Page 37 of Those That Don’t Exist (Hidden Vampires #1)

AURORA

T his time when I wake up trembling, I have the new addition of a metallic tangy taste on my tongue. I swallow the excess fluid only to realise it’s my own blood, coming from a cut on the inside of my lower lip.

Being careful to not stab myself again, I gently run my tongue along my upper teeth, swirling it around the new elongated columns of my canines. This is the weirdest feeling.

After a few more seconds they ascend into my jaw until I have regular teeth again. It's going to take some time to get used to having fangs.

The nightmare had altered again. In this latest version I’d gotten out of the car, following the crash, and attacked the body we’d hit as it laid in the road.

I’d torn into his throat, ripping through flesh with the ease of a predator taking down their prey.

The horror at feeling a gleeful satisfaction is what woke me.

I throw the lingering thoughts from my mind, locking them out. I refuse to deal with this right now.

As my breathing slowly calms, I remember Ty had been here when I’d fallen asleep. My bed is cold beside me telling me he’d left some time ago.

Knowing sleep will avoid me for the rest of the night I get out of bed, turn on my bedside light, and start quietly tidying my room as something to keep me occupied until dawn.

I’m jittery as I hang clothes back in my wardrobe and stack my books into neat piles. Last night left me utterly freaked out. I’d nearly tried to murder my best friend. Would I have if Ty hadn’t stopped me? The overwhelming desire for her blood was next level compared to what I’d felt with David.

I hope that if I keep drinking enough of the packet stuff I won’t lose control again.

Straightening my duvet and blankets I attempt to extend my fangs. I almost jump up when they appear with ease. I sit down on the bed and practice it a few times, my teeth extending and retracting on command.

It’s so fucking cool . I have fangs. Murderous tendencies aside I feel pretty badass right now.

For the last few months we’ve been hanging on a cliff with trepidation as to when I’d turn fully.

We .

I was no longer a me, I’m part of a we. I’d fallen so naturally I almost felt like Ty and I had always known each other. The feelings I had towards him ran deep in me, extracting them would require severe reforging.

Contemplating texting him I pick up my phone, only to see an unread message already sitting there. I read it several times, not quite believing the words.

I was to meet Adicious tomorrow - or today I suppose, as it was a little after four am. I sit on my bed for a minute to contemplate my response. Nerves instantly coil in my stomach, but I’m ready for this. If Adicious thinks I’m going to be a pushover he’s got another thing coming.

I’ll be ready. Please don’t worry, we can do this.

Looks like I’d finally be meeting the person responsible for the path my life has taken over the last year.

A tiny voice in my head tells me I should go in with an open mind, I only have Ty’s word on who this male is afterall. But Ty has my trust. I’ve believed everything he’s told me.

I take a deep slow breath in. I release it in a rush. I’d be careful but I’d also be calculating.

Maybe these fangs had given me some confidence because I suddenly couldn’t wait for my date with Adicious.

I take it back.

As I sit in the booth of the coffee shop opposite the blonde mountain of a male, all of my earlier bravado vanishes. Maybe I’d been high on the blood I drank last night.

Adicious is tall, even seated. He’s also built with wide shoulders and a wide clean shaven square jaw. His whole demeanour screams power and importance. His eyes are dark treacle, unreadable.

He wasn’t subtle when his eyes scanned over my body as I’d approach the booth and slid into the seat opposite him. It felt like a layer of oil coats my skin under his scrutiny. I’d managed to suppress the need to make a comment on it.

I allowed myself to give Ty a nod and a small “hi” in greeting but nothing else.

Acting friendly but cordial towards him feels so wrong.

I itched to touch him in some way, to check he was alright.

Instead I shaken off my coat, dumped it beside me on the seats and turned to the other vampire opposite me.

“Adicious, glad to finally meet you.” I flash him a wide smile, and fluff my hair out a little. I’m going for sweet and innocent if it’s not obvious .

“Pleasure’s all mine, Aurora,” Adicious drawls in an accent I don’t recognise.

“Ty, go get us some drinks.” He doesn’t even take his eyes off me as he barks the command.

I allow myself a brief glance towards Ty as he takes our order.

I have to concentrate on keeping my heart rate steady as he walks away.

Not even two minutes in Adicious’s presence and I want to run from the oppressive aura coming off him.

Call it female intuition but I already know everything Ty’s told me about the monster before me is true.

“So, you finish university at the end of the semester?” His voice crawls over my skin.

“Yes,” I answer curtly before I can stop myself.

“And your research has been on the Cleansing Wars?” His focus doesn’t leave my face. I force myself to look at him, to hold his gaze as we talk.

“Yes.” I force lightness into my tone and add, “I’m focusing on how the propaganda spread by the Fae government affected public behaviour during the fighting, and how civilians ended up joining the armies.”

I tap my fingers as they rest on the table but stop when I notice Adicious’s gaze drop to them.

“You must be well versed in vampiric law and their way of life, providing you’ve managed to see through all the bullshit,” he almost spits.

“Indeed. Vampiric culture has always fascinated me, I guess fate was trying to tell me something.” I muster enough confidence to offer him a small chuckle. He seems pleased by this.

