Christine
Mom observed me, her lips gently parted. Justin looked about the same, but his eyebrows rose above his head waiting. Not breaking their stares, my lips searched for the bright red straw that hung close to the rim of the glass. My lips finally found the ever fleeting straw, I sucked down the rest of my hard lemonade.
The harsh sounds of the glass emptying caught my attention instead. Smacking my lips together, I turned away from the stares only to glance at the pitcher of lemonade. I shrugged my shoulders.
Oh, hell.
Pouring another glass, they watched me until I began sucking on the straw again. Clearing my throat, I set down the mason jar with a click to the glass coffee table. “I’m sorry what was that?” Leaning back in my chair Justin just blinked his eyes back to Mom who gripped his hands tightly.
My hand reached out to grab the mason jar again for mom to tug it away. “That’s enough, Chrissy.” Her voice stayed gentle. Tutting I leaned back in the chair. Rubbing my eyes, surely messing up the thick mascara. I groaned.
“Mom, I’m really not in the mood for jokes. It was a long drive and I’m getting a killer headache.”
“Because you are drinking too much,” she mumbled. Darting my line of vision to her I wanted to talk back. ‘Well you offered,’ my subconscious screamed.
“This isn’t a joke,” Justin now had a thick accent like he was from bloody England.
Ha, see what I did there?
“Mother,” I chastised which had my Mom standing up. She gave me the same stare when she caught me coming home at 5 a.m. hanging out with my friends and soap bombing the town’s water fountain. “What?” I fiend innocence.
“He’s serious, Chrissy.” Justin stood up wrapping his arm around her protectively. Did he think that I was going to hurt my own mother? Taking offense I stood up to walk to the other side of the room. Mom’s eyes softened, gripping ahold of the lapel of Justin’s suit jacket.
“I,” my voice cracked. “I don’t understand?” Reaching down, I picked back up the mason jar of liquid courage.
“I am a vampire, I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. We’ve been around for a long time, we don’t hurt humans. Most don’t anyway,” Mom nudged him in the ribs only for him to grip her waist tighter.
“Prove it,” I whispered. The nagging feeling in the back of my head me question my sanity. Was it the strength of the alcohol that had me beginning to believe what he was saying was true? Cold hands, the house was freaking dark, and his dentist had some freaky magic whitening stuff to make those canines stand out.
“How do you want me to prove it?” He ticked his lip upwards. Mom giggled, patting his chest. Stepping forward, his feet clicked with the hardwood floor, having me back up. The back of my leg hit against the side table, and the glass lamp tipped. Reaching for it so it didn’t fall, Justin was already in front of me and his hand had already placed it back.
“How did you…?” Mom grabbed his hand pulling him away from me.
“He’s fast, really strong and yes he does drink blood,” she whispered. “He drinks animal blood but also consenting humans,” Mom’s smile did not go unnoticed.
Ew, does she let him eat off her?
“Do you sparkle too?” I snorted, covering my mouth.
“At least she is laughing,” Justin gave a fanged smile. This time, the questionable canines were longer. He let it all hang out as I studied him. For a moment I thought they could be stuck on fangs, a lot of people did that right?
Mom shook her head, reaching for the end table drawer and pulling out a brown paper bag. “Oh no, her laughing isn’t a good thing, hun.” I began laughing, laughing so hard, tears welled in my eyes. This was not happening; my Mom was not dating a vampire and I was not going to call him dad either.
She was talking about having babies with his man! Was my mom still young enough to do that? She’s pushing fifty while this guy looked to be my age! Mom pulled my hands away, putting the paper bag over my mouth, the laughing turned into hyperventilating.
If I didn’t just have the shock of my life just three days ago, I think I could have handled this. I could have powered through and not need the bag but damnit my life was a mess. Breathing in deep, my Mom led me to the couch, Justin just watched, albeit very concerned as he stepped away for Mom to take care of me.
That’s right, you stay over there.
After sitting on the couch, I felt a cool cloth put to my head. Justin stared down at me, now noticing the red eyes flickering. “Eyes,” I blabbed. “Red.” I pointed like some two-year-old.
