Aspens Vamp

by Jinni James

  "You should sleep Ava."

  She looks to me with a who are you kidding look on her face.

  "There is no way I could sleep right now knowing you and Michael are going through this." She takes my hand as I feel the tears building in my eyes. I set the coffee cup on the side table then place my head in my hands.

  "When are they going to get the drugs for him Ava? I don't know how much longer either of us can take it. Wait, who is getting the drugs anyway?"

  Just then I hear the doorbell ring. Who could that be? We are all here. Oh my God what if someone heard Michael screaming. Avalon gets up and goes to see what is going on while I sit here with Michael. What if it's JR? God, we do not need any of this while Michael is changing.

  I hear a mixture of footsteps coming up the stairs which is easy given how the stairs are made of wood with no carpet to soften the noise. No one is running so that is a good sign, I suppose. I see the door knob turn and steady myself for the worst. Once the door opens I let out the breath I am holding. I am relieved to see my other best friend Lena with her other half Andrew and they are holding what appears to be syringes and an IV! The tears overflow down my cheeks.

  Chapter Fifteen

  As Andrew walks over to set Michael up with his IV for the meds and blood, I run over to Lena and throw my arms around her. The happiness in seeing my friend is showing all over my face. The tears are flowing and refuse to stop. I have everyone I care about all in one place. My heart is full. Michael will get the drugs he needs to ease the pain of the turn and the blood supply so he won't be starving when he wakes up. Finally I can breathe. Lena hugs then places both hands on my face.

  "Jaci, how are you? Are you okay?"

  Before I can answer the tears pour over again. I can't even talk I am sobbing so much. Thank God for Avalon.

  "She will be okay. She is just exhausted, plus her boyfriend just got bit by a vampire and is in the process of turning so she is overwhelmed at the moment." Now that Avalon mentions it I am feeling more exhausted than before. I begin to sway. Luckily, I am still holding on to Lena.

  "Oh Jaci, I want to catch up but you are exhausted. Come on, get some sleep. You are not going to be any help to Michael like this."

  I look at Michael lying on the bed. He looks peaceful now although I know the internal struggle that is still going on inside of his head. I was there not too long ago.

  "I can't leave him, Lena."

  Lena nods then pulls a chair next to the one I have been sitting in and motions for me to sit down. Avalon and Andrew politely walk out of the room with a smile of encouragement.

  "If you want to stay here with him that's fine but I am going to sit here with you until you fall asleep. Okay?"

  I manage a smile as I lay back against the chair.

  "I really love him Lena. I fought him for so long then when I finally give in to him, this happens. I can't lose him."

  Lena pats my hand that she is holding.

  "You won't lose him Jaci. I don't know what is going to come of this. I've never seen a shape shifter vampire before. Who knows, this could be very interesting. Everything will be fine dear I promise."

  I look over at my friend. She hasn't changed a bit. In fact she looks even better. Her blonde hair now cut into a short bob and her blue eyes sparkled with what can only be considered love. She found her soul mate and I couldn't be happier for her. I can only hope that Michael wakes from this and he and I can be just as happy. As I think of a future with this man lying before me, I can feel my eye lids closing more and more until I am lost to the blackness.

  *****

  I hear a knock on the bedroom door that awakens me from my dreams. Slowly the door opens as Avalon slips in with coffee in hand. She hands the coffee cup to me then takes a seat in the chair next to mine.

  "You have got to eat something Jaci. You can't just sit here until he wakes up. We have no idea when that may be."

  Now that Avalon mentions that my stomach is starting to ache. The lack of food and blood is starting to weigh on me but I will not move. I can't.

  "I know Ava but I can't. What if I leave and he wakes up or worse something happens and I'm not here?"

  Avalon places her hand on my shoulder.

  "There is a house full of people. If anything were to happen there are six of us here. One of us could go find you while the rest see to Michael, but Jaci, I don't see it coming to that. You will not be any help to Michael like this. You need to be at your strongest, not just for you but for him as well. Take someone with you if you want."

  She is right. I know she is but I just don't know if my body will let me leave him. I feel like someone has glued my skinny ass to this chair. I do need to feed though and it feels like it is night time so I could run out, feed, and be back within an hour.

  "I hate when you’re right, Ava."

  Avalon lets out a giggle of victory then stands before me.

  "Come on Jaci, I will help you."

  I take Avalon's hand as she pulls me to stand. She turns me toward the bedroom door then gives me a little push. As I walk out of the door and into the hallway I look back at my Michael again. He looks so peaceful. I can do this. I will be back in a few minutes anyway.

  I look once again at Avalon who mouths the word, "Go," and I turn and walk up the long wooden chairs to the living area.

  I didn't really notice this place when we first arrived mainly because I was so worried about Michael but now that I look around, this townhouse is absolutely breathtaking. The wood is a beautiful oak color and it is everywhere from the floors to the cabinets to the beams in the ceiling.

  I walk up the wooden stairs to the living room. I don't see anyone but I can hear them. I turn to see everyone in the kitchen, go figure. I walk around the slight corner to find everyone sitting or standing around the black marble island in the middle of the room. Everyone is silent but the television sitting on the kitchen counter is on. I walk over to Lena who looks as if she has been crying.

