Chapter 10 #3
KJ had overcome his battle with Rispenitis with steadfast support from the Eastbourne Hills Hospital Research Team and Kaliyah's diligent care.
Recent weeks have seen significant strides in his recovery, aided by regular vitals monitoring and implementing a new treatment protocol.
Freed from the breathing tube and bed rest, he was now walking and resuming normal activities.
Inspired by this success, Kaliyah partnered with the hospital to establish a recovery facility at OneHeart, extending their efforts to help others in need of similar treatments.
Kannon continued to outline their goals for the upcoming seasons as the family savored their dinner.
Sage glanced around the table, absorbing the warmth of the moment.
It surpassed her wildest dreams; having Portia beside her, her family reunited, and her brother back with them.
As she looked forward to her new life in Southbourne Hills, Sage felt a deep sense of anticipation and gratitude.
Sage emerged from the bathroom, dressed for bed. She slipped under the sheets beside Portia, kissing her forehead gently before settling in. Portia slipped on her bonnet, preparing for sleep.
“I’m ready,” Portia mentioned.
“For what?” Sage asked, confused.
“To make this forever,” Portia declared. “I’m ready to mark you–tonight.”
Sage raised her eyebrows. “You sure?”
“Yeah,” Portia whispered, leaning on Sage’s chest.
“Okay, let’s do it then,” Sage said, sitting up in bed.
“BUT…” Portia said, raising her finger. “There are a few things I need to explain beforehand.
“Go on.”
“Once I bite you, you may feel a little dizzy–almost like a head high,” Portia disclosed.
“Then you’ll be out for a few hours, but after that, you should feel normal.
Well–more active, if anything. You’ll feel the urge to eat, almost like the munchies, but from a place of thirst for blood.
It’ll be easy to feed now that we have access to the blood syringes.
You’ll just need a high dose to sustain yourself over the next week until you become stabilized. ”
“Okay,” Sage said, absorbing all the information.
“Any questions before we do this?” Portia asked, searching Sage’s face for concern.
“Nah, I’m ready,” Sage said, adjusting herself on the bed. “I told you I been ready. Let’s do it.”
“Alright then.” Portia took a deep breath.
“How you want me to be?” Sage said, leaning over and turning her neck to the side. “Like this?”
“Get up,” Portia laughed. “Just relax.”
She kissed Sage as she made a pathway down to her shoulder. Sage gently grabbed Portia’s thigh as she got closer to her neck. Her body grew tense as she tightened her grip on Portia’s thigh.
“Just breathe,” Portia whispered in her ear. “You’re safe.”
Portia nibbled on her ear as she felt Sage’s body release tension. She lightly placed her left hand on the back of Sage’s neck. Her eyes illuminated red, her fangs retreated and Sage relaxed in her grip. Portia gently sunk her teeth into the side of her neck.
“Ssss…” Sage winced.
Portia slowly slurped blood from Sage’s neck. She could feel her veins pulsate until her body became limp; she’d be out for the next few hours. Portia gently laid her back, placing her head on the pillow and covering her up with the blanket.
“See you soon, baby,” Portia said softly, kissing Sage on her forehead.
The next morning, Sage was on ten. All Portia could do was laugh because she kept pacing the room talking a mile a minute.
“Sage, sit down,” Portia giggled. “Have a seat for a second.”
Sage stood in front of the bed looking at her hands. “I’ve never felt so alive. It’s like…” Sage exclaimed, amazed at this new feeling. “It’s like I can run a marathon. And damn I’m hungry.” She rubbed her stomach as it gurgled. “This that shit you was talkin’ about?”
Portia laughed and walked over to her bag, where she had a small cooler next to it. She pulled out two blood syringes to settle Sage’s appetite. Portia took Sage’s hand and led her to the bed to sit down.
“You afraid of needles?” Portia asked, tapping Sage’s arm to find a vein.
“Nah,” Sage assured. “I ain’t no punk after last night.” She chuckled.
“Aight, Big Sage. Make a fist,” Portia said.
Sage bent her arm and made a fist for Portia to find a vein. Portia pulled back the syringe and inserted the needle into her forearm. She slowly pushed the blood into Sage’s bloodstream. Looking up at Sage, she could see her pupils relax at the cold sensation of the blood soothing her appetite.
“Mmm…” Sage hummed at the feeling of consuming blood for the first time.
“There she is,” Portia said, watching Sage come back to herself.
It was going to take about a week before Sage truly got used to her new form, and Portia would be there every step of the way to guide her through it.
“Ayo,” Sage said, leaning over the bathroom counter into the mirror and looking at her fangs. “These shits are fire!”
She poked and pried at them, shook at how real they were. She couldn’t believe it but was also thrilled about what life as a vamp would be like. With her newfound energy, she knew she could do anything two times faster than she used to.
Sage turned around and tackled Portia on the bed.
“Oh!” Portia said, caught by surprise.
“Time for me to devour you,” Sage said lustfully as she buried Portia’s mouth into a kiss.