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Copyright ©2006 by Rob Knight
First published in www.torquerepress.com, 2006
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Table of contents
Foreword by Rob Knight
Love is Blindness by Sean Michael
The Hit by Sara Bell
Hunger for the Edge by Angel and Star
A Light to His Darkness by Jennifer Joyce
Blinded by the Light by Syd McGinley
Guapo by BA Tortuga
About our Contributors
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Foreword
By Rob Knight
Vampires are steeped in the culture of almost every society on earth. From the old vampire tales of
eastern Europe to the modern novels of well-known American authors, they capture our imagination.
They're all but indestructible, eternal figures that bring us romance, mystery, and reminders of our own
mortality.
What if the vampire becomes vulnerable, though? That's the premise of Eternal Darkness. Wandering
through the dark night of blindness for all time, the vampires of Eternal Darkness have to depend on skill,
luck, and sometimes human companionship to stay alive.
Whether the man was blind before he became a vampire or the blindness is a condition of vampirism,
Eternal Darkness gives the vampire a sense of necessity, a sense of desperation. Survival becomes an
issue, as does finding a lover that one can trust. Vampires are primal figures, and taking away one of their
senses just makes them more alluring, not less. That hint of a crack in the armor gives them both the
disadvantage and the edge.
These stories thrilled and delighted me. I hope they do the same for you.
Rob Knight, October 2006
Love is Blindness
By Sean Michael
One
Latte in one hand, Kerouac in the other. Jamie and Lindsey arguing magical realism next to him, Ben
sneaking a joint on the other side, periodically sneaking him long, quiet drags from Ben's sweet soft
mouth.
Man, Friday nights were the best.
One of his students—some heavy-set chick with curly red hair and a whiskey-colored voice—was up at
the mic, doing a damned good job of slamming. The subject matter was a little boring—how many
premenstrual, blood-soaked pseudo-prayers to the joys of womanhood and Kali could any man
appreciate?
Still, the metaphors didn't suck.
The doors opened, letting in the cold late fall air. It was unusual for anyone to show up mid-slam, so it
couldn't be a regular.
Three Goths came in, all girls with a tall man in the midst of them. He was dressed all in black with dark
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hair and a pale, pale face. Still, there was something about him that set him apart from his black-clad,
white-faced companions; as if they were playing dress-up and he wasn't.
Kieran watched them move, the maryjane making everything a little ethereal, a little unreal. Fuck, it was
sexy, though. Sweet. Sensual.
Mmm ... Alliteration.
They headed to a booth near the front, the tall guy stopping them about halfway there. They all listened
intently to him, answered him, and then two continued on to the empty front table, the third girl coming
back toward his table with the man.
"God, Ben ... Look at him. He's fucking stunning.” His whisper just brushed Ben's ear.
Benny chuckled. “And he's with three girls, Kier. Three. You're not that pretty. Have another hit."
Ben blew sweet smoke into his lips and he took it in, letting it fill his lungs.
They kept coming toward the grouping of chairs and sofa where he and his friends sat, stopping only
when they were directly before the empty chair in front of him.
"Excuse me,” murmured the man, voice low, words careful. “Is this chair taken?"
He let the smoke go, shaking his head. “No. Go ahead."
If he couldn't have, he could watch.
Ogle.
Fantasize.
Whatever.
"You gonna be okay, Luce?” the girl asked as the man sat gracefully. He had dark eyes, almost black.
Luce waved a hand. “Go on, Nela, have your little lesbian hour. I'll order a cognac, sit with these
gentlemen and enjoy a different show altogether."
"'K."
She touched Luce's knee, gave him a once-over and a half smile and then took off to join her friends
down at the front.
Kieran offered the guy a smile, nodding a little, trying not to stare.
The guy didn't really respond, but a moment later spoke. “I'm Lucien. Thank you for sharing your area
with me."
"I'm Kieran. This is Ben and Lindsey and Jamie.” He held out one hand to shake.
Lucien inclined his head and then slowly held his hand out, too far left before slowly veering right to his.
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Wow. What was Lucien on? “Kieran. It's a lovely name. Suits your voice."
"Thank you. I was named after my grandfather.” The man's hand was cool, strong. Felt good.
"And you smell interesting as well. Is that also after your grandfather?"
"Hmm? No. My grandfather never smoked.” He blushed, ducked his head for a second. “The owner's
cool, so long as you stay in the shadows."
Lucien chuckled, the sound deep, rich and very sexy. “I have an affinity for shadows myself."
