Naked Came the Vampire (Hypernaturals 1)

Stay in Your Place, Male

"Exactly right." Jessica agreed

"Also mind-boggling."

"That too. I am almost one hundred years older than you, but I am extremely young for a Vampire. Once I got serious about it I have achieved much, but there are many Vampires far older than me that have forgotten more entire professions than I know. Our brains add memory capacity over time to deal with our long lives, but there are limits to what our skull can hold, even with the metallicity, lengthened dendrites, denser neurons and the way some things are redistributed. Skills and knowledge are less organic for us than for humans, but we always have to update. Always have to practice. Keeps life interesting, and makes sure we are always fresh on the latest things. I am a Medical Doctor, and that means I always have to update. New things are discovered all the time. New drugs invented."

I changed the subject. "Be straight with me. How bad is it being a male in a largely female species?"

That got a shrug. "How would I know? I'm female. You noticed that before. Short memory. Maybe male memory is more organic than female."

I was slightly impatient with that answer and I let her have it with both verbal barrels. "You are the most attractive woman I have ever met and a goddess in bed. When evolution designed you, it took all my personal preferences into account. I plan to worship at the altar of you as often as you permit it. Your mind and your body are of the gods." I stated this as the simple facts they are. Not even a hint of flirtation.

Jessica's raised her eyebrows at the blowback. I went on. "I did not forget about your glory. I would not. I cannot. Please don't dance around this. I want to know how second class I suddenly am now. I get the idea that my best days are behind me. That slightly overweight computer geek and SciFi nerd was the pinnacle of my social existence. That it is all downhill from here. External existence: Not counting the privileged but private altar boy at the temple of Jessica. No robes required."

Jessica did want to be cornered about this and looked unhappy. "It's not like you guys are being hunted and killed or anything...Unless the council decides that you are a risk, and then they kill you. Right away. Once a male Vampire is granted, and then successfully serves out their evaluation period they are full members of the species. What is called probation, although I dislike that term. Post-probation you have all the same responsibilities as any other Vampire. Males are expected to not feed off a human woman. Use blood from blood banks. Feed from human men if so inclined. Or other Vampires. Not human women. If you abuse your power over a human woman that is very looked down upon. Do NOT go on a fucking humans spree while you are on probation. A double standard I just now snapped to. Post probation you have to set up alternate identities and be ready to go anywhere on the planet at any time if needed to hide what you are. Just as any woman of our kind."

I asked a question that has been bugging me. "These few Vampire males around... They end up married?"

"Not often. Vampires tend to be Poly. You assume they are all heterosexual..."

"No, I wasn't. I said 'married'. I did not mean to imply married to a woman, though perhaps as a heterosexual male it seemed like something I might say? Do not mistake my orientation as being my worldview. I have been to orgies. I have had offers." I was a little offended. I admit.

"Pardon my confusion. I should know you better than that already. OK. The answer is: Some marry. Some later divorce. Many, many more remain single and join poly groups. So: what do Male Vampires do when not looking for love? Just as a woman does, pursue their other interests. Professional sports are out, male or female. Too fast and strong. It's not only an unfair advantage, but it's also the glare of the spotlight and the fact that professional athletes are required to pass medical exams. No Sports. Try out for a major league team? Be erased so fast it would make your head spin, Probation or not. Vamps are doctors, nurses, botanists. Some run the cash registers at the gas station. I know of one that went on a thirty-year bender, and then finally realized that he was not going to be able to stay drunk forever, and went back to school to learn auto mechanics. He's in a pit crew in NASCAR. As close to professional sports as you can get I suppose. One guy, friend of a friend, is a porn star but never lets his face be filmed full on. He calls himself a 'stunt cock'. Porn made for men often involves a preference for not actually seeing anything but the woman, other than the useful boy part. Point of View stuff. Its a great line of work for a Vampire: It pays well. He can't get any human STD's." She looked mock thoughtful. "Might be a good profession for you."