The Sinner

England 1734 AD:

Peter Sinclair was in the tavern with a few of his friends. They were celebrating the engagement of Peter's best friend Henry.

"Henry," said Peter. "I always knew that you would be the first of to wed. Here is to your health."

"And to a happy marriage!" added one of their friends. All of them cheered and drank heartily. When at last the lot of them had drunk their fill, Peter stood up on unsteady legs.

"I have reached that part of the evening where I must bid you all a fond farewell," he said to his friends. His friends all returned his farewell and he staggered out into the night. Moments later, Peter was tapped on the shoulder. Turning about, he came face-to-face with Henry. "What is it?"

"I pray thee," said Henry. "Go home and not to that place. That vile smoke ruins you."

"Do not tell me what to do," said Peter angrily. "You are not my father."

"Peter," said Henry. "I am not telling you what to do. I am begging you, as your friend."

"I do as I wish, Henry," said Peter as he swayed in place staring angrily at his friend. "You have known me for how long and still you talk to me in this manner?"

"I say it only because you are my friend, Peter."

"A true friend would allow me to live my life the way I desire to."

"Peter, you speak as though you desire us to end our friendship."

"Perhaps I do then. I do not need you to judge me and tell me what I should do."

Henry said no more as Peter had seemed to shame him into silence. Seeing that their conversation appeared over, Peter turned about and staggered off.

A few hours later, Peter barely staggered out of the building he was in. He had just finished smoking large amounts of opium and drinking large quantities of alcohol. Though he did not know it, a lone figure had spotted him exiting the building. As he continued to stagger up the street to get back home, the figure followed. When at last it was only the two of them on the street, the figure sped up her pursuit to catch up with the intoxicated Peter. Touching him on the arm to gain his attention, she gave him a friendly smile. Peter instantly noticed her beauty and smiled drunkenly back.

"Good sir," spoke the lady eloquently. "Is everything right with you this evening?"

"Limady," slurred Peter before giving her a grand bow. "Everythin thish evenin is glorious!"

With his last words Peter stood up quickly and threw his hands out to his sides. The momentum of his move subsequently caused him to fall straight back to the ground. The woman giggled before helping him up.

"Sir," she began as she continued to smile. "I dare say you require assistance."

"Nunsensth," slurred Peter some more.

"Well then can you keep my company so that I may feel safe on these dark roads?" the woman asked.

"Apsholutely," smiled Peter as he cordially offered her his arm.

"Thank you, good sir," the woman smiled back as she took his arm.

The two of them walked in silence for almost a quarter of an hour. Finally, the woman pulled Peter into an alleyway between two buildings and gave him a passionate kiss on the lips. Though barely able to enjoy it, Peter returned her kiss as best as he was able. Slowly, the woman ran her hand up to the back of Peter's neck as her kisses got stronger, more passionate.

After a few minutes of this, she broke their kiss and stared at him with lust in her eyes. "There is such life to you," she said.

"Thank you," said Peter as he moved into to kiss her again.

"No," said the woman with a smile as her face changed to reveal her vampire self. "Thank you."

Peter smiled obliviously and didn't seem to even notice when the woman dug her fangs into his throat. When his body was found the next morning and he looked as though a wild animal had gotten a hold of him, he still had a smile on his face.

To be continued…