Page 103 of Heartbeat Girl
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
Her eyes trailed over my neck before her hand did. “These bruises are proof Marilyn wanted you dead. You don’t know the control a sire has, but I do.” Larissa’s eyes became deep red as she spoke. “Tell me what happened.”
“The one she calls Pete used chloroform on her,” said the vampire beside me.
Larissa smiled. “Shut up, Frederick. I’m asking Jayne.”
I rubbed my temple. “Pete was choking me. If he had applied more pressure, he would have crushed my windpipe. He apologized, and then I saw his fist heading toward my face. After that, there was nothing.”
She tilted her head as she looked me over. “But it doesn’t look like he hit you in the face. It’s as I guessed,” Larissa said. “A sire can see through the eyes of their vampires. Your boy must have put on a show. He might not have been able to stop himself from doing the other things Marilyn asked of him, but he denied her your death and hid the fact he didn’t kill you. If he makes Marilyn believe you’re dead, that would be incredible. But that’s never been done. Imagine how he must busy his mind to keep Marilyn from reading his thoughts. I don’t think he’ll succeed, but he only needs to get far enough away before Marilyn finds out and makes him try again.”
Marilyn had access to their mind as well as what they saw? They had no privacy. It was worse than I thought.
“How will we find them?” I asked.
“One of mine is following Pete. We’re a little behind since we had to pick you up, first.” Larissa looked out the window.
I watched her for a while before I said, “I won’t let you hurt them.”
Her lips curled upward. “You think Pete’s mind is the only one Marilyn’s penetrated? Depending on how many Marilyn’s turned, we could deal with dozens when we get where we’re going. Anyone defending her will die, including your precious vampires.” Larissa’s gaze slid over me. “ButI’m willing to let you handle this.” Her eyes turned crimson again. “There’s a chance you won’t become a sire. There’s a chance you’ll belong to me, but isn’t that better than going to Marilyn unprepared?”
My stomach churned despite my choice already being made. “I’ve made my decision.”
“And your answer?”
“Turn me.”
“You’re giving up your world and your beating heart if you choose this life, Jayne.”
“I know.”
“No children. No family. Just your vampires if you all survive,” Larissa continued.
“They’re all I need,” I said plainly. “I choose to fight for them. Nothing will change my mind.”
Larissa’s fangs came out. “Well, come here.” She laughed as my eyes widened. “Don’t worry. You just need my blood. Well—you must die before the blood leaves your system.”
So, she didn’t need to bite me to turn me? “Then why are you eyeing me like that?”
Larissa laughed. “There’s a price for everything, Jayne, and I’m hungry. Frederick can ease your needs if you wish after I bite you.”
Frederick scowled at his sire.
I shook my head vehemently. “No, there’s no need. I belong to someone else, and I’m going to get him back.”
Larissa sighed. “I’m so disappointed.”
I frowned and asked, “Why?”
She leaned into me and whispered. “I have a feeling you won’t be one of mine, Jayne, and your loyalty impresses me.”
Before I could say anything, she bit into my neck.
+++
We spent two days on the road. We never caught up with Pete, but Larissa’s vampire did. He relayed everything via phone. I was exhausted and cramped from barely sleeping in an SUV with three vampires. We stopped several times for gas and me some food. The vampires disappeared for a bit in between those periods. I didn’t doubt they were grabbing a bite of food off someone, especially since I refused to let Larissa snack on me again.
I hadn’t died yet. Larissa said it wasn’t the right time. Catching Marilyn off guard was the best solution. But how did one know the right time to die, anyway?