The Vampire Gift 2: Kingdom of(5)

“It’ll become easier,” he promises. “Once we get to The Haven, you’ll get to feed from the blood banks. You won’t need to kill anyone.”

I nod, very stiffly. The vampire inside me wants to kill. It craves the hunt.

I’m terrified of letting Raul, or anybody else, know.

I draw into myself even more to help contain the struggle.

My eyes go to the front of the plane. James is reclined in his seat, staring despondently at the ceiling. Victoria is as tight as a compressed spring beside him.

“Why do I want their blood?” I whisper. “Vampires aren’t supposed to lust that way for each other. Are they?”

Raul coughs and tightens his hand around mine. “You’re different,” he says. “We knew that from the start.” He traces the ring. “This helps. Doesn’t it?”

I swallow and nod. I keep my breathing very shallow. I’m afraid of catching either James’s or Victoria’s scent.

“You’re different,” Victoria suddenly mocks. “Oh, how naïve the both of you are.”

Raul stiffens as soon as he hears her speak.

“You’re a witch,” Victoria continues. “And your transformation has been prompted by the blood of one infused with the strength of The Ancient. No wonder you crave vampiric blood. No wonder you want to kill.” She sticks her neck out. “So come on, little vampire. Come here. Do what you were meant to do. Suck me dry. Feed the darkness growing inside you.”

“Don’t listen to her,” Raul growls. He stands up. “I can shut her up if you need me to. Just say the word.”

“No,” I motion him down. “She can taunt me all she wants. It won’t make a difference.”

If anything, resisting will show Raul my resolve.

“It’s too bad you’re unwilling,” Victoria continues. “I would make the most scrumptious feast. I’m sure of it.”

James’s eyes pop open. “You’re disturbing my rest,” he tells her. “Shut it.”

Victoria gasps in indignation. I’ve only been a vampire for a little while, but even I can tell how the reprimand goes against the hierarchy of power on the plane.

Victoria is stronger than James, who is stronger—slightly—than Raul.

But I am the most powerful vampire here. That terrifies me.

I pull the blanket tighter around me and try to become as small as possible.

“If either of you bug her while I’m gone,” Raul says as he walks to the cockpit, “the silver sacks are going right back over your heads.”

Victoria gives him a nasty glare but doesn’t say a word. James simply offers a resigned shrug.

I’m left alone with my own thoughts. Time slows to a standstill. Only the constant hum of the plane’s engines keeps me company.

In short order, I find myself drifting off. I didn’t know vampires needed to sleep. In fact, I’m not actually sleepy, but my mind seems to be slowing down. The worries running through it no longer seem so prevalent.

Victoria’s voice makes me perk up.

“You’re not falling asleep. You’re going hypo.”

I look at her. “Excuse me?”

“Hypo. Like a diabetic. Low blood sugar? Ever heard of it?”

“Of course I’ve heard of it—” I start to say—and then stop short.

Victoria hasn’t actually opened her mouth.

I stare at the blonde vampire.

She gives a very satisfied grin.

“My blood was the first you tasted.” Her voice sounds in my head, but she’s not actually speaking! “You and I have a unique connection now.”

My eyes grow wide.

“Can you read my thoughts?” I wonder.

She gives the most miniscule smile. Then, in contradiction, she shakes her head.

“Not quite,” she tells me, again without speaking. “But you and I can communicate through a telepathic link.” She glances at James beside her. “Don’t tell this one. He won’t take it too well.”

I stare at her. “Do all vampires have this trait?”

Victoria laughs out loud. “Of course not,” she says, this time using her actual voice. “We are special. But… most vampires also kill the one they first feed on.”

“But I didn’t kill you,” I whisper.

“No,” she say. “You did not.”

James looks at us, considering... but doesn’t say a word.

“That’s why you want to now,” she adds.

I struggle against the impulse she’s trying to goad out of me.

“Safer to speak this way.”

“Who says I want to speak with you?” I counter.

“You have questions only I can answer.”