"But vampire babies and much like human babies, maybe a little stronger. They couldn't run after a human or catch an adult human. Therefore, they attract humans like moths to a flame. Once a human sets their eyes on them, they can't keep away. It's always been that way." Mr. Cecil finished with a shrug and Stella nodded.
It was almost fascinating how the bodies of vampires and humans had adapted as predator and prey, it would have been a lot more fascinating to Stella if she didn't fall in the prey category.
"But mother's right. Landon should be full, I don't think he'll try to attack you." Penelope completed her father's sentence as she walked towards Sharp and transferred Landon into her arms.
Mrs. Cecil chuckled as Stella dazily made her way over. "He wouldn't be able to do anything even if he tried to be honest. His fangs haven't come out yet." she spoke and Stella mumbled to herself sarcastically in response, "That's so reassuring." This was of course heard by all the vampires present who once again chuckled, and Stella turned red in embarrassment.
She cautiously reached towards little Landon and held out her arm to stroke his head. Landon sniffed at it suspiciously, but didn't object. And after a few minutes, Stella was happily playing with Landon, holding him in her arms.
After a few companiable hours in Penelope's room, during which Landon tried to bite Stella's fingers once he got hungry enough, and was dutifully transferred to Penelope, the people in the room stood up.
"We really should get going. Philip and her wife will be worrying about Landon. Shall we go, dear?" Mrs. Cecil asked, as she smoothed out her dress and took the sleeping Landon in her arms from Penelope.
Mr. Cecil affectionately stroked his wife's arm as he said, "You go ahead dear. I need to have a word with Darius." "Oh of course! How silly of me. Will you come, Penelope?" she asked, turning towards her daughter.
Penelope replied with a huff, "Mother, you're really getting on in years. I need to stay here with Stella!" "I'll be fine . . . . " Stella began, but was cut off by Mrs. Cecil, who spoke with an understanding smile, "Of course, of course. But do visit your brother. He only came back because your father told him that you were coming back for Juniper's birthday."
Penelope's face took on an apologetic expression as she hugged her mother. "I'll definitely come visit tomorrow." she said.
"Do that. And make sure to bring Darius and Stella along." Mrs. Cecil replied as she turned and ran out of the room.
Stella was mesmerized as she watched Mrs. Cecil leaving. Her running had been so smooth that Landon had not even shifted in his sleep. Even now, Stella could barely hear her footsteps as she rushed out of the Sharps' home.
"Is it safe for her to go alone?" Stella asked, looking around. Penelope replied with a shrug as she led Stella towards the bed in the room, "She'll be home in five minutes. Either us or everyone back home will hear if anything goes wrong."
Stella nodded in understanding as Penelope made her lie down on the bed.