Ch 4: Oh the Bittersweet Taste

Ugh! There was that taste again. The salty penny. Only, this time wasn't so bad. Kind of like a snack or fried food that has too much salt on it. If this is what blood tasted like to vampires, I guess I could get used to it. If I tried.

When I open my eyes, I swear I'm looking at an angel. Maybe its because I can finally see clearly, but the man standing over me is by far the most attractive person I've seen. He has dirty blonde hair that touches his ears, a beautifully chiseled jawline, and eyes as green as moss. Is this Mr. Sexy Voice? Oh gods above, please tell me it was!

"Hey there, you. How are you feeling?"

Oh I could die and go to the heavens now! His voice was like warm honey. If only I had the courage to say that out loud. I try to speak, but my throat hurts. I try to nod, but my neck is stiff. I settle for what I can get and go with an optimistic grumble.

He laughs and seems to catch my meaning. "Well, something is better than nothing. Do you think you can swallow? Would you like some water?" I give my head the slightest of nods, trying to avoid sounding like a caveman. He smiles and goes to walk out of the room. "I'll go get some for you."

If this is a dream, I never want to wake up. His smile shines brighter than the sun. How did I get so lucky as to have him be my rescuer?

I let out a content sigh, but it feels scratchy and dry. How long was I asleep for?

Mr. Sexy comes back into the room with a small glass of water. I think he said his name at my parents house, but I can't remember what it was.

"Here you go, take it slow." He gently raises my head and holds the glass to my lips. I take a small sip and feel ten times better already. Though, I will admit, all this attention is starting to embarrass me. I feel my cheeks flush.

He looks at me with concern and places his hand on my forehead. "Are you okay? You're a bit flushed. I hope you don't have a fever."

Oh, be still my beating heart. My face turns bright red, I can feel the burn all the way to my ears. I try to laugh it off, but I'm not sure how it comes out. "I'm fine, just not used to this kind of attention." Oh jeez, my voice sounds hoarse and raw, like it's been days since I've used it.

He either doesn't notice or doesn't care, because he just smiles and says "Well I'm glad you're not getting sick, that's the last thing we need at this stage. Would you like me to help you sit up so we can talk?"

I let him help, because when a beautiful man is trying to dote on you, why say no? "What do you mean at this stage?"

He looks a bit uncomfortable as he says, "well, you were hit by a car..."

"I know that part, and you helped save me. I was awake for that. But what do you mean by this stage? How long have I been asleep?"

He looks surprised to hear that I remember that, and I swear I see a small flush touch his ears. He's so cute! He chuckles awkwardly. "Yes well, you see, you've been unconscious for about 3 days now. What's the last thing you remember?"

This is going to be hard. If a man this handsome, this awkwardly adorable, and this down right cute is supposed to take care of me, I'm not going to make it. I just can't take this level of alluring. I take a breath to clear my thoughts and think back to when abouts everything got fuzzy.

"Its a bit jumbled, I think I had a concussion. I remember you talking to my parents about me needing help, my dad yelling at you, Mom yelling at him, then it gets kinda jumbled."

He looks kind of relieved. I guess he's glad to hear I remember something.

"That's good to hear. Yes, you do need assistance for a while. You see, when a vampire is made, they need to feed on their masters blood for a few years before their ready to be on their own. In your case, you were abandoned after a severe accident. Your development into a vampire now is going to be a very long and difficult process." He gets a somber look on his face. Even when he's sad or upset, he's as cute as a button. "I'm very sorry. I know this must be a lot for you, but I want you to know that I'm here to help in any way I can."

I think about his words for a moment. Speaking of, actually... "Where is 'here' anyway? Am I in some government care facility or something?" Now that I look around, the room is actually pretty nice. Soft tan walls, lamps on either bedside table, and a cute sage green duvet on the bed. And the bed itself is actually really comfortable.

"Actually, you're in my home. I thought it best to bring you here, since I'll be in charge of your care."

Oh. Wait what? "Will I be staying here..?" I really hope he doesn't think I'm an idiot, but...what? I swear, if this is a joke, I'm going to scream.

He chuckles again. "Yes, you'll be staying here. No government hospitals. Its actually very common for a young fledgling to stay with their master, but in your case, you'll be staying here."

I think about it for a moment. "Does that make you my master?" It was an innocent enough question, but his face turned cherry red. Its actually kind of cute.

"Oh, heavens no. I'll be assuming the role in this case, yes. But your master is and will only ever be the one who made you. I'm sorry that you've been put in this situation."

Damn, I wasn't. "So, if I may, what roles will you be assuming exactly?"

He didn't get as flustered at this question, but his cheeks were still tinted pink. "Well, I'll be taking care of you, of course. Housing, food, clothing, all of the basics. And I'll also provide you with blood until your transformation is complete."

Now it's my turn to blush. Basically, I'm shacking up with a hot guy for who knows how long, and on top of it, he's taking care of me? This has to be a dream. Though, in all honesty, I don't like the idea of being a mooch. I've always bought my own things and cooked my own food, ever since I was old enough to work. It didn't sit very well when I thought of it that way.

"And what do I do? Can I still work? Or do anything around here at least?"

"Unfortunately," he starts, "Its dangerous for you to go out unsupervised for now. But after you've recovered enough, we can see about you doing things around the house to help. I don't think that will be an issue. Though, speaking of blood, I should tell you what to expect." He looks a bit uncomfortable again. I wonder what's so special about it to make him squirm.

"So, with vampires, we can't store our blood. The second it touches the air, it turns rancid. That being said, I can't pour it in a glass for you like any other drink. You will have to drink it straight from the vein."

Okay so...that means I'll have to...bite...oh. No wonder he's so fidgety. I don't think I'll ever be able to look this man in the eye again. "So I'll have to bite you each time. Any specific spot, or...?"

"Well, the wrist is preferred, but not always easy to get to, so that or the neck are the best options." Is it just me, or can he not look me in the eye either? I wonder why? I mean, I know why I can't, but I'm sure he doesn't see me in that way, so what's up? Oh well, I do have standards, so I'm not asking that question. Gods no.

"While we're on the topic, its about time for you to drink again."

"How often will I have to?" I could have sworn I woke up to the taste.

"Several times a day, I'm afraid." Ha. You're afraid? I'm officially terrified.

He moves closer and holds up his bare wrist. I can see the line where he only just recently cut it open. I stare at that line for a moment, my mind far off in thought. I take a deep breath.

"Its okay, all you need to do is bite. The rest will come naturally. It will get easier with time."

"Is any of this really natural?" I'm asking myself more than anything, but he answers.

"Painfully so, I'm afraid."

I nod my head and gently grab the back of his wrist to steady it. In the back of my mind, I notice how soft his skin is. Leaning forward, with new fangs, I bite into his arm as carefully as I can. Blood rushes into my mouth. I think I hear him sigh, but I'm too distracted by the taste. It gets better each time, I guess, because now it tastes like bittersweet dark chocolate. I'm suddenly so thirsty, and I don't think I'll ever get enough.