Squinting in the sun, Holland looked ahead. Jarrett’s truck had stopped at a red light. Hoping that Chaela was watching from the rear view mirror, Holland raised her middle finger high in the air, and shouted. “Bring it, Chaela Vasquez! I’m not afraid of you.”
Naomi gave Holland concerned side glances as they continued their trek home.
CHAPTER 25
When Holland and Naomi reached the midway point between their respective homes, they gave each other quick hugs and went their separate ways. Alone with her thoughts, an image of Jarrett popped in Holland’s head. He looked far worse than Naomi had described. How on earth was someone so scrawny able to manage the rigors of football practice? Oh, well, Jarrett was Chaela’s problem—not hers!
She wrinkled her nose, remembering the adhesive bandage on his neck. His condition seemed eerily similar to her mother’s. Strange!
Thinking about her mother’s illness, she picked up her pace. Holland had a little over an hour to check on her mother and fix her lunch before meeting up with Jonas in the park. Butterflies fluttered in the pit of her stomach as she wondered what was on Jonas’s mind.
“I’m home, Mom!” she yelled after entering the house. She hurried to the kitchen, pulled the fridge open and peered inside. “Do you want grilled cheese on whole wheat for lunch?”
No answer.
“Mom!” she called again and worriedly rushed to Phoebe’s room.
Hung in front of the blinds, blocking the sunlight was a navy blue blanket at one window, and the other was covered with a forest-green sheet. The room was as dark and as quiet as a tomb.
“What’s going on, Mom? Why are you lying here in the dark?”
“The sun’s too bright today; it’s giving me a headache and hurting my eyes,” Phoebe said, covering her eyes with her forearm.
“Do you want to take something for your headache? I have Tylenol in my purse.”
Phoebe grimaced as she shook her head. “You know I don’t trust the pharmaceutical industry.”
Holland sighed. “Well, you gotta eat something, Mom. How about some soup and a grilled cheese sandwich?” Holland clicked on the bedside lamp. She flinched when she got a close look at her mother in the light.
“Mom, your complexion is all pasty and white. I’m worried; you don’t look good.” Holland began nibbling on her index finger, chipping away at the fresh coat of electric blue polish.
“All this self-medicating isn’t a good idea. I mean . . . suppose there’s something seriously wrong with you?”
“If I don’t feel any better tomorrow, I’ll go see a doctor. I promise,” Phoebe said in a hoarse whisper.
Holland noticed that the tea she’d brought to her mother hadn’t been touched. Feeling helpless, Holland bit her bottom lip. “You need some nourishment. Will you please eat some lunch?”
“I’m really not hungry.”
“We have to get some nourishment inside you. Do it for me. Please, Mom.”
“Okay, hon,” Phoebe conceded with a weak smile.
Spoon-feeding her mother was totally weird, but it was the only way to make sure that her mother got some nourishment. Holland glanced over at the set of windows, wondering how her mother had found the strength to hang the blanket and sheet.
After eating half a bowl, Phoebe shook her head, indicating that she didn’t want anymore. Holland wished there was a kindly old auntie or a grandmother that she could call, but sadly, she and her mother were all alone in the world. It occurred to her to get in touch with her mother’s coven sisters. But that would probably be a big waste of time; they were only cyber buddies—not physical friends that could come over and lend some support.
Maybe her Mom’s new friend, Zac, would lend a hand. As much as she disliked the idea, she decided that she’d sneak Zac’s number from her mom’s phone, put in a call and ask him if he could persuade her mother to see a doctor. And since Zac was the owner of her mother’s car, he could provide transportation to the ER.
She checked the time and sighed when she realized that she had only fifteen minutes to get to the park. With no time to freshen up and change clothes, she ran anxious fingers through the front of her hair and was out of the door. She swiped on lip gloss as she race-walked to the park.
Jonas was waiting for her at the main entrance. She hadn’t expected to see him standing there. The sight of him was an unexpected pleasure that took her breath away. Without thinking, she rushed into his arms. As she squeezed him tightly, Jonas suddenly broke the embrace.
