Chapter 7
Dinner
Gathering around the mahogany dining table for our daily meal, I decide to share about the past month of school. “This guy in a few of my classes Nathanial, or Nate as everyone calls him, concerns me. He seems to relax all of us and release our inhibitions. I’ll admit I’m extremely attracted to him and can’t get his scent out of my head. I’m concerned about what he may learn or what I may do because of this somewhat embarrassing infatuation.”
“I must agree with Sophia. There is something unusual about him, something alluring and disarming. Although I really like him, he’s kind, and Sophia’s and his souls match better than any I have seen before,” Matilda adds as she pours a ladle full of the blood gazpacho Florence has prepared for dinner into her bowl.
In his traditional fatherly tone, Elijah says, “We should meet this boy then, to ensure the safety of the family.”
“There’s a football game tomorrow night. He’s the quarterback,” I announce, blushing slightly.
Elijah grins. “It’s settled then. We’ll attend the game as a family. What about the rest of you? How has school been working out?”
We all look at Danika, waiting for her response. She is quick to oblige. “I love it there. Oh, Sophia forgot to mention how cute Nate is too.”
“Seriously? You’re thinking about that? You’re new to this lifestyle, and we have just begun to integrate you back into society. I think you have bigger concerns than a cute boy.” My frustration with Danika’s adolescent outlook is quick to take over.
“Oh relax a little, Sophia. I’m just a teenager, and I want to enjoy being one while I really am.”
Why did we have to welcome her into our family? She just knows how to get under my skin, and I don’t trust her. As I eat my dinner, I try to calm myself and avoid jumping across the table to strangle her. I wonder if she deserves more credit than I have been giving her, but I realize I just can’t give it to her.
Alexander gives me a little look. “I think Danika has been doing very well. She hasn’t had a difficult time dealing with temptation and she has maintained our cover.”
“Thank you, Alex. It has been difficult at times. I just don’t want to disappoint any of you. This family is all I have and Sophia already hates me. Constance could have left me outside the hospital that night to fend for myself or left me for someone else to claim. I am happy to have a second chance.”
“Danika, I’m sorry. I don’t mean for you to think that I hate you, although I understand it may seem that way. I guess I’m just having a hard time letting someone in after losing Caspian and Ashley.”
With wide eyes searching for approval, Danika begins to plead, “I understand, but don’t you think if I was going to do something to harm this family, Constance would have seen it?”
“She’s right. Ever since the night I found her, I have only seen her as part of our family. Nothing more and nothing less. I think we all need to regroup as a family unit. This should be a memorable experience for all of us. Being back in Wenham again will bring us closer together.” Constance begins to clear the table as Florence brings in dessert.
“Anyone interested in some blood sorbet? I infused the donor bags with citrus to give it a nice twist.”
We all dig in. Florence is an amazing chef, and after so many years of having to feed directly from the source, she has come up with many new ways for us to feed.
“Florence how is our blood supply? Should I order more from the Hematology clinic?” Isaac offers.
“No. I think we are alright for human blood, but maybe you boys should get some more animal blood tonight. I like to mix the two so we do not cause a shortage with the blood banks. That could raise suspicions.”
I admire Florence so much. She’s meant to be a mother, always ensuring things are in order. I smile just thinking about her. “Can I come? I could use a night out hunting.”
“Sure. Why don’t you help me gather the materials?” Isaac suggests.
Matilda gathers the dessert dishes for the table as the boys and I retreat to Isaac’s office.
“Okay, Sophia. We need to gather supplies. I need the twelve-gauge needles. The sixteen-gauge are used for humans, but I find that a larger needle allows for faster recovery of the blood with animals,” Isaac explains.
“You can’t help but act like a teacher, can you?” I giggle.
“I believe in lifelong learning, and you have already had a longer life than any mortal, so it is time to learn something new.”
I smile as I look for the needles. “What next?”
“We need the poly bag, that blood bag that has a little fluid in it. The fluid you see is the anticoagulant, to prevent clotting. We also need the tubing and the cooler. That about covers it.”
“I thought you sedated the animals to make it easier?”
“Oh yeah, I almost forgot. We need the tranquilizer gun. Good catch, kid.”
“Did you seriously just call me ‘kid’?”
Isaac chuckles. “Yep. To me, you are a kid. Now come on and let’s hunt.”
Alexander and I load the supplies in the back of Elijah’s H2 and close the tailgate. I love this Hummer.
Immortal Embrace Page 7
