“I’m fine,” I said. Unlike Vail, I didn’t mind the memories that came with drinking blood. Over the years, I’d developed ways to block them out. As long as my mind was in a good place, they didn’t bother me. Vail, on the other hand, would go to great lengths to prevent the memories from transferring. She’d often try to give the human a potion beforehand or lace their drink, blocking the connection when she fed. The older the blood was, the more faded the memories were. That’s also why she likedleftovers. But there was a simpler way to handle it. Killing the human first.
Vail took a ladle and funnel, pouring the potion into flasks.
“No fancy vials?” I asked her.
“Rosie, what would it look like if I offered a human a drink out of a vial?”
“Pretty suspicious if you ask me,” George commented.
“Exactly, I like to keep my business discreet,” Vail said, closing the flask. “I was just telling George about the Slayers at the lake last night.”
“There were Slayers at the lake?” I asked, trying to hide the worry in my voice as I thought about myself fainting.
“Yeah, I saw a couple of them,” Vail confirmed.
“How did you know they were Slayers?” I asked.
“I recognized them from the city. They’re not from Lakeview.”
“If you knew there were Slayers there, then why did you leave me?” I asked her, anger laced in my voice.
“I was watching them all night—they never left my sight. I knew you were fine. When I couldn’t find you, I assumed you went home with someone,” she said, her tone even. “That’s part of the reason I wanted you to stay here with me. It’s safer if the three of us stick together.”
I swallowed, the cold blood coating the lump forming in my throat. Shifting uncomfortably, I asked, “So … are they connected to the drug? How does this all fit together?
“George thinks that the Slayers might be using the drug to weaken us before they make a move,” Vail said softly.
George leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “The Slayers Vail saw last night were partying. She thinks they were off duty, but I have a gut feeling they were blending in, watching. It could be a tactic to lower our defenses, to strike when we least expect it.”
Vail’s gaze hardened. “Regardless, we need to stay sharp. The more we understand this drug, the better we can defend ourselves against it. But right now, our priority is finding out who’s behind it.”
George’s hand tightened around his drink. “Vail told me you’re willing to help?”
I nodded. I felt guilty for not telling them about what happened to me last night. But I wanted to make sure I could trust them first.
“Great. I’ve been tracking people’s memories, and I think I’m getting close to the supplier. It’s been tricky since I don’t want to risk drinking too much. But we’re heading out tonight, and you’re in luck, Rose. I found a place where we can grab a drink.”
My eyes lit up. “Where?”
“Took me a while to find, but I finally found a bar in town with a Vampire bartender. We’re leaving soon, so go get dressed.”
“And wear something slutty,” Vail smirked.
“Don’t I always?” I winked at George, attempting to lighten the mood, but as I walked away, I fiddled with my necklace, trying to calm my nerves.
The dimly lit underground bar pulsed with the raw energy of the crowd. The air was thick with sweat, and the heavy bass from the band on stage reverberated throughout the room. The walls were decorated with faded posters, graffiti, and neon lights that cast an otherworldly glow over the scene. We slipped through the crowd, and I made my way to the bar.
“Can I get averyBloody Mary?" I asked the bartender.
He gave me a puzzled look, but before he could respond, another bartender stepped in with a knowing smirk.
“It’s all right, mate. I’ve got this one. How many?”
Note to self: This one’s the Vampire.
“Two, please.”
I navigated back to Vail and George, drinks in hand. I handed Vail her glass as she leaned against the wall, her eyes fixed on the stage. The ambiance of the bar pulsed and swayed with the rhythm as the music enveloped us.
