Page 11 of Born Wicked
It's weird that I get this. That I can understand. “And tell me, Dr. Roshan, has blood ever been a problem for you? I need someone in the emergency room. This is Chicago. We deal with a lot of blood.”
“I am very meticulous about taking care of my vampiric needs,” he says in that calm tone. “There has never been a problem.”
I nod, my eyes scanning down his resume. There are actually two versions. One that could be sent to any hospital in the country. One that makes sense. But the second copy reveals the truth. That he’s been a doctor for fifty-nine years, though he doesn’t look a day over forty-five. He’s worked at various hospitals from Atlanta to Portland, and then here to Chicago. As his age doesn’t change based on the number of years he’s worked somewhere, the change in locations is entirely understandable.
“If I were to hire you, how soon would you be available?” I ask, my eyes rising to meet his.
“The day after tomorrow,” Dev answers, and it’s kind of ridiculous how relieved I feel. “It was time. Either I got this job, or it was about time to move to another city. I had another interview set up in Nashville. I would prefer to stay here in Chicago, though.”
I like that he covers his bases. “You’re saying all the right things.”
He offers a small, soft smile. “I do have one stipulation, however. My daughter, who is still human, for now, comes to work with me. We lost her mother when she was fifteen. We’ve been incredibly close ever since. She has been a trauma nurse for the past two years.”
My heart skips a beat. “This is the kind of package deal I like. The job is yours, both of you, if you want it.”
Dr. Roshan smiles, and we both stand. “I’m honored to take it. I will see you in two days.”
“Perfect,” I offer with a smile. “If you don’t mind, stop by human resources on your way out and they’ll get all the paperwork taken care of.”
“Thank you, Dr. Doe.”
I see him out, and when he takes off down the hall, I close the door, leaning against it. A breath of relief escapes my chest. Finally. One thing is finally taken care of.
But still, I have to work the graveyard shift tonight until he starts. And looking at the clock, I’ve got twenty minutes until I have to be there.
Just a few more days, Juliet, I internally tell myself.Just a few more days, and you won’t have to pull all the weight by yourself. You can make it through the next few days.
CHAPTERFOUR
I step outsideinto the brutally cold morning air. Since it’s still winter, the sun still hasn’t quite made it into the horizon. It’s still hiding behind a thick cover of clouds. My eyes appreciate the prolonged darkness, but I could do without the cold.
It was a long night. We had two stabbing victims, three gunshot wounds, and a strangulation. There were police in and out all night. It’s one of those nights that reminded me I live in one of the most violent cities in America.
Maybe I should feel guilty about this, but the worst part of my night? When another vampire walked in, unable to breathe, and the seizure started. She was in a coma within twenty minutes of coming into the emergency room.
Damnit.
Standing out on the sidewalk, I comb my fingers back into my hair, letting my eyes slide closed, and let my face rise to the dark sky. I take in a deep, steadying breath.
But at the burn that creeps down my throat toward my belly, I realize that I haven’t drank any blood in at least five days.
And instantly, all I can think about is cooling the fire that’s sparked in my belly.
I look up the street. I look down the street.
I prefer my donors to be willing. It’s half the purpose of Roman’s night club. But it’s seven in the morning. There certainly won’t be anyone there right now. My fridge at home is completely empty while the blood trade is on hold.
Which is bad. Really, really bad, actually. If mine is empty, so will others until there’s a supply going once more.
I spot a man jogging toward me. He’s one of the hard-core types that goes for his morning run, no matter the weather. Everyone knows the type. He looks like he’s about my age. His hair is well done, even though no one is around to admire it, and he’s out for exercise.
I walk down the block, until I’m at the side of the hospital, where there will be fewer eyes, and I wait.
I feel the toxins pooling in my mouth as I spot the throb of his heartbeat in the side of his neck. Strength surges in my muscles. I’m a hunter. I’m a predator. My body is the freakish result of a curse that made us killers. I feel it in every nerve ending of my body. I could stalk him down and take him out without batting an eye.
“Excuse me?” I call out to him as he waits on the other side of the road for the two cars to clear the intersection. “Could you help me?”
His eyes find mine and his brows perk. Instantly, his eyes drop down the length of me. I’ve been better dressed, not many find scrubs sexy. But it must not be too bad because he flashes a cocky smile and jogs across the street.