by Rose Pressey
Chapter Four
How to Date a Vampire, Rule #4:
Skip the garlic bread with your spaghetti dinner.
Something was familiar about this werewolf; the ginger-colored fur reminded me of Lily Friedman. She was a former client who had become unhappy with my matchmaking skills when her date hadn’t been interested in happily-ever-after with her. The werewolf I’d fixed her up with had been interested in me instead. So much so that he’d tried to kill me. Yeah, nothing says I love you like a silver bullet through the heart.
For that reason, I knew there was no way Lily would lunge at a vampire, unless she had returned to fight me and gotten the vampire instead. Why else would she be in my apartment now? Then I saw the signature necklace around her neck. She had a strange habit of wearing a gold chain around her neck with her current love interest’s name emblazoned across it. The gold letters with the name “Phil” glistened under the light. Yep, that was Lily, all right. She had recently become involved with my creepy next-door neighbor, Phil. He lived in the building next to mine.
This current turn of events left me with no choice but to complete my shift. I really didn’t want this crap. This was the exact reason I tried to hide away in my bedroom during a full moon and ignore all of the paranormal shenanigans. I had never liked being a part of the horrendous paranormal world. That was why I’d always stayed barricaded in my house during a full moon. I’d only come out for a natural disaster. But no, they wouldn’t leave me alone, they forced me into their sick little games.
Whose idea was it to start a dating service for the paranormal anyway? Oh yeah, I was the guilty party. Not one of my better plans. I should have locked myself in my room and never poked my head out.
My fingers tingled and I could no longer control what happened to my body. I bent over as my arms and legs took on the werewolf appearance. My skin itched even more as I glanced down at my arm and watched as dark hair spread over my once-smooth skin. Once the transformation was complete, I hopped up in one swift motion, the pads of my feet landing securely on the ground. I hated to change form in front of Jennifer, but this was life or death. With my feet firmly on the floor, I assumed my fight stance.
I winced as I ran my tongue across my teeth and felt the sharp fangs filling my mouth. If only I could have put off my transformation. My bones cracked loudly. Claws erupted from the tips of my fingers. The fur covering my body grew hot and all the more tingly. I was more than a little crabby. Who wouldn’t be cranky while wearing fur in this kind of situation?
“I’ll call Stephen,” Jennifer yelled.
Oh, great, Detective Smooch-a-lot would be on the scene soon. I didn’t want Jennifer’s new love interest involved. She’d met Detective Stephen Peters when he was investigating the death threats against me. He’d been dragged into the paranormal world when everyone had thought I was crazy and not really a werewolf. He wouldn’t help. No, we needed the pack police.
Lucky for me, werewolves’ vocal cords weren’t altered with the change since we kept some human features, enabling us to retain our speech, so I said, “Call the pack police. Stephen won’t be any help.”
I hoped she wouldn’t take offense to that, but I needed someone with experience in dealing with supernatural creatures.
I pounced on the brown-haired vampire while Lily clawed at the blond. Only Lily would be crazy enough to take on two vampires with no guarantee that I’d step in and help. Lily tumbled to the ground with the vampire and he came to rest on top of her while I struggled to keep the other vampire from sinking his fangs into me.
I needed to convince these vampires that werewolf blood had a nasty aftertaste.
When I rolled to my side, the vampire got the advantage and tumbled on top of me. He grabbed my arms. Was this some kind of joke? Was I on a hidden camera show? This was insane. I would not be his prey. Frantic, I struggled trying to think of what to do. Bring my knee up into his groin? If only I could get to his neck.
“You’re sexy when you fight,” he said with a devilish smirk. “I don’t want to hurt you. Just give us the human and I’ll let you go.”
Yeah, right. As if I’d believe anything he said.
“What the hell is going on? Get off her,” Jack yelled. I’d never seen his eyes have such ferocity. The blue of his irises almost turned to an icy glow. He stood as if ready to pounce.
