Page 28

“Experiments on the fallen. Live participants.”

Once again, silence falls. We all know what he means. Somewhere out there is a lab with crazed vampires having God knows what done to them. “How can this serum help Amelia?” Marcus has stepped forward, his shoulder leaning into mine. It’s a show of support.

“So far the serum can’t stop the change, however, we have seen vast improvements in the vampires injected. I believe the serum is powerful enough to stop Amelia’s side effects temporarily.”

“A bit like an insulin injection?” Maria asks.

“Yes, similar. Amelia would need to have the serum several times a day.”

“Well, what the hell are we waiting for?” My mother demands.

“Doctor, do what you must. We want Amelia to have the serum by tomorrow.”

He doesn’t protest, he just leaves. Turning from the doctor, I face my family. They are all observing me carefully. All except Lucille, who is grinning at me. I scowl at her, and she laughs because she’s a bitch. “Why are you staring daggers at Luce? What’s she done this time?” Jacob asks.

“No reason,” I reply coolly. From the lack of questions, I gather Lucille has not told the rest of the family about my date. But with the look she’s giving me now, I know it’s about to come to light. God, she is—

“How’d the date go?” Smug doesn’t cover how Lucille looks.

“Date?” mother gasps.

“You went on a date? With Erin?” Laurence clarifies.

“Yes, I did.” The collective cheers are enough to make me scream. I understand their elation, but they have no idea how far from perfect it was, or how screwed I still am.

“Stop yelling,” I shout. “It was a disaster, so you can calm down on the celebrations.”

“How the hell did you fuck it up?” Lucille sighs.

“I had an episode in the middle of dinner.”

“I bet that was attractive,” Lucille deadpans. I have to smirk. She’s not wrong.

“Oh yes, totally turned Erin on,” I chuckle.

“Explain what happened, love,” my father says, pulling me into a side hug.

“What’s there to say? I was near her, she mentioned leaving and the next thing I know I’m nearly doubled over in pain. Again.”

“What did Erin do?” Marcus asks.

My cheeks heat. Why am I embarrassed to tell them what Erin did? Maybe because it felt so intimate, I don’t want anyone else to know.

“She comforted you, didn’t she?” Jacob supplies.

“Yes, she did, and the pain vanished.”

“Oh, Amelia,” my mother coos. “It’s going to be okay. I know it.” I wish I had her faith. I really do. “When will you see her again?”

“She’s working tonight, but then has two days off. I presume she will see Mack.” My heart aches knowing that Erin is still spending time with Mack. “We didn’t set a second date. Erin was too worried about me.” Another punch to the love muscle.

“Then phone or message her. Why are you fucking about?” Ah, Lucille is such a wordsmith.

“She’s not wrong,” Aliah adds.

I can’t believe I’m going to say this. “You know, for once, I agree.”

Lucille gives a mock gasp, making everyone chuckle and me roll my eyes. I need to do something now, if I’m ever going to get Erin to look past my health issues. Sending her a message asking if I can have an hour of her time tomorrow puts me back in the running, especially when I get an instant reply saying she would love to see me.