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Unfortunately, this is something I hear a lot, and usually not in a positive way. I’ve never fit into the social norms, and I always thought that was because of how I had grown up. Normal was never a word that applied to me. Now I’m discovering that the reason for that is because I wasn’t normal, I was a vampire. My emotions and excitement can sometimes get the better of me, meaning I might occasionally get a little… enthusiastic. Of course, that is always what people remember, never the more socially acceptable behaviour that I exhibit every day.
In this case, though, when he says I made an impression on him, I think he might mean it for the right reasons.
Jack glances around the room, looking grim. “This sort of place isn’t meant for someone like you.” Before I can ask what he means by that, he returns his gaze to me. “You were failed by the system when you were allowed to slip through the cracks and end up in a human orphanage.”
He almost made it sound like there was somewhere else I could have gone after my parents died…
“There are orphanages for supernaturals?” I blurt out before I can consider how stupid my question sounds. Of course there aren’t orphanages for—
“Yes. They should have taken care of you, and placed you with a family who could explain who and what you are.” Jack leans forward, his passion coming through as he gestures around us. “This place is for criminals.”
Wincing at the reminder, I almost stay silent, as I love the image he seems to have created of me in his mind. However, it’s wrong, and I can’t pretend like it didn’t happen.
“Well, I did kill my boyfriend…” Grimacing, I wait for him to remember that I’m a monster. He did arrest me, after all.
The shock and reprimands I’m expecting don’t come.
“The people in here committed crimes and knew full well what they were doing at the time.” He leans forward and rests his forearms on his thighs, and for a moment, I think he’s going to reach out to touch me. The moment passes, though, and he continues. “You were going through your transformation and had no idea what was happening. It was an accident. It’s remarkable that you were able to stop with him and not kill your housemate too.”
That’s a horrific thought. I had no idea that Tina was in such danger that night. He has obviously put some thought to this though. I’m not sure why he’s here. Is this just a passing visit because he couldn’t stop thinking of me, or is there another reason?
“Why are you trying to help me?” I hate how vulnerable I sound as I ask the question. It was supposed to sound strong and commanding. I’ve gotten through life with very little help, and I can continue that way. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.
Sighing, he finally reaches out and takes my hand in his. “Look, I want to be your sponsor.”
Frowning, I cock my head to one side in confusion, trying my best to ignore the tingles that burst from where he’s touching me. “Like AA?”
He laughs, his thumb rubbing circles into the back of my hand. “Sort of. As your sponsor, I will be able to vouch for you and try to get you out of here ASAP. Because of my role with the SNPD, I should be approved.” He scans my face, seeming to look for something in particular. “Have they arranged for a donor to come here and feed you yet?”
I shake my head, and he frowns but doesn’t look surprised.
“Then that is the first thing I’ll do. Hang tight, Emmy.”
Squeezing my hand, he smiles once more, determination brightening his face as he stands and leaves the room.
It looks like I have myself a sponsor.
Chapter Seven
“Ican’t help it. Whenever I see them together, a blinding rage just takes over me,” the male to my left explains, slumped back in his chair as though all of his willpower has been drained from him.
I nod sympathetically. At least, I do until I see no one else is agreeing with him. The rest of the creatures in the room are either shaking their heads or not engaging at all. Not wanting Cyril, the leader of this class, to see my faux pas, I quickly stop and rest my hands in my lap.
Thankfully for me, Cyril’s attention is on the male currently sharing his story with us. “I know it has been a difficult time for you, Jeremy, but you cannot break your curfew and restraining order to turn your ex’s new boyfriend into a frog, no matter how justified you believe it to be.”
Jeremy, a witch who is here because he broke a restraining order placed on him by his ex, sighs and drops his head.
Not giving up, Cyril turns his attention to the rest of us. “Does anyone have any suggestions on what Jeremy could do to stop himself from breaking the law? Any plans he could put in place to keep himself away, and therefore not use magic on the male in question?”
This conflict resolution class, or as I like to dub it, how not to murder people 101, has been running for about an hour now, and I’m starting to see a theme. Sitting in a circle, we each take turns to talk about our crime and what we could do differently if the situation was to happen again. From what I’ve gathered, most of the creatures here carry a deep sense of pride, and when that is wounded, they lash out.
There is a mixture of creatures from both the red and blue wings here, so I’ve finally met some of my unit mates. No one has paid any attention to me really, only sending curious glances my way—all except one, that is. Directly opposite me is the winged male from this morning, his dark stare boring into me. I find it ridiculously distracting having him here, and it doesn’t help that he’s been staring at me since the moment he arrived.
Stressed and uncomfortable, I fiddle with my hands in my lap. I forgot my notebook in the room where Zane and I made out earlier, and I couldn’t get back in, which means I can’t take notes or check what he told me earlier. What if I forget something important? They might give me a piece of information that is vital to getting me out of here, and I would miss it, all because I left it behind thanks to making out with a male I barely know.
No one else seems to be taking notes, but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t. Shifting around in my chair in an attempt to get comfortable, I catch the eye of the group leader.
“Emily, what is your take on this? Do you have any ideas on how Jeremy could avoid this situation?” Voice smooth and even, Cyril smiles at me in a way that gives me the creeps.
