Bite Me I'm Yours

by Stacy McKitrick

  Sarah wrung her hands together . Why not stay? John would arrive shortly and she could use him as an excuse to leave and show she was into men, not women. Besides, maybe the job would be fun. Or pay more. She picked up a muffin and bit into it. The flavor of blueberries filled her mouth. Damn, they were good. But then, blueberry muffins were her favorite. She added creamer to her coffee and took a sip. “Okay, I’m listening.”

  Ms. Delany explained her business, while making sure Sarah’s cup stayed full. And with the frigid weather, Sarah gulped the coffee down. Hey, maybe that’s what she needed to stay awake after a sexy session with John: caffeine. She’d certainly put it to the test tonight.

  “What do you say? Think you could stand to work for me? I’d pay to relocate you.”

  “Relocate?” Sarah blinked several times. Damn eyelids were getting heavy. She’d only slept maybe a total of four hours the night before and it was catching up with her. Okay, so maybe the caffeine wouldn’t work tonight. She fought to appear attentive, while the table begged her to rest her head.

  “Oh. I’m sorry. Didn’t I mention? The job is in Detroit.”

  Sure, John would probably follow her anywhere, but Detroit? It had to be way colder than Dayton. If she were to move anywhere, it would be south, where summer lived year-round, especially since it appeared she wouldn’t be a vampire.

  Her chest tightened. Crap. Why’d she have to think of that again? It was what kept her awake most of the night as it was. Her heart grew heavy and her nose tingled. No! She would not cry. Must think positive thoughts. If John had hope, so could she.

  Ms. Delany placed her hand over Sarah’s. “Ms. Daugherty?”

  Sarah took a deep breath and put the vampire business out of her mind. What were they talking about? Her head was getting fuzzy. Oh yes, the job. “I’m really flattered, but I’m afraid I’ll have to decline. I’m not looking to relocate at this time. Thank you for the muffin. It was delicious.” She bent over for her things and the room spun sideways. Whoa, what was that? She grabbed onto the table for fear of falling over. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think she was drunk.

  “Oh dear, are you okay?” Ms. Delany asked.

  Pinpricks of fear tingled over Sarah’s skin. Not drunk. Drugged. What the hell was in that coffee and who was this woman? She had to leave before she passed out, but her mind was already foggy. Slowly, she rose and reached for her coat. “I’m fine. I just need some air.”

  Ms. Delany dashed to Sarah’s side—a little too quickly—and grabbed Sarah’s elbow. Her grip rivaled that of John’s. “You don’t look at all well. Why don’t I help you to the ladies room? Maybe some water would help.”

  Oh shit. Was Ms. Delany the vampire behind everything? If so, why not put that vampire strength to use? Then again, maybe she wanted Sarah unconscious first, so she couldn’t make a scene. Or call for John.

  John! God, please let him be outside.

  * * * *

  A woman, huddled inside her coat as the wind whipped her hair around, walked past John and stared at him as if he’d come from another planet. Had he forgotten to zip? He looked down at himself. Oops. In his hurry to leave, he’d put on his jean jacket. Not exactly proper outwear on what appeared to be a blustery evening. No way was he going back to change. He’d already gotten a late start as it was. Of all the days for Mike to have car trouble.

  If the temperature had dropped considerably, maybe he should have brought the Xterra. Guess he’d have to keep Sarah warm in other ways. Or warm her up after their walk. He didn’t have a bathtub, but the shower could hold two, provided those two didn’t mind being close and intimate. He smiled. Oh yeah, they would have some fun in the shower tonight.

  He had just turned the corner toward the coffee shop when the back of his neck tingled and his stomach twisted. Now what? He’d already fed.

  His name reverberated through the air and was abruptly cut off. Sarah!

  He bolted for the door and plowed inside. Sarah was entangled amidst a table and chair, using them as an anchor while a woman grabbed her around the waist.

  “What are you doing?” he barked.

  The woman dropped Sarah. In a flash, she’d disappeared out the back.

