Page 9 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

“Which one?”

“The one that allows vampires to eat some plant-based foods.”

“Yeah, I remember. It messes up the mood-regulating medication or whatever.”

A medication I now have to take.

He slowly nods. “They’re still working on it, but they’re experimenting with something. You might qualify for it even though you’re newly infected.”

This sounds ominous.

“What?” I ask nervously.

“NIHA has approved a highly regulated study with donated blood. Once the participants switch, they no longer need the mood-regulating medications, and therefore, there are no dangerous interactions. And so far, plant-based foods have been well received, based on what I gathered from yesterday’s meeting with Chase. I suspect they’d accept you into the study since you had a unique diet before you were infected.”

I stare at Noah for several seconds as I digest his words. “Wait. Donors? As inpeople? People donatingbags of blood?”

He nods, his mouth pressed into a grim line.

“But that’s illegal,” I whisper, aghast.

“Outside the study, yes.”

“Where are they getting these donors?”

“It sounds like they’re people who have vampires in their families—they know about the illness and want to help their loved ones live better lives.”

“Okay,” I say, freaked out. “But even if it works, we can’t all go on human blood. What’s the point of the study?”

“They’re just testing it right now, and they’re hoping to find a medication that won’t interact with this new drug eventually.”

“And you think I should sign up as a guinea pig?” I say incredulously. “Is that even safe?”

He shrugs, looking uncomfortable. “It can’t harm you. Nothing can.”

“But one problem—I’m not acannibal.” I hiss the last part, horrified we’re even having this conversation.

A smile creeps across his face. “I just wanted to give you the option.”

“What does Cassian think about the experiment?”

This feels like several steps backward in his goal of transforming vampires into civilized monsters.

“I haven’t talked to him about it.”

“I’d rather stay full carnivore than switch to human blood,” I say. “I miss cucumbers, yes, but love has limits.”

Noah smiles, looking relieved, and drops his hands onto my shoulders. “The cravings will fade—I promise. The adjustment period is hard, but you’re doing well.”

“At least I don’t have to go to the pre-vamp support groups anymore.”

That right there is a win. No more Dylan, Ashlyn, or Colin.

Okay, I might miss Colin a little. You have to like a guy who admires Noah as much as the vacuum salesman does.

“Cassian didn’t tell you?” Noah says.

Instantly wary, I ask, “Tell me what?”

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