Page 53 of How to Stake a Vampire
“But—I’m a vegetarian!” she finally said, horrified.
Someone snorted. I cut my eyes to Detective Johnson.
“I’m sorry,” the werewolf said guiltily, sobering.
“He’s right,” Gavin said nervously. “I mean, whoever heard of a vegetarian vampire?”
Didi sighed. “Only in Amberford.”
Virgil touched Ellie’s shoulder. “I’m afraid you’re gonna have to kiss your old diet goodbye. You won’t be able to survive on salad alone.”
Tears pooled in Ellie’s eyes. She sniffed. “Even kale?”
Virgil shuddered. “Especially kale.”
“Do you think I’ll still be terrible at making vampire coffee?” Ellie quavered.
Detective Johnson snorted again. Samuel elbowed him viciously in the ribs.
Virgil gave the police officer a dirty look before addressing Ellie. “I wouldn’t get my hopes up. You’re pretty bad at making supernatural coffee in general.”
I found myself appreciating the vampire’s honesty.
“Great,” Ellie blubbered. “Just great.”
I pulled her into a hug again as she started sobbing and tried to ignore the fact that her skin already felt cooler than it should.
A thought came to my mind then. One that froze me in my tracks.
I felt a little faint as I looked at Barney and Virgil. “How much pain will she be in?”
Ellie stiffened in my hold.
Virgil bit his lip.
Barney’s expression grew solemn. “It will be significant. Almost as intense as your first full moon.”
My blood turned to ice. I remembered my first transformation all too well.
Ellie pulled back. Horror had widened her eyes.
“I—I don’t like pain,” she mumbled hoarsely.
Desperation clawed at my insides.
“There has to be something we can do,” I pleaded with the others.
Their expressions told me there wasn’t.
“I’m afraid she’ll have to weather this on her own,” Barney said firmly.
“I can give her my blood.”
My head snapped to Virgil.
The vampire looked strangely determined as he faced down our shocked stares.
Barney frowned. “There’s no evidence that will work. It’s been attempted many times before.”
