to the refrigerated section. Taking out a boxed drink with a cobalt blue label, he grins and sets it on the table in front of me. "Many customers come to buy this, a natural energy drink that's quite tasty."

"Oh, thanks." I rotate it as he walks away, inspecting the label. Vanilla flavor. Doesn't look too bad. I break the seal and raise it to my lips.

"Works well as an aphrodisiac too, I hear." My hand flies to cover my mouth, hiding how I almost choked.

"But who knows." He waves his hand and picks up a condiment bottle. "I've never tested it out myself. You'll have to let me know."

How do I respond to that? Instead of replying, I set the container down and replace the cap.

"How long have you two known each other?" he asks.

"Not long." In reality it's been about a week, but feels much longer.

The man continues to talk, either glad to have a customer or bothered by silence, perhaps both. "Levi brings in children sometimes, but never a woman."

My ears perk. "I didn't know that."

"Ah, yes." He smiles, motioning to his eyes. "Their eyes go wide like this when he tells them they can have anything they want." He chuckles, and I smile, too.

"Most are from around the area, which sad to say, is not a good place to grow up. I'm afraid some of them don't even know their parents, but they make do with what they got." Paper crunches as he wraps up the sandwiches.

"The kids have good souls, they never leave without an extra treat to share. I'm always happy to oblige—but they know if they come without Levi there's still a price tag. I don't run a non-profit over here."

The story warms my heart. I can't imagine how many others have stories like this about Levi, considering how long he's been alive. "That's kind of you," I say. "Levi couldn't do it all alone, he needs people like you."

"Ah, no no, he doesn't need me." He brings over the sandwiches. "It's the other way around, this place would be barred up if not for him. Though the community is a long ways from being a good place, we pull together as much as we can with what we got." With a pause, he looks at me with a knowing grin. "What Levi needs, I believe he already found. A strong man requires a stronger woman."

"Um, thank you," I whisper, biting back the urge to deny the compliment.

I wonder if that's really what I am—Levi's woman. It's a title I wouldn't mind carrying, but I'm sure he's had others. A man can't live for centuries alone.

The first few days with Levi, I didn't think he needed anything, and there was certainly nothing he could want that wouldn't be outside of his power to obtain. But now, I'd like to think he smiles a little more when I'm around.

I certainly do.

"My pleasure," the man says as his eyes gleam. "Do give the drink a chance, it will keep that color on your cheeks." Before I can stop him, he's set another drink on the table. "One for Levi as well, so he can keep up with you."

I'm sure that won't be a problem. As I open my mouth to respond, the chime sounds, and we both look to the door as Levi walks in, crimson eyes trained on me.

I can't keep a stupid smile off my face, seeing him stalk in like night incarnate. Even though I know he's been out hunting, drinking someone else's blood—who knows what shape he left them in—Levi is the definition of handsome. His jacket is barely ruffled, his lips a dark pink and eyes a vibrant red.

Eyes that still haven't left mine.

I don't realize how long we stare at each other until the store owner chuckles. "Oh to partake of the bounty of love. That reminds me to check up on my daughter, she's in college you know. I threatened to take on any man she brings home, so he better know how to fight, and even if he can get in a punch or two, I'll let him know my princess doesn't come cheap. Ah anyways, I ramble. Do either of you need anything else?" He looks to Levi, who has taken a protective stance at my back.

"We should be good," Levi says, looking at the goods I've vicariously collected on the table. "I see you've been generous as usual. Thank you."

"Take what you need, and the young miss is welcome to whatever she wants. Respect to the queen."

I can't take this many compliments in one sitting. Still, Levi's arm wraps around my shoulders and I lean into the touch. "I can carry more, is there anything else?" he asks, looking at me.

"No." I shake my head and stand, wanting to be in a more private space. "I think I've been given plenty as is."

Offering a smile to the owner, we shake hands and Levi places the sandwiches and drinks in a bag. I can't help but stifle a mischievous grin as he inspects the drinks with a straight face.

"Then we'll get going. Have a good night," Levi bids farewell to the owner and then opens the door for me.

A fun little detour.

On another note, we put up Christmas lights in our living room and it's perfect for writing. Something about their soft glow mesmerizes me.

❤️‍🩹 Siberia