by V. Vaughn
"Sebastian has it." Alexander looks at me with compassion. "I know it's hard to have your life cut off like this, but it does get easier."
"Thanks. I was just thinking I should text people to keep up with my story."
"Sebastian probably did that for you. I suspect he told people you were disconnecting your phone and would be in touch when you got done in South Africa."
I nod as I think about how efficiently Sebastian has erased me from my life. I know when my summer friends and I part ways, nobody tends to stay in touch until we see each other again the next season. And each year, we lose a few and gain a few. I'll fade away, and once in a while, someone will ask if anyone knows what I'm up to. But I won't be a fixture in anyone's mind. This is worse than dying. I frown as the pool balls crack when Alexander breaks, and I watch as one falls into a pocket. My sense of loss fills me, and I fight the urge to cry.
When it's my turn, I shake it off and gaze at the layout of the balls left on the table. I move over to an easy shot and execute it perfectly. It makes me think about how I've been given a second chance to exist on earth, and I have to find a way to accept what is before me right now instead of mourning a past I can't change. I line up a difficult shot, and my cue stick taps on the ball with just the right force I make the shot.
"Nice!" says Alexander. "You play this game well."
"Thanks." I smile at him and take another sip of my beer as I remember how hard I practiced to get good at pool. I grew up with the belief that whatever it is you do, give it your all. I've had jobs I didn't enjoy, but I didn't quit until I fulfilled my commitment. A strong sense of duty fills me, and I somehow know in my stone-cold heart this is where I'm supposed to be. I didn't choose to become a vampire, but I think I need to dedicate myself to being the best one I can.
7
Lyndsey
Alexander and I play pool for a few hours before we break to eat— drink more blood. He takes me to the kitchen, and I sit on a stool at a sand-colored granite countertop as I take in the stainless steel appliances. It occurs to me that Kitty must be the only one that uses them. I ask Alexander, "Where do you get the blood?" as I watch him cut a clear bag open. The contents splash into a pitcher as he pours.
“It's one of the many business ventures Sebastian and I run. We created a technically nonprofit blood bank where the donors get paid.”
"Technically?" I'm pleased to hear they compensate the donors.
"Yeah." Alexander takes two glasses out of the cabinet, and they clunk on the counter before he fills them up for us. "We charge our vampire clientele and make a nice chunk of change doing it. Since vampires don't exist, it's tax free and off the books. The nonprofit part has major fundraisers so we can give it to hospitals."
I smile at the irony as I picture Alexander and Sebastian in tuxedos, raising money for a blood bank. I lift my glass to my mouth and take a big swig as I try not to dwell on what I'm drinking for energy. As much as my mind is horrified, my body loves the taste, and I immediately down the rest of my cup.
Alexander swallows a mouthful and grimaces as he stares at his glass. He says, "This isn't anything like fresh warm blood from a human, but since we try to keep new vampires on the bagged version of food until they've cycled through all the phases, this is it for now."
I let out a sigh with the pleasure of my feed. Because the high from this is amazing already, I'm more than happy to stay away from the human experience as long as I can. But I might not be able to if it's a necessary part of vampire training. "You said earlier that I cycled through the phases of changing already. What does that mean for me now?"
"It's interesting that you should ask, because I was thinking about this earlier. The hardest part. We'll slowly work on introducing you to the scent of humans and exercising restraint around them."
I scowl as I recall how I felt when I saw people the night I was changed behind the restaurant. I'd never been more crazed and out of control of my actions, and I wonder how I'll ever learn to tame it. Right now, I can't even fathom being able to stop myself from sucking them dry. "How long until I learn to feed from people?"
"It's months for most new vampires." Alexander shakes his head as a smile covers his face. "But you're not usual, Lyndsey."
"Still not going to tell me why?"
"You're going to have a million questions, and I don't have all the answers. Sebastian is more familiar with your gifts and better equipped to help you realize their potential." He downs the rest of his drink as if it's a necessary evil. "I think it's best if we focus on what most vampires can do first."