How the hell did he get a rag and back to me so fast!?
“There, there,” Mom patted my shoulder, “you’re are doing great.”
After twenty minutes of breathing into a bag, I had the courage to look at the couple on the opposite side of the room. Mom held such admiration toward the vampire that it made me question not just my sanity but hers too.
“How old are you?” I whispered. It was so low I swear he wouldn’t be able to hear it but low and behold he turned to me, kissing my Mom’s hand.
Gross.
“Three hundred and eighty-nine,” his face went back to my Mom. Alright then, he wasn’t a cougar chaser.
***
Laying in my childhood bedroom I stared up at the ceiling fan contemplating my life. How in the H-E-double-hockey-sticks did I end up here? My Mom, is finally leaving my sperm donor after years of verbal abuse. I couldn’t be more ecstatic for her, but now I’m dealing with a vampire step daddy wanna-be.
Grabbing the oversized stuffed Corgi, I hugged it to my chest. “What am I gonna do Bob?” I whispered.
Mom and Justin explained about Beloveds, in great detail that I really didn’t need to know. They were soul mates, as Justin put it. The Moon Goddess deemed their souls a perfect match and once they find each other, unbelievable things happen. Something about chemicals in their body, the fire touches the insane amount of sexual attraction. It sounded like a bunch of crap to get in my mom’s pants.
That is until they said they were moving in together. Yup, moving. Not just to any place, but a place with a bunch of vampires and humans, like a transition development compound. Oh, that got me panicking again, that poor paper bag had seen its better days.
Mom was going to change; she was going to become a vampire. Her skin would revert back to the youthful appearance, their souls tied together once he freaking bites her and she would live forever. There was no way I was going to be able to talk her out of it, I couldn’t show my distaste because she was too dang happy.
I couldn’t wreck her happiness. It doesn’t mean that I can’t stay around to watch her, make sure she’s safe.
I groaned, rolling in the bed on top of Bob. He squished down, his frowny face squished further into the mattress. Five boxes of my things were already put away. Since I had come home early, Mom said we could move into the Black Raven Coven a whole three weeks early.
Mom knew me so well, she knew I would come with her. There was no way that I was leaving her alone after knowing Justin for only five days.
Yes, five days of ‘utter bliss,’ she said. It wasn’t like I had a job lined up anyway. This way I can move into this ‘community,’ and see what all the fuss was about. I was moving into my own little house with three other roommates who were going through the same thing I was. A parent becoming a vampire.
They had counselors, yes counselors for those who have to transition to the idea that their parent or guardian was to be a beloved to a vampire. Not only that, but there were also classes and support groups. Seriously, this place sounded like a cult.
Bring on the Kool-aide, just make sure there’s vodka in it.
“Honey, are you okay?” Mom knocked on the door, it creaked as her slippered foot padded across the floor.
“I’m fine,” I grabbed the paper bag beside me and held it in the air. “I got my bag. You aren’t going to drop anything else on me are you?” I chuckled, scooting over on the bed to make room.
“No, honey, I’m not.” Mom’s tender voice had instant guilt fill me. She was happy, she’s never been one to do something so rash. Maybe this was good for her, but until I knew she was safe, I wouldn’t let my guard down. Justin may say he won’t drink my blood, but who is to say this coven will adhere to those rules and try and drink from my mom and me? They were the definition of an apex predator.
“It is a lot,” she rubbed my hand lovingly. “I am glad you are coming with us, even though I know you are doing it for my sake.” I hummed, burring my face into Bob the Corgi. “Maybe you can get a pet now.”
Sperm donor hated pets.
“Depends on my roommates,” I mumbled. “You sure I can’t stay with you guys?” Justin explained the process of Mom changing, once we arrive he would be biting her, connecting their souls together but in doing so, it will change her. She would need at least a year to control her thirst for blood and having me in the house would be suicide if she woke up with a blood fever some new vamps can get.
Scary.