Jack must have startled the vampires, because they both stopped their attacks and turned to look at him. Without notice, they stood, then disappeared out the door in a flash. I’d never seen anyone move that fast. Not even Lily when there was a sale on flea shampoo.
Lily and I both shifted back to human form. How did she change forms without ruining her clothing? I always at least busted a few seams.
“What just happened?” Jennifer asked, staring at the door, then back at me.
I shrugged and blew out a deep breath. “I have no idea, but thank goodness they’re gone.”
“I thought we were goners,” Jennifer said.
Jack stood at the end of the hallway in the same position as when he’d first emerged from the bedroom. His eyes were wide and his mouth hung open, stunned by the events. Honestly, he shouldn’t be surprised.
“Rylie, are you all right? Why was that man attacking you? Jesus. They were the same people looking for your uncle, weren’t they?”
“Yes, they’re the same people.” I blew out another long breath. I wished I could have made up an elaborate lie to make the situation seem better than it actually was, but that was impossible and I knew it.
“We have to put a stop to this craziness before you or someone else gets hurt. And why did they storm out?” he asked.
That was a question I couldn’t answer. My mind was still trying to process what had happened. Why would they leave when they saw Jack? They were looking for him. Why not take him? A look of terror had flashed in their eyes when they saw him.
Now that the vampires had disappeared, Lily turned to me and said, “Don’t think because I helped you that we’re friends now. I still don’t like you.”
I snorted. “Don’t worry. I didn’t get the impression that I’m your favorite person now.”
She glared as if daring me to criticize her. Lily would take any excuse to fight me she could find.
“But why are you here?” I asked.
She walked over to my living room window, peering out. Over her shoulder she said, “I can’t let you embarrass werewolves everywhere. Werewolves are supposed to be able to fight. If you won’t do it, then I’ll have to do it for you. We have a reputation to uphold.”
Jennifer quirked a brow.
“I’d hate to embarrass you, Lily. Heaven knows you haven’t embarrassed yourself with your public make-out sessions on my neighbor’s balcony for the whole world to see.”
Without an answer, Lily turned and stormed out of the room.
“She is insane,” Jennifer said.
“I’ve stopped trying to understand her logic. There’s no explaining the madness of Lily Friedman.”
Jack plopped down on the sofa. “I have no idea what is going on. I thought I heard the men ask for the human. Who were they talking about?”
Honesty was supposed to be the best policy. So why did I feel as if I’d regret what I was about to say? “They wanted you. They were looking for you.”
“Why? Why me? Who are these people? I should go to the police.” He leaned forward to stand.
I gestured for him to remain seated. “No, no. The pack police are on their way. They’ll take care of it. I think the vampires are just trying to scare me now by talking to you. I’ll find my Uncle Ernie and all of this will be taken care of. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
I was an evil woman for lying to Jack, but I didn’t want to worry him with the truth. Not until I knew what the truth was.
Jack ran his hand through his hair. “It was so strange. I was in the bedroom…the weirdest feeling came over me. It was as if I sensed the vampires were he
re.” Was it because they’d bitten him? “I don’t know what to do. I slept, but it doesn’t feel as if I did. I’m still so tired.”
“You need to get some rest.” I wasn’t sure what Jack’s body was going through. Was this some form of slow turning process? “You obviously aren’t feeling well.”
He glanced over at the clock on the mantel. “I have work today. I have appointments all day. It’s almost daylight. I'm going to shower, dress, get some breakfast, then get to work. Do you want to go to breakfast? We can get a beignet.”
“Are you sure you’re up to it?” I moved closer and placed my hand on his shoulder.
“I’ll be fine.” He managed a weak smile, but at least he seemed more normal than when I’d brought him home. “I just need to get back to work. Make things normal again.”
My heart sank with his words. Life would never be normal for him again, just as it had never been normal for me. Guess that was why they called us paranormal.
“Are you sure you’re okay to work?” I asked. “You look, um, pale.”