I glance around the kitchen, which is lit by unnatural light, and notice blackout shades over the windows. It makes me itchy for fresh air. "Any chance I can go outside tonight? I know the dark-cave thing you've got going here is necessary, but I feel cooped up."
"I'm already on it. You're going cliff hopping later."
"Cliff hopping." I think about my new strength and imagine I have amazing agility too. I wish I could surf too. But it won't do me any good to miss things I can't have, so I push the thought away. I say, "Now that sounds like my kind of activity. What is it?"
"Jumping from rock to rock like a kid." He grins. "I know you were a surfer, and I think you're going to love it."
The blood has given me a surge of energy, and I'm eager to move. I ask, "Why can't we go now? It has to be dark out."
"It is, but it's still too early to be sure people aren't out on the rocks. After midnight, I'll take you." Alexander puts our glasses in the dishwasher, and the contents rattle as he shuts the door. "Want to watch a movie to pass the time? We've got a killer theater and access to anything you can think of."
"Sure."
Alexander takes me to a room down the same hall as the ballroom where we played pool. As he said, it's an amazing theater, with soft leather chairs that extend to let you stretch out your feet, and there's surround sound just as a commercial theater has. We watch a spy movie, and Alexander comments on the stunts to explain how much better vampires could do them.
At one point, he excuses himself to take a phone call, and when the movie is over, he flips on the lights and returns to his seat to sit next to me again. He twists to face me and says, "That was my friend Adly who called earlier. He's coming to visit and will be the one to take you out cliff hopping while I take care of another matter."
Disappointment fills me, because I enjoy Alexander's company. "Okay."
He must notice my hesitation, because he says, "You'll have fun. Adly's not that old and is still enamored with our amazing physical abilities."
Great. He's handing me off to a teenager.
Alexander chuckles. "Don't look so glum. What I mean is he hasn't been a vampire for hundreds of years, only a few decades. I think his body is about twenty-five, and I'm told he's hot."
"Yeah?" I chuckle now too. "Who says?"
"Human women drool over him." He makes a face of disgust. "I mean actual drool dripping off their chins."
I envision his exaggeration and tease back. "You clearly need to find a better place to find women."
"Tell me about it." Alexander's brow knits. "Unfortunately, I have to chain you up again, because my engagement is with a human that will be entering the house. This is the first part of your tolerance training."
"Oh. So I'll know he's here?"
"He's a— " He pauses as if he thinks better of what he was about to reveal, and he stands up. "Yes. But you just ate, and I won't make you suffer too long. Adly will take you outside as soon as he can."
I frown as I wonder how difficult it's going to be to maintain control, and I follow him out of the theater.
Alexander walks beside me and says, "You can do this. The scent will be faint, and it will be a manageable first trial for you."
When we get back to my room, I willingly go sit on my bed to let him chain me up. The metal restraints are cool on my skin as he locks them. He says, "Adly will be here soon. Have fun."
I nod at hi
m before he walks away. I enjoyed myself today, and while being a vampire was in the forefront of my mind for most of it, I think I must be adjusting to my new life. I'm actually looking forward to cliff hopping tonight.
The moment the live person enters the Hart mansion, the scent hits me like a ton of bricks, and my brain hums with the urge to feed. I inhale the scent as if it can satisfy me and moan with my craving, but I don't lose complete control of my senses. I grab on to the thread of my sanity. I need to find something to distract myself. I close my eyes and imagine the ocean. I recall the sound of the sea crashing on a beach and the sensation of cold Maine waters on my skin as my muscles stay warm from paddling out to find the perfect wave. I imagine watching the swells as they come in sets of three or four and determining which wave is the cleanest.
A knock on my door breaks my concentration, and I glance over as a blond guy strolls in. He's got the super-sexed look of a vampire, but I think this guy was very attractive before he became one. He says, "I'm Adly."
I nod as I swallow with the hope I can have a conversation. "Lyndsey." I shake my head as I squeeze my eyes shut to try to block out my need to thrash about with the hope I can get free.
