Page 80 of Those That Don't Exist
“You did not tell me he could dance like that,” Bree jumps in at my side. “Can I borrow him?”
I step back quickly as the next song starts up. “He’s all yours,” I gesture, making a quick exit to the bar, and Claire, who’s already perched there.
I order a double shot of tequila and a gin and tonic from the barman.
“You’re not going easy tonight,” Claire observes as she takes a sip of her wine.
“I need it,” I mumble, slamming the shot. I glance over to where Ty and Bree are really going for it with a complicated looking dance. They’re laughing so I think they’re getting along, I note the competitive streak shining in both of them.
“Care to enlighten me? You seemed distracted on the walk over here, is everything ok?” Claire pushes, asking way too many questions I can’t answer.
I can hardly tell her there’s a pack of dickhead vampires who want to destroy my life and possibly kill the guy I think could be the love of my life.
Before I can think of something believable I notice Claire’s gaze track to Ty. “I know he seems great but if he’s done or said something…”
“No,” I jump in over her. “It’s not Ty. He’s amazing.” I cringe at how that sounds. “Seriously, I’ve completely fallen for him, I love him.” I keep my voice low because I know the vampire,currently twirling my other friend across the dancefloor, will be trying to listen in. I’ve not said the words to him yet, but saying them out loud feels right.
“Love doesn’t mean healthy,” Claire says gently, fiddling with the stem of the glass in her hands. I know she’s referring to her ex. He was a manipulative piece of shit. Tried to get her to drop out of university because he wanted to go travelling.
“I mean it, it’s not Ty,” I reassure her. “I think I’m feeling the pressure of finals. I’m burnt out after this year. It’s been a lot.” I trail off on the last bit, it's the closest I can say to the truth.
“Oh sweetie, I’m sorry.” Claire puts a hand on my arm. “I didn’t even think. It’s coming up on the anniversary of your dad’s death isn’t it?”
And with that smack of a reminder I down the G&T in front of me and gesture to the bartender, I want a refill.
“I honestly hadn’t thought about the date, I meant getting through this past several months.”But now I’ll add it to my list of things to be emotional over.
“Oh gods! I assumed. Sorry, Rory.” Claire squeezes my arm gently before I can lift the refilled glass to my lips.
“It’s ok, I know you didn’t mean to.” I pull in a deep breath, plastering a gentle smile on my face. The last thing I need is to cry tonight, and in public.
Claire removes her hand and tilts her glass towards me. “Let's cheer to that. We’ve nearly made it. In a few weeks our lives can begin.”
We clink glasses and I gulp the drink down. The alcohol is finally starting to have an effect on my bloodstream, my emotions quieting to a dull ache.
“What are we celebrating?” Ty asks, joining us. He slides his arm around my waist as he steps close, pulling my back to his chest so I’m leaning into him. Bree comes to Claire’s shoulder.
“Fresh starts,” Claire replies as I put the empty glass back on the bartop.
“Have you sobered up?”Ty’s voice purrs into my ear a while later. We’re dancing once more, the band having finished their set, a DJ now in charge of the music. The men around us have mostly lost their ties and jackets, and some women have ditched their heels as they let loose to the beat.
I twist in Ty’s arms so I’m facing him.
“Yes, it's annoying how quickly alcohol burns through my system now.”
He chuckles at my pout. Getting drunk probably wasn’t a wise move, but I’d needed the momentary relief.
“How about we drink something else instead?” Ty raises an eyebrow in question and I immediately stop dancing.
“You don’t mean…”
“Why not, Red? You have the equipment now.” His eyes dance with an excitement I wish I felt. Instead there’s a knot of anxiety in my stomach. Honestly, I haven’t thought about this, the blood packets satiate my hunger and I haven’t felt murderous since the night I got my fangs and nearly bit my best friend.
Ty steps closer, brushing my cheek with the backs of his fingers. He lowers his lips to my ear again so I’ll be the only one to hear him.
“Don’t worry I’ll be there to help you control it. Don’t you want to know what it feels like? To sink your fangs into warm flesh rather than plastic.”
My canines extend in an instant.
