Page 39 of A Vow for the Vamp

“You can’t turn into a bat, can you?”

I don’t even entertain that question.

“Your silence must mean no.”

“Anything else you want to know?”

His eyes trail down my body, ending on my crotch.

“How do you get wet for sex if you have no heartbeat for blood flow?”

I shrug. “We’re not entirely sure. Despite not having a heartbeat, we still walk and talk and use our brains. Blood is our life sustenance. Perhaps it is the blood that fuels our arousal as well.”

He nods, being his usual accepting self.

“So you don’t sleep in a coffin?”

“Not anymore. Technology is fascinating and now we have UV guards on windows and have no need to hide in coffins.”

The drive from Midtown doesn’t take long since it’s in the middle of the night and traffic is sparse. Before Teddy can ask any more questions, the driver is pulling up to CBGB on Bowery.

“I haven’t been here yet!” Teddy says, his face lighting up the moment he spots the legendary music club.

“It’s just a clothing store now. There are some pieces of the club still left inside, but it’s definitely not what it used to be.”

My door opens and I get out with Teddy trailing behind. He spots my bodyguards and gives them a quick nod, smiling ear to ear.

Always smiling.

Even after telling me he’s dying, he fails to let it stop him from living.

“Are they… also vampires?”

“No. They’re griffins, but they’re masked to appear human.”

Teddy pauses and stares at the two large men who wear suits, sunglasses, and no emotions on their faces.

“Like, part lion, part bird?”

Wylan, the guard who has been with me for decades, scoffs. But to me, it sounded more like the angry call of an eagle.

“Lion’s body and an eagle’s head and wings. Don’t call them birds. It’s rude.”

Teddy runs his hands through his hair.

“Shit. I’m sorry…” He leans in to me. “How do I gender them?”

“They are male.”

He turns to them. “I’m so sorry, fellas. I’m just new to… all this. I’m learning and I promise I’ll get it right next time.”

He wants to learn?

Learn to be a part of my life?

Of course, because he’s hoping I’ll save him.

How could I not?