"I can't do it," he complained. "I don't know how to control it."
Viktor sighed. "Try thinking about being scared. That might help you turn into prey."
Brent looked between them. "What exactly are you trying to do?"
Charlie ran a hand through his hair. "Turn into a rabbit."
A beat of silence, then Brent laughed. "A rabbit? That's what you're going with? Vampires turn into bats, dude."
"Not this vampire," Charlie muttered.
"Charlie," Brent said, his voice taking on the same tone he used when explaining proper gym form. "I think you need help. Professional help. This whole vampire thing was fun at first, but you're taking it too?—"
Charlie closed his eyes and ignored the rest of Brent's little speech. He thought of Simon, of the muffled bond, of the danger Brent faced. Of the Organization coming for them all.
The tingling started in his fingertips, spreading up his arms. His bones began to shift, consciousness compressing, and?—
Pop.
When Charlie opened his eyes again, the world had changed. Everything loomed larger. Colors dulled while scents sharpened. He sat on the floor among a puddle of clothes, his powerful back legs tucked beneath him.
Brent's mouth hung open. He blinked once, twice.
"What the actual fuck," he whispered.
Charlie's nose twitched.
Brent's mouth opened and closed without producing sound. Then, finally: "You're a fucking rabbit."
Viktor nodded. "He is indeed. A vampire rabbit."
"That's—" Brent shook his head violently. "That's not a thing. Vampires aren't rabbits. Rabbits aren't real. I mean, vampires aren't real. I mean?—"
Charlie concentrated, focusing on his human form again. The terror that had triggered the shift had ebbed, allowing him to control the transformation back. His limbs stretched, fur receded, and a moment later he was crouched naked on Brent's carpet.
"Gah!" Brent covered his eyes. "Dude!"
"Sorry." Charlie quickly pulled on some clothes. "I didn't exactly plan that."
When Brent finally lowered his hands, his face had gone pale. "You're actually a vampire."
"Yes."
Brent's expression transformed from skepticism to awe. "My best friend is a bunny with fangs."
That… wasn't exactly what Charlie had wanted Brent to take away from this, but it was a start.
"So," Brent said. "All those times I thought you were just... you were telling the truth."
"Yeah." Charlie buttoned his pants. "I've been trying to tell you."
Brent scratched his head. "So that stuff about an organization that wants to turn me…"
"Is also true." Viktor moved to the window, peering through the blinds. "They hunt vampires, but they also create enhanced hunters from half-turned humans."
"They've been selecting certain people to be attacked," Charlie added. "Then they swoop in at the last minute to 'save' them. But really, they're creating loyal soldiers for themselves. They wanted you for their program."
Brent absorbed this. "Why would they want me instead of you?"
