Dead to Bites

Chapter Thirty-Two

When I joined the land of the living, I felt like a million bucks. I didn't feel tried. I wasn't wrapped anymore and I was hungry.

“Hello?” I slowly sat up, expecting to be in pain.

“I'm here, Kat.” Andrew stepped back into the room.

“You stayed?”

“Yes, I was just talking to Harkins on the phone, I didn't want to wake you.” He ran his fingers down the side of my face.

“So, what have I missed? And where's a mirror?” I wanted to see what I looked like.

“Here. Harkins is having John tested for any abnormalities, and running his blood against yours. We're looking for some sort of answer.” He handed me a small hand mirror.

My hair was now to my chin. I hadn't had short hair since I was in elementary school. It was shocking. I could see a couple of small iridescent white scars spread over my body, but you couldn't see them unless you were looking for them.

“Well, I guess I can dye it pink now.” I said as I tried to adjust to my new cut.

“It's just as beautiful as the long hair was.” Andrew told me.

“You say the sweetest things. When am I allowed to get out of here?” I asked.

“Tomorrow, Agent Purrowells.” Agent Konkoers walked into the room holding a chart.

“Hey, doc.” I laughed.

“I suppose I am. I want you to have a full night's rest. If I let you go now, you'd be out trying to catch bad guys and save the less fortune souls that plague this planet, like myself. I would like to see those ribs healed fully. In about an hour, you'll be getting a small transfusion of vampire blood to help heal anything that might be lingering.” His told me point blank.

“Vampire blood?” I shook my head thinking I had heard him wrong.

“Yes, Kat. Our blood heals.” Andrew said.

“And we use it?” I felt a little shocked.

“Yes, especially when we having a willing vampire to donate.” Konkoers looked at Andrew, who had suddenly felt the need to inspect his shoes.

“I see. Thank you, Konkoers, for saving me.” I smiled at him.

“You allow us healers to test our abilities. Let's try to take it easy on us for a little bit, Kat.” He smiled.

“Will do, sir.” I saluted him.

“Rest well, then catch the bad guy. I'll check back in after the transfusion.” He left.

“Andrew...”

“Before you get upset, Kat. I know what I am doing. My blood will help you. It looks like you're going to be the one going up against this mystery bad guy. John is being benched.” Andrew rushed to tell me.

“Why have they taken John off the case?” I was a little shocked, we needed all the man power we had right now.

“I don't think he's going to be the only one. I suspect that there is a link with your bloodlines. Just as yours will help end this, his will allow for it to progress. Harkins doesn't want anyone on the case that might have this issues.” Andrew went over to the window and pulled back the curtains, it was dark outside.

“Damn, I lost another day.” I grumbled.

“Tomorrow, Kat. Tomorrow you can go and catch this guy. I think that you're going to have to embrace the side of you that you try to hide.” His eyes were a vibrant purple as he looked at me.

“I think you're right.” I patted the bed next to me.

Andrew came and sat down.

“We still need to talk about us and what you said.” I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat.

“Not if you need time to think.” He took my hand and kissed my knuckles.

“That's just it. I don't know how much time I have in this world. I like my job. I like the fact that I make a difference in this world. If I was like you, I would lose some of the opportunities that are there for me because I'm a human.” The words felt like lead in my mouth.

“I would never take any of that from you. I just want to be by your side, Kat. I'd never ask you to give up anything to be with me.” His weaved his fingers into mine.

“By asking for forever, Andrew, you asked me to give up my humanity.”

“Yes, I did. I was wrong. I will take as long as you give me.” He turned and looked at me.

“And if that turns out to be only a year or a few days?” I had to think about the future... mine just wasn't set.

“Kat, I've spent hundreds of years alone. I will treasure any time you allow me to share with you.” His hand gently caressed my cheek.

“Then I want you to walk this road with me, Andrew. I'll understand if you decide that it isn't what you want...” I trailed off, the thought of him not being in my life felt like a had stuck a knife into my heart.

“Eh, you obviously haven't learned enough about me, yet, Kat.” He stood.

“Nope, not nearly enough, Drew.” I smirked at him.

“I look forward to it... I must leave you for a few hours. I'll be back soon. A few agents have been posted throughout the facility. I have my phone.” He kissed my cheek.

“I'm a big girl, Andrew.” I pulled the gun that was standard issue out from under the bed and slipped the clip inside it.

“I know.” He walked out.