Page 14 of Whispers From The Dark

“Are you angry, Petra?”

She stands over the sink for the second time tonight, but now she looks ready to throw things. Incandescent, her anger throbs and pulsates along with her heartbeat, soul flashing crimson. I’d been wondering what it would take for her to shed her breezy armor.

She’s absolutely lovely.

But is it enough to warrant my brother’s attention?

“You’re going to get me killed,” she says, staring at herself in the mirror. She wants her eyes to shift black so she can feel like she’s talking to someone instead of herself. I don’t oblige her. “Or fired! How the fuck am I supposed to make money if vampires can’t drink my blood, you dickweed? Why didn’t you mention that? It’s part of my contract! Are they going to be alright?”

“They’re fine. They barely drank enough to give them a high. No need to worry about that. Your job, though, well, you might be right.”

She doesn’t bother stifling her frustration. For the first time since I’ve inhabited her body, Petra’s words match her emotions. Outwardly positive, this woman is secretly a bit of an asshole. The whole time she’d been with the freshly Ascended vampire, she’d been annoyed. Irritated thoughts had filled her, all while she wore a smile and donned a cheery disposition. Petra is so incredibly false, I find it spectacular.

Oh, she’s perfect.

“You tricked me,” she asserts.

“Demon, remember?”

“So, that’s the catch, then? You won’t give me my money for a year, but I can’t work⁠—”

“Did anyone see her?” The blonde vampire’s voice is far louder than it was a moment before.

“I have to get out of here,” Petra murmurs, and flashes of possible solutions sear across her mind. When she considers trying to reason with the steaming mad vampire, I snort—and it makes her snort too.

“You need my help.”

“You put me in this predicament,” she responds, wisely not speaking aloud.

“I have a vested interest in you not being torn to shreds by an inflamed bloodsucker.”

“Don’t call them that. It’s rude.”

“Did one not just suck blood from your veins, angel?”

“Don’t call me—fuck, stop distracting me. How do you plan on helping me?” she asks.

“Petra!” the angry vampire shouts, even closer to the break room.

“Oh, you won’t like it. Never mind,” I say, toying with her.

Petra’s mind surges with so many different ideas, and none of them are good. She could die, and I’d be quite put out by having to deal with two bodies, not to mention finding a new host. I’m not done trying to understand her either. So, instead of convincing her to allow me control without being in breach of our agreement, I simply take it.

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t do such a thing. My reputation hinges upon adhering to the contracts I make, but I don’t anticipate Petra badmouthing me to potential clients.

“What are you doing?” she screams within her mind as I take over. Bending down, I remove her heels, planning to leave them in the bathroom. They’re sexy, but they will not be easy for me to get around in.

“Does that open?” I ask, looking at the window above the toilet. It’s small, but Petra will fit through it just fine.

“No, it’s painted shut.”

“Too bad. I’ll have to be quick, then.”

With ease, I use Petra’s body to pull the sink from the wall, ripping away drywall and forcefully disconnecting pipes. Water sprays from every direction, soaking the mirror and walls. The floor is slippery in an instant.

“What the fuck?” Petra shrieks as I toss the sink through the window. Glass shatters, and I wince as I step on a piece while sliding the trash can in front of the door. Petra curses in pain.

My time is limited. Water will pour out into the hallway, and then it will only be a matter of time before someone shows up. I don’t like messes, so I make haste. Hefting Joe into Petra’s arms, I can’t help but huff a laugh. Petra might not be weak—her thighs are corded with muscle, and she’s strong for her height—but Joe is more than double her weight. I lift his body above her head and shove him through the window. I’m sure it looks ridiculous considering her short stature, and I’m pleased to know Petra is amused as she tries to stifle it.