The vampires have followed them out and are crowded around, either frowning or looking bewildered. Some of them are still sipping from shot glasses. But then a police siren sounds, and they start dispersing swiftly, obviously figuring out that something has happened to Alexander and they’re going to be arrested if they stick around.
A few of them hold up their cloaks and turn into bats, flapping away into the night sky.
‘Now that’s one way to make an exit from a crime scene,’ says Elliott admiringly.
***
We trail back to the apartment building, no one saying much. Hester carrying a snake over her shoulders gets some curious glances, but it’s that hour of the night when you expect to see weird stuff in London.
I’m not sure why I haven’t changed back yet. Is it because she’s carrying me? Or because something’s altered, and every time I stare at myself in the mirror, I’ll look reptilian? Could put a new spin on how I’ll be playing Orssssino.
‘I’ll take Will upstairs,’ Hester tells the others. ‘He needs rest and recuperation.’
Sadie smirks at that but says, ‘OK, we’ll leave someblood for you.’
The others pat my scales goodbye, and I flick out my tongue at them.
‘Thank you,’ whispers Floss near where my ear would be if I had one.
Fortunately, I left my apartment door unlocked in case of an eventuality like this so Hester can enter. She places me gently on the bed, where I stretch out, enjoying the freedom of movement.
Do you want me to stay with you?she asks.
Yes pleassse, I say, putting on a silly snake voice to make her smile.
Hester laughs and sits next to me, stroking a hand down my glistening scales. A shudder ripples through my body.
That feels good.I nuzzle her hand with my head, flicking my tongue along her fingers.Fuck, I really wish I had lipssss right now.
Hester giggles.I’m sure you’ll change back soon.
What if I don’t? What if this is how I’ll look forever?
She shakes her head.It doesn’t work like that. Besides, you have to change back. We’ve got a rehearsal in the morning, and you can’t miss our first blocking out at the Globe. I need you onstage with me, looking every inch the handsome and debonair duke. I can’t do it without you.
She bends and kisses my scaly cheeks, and I gaze at her adoringly through black slitted eyes. Slowly, she stretchesout on my bed, and I nestle in beside her.
We must fall asleep as when I wake some time later, I’m lying in Hester’s arms as Will.
‘Hey,’ I whisper.
Her eyes flutter open with a start of surprise, and she touches my bicep gingerly. ‘Are you OK?’
I nod and pull her closer.
‘I’m not afraid of snakes. But I’m really, really glad you’re back and that you have a human face again,’ she says, stroking my cheek.
‘Me too.’
She brushes my mouth with hers, her hand trailing down my spine. Something swells in my chest, and I think I’m going to turn again from her touch, but I manage to keep it at bay with an effort.
‘Don’t you think it’s ironic?’ I murmur. ‘All this time, I’ve been waiting in the wings, watching you, wondering when I would get my revenge. And then I play a part in helping someone else, who’s also out for revenge, get staked.’
‘I’m so grateful,’ Hester whispers. ‘You have no idea how much. If you hadn’t have done what you did, then Floss wouldn’t be here. I’ll never forget it.’
‘Did you not hear me just say I wanted revenge? You know what that means.’
She nods.