“I’m fine. I’ve worked through much worse. It’s just a little bug, I’m sure it’ll be gone by tomorrow.”
Had I really expected to climb into a giant white carriage and ride off into the sunset with Jack? I was the last person who should be offering dating advice—much less running a matchmaking service. One step closer to the curse, I reminded myself.
Maybe he truly was feeling better, though. He’d mentioned eating a beignet instead of sucking on blood. That was a good sign, right? I bet the little bite was just a temporary thing. Whew. Yes, he’d be fine.
“If you’re sure. I can be ready soon.” Poor Jack. I could barely look him in the eyes. Being bitten by a vampire had probably freaked him out; it had freaked me out. Speaking of which, his eyes had returned to their normal azure hue.
“Great.” He hopped up from the sofa.
Jennifer sat quietly taking in the mess of our relationship. I saw her shake her head a few times. She’d let me have it as soon as Jack was out the door. Should I allow Jack go alone to his apartment? What was I saying? Again, I couldn’t be his babysitter. Maybe the vampires would leave him alone now. Obviously, they’d changed their minds about taking him away. Never mind why. I was just grateful. Thank goodness, that bite hadn’t done any more damage.
“I’ll see you in a few.” He kissed me lightly on the mouth and smiled. The cold of his lips made a tingle run through my body. I wanted and needed more than one kiss.
“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk,” Jennifer said when Jack walked out the door.
“What does that mean?” I asked, avoiding her stare.
“You can’t let him roam around like this. He can’t go out into the sunlight. He’ll spontaneously com—”
“Stop right there.” I warned with a point of my finger. “Don’t say those two words. You know that has always freaked me out.”
“Okay. How about if I say smontaneously combust?”
I stuck my fingers in my ears. “La, la, la. I’m not listening.”
“Okay, okay. I won’t say it, but do you think it’s safe to go out there after what happened this morning? Not to mention you don’t know what’s going on with Jack.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t let him turn into a charbroiled slab of beef.”
She shrugged. “If you say so. Did you see the look in his eyes? And why did the vampires take off? It’s like as soon as they saw Jack they freaked out.”
“Well, I wish I had answers to your questions. I heard about this thing…” I shook my head. “Never mind.”
“What thing?” Jennifer frowned.
Chapter Five
How to Date a Vampire, Rule #5:
Don’t use the pickup line, “Your coffin or mine?”
I blew out a breath. “About humans being turned only halfway. It’s like they’re stuck between the worlds. Not fully a vampire and not fully human anymore.”
“God, that’s awful. Do you think that’s what happened to Jack?”
I shrugged. “It’s possible, although I’m not sure how it works. I don’t remember all the details.”
“What are you going to do?” she asked.
“I know I have to do something. And I can’t do it from my apartment, either. It’s obvious Jack is going to try and go on with life as if nothing has happened. He can go to work as usual, then I’ll start my work at finding Ernie and getting this whole thing behind us.” See, I had a plan. Well, sort of… a loosely formed plan.
“If you say so. Just please be careful. What I saw today was crazy and terrifying and…” She shook her head. “I don’t ever want to see it again. I was afraid for your life.”
I stepped over and wrapped my arms around her. “I’m so sorry for putting you through this. I promise I’ll take care of it.”
She nodded and squeezed me back for several seconds until I thought she’d cut off my air flow.
Once she let go, she asked, “And where are the pack police anyway?” She stomped over to the window and peered down. It was hilarious to hear Jennifer speaking the paranormal lingo.
“They’re not known for being timely, I guess.”
Jennifer moved away from the window. “Follow me.” She gestured as she moved past.
“What are we doing?” I asked as I followed her out of the room and into her bedroom. A pink floral comforter covered her bed. Numerous pillows were lined up with military precision against the mahogany-stained headboard.
Jennifer plopped down at her desk in front of her laptop and typed into the search bar on the screen.