  "What is going on Lena?"

  She turns to me with a small shock on her face.

  "Is Michael okay?"

  I nod. "Yes, Michael is fine. Now what is going on?"

  John turns his chair toward me.

  "Two women have been found dead not far from here. Loss of blood is the reason for both. Each of the women was found with a huge cut on them somewhere which leads the police to think they are accidents."

  I feel the anger inside my bones.

  "You do not feel as though its accidents do you John?" John looks me right in the eye. I know the answer before he even says it.

  "No I don't. It's JR."

  We have to stop this asshole! How many women is he going to kill? He won't stop. He will just move to another location and do it again. That is after he destroys all of us.

  "We have to stop him." I begin to feel unsteady on my feet. I sway just a little as my eyes threaten to close.

  "Jaci, are you okay?"

  Lena comes to my side to grab my arm. I feel extremely weak all of a sudden. Daniel comes to take my other arm, both of them hoping to keep me on my feet.

  "She needs to feed."

  Lena looks almost scared at the idea.

  "I will come with you Jaci."

  As much as I love my friend I need someone who understands plus I wouldn't mind picking Daniel's brain if I can while we are out.

  "Thanks Lena but I would like Daniel to come if that is okay."

  Lena looks concerned but gives Daniel the okay. Daniel takes my arm but stops to place a kiss to Iris's forehead on our way down the stairs and out of the front door. My hunger builds with every step I take.

  As we walk outside the cool night air hits me right in the face. It feels amazing. My stomach twists even tighter, the pain shoots straight down my legs, I feel as though I might double over but Daniel holds me up. The stars are out in full force but still are a good bit of people. I can smell their blood. Each person that walks near me I can smell it. It is making my
mouth water and is about to turn me into a crazy person.

  "Jaci, calm down, I can hear the growls your making. If I can hear you others might as well." Daniel whispers to me as we walk.

  I hadn't even realized I was even making a noise.

  We make our way to the corner of Original St and Main St when Daniel stops. I look around then finally I see what he must be seeing. There is a man unloading his car. He seems to be the only one outside. This is it.

  I slowly stalk over to where he is unloading his Mercedes E Class and wait to make sure he is fact the only person around. As soon as I am sure, I take control over him. Like someone totally in a trace he stands, turns, and begins walking toward the trees just in the distance. My vampire instincts have kicked in. My eyes are locked on him as my ears are open, listening to every little sound around me. Luckily, I only hear animals roaming around in the woods. There is no sound of another human near us.

  I walk up to him and feel my fangs slide out as the smell of his blood invades my nostrils. My stomach twists again and I know I can't waste a minute. I lean in, clasp his throat in my hand, and bite down at the nap of his neck. The sweet, warm, liquid slides down my throat. With every pull my pains eases a little more. He begins to squirm as the pleasure takes over so I make sure to hold on tighter. He isn't falling until I am finished. I take one last long pull before I release him. He falls right to the ground. His ass will be sore later from that one.

  That red delicious liquid of life makes me feel like me again. I feel stronger already. I release the gentleman from his trance; give him the idea to tell his wife that someone asked him for directions which is what took him so long, and I speed back to the road where I find Daniel.

  "That didn't take you long."

  I couldn't help but laugh at Daniel. "Well, when you’re starving..."

  He laughs with me. "Touché`"

  We walk in silence long enough to where it's killing me.

  "How is Iris?"

  Daniel looks up at the sky then back down at his feet.

  "She is okay. She is a little bummed that she isn't the one turning right now but she understands."

  I can't help but see the small frown on his face.

  "You are a bit bummed, too."

  It wasn't really a question.

  "I know I shouldn't be with what you and Michael are going through but I wish she was turning right now. I wouldn't have to worry about her so much. I wouldn't have to worry about hurting her when I touch her or JR hurting her again."

  I know how he feels. I feel terrible for him and her. It is only a matter of time and she can be turning as well. We walk a little more, I can see the townhouse and I know I have to ask him now.

  "What do you think is going to happen to Michael? Seriously."

  Daniel stops mid step. He looks down at me and I can tell he really doesn't have an answer.

  "I don't know Jaci. What I think may happen is he will still be a shifter but now he will have to live off blood as well as food. He was already pretty fast but now he'll probably be faster and stronger. But I couldn't tell you for sure. I have never heard of it happening before."

  I hope Daniel is right. We walk a little more before I decide to ask him about JR.

  "Why can JR just vanish like he does? I mean I know we are fast but it's like he just disappears. Can you do that?"

  Daniel stops walking again.

  "I have never really tried. I have met people who could do it. They explained it to me once or twice but I have never really needed it."

  I look at him with somber eyes.

  "Until now."

  He looks down at the ground.

  "Yes Jaci, until now."

  We walk back into the townhouse and up the stairs to find everyone but Avalon sitting around the living room with wine glasses in hand and the beautiful gas fireplace going in full force. Lena jumps up and hugs me once she notices I'm there. She is so wrapped up in Andrew. I wonder if Michael and I will be that way as well.