"God, you've got a fabulous voice.” His blush got even deeper as Ben laughed at him, tickled his belly.
"Kier's shameless. Just ignore him."
"Oh, I don't know about that,” murmured Lucien. “Shame is highly overrated.” Lucien's voice made
what he was saying sound intimate, private.
His cock perked right up and he dropped his book into his lap to hide it. “Shame is a pride's cloak,
yes?"
"Indeed. And do you soar often?” Lucien asked.
He beamed over. Oh, he did love a man who knew his Blake.
"I do, although I must admit to the temptation to soar too high."
"And who defines ‘too high'?"
"Oh, you are charming!” He grinned over, abandoning Blake for Pope. “Who knows but He, whose
hand the lightning forms."
"From pride our very reasoning springs. And is it not pride from where other things ‘spring’ as well?”
Lucien was smiling, looking as pleased as he felt.
His laughter was warm, bubbling out of him, sweet and pleased. “Indeed, Lucien. Indeed."
"I like the way you say my name."
"Lucien? It's a lovely name."
He squeaked as Ben pinched him. “Flirt."
"Truth. Quit pinching, you'll leave bruises, you ass. When's your lover supposed to show?” No reason to
let Lucien think they were a couple, after all.
"How does one acquire a cognac here?” Lucien asked him, leaning slightly toward him.
"Al's the barrista. He'll get you want you need.” God, the man was lovely, a mixture of dark and light,
luminous.
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"Can you hook me up?” Lucien asked.
"Of course...” He arched an eyebrow, a little confused. It wasn't until he stood and the dark eyes didn't
blink, didn't notice his motion that he clued in. Oh. Oh, thank God he hadn't said anything stupid. “I'll be
right back."
Lucien inclined his head, a warm smile painting the red lips. “Thank you, Kieran."
He went and got Lucien his drink, getting his coffee warmed while he was there. Poor man, so beautiful,
so perfect, but blind.
It was a shame.
Although, Lucien seemed to be dealing just fine and, as Ben had pointed out—three girls.
Somehow Lucien was ready for him when he returned and he wondered if Ben had said something as a
graceful, long-fingered hand reached up, waiting for the glass of cognac.
He placed it in Lucien's hand. “There you go. Sorry for the wait, Al needed to make more coffee."
"Thank you, Kieran.” Lucien took the glass, cupping it and swirling the liquid inside. A deep breath and
a soft hum and then Lucien drank. “Very nice."
Bill showed up about then, teasing Ben farther back into the shadows to smoke and neck and Kieran
had the couch to himself. Cozy.
"I've never seen you here before..."
"No, I've never been. I'm fairly new to the city and the girls are showing me around. They're indulging
themselves tonight. I just followed the food."
"The food?” Oh, he could so nibble on something, damned munchies. “They've got a decent cheesecake
here, but nothing substantial."
Lucien smiled, chuckled. “The girls promised me something a little richer after the lesbians finish torturing
poetry."
He laughed softly, trying not to be too disappointed. Seemed like every guy he got a hard-on for was
straight or taken. “Well, make sure they feed you well. You know how girls are."
"They do their best.” Lucien shrugged. “They have a very limited palate."
"Oh, that's a shame. There are so many wonderful places to eat around here..."
Indian. Thai. Mmm ... Curry...
"Perhaps I need a new guide."
He chuckled. “A little fresh blood to show you around town?"
Lucien licked his lips, the unseeing eyes seeming to stare right through him. “Yes, exactly."
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"Well, I teach Monday through Thursday during the day, but I'm usually free in the evenings, if you ever
want to go play..."
Straight or not, the man was eye candy.
"What are you doing now?"
"Your harem won't miss you?"
"I'm sure they'll find something else to amuse themselves with. Or someone else.” Lucien took another
sip of his drink.
"Oh, in that case...” He smiled, cock jerking again, watching the pale throat move. “What would you like
to eat?"
Lucien reached out, finding his arm, fingers stroking. “What's on the menu?"
"Oh...” He moaned softly, moving closer. “Are we still talking about food, Lucien?"
"We're talking about sustenance. Succor. Is that the same thing as food?” Lucien's voice seemed
deeper, quieter, for his ears alone.
"No.” He shook his head, desire moving through him. “Not at all. My loft is three blocks away."
"Are you inviting me over?” Lucien's voice stroked him as much as the long fingers that continued to
move on his arm.
"Yes.” He nodded, one hand reaching out to stroke Lucien's knee.