Feeling self-conscious, Holland could feel her face flushing. Instead of brushing her hair out of her face, she raked it forward, attempting to hide her embarrassment. She could have kicked herself for gripping Jonas in a bear hug. She must have appeared awfully needy.
“Let’s go sit down,” Jonas offered, guiding her down the cobbled path that led to their favorite bench. When his hand reached for hers, she no longer felt off kilter.
“What did you want to discuss?” she asked as she took a seat on the bench.
He clasped her hand and looked her in the eyes. “What I have to say is going to shock you, so I won’t beat around the bush.”
Her eyes, large and questioning, latched onto his.
“Your mother is involved in a dangerous friendship with someone I know.”
“Are you talking about Zac?”
Jonas nodded.
“How do you know him?”
“We’re acquaintances,” he said.
Holland scowled, wondering what Zac and Jonas could possibly have in common.
“Dangerous? My mom thinks the world of him. How is he a danger to her?”
“He’s involved in activities that could put her health at risk.”
“Is he biting her?”
Jonas nodded solemnly.
Holland gasped. She’d heard about people that played vampire games. Those weirdoes wore fake fangs and even shaved their own teeth to sharpened points. How had her mother fallen for Zac’s lines? That Zac individual was more contemptuous than Holland had imagined.
Her heart quickened. “My God! My mom hasn’t been feeling well. Her neck is swollen. I think it’s infected.”
“She has to rescind his invitation . . . Or he’ll eventually deplete her,” Jonas warned.
Holland gawked at Jonas. “Are you serious? Rescind her invitation . . . like in a vampire film?”
“Yes.” Jonas swallowed, and then nervously cleared his throat. “Zac is a vampire,” he blurted.
Holland burst out laughing. “You mean, he thinks he’s a vampire, right?”
“Zac is a vampire, and he’s been feeding on your mother. I don’t think she realizes what’s been going on.”
Holland looked at Jonas with horror in her eyes. “Vampires are mythological figures; they’re not real. Zac sounds psychotic.” She gazed at Jonas suspiciously. “How do you know this wanna-be vampire?”
“He’s the real deal. Vampires exist,” Jonas said in a tone so serious, Holland felt the hairs rising on the back of her neck. “I’m afraid that you’re also in danger. There are others and they’re attracted to your smell.”
Holland hugged herself, her eyes darting around fearfully. “Wh-what do you mean?” she stammered.
“According to Zac, you have a particularly noticeable and attractive scent. He told me that there are other vampires here in Frombleton, and they’ll eventually locate you.”
“This is crazy! Why are you hanging with a freaking vampire?” she whispered, her voice quivering in terror.
“I . . . uh. I thought we could be friends.”
“Why would you want to befriend a vampire?” Holland was appalled.
“He lied to me. Led me to believe that he was harmless . . . that he only fed on animals. I’m sorry, Holland.”
Holland abruptly stood. “We have to contact the police.”
“We can’t.”
“Why not?”
“They won’t believe us. They’ll call immigration and depo
rt me and who knows . . . you could end up in a mental hospital.”
“Well, what do you suggest?” she asked in a tiny, fearful voice.
“The best defense is to get your mother to rescind her invitation.”
Holland’s mouth twisted in indignation. “The best defense would be to put a stake through that bloodsucker’s heart!” Holland spat, erupting into rage.
“That won’t be easy. Zac is a powerful vampire.”
“Look, I can’t sit on my hands while he feeds off my mother. I have to be proactive. I have to do something.”
“The first step is to keep him out of your house.”
Holland nodded. She felt a shiver of fear as she recalled Zac’s presence in her room last night. “What’s his Achilles Heel? Garlic . . . a crucifix? How can I protect my mother and me?”
“He’s terrified of sunlight.”
Holland could not suppress a gasp. “My mom is avoiding sunshine, too. She has blankets up to the windows in her bedroom. I’ll freaking die if my mom starts turning into a vampire!”