"I know. This part's a bitch," says Adly as he walks over to the bureau and opens my bag on top of it. He rifles through my clothes and grabs some before he sits on the bed near me. He has a pair of handcuffs and clicks them around both our wrists. "Let me state up front I'm going to manhandle you out of here, but once we get outside, you'll find relief. Got it?"
I nod quickly as I clench tight to my self control, and he releases my limbs. I'm determined not to lose it, and I envision my wave again as I stand up. Adly scans my body. I'm still wearing the loose shorts and T-shirt I put on earlier, and he asks, "How modest are you?"
"Right now?" I close off my nose with my tongue at the back of my throat in an attempt to block the intoxicating odor of warm blood. But I have to stop to speak, and my voice is strained as I say, "Not at all."
"Good. I've got clothes and sneakers for you, and you can change in the driveway so we can get you out of here."
I stumble down the stairs in a daze, and it takes every ounce of willpower I've got to keep from yanking away from Adly to race back up and in the direction of where I know the human is. I race toward the door instead as if I can't breathe until I get outside.
Adly follows my lead, and when we get to the porch, I gasp as if I do need to breathe. "Oh my god," I say as I flood my nostrils with the odor of ocean air.
He keeps us walking toward the car, and when we get there, he says, "I'm beyond impressed. Was that really the first time you smelled a human since you changed?"
"No. Right after I changed, I did, and Sebastian had to drag me away from the area."
We’ve reached the car, and he says, "That doesn't count. It was before you cycled." He hands me my yoga pants and a long-sleeved T-shirt. “You’re going to need these to help keep you from getting scraped up on the rocks.” I notice a bra and underwear tucked in between them, and I’m impressed with his thoughtfulness.
"How is your control now?" he asks.
I sniff and don't detect any blood. I shrug. "Good." I'm a bit amazed, actually. "Really good. It's like the need was flipped off like a light switch."
"Okay." Adly pulls a key out of his pocket and removes our handcuffs. "I'm sorry, but I can't turn around while you get dressed in case you decide you can get away from me. You understand, right?"
I nod as I grin. Since my body is way sexier than it's ever been I'm more than okay with it. "Yeah. It's fine. I'm smoking hot, by the way. So I'll understand if you can't help staring."
Adly chuckles. "I'd be worr— Oh hell, who am I kidding. I'd be thrilled if you were still in your nympho phase, and would strip down for you too. Being a vampire is damn good sometimes."
Alexander or Sebastian must have a good eye for sizes, because my bra fits perfectly over my new full breasts. Once I'm dressed, I say, "Let's go play."
"Follow me," says Adly before he takes off at light speed. I let out a squeal when I run too and realize I can keep up. We get to the rocky coast in seconds, and Adly leads me through a game of follow-the-leader.
My feet barely touch down on the slick rocks as I launch myself amazing distances. Ocean water splashes and douses us as I push to go farther and faster. I stumble a few times and take one nasty fall that might have required an emergency room visit if I were human, but as a vampire, I barely take a breather before I heal to good as new.
I'm not sure how long we play, but it's not nearly enough for me when Adly stops us and says we have to return to the house. I walk slowly as we approach the door, because the closer we get, the more the human scent teases me, and I turn to Adly before I lose control. "Thank you for this. I think the thing I'm going to miss most about being alive is outdoor activities."
He gives me a wry smile. "A lot about this sucks at first, but it really does get better." He reaches out and places his hand on my arm. "I had fun tonight. Don't be a stranger."
I place my hand over his. "Thank you, Adly." He reminds me of Aiden, and my heart aches a little. While no guy will ever replace Aiden for me, I think Adly may become a good friend.
8
Maggie
I gaze at the line of people waiting for me to sign their books and notice the high voices of excited women speaking on top of each other. The thing about pretending to be someone else is that your past doesn't haunt you. Kitty Kane isn't known for being the sick girl who had a heart transplant. She's not a young woman who had no idea landing a job for Sebastian Hart would immerse her into the secret world of vampires, and she definitely isn't under Sebastian's thumb when he and Kitty are in public. I smile as another fan gushes on about how I'm her favorite author and then tells Sebastian how lucky he is to work for me. It's petty, I know, but I'm having fun.
