The Vampire's Assistant

Chapter Sixteen

The seven hour flight from Dublin to New York had not produced any particularly outstanding ideas on how I could approach Pam. Neither had the two hour layover in LaGuardia, or the three hour flight home to New Orleans. If Eric hadn't even believed me, hadn't even heard me out, how in the world was I going to convince Pam? I had no real proof, nothing tangible or undeniably conclusive. I would have to rely on my earnestness and the power of persuasion.

It was almost closing time when I pulled into the parking lot of Fangtasia, Baton Rouge. I didn't want to announce my presence any sooner than necessary, so I parked in a dark back corner of the lot and entered through the kitchen door. I got a few sideways looks from the staff but if you're confident and act like you belong in a place, people usually won't bother you.

The door to Pam's office was slightly ajar and through the crack I could see her seated at her desk. Her head snapped up as I stepped inside and firmly closed the door behind me.

"You're either incredibly stupid or suicidal," she said, nostrils flaring as she stood menacingly.

I put my hands up and took a small step back. "Please, Pam. I just need five minutes of your time. You know I wouldn't have come if it wasn't important."

I blinked and she was inches from my face, towering over me in her stilettos. Her fangs snapped down over her lip.

"I would happily rip you apart right now."

"So what's stopping you?" I challenged, straightening my back to try to meet her height.

She sauntered back to her desk but continued to glare at me. "Eric." She shook her head. "That's some magic vagina you've got, bitch. You know, there was a time Eric would have drained you without a second thought for what you did. But you're untouchable, still under his protection even after your betrayal."

"I didn't betray him, Pam."

She snorted. "Is that why you came here? If you think I'm going to help you get back in his good graces, you're even dumber than I thought."

"It's not. Eric can't know about any of this."

Pam was still guarded, but I could tell I'd piqued her interest. She crossed her arms over her chest and arched a perfectly shaped brow at me. "You have thirty seconds."

I didn't hesitate. I launched into a hurried explanation, leaving out as much detail as I could get away with without sacrificing my credibility. I finished with seconds to spare.

She was silent for a long moment, her face impassive. My heart pounded. Finally, she said, "Let's say, hypothetically, that I believe you. Why come to me? Why not just go straight to the source?"

"You know as well as I what would happen if the world at large found out there was a half human, half vampire child in existence and a mother who could produce more. We wouldn't last a day and we'll be a liability to anyone close to us."

"Exactly why Eric should know." She shifted. "If it were true."

"It is true, Pam, and I think you know it. What reason would I have to lie about this, to come to you of all people, begging for blood?"

"You could be a V addict," she shot.

"If that were it I could easily get my fix in the vampire mecca I currently live in." She begrudgingly accepted that truth but seemed to still be working through the rest. "Please," I begged, grasping on to her moment of indecision, "do it for Eric. Do it for the baby. Please, Pam."

My voice broke and her icy blue eyes thawed just a bit. She stared at my belly. "How do you know?" she asked.

"Because I was faithful to Eric, for one thing. I only found out the 'how' recently though." I paused, debating whether I should say more. But Pam was nothing if not loyal, if not to me than definitely to Eric and since I was apparently still under his protection, I felt I could trust her. "It's a family trait. I had no idea until a few days ago." Her eyes snapped to mine and I knew I had her.

"You have to tell Eric."

"Absolutely not. My great grandfather met the true death to keep this secret, I will not risk Eric doing the same. Don't you dare tell him, Pam."

She pursed her lips. "I couldn't if I wanted to. He commanded me as my maker never to speak of you to him."

I'd seen Eric issue a command as Pam's maker once before. I understood what it meant. She was physically incapable of disobeying him. It worked to my benefit in this instance, but I couldn't say it didn't feel like a punch in the gut.

"OK then," I said, swallowing my feelings. "So you'll help me?"

"I'll have to think about it."

It was better than a flat out "no". I left with a little hope, at least.

At my parents' home in New Orleans, it was time for another difficult conversation. The family had to be made aware of the situation and the fact that all my nieces potentially carried the gene that had landed me in my current predicament. My parents' initial reaction was, of course, disbelief. But as I related more of my story, I could see the truth sinking in. Thankfully, rather than dwell on their only daughter's romantic involvement with a vampire or their soon to be half vampire grandchild, they instead set their focus on gathering my brothers and their families together to divulge the news. My mother gave me a gentle hug, my father squeezed my shoulder, and that was the end of it.

With those major hurdles behind me, it was time to start looking for a new job. I had a healthy savings account thanks to my employment at Fangtasia, but I had no desire to deplete it with a baby on the way. And, although I knew my parents would welcome me in their home for as long as I needed, it would soon be too dangerous to be so close to them. I needed a space of my own.

I began my job hunt with my old friends, Josh and Matthew, at their bar in the Quarter. They genuinely wanted to help me, but there were no administrative positions open and though they needed waitstaff, there was no call for a waitress in a gay bar, and certainly not a pregnant one. They did point me in the direction of another club that was looking for a bookkeeper though, just down the street on Bourbon.

The Bourbon Street Jazz Company was an old, well established jazz club with a long history and a great reputation. It was a big tourist draw, as well as being a favorite among the locals, which is rare in New Orleans. I presented myself and my resume to the manager, praying that my experience in the industry would be enough to qualify. The manager, a rotund man named Philip, accepted my resume blandly and said they'd give me a call.

Deflated, I walked back to my car and just made it inside before the rain came. It soured my mood even more and as I pulled into the drive at my parents' house I felt fully drained and more than a little depressed. As I dragged my tired bones up the walk, a figure in a dark rain coat stepped out of the shadows and my weary heart leapt.

"Please tell me you have good news," I said, detouring away from the front steps.

"I suppose I do," Pam said. I breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you sure it will work?"

"I don't see why not. Your blood is his blood, isn't it?"

She gave a short nod. "For the most part."

I shrugged. "It's worth a try then, at least." I beckoned her to follow me around the side of the house, where we wouldn't be seen.

There in the darkness, she bit her wrist and held it out to me. I accepted it carefully and pulled it to my lips. It tasted like Eric's blood, but perhaps a bit sweeter. I drank only for a few moments; Maeve had told me I didn't need much. She was right. With just a small drink I felt immensely better. My energy was renewed, my nausea gone, and I was suddenly ravenous. I wiped my lips and thanked Pam.

"So it worked then?" she asked eagerly.

I nodded. "Definitely. But I'll need more. Once a week for now. The closer I get the more I'll need."

"This is where you'll be staying?" She glanced up at the house.

I sighed. "For now. I've got to get my own place soon, but I have to find a job first."

She nodded thoughtfully. "You'll need some place out of the way. I assume you won't be giving birth in a hospital."

"Not unless I want to make the news."

Pam seemed to consider something. "Meet me here tomorrow at nine," she said.

I opened my mouth to object, because I wouldn't need her blood again so soon, but she turned on her heel and was gone.