Blood Debt Read online

  I gulped. “Right now?”

  “No, you won’t need to feed for another day at least. Your body is still working off the blood you had pumping through your veins when you were human.”

  “Gross. So, I’m like, cannibalizing myself right now?” I asked with a grimace.

  Nicholas laughed loud, the sound deep and mesmerizing. “I’ve never heard it described that way, but essentially, yes.”

  He was still smiling, and my lips lifted in an answering grin. It was so easy to get lost in his deep hazel eyes, I had to shake myself to break the moment.

  “So,” I said, dragging out the word. “What now? I guess I can’t go back to my dorm since it’s definitely not light proof. Where am I going to stay? What am I going to do about all my stuff? What about my roommate?” The questions kept coming as the realization that my whole life had changed finally hit me.

  What was I going to do now? Even the tentative plans I’d had for my future were now obsolete. I still had a good amount of money left over from my parents, but that wouldn’t last long if I wasn’t working. What kind of job could I hope to have as a vampire? Clearly a nine to five was out of the question.

  Nicholas placed his big hands on my shoulders again.

  “Tonight, you’ll stay here with me. Tomorrow, we’ll worry about your ‘stuff’ and your roommate, all right?”

  His beautiful eyes captured mine, and his deep voice soothed the anxiety that threatened to strangle me. For a second, I believed things would be okay. That Nicholas would make sure they were okay, as strange as that seemed. Even though I’d only met him a few hours ago, there was something about him I trusted. Something I knew I could depend on.

  “All right.” I nodded. “I’ll stay here with you tonight and tomorrow I’ll figure out what my next move is. I’m not going to keep putting you out.”

  “It’s really no problem, Adrienne. You’ve been thrust into an impossible situation. You need help right now, and I’m prepared to give it.”

  I didn’t necessarily agree, but I nodded anyway, noting how heavy my head felt.

  “Dawn is approaching. Come. Let’s find you something more comfortable to wear.” I followed his eyes to my calf-high leather boots and skinny jeans covered in dirt and other substances I was reluctant to identify. Remembering I’d spent a lengthy amount of time on a grimy basement floor, I jumped up from the couch and readily followed him.

  He led me to the far side of the living room, up a set of stairs. At the top, he walked to the first door in the hallway and gestured for me to enter before him.

  This room, like his living room, was furnished in black, white, and gray. The only spot of color being the large king-sized bed with its deep red sheets. The cathedral ceilings made the room feel large and open. With a start, I realized the room didn’t have a single window in it. I supposed that was one way to make a room in a penthouse light-proof. Thankfully, the space was roomy enough that the lack of windows wasn’t stifling.

  Nicholas stepped in after me and walked over to a large black bureau sitting against the wall below another beautiful mirror. I stared at my reflection again, marveling at the differences in my appearance. I still had the same features, but every angle was sharper, every color more vibrant. Would I ever get used to looking like this?

  “You get used to it after a while,” Nicholas spoke up, seeming to have read my thoughts. He’d been watching me look at myself in the mirror. My cheeks heated, and I averted my gaze.

  “Get used to what?”

  “All of it. I know it’s a lot to digest because you had the change thrust upon you without your consent, but I promise, it gets easier.”

  I looked back at his reflection in the mirror and gave him a small, thankful smile. He grinned back and turned to face me.

  “Here.” He thrust a pile of clothes toward me. “I have nothing in your size, but this should do for tonight. Tomorrow we can get your things.”

  “Okay.” I nodded, my eyelids drooping.

  “You can go change in the bathroom over there.” He pointed to a doorway in the corner of the room.

  I nodded again, feeling like an automaton, but unable to do much more than that and shuffled toward the bathroom.

  Once safely behind the door, I shucked off my clothes as quickly as I could and donned Nicholas’. He’d given me what looked like a brand-new pair of boxer shorts and a white tank. I pulled the material over my head and blushed when I realized I’d need to wear a bra to stay decent. After putting my bra back on, I slid the boxer shorts up my legs and rolled the waistband down a few times, hoping I’d be able to keep them up. I took another look at my new reflection before I gathered my belongings and slowly exited the bathroom.

  When I made it back to the bedroom, Nicholas had changed into a pair of sweats and a different t-shirt. I felt like I was intruding on a private moment. There was something about seeing a man barefoot that felt intimate. I fought off another blush.

  “Where should I put my things?” I asked. My voice sounded far away, like I was talking to him from the other end of a long tunnel. Did he hear me? Had I said that out loud?

  I watched him point to the right of me and slowly turned my heavy head to follow his gesture. Why was even the slightest movement so difficult?

  “Nicholas, I don’t–” feel right was what I meant to say but couldn’t. My eyes closed against my will and my body pitched forward. Just before I hit the ground, a strong set of arms caught me, and darkness took over.

  Chapter 4

  My eyes popped open to a white ceiling in another dark room. As with the day before, there was no time between being asleep and awake. I had to admit, losing the groggy morning brain wasn’t all that bad.