“That won’t happen.” Jonas shook his head.
“How can you be sure?”
“I don’t know all there is to know about the vampire lifestyle, but Zac’s only interest is in feeding. He hasn’t made any new vampires to my knowledge. He doesn’t seem to know very much, and I doubt if he has any idea how to spawn a new vampire.”
“How long has he been feeding on people?”
“A hundred years or more,” Jonas muttered. “That’s what he claims, but he lies all the time.”
“A century-old vampire probably knows a lot more than he’s letting on. You seem like a really sensible person, Jonas. I don’t understand why you entered into a friendship with him in the first place. How’d you meet him?”
“He introduced himself. He’s a very devious fellow.” Jonas lowered his eyes. “Out of desperation, I entered this country illegally. I was scared and vulnerable. Zac led me to believe that he could help me maneuver in this strange, new land. I thought he could assist me in getting a green card.” It was a lie, but Jonas couldn’t tell Holland the truth about himself.
“Did you know that you were making a deal with a vampire?” The idea was so repulsive, Holland’s mouth was twisted in a grimace.
“I thought Zac could help me.”
“I can’t even wrap my mind around half of what you’ve told me. It’s all so . . . so mind-boggling. Feels like a nightmare. And it’s too much to deal with right now. I’m worried about my mother. I have to get home and warn her,” Holland said in a panicked tone.
Jonas stood up. “I postponed my trip to Miami so I could stay here and . . .” His voice faded. “I stayed behind so I could protect you.”
“I appreciate it. But you’re only a mortal like me . . . how can you protect me from a vampire?”
Jonas visibly flinched and then mumbled, “I’ll think of something.”
Holland took a few hesitant steps away from Jonas, and then stopped and turned around. “I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
“I can stop by later. To check on you.” Jonas stared at Holland; his eyes were deeply troubled.
“Give me a call before the sun goes down. I’m safe until then . . . right?”
Jonas nodded.
CHAPTER 26
All sorts of crazy thoughts ran through Holland’s mind as she raced the six blocks to her home. Was Jonas mentally stable? His story was rather farfetched. And he’d failed to specifically tell her the nature of his and the vampire’s relationship. God, she hoped that Jonas didn’t help lure victims to Zac.
Her thoughts turned to Jarrett and that bandage on his neck? How’d he fit into the scheme of things? Was Zac using Jarrett as a personal blood bank, too?
As cruel as Jarrett had been to her, she needed to put personal feelings aside and give him a call . . . find out how he was doing. Like her Mom, Jarrett may have also been mesmerized by Zac. Jarrett had a right to know that a charismatic vampire was living among them—and possibly feeding on him.
Holland burst through her front door, and was stunned to find Phoebe in the kitchen bent over her cauldron with a towel tenting her head as she inhaled the steam that rose from the big pot.
“I was so worried about you, Mom. Thank God, you’re feeling better!” A mixture of scents filled the air. Holland sniffed, recognizing the smell of cloves, mint, and sassafras.
Phoebe lifted her head from the pot and announced cheerily, “I came up with a healing potion, and it’s working. I feel revitalized.”
“You look much better. Your face has a little color.” Holland scrutinized her mother’s neck. “And those bruises are actually starting to fade,” Holland noted in amazement.
“You can’t keep a good witch down,” Phoebe said, laughing. “I couldn’t lie in bed all day. It’s not my nature to accept illness without putting up a fight.”
“Mom, we need to talk,” Holland said grimly.
“About what?”
“Your friend, Zac. There’s something you should know about him.”
Phoebe gazed at her.
“Those bruises and punctures on your neck weren’t from mosquitoes. I know it sounds crazy, but I’m not kidding . . . Zac’s a vampire, Mom. He’s been biting you.”
Holland’s mother laughed. “That’s hilarious. Zac will get a good laugh when I tell him that you think he’s a vampire.”
“Mom, I’m serious. He can’t come over anymore. You’ve got to resend your invitation.”
