“We’re vampires, hon, a lot about us is weird. I’m just saying, you can ask me anything.” She added, with pride, “I’m on Facebook now!”
Everything in Brennan yearned to bombard her with questions, to take this offered alliance and run with it. He wanted to ask,Do you have powers? Will I have powers?and every other question in his journal. He couldn’t lie to himself—no amount of research would ever match the wealth of knowledge in that one Facebook group, let alone what expertise the other vampires themselves could offer. She had answers, she had support, and she was offering it on a golden platter. He felt far too much like he was being bribed to the dark side, and he had no reason to trust they were the good guys.
“I need to think about it,” Brennan said. He was drafting Venn diagrams in his head already.
Then she went in for the kill, striking when she saw a moment of hesitation like a master salesman.
“Look, we’re in Boston once a month, sometimes twice. You can think about it, look through the information, join us next time. We’re not going anywhere.”
We’re not going anywhere.He knew it was meant to be supportive, but it just reminded him of the dizzying confirmation of his immortality and he was flooded with the fight-or-flight reflexes that sent him out of the café. He took a shaky step back from Nellie.
“I’ll think about it,” Brennan repeated.
The scary part was, Brennan was pretty sure he’d already made up his mind.
Curiosity, meet cat. I’m sure you’ll be very happy together.
6ANYTHING GOES AT THE WAFFLE DEN
A Pamphlet
5 Ways Your Clan Can Help You + 3 Ways You Can Help Your Clan
By Nellie Adams
A vampire’s clan is an important and time-honored tradition that serves as a network and support system in today’s modern age. (For more information about the history of clans, refer to the pamphlet “Vampire Law History, Volume 16.” For more information about efforts to modernize urban clans, refer to “Vampires and Connection in the Digital Age: The New Wave of Urban Clans.”) Clans can support vampires in a number of vital ways, but it’s just as important that vampires give back to their community.
What Your Clan Can Do For You
1. Orientation
Turning can be a difficult transition. We help new turns navigate vampire life to find their best self. (For more information about navigating vampire life, see “Finding Your Best Vampire Self, Living Your Best Vampire Life.”)
2. Protection
As part of the clan, you are protected both from other vampires and from humans. We ensure secrecy is upheld and address any rogue situations. At least one leader of each clan has a significant power rank to be able to protect from larger threats that may emerge. (For more information about how your clan leaders are equipped to defend the clan, read “Lead, Guide, Connect: The Clan Leader Handbook.”)
3. Blood Supply
Through decades of deals and through the hard work of our blood-bank operators, we are able to maintain a consistent flow of blood to prevent thirst and unwanted biting. (For more information about managing thirst, see “The Modern Vampire’s Guide to Drinking Blood Safely and Politely.”)
4. Community
Being a vampire can be a lonely experience, but peers in your clan can offer support, understanding, friendship, or mentorship. You don’t have to go through anything alone. (For more information about mentorship opportunities, see “Apprenticeships and Arcane Arts: Finding a Mentor.”)
5. Individualized Coaching
Your vampire clan leaders are here to guide you through this experience. Regardless of your skill or interest, there is a way for you to get involved. More important, if you are unsatisfied with your experience in the clan, we can discuss options. (For more information about changing clans, see “When Your Clan Isn’t a Good Fit: Requesting Transfers” and “Finding Your Clan: Vampire Lifestyles to Suit Every Need.”)
What You Can Do For Your Clan
1. Support Your Fellow Vampires
As you become part of the community, others may turn to you for help, advice, or companionship. It’s important to have solidarity withyour fellow vampires and support them in their endeavors. (For more information about meeting fellow vampires, see “Get Connected! Engaging in the New England Vampire Community.”)
2. Uphold Secrecy Expectations
We all have to do our part in protecting our existence as an urban clan that coexists with humans. Please familiarize yourself with our secrecy expectations by reading “New England Clan Bylaws, Part 12: Maintaining the Veil of Ignorance.”
