Page 16 of Blood Lust

“Frank, I didn’t know things were that hairy on the job.”

“What?”

“I’ll make a deal with you. I swear, I’ll be the best patient in Fulton if you can arrange to give me some blood. Once a week even.”

“It’s not happening!” Frank scowls. “Who in the hell do you think you are, Aaron? You think prison is some glorious summer camp where you roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories all day? A twink like you would have a sore ass every waking minute if you were sent to prison. I did you a favor by keeping you out of there… so get over yourself!”

“I’m not trying to be an asshole… just trying to find a way to survive.”

“Your time here at Fulton is what you make of it, Aaron. Don’t fuck with them and they won’t fuck with you.”

“I can’t change who I am, Frank.”

“You are not who you say you are.”

“Well, fuck you too.”

Frank picks up his briefcase and glares at me. “I’m going to do what’s best for you and me.”

“What does that mean? You can’t make decisions for me!”

“Yes, I can. As your attorney and only advocate and, since your mother has refused every single one of my phone calls,someone has to make your decisions since you’re no longer of sound mind.”

He calls for the guard and exits the room, leaving me alone, tied up and unable to fend for myself. I cannot let Annie down by trying to pretend I’m someone I’m not. And, I can’t dampen my bloodlust even if I try. Before Don slams the door shut, I hear Frank tell Don, “Tell Director Redfield to go ahead with the procedure.”

Chapter Thirteen

The smell of leather dipped in shit is gone, but all is not well.

The headache I’ve developed, due to the stench, is replaced by an overwhelming wooziness I cannot shake or overcome. Unable to sit up straight in my chair without assistance, I look around the spinning room and notice Don and Terry at my side and a large desk in front of me. Don’s large hand is on my shoulder, keeping me from sliding off my chair.

Sunlight pours in through the only window in the office. It’s glorious, as it’s the first time I’ve experienced natural light since being locked up. Not only has God blessed me with fangs to help me access life’s most precious liquid, he’s also granted me the ability to absorb the sun, like his lesser creations.

“Where am I?” I ask.

“Shhh.” Terry motions to me to seal my lips.

“I don’t feel so good,” I say, ignoring his admonishment while slightly panting. “I don’t feel like myself.”

Don slides a small plastic trash bin with his foot next to mine. “If you feel like you are going to heave… here you go.”

“Gentlemen,” greets an unfamiliar voice.

I lift my head. A tall and slender man slides into a high-back chair behind a desk in front of me. My vision is blurred, but I’m able to make out his visage. Messiah-like would be the way I’d describe him. He has a full head of black hair and a manicured beard.

“Mr. Parker, how are you feeling?” he asks me.

“I don’t know. I can’t feel anything,” I reply.

“Good,” he says. “My name is Dr. Redfield, director of this hospital.”

“Nice to meet you,” I slur, determined to hide my growing panic since I can’t lift my arms.

“We’re disappointed by your actions,” Dr. Redfield advises.“Violently attacking our staff members is never tolerated here at Fulton.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Are you?”

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