Page 64 of Those That Don't Exist
“Do you mind?” I don’t want to annoy them if they want it to be just us three. I can invite Ty over later.
“No, get him over. Tell him to bring another bottle. We can order some food from the sushi place a few blocks over and have dinner.” My stomach roils but I don’t know how to say no to that.
Come over, and I hope you like sushi.
Ty,it turns out, is an expert at sleight of hand. I swear I see him take a fair share of the sushi rolls from the platter we ordered but I don't see him eat a single one. I’m going to have to get him to teach me this magic. Whilst I have managed to not eat tons, I have had to force a few pieces down so my housemates don’t question my lack of appetite.
We’re all sitting on the floor of the lounge, with the food on the low coffee table between us. Ty and I are leaning back against the sofa, one of his arms is slung over the cushions behind my shoulders, heating my skin with every brush of his forearm orfingers. Claire sits to Ty’s left and Bree is opposite me, crossed legged on the rug. Two bottles of wine have turned into four and we’re all mildly tipsy, except for Ty who isn’t partaking.
Conversation hasn’t stopped, I love how my best friends have taken to Ty like he’s always been around. I relax into his side, acknowledging the strange feeling in my chest. I’m happy. I cherish it.
Bree starts animatedly telling us about a boat trip she and her siblings went on during her holiday and how the crew challenged them to a diving contest. Everyone got dressed up as mermaids for it, it sounds absurd.
She swings her arms around as she talks, wine glass in hand. Maybe her Fae senses are dulled with the alcohol but she misjudges and her wrist slams into the corner of the coffee table.
The wine glass shatters, the red liquid exploding everywhere, including splashing me. Claire gasps and Ty freezes as Bree jolts back, swearing up a storm.
“Mother fucker, shit, gods undead that fucking hurts.” She drops the remainder of the glass onto the table as I inhale, moving to help her.
It hits me.
Blood.
I smell blood.
Time seems to slow as my heart rate pulses in my ears. I watch Bree, as if in slow motion, open her palm to reveal a deep jagged cut, blood weeping from the wound.
Pain shoots through my jaw as my eyes lock on to the cut. The sight, along with the rich metallic smell, wakes the monster in me full force. She clutches her sliced hand with the other, still swearing. I barely notice as Claire jumps into action, leaving the room shouting something about a first aid kit and a towel.
I move again, reaching out to grab Bree’s wrist. I’m aware of one thing only. I need to taste it. My throat burning stronger than ever before.
The vampire at my back is quick to react and due to his longer arm span manages to reach around my body, grabbing my outstretched arm as he forcefully pulls me back by my waist with his other hand.
“Red. No,” he commands into my ear. “Stop breathing, now!”
The pain in my jaw intensifies so much I’m sweating. My vision swims before me but by smell alone I can locate the thing I want, like it's a physical pull.
“I said stop breathing,” Ty barks in my ear. His hand moves to cover my nose and mouth but I’m wriggling in his hold. He can't get a grip on me and his flesh meets my teeth.
On instinct I bite down, hard. Warm wetness hits my tongue and I suck it down. This blood is different, I can immediately tell its less potent but its sweet and earthy, my instincts all scream for more.
Ty tries to pull his hand away but my teeth sink further. He grunts as I tear flesh.
He yanks harder, freeing himself even though I’m now clawing at his forearm to keep his hand at my mouth.
“Claire, have you got this?” I hear Ty growl as he spins me, dragging me a few feet to the doorway. She must’ve come back into the room at some point.
I don’t hear her reply before we’re over the threshold. A hand appears around my throat. It's a vice-like grip which immediately has me light headed.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers as his grip on my throat intensifies. My vision blackens before I pass out completely.
CHAPTER 23
TY
Idon’t see a way out. I need more time. Just a little more time.
Who am I kidding? I’m no closer to a solution than I was a month ago.
