Page 2
Decades later, and the gag reflex hasn’t gotten any better.
Medically speaking, I don’t consume enough to be considered a healthy vampire.
Vampires still eat regular food—I haven’t found a potato dish that I didn’t love—but our main source of nutrients comes from blood consumption. A typical vampire feeds multiple times a day, either from a sourced donor, from a purchased blood supply, or, if they are very fortunate, their mate.
I, on the other hand, make myself a blood-laced smoothie once a week, twice if my body goes into this deathly decay state of being. I shudder at the thought of making this concoction again this week.
The blender finishes its cycle, drawing me back to the present. Reaching into the closest kitchen drawer, I grab a straw, take a deep breath, grab the blender bottle, and open the lid. I immediately know I fucked up as the copper scent has me dry heaving over the sink. I should have doubled down on the ingredients.
No going back though. Pinching my nose, I shove the straw in the bottle, bring it to my lips, and chug. With my enhanced senses, I can still faintly smell the blood, and though it’s smooth, that sludgy texture partially coats my tongue and throat as I choke down my literal elixir of life.
When I hit the bottom, I run water in the sink and rinse the blender as fast as possible before placing it in the dishwasher. Bracing my hands against the counter, I lean over the sink as I resist the need to vomit. After several minutes of fighting to keep the drink down, I finally feel steady enough to stand straight.
I take a few breaths and then make my way back to the bedroom, noting the cool feel of the tile on my bare feet. In the bathroom, the mirror reflects a slightly less ghoulish appearance. My skin isn’t quite as ashen, and my eyes are only slightly tinted red. My hair has regained a bit of its natural curl but remains pale and silvery, with streaks of black throughout.
“At least you don’t look like a walking corpse anymore,” I tell my reflection before grabbing my toothbrush and furiously brushing the remainder of the smoothie’s taste from my mouth. With the taste of mint now fresh on my tongue, I finish getting ready by braiding my hair and dressing in my paramedic uniform.
Before I head into work, I make sure to water the succulent plants Kallie gifted me and the rest of the wedding guests. My mind wanders back to the cruise. I was elated for my friends but feeling sad and lonely for myself, much as I am now. Now, as I water the plants, I’m overcome by the same feeling I had standing on the deck of the ship…something is coming.
If I only knew what.
Chapter 2
Fanging Out
AUGUSTUS
“Igot three, possibly four,” I state with false bravado, silently praying that Tilly underbid.
Eric assesses me with a clinical eye. “I call bullshit. Breck, I’ve got six.”
Brecken lets out a low whistle between his tusks. “Damn, boss. You sure? I was serious when I said I only had a solid two.”
”No take backs. I wrote it down.” Tilly sing-songs.
“Let’s go, ladies, cards down,” Eric says with a smirk as the dispatch radio crackles in the background.
I snort as I slap down a ten of diamonds. “Who you calling a lady, dick—I mean PIC”
Eric reaches over and slaps the back of my head.
“Ow. No need for violence, Mr. Paramedic In Charge.”
Eric is one of my best friends… and unfortunately also my boss.
“Probably right,” he says, laying down the queen of hearts. “Wouldn’t want to wound The Count’s already delicate visage.”
Jackass.
Tilly breaks spades and wins the hand with a two, her magenta wings fluttering slightly behind her. “You okay, Count? You’re looking a little less lively than normal.”
Everyone here knows about my unique condition. They’re all great about it, never judging, always commenting out of concern. Still, I hate that it’s this way and I can’t be normal.
“I’m good, Till. Forced down a double pouch this morning.” I say, repressing a shiver at the memory of my breakfast. Brecken is eyeing me over his cards.
“Been doing that a lot more recently,” he says casually.
He’s not wrong. Ever since the cruise, it’s like my body refuses to absorb the blood nutrients the way it’s supposed to. I even tried to up my intake with double pouches three times a week.