Lucien hummed softly. “Excellent.” The sound made him shiver, his cock hard and throbbing. “Shall we
go now or are you enamored of this particular ... poet?"
"She'll come back next week. They always do."
"She has a dreadful voice. You reading poetry; now that would be something.” Lucien's hand found his,
slid over his skin.
"I'm more of a teacher than a performer, but I manage.” He found himself leaning forward, almost
toppling into Lucien's space.
Lucien's nostrils flared. “I'll bet you do."
Oh, God. So sexy. He moaned, teeth digging into his bottom lip.
"Can we get out of here, Kieran? Now?"
"Yes. God, yes.” He stood, took Lucien's hand.
Lucien grabbed his overcoat and shrugged it on, hand sliding to his elbow as if it were the most natural
thing in the world.
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"My loft is just north of campus. A nice little place.” He led Lucien through the room, the act surprisingly
easy.
"So we don't have far to go,” murmured Lucien, fingers stroking his arm.
"Not far at all. Up Washington and over across Hemlock."
"Now why would you name a street after a poison?” asked Lucien, voice teasing.
"I think it just sounds lovely. Hemlock Lane. Playful, but a little dangerous.” His heart was pounding, his
steps light.
"Oh, then I take my question back, it's the perfect name.” Graceful and tall, Lucien had no trouble
keeping up with him.
He laughed, leaning against Lucien just a little. “Tell me about yourself, Lucien. What do you do besides
listen to bad feminist poetry?"
"You mean there's something else?” Lucien laughed, the sound sexy.
He chuckled, putting on his official Dr. Loughlin voice. “Indeed, my friend. There is bad graduate student
poetry, atrocious freshman comp poetry..."
That sexy laughter sounded again, Lucien's hand tightening on his arm.
They made the loft in good time, laughing and teasing gently. It was like being surrounded in a warm
haze, the mixture of the drugs and the caffeine and this man. “There are six steps and then we'll head to
the elevator."
"Mm ... Thank you. You're good at this—have you done it before?"
"Hmm? Done what?” He helped Lucien up the stairs, admiring the long line of the man's belly, the dark
shirt accentuating it.
"Guided a blind man."
"No. No, you make it easy.” He opened the door and led Lucien down the hall.
Lucien's head was up slightly, nostrils flaring.
"Everything okay?"
Lucien nodded. “Just getting to know the place."
"Does it smell bad?” He pressed the button for the elevator, sniffing, trying to smell.
Lucien chuckled. “Not at all. It smells like you."
He blushed, grinning. “Sandalwood and leather?"
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They stepped into the elevator and headed for the fourth floor.
"And weed and books and something quite intoxicating that I suspect is you."
"You know how to make a man feel very sexy.” He reached out, stroking Lucien's belly, humming at the
feel of silk.
"Oh, likewise, Kieran."
The temptation to lean up, lean in and take a long, sweet kiss was strong, but the elevator dinged and the
doors opened, and he led Lucien to his door, unlocking it. “Come on in."
"Thank you for inviting me in,” Lucien murmured.
"There's no sofa or anything. Lots of cushions on the floor. Books all along the walls. How can I make it
easier for you?"
Lucien pulled him around and lowered his head, bringing their mouths together.
Oh.
He opened his lips, tongue lapping gently at Lucien's lips. Lucien hummed, mouth opening for him. Hot.
Wet. Sweet. Hungry. Lucien tasted good, made him press closer. Another sweet hum sounded, Lucien's
lips wrapping around his tongue, sucking. His hips started rocking in time with the suction, rubbing against
Lucien's surprisingly firm form.
Lucien's hands slid down his back, settling on his ass. They were hot, even through his jeans.
"Mmm...” He pushed back into the touch, Dockers rasping on Lucien's palms.
Lucien's tongue slid into his mouth, moving over his teeth. He nipped playfully, careful not to hurt, to bite.
Lucien moaned, hips pushing a large, hot bulge against him.
Humming he repeated the tease, enjoying Lucien's passion. Lucien moaned for him again, lips curling
back, teeth scraping at his lips. The sensation tingled, exciting, and he shivered, stepping closer.
Lucien's hands moved over him, slowly making their way to the bottom of his sweater, tugging it up. His
hands went up, letting him pull the shirt free, lips parting only long enough to be rid of the shirt.
Fuck, it was ... He pushed into the touches, skin rejoicing at the sensations.
"You're warm,” murmured Lucien. “Skin's so soft."
