Blood Bank

Chapter 1

Friday night in the city was always exhilarating for me. Hanging out with my friends, secretly drinking alcohol since I tended to befriend people older than me since the kids my age were more toxic and infuriating to be around. Strobe lights and music that you feel inside your body was the perfect remedy.

But what was the most interesting thing for me was all the different species that erupted from their hiding spots to interact with the humans that they now live among the earth with.

Well, they did before, but now they're more open than before.

Whenever I was out, I had a habit of observing the different species and make mental notes on little things they did and wanted to see if the older myths of them were true.

For example, the vampire species can eat garlic without dying, but the majority aren't fond of it.

Werewolves can't die from touching silver. Only the werewolves who haven't been fed yet can die quickly from it. More mature werewolves see it as an annoying pain that they can cure with some herbs. How do I know? Well, I went to a party where a group of them fought and it has gotten messy.

My friends always mocked me for the quirky habit of being enthralled with the creatures of the night, but can you blame me? They're so uniquely different from humans that I can't help but be interested in their history.

Someone who doesn't find my interest in them was my family, especially my parents. They both were born around the time the laws were made to coexist with them and both of their parents weren't happy with their representatives' decision. So they grew up not accepting demons and monsters in their society, even though the ones that lived around us were quite friendly.

But if course I was the oddball sibling of four to be friends with them.

One of my best friends was a demon and I feel bad when I can't invite her over, simply because I don't want her to be asked awkward questions from my family or feel uncomfortable from their stares cause of boy did they stare.

They weren't fond of the idea of me befriending monsters but they knew I was stubborn and don't care.

That doesn't mean I'm friends with all of them cause I had a few moments when they were stare at me from across a crowd of people with hunger and not the sexual kind.

That's one of the pros of being friends with a species that isn't human; they can flash their aura around you to keep you safe and also use it to keep others from coming near you.

But incidents like that are rare so just like tonight, I was enjoying myself to the fullest, especially since it was my birthday this past Wednesday.

My group of friends was the perfect people to celebrate it with. There's Brandy; a human friend that's been in family since I was seven, Raven; a ice demon who can control said element; and finally Avery; a witch who actually had lived for a hundred years due to her casting a spell on herself to look 21 forever, so her friends will forever be younger than her.

They were my multispecies friend group and I loved them all.

" To Amani, for another great birthday and many more years to enjoy." Avery toasted as she bought us all shots and when clinked the glasses before downing it all together in one go.

Since drinking the other realms liquors, ales and alcohols; my tolerance has grown and drinking regular human-made alcohol was like juice to me.

" Thank you, guys. I appreciate this." I smiled genuinely. Raven wrapped a clawed hand around my shoulder and gave me a sharp smile.

" You know we love you. I'll fight any creatures for you Mani." Her usual pale and cold eyes held warmth deep inside and I knew she meant what she said.

" And I would punch any reckless humans that tried to disrespect you." I giggled. Human liquor still gave me a buzz.

" Not to spoil the mood, but have you gotten a letter yet?" Brandy asked and I took another shot before answering.

" Nope, so I don't think I'm getting one. We're the lucky ones." I declared with a smile and they just laughed at my goofiness.

Whenever someone becomes a legal adult, the government sends out a letter for a mandatory selection that everyone must attend if you received this letter. It happens four times a year and for the summer of my 18th birthday, it means I would have to attend the one at the end of the month.

" Are you sure? Yours suppose to wait a week before you say you're in the clear. It's only been three days..." Avery trailed off as she stared at her glass. Avery has always been the mother of the group ( her age not helping ) and she was only being concerned.

" I'm speaking it into existence. I wanna go to college, get my degree and live my life with my best friends." I smiled and that eased her tension.

" My my. Being young must be nice. To be carefree without a worry in the world." She joked as she ordered one more round of drinks before we went home.

I didn't want to let them know that I was quite terrified of the selection. I don't want my life to change drastically all because of the demon that I get thrown too.

Even though we get paid for our services and it would bring good money to my family, but I know for a fact that they wouldn't want me to go.

​
The thoughts of me getting picked to go had bothered me all the way up to when I returned home from partying with my friends. I left my shoes at the door and was about to make my way upstairs to pass out on my bed, the light turned on.

" You had fun with your friends?" My mom was sitting in the recliner, staring not at me but the paper in her hand.

" Yeah, it was fun. Why are you still up mom? I was texting you every time we left or went somewhere. I even texted you that I was coming home but you didn't have to stay-"

" I'm sorry I couldn't wait so I opened it." She cut me off she still hasn't looked up at me.

" Open what?" I asked her and she finally drew her head up and I noticed her bloodshot eyes and could finally hear the sniffling from her nose. " What happened?"

She lifted the paper up and I slowly walked over to her and took it out her hand. I looked at her once more before my eyes went to read the printed document in my hand.

Dear Amani,

Congratulations!

You were selected to the words 345th annual Spring Selection. You have been selected to help out growing and advancing society to potentially help different types of monsters, demons and more! The selection process begins on the following Monday. Any things planned prior such as work, volunteering, school &, etc., will get an absence slip to attend said selection. Dress business casual and bring your brightest smiles. We'll see you at the selection and Happy birthday.

Sincerely,
The Simul Cooperation