“Yes, fate,” he says, almost under his breath.

Ty arrives back at the table, placing the black coffees in front of us both. I allow myself another glance at his face as I thank him. He straightens, hovering by the table. Is he about to leave me here?

“Ty, sit with us,” Adicious motions to the bench seat next to himself.

I swear Ty stumbles as he lowers himself into the booth. We both need to get our shit together if we’re going to be convincing at all. I pull the pack leader’s attention back to me by speaking up.

“So Adicious, Ty tells me you’re the boss of the group here in the city.

That must be a lot of responsibility.” I keep my voice low because it's a busy cafe and any Fae would be able to hear us.

I also alter my words to not raise any suspicion about the fact three vampires sit amongst them.

Probably more if Adicious has guards around.

“It's one I don’t take lightly.” Adicious focuses on me again. “The safety of those under my protection is my top priority. I have carved out a safe space for us. Having you around will help keep it.”

“I don’t see how I can do that,” I say sweetly. Innocence and ignorance, I repeat in my head. I could know what was common knowledge but no more.

“You are going to secure the future for all of us in the city. With my help of course.” Adicious moves his drink and then lays his forearms on the table, interlocking his fingers together inches from mine. I force my fingers to remain where they are. “Together, Aurora, we could be unstoppable.”

“I’m flattered, honestly, but studying full time barely leaves time for anything else.

” I pause as I see a flicker of annoyance in his petrol coloured eyes.

I change tactics. “I’m so grateful your pack found me, really I am.

Right now, however, I just want to finish my studies.

I’ll think about what comes next when I graduate. ”

Adicious’s jaw ticks. His displeasure is palpable. He leans forward, and encloses my hands in his own. I can’t stop the uptick in my heartbeat this time.

As I wait for a response something brushes up against my leg. I tense as it wraps around my shin, like a cat seeking attention would do. Without looking down I recognise it as one of Ty’s shadows. He’s reassuring me in the only way he can, it's so sweet it has my confidence returning.

“I want you to be happy, Aurora, if finishing your studies means a lot to you, you can keep attending this university,” Adicious purrs, igniting a little hope inside me that I might be doing well in this negotiation. “You’ll be moving into the ranch though.”

Hope dashed.

“I already have a perfectly good place to live, thanks.” I square my shoulders and pull my hands away. Letting a little of my backbone show.

“But we can only offer you the protection you need if you live with us.” Adicious sits back, puffing up his chest, trying to intimidate me with his sheer size.

“I can take care of myself just fine.” I push down my anger to keep my voice firm but light.

“Is that so? Have your studies not enlightened you to the fact female vampires are rather coveted, fought over even? Could you handle a fight? You’re new to this, and vulnerable, don't be foolish.”

“Foolish?” I’m losing my temper now. The shadow at my feet pulls tight for a brief second in warning.

“I’m being generous Aurora, don’t push me. You’re one of us now, you need to be part of the group.”

“And I said I was willing to join in, but I won’t be moving anywhere until I’m ready.” I fold my arms across my chest. I can tell Adicious isn’t used to being denied. He can no longer hide the anger in his eyes.

Adicious takes a deep breath, and momentarily closes his eyes, as if he is trying to control his misogynistic bullshit. I take the opportunity to glance at Ty. He’s sitting preternaturally still. He gives an almost imperceptible shake of his head. Don't push further. I huff in answer.

“Fine.” I force out, through gritted teeth. Adicious’s gaze bores into me as he raises an eyebrow. “Give me a month. I won’t leave my friends in the lurch with the rent. I also won’t move in with strangers. Let me get to know the group, I will visit as often as I can. I’ll reassess in a month.”

“You will learn not to defy me Aurora. I’m going to let it slide this once and give you two weeks. But I will be watching over you. You will not be able to skirt the responsibility you have to this pack.”

“And what are they?” I interrupt him, needing him to say it. I haven’t had reason to doubt Ty and Adicious has already checked every box on the list of shitty personality traits I had compiled from the stories Ty has told me. Still, I want him to confirm it.

“You will join me to stabilise our future. You being by my side to grow our strength.” He says it in code, because we are in public afterall, but I see it clearly on his face. He looks at me like I’m being insolent.

“And if I refuse the role?” I can’t help pushing a little further.

“I’ll say it simply. You can't.”

I can’t stand being here a moment longer. I’ve heard enough, confirmed this asshole is as terrible as Ty said. I’m done. I slide out of the booth,

“Then you won’t mind if I go enjoy my freedom while it lasts,” I snark.

“I expect you at the Ranch tomorrow evening Aurora. Come willingly or I’ll send an escort.” That makes me pause.

“Why?”

“You need to meet the rest of the pack. Whether you like it or not you’re one of us now and they’re dying to meet you. It’s not up for debate.”

I simply nod, not trusting myself to speak anymore, especially as my fangs have extended. Sparing a fleeting nod to Ty, I flee. My heart beats heavy at leaving Ty with that monster, but I have no other choice right now, not with him bound.

After only one interaction, however, I’m determined to help him break the fucking bond. I’m heading straight to the library to see what I can dig up.