Chapter Twenty-Three

Jake

Of all the things I expected Meena to say, that wasn’t one of them. “You can’t be serious.”

“What if I was? What if that’s the only way we can be together?”

If I told her I didn’t want her to become a vampire, she’d think it was because I wasn’t interested in her anymore. I didn’t want to hurt her, so I improvised. “If you really wanted it, I’d turn you, but only after you finished high school or maybe college.”

“And you’re concerned with my education because?”

“Being older would help you blend in with the general population…give you more options in life. I could grow a beard five years from now to make me look like I’m in my twenties but that’s my only option.”

“I hadn’t thought about that,” Meena said.

“I promise if you still want to be a vampire, I’ll turn you after you’re done with school. But you have to promise me that you won’t make a deal to turn me human again.”

“Because you don’t want to me to die in ten years or because you don’t want to give up being a vampire?”

I thought about it. If someone could give me a pill to make me human again would I take it? I’m not sure I would. “Since my dad died, I’ve been shuffled around from school to school and apartment to apartment. I like that I have more control over my life this way. I’m stronger and I can take care of myself.”

“You didn’t answer the question.” Meena sounded frustrated.

“I don’t want you to give up your life making a deal on my behalf because I don’t want to be human again.”

I heard Meena suck in a breath like she was surprised or trying not to cry. I shouldn’t have to feel guilty about my choice, but I did. “I’d never hurt you on purpose.”

“I know.” Meena sniffled. “I have to go.”

She hung up and I stared at my phone. Since I’d been turned, I hadn’t thought about it, but answering Meena’s question made something clear. I wanted to be a vampire. I wouldn’t turn Meena because I didn’t want her giving up her chance at a normal life for me. I wasn’t worth it. There would be other guys for her…better guys. That thought made my chest ache but I knew it was true. She could go to college and meet a booksmart guy and fall in love and they’d get married and have super smart kids. What a depressing thought.

Rather than focusing on what I was losing, I wanted to think about what I might gain. I called Zelda and asked if I could come over.

“The answer will always be yes. You’re always invited and welcome in my home, Jake.”

“Thanks, I’ll see you soon.” I drank one of the blood bags Sybil kept stocked in the fridge so I wouldn’t be at risk of biting anyone. Now how to get there? I could run at vamp speed over to her house or borrow Violet’s car. My truck had been totaled in the accident and I missed it. I decided to run. After touching base with Sybil, I dashed over to Aunt Zelda’s, being mindful of trees or other solid objects that would concuss me if I hit them.

When I arrived at Zelda’s, I hesitated. She’d told me I was welcome. Would I need another invitation? I opened the door and walked right in like normal. That was a relief.

Aunt Zelda came around the corner and greeted me with a smile. “I won’t nag you about moving home, but I hope you’ll think about it.”

“Thanks, and I will.”

“Let’s go sit in the kitchen.”

I followed her into the kitchen which was both familiar and not. I could smell the cleaners she used and the wine she’d been drinking last night.

Once we were seated at the table, I said, “I’m sure you heard I drank Bane’s blood and you probably think it was a stupid move.”

“Yes, and sort of.”

I smiled. “His blood gave me a rush of power. I know Carol has the demon souls she keeps in jars. I’m hoping she’ll let me experiment with a few.”

“You want to drink a demon’s soul?” Zelda asked like she might not have heard me right.

“Something like that. If Bane’s blood gave me power, their souls should do the same thing. Don’t you think?”

“It’s possible. What do you plan to do with the extra power?”

“I want to even the playing field. Now that I know I can drink demon blood, they don’t seem untouchable.”

“Are you talking about vampires versus demons?” she asked.

“Maybe.” I scooted away from the table a little bit. “Haven’t they been in control long enough?”

“There’s a reason for that, Jake. They are far more powerful than any other supernaturals. Going against them would be suicidal.”

“They’re stronger because they feed on souls. If vampires fed on souls, too, then we’d be more powerful.” It made sense to me.

“Carol might have a dozen demon souls locked in her cabinet…maybe a few more, but the supply is limited. Bane’s supply of human souls is unlimited and growing larger every day. The odds are not in your favor.”

“What if we managed a sneak attack?” I asked.

“Bane isn’t the only demon. He has I don’t even know how many associates. They are also powerful. Plus I don’t think you want to upset the truce between supernaturals in Crossroads. Vamps, witches, and demons used to fight for supremacy. A hundred years ago they all came together and decided to live in peace for the benefit of all. If you throw that out of whack, I don’t know what will happen.”

“Could the witches and the vampires work together to overthrow the demons?”

“I need wine for this conversation.” She stood and retrieved a bottle from the refrigerator. Since she poured it into a glass rather than drinking from the bottle I figured she wasn’t that upset.

When she rejoined me, wine in hand, I said, “Do you think vamps and witches would work together?”

“Not all witches feel the same about the demons. I bet the vamps don’t all think the same way, either, so no, I don’t think you should try starting some sort of revolution. Someone would tell Bane what you were planning and you’d be dead before you could accomplish your goals.”

Damn it. “I hate Bane and I hate that he has his sights set on Meena.”

“Is this about protecting her?” Zelda asked.

“I could say yes and seem noble, but the demon blood was incredible. I want more.”

Zelda took a long drink of wine. “That is a disturbing confession. You’d be better off thinking of it as a one-time high that won’t be repeated.”

That sucked. “It’s definitely addictive.”

“Which is why you shouldn’t ask Carol for her demon soul stash. You’ll run out and then you’ll do something reckless. You should keep this information to yourself. Now, I’d love it if you’d grill some hamburgers while I put together a salad.”

Maybe a little bit of normal would do me good. “Sure.”

Cooking and talking with Zelda made me feel more like my old self. After dinner, while I helped wash the dishes, Zelda said, “Not to push my luck, but why don’t you stay the night?”

Should I stay? Could I drop back into my old life? I should try and find out.

“Do you need blood?” Zelda asked. “Because I love you but not that much.”

I laughed. “I love you, too, and no, I’m good. I drank a bag before I came over.”

“Good. Want to watch a movie?”

“Sure.”

After the movie ended I had an odd anxious feeling. “Do you sense anything strange?” I asked.

“No.”

There was a knock at the front door.

“Who could that be?” Zelda stood and I followed her downstairs.

“Don’t open it unless you know who it is.” Something had my vamp senses on high alert.

“Okay.” Aunt Zelda looked out the window and smiled. “It’s Meena.”

Son of a bitch. “Did you tell her I was here?”

“No.” Zelda opened the door. “Hello, Meena. Come in.”

“Thanks.” Her eyes zeroed in on me. “I can’t believe she told me the truth.”

“Who?” I asked.

“Sybil. Sage drove me out to her house because I wanted to see you. She told me you were visiting Zelda. I figured she sent me on a wild goose chase.”

“I’m going to read a book,” Zelda said. “And give you two some time to talk.”