“From the butcher?” Snod asked, grunting. “Hmm, if he didn’t suspect you were a vampire before...”
Frankie laughed, a lovely and clear sound, grinning brightly. “Well,” he teased, “I’m sure I can
persuade him to mind his own business if need be.”
“Thought you didn’t like using your powers?” Snod mused.
“I don’t,” Frankie confirmed, “but I have a very hungry baby vampire to feed. I have a responsibility
to take care of you.”
“Forever?”
“Forever,” Frankie promised, tilting his head thoughtfully. “At least until I find a cure.”
“Still want to be human again?” Snod asked quietly, not sure why anyone would want to give this up.
This power, this strength, it was all so amazing.
“Yes,” Frankie replied, “and in time, I think you’ll understand why.”
Snod frowned, but he was too tired to formulate an intelligible response. He didn’t have the faintest
idea why anyone would want to be mortal after experiencing this. He managed to grunt, closing his
eyes and trying to fight off the call of sleep.
Frankie kissed his forehead, blinking away to make sure the windows were all properly covered and
sealed up tight. He wouldn’t dare risk Snod’s safety while he was gone, ensuring that not a drop of
sunlight would peek through.
“I’m going to meet up with Ephraim,” Frankie said, flitting around as he got dressed. “We’ll take care
of the house, and I’m going to get Rees home. I’ll call for a welfare check so someone can find him.”
His neck...? Won’t someone see?
“I’ll take care of that,” Frankie replied. “Rees has been sick for a long time. His doctor should have
no trouble signing off on his death certificate, and his death shouldn’t arouse any suspicion.”
Snod fidgeted, still struggling to stay awake. He could feel how upset Frankie was, his emotions
flowing like a river of endless misery. Snod had to try to say something. This was important.
I’m sorry.
It didn’t feel like it was enough. There should have been some other words he could share, something
deep and profound. He hated that he could do nothing to relieve Frankie’s anguish, realizing all of
these abilities were useless to comfort the man he adored.
“It’s okay. I know,” Frankie said, a sad little smile twisting his lips. “I’m sorry, too.”
I love you, Frankie.
