“No.” He replies cooly.
I lean in close. “I was here Sunday. You know, new vamp? Looking for something fresh? Is this ringin’ any bells?”
“Nope.” He replies.
Damn, he’s a tough cookie. I guess this place has to be careful about vetting vampires.
“Okay, well, let me reintroduce myself. I’m Kip. I fed for the first time Sunday night, and now I’m a full fledged vampire. And I’m in need of some…blood.” I say it out of the corner of my mouth, trying to muffle the word in case there are any unsuspecting humans around. “Last time I was here you said something about an initiation?”
The bartender snickers. “What do you think this is, some type of cult? A secret society?”
I’m not sure if vampires are capable of it, but it feels like I might be blushing in embarrassment. “Well, I mean…isn’t it kinda? You know, secret society of vampires? I mean, it’s not common knowledge that they’re real, at least to humans. So that kind of makes them like a secret society.”
“Listen, Chip, there is no initiation, I was lying to you. No secret society of vampires. It was all a joke.” The bartender goes to move away.
“It’s Kip.” I correct quickly. “And please, man. I need help. I don’t have anyone to get me through this. I’m scared, alright?”
He stops, turning back towards me. “Fine. There is a guy, I can giveyou his number. He sells blood bags, but it’s black market stuff. And it’s not cheap.”
“Can I drink blood bags? I mean, is that good enough? I’m new to this. I thought I had to drink straight from a human.”
“Dude, you really know nothing about this, huh?” The vamp bartender’s brow rises. “Yes, you can drink blood bags. The first feed has to be straight from a human, but after that, bags are fine. Though they’re disgusting compared to fresh from the source stuff. That’s why a lot of people come here, looking for willing humans to feed from. Not only that but bags are expensive and hard to come by.” The vamp pulls out a pen to scribble a number on a napkin. “Here. Call him and see if he can help you.”
“Wow, you know, you’re not a bad dude. For a bit there, I thought you were kind of a dick. Anyway, thanks for the help!” I pocket the phone number. Maybe blood bags are the way to go? But the dude did say they’re expensive and hard to get, so that’s probably why Tyson doesn’t use them. But I’m willing to try anything right now.
“Just don’t go spreading the info around, alright? You made me feel bad for you. That’s the only reason I helped. Now either order a drink, or go away.”
“You know what, I could use one of those Vampire Kiss drinks again. Might as well live it up since I’m already here.”
As I wait for my drink, my scalp prickles. I look around, seeing that same hooded figure. Their head is tilted towards me as they sit on the balcony. I need to feed now, and who knows how long this blood bag thing is going to take? And it’s not even a guarantee that I can get ahold of any. Maybe this mysterious hooded stranger is my best bet.
Chapter Fourteen
Charlie
We Become The Night
For now, I sit and watch as Kip makes his way through the crowd towards the bar.
He doesn’t look sad or dejected at all, as he chats away with the bartender. He smiles, laughing and joking like everything is just fucking dandy.
I guess he wasn’t as affected by me as I was him. Seems like he moved on from everything pretty easy. Did I misjudge him? I thought he liked me. He made me feel safe and special. But did he just use me, like Tyson used him? It sure seems like it, if his current demeanor is anything to go by.
I see him looking over at me occasionally, a confused look on his face. I don’t think he knows it’s me underneath this hood. I want to keep it that way for a bit longer. I want to watch him.
Grabbing a drink from the bar, he makes his way through the crowd of swaying bodies. Is he on the hunt? Looking for someone to feed from? A new victim?
He makes his way up the stairs towards the balcony. He’s coming this way.
I watch as his face changes while he looks my way. It’s not a look of recognition, but like he’s turning on the charm. A smile widens over his face, but from here I can tell it doesn’t reflect in his eyes.
I’m a conquest to him, nothing more.
Kip slides into the seat across from me. “Hey, handsome.”
He can’t even see my fucking face, how does he know I’m handsome? I don’t respond, wanting to see what he’ll do.
“Mysterious, I like that.” Kip winks. “You into vampires? I mean, of course you are. You’re at a vampire themed club.”
