Drained Hearts: A Vampire's Quest for Love

By Ken Sanchez

Enter the whimsical world of 'Drained Hearts: A Vampire's Quest for Love' where Evander, a centuries-old vampire struggling with emotional emptiness, embarks on an uproarious journey alongside Jasper, his vivacious human companion. Set against a backdrop of supernatural intrigue and comedic chaos, follow their hilarious escapades as they navigate through a series of misadventures in pursuit of true love.

From disastrous dinner dates to quirky encounters with magical creatures, Evander and Jasper's unconventional romance is filled with laughter, romance, and a dash of enchantment. As they unravel the mysteries of Evander's emotional drain and fend off jealous rivals, their bond deepens, proving that even a drained vampire can find happiness in the arms of the right person.

Overflowing with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of magic, 'Drained Hearts' is a delightful romantic comedy that will leave you laughing out loud and believing in the power of love. Join Evander and Jasper on their quest for love and prepare to be charmed by this spellbinding tale."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ken Sanchez
• Release date: Feb 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224323937

Book preview

Ken Sanchez

A Vampire’s Quest for Love

Copyright © 2024 by Ken Sanchez

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Ken Sanchez asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Ken Sanchez has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

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Contents

1. The Suckiest Vampire

2. A Quirky Encounter

3. Game Over, Laughter Begins

4. Unveiling the Unusual

5. The Emotionally Drained Road Trip

6. Drained Drama and Daring Confessions

7. The Big Boo-Boo of Love

8. Fang-tastic Face-Off

9. Love’s Loco Laughter

10. Ever After and Beyond

Thank you!

About the Author

Also by Ken Sanchez

1

The Suckiest Vampire

The pulsing music and drunken laughter enveloped Evander like a familiar embrace as he wove through the crowded club. Humans and vampires alike danced and socialized, oblivious to him as he honed in on his target at the bar.

She was drunk, giggling tipsily with her friends. Perfect. Evander sidled up beside her, allowing his power to unfurl. It sank invisible tendrils into her aura, siphoning up the fizzy excitement and giddy joy bubbling within.

He took only a taste—enough to take the edge off his hunger without leaving her sober. The woman laughed again, leaning into him.

Having fun? he murmured, flashing a hint of fang.

Uh huh. She gazed up at him, eyes glazed. Wanna dance?

Perhaps another time.

As he turned away, Evander sighed, the stolen emotions already fading from his veins. He craved something more substantial, a deeper connection. But casual feeds from drunken party-goers would have to suffice for now.

Pushing through a pack of enthusiasts waving glow sticks, Evander exited the crowded club. The bouncers glanced his way and he inclined his head in silent greeting. The night embraced him, still full of noise and life despite the late hour.

Hands in his pockets, Evander allowed his feet to lead him through familiar city streets, no destination in mind. He had nowhere to be anymore. Two centuries of near solitude could do that, stretching time into a meaningless haze.

Not that he wanted anyone to know how adrift he felt. No, he preferred to maintain his carefully cultivated image—distant, mysterious, a little dangerous. It kept the world at arm’s length. Safe. Known. Uncomplicated.

Mostly.

A raucous burst of laughter rent the quiet side street. Evander turned to find a small group of college-aged mortals exiting a comedy club. One young man stumbled drunkenly into a fire hydrant.

Dude, you okay? his friend asked through wheezing chuckles.

M’fine, m’fine.

The drunk’s embarrassment glowed bright hot, spurring his friends to further mirth. Evander watched their flushed faces and crinkled eyes. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed fully, freely. It must be nice, he mused, to feel so much. So messy and honest and…

His melancholy thoughts stuttered as the drunk man suddenly pitched forward, cracking his head against unforgiving concrete. The group swore and rushed to his side. And there it was—a bloom of panic, rich and heady.

Before Evander quite realized what he was doing, he found himself among them, hunger roused to clamoring life.

Let me help. He kept his voice soothing as he crouched beside the now-unconscious mortal. I have medical training.

Not a complete lie. Over two hundred years afforded time to pick up a few skills, when curiosity struck.

Should we call an ambulance? one woman asked, fingernails between her teeth.

Unnecessary. Evander placed two careful fingers alongside the man’s bruised temple. The wound looks worse than it is.

While true, Evander found himself far more interested in the stew of emotion simmering around him—fear and concern and guilt tinged with undeniable excitement. He drew it slowly into himself, thrilling in the complexity.

Beneath his fingers, the young man groaned. The relief spiking through the group gave Evander a heady rush.

There now, he purred. All is well.

Is he okay? Should he go to the hospital?

With an effort, Evander contained his impatience at the continued questions. Could they not see the drunk’s color improving by the second? Humans required so much coddling and reassuring. Bothersome.

He’ll be fine, Evander replied. Just help him home so he can sleep it off. Though he’ll have a wicked hangover come morning.

The humans laughed weakly. Good. The crisis had passed, the tumult of emotions settling. Evander withdrew his hand.

Will do. Thanks, man, said the drunk’s friend, holding out a hand to pull his groggy companion upright. The others murmured agreement.

Evander nodded, standing fluidly. Of course. Do take care.

Their attention stayed fixed on their woozy friend. None noticed as Evander melted back into the shadows, hunger satiated for the first time in weeks. Still, he felt no temptation to rejoin the mortals as they supported each other down the street.Their camaraderie simply reminded him of all he lacked.

With a restless shrug, Evander turned toward home. Perhaps some vintage AB negative would lift his mood.

He was contemplating raiding his saved reserves of an aristocrat beheaded in the French Revolution when his phone buzzed an incoming text.

Clyde: Still up?

Evander sighed down at the screen. His erstwhile companion must be recently off shift from the hotel front desk job that paid his meager bills. While appreciating the distraction, Evander hesitated. He craved solitude after the night’s excursions amid raucous mortal emotion. But Clyde would surely wheedle and cajole if ignored…

Me: Indeed. Just heading home.

Bubbles popped up immediately.

Clyde: Mind if I drop by?

Mind? Very much so. Unfortunately, Clyde operated under a different code of etiquette than Evander. Refusal could prompt hurt feelings or, worse, an unannounced visit days later. Best to get the social obligation over with.

Me: If you must.

Clyde: Great! See you soon 🧛

Evander silenced his phone with a decisive click. Doubtless Clyde intended the silly emoji as friendly teasing. Even after eighty years of acquaintance, the fool refused to accept Evander as the aloof, mysterious figure he clearly preferred being.

Ah, well. Their unlikely friendship persisted due to Clyde’s dogged determination, if nothing else. And Evander could admit—deep down—that his continued company delivered a certain satisfaction. Or perhaps simply more distraction from the emotional void he could not seem to fill, no matter the years that passed.

Shaking off his dour thoughts, Evander quickened his pace through the dark streets, finally arriving at the elegant brownstone housing his sleek and modern apartment. He rode the elevator to the top floor, shrugging off his suit jacket as he stepped inside.

As expected, Clyde sprawled on the plush gray sofa a short time later, baseball cap pulled low and wearing a truly hideous orange tracksuit. Evander suppressed a shudder.

Yo, Evander! Clyde raised one hand in lazy salutation. Top o’ the mornin’.

Despite himself, Evander felt one side of his mouth quirk. You are aware it’s nearly four in the morning?

Early bird gets the bloodworm! Clyde puckered his lips and made exaggerated slurping sounds.