Lost in Shadows

Chapter Seven

We went back to my place. Charlotte showed a reluctance to meet Elizabeth again, but she was even more reluctant to invite me into her home. It didn't insult me. I kept my thoughts to myself that she might as well have brought me home. She was already risking her life when she was alone with me.

Even before stepping inside, the dead silence alerted me that Elizabeth wasn't home. She probably went somewhere with Sky. The sunny Sky was always inviting me along, but I preferred solitude.

When I shut the door, Charlotte hugged herself, a fearful expression on her face. For some of my kind, fear was intoxicating. It was a spice to the dish. My stomach squirmed at her reaction and I moved as far away from her as possible.

Charlotte frowned. "Aren't you going to do it?"

"I don't know. I know you don't want this," I said.

"But we have a plan." She stepped forward and brushed her hair off her neck. "I guess just do it. Just don't kill me."

Indecision only kept me in place for a few seconds. Then I was beside her and she jumped.

"You really seem ready," I said in a dry voice.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm never going to be ready. But you need my blood for the plan."

I hesitated before putting a hand on her shaking body. If I wanted, it could be quick. She would barely be aware it happened.

"Wait!" She raised her hand before I could even lean in to bite. "Do you really have to bite me? Couldn't I just give you a little of my blood?"

"They'll know," I said. "It has to be a bite. I know how you feel about vampires and that this won't be pleasant for you. This will probably be more dangerous for me than you."

Her brow furrowed. "My life is literally going to be in your hands and you're afraid of me? What do you think I can do?"

I tilted my head. "You have a stake in your bag, don't you?"

"No," she said, her tone too fast and firm to be honest.

I stepped closer, almost brushing against her. "I don't want to do anything that will distress you. You can still leave."

She grimaced. If she ran, I wouldn't blame her. Instead, surprise jolted me as she reached up and touched my face in an almost gentle way. Her skin was soft and warm. Then she guided my head down to her neck, holding me in an almost hug.

"Do it," she whispered.

No vampire could stop at this point. I opened my mouth and sank my teeth in. Warmth rushed into my mouth, the flavor of life. I had craved this seductive substance for so long and it had a more potent effect since I had abstained. The world grew softer and dreamy with each second. At the same time, I felt more awake than I had in years. My senses intensified as I took in Charlotte. I clutched her fragile body, never wanting to release her. I needed everything.

Charlotte let out a soft moan, and it hit me like ice water. I broke away and the remnants of pleasure left in me weren't enough to hold back the shame. I had gone too far.

"I'm sorry," I said.

Her hand flew to her bloody neck. She stared at me, gaze focused on my mouth smeared with crimson. She must be terrified at what I could do.

Then she rushed forward and pressed her lips against mine. Without thinking, I kissed back and put my arms around her. Her body was now welcoming, leaning into me with a fierce intensity.

Though I had still been a weak mortal, I held the vampire against the wall, my lips caressing hers. She could tear me apart in an instant, and that still scared me, but an unnatural lust now had its claws on me. All I wanted was her. I didn't care if she killed me. I didn't care about my preacher's warnings about hellfire. With each kiss, Miriam was pushed further from my mind. I was ready to belong to her for eternity.