  "Michael has begun stirring a bit. He hasn't woken up yet but we think its close."

  I hug Lena and race to Michael's side in the guest bedroom.

  As I walk inside the candle lit room I see Avalon sitting in the same chair I left her in and Michael tossing a bit but nothing like before.

  "Is it not too early for this Ava?"

  Avalon pats the chair next to hers urging me to sit down. I sit next to her and hold on to Michael's hand.

  "I told you before we don't know what to expect here. With Michael already being a shifter his body is already in its peak condition. It might not take as long as usual."

  Avalon takes my other hand as I sit and watch him.

  It is hard to watch such a strong, virile man in such a venerable position. I feel protective of him, kind of like if JR came into this room right now I would throw myself on top of Michael. That thought alone sends shivers down my spine. We have to do something about JR and soon or else he is going to kill more and more innocent people. I lay my head down on my hand that is holding his. I feel the tears building in my eyes. Please wake up and be okay. Please.

  I feel a hand resting on my head. I assume it is Avalon until I hear him call my name. It is barely a whisper, so much so that at first I think I'm hearing things until I look up to see Michael's eyes open and looking down at me.

  "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

  Chapter Sixteen

  I know. I'm crying again. I am just so happy to see Michael awake, alive, and seemingly normal for the most part that I can't hold the tears in.

  "Jaci, why are you crying? Are you okay? Am I okay?"

  He starts to feel around on his body. Feeling his chest, his arms, and his legs however, not finding anything wrong of course. He is perfect.

  "Nothing is wrong. Everything is okay. I am just so happy to see you awake. I was so worried I may lose you."

  He begins to look at me, confusion still on his face.

  "What exactly happened, Jac? All I remember is JR was on top of me, everything after that is a blur. Did JR escape? Why do I have this IV in me?"

  Oh dear. He doesn't remember anything. At least his awakening is already going better than mine. At least he isn't across the room ready to pounce on someone.

  "Yes he did escape."

  I walk over to the other side of the bed and remove the IV from his arm.

  "The IV was in your arm because, well JR bit you, drained your blood, then fed you his. He did it all before we could get to you. He is extremely powerful. Honey, right now you are a shifter and a vampire. How do you feel?"

  Michael looks stunned as he looks at his body. He lifts his hand and twists and turns his wrist examining it.

  "What does this mean Jac? I feel like myself really but a little different. I don't feel warm or cold, it's a weird feeling. I feel as though I'm stronger maybe. I am definitely paler though."

  He is right there. The tan he had is definitely gone now. Just as I am about to explain what we think will happen a quiet knock on the door distracts me. Soon everyone walks into the bedroom to check on Michael. They all hug him and give him words of encouragement. I could tell he was happy to see our friends Lena and Andrew here as well.

  "I am so happy to see you guys! I think Jac was just about to explain what this entire thing means. How will I be different? Will I just need to ingest blood like Jaci?"

  Andrew took a seat on the queen size bed next to him.

  "Yes Michael. You will have to feed just as Jaci does. I've been reading up and it seems as though you will be stronger, your eyes take on a red tint like hers, your skin is pale, you no longer have a beating heart, and pretty much the only way to kill you will be to cut your head off."

  Michael thought about that for a moment. "Will I still be able to shift?"

  "We don't know Michael. For that we will just have to wait and see. I would advise against trying right now."

  Michael nods as if trying to figure this entire thing out.

&nbs
p; "Could I have a few minutes? I am so happy to see all of you but can I have a few minutes with Jaci to just take it in?"

  Everyone agrees and hugs Michael before walking back to the living room.

  "Are you okay Michael?" He takes my hand in his.

  "I am more than okay. I have you. You and I can be together forever now. You don't have to worry about losing me. We have eternity, Jaci."

  I am starting to get tired of tears even though these are tears of joy.

  "Eternity is a long time Michael. Are you sure you want to spend it with me?"

  "More than you can ever know." He didn't even hesitate for one second. He pulls on my hand urging me onto the bed next to him. I climb up onto the queen size bed and snuggle up next to him. I place my nose against his neck happy to see he still smells divine.

  "Just having you this close to me is making me want to rip your clothes off."

  I let out a laugh. "Don't you think you should rest up before doing that Michael? I mean you just went through a huge change."

  "But I have never felt better or more alive. I want you Jaci. I want you now."

  Michael places his index finger under my chin then rubs his thumb against my bottom lip making it open slightly. He urges my lips up to meet his. As soon as my lips touch his, the same overwhelming feeling to be with him comes flooding back. The soft kiss that we share is becoming more heated with every second. Michael moves his hand from my chin up my neck and into my hair. He pulls at the back of my hair keeping me in place while he invades my mouth with his tongue. He tastes different now. Sweeter. It's making the butterflies in my stomach flutter even more than before.

  "I love you Jaci."

  "And I love you Michael."

  A hear a low growl coming from deep inside Michael's throat before he climbs on top of me. With one swift movement my shirt is completely ripped off and thrown to the other side of the bedroom, along with my bra. As soon as my breasts are free I hear that soft growl again before he dips down to take one already hard nipple into his mouth.