  I turned my head to find deep red sheets and realized for the first time I must be in Nicholas’ bed. My cheeks heated, and I was thankful the man himself was nowhere to be seen.

  Leaning up on my elbows, I found a sheet of paper folded in two, gently resting on a pillow on the opposite side of the bed. The sheets on that side were rumpled from being slept in, and my face grew hotter.

  Had I really slept with a man I’d just met? Sure, I was a young, modern woman, but I liked to at least know the last name of the men I shared a bed with.

  That’s all it had been though–sharing a bed. It wasn’t as if I’d slept with him. I don’t even know if what I’d been doing counted as sleeping. It was more like I turned off for a few hours and then turned back on.

  With those thoughts running through my head, I reached over and plucked the piece of paper off the pillow. I had no trouble reading his handwriting in the dark.

  Dear Adrienne,

  I’ve left to run a few errands. I had my housekeeper wash and dry your clothes from yesterday. They’re on top of the dresser. I should be back shortly after you wake. Feel free to explore the apartment until I return.

  -N

  With the note still clutched in my hand, I fell back against the plush bed. So much had happened in the past twenty-four hours that my head was still spinning. There was so much I didn’t know and so many unanswered questions.

  Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself and think rationally. What am I most worried about right now? I took a moment to think before answering myself.

  I suppose my biggest concern was how my life would change from here on out. I was so close to completing my degree. Would I have to give that up? All that stood in my way was one exam. I was sure I could email my professor and reschedule. But would I be able to take this test at a time after the sun set? What excuse could I give for not being able to do it during regular business hours?

  With or without my degree, what was I going to do with my life now? Sure, I hadn’t had the answer to that question before I became this, but I had a feeling vampire careers differed greatly from anything I’d entertained before. I wondered what Nicholas did with his nights. Surely, he had a profession or hobby or something to keep him occupied. It must be lucrative if he could afford an apar
tment this nice in the heart of New York City.

  Speaking of apartments, where would I live? We’d already established I would have to move out of my dorm. I guess that wasn’t such a bad thing since I would have had to leave in a couple days when the semester ended, anyway. But where would I go now? I hadn’t considered I’d have to live somewhere light-proof when I signed the lease on my new place.

  “Is there such a thing as a vampire real estate agent?” I asked the empty room.

  Avoiding the sun was something I’d have to get used to. Never again seeing the sun rise or set. Never being able to lie out beneath it’s warmth with a pair of dark glasses and a cold drink. Even though I’d acted flippant when Nicholas mentioned avoiding the sun last night, it would take some adjustment. There were so many things I’d have to say goodbye to.

  When my eyes began to sting, a sure sign of impending tears, I shook my head to dispel them. I could continue to lie there and feel sorry for myself or I could try to find a silver lining. Surely there had to be some positives to becoming a vampire.

  I already knew the physical changes were fantastic. I now looked like a photoshopped and airbrushed version of my old self. Who would be upset about that?

  Besides that, I was now strong and fast. I wondered when I could put my new skills to the test. Maybe I could go to a secluded place outside the city where I could run as fast as I wanted and toss cars around for fun.

  Smiling at the thought, I finally got out of bed and hunted down my clothes from yesterday. Man, would I be happy to get the rest of my things. At least he’d had my clothes cleaned. I’d have to thank Nicholas for his thoughtfulness.

  Deciding to take him up on his offer, I took a look around his apartment. There were two other doors on this floor besides the one that led to his bedroom. I tried the first knob, and it swung open easily.

  I stepped into what looked like a T.V. room. Thick, black curtains covered another floor to ceiling window on the far wall. To my left was a large black leather couch that sat against the wall, and a big screen television mounted near the ceiling to my right.

  There were shelves underneath and flanking the T.V. that held every game system I’d ever heard of as well as what had to be thousands of Blu-rays, DVDs, and VHS tapes. I ran a finger along a line of DVD’s, reading the titles as I went. His collection was eclectic. I found everything from action, to romantic comedy, to horror.

  Seeing all there was to see in that room, I tried the next. The knob turned with ease and I gasped upon entering. Every available wall space was covered in books. There was even a rolling ladder that ran along a track around the room. Near the door sat a huge antique desk that was neat and organized. It looked like Nicholas’ personal space and I chose to leave it alone.

  As with the T.V. room, against the far wall was a window that spanned the height of the wall. Next to that window sat the first comfortable looking seats I’d found in the whole apartment. The two light brown leather chairs faced each other in front of the windows and shared a small round table between them. It looked a little like a nook in a coffee shop.

  I was in love.

  One of those cushy seats was where Nicholas found me a little while later. My nose in what looked to be a first edition of Pride and Prejudice. I didn’t notice his presence until he spoke up.

  “You’re an Austen fan.”

  It wasn’t a question, but I answered anyway.

  “Pride and Prejudice is like my version of comfort food,” I explained.

  A quick look of sympathy crossed his face before it disappeared and he took a seat opposite me. He was in jeans and boots again, and he also wore a white t-shirt. The guy certainly had a style. I imagined if I opened his closet it would be row upon row of blue jeans and t-shirts. The same outfit over and over.