  Damn it. She must be the vampire responsible. If only he’d nabbed before yelling, he might have captured her or at least seen her face. No way was he chasing her though. Sarah came first.

  She hugged one chair while her legs were wrapped around another. When she saw John, she scrambled to her feet, but her motor skills were sluggish and she fell back into the pile of chairs. What was wrong with her? He rushed to her aid, freeing her from the offending pieces. She stayed on the floor and looked up at him with squinty eyes.

  “Sarah, are you okay? Did she hurt you?”

  He lifted her, but her legs were wobbly and she couldn’t stand. Instead, he lowered her to the floor and placed her in his lap.

  Her head moved erratically before her glazed-over gaze locked onto his. She blinked several times then placed an unsteady hand against his cheek. “John? You came.”

  She’d been drugged and was fighting the effects, but he didn’t think she would last much longer.

  “Yes, sweetie, it’s me. Do you remember what happened?”

  Her words were slurred and he strained to make out what she was saying. “Vampire. Tried to fight. God, you’re beautiful. Did I ever tell you that?”

  “It’s okay, you’re safe now.” He hugged her tight. Damn, he’d almost lost her again. If he had been a few minutes later… No, he couldn’t think like that. He was here and she was safe. And she would be safer once he took her home. He stood with her in his arms.

  “We going somewhere?” she asked.

  “In a minute.” He flipped a chair upright and lowered her onto it, then grabbed a table and scooted it up to her. “Can you sit here without falling?”

  “Sure, John.” She grabbed onto the table and placed her head on the surface with a rather loud thud. John cringed.

  Once he determined she wouldn’t topple over, he locked the front door then headed in the direction the vampire had taken.

  Wind whipped in through the open door of the kitchen. Only dumpsters stood in the alley, not that he expected she’d be waiting for him. He shut the door and headed back toward Sarah. She hadn’t moved, but she was humming “Rock the Casbah.” Of all the songs… He shook his head. What the hell had she ingested?

  Muffins littered the floor and a carafe had rolled up against the counter. He sniffed and tasted each. While the muffins seemed fine, he discovered a chemical substance in the coffee. Should he take her to the hospital? No, if the vampire had wanted her dead, she’d be dead. He would take her home and let her sleep it off. But before he could do that, he needed to clean up the mess. Sarah’s fingerprints were sure to be everywhere.

  It didn’t take long for John to straighten up. He bundled up Sarah and carried her home, not able to relax until he arrived at his stairwell. He opened the apartment and lowered her to the couch. She wasn’t down but a second when she covered her mouth and gagged.

  Shit. He picked her up and rushed to the bathroom. He had just gotten her situated over the toilet when she heaved. Holding her head so she wouldn’t bang it against the seat, he waited for her to finish, then wet a washcloth and wiped her mouth. As he placed the cloth in the sink, she became limp in his arms. She had finally passed out.

  What had he done to cause this vampire to hurt him like this? And why did she have to involve Sarah at all? Sarah didn’t deserve any of this. She only had the misfortune to love a vampire. If it weren’t for him, she wouldn’t be in this mess.

  He carried her to the bedroom and gently placed her on the bed. After getting her outerwear off, he removed her shoes, uncovering her socks. Penguins. His chest tightened and everything inside him ached to cry. She’d been out cold the last time he’d seen those socks. Maybe he should suggest she get rid of them. They certainly didn’t b
ring her luck. He covered her with a blanket and lay beside her. An unfamiliar scent lingered on her clothes. The scent had to belong to the vampire responsible, but who the hell was she?

  John pulled out his cellphone and punched in Barnet’s number. He didn’t even give the man a chance to say hello. “I saw the vampire. She’s attacked Sarah again. Can you come?”

  “Perry’s probably closer. I’ll call—”

  “No! I don’t want him here.”

  “Okay, John. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  He lay back down beside her. Her breathing seemed normal and when he took her pulse he found it to be a tad fast, but strong. How was he ever going to do right by her?

  He lost track of time, but her chest had risen one thousand one hundred and thirty-four times before Barnet appeared in the doorway. John hadn’t even heard him enter the apartment.