“It’s for the best, Chrissy.” Mom leaned down to kiss my forehead. “Are you sure Wyatt is okay with you living with us? Moving states away?” Shaking my head, I pulled on the whisker string on Bob.
“We broke up, don’t really want to talk about it,” I mumbled.
“Chrissy,” she cooed, but I pulled away. I was being an ass, I knew I was, but damnit I was given a lot of information today. “Sorry Mom, I didn’t mean it.” She pulled my blonde hair from my face.
“You’ve never had luck with boys. Maybe you will find a real man soon?” She said hopefully.
“Like you?” Giggling she playfully pushed me. “Love isn’t in the cards for me. I’m thinking about becoming a nun.”
“That sounds utterly boring,” mom rolled her eyes. “I heard they can’t even masturbate.”
“Mom!” I slung Bob, landing perfectly in her face. She gasped, grabbing another stuffed animal as we repeatedly bashed each other. Our laughs echoed through the room until we heard that deep chuckle in the doorway. Justin stood with his arms crossed, his white dress shirt rolled up his forearms.
“There are my two favorite girls. I ordered Pad Thai.” Justin leaned over to get a better look at me. My hair was a mess, but I kept my smile on my face. For her, for Mom.
“Care to join us, Christine?” Mom looked to me for approval.
Come on, Chrissy, let’s do it for Mom. At least until we know she’s safe.
“It’s Chrissy, and sure, I’d love to.”
SebastianThe worn-out Jeep had seen its better days. The few times I filled up with gas, I had to put oil in it as well. I was surprised it was still running after the hundreds of miles that were already put on the jeep before I received it. The transmission was failing and my lack of knowledge of vehicles in this realm made me cringe to try and fix it if I landed on the side of the road.If all else fails, I’ll just walk. I had continued north, going with my gut as I traveled across the country. The further north I went, the daylight fleeted far quicker than in the south, which was for the best. The sun was different here than in Bergarian, much harsher on a vampire’s skin. I hope that it did matter much, I was old and used to the many hours in the light sources of home.I wasn’t some noble back in the realm of Bergarian, I was nothing but a commoner. I worked hard as a merchant, buying produce from those that farmed the land, small trinkets from humble witches and warlocks. My wa
SebastianHoly hell.“T-that’s amazing,” I muttered. Rowan’s grin widened, his arm sleeking around his mate. “It is, it has given us the opportunity to have this coven grow, making it one of the only covens in the world that help specifically with human transformations into their new lives.”I let out a bark of laughter, rubbing my hands up and down my thighs. This was insane, never had I thought this would be possible. The opportunities to mate with another species here on Earth? For humans to become like us? Unreal.There had been rumors, long ago that vampires could force a chosen mate, usually done with humans. It was a practice outlawed before my parents were even born and never thought of again. Now that the Goddess had something to do with the pairing it made it more beautiful.“And they are successful, changing their mate.” Rowan nodded, looking out the enormous windows that let the natural light filter into the room. “There is the bite of bonding and a bite of changing. The b
“There was trial and error,” Rowan lifted his hand, waving it about. “He had to learn how to take in her life that she created before him. The children she had, the husband she left, she basically had an affair on the poor bastard, but she knew the bond she felt. It was meant to be.” Rowan smiled, waving at Adaline who blew a kiss his way. Certainly, she was born from a different era, the way she dresses, how she carries herself, and the delicate ways she had placed the tea cups on a sterling silver tray. Single human women, laid out on the lawn, tanning their skin. Not caring if the sun reeked damage on their bodies. Humans, vampires, and children sat on blankets and ate lunches being held by their biological parent. Everyone was happy, at least the younger ones were.“That is why I created this place.” Rowan interrupted. “That poor soul put himself to all that trouble, worried because his mate was to be fragile, not feel a bond, but she was far from it. She was strong.” he humm
