Bite Shift

27

It turns out its really simple to get ready when you don't need spanx, primer, makeup, pantyhose or fake lashes. My black skirt, a red satin blouse and black heels were the best I had and would have to do. A quick glance in the mirror, a longing look at my big soft new bed and I forced myself out the door and into the night.

Fifteen minutes later, I was in Rhys' car following the GPS directions to the manor. The sky continued its threats to rain with thunder and lightning but no drops had shown themselves yet. Maybe I would get just enough luck to get out there and back before the actual storming began. The plan was to walk in, tell Sorin "I will do it" and then leave.

I used the drive to catch up on phone calls. Monica answered on the first ring. I quickly caught her up, telling her the same things I told the kids. The only difference was that Monica thought I was receiving treatment outpatient instead of in the hospital like my family thought. She lost her mind when I told her Dr. Kitchner was the one treating me. Once she heard that, the question was less about how I felt and more about how he smelled and how he liked his coffee. I wrapped up the conversation by telling her I needed to rest. She assured me she would tell everyone at the hospital how I was and passed all their thoughts on to me.

The next voicemail was from the good doctor himself. He asked me to come to his office the next night for my paperwork and first blood donation to him. He informed me that he had already spoken to the nursing officer and he would fill me in when I came. Last, he promised no one would see me coming or going from hospital and that I only needed to call him if I couldn't make it.

Whether the distraction of the phone calls or the fact I knew where I was going, I arrived at the manor much quicker than I thought. No more procrastinating, I was here. He was inside. This was happening.

I pulled up to that same door but no men came out of the shadows to take the keys. I stopped just past the entrance and cut the engine off. A streak of lightening ripped across the sky above me. Stepping out of the car and closing the door, I looked around. There was a lot less music and people then last night. It had an eerie effect on the night and the home. Suddenly, my skirt felt too short and I felt very alone.

Maybe this is a bad idea. I can come tomorrow night after I see Alex.

The front door of the home opened, as if on cue, and Tamela stood in the frame. Tonight, she had swapped out the pirate look for, what I thought was a long red dress and then realized was a pantsuit. The leg of the outfit billowed like a skirt. The effect was breathtaking. Her presence had a small, calming effect on me. She looked like she was waiting for me. "Good evening. We have been expecting you."

I took a big breath and audibly let it out. Let's do this.

Once inside, Tamela gestured for me to turn to the left and I did. The room was nice. A long black couch sat in the center. A black leather recliner on each side of that was the current resting place of the two large bodyguards she had seen the night before. Jazz music quietly played from somewhere in the back corner. I wasn't exactly sure what I was expected to do so I just sat in the middle of the couch.

"I will retrieve you when he is free," Tamela spoke. "Until then, make yourself comfortable."

Then, she was gone. I was prepared to sit in awkward silence but the bald man surprised me and started to speak.

"Would you like a drink?" He was English. I had no clue what part of England but I was sure it was England.

"No, thank you."

"Your name is Kate. Am I correct?"

"You are."

"I am Edwin. Pleased to meet you." He leaned towards me and put his hand out. I hesitated but my desire to make this night as easy as possible made me accept the handshake. He gripped it hard and pumped twice.

"I am Naseem." The voice came from behind me and I realized it was the Persian bodyguard in the other chair. I turned to him.

"Nice to meet you, Naseem." I raised my hand but dropped it. He didn't accept it, instead nodding his head in my direction. I made a mental note to remember to not offer my hand in the future.

"If you need anything. You need only ask."

"Thank you."

"I hope you do not find me rude," this was Edwin. I turned back to him. "I know you are new. I saw you leave last night, clearly upset. I just wanted to say that is does get better."

"Yeah. Everyone keeps saying that. I keep waiting. But, you're kind to say it."

"You're welcome. I don't know if you have been told but this home is always open if you need it. We have all been new at one point."

"Would it be okay if I took you up on the drink offer?"

Edwin sat forward in the chair, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I was afraid I made him mad. He held up his hand and turned it palm up and flat. As he let out the breath he was holding, the air above his hand began to shimmer. It looked like the waves you see in the air when it is very hot. The shimmering turned into a thick fog. When the fog dissipated, a glass of blood sat on Edwin's hand. He extended it towards me and smiled.

"That's awesome," I exclaimed. I was actually in awe.

"Piece of cake," he responded.

I took the glass and sipped the warm liquid inside. "What's that power called? Am I allowed to ask other vampires about their powers?"

"You may ask. Some may not answer. They like to keep their abilities secret. It is called conjuring. I think about it and it comes to me."

"Handy."

"What he is not telling you," Naseem said from behind me "is that the item must be within the vicinity. He cannot bring just anything."

"You're just jealous," Edwin retorted.

I decided that I like these guys, too. Will, Edwin and Naseem could be added to the Good Guy list. I hadn't made a decision about Tamela. Sorin was #1 on the Do Not Trust list. Alex was not on any list, yet.

At least I am getting some things figured out.

I was starting to feel better so, of course, Tamela showed up in the door. The men sat up straight and all feelings of levity left the room.

"He is ready for you."

Yeah, but am I ready for him?