  “How is she?”

  John stood. “She’s been drugged. I’m hoping it only knocked her out, since her heart rate and breathing are normal. But if I can’t rouse her in a few hours, I’m taking her to the hospital.”

  “Can we talk in the other room? I feel like we’re disturbing her.”

  “Do me a favor first? The woman’s scent is on Sarah’s clothes.”

  Barnet took two steps, then stopped. “When did you feed from her last?”

  “Not since your visit. But I can trust you, right?”

  Barnet placed his hand on John’s shoulder. “Yes, you can trust me. Just don’t be mad if I enjoy this, okay?”

  John nodded. He pulled the covers down, stood back, and crossed his arms.

  Barnet took Sarah’s hand, leaned over and sniffed. “She’s rather exotic, isn’t she?”

  The urge to pull Barnet away came fast and strong. John clasped his hands behind his back. “She’s affecting you?”

  “Not much. A little bit of warmth and a touch of wild meadows. She smells like home. Is that what she smells like to you?”

  “Home, yes, but it’s strawberries for me.” John gritted his teeth. “Jasmine for Perry.”

  “Interesting.” He sniffed her sleeve and then jerked upward. “Impossible.”

  “Who is it?”

  “You didn’t recognize her?”

  “I only saw her back. Why? Should I know her?”

  * * * *

  Sarah was fighting a losing battle and she couldn’t even see her attackers. But they were everywhere, she could feel them. Flailing her arms, she hit them several times before they restrained her.

  “Sarah, stop!”

  His voice was familiar, but why? Someone pinned her arms and she squirmed. “Let me go,” she cried.

  “Sarah, open your eyes.”

  Were they closed? Was that her problem? She opened them and found a man straddling her. The light source behind him kept him in shadows. He was the reason she couldn’t move. She screamed when he clamped a hand over her mouth.

  “Sarah, it’s me, John. It’s okay. You’re safe.”

  John? She blinked her eyesight into focus and took in his scent. It was him. She stopped squirming and tears sprang from her eyes.

  He removed his hand, crawled off her, and then lifted her into his arms. “It’s okay Sarah. You’re going to be okay.”

  She hugged him tight, his wonderful scent calming her. He was real and he was holding her. She cried until the memory of her nightmare faded.

  “Where are we?” she asked.

  “At my apartment. I didn’t think you were ever going to be lucid. Do you remember anything?”

  Unable to find a tissue, she grabbed the sheet and wiped her face. When she sniffled, John excused himself and came back with a roll of toilet paper. “Will this do?”

  She nodded and used some to blow her nose. “Thanks.” Breathing easier, she fought to remember the events, but it was as if a fog had settled over everything. “I remember going to the coffee shop and meeting Ms. Delany. Then it gets fuzzy. But I think she’s a vampire.”

  John looked away and was quiet for a moment before speaking. “And you’d be correct.”

  She scooted back against the wall. “So you caught her?”

  He paused longer this time. “No, but we know who she is.” He met her gaze. “Used to go by the name of Danielle Delaveaux.”

  “Danielle? Your Danielle? I thought she was executed.”

  He chuckled, but there was no joy behind it. “Surprised us, too.”

  “Are you sure it’s her?”

  “Barnet is. He smelled her on your clothes. I never got a chance to imprint her scent after my turning, she was taken away before I could do that. Maybe if I had...”

  She grabbed his arm. “Don’t go blaming yourself for something you had no control over. So what happened? How is she alive?”

  “We don’t know. Barnet’s checking into that.”

  “What do you think her plans are, since she didn’t…you know, kill me?”

  He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. “Something sick and twisted, I’m sure. I’m just thankful I was there when you screamed. If I had been a few minutes later…”

  She hugged him. “Don’t. I’m fine. You got me.”

  He didn’t return the hug and the disappointment stung.

  She pulled away. “What’s the matter?”

  “This is all my fault. You don’t know how sorry I am to have dragged you into all of this. Maybe you’d be better off without me in your life.”

