Chapter 9
NINE
Upon waking up, a wave of disorientation washed over me before I remembered I was in Vail’s house.
A glimmer on the side table drew my gaze.
My garnet and silver necklace lay on it, and beside it was a small note in Vail’s handwriting that read, “For you.” Vail must have slipped it there while I was asleep.
I clasped it around my neck, the weight settling against my clavicle with a quiet reassurance, as if it were a long-lost friend returned.
It had been years since I’d given my mother’s necklace to Vail, a decision I had once believed to be right, but the regret of that choice had clung to me every day since.
I dressed quickly and then entered the living room to find Vail stirring a small cauldron, engaged in conversation with someone I assumed was George.
Turning to face me, his onyx eyes sparkled as he smiled, revealing sharp fangs against blood-red lips.
Like any Vampire, he possessed striking features.
His skin, though untouched by the sun, bore a subtle tan, complementing his long, dark hair cascading gracefully over his shoulders.
A small cream beanie crowned his head, paired with a denim coat.
“Hey there, sleeping beauty,” he greeted.
“Good evening, you must be George,” I replied, taking a seat beside him on the couch. “I’m Rose.”
“Oh, I know who you are,” George’s voice sang, and I saw the look he flashed to Vail. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
The way he said it, it felt like he already had an idea of who I was—or some sort of version of me.
What exactly did Vail tell him about me?
George slid closer, offering me a sip of his drink. “Want some?”
I hesitated, and a sliver of unease crossed my face as I took the cup.
Was it just casual talk, or did Vail tell him things about me … things about us?
Vail’s voice cut in from the cauldron, “Don’t bother. She hates cold blood.”
I shot Vail a glance, feeling a flush of embarrassment. “It’s not that I hate it,” I said, forcing a smile and taking a sip. The cold liquid settled heavily in my stomach. “It’s just … not my favourite.”
George raised an eyebrow, clearly picking up on my discomfort. “You sure? Looks like you’re about to gag.”
“I told you she hates it,” Vail teased, laughing. “Rosie, I know you too well for you to pretend.”
That was the problem. Vail did know me too well. Better than anyone.
“Sorry. I didn’t want to be rude,” I apologized, handing George back his cup.
He chuckled, his eyes softening with understanding. I glanced at Vail, who was still focused on whatever she was brewing in the cauldron.
“What are you making?” I asked her.
“My memory potion,” Vail said casually. I thought I recognized the warm, spicy aroma wafting from it. “Do you want some?” she offered.
“I’m fine,” I said. Unlike Vail, I didn’t mind the memories that came with drinking blood.
Over the years, I’d developed ways to block them out.
As long as my mind was in a good place, they didn’t bother me.
Vail, on the other hand, would go to great lengths to prevent the memories from transferring.
She’d often try to give the human a potion beforehand or lace their drink, blocking the connection when she fed.
The older the blood was, the more faded the memories were.
That’s also why she liked leftovers. But there was a simpler way to handle it. Killing the human first.
Vail took a ladle and funnel, pouring the potion into flasks.
“No fancy vials?” I asked her.
“Rosie, what would it look like if I offered a human a drink out of a vial?”
“Pretty suspicious if you ask me,” George commented.
“Exactly, I like to keep my business discreet,” Vail said, closing the flask. “I was just telling George about the Slayers at the lake last night.”
“There were Slayers at the lake?” I asked, trying to hide the worry in my voice as I thought about myself fainting.
“Yeah, I saw a couple of them,” Vail confirmed.
“How did you know they were Slayers?” I asked.
“I recognized them from the city. They’re not from Lakeview.”
“If you knew there were Slayers there, then why did you leave me?” I asked her, anger laced in my voice.
“I was watching them all night—they never left my sight. I knew you were fine. When I couldn’t find you, I assumed you went home with someone,” she said, her tone even. “That’s part of the reason I wanted you to stay here with me. It’s safer if the three of us stick together.”
I swallowed, the cold blood coating the lump forming in my throat. Shifting uncomfortably, I asked, “So … are they connected to the drug? How does this all fit together?
“George thinks that the Slayers might be using the drug to weaken us before they make a move,” Vail said softly.
George leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “The Slayers Vail saw last night were partying. She thinks they were off duty, but I have a gut feeling they were blending in, watching. It could be a tactic to lower our defenses, to strike when we least expect it.”