“Vampires not fully turned? That’s what you’re Googling?” I frowned.
“Well, do you have any better phrases? That’s what happened to him, right?”
“Okay, good point, but I don’t know for sure.”
“Well, this is a way to find out.” She pointed to the computer.
“Yeah…” I clucked my tongue. “Google is the best source for all paranormal information.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Carry on.” I gestured for her to continue. “You really think you’ll find something…oh,” I said when she pulled up a website devoted completely to this phenomenon.
Jennifer scooted her chair closer to the desk. “Now we’re on to something. Let’s see what it says.”
I leaned in closer over her shoulder as I looked at the screen.
She scrolled down the page. “Well, it’s not all bad.” She clucked her tongue. “Some of the benefits are improved night-vision, ability to sense other vampires, enhanced strength, and stamina.” She looked at me and her eyes widened while a devilish grin spread across her face.
“Get your mind out of the gutter,” I said, trying to control my smile. “What are the cons? Well, besides wanting to drink blood and being sensitive to the sun?” I asked.
“It doesn’t list cons.”
“Ugh. Figures.” I let out a heavy sigh.
The ability to sense other vampires would explain why Jack had said he sensed the vampires before he came out of the bedroom. He knew they were coming, I guess.
I paced the length of her bedroom. “Okay, this is good information, but what do I do to fix it?”
“Rylie, I don’t think there’s a way to fix it. This is for life.” Her voice held an overtone of apprehension. She met my gaze.
“Don’t say such things. There has to be a way to fix it. I can’t let this happen to him. I can’t just say, ‘Oh well, sorry Jack. Deal with it.’”
She gave me a pitying look. “I understand how you feel. It wasn’t your fault though. How were you supposed to know they’d bite him?”
“With my luck, I should have known. I shouldn’t have let him come with me.”
“You can’t shield him from your paranormal life forever.”
“Ugh. This sucks,” I said as I paced the length of the room again. “What am I going to do, Jennifer? I’ve gotten Jack into this mess. He’ll never forgive me for it. See, this is why I kno
w I still have the curse. Something like this would happen only to me.”
“Calm down. Don’t think like that. We’ll figure this out. So what are his symptoms?” Jennifer asked.
“Symptoms? Are they symptoms? It’s not like he has a cold.”
“Of course they’re symptoms. What else would you call them?”
“Quirks? Idiosyncrasies? Bad habits?”
She rolled her eyes. “Nice try.”
“Fine.” I let out a deep breath. “Well, he’s super sensitive to sunlight. He drinks blood from packages of raw meat. He has a fascination with my neck. So it doesn’t make sense. I mean, if he were a vampire, he wouldn’t be able to go out into the sun, at all. He can still eat food; he just has a craving for blood.” I shivered.
“Gross,” Jennifer said. “I could never date a vampire. The drinking blood thing would gross me out.”
“Do you have any idea how ridiculous I’d look to my clients if they knew I was Googling information on vampires? I’m supposed to know these things, for heaven’s sake.”
“How are you possibly supposed to know about vampires? Just because you’re a werewolf doesn’t mean you’re an expert on all things paranormal.”
“Well, I should know more than I do. I need to make a couple of phone calls and try to get to the bottom of what is going on. Plus, I need to find out who the vampires are who did this to him. They should pay for what they’ve done. They can’t just go around biting people whenever they want… all willy-nilly.”
“I know you said you needed to know more about vampires, but um, isn’t biting people kind of their thing? You know, like you howl at the moon, vampires bite.”
“Thanks for clearing that up for me. It’s not the old days, they can’t get away with that biting junk anymore. I doubt they’re as blood-starved as they’ve led everyone to believe. What an act. And they’ve had everyone fooled all these years.”
“Are you going to tell Jack about the woman who came to the apartment with the address?”
“Ugh. I don’t know. I should tell him. But what if he’d wanted to go? I couldn’t let him go into that deathtrap.”