Christine:"I'm sorry, Chrissy. You can't come into today." I ground my teeth together, wanting to stomp around like an adolescent child. This was insane. Less than two days after moving here, mom was bitten, and I haven't seen her since.A whole week had gone by, and I could only stare at them through the window if I was lucky. Apparently, my human blood reeked, and it could make her unmanageable. Justin said she was fighting it, that the thought of drinking blood was grotesque. Who can blame her? It sounded gross, but that is who she was now. She had to drink, but the human part of her mind was still there."Can I just give her a hug?" I almost pleaded. He stood at the door, blocking the way for me to catch a glimpse of her. On occasion, she slipped by the window, and I saw changes in her appearance. She looked… good. Her hair had more bounce, her wrinkles had gone, hell, she looked almost just like me. Except I was a darker blonde and had some of my sperm donor's height.My pleadi
"Now, now, I know you are afraid." My head perked up, my heart racing. "Yeah, I know about your problem." "Can you read my mind?" I squinted my eyes at him. He threw his head back and laughed, patting me on the shoulder. I was given a crash course on vampires on the drive up here, and I know Justin couldn't tell me everything. Maybe some could read minds? "Oh no, but I can read people really well." Right, so he doesn't really know about my problem then. "I got these amazing eyes, you see, I can notice when people are in distress. Every time I mention the word, 'blood," he gave the word a creepy ghostly feel like Dracula said it himself, "you wince." "Oh," I shrung my shoulders. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about," Sauron scoffed, leading me into the cafeteria. "Plus, it is kinda my job to help you out. Elder Rowan usually puts me in charge of the kids, but now he has me watching you." Great, a babysitter. "I'm an awesome babysitter," he mentioned. I swear if he can read mind
ChristineAfter some gentle coaxing, Suron left and went on with his other 'duties.' I had to promise, cross my heart and hope to die, pinky swear, and do some obscene booty shake to let me go on my own. Suron wasn't kidding when he said he was supposed to watch me. Justin wanted me far away from mom, and sitting on the front lawn wasn't even to be tolerated.I guess it was kind of lame that I would sit there, staring at the picturesque light blue 1950's style house, but it wasn't like I had tons of friends to talk to. I uprooted my life because I was worried for my mom, but Justin thought it would be an excellent idea for me to move here. In fact, he insisted. This makes me wonder if this is because mates, soulmates, and beloveds were all genetic.The problem was, I didn't believe in it. I thought Wyatt was my soul mate. I thought he was the one I was to spend my life with. I was head over heels in love with him, or so I thought. It was all one-sided, I painted him to be the perfect
"You bitch, you're cut off. Don't expect a damn dime from me in your account," he yelled again. I'm sure his phone was swimming in his spittle as he spoke. I never had the balls to talk to dad like this before, and I must say, it was pretty invigorating. Maybe it was because I was surrounded by a bunch of vampires that now hold a picture of my father's face to ensure he would never be let in.Not that he would find us, anyway."You hear me?! Not a damn dime!" I cut the call and tossed the phone on the bed. Little did he know I moved all my money to a new bank account. Justin was pretty savvy in that department. It was like he had everything planned out before I even arrived. He forced mom to not take one single dime from her now ex-husband. Justin was supposedly rich anyway and said he would take care of us.I mean, who ever heard of a poor vampire anyway? They were all rich. If I met a poor vampire, I think I might choke on my own spit. This place was oozing with money. Many of them
SebastianI wasn’t expecting to find her this quickly, far from it. I thought I had a few more decades at least before I saw her but I didn’t. The smell of her O-negative blood had the wind shift around me. If the whisps of Bergarian dared to come to the Earth realm I swear they would have led me to her. My body moved with its own motivation to wander off the gravel path to get closer to the hooded figure that at on the bench by the lake.I had taken it upon myself to go explore on my own. As much as Rowan was being a great host, showing my room, giving me this thing called a cell phone, it was all too much. Too much electronics, televisions all the fancy stuff that humans had come up with since the last time I had been here some one hundred and fifty years ago.That was all behind me, however, as I stared at the dark hooded figure that overlooked the lake. She was in deep thought, her hand going over the screen of bright colors. A picture, a picture of a girl and a boy smashed agains