  “Don’t say that. How could you know? She’s doing this, not you. Would you have me blame myself for what Steven did to me?”

  John flinched. Good. She’d made her point.

  “But Sarah—”

  She covered his mouth. “No. This isn’t your fault. None of this is your fault. Don’t you realize how happy you’ve made me? Even with all the craziness we’re going through? Don’t take that away from me. Please don’t do that.” Tears she thought had dried sprang to life once more.

  “Ah, Sarah,” he said and then hugged her tight.

  She clung to him. She never wanted to let him go. “I love you, John.”

  “I love you, too.”

  It took some effort, but she was able to compose herself enough and pull away. With the room so dark, she had no idea if it were day or night. “What time is it? How long was I out?”

  He looked at his watch. “Seven-fifteen.”

  “In the morning? Crap. I’m going to be late for work.” She scooted to the edge of the bed, but John grabbed her arm.

  “What do you mean work? You’re not going anywhere.”

  “John, stop it. I’m fine.” She wrenched her arm free, but when she put weight on her feet, her legs gave out. She would have fallen if John hadn’t caught her.

  He picked her up and placed her back on the bed. “You can’t even stand,” he said as he sat beside her. “You’re not going back until this is over.”

  Was he trying to pick a fight? Didn’t he realize what he was saying? “Don’t go there. I won’t have you telling me what I can or cannot do. I’ve lived that life before and I won’t live it again.”

  He placed his head in his hands. “Oh God, Sarah. I don’t mean to sound controlling. Please understand. I can’t protect you if you go out there.”

  She pulled his hands away. He was going to look at her when she spoke. “So you want to imprison me?”

  He placed his hands on her shoulders. “That’s not what I want to do. When this mess is over with, things will be different.”

  “Yes, but how long will that take? I can’t live my life around uncertainty. Danielle may strike tomorrow or wait a month. We don’t know, do we? I can’t have other people controlling what I do. That isn’t any way to live. I could get hit by a bus tomorrow and this Ray and Danielle mess won’t matter a bit.”

  “Don’t talk like that.”

  “Well, it’s true.”

  “Damn it. I wish I could turn you now. I’d do it.�
��

  “You mean it? You wouldn’t make me wait?”

  “I’d do anything to keep you safe.” He dropped his arms and lowered his head. “But even if Barnet is wrong and it worked, I still can’t turn you without permission, so what am I supposed to do?”

  Stupid permission, but she certainly didn’t want to cause John any problems. Then again, Barnet could be correct and she couldn’t be turned. “Trust me?”

  “I do trust you.”

  “Then please don’t cage me up like an animal. I can’t live that way.”

  He jumped up and paced the small room. “I know, I know! I’m sorry. I know I don’t have any right.” After a few moments, he stopped. “Can you do me a favor?”

  “What kind of favor?”

  He took her face into his hands. “I’m not asking you to give up your job or your friends, but do you think you could not go into work today? You’re really in no shape and I’d feel so much better having you close. Can you do that for me? Would you do that for me? Please?”

  While Sarah could quickly recover from the physical abuse Danielle inflicted, the mental abuse John was suffering might not be so easy to repair. The agony on his face could easily be erased with one little word. He wasn’t asking for much. “Yes, John. I can do that.”

  Chapter 32

  “Do you have any plans for Valentine’s Day?” Lori asked Sarah.

  They were sitting in the break room, eating their lunch. John seemed to think Sarah would be safer if she stayed at work all day and she had no problem with that. The less she traveled the better. Why make it easier for Danielle to capture her?

  “Valentine’s Day? Is that coming up?” Sarah asked before taking a bite of her sandwich.

  “Yeah, silly, it’s tomorrow.”

  Sarah had never really cared for the holiday. It was just another day to make lonely people feel lonelier. Not that she would feel lonely this year, but then she didn’t need a holiday for John to prove his love. He showed her every day. She didn’t even have to ask him to feed from her last night and his initiation made it all the sweeter, since it appeared he’d done it out of enjoyment instead of some insane need to protect her. “If John has made any plans, he hasn’t shared them with me.”