"Is it?"
He leaned in, licking Lucien's throat, working the buttons of the silk shirt open.
Lucien groaned, head going back, exposing a long neck.
"Beautiful.” He whispered the word against Lucien's skin. “So beautiful."
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"You like what you see?” Lucien asked. “I like what I feel."
"I do. You're stunning. Have ... have you always been blind?” Do you know how beautiful you are?
"For more than three quarters of my life.” Those long fingers were moving again, moving over his skin.
"Well, you're a beautiful man. You steal my breath.” Oh, Lucien must have been a child ... He licked and
nuzzled, hands sliding around Lucien's belly.
"Thank you, Kieran.” Lucien's hands slid to his belt, tugging a little. “Could we sit? Or lie down?"
"Sure. Follow me.” He took four or five steps back to the biggest softest futon mats littering the floor.
“Here. Come down.” Lucien dropped down gracefully, hands finding him again. He pushed into the
touches, letting their bodies slide together. “Are you a dancer?"
"I've danced some."
"You're the most graceful man I've ever seen."
"Thank you."
Lucien's hands moved down his chest, finding his belt buckle and slowly undoing it. He sucked in his
belly, giving Lucien's hands room to work.
"You have a lovely belly,” murmured Lucien, fingertips stroking. “Do you have any tattoos?"
"Mmm ... No. No, I never found something I would wear forever.” He arched and moaned, toes curling.
“One day, I will."
"I do, right here.” Lucien stroked his belly, tracing something around his navel.
"Oh? What is it?” His belly shivered. “God, your hands..."
"A cat climbing my belly. It is to warn people that I'm a danger,” murmured Lucien, hands still working
on his stomach.
"Are you a danger, Lucien?” He smiled, one hand sliding through the long black hair.
Lucien smiled at him, nuzzling into his touch. “I am, Kieran."
"Should I be frightened?” Because he wasn't. Not even a bit.
"No. I'm dangerous, not scary.” Lucien's nose moved just above his face, as if scenting him.
"Do I smell good to you?” He licked at Lucien's jaw, humming at the flavor.
"Yes, Kieran. You do."
"I'm glad.” He nuzzled, lips sliding in a long, lazy motion.
Lucien purred, tongue licking his teeth, fingers sliding up to tease his nipples. He moaned, moving in slow
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undulations, cock hard as stone.
"You're a very sensual man, Kieran. I like that.” Lucien's fingers returned to his jeans, popping the top
button open.
"What else do you like, Lucien?” His lips found Lucien's ear, tracing the outside lightly.
"Biting,” Lucien murmured, nibbling at his shoulder.
He chuckled, skin tingling. “Do you leave marks?"
"If you like.” Gentle teeth grazed his collarbone.
"Mmm ... Tingles.” Oh, he was having fun.
"You want more?” Lucien asked, slowly undoing his zipper.
"Hmm? Yes, please.” Of course he wanted more. He didn't invite Lucien here just to snuggle.
"Excellent. So do I.” Lucien's hands slid his pants down off his hips, mouth moving to his neck. Those
teeth scraped harder now, up and down, making his skin supersensitive.
He shuddered, eyes rolling, throat working hard. His fingers were tangled in Lucien's hair, caught in the
silk of it.
"Undress me, Kieran.” Lucien's hand stroked his cock.
"Oh ... Sorry. You distracted me.” He blushed, grinned a little. “You're very seductive.” He started
working at Lucien's clothes, embarrassed. He wasn't a selfish lover, hewasn't . He'd just gotten ...
distracted.
Lucien chuckled, teeth on his neck again. “You're forgiven, Kieran."
"Oh, good.” He grinned, hands sliding down to work Lucien's pants open. “I'd hate to screw things up
so soon."
"You aren't screwing anything up, Kieran.” Lucien stepped out of his pants.
He reached out, tracing the dark tattoo with a light touch, in awe. “You're stunning."
Lucien's belly rippled, the black cat moving on the pale skin. He leaned closer, licking the shape,
breathing in the scent of male and want and need.
"Yes,” murmured Lucien, one hand on his ass, pulling him in, the other sliding around, holding his head
still for that wicked mouth at his neck. He purred, stretching, moaning at the sensation of their skin sliding
together. Lucien's cock was hard, full, hot, pressing against his, moving like fire on his skin.
"Oh. You ... You're a flame.” His hand curled around Lucien's ass, holding them tight together.
"Yes. Are you a moth, Kieran?"
