Page 1 of Infernal Hearts

Chapter One

Jason

Being stared down by a vampire while preparing their order might be considered unnerving by some, but I know this recipe like the back of my hand. Still, my eyes flicker to my father’s journal for confirmation before moving on to the next step. If there’s one thing you don’t want to mess up, it’s a vampire’s meal.

The powdery white substance I sprinkle into the bowl settles on top of the ruby-red liquid for a moment before the brew glows green, signaling its completion. My father’s journal has been one of my greatest resources when it comes to blending the medical with the magical. And now, thanks to him, vampires can feed without ethical dilemmas and concerns of exposure to the non-magical world.

I give a decisive nod and dust off my fingers. When it comes to brewing potions, I’m untouchable. “There we go.”

My undead client leans over the bowl for a moment before lifting his gaze to meet my own. He licks his pale lips and clears his throat with a gravelly voice. “The real question now is: how will it taste?”

I dip the spoon into the bucket. “You tell me.”

His eyes light up the moment the liquid touches his lips. “My God, this is even better than AB negative.”

“I’m glad you approve. I’ll just charge this to your account.”

“Thank you so much, Jason. You’re a godsend.”

“My pleasure.”

With a final wave, he gives his goodbye, leaving me alone in my lab with its metallic counters, the glass jars, the windows black from the night outside, and the fluorescent lights that give everything inside a sterile sheen. So many patients and procedures have come in and out of this room, but they’ve all been treated with a distant scientific approach. It’s so clinical here. So empty. It says something that this room felt warmer with a vampire in it. This is the room I’ve worked in since I learned how to read.

And I’m sick of it.

I take a deep breath and lean back into my seat, needing just one moment of rest before tackling the rest of the scheduled tasks. But as soon as I settle down, I jump when a hand claps my shoulder. My dad’s voice sounds beside me. “All good with the order?”

My dad. Not exactly warm and fuzzy—completely direct and logical—but caring in his own way. I get my looks from him—my jawline, brown eyes, and blond hair. The only exception is that he’s taller than I am, wrinkles line his mouth and forehead, and he has a flurry of salt and pepper running through his scalp.

I nod. “Mr. Aranda was very pleased.” Despite my best efforts, my voice comes out monotone while a numb feeling clouds my brain. I don’t think I’d be capable of saying much more than that.

“Excellent!” He squeezes my shoulder, a gleam in his eye and a knowing grin on his lips. “You really are meant for this line of work, you know. Supernaturals need as much kindness and help as we can give them. Living in the shadows isn’t the easiest thing to do.”

He’s right, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous. Creatures can be dangerous if they lose control, just like spells can go awry with the wrong syllable. Magic can be unpredictable.

And I don’t want to be in the line of fire anymore.

There was a time I thought magic was…well, magical. But now, not so much. Being a magical doctor was a noble profession, but it’s not for me. And I can’t keep it from my father any longer.

I scratch my arm, already blaming myself for his reaction. I’m dizzy just thinking about it, limbs prickling. I hope that he proves me wrong. I suck in a deep breath, steeling myself for the words that are about to come out of my mouth. “Dad, it’s time I go off on my own.”

He pauses, hand dropping to his side. I brace for the oncoming storm that always comes after such calm.

He grows unusually quiet for a moment, sounding strained when he finally does speak. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. You still have so much to learn, so many supernaturals you haven’t learned how to treat yet…”

“No, Dad. I just got my license last month. I’m a real vet now. I’m done with magic.”

His jaw clenches. “Don’t be ridiculous, Jason. You’re a natural. You have a healing touch, know magic inside and out, and are in the perfect position to carry on the family business. You were born for this work.”

I shake my head. “No. I really don’t think I was.”

His eyebrows knit together with a sincere regard for my plans. “Jason…is this about what happened to your mother? That was over a year ago. I know how much it hurts because I’m hurting, too, but how many times do I have to tell you it was an accident?”

He always knows how to cut to the core.

“Of course it’s about what happened to Mom. Just because you’re willing to risk anything for some job doesn’t mean I need to.”

“You know that’s not fair, Jason.”

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