Chapter 100.

Chapter 100.
Adrian.
December, 1975. Fifty years ago…
Illinois, Chicago.

It’s 1975, the height of musical hits in Chicago. Everywhere you turn, it’s the face of musical artistes, staring back at you. Their human lives filled with gaiety and laxity. Not a single fear in their eyes. Until fear actually confronts them in the face. 

I must commend humans. Able to survive two world wars and are still standing. The second war, which was as devastating as the first. Humans turned into experiments in both wars. I’ve seen human fickleness and it appalls me, whenever they speak of world peace.

I travel round the world now. Visiting places, seeing people. Investing in business. I’ve become a successful business man. I’ve got a lot on my plate. I’ve lived this long immortal life on my own terms. Women. Blood. Sex. Wealth. Name it. I’ve lived it all. And yet, I must continue living, because I’ve become immortal.
My parents have long given up on persuading me to slow down.

Actually after Julius got killed before our eyes, it was like we had reached this pinnacle of our anguish and there was no going back. I don’t know, somehow we didn’t find gratification in his death. It’s like our souls have become this empty substance that goes on living. 

And so I buried myself in other ways of pleasure. Bondage sex. Business and parties. Anything to fill the emptiness inside me. 

It’s 9pm on Friday night and I gradually stroll into the club, where I’m to attend the party held in honor of the new artiste signed by Platinum records.

I’m one of the mega silent investors with Platinum records and I must say they always sign the best.

“Hey, Adrian!” Kay greets enthusiastically.

I smile with equal vigor and shake his offered hand. Kay is the owner of Platinum records. When he first approached me to become an investor with him, I had been doubtful at the time, knowing how unpredictable the entertainment industry could be. But Kay can be very persuasive, just as I am sure he persuaded this new artiste to sign up with Platinum records. 

“So Kay, where’s the artiste you’ve been beaming about?” I take a swig of the tequila, which Kay just handed me.

After we’ve both swallowed our drinks, Kay speaks. 

“You see that hot girl over there, with her cascading black hair?” Kay gestures to a group at the corner, where a girl is talking animatedly.

I nod. 

“That’s the girl. Anaya Ferber. The girl has this very remarkable voice. She’s like a song bird. And her face, you need to see the cover photos for her first album. 'Fire.” Kay animatedly announces, as he shifts his gaze to me.

Yeah, she’s fire alright. I smile inwardly.

I try to pretend that I don’t notice her beauty. Her smile is radiating. And her beauty cannot be compared to anything I can remember. Unable to hide my interest in her, I decide to continue watching her, while Kay continues drowning me with her praises. The way she talks with such confidence, is admirable. 
I nurse my second shot of tequila.

“Wouldn’t you introduce me?” I smile at Kay, when he’s finally finished talking.

He nods eagerly and signals a waiter to invite her to the VIP booth, where we’ve currently moved into. 

When she arrives, Miss Anaya Ferber’s gaze instantly falls on me. And when it does, our gazes lock. A current passing through us. One which I’ve never felt before with any woman. 

She’s tall and slender. The shimmering halter neck top and matching flared trousers she has on, does her no justice. Her red lips are alluring. I rake my gaze over her, appreciatively. 

“Anaya, this is Adrian Trinidad. He’s one of my friends. Adrian, meet Anaya, the new fire of Platinum records.” Kay heartily introduces.

I stand on my feet and walk up to her. 

“Miss Anaya. The pleasure is mine.” I extend a hand to her. 

“Thank you sir. Same here.” She smiles warmly.

Her voice, like the sound of a thousand angels. I think I’m in love. 

 
January, 1975. A month later…
Bran, Transylvania.

Anaya and I are in the car heading to Castle Bran. We’ve been dating for a month and are extremely in love. Every breath she takes is like a whisper of the wind in my soul. When she smiles, it’s like the sun has warmed my entire world. I no longer yearn for the sun’s warmth, because of Anaya. 

I reach for her hand and squeeze it tight. Her fingers tremble inside mine. She’s being extremely nervous since I managed to convince her to accompany me to meet my family in Bran. 

She had initially objected, but after much kisses and love making, she agreed. I look into her eyes, as dad’s driver conveys us to the castle. She’s the happiest person I have ever seen. Knowing the number of years I’ve lived on earth, I find her liveliness very contagious. 

I look into her eyes and the depth of emotion I see in her is just enthralling. I finger the box in my pocket.

“Anaya Ferber.” I start, shakily.

I kiss her beautiful lips. I bring out the box and I hand it over to her. She looks at me, wide eyed. Her shock is explicit. I'm happy she's shocked.

“Adrian, what is this?” She asks, confused.

I smile. 

“Open it, Anaya.” I smile.

When she opens it, she finds a large oval cut diamond ring. One from my jewelry company. The stone sparkles brilliantly in the sun. 

“Will you, Anaya Ferber marry me and be my forever.” I smile.

My heart beating fast. I want her to accept me. I need her in my life. 

“But I’m a lycan, Adrian. Your family would never allow us be together…And besides it’s a forbidden.” She sadly admits.

I look into her eyes, my love etched in my soul.

“I’d burn down the world, before anyone stops us.”