by Lumi Laura
CHAPTER 16 Passion
Just before they entered Bucegi, Alex stopped and hugged both Jaklin and Mikhail. "Thank you," she said, taking a hand of each, "for standing by me. I was in way over my head until you two stepped forward."
"You know," said Mikhail, "I'm the biggest coward in the world, but when I saw you standing there alone, I knew my place was beside you, Missy."
"I've never felt so brave, either," said Jaklin, "The sight of you before the crowd, ready to take on the world, was my inspiration. I felt invincible."
They walked through the opening in the stone fence and inside the restaurant patio, took a table in the front where they could watch pedestrians along the street. The waiter came and took their order.
"What's all this talk of vampires?" asked Jaklin. "Surely, the rumors and news reports can't be true."
"Unfortunately," said Alex, "it's all true. I've had a couple of experiences that make it undeniable."
"Like what?" asked Mikhail. "I've been wanting a first-hand report."
"I've seen them. Talked to them," she said.
"You've got to be joking. How can any of this be little more than superstition."
"Those two whose lives we saved tonight, Emelia and Rutfen? I've spoken to them before. They were vampires then, but have become human again."
Jaklin put her hand on Alex's arm to quieten her and nodded toward other patrons at tables in the patio. All eyes were fixed on the three of them. "Not so sure this is the place for this discussion," she said.
"I've urged you on. I'm always running my mouth when I should be listening," said Mikhail.
Alex had never met a guy who was so naturally self-effacing. Most young men were braggarts, always concerned about their position in the world, but Mikhail's self-critiquing was natural and quite endearing.
What Jaklin said was true. Alex could see out the corner of her eye that all faces were turned toward their table. "I have a lot more to tell," she whispered. "Let's eat and get out of here."
