The Guest & The Change - By M. D. Bowden Page 0,23

leave to torment someone else. That’s what he enjoys.’

Sarah fell silent. She couldn’t bear the thought of so much destruction.

But thoughts played at the edge of her mind. ‘Could I kill a vampire? Am I strong enough?’

‘Yes, I’m sure you could ram a stake into a vampire’s heart, up through the ribs or from behind. You would have to catch them by surprise though, as they are much faster than you. You probably couldn’t manage to decapitate a vampire. That takes greater strength, or a weapon. But it would be hard to wield a weapon strong enough for the job, fast enough for them not to defend themselves.’

‘Have you killed other vampires?’

‘Yes, I’ve killed other vampires Sebastian has turned.’

‘What next? We need a plan but my mind is drawing up blank.’ Sarah said.

‘They will probably be out later tonight, looking for victims.’ Daniel said. He looked bleak, sickened himself. ‘I could go out, watch them, see what I can do.’

‘We could go out, I can’t let you do this alone.’

‘You should stay here, where you’re safe.’

‘But I won’t feel safe. And it will drive me mad not knowing what’s going on.’

‘If you come, will you stay with me? I can’t let you unless you promise to stay by my side. Otherwise I can’t protect you.’

Sarah looked at Daniel, so earnest, worried for her. She couldn’t help but agree. She nodded, looking into his dark eyes.

CHAPTER 6

Jo sat waiting in his favorite tree. Darkness had fallen some time ago and he listened to the night sounds. Activity was increasing on the forest floor as night creatures came out to feed, he could hear them nosing around in the leaves. His thirst was increasing, not satisfied by his earlier hunt, still fuelled by memories of Sarah.

Sebastian had swooped off as a bat earlier and Jo awaited his return. Then they would go hunting. For real. For people. He felt his teeth extending at the thought and had to take deep breaths to make them retract. Finally he saw a bat flying back towards him. Sebastian landed next to him and took his human shape. ‘Hungry?’ he asked with a twinkle in his eye. ‘Follow me.’

And Jo did, eagerly. Sebastian ran, zipping through the forest, still in his human form. Jo sped after him, delighting in his new abilities, excited about the thought of densely packed bodies. When they reached the edge of town Sebastian slowed to a walk and Jo joined him.

‘Listen Jo, you can’t just jump people like you did earlier. When we reach a bar you need to focus within, try to ignore your thirst for blood. We will order drinks, blend in. Only then will you choose your victim. Find a girl, someone you find attractive if you like, and charm her, encourage her to leave with you. Then you can feed. Remember what you did earlier, sending out tendrils of power to coax a victim towards you? That’s another strategy. You can lurk in the dark and draw people towards you. But it will be harder in a bar with so many people, so many thought patterns tangling with your powers. It will be easier when you become stronger.’

Jo listened to Sebastian, but he found it hard to think past the word blood. He thought about all those people in one room and didn’t know how he would control himself.

They walked down dark streets, only the occasional lights illuminating their way. They were reaching the dodgy end of town, the old shattered windows and peeling paint Jo was already quite familiar with. He’d spent a fair amount of time in these bars as a human, when he couldn’t handle staying at home any longer. When he’d needed a break from the intensity of life with a wife, with children.

He may be recognized, but what did it matter? He could run if needed, could influence to protect himself. He could kill.

They stopped at the first bar they came too. Jo stood outside looking at the dim light radiating above the battered sign. He could hear people inside, music, talking, hearts pounding at different speeds. He could smell the scent of people and was drawn forward. Sebastian held out his arm to block his way, ‘Wait, remember control. Breathe deeply. Get your victim somewhere unseen before you feed.’

Jo nodded and opened the door. It was crowded and dark. Perfect. He had to push through warm bodies just to reach the bar. Sebastian was next to him, keeping close tabs.

Sebastian ordered