Adly's in the bookstore tonight, and he's been wandering around, talking to the women. I heard one ask him if he was a cover model, and I can't wait to tease him about it. I'm glad we're becoming friends, because I think he's going to make this monthlong book tour with Sebastian tolerable.
When the signing is over, the three of us get into the limo to go back to the hotel. Tomorrow morning, we're driving to Hartford, Connecticut, for our next engagement. I lean back in my seat and kick off my heels. The air from the vent is cool on my toes. "That went well," I say. "Don't you think?"
"Yes," says Sebastian. "You've gotten comfortable being Kitty."
I detect a note of sarcasm in his voice, but I ignore it. "I have. It's fun." I sigh as I sink a little further into the leather seat. "I may have found my calling."
Sebastian chuckles at me, and Adly calls out from the front. "Anyone up for a little celebrating?"
I sit up. "I would be. Do you have something fun in mind?"
"I know a place that has a band tonight. How about some crowded, sweaty dancing?"
I think about the nightclub scenes I've seen in movies, because I've never actually been to one, and I say, "I'd love it."
"Sebastian?" asks Adly.
He frowns. "No, thank you. My club days are long gone." My boss trains his gaze on me. "You'll stay with Adly the whole time."
Since I don't need a repeat of what happened with Robert at the bar earlier tonight, I say, "Of course. I'm going to make him dance every song."
"I'll keep her safe," says Adly. "Although, my moves can be dangerous."
I let out a snort. Sebastian says, "Very well. Don't drink too much, Margaret. You'll need to be at your best tomorrow night too."
"Yes, Dad," I say, and Sebastian scowls a bit before I add, "I'm teasing. I know you worry about my safety, but I promise I'll stick to Adly like glue the whole night." I lean in close and whisper, even though I know Adly's vampire ears can hear me. "He's the closest thing I've got to a friend. I won't ruin it."
Sebastian says, "Thank you."
I squirm with excitement about going out as we pull into the hote
l parking garage, and Adly and I make a plan for him to come get me in an hour. When I get to my room, I sift through my luggage to find my slinky green halter top, and denim scrapes at my thighs as I tug on a pair of tight jeans. I put on black heels and add a dry eyeliner to complete my look.
When I open the door to Adly, he lets out a low whistle, and I giggle as I twirl to give him a full view. He's wearing a tight T-shirt and loose jeans, and I scan him with my gaze before I bare my teeth as if I'm a vampire and say, "Someone's looking quite delicious."
He lets out a growl. "Let's go show them how Kitty Kane parties."
I turn to Sebastian, who is on the couch with a book. "I'll be safe. I promise."
He smiles. "I trust you will. Have a good time."
My heels tap on the concrete of the parking garage as we walk to the car, and I get in the front seat of the limo. When I climb in, Adly turns to me. "I was afraid Sebastian would want to come, but fortunately, I remembered his distaste for sweaty crowds of humans."
I grin. "I knew I liked you. We will have more fun this way."
Adly gives me a wicked grin of his own as he presses the ignition button. "I'm not taking you dancing."
"You're not?"
He shakes his head. "There's a certain vampire I think you'd rather see, and Port Porpoise is less than two hours from here."
I squeal. "You're taking me to Alexander?"
The car engine hums as he shifts into drive. "I figure the guy could use a break from dealing with Lyndsey, and I know how much you miss him."
"Oh my god, Adly. I can't believe you'd do this for me."
He smiles as he focuses on traffic when we pull out onto the busy street. "You're fun, Maggie." He glances over at me. "You remind me of my younger sister. We were close, and you make me laugh the way she used to. I like hanging out with you."
I think about how Adly said he became a vampire because of a motorcycle accident, and I imagine he was torn from his family and that his loss was very painful. I reach over and touch his arm. "I like hanging out with you too."
