Music of Souls

Jackson lay back with his hands behind his head, replaying the night, still hardly believing it was real. He remembered that he had his dream again, only it was different. He wasn't chasing the bronze haired beauty, but running through the woods with her, laughing. She did turn to him and the face was Elisabeth's. He closed his eyes, happy that the disturbing dream had turned into something lovely.

He heard the door close, then Elisabeth in the kitchen, making breakfast. He rose, slipped his pants on and found her at the stove. Embracing her from behind, he untied her robe and slid his hands around her waist. "Good morning."

She leaned into him and raised her head slightly. "Good morning to you. Are you hungry?"

"Not for food." He brushed her hair aside and kissed her neck.

"Well, I'm starving and if you don't stop that, I will most certainly ruin these eggs and have to start over."

"Very well, I shall squelch my lust until you are nourished."

"That is very noble of you."

Jackson took a lock of her hair in his hand, carefully combing through all the colors for the bronze. There were a few strands here and there, though certainly not enough to connect to the dream. "Has your hair ever been any other color?"

She turned to face him. "One night and you're trying to change me already, eh?"

"Oh, God, no! Your hair is the most beautiful color I've ever seen. I would beg you not to change it. I'm just curious. Is it your natural color?"

"Yes, I've never colored my hair. It's the smell thing. Dye gives me a migraine, even if I'm around someone who has recently used it. Speaking of that, whatever cologne you wear is wonderful. It doesn't bother me at all. What is it?"

"Gee, I can't remember. I'll have to check." Jackson never wore cologne. He had no need. Vampires smelled great to humans. It was part of the hunter's edge. Lying to her, even about something this insignificant, felt awful. He knew he couldn't keep his secret much longer. She had trusted him so completely, this deception suddenly became unbearable. Confessing there in her kitchen was not an option, but he needed to have this behind them, so decided he would tell her as soon as possible.

As they sat with their breakfast he said, "I have some things I need to take care of today." He saw the disappointment in her face, and wondered if she had hoped, as he had, that they would spend a lazy day learning all about each other's bodies.