“Holland . . . honey . . . get a grip. I’m a broadminded person, and I believe that there are supernatural forces, you know . . . more than meets the eye. I believe in witchcraft and the spirit realm . . . but vampires?” She shook her head. “I promise you that Zac is a mere mortal. He doesn’t bite.” Phoebe gave a little chuckle.
“Then how do you explain those puncture wounds?” Holland asked frantically. “A few hours ago, you didn’t want sunlight filtering into your bedroom. What do you have to say about that?”
“The light was giving me a headache. But I’m okay now.”
Holland shook her head, pityingly. “Zac has you mesmerized. I’m scared for you, Mom. I’m terrified for both of us.”
“Zac is a sweet person. He’s really harmless. What’s come over you?”
“Think about it. He never visits in the daylight. I’ve had an uneasy feeling about him from the moment you mentioned his name.”
“Holland, you’re practically hysterical. This isn’t like you.”
“Call him, Mom,” Holland challenged. “I bet you can’t get him on the phone until the sun goes down.”
“I actually don’t know how to reach him; I can’t call him. I have to wait for him to contact me.”
Holland sighed. “Do me a favor, just humor me. When he calls . . . or if he takes it upon himself to drop by, please tell him that you rescind your invitation. That’s the only way to keep him out of here.”
“I don’t want to keep him out of here. I enjoy Zac’s company. What you’re saying is ludicrous.”
“Okay, Mom, forget about him being a vampire. But he was in my room last night—watching me while I was asleep. How creepy is that?”
“You were dreaming.”
“I know what I saw!” Holland yelled. “Okay, you don’t have to believe me, but doesn’t the fact that this guy is upsetting me . . . don’t my feelings matter?”
“Of course. But you’re not being rational. You’re being a little paranoid.”
Holland sighed loudly. “What do really know about him, Mom? Nothing! He could be a thief, a sex offender . . . or something far more sinister. I don’t feel safe with him lurking around.”
“I don’t know why you feel so strongly when you’ve never actually met him.”
“I don’t want to meet him.” Holland looked her mother in the eyes. “You’ve always told me to follow my instincts, and my gut tells me that Zac’s bad news.”
Phoebe made a dismissive gestu
re. “You’re wrong about Zac. He’s really nice—”
“Seriously, you need to rescind your invitation,” Holland demanded, her voice high-pitched and shaking. The tremor in her voice was a combination of fear and frustration. Feeling helpless, her eyes welled with tears.
“Oh, sweetie . . .” Phoebe rushed to Holland’s side, wrapping her arms around her daughter. “You don’t have to worry about Zac coming around anymore. I’ll end the friendship.”
Holland breathed an audible sigh of relief.
CHAPTER 27
Jonas had danced around the truth, and he felt guilty. He’d misled Holland, only telling her partial truths. He’d nearly choked when she referred to him as a mortal. If only it were true. Still, he hadn’t been completely deceptive. His fate wasn’t sealed like Zac’s. Zac was a full-fledged vampire—immoral and corrupt.
There was still hope for Jonas. He fought against his base instincts. It tormented him that he’d taken a human life, but since that mishap, he’d refrained from killing. That had to count for something.
He fervently believed that the day would come when he’d be able to walk among the living—not as a creature that savagely feasted on living animals, but as a normal member of the human race.
His cravings were torturous. When Holland greeted him at the entrance of the park, and had thrown her arms around him, he had to pull away from her. Her scent was so strong, it was maddening.
Now as he walked back to the hotel, Jonas ached with need. Hunger was a misery that clawed at his very soul. There were humans in their cars, riding bikes, and walking past him—they were everywhere—and their smells filled his nostrils, tempting and arousing him.
Inhaling deeply, Jonas detected another fragrance that stimulated his hunger. The scent led to a live poultry market on the other side of the street. He instantly began salivating. Changing directions, he walked to the corner and stood waiting for the traffic light to change.
Midnight Cravings Page 16