  Nicholas cleared his throat, ending my daydreams.

  “How are you tonight?”

  Sighing, I placed the book on the table between us. “I’m all right, I guess. It’s a lot to digest and I still have a ton of questions.”

  “Of course. If you’d like to join me downstairs, I have something I want to talk to you about.”

  My brow arched in curiosity. “Okay, sure.”

  I followed Nicholas downstairs and into the kitchen I hadn’t explored yet. With white cabinets and black and gray marble countertops, the decor matched the rest of his home.

  He led me to a large glass table and motioned for me to have a seat. A manila envelope lay in the middle and he picked it up as we sat down.

  “Adrienne, I’m afraid you’re in a bit of a tacky situation.”

  “Sticky,” I corrected with a smile.

  He scowled, but he continued.

  “When a human is changed into a new vampire, their maker is responsible for them for their first few years. A maker provides guidance and direction as well as protection for the newly turned vampire. Without a maker, the new vampire is left to fend for themselves, which can prove to be a dangerous situation. They run the risk of unwittingly exposing themselves, like you almost did last night.”

  I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at that.

  He ignored me.

  “And they are left vulnerable to any vampires that wish to claim them. Without a maker to protect you, any vampire could take you for their own. That is the situation you are in right now.”

  He sat there waiting for a response from me, but what could I say? What the hell was I supposed to do? My maker had changed me and left me. No explanation, no help, nothing. What was I supposed to do? Hunt the jerk down?

  “What happens if another vampire claims me?” I asked, not sure I wanted to hear the answer.

  “Anything they want, Adrienne.”

  His words chilled me to the bone, and I fought off a shiver. “What can I do?” I asked desperately.

  He opened the manila envelope in his hands and passed me a small stack of papers. At the top of the front page was a seal I wasn’t familiar with. It looked like a cross with a tear-drop shaped loop on top. The strange symbol was encompassed by a circle with the words “Vampire” at the top and “Parliament” at the bottom.

  “Vampire Parliament?” I asked him.

  “It’s our government,” he explained. “This was one of the errands I had to run this evening. In your hands is a form that would make me your temporary maker.”

  I thumbed through the papers, overwhelmed by the multitude of official looking words and terms I was unfamiliar with.

  “Don’t worry, I’ve already filled everything out for you,” he explained before gently removing the papers from my hands. “If you agree, you’d only have to sign your name.” He flipped through the stack and handed me the last page.

  At the bottom, I could see Nicholas’ name signed on the second to last line, and an “X” where I was meant to sign. He said I had a choice, but really, what were my options?

  I was completely out of my depth with all this. I didn’t know the first thing about being a vampire, and I needed someone to teach me. Apparently, I also needed someone to protect me. I didn’t want some random vampire to claim me. Who knew what kind of person they’d be? At least I knew something about Nicholas.

  I already had my answer since there was really only one option for me. But what was in this for him? Why would he volunteer to be my maker? Did he collect orphaned vampires? I could see most of the apartment from my position and I searched for a secret door where he might be hiding the rest of us.

  “What are you looking for?” he asked, interrupting my thoughts.

  I didn’t honestly think he collected newly changed vampires, but I was curious about his motives.

  Ignoring his question, I asked, “Why are you doing this? Why would you offer to help me like this?”

  He studied me for a long moment before answering.

  “I have my reasons,” he answered cryptically. “You need a maker and I have no other offspring to take care of. I have the time and resources to devote to aiding you in your first few y
ears of the change and I want to help. Isn’t that enough?”

  Everything he’d said was true. My options were limited. I didn’t want to be a burden to him though, and I expressed that concern.

  “Adrienne, I wouldn’t have offered if I was worried you’d be a burden.”

  With that out of the way, I really had no reason to say no.

  Before I could answer, Nicholas added, “This is only temporary. When a new vampire signs on with a maker other than their original, the arrangement is only a sixty-day commitment. If, after that time, either of us wants to go our separate ways, we are free to do so.”

  I absorbed this additional information. What if after sixty days he got sick of me? What would I do then?

  “Think you can stand to be around me for sixty days?” he asked with a smile.

  I rolled my eyes. “It’s you I’m worried about, not myself.”

  It was his turn to roll his eyes. “Don’t worry, I don’t scare easily. Will you sign the paper?”

  The pleading look in his eyes was too much for me. I didn’t know why he was so insistent on being my maker, but I didn’t analyze it too much. This was a generous offer, and I wouldn’t let it go to waste.

  I took the pen he offered and signed my name on the dotted line with a flourish. I looked up to find him beaming at me. He was almost too beautiful to look at.

  He took the page from me, stacked it along with the rest, and stuffed them all back into the manila envelope.

  “I’ll drop these off tomorrow,” he explained. “While I was out, I bought boxes and other moving supplies. I thought we could go over to your old apartment and collect your belongings.”

  “That sounds great! I’m ready whenever you are.”

  We both rose from the table and headed toward the front door. We’d made it to the foyer before a thought struck me and I stopped dead in my tracks. Nicholas had been following close behind and walked into me when I froze.