Vail’s gaze hardened. “Regardless, we need to stay sharp. The more we understand this drug, the better we can defend ourselves against it. But right now, our priority is finding out who’s behind it.”
George’s hand tightened around his drink. “Vail told me you’re willing to help?”
I nodded. I felt guilty for not telling them about what happened to me last night. But I wanted to make sure I could trust them first.
“Great. I’ve been tracking people’s memories, and I think I’m getting close to the supplier. It’s been tricky since I don’t want to risk drinking too much. But we’re heading out tonight, and you’re in luck, Rose. I found a place where we can grab a drink.”
My eyes lit up. “Where?”
“Took me a while to find, but I finally found a bar in town with a Vampire bartender. We’re leaving soon, so go get dressed.”
“And wear something slutty,” Vail smirked.
“Don’t I always?” I winked at George, attempting to lighten the mood, but as I walked away, I fiddled with my necklace, trying to calm my nerves.
The dimly lit underground bar pulsed with the raw energy of the crowd.
The air was thick with sweat, and the heavy bass from the band on stage reverberated throughout the room.
The walls were decorated with faded posters, graffiti, and neon lights that cast an otherworldly glow over the scene.
We slipped through the crowd, and I made my way to the bar.
“Can I get a very Bloody Mary?" I asked the bartender.
He gave me a puzzled look, but before he could respond, another bartender stepped in with a knowing smirk.
“It’s all right, mate. I’ve got this one. How many?”
Note to self: This one’s the Vampire.
“Two, please.”
I navigated back to Vail and George, drinks in hand. I handed Vail her glass as she leaned against the wall, her eyes fixed on the stage. The ambiance of the bar pulsed and swayed with the rhythm as the music enveloped us.
The band released a torrent of sound as the lead singer stepped forward, belting out lyrics.
The lights played in the dark curls of her hair, her large brown eyes sparkled as she wailed, her voice creamy and deep, effortlessly hitting every note.
The five-piece band, clad in various forms of leather and denim, exuded a raw, rebellious energy.
The two female members wore fishnets, adding to the edgy aesthetic.
Painted in distressed block letters across the bass drum was the name: Sungods.
My attention shifted to the guitarist on the side of the stage, startling when I recognized him.
Connor. He was a whirlwind of talent and passion, his finger dancing across the strings as the lights above caught and illuminated his disheveled hair.
I looked over at Vail. Her lips were curled into a subtle smile as she swayed to the music.
I looked back at Connor, admiring the strobe lights spreading colours across his features.
He looked out across the crowd until he spotted me.
His gaze focused on mine. Eyes gleaming with recognition and what looked like desire.
The world around me faded into the background as Connor continued to play, his eyes never leaving mine.
The band’s performance reached a crescendo, and the crowd erupted into applause as people moved in around us.
A rush of warmth enveloped me, and tearing my gaze away from the stage, I met Vail’s eyes. She raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing at the corner of her lips.
“Seems like you’ve found something quite intriguing.”
“I know him.”
The band launched into another song, and Vail took my hand, leading me to the other side of the room. I glanced back at Connor for a moment before getting lost in the crowd.
George sat in a booth engaged in conversation with a young man. I hadn’t even noticed George’s absence while we watched the band; my attention had been so thoroughly locked on Connor.
We slid into the booth, and Vail leaned in to press a quick kiss to George’s cheek.
“Miss us?” she teased.
George chuckled, pulling her in with a playful tug. “You wish.”
Vail glanced at the human sitting next to George before inquiring in a whisper, “Who’s this?”
George lowered his voice so only we could hear him. “A snack for later.” Louder this time, he introduced the man, “This is my new friend, Ryley.”
I greeted Ryley with a wave, and he responded with a warm smile before excusing himself to use the restroom.
“I’ll come with you,” George said, rising from the booth.
Before leaving, he handed Vail a small baggie filled with white powder.
“I got this from a guy in the bathroom earlier. I tried asking about his supplier, but he just mentioned some other guy I’ve already talked to.
I was tempted to drink his blood and follow his memories.
But I didn’t want to risk it; I was worried he had this shit in his system. ”
“Good work,” Vail acknowledged.