It’s Funny How Love Starts (IFHLS Book 1)

Zane! Help! I screamed in my head. It was the only solution I could think of. I tried thrashing around so I could get Zane some time before he could find me.

“Hold still,” Derek said irritated. “I won’t hurt you. I’m trying to help.” With one hand holding me to the wall, he took the other free hand and bit himself on his wrist, drawing enough blood to make me queasy. “Here, drink.” He let go of my mouth but before I could scream again and pushed his bloody wrist up my mouth. An explosion of blood entered my thirsty mouth like a refreshing waterfall.

The instant blood trailed down my throat, the thirst quickly vanished. My body finally relaxed and I began to suck his wrist, consuming as much blood I could. It tasted a bit rusty but it was sweet and amazing at the same time. The bittersweet taste filled my whole body, making me feel alive and awake.

“Woah, there. You don’t want to drink too much of a vampire’s blood. That’s not good for you,” Derek chuckled, pulling his wrist back, scared to wipe it on his fashionable clothes. Instead, he pulled out a handkerchief in his pocket and wiped away the blood as if it was normal.

Suddenly the dark corner didn’t seem so dark anymore. Everything was clear and bright, my senses on full alert. Then the guilt of what I had done filled me up.

“What did I do?” I stammered, my legs collapsing. Derek caught me before I fell.

“You did what you were supposed to do. Drink blood.”

“I’m a monster,” I whispered, the words of the Elders echoing in my head.

“Ouch, I’m offended. A life of a vampire isn’t as terrible as you think,” Derek said thoughtfully. “The sun might get annoying if you stay out too long but as long as you try to stay indoors or in a shade, you’ll be fine.”

“Alexia?” Zane stood looking over us. His eyes darted from me to Derek and then back to me. Then he caught the blood that dribbled down my mouth. “What the hell, Alexia?”

“That isn’t very supporting of you. You knew she had to drink blood sometime,” Derek looked at Zane. “I advise you to take her back to the person you call Lucas.”

“I’m fine. I feel much better, thank you, Derek. I don’t need to be taken back to Lucas,” I said. Then my wheels in my head started turning. “Wait, how do you know Lucas?”

“Ah, my apologies. It isn’t only the werewolves who have special abilities. I too have an ability. I can touch someone and instantly know everything about them and sometimes hear thoughts if I put enough effort into it.” Derek said shrugging as if it was no big deal.

We need to get out of here, Zane thought out to me. He’s dangerous.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“I’m sorry to eavesdrop but I’m certainly not dangerous. I can help Alexia with her vampire side and how to control it. You don’t see much vampires who are offering you their help. We are quite…selfish,” Derek said. Wow, he could even hear into our telepathy. I really did want his help and I trusted him since he was the one who had saved me.

“Zane, he could help me. Maybe I can block out my vampire side,” I pleaded but Zane looked at me with unease. I couldn’t exactly blame him when my mouth was covered in blood. I wiped it hard with my sleeve hoping it would please Zane.

“It’s not only my decision that counts. I think Lucas and Uncle Amos will need to have a say in this,” Zane said but I could tell he meant no.

“Ah, you know Amos Awbrey?” Derek asked. “Of course. He’s the Elder. No worries. I will talk to him about the situation today and I’m sure I can persuade Amos,” Derek smiled at me.

“I guess we’ll be keeping in touch then,” Zane said. I couldn’t help catch the small bitterness and untrusting in his voice.

“Derek, where are you?” the annoying girl from before called out. She stopped when she saw all three of us. “What are you doing?” she asked, freely sending daggers at me. “Everyone left.”

“Finishing up business,” Derek answered. “I guess you will be seeing more of me Zane Maxilum. Now, excuse me again. I need to take the unnamed girl home for my dinner,” he winked and led the girl out of the bakery.

“I don’t like him,” Zane said finally. “He’s going to suck the life out of her.”

“He helped me and I’m glad he was here or else I would’ve died,” I said coolly. His blunt statement offended me. That’s exactly what I was kind of doing with Derek. The reminder of the delicious taste of blood made me shudder. I wouldn’t let that happen again.

“OK, points for you. I’m just glad you’re safe,” Zane said, pulling me into a hug. “You gave me a scare when I turned around and you weren’t there.”

“Sorry, I was on my way to the bathroom when Derek pulled me aside,” I said as nicely as I could.

“As long as you didn’t get hurt,” Zane said slowly, hoping I’d give him the details.

“No, I think I was the one who hurt him,” I said, feeling disturbed.

“You do what you need to do,” Zane assured me. “We should get back. I didn’t know time passed so fast.” Zane helped me out of the bakery and we made our way back to the mansion.