"Nobody 'just meets' a vampire, Rae," Autor says softly. "Especially you."

He lifts his tea again, keeping his eyes on her, and takes a drink. Unfortunately, her last statement breaks any hope of neutrality. He jerks his gaze to the window, face red and glowing through no fault of the sun.

"Yes, I, uh," he stammers, placing a hand on his neck. "I had some dreams that were, um. Dreams. Haven't had one in years, so clearly I can't compare them, but they were. Well. They were dreams."