Jaelyne opened her eyes slowly, taking in the small bands of light filtering in through the blinds. Her head pounded dully, and she lingered under the warm covers. Another day. She shut her eyes again and silently wished she didn't exist. No such luck. Her alarm chose that moment to screech loudly from her bedside table. She groaned and reached over to turn it off. "Jaelyne?" Her mother knocked on the door. "Yes?" she grumbled. " I can't drive you to school today honey, you'll have to take the bus." Damn. "Ok." She pushed the covers off and swung her feet to the floor. She shivered a little and stumbled to the bathroom. Her hair was a disaster as usual so into a ponytail it went. She quickly brushed her teeth and applied a little eyeliner and concealer. As good as it got. She paused and stared for a long moment at the dark circles and blank eyes that stared
back. A bitter smile touched her lips and she turned away and reached for her clothes. A large black sweatshirt, baggy jeans, sneakers with worn, stained laces. Yep, as good as it gets. She dressed and headed downstairs. A plate with bacon and toast sat on the counter, ignoring it she grabbed her backpack and coat and walked outside. The air was cold and crisp, chilling her. She thought of the little pills upstairs in her bathroom. How many would it take? The bus stop was just ahead. She bent to tie her shoe. Suddenly a shadow loomed over her, spreading over the snow. Jaelyne looked up," what do you want?" The kids at the bus stop never saw a thing.
Burning. The smell of blood. Nikolas felt her presence as she entered the room. A smile stretched over her deep red mouth, revealing twin daggers. They flashed in the dim light and he felt a prickling in his own gums in response. "Darling," she purred, her midnight irises boring into his. A cold hand reached out to stroke his arm, sharp nails digging into the skin. "Kiiya," he replied. Fear and revulsion twisted his stomach, the scent of blood and ice burned his nose. "That's hardly a greeting for your maker," she murmured, amused. She leaned closer and he felt her breath whisper against his neck. "Should I remind you?" Nikolas flinched, catching the threat. He stood slowly and let her wrap her arms around him. He fought to stay still as she pressed her mouth to his, the contact making him sick. "That's better," Kiiya laughed. "Tell me Nikolas, what do you think of my newest acquisition?"
Nikolas followed her gaze to the far corner near the door and felt his pulse quicken. "I thought you could use a snack." Blood was dripping onto the floor, it's owner laying in a heap against the cold stone. The girl was about eighteen or nineteen, plain looking with mousy brown hair. Her eyes were shut and her breathing shallow, almost non-existent. "It's a present," Kiiya continued, "maybe you'll get those ridiculous ideas about not feeding off live humans out of your head." She grabbed him roughly by the back of the neck and dragged him to the girl, forcing his face near the wound in her neck. Blood still pumped sluggishly from it and it's warm, coppery smell made his mouth water. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore the insistent ache in his gums as his fangs demanded him to drink. No. His mind screamed at him and he forced his eyes back open and stared at her graying face. Minutes ticked by. "Useless," Kiiya muttered and released him. He
moved quickly away from the girl and faced his maker. Anger had crept onto her face and she scowled at the prone figure on the floor. "Fine. I'm sure in time you'll change your mind, especially with the winter solstice so close." Kiiya's face took on a brooding look. "She'll stay with you until then as your slave." Her voice lowered, "you will feed from her eventually." With that morbid promise she swept from the room and slammed the door.
Nikolas stared at the girl.