A Vampire’s Valentine

---

The soft chime of the flower shop bell echoed through the cozy space, carrying with it the crisp scent of roses and lavender. Lucian stepped inside, his movements fluid yet precise, careful not to disturb the delicate petals of the bouquets arranged around the room. It had taken him weeks to work up the nerve to ask Eleanor out.

She stood behind the counter, her auburn hair pinned back in a messy bun, a single streak of pollen smudged across her cheek. She was arranging a new display of Valentine’s arrangements, hands moving with practiced ease, but when she looked up and saw him, her smile brightened the entire shop.

“Lucian! Didn’t expect to see you today. Last-minute Valentine’s shopping?” she teased, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

He hesitated for only a fraction of a second before responding, “Something like that. Though, I must admit, I have an alternative plan in mind. Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner tonight?”

For a moment, Eleanor simply blinked at him. Then, slowly, her lips curled into an amused smirk. “Are you asking me out on Valentine’s Day? Bold move, mister.”

“I’ve been told fortune favors the bold.”

She laughed, a sound Lucian could have listened to for centuries. “Alright. I’d love to.”

---

Lucian had prepared meticulously. The restaurant he chose was one of the best in town, renowned for its ambiance and fine dining. Yet, as he sat across from Eleanor, he was keenly aware of every challenge the night would present.

First was the food. He could not digest human meals—his body rejected anything that was not, well, blood. He had strategically ordered a steak, rare enough that it was practically still pulsing, and hoped Eleanor wouldn’t notice his reluctance to eat.

“Not a fan of steak?” she asked, cutting into her own meal with ease.

Lucian forced a chuckle. “Just savoring it.”

He took a deliberate bite, chewing as little as possible before swallowing, praying she wouldn’t comment on how slow he was eating.

Next was the candlelight. The dim, romantic lighting was a perfect touch for most couples, but for Lucian, it meant his eyes—so much darker and sharper than any human’s—would reflect the flames unnaturally. He angled his head just so, keeping his face partially in shadow. Yet, Eleanor still studied him with a look of curiosity.

“You always seem to be hiding something,” she mused, twirling her wine glass between her fingers.

Lucian arched a brow. “Hiding?”

“I don’t know…” She tilted her head, studying him. “You’re just very… composed. It’s like you don’t fit in with the rest of the world. Like you’re from a different time.”

He smiled, though there was something wistful behind it. “Perhaps I am.”

Eleanor shook her head, laughing lightly. “And mysterious, too. You never drink.”

Lucian glanced at the untouched glass of wine beside him. He had merely lifted it for the toast, never actually sipping.

“Wine has never agreed with me,” he said smoothly. “I much prefer other… flavors.”

Eleanor raised a brow at his choice of words but didn’t press further.

As the night went on, Lucian found himself more enchanted by her than ever. Her laughter, her quick wit, the way she seemed to truly enjoy life—it was intoxicating. But the closer they got, the harder it became to maintain the illusion of normalcy.

When they arrived at a rooftop dance venue, Lucian hesitated. He had centuries of practice in grace and movement, but the risk of exposing his unnatural abilities was always present. Still, he couldn’t deny Eleanor when she reached for his hand, pulling him onto the dance floor.

“Do you dance?” she asked, looking up at him.

“I have… some experience,” he admitted.

As they moved together, her body pressed close to his, Lucian made sure to tread carefully. He led her through the steps with an effortless charm, but Eleanor soon noticed.

“Okay, there is no way you’re just ‘somewhat experienced’ in dancing. You move like—like a prince out of a fairy tale or something.”

He smirked. “A prince, you say? I rather like that.”

“I knew it!” she declared with triumph. “You have a secret, don’t you?”

Before Lucian could respond, something unexpected happened. A sign above them, loosened by the wind, broke free from its hinges. It plummeted toward Eleanor at an alarming speed. Without thinking, Lucian moved. In the blink of an eye, he pulled her out of the way, shielding her with his own body as the sign crashed where she had just stood.

For a long moment, there was silence. Eleanor pulled back slightly, looking up at him with wide eyes.

“Lucian… how did you—?” Her breath was uneven. “That was impossibly fast.”

Lucian cursed himself inwardly. He had been careful all evening, but in that split second, instinct had taken over.

“Eleanor, I—”

She placed a hand on his chest. “Just tell me the truth.”

He hesitated, watching her closely. She wasn’t afraid—just curious.

Finally, he sighed. “I am not what you think I am.”

She nodded as if she already knew. “You’re not human.”

He looked at her with surprise. “How—?”

She lifted her sleeve slightly, revealing two tiny, barely-there puncture marks on her wrist. “You think you’re the only supernatural creature in town? Let’s just say… I’ve had my own encounters.”

Lucian stared, stunned. Then, a slow, genuine smile crossed his lips.

“You knew all along?”

She shrugged. “Not for sure. But I had my suspicions.”

“And yet, you still agreed to go on a date with me?”

Eleanor smirked. “I like a little danger.”

Lucian chuckled, feeling something warm and unfamiliar in his chest. He had spent centuries avoiding close connections, hiding his true self. But now, under the Valentine’s moon, with Eleanor by his side, he wondered if—just maybe—this time, love was worth the risk.

As the music played on, he leaned in and whispered, “Then, my dear Eleanor, would you allow this vampire to kiss you?”

Her answer came not in words, but in the way she pulled him closer, her lips brushing his in a way that made even eternity seem fleeting.

And for the first time in centuries, Lucian felt truly alive.

Love may be eternal, but some risks are worth taking—even for a vampire.

Note:
Thank you for reading “A Vampire’s Valentine”! This is a story in a series created for avid readers and English learners who want to enjoy captivating tales while practicing their language skills. Stay tuned for more stories and language tips to enhance your journey!

Explore more short stories in English and Spanish by visiting the section:
Short Stories / Cuentos Cortos

“Liked it? Smash that like button! 💥❤️”