Then I realize with a start. I had seriously just picked up a young human boy to take care of.
The boy's eyes flutter open, with his blonde hair brushed to the side I can finally get a good look.
If I had a heart it would have stopped a beat as I recognize the unmistakable ring of red around his iris. He is a vampire. Far from human.
____
The clink of metal on wood stirs me from my slumber, next to the boy's occupied bed. His ring knocks against the wooden nightstand, searching.
His eyelids slowly lift, showing his blue eyes with the red ring. The soft voice that comes from him is that of a child, "Miss, I'm hungry. Really hungry."
I grin at the boy before disappearing to the kitchen, I return with a blood bag. The boy looks at it before shrinking away, "NO! I CAN'T! PLEASE! I'M NO VAMPIRE, MISS!!!"
My eyes widen slightly. Usually the ring around the iris means the person has been a vampire for 300 years or more. "What's your name, boy?"
The boy settles back down and shrugs, "Everyone used to call me Cas or Caspian. I don't remember any last name," he rubs his neck with his small bony hand, " and everyone I knew disappeared. "
I gaze at the boy for a long moment, "How long ago?"
The boy shrugs again, "A couple of months? I don't remember."
My eyes narrow in thought, "What year is it, Caspian?"
The boy's eyes meet mine and shrugs once more, grinning lop-sidedly, "Oh about 1962. Why?"
My eyes bulge out in surprise, my breathing stops, "Cas... it's the year of 2923. You are one of the oldest I have met."
The boy's eyes widen, "Ma'am you gotta be wrong. I'm only 7 years old."
"Nonsense. Up and at it. We are leaving in a few minutes," I take a step to the door, back turned to the boy.
"Where are we going?" The boy's small eyes watch my movements carefully, cautiously.
"My friends." I leave the room before he can respond. When I return to the room, Caspian has transformed himself. He found a white button down shirt and black slacks and jacket that matches. He slicked his blonde hair back and slipped in a fresh pair of brown contacts.
"How do I look, Miss?" Caspian turns to face me, his now brown eyes sparkle with amusement. His lips pull into a charming grin, one older than his 7 year old body.
"Just fine, Cas." I smile fondly and grab his small hand. I pull him out of the house and to the blood den. I take a second to smooth out my black button down shirt over my ripped jeans.
When we stop outside, Cas tilts his head, "2 things: 1) what should I call you? And 2) why is there a heavy scent of blood?"
I suck in a breath before responding, "Call me Jinxx. It's a blood den."
Before he can react, I yank him in and tug him towards the only other blonde without a red streak.
Star.
Star takes a moment to engulf me into a hug. Tor takes the opportunity to snatch Caspian out of my grip and grins, "Ooo, Jinxx brought us a snack."
Caspian freaks out and thrashes about in Tor's arms. I watch for a second and laugh. I don't say anything until Tor leans in for a bite. I smile innocently, "Contacts, Caspian."
Caspian calms himself down enough to slip a contact out to show the others his mark. Tor sighs but doesn't let the boy go. Instead he rubs his short cropped black hair against Caspian's cheek and whines, "Jinxx, can I have him?"
My answer sits on the tip of my tongue. A smile makes it's way onto my lips as I watch Tor.
