Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter - By Nikki Jefford Page 0,17

up to us to kill it."

Melcher circled the body. "Some subjects try to take off after completing orientation, but we always catch them."

I caught his eye. "What do you do with people who try to run?"

"We don't kill them if that's what you're wondering. We make them useful in other foreign divisions - desk work." Melcher's grin widened. He had perfect white teeth. They were obnoxious.

"Then there are the ones who go crazy," Crist said.

Melcher clasped his hands together. "But! Let's talk about the ones who become agents, our team of vampire hunters. We didn't just bring you back to life, Aurora. We made you superhuman. Other agents dream of having your gift."

"What? To become a vampire's chew toy?"

Melcher chuckled. "You serve a far greater purpose than that."

"Yeah? And what purpose is that?"

"Haven't you been listening to a word I've said? Your purpose is to rid the world of evil." Melcher clapped his hands. "But that will come in time. For now, go home. Go to school. We want all our young agents to obtain a high school diploma and we encourage college, as well. You don't have to give up your life, Aurora. Far from it. In fact, we want to give you a chance to get back to normal."

How normal was he talking?

"Can I still go to Notre Dame?"

"Unfortunately not," Melcher said. "You're needed in Alaska. This state's become the latest hot spot for the reanimated dead. They appear to be gravitating to the dark."

"And cold," Agent Crist added.

All thoughts of vampires were momentarily forgotten as a horrifying thought occurred to me. "You mean I can't leave Alaska?"

"You get time off for vacation, naturally, but no, you can't move out of state."

They should never have revived me. They should have just let me die in peace. At least I might've had a shot at heaven, or even peaceful oblivion, opposed to a lifetime confined to this frozen hell.

"Does my mom know what you've recruited me for?"

"She's been briefed, but I warn you, she's under contract not to speak of it."

"Even to me?"

"You are the one who needs to hold your tongue, Aurora. Your work here is top secret."

"As is the existence of vampires," Crist said.

"We've dropped a bomb over you," Melcher said. "But I think you can handle it."

"A bomb?" I repeated and looked at the bloody corpse on the floor.

A terrifying thought occurred to me. "Will I get rabies now?"

Melcher shook his head. "You already have rabies. That's one of the viruses we injected you with and why you must take the antidote every year."

Crist shot me a snide look. "Unless you want to end up like him."

I cupped my palm over my bleeding neck and watched the body to see if it would turn to dust. It didn't.

"Don't worry about any more of those for a while," Melcher said. "We want you to train first. We can assign you a personal trainer on base or you can continue taking classes near home. The choice is yours."

"Can I take a shower now?"

"Of course, come with me." Agent Melcher turned his head to talk as he led me toward the open door. "I know this is a tough time to be taking on extracurricular activities, but at least it's your last semester of high school."

I focused on the exit. Melcher and Crist moved at a snail's pace, as though they were out for a winter stroll. They stopped in front of the door.

"Good work, Agent Sky," Melcher said with a smile.

Crist looked me over. "Try to make it less messy next time."

The agents exited first. I stepped out after them. The clinical white room led into more blinding whiteness. I got the feeling I wasn't escaping at all.

I was washed up and waiting in the lobby when my mother arrived.

"I came just as soon as I got your call," she said to Agent Melcher. "How did orientation go?"

"It went well, Mrs. Sky. You should be very proud of your daughter. I can see you've taught her to excel in all areas of life."

Mom's voice rose. "Oh. Thank you."

"I know it's not the future you envisioned for your daughter, but Aurora has a chance to make a difference in the world."

I tuned them out and stared at the clean sneakers on my feet. The old pair had been disposed of, as had my bloody clothes. The facility's showers were as white and clinical as the test room. Both locations made the blood more vivid. In the shower, it mixed