Digging through his pockets, I find his apartment key. The door unlocks easily, but when I try to step inside it’s like a wall of glass is blocking me. “Fuck. Why can’t I get in?” I try again, but still run intothe invisible wall. Wait…wasn’t there that one vampire movie where the vampire had to be invited into the house before she could enter? Shit. This is not good timing for stupid vampire rules.
“Ok, new plan, Chuck. We’re gonna have to head to my place.”
Charlie is still out cold when I lay him down on the living room couch in my apartment. He’s breathing steadily, and it’s deep. His heart beat is strong, and I can hear the blood whooshing through his veins. From the outside, it looks like he’s just sleeping. But the thing is, he’s not waking up. Maybe his body needs time to heal from when I…fuck. I don’t even want to think about it. There’s no way he isn’t going to be terrified of me now. I mean I fucking…shit.
“I’m so fucking sorry, Charlie. Please, be okay.” I’ve hoisted his head into my lap. My fingers stroke through his unbelievably soft, dark hair.
“That’s the kid you followed out of the bar the other night.” Tyson’s voice comes from behind my head, startling me.
“He’s not a kid. And his name is Charlie.” I bite back.
“Easy, Kipper.” Tyson holds his palms up. “What’s wrong with him?”
Ugh. This is why I didn’t want to come here. I don’t want to see Tyson, and I really don’t want to talk to him either. But…he might know something that can help Charlie. And I’m not stupid or stubborn enough to pass up the chance to get his help.
“I don’t forgive you. And I’m still very fucking mad. But, Charlie needs help, and this is all your fault, so you’re going to help him.”
“Woah, how is thismyfault?” Tyson has the nerve to look shocked and offended.
I whip my head towards him, snarling and letting my fangs descend slightly as a warning. “You’re the reason I’m a fucking vampire, dude. If I wasn’t a vampire, I wouldn’t have fed from him.”
“Correction, you wouldn’t be a vampire if you didn’t die saving that stupid fucking cat.” Tyson snaps.
“Oh, fuck you, you asshole. Take some responsibility!”
“Only if you do, buddy.”
I’m about to explode on Tyson when I feel Charlie take a shuddering inhale, his body quaking.
My heart stops as I look down at him and see his eyes flutter open to meet mine.
“C-Charlie?” I rasp.
Charlie tries to respond, but only chokes and coughs.
“Do something useful and get him some water, Tyson.” I bark over my shoulder.
Tyson grumbles, but I hear him walk away to grab a glass.
“Hey, baby.” I murmur, keeping my gaze locked with Charlie’s. “I’m so glad you’re okay. You’re okay, right?”
“Here.” Tyson thrusts the water at me, spilling some over the sides.
“Watch it, fucker!” I hiss. Luckily the water only spilled on me, and didn’t splash Charlie. “Here, drink this.”
Lifting up Charlie’s head, I tilt the glass to his lips, letting him take small sips until half the glass is gone.
“Good, Charlie. That’s good.” I coo. He probably feels like I’m babying him, and I won’t deny that I am. But that shit was scary as fuck. I thought that I…ughhh.
Charlie’s eyes flick from mine to over my shoulder, his gaze hardening. “Are you Tyson?” His voice is still scratchy and dry. Deeper and raspier than usual.
I feel Tyson freeze behind me. “Yes.” He replies uneasily.
“You’re the world’s worst friend. You fucking suck.” Charlie sneers.
“Bold words for a walking fucking blood bag.” Tyson hisses back, stalking around the couch to stand in front of us.
“Back the fuck off!” I roar. “Unless you’re going to help, get the fuck out of here, Tyson.”
