THE MOMENT
Peter had a plan. Alicia was the most beautiful witch he'd ever seen, and she'd also been kind and friendly throughout all their interactions. Peter accidentally found his way to a hotel for monsters one foggy night. After rescuing him from the guests, Alicia introduced herself as the owner of the hotel and offered him a safe room for the night. He was nervous at first, but she doted extra attention on him to ensure his comfort; and, by morning, he didn't want to leave. She allowed him to stay another day and kept him safe from the monsters visiting. As they talked he learned she was a witch and a vampire. She seemed to enjoy her time with him as much as he did with her, and he was confident she developed feelings like he did. But, the real point of his plan was, that she didn't have to.
When the topic of witchcraft came up, a kernel of an idea popped in his head and he asked more and more questions until he found the answers he was looking for. A side effect of a vampire using witchcraft meant her magic was 'permanent'. Once a magical blessing was given, it could not be taken away. She'd been so kind, it was easy to talk her into giving him a blessing, in exchange for his firstborn child. He was sure the spark was there, she seemed to smile every time she looked at him. It happened like clockwork with every glance, it almost could've been her job.
As the sun went down on the second day, Peter stood in a magical circle surrounded by glowing light. Alicia was intently focused on casting her spell and somehow he found her more attractive by the minute as beads of perspiration gathered on her alabaster forehead. Peter felt like a genius. In the best case, he would be married to a gorgeous, powerful woman, who also owned her own business. In the worst case, she would rebuff him and he was on the hook to deliver a child he never planned to have.
"Done...," Alicia sighed and the glow around Peter faded. "Now, as we said, for the blessing I just gave you, your firstborn child is mine," Alicia smiled at him warmly with the reminder. It was time to make his move. Peter had a metal ring he'd found when he was younger, and he carried it around as a good luck charm. It held meaning and emotion for him, and he put it all on the line as he knelt in front of Alicia. He reached into his pocket as she tilted her head at him in curiosity, and he reached for her hand. She wasn't sure what he intended and she gave it, then, he slid the ring onto her delicate pale finger.
"My firstborn will be yours, ours, I promise...," he said as he looked up into her gentle, grey eyes.
"What are you doing?" she asked as she pulled her hand away, without the ring. Somehow she slid out of it without him realizing it. Peter was disappointed; but, not too badly. He was also fine not ever being a father.
"I'm sorry, I thought... I mean, we had chemistry, so I came up with a way we could both be happy with this deal," Peter got to his feet too, as he explained.
"Chemistry?" Alicia giggled. "With you? I run a hotel, customer service is my business...," she shook her head with a broad smile. "I'm sorry if you thought there was more, I was just living up to the example I expect from all my staff. I already have a son, and I love him more than anything; he certainly doesn't need a sibling," she replied.
"Oh, okay...," Peter nodded. He didn't see why she had to be so cruel about it; but, that was okay. He got what he wanted, and he knew how to avoid the consequences. "Well.. thank you, Alicia. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. But, now that I have super strength, stamina, and regeneration, I think I'll be safe getting home, even in the dark. It's probably better that I leave anyway... Sorry again...," he shook his head and made his way toward the door.
"Peter, wait...," she called out to him. She used an almost apologetic tone and it was enough to give him hope. Maybe she reconsidered when she saw what a gentleman he was.
"Yes..?" he turned as the question came out. But, he immediately found another question. "Who's he?" She was no longer alone. A pale teenager with a long rainbow ponytail stood next to her with his arms crossed and a look of annoyance on his face. Within a couple of seconds after asking, he realized the answer was obvious. They shared enough similarities, and he was young enough to still be in high school. Alicia answered him anyway.
"This is my son, Alexander Royce Kingston," Alicia smiled. "I'm sorry to say that your dimwit attempt to romance me left me suspicious of your intentions. He has a question for you." The teenager stared at Peter and a delicate, filigree-thin crown of rainbow light appeared over his head.
"Are you planning to live up to your end of the bargain?" he asked.
"Only if I have to," Peter shook his head. The thought of lying never crossed his mind. "I'm not planning to have kids, ever," he answered. Then, the crown of light disappeared.
"I don't appreciate being tricked into wasting my magic...," Alicia commented. Then, she turned to her son. "You can play with him; but, make sure he's alive enough for me to recoup some of my losses."
"'Kay," Alexander shrugged and stepped forward.
"I don't want to hurt a teenager!" Peter raised his fists and took on a fighting posture immediately. "You gave me super strength and I'm not afraid to use it!"
"My mom said I could play with you. It's not fun if you're fighting back," Alexander said. The crown took shape over his rainbow hair again. "Run away," he said. It was suddenly the smarter move. He had super strength, and it occurred to him that he could use that strength to run faster than ever. Peter had a new plan. He turned and dashed out of the room as Alexander followed behind him at a slower pace.
"Thanks, mom," he waved at Alicia on his way out.
"Have fun, darling!"