Page 6 of Stranded with a Wounded Vampire

The sky darkens and the rain falls harder. I’m now stuck in a full-on rainstorm with the water falling in torrents. I tuck my legs into the car because even though I’m wearing the jacket I’m still in a short skirt and open-toe sandals. Shoot.

“Yes. My car is dead. I’ll need it towed from here and taken to town. Or maybe they can bring a new battery along and install it right here and I can drive away. Either of these solutions require a tow truck.” I pull out my cell phone. “But I have to warn you, the guy who runs the tow truck company is on vacation and his cousin is covering for him. Jason, the real owner, would move heaven and earth to come out here for me. His cousin not so much.”

I put it on speakerphone so Bruce knows what’s happening.

It rings and rings and rings and finally Jason’s cousin picks up the line. “Yes?”

“Hey, Steve.” I glance over at Bruce, who's still standing in the rain, staring at me with a disgruntled look on his face. “This is Willow Brand,” I say loudly because even though I’ve known him my whole life, Steve has never exactly been known for his sunny disposition. Even marriage and children have only brought out a hint of levity in the man. “I'm calling to let you know my car broke down and I need your help.”

“Heh. What's wrong with it?”

“The battery is dead.”

“Can't you get a jump from someone nearby and bring it in yourself?”

“I tried that. It's not working. I need a new battery installed.”

He grunts. “Where are you?”

I tell him.

“That’s far away.”

“Yes. But luckily, I’m safe while I wait. How long will it take you to get here?”

“Two hours.”

“What?” I sputter. “Why so long?”

“Two hours,” he repeats and then hangs up on me.

I look at my cell phone in my hand and then up at Bruce. And give him a tremulous smile. “Looks like I don’t have a choice in the matter.” I glance at the house because I have to admit, I'm hoping he’ll finally invite me inside.

“Wait out here until the other human arrives to take you and your vehicle back to town,” he orders. “I will wait inside.”

I blink and try my best to hide my surprise.

“You cannot come inside,” he repeats. “We need distance from each other.” Then he strides off for the house, leaving me outside and alone in a rainstorm.

I cannot believe.

His front door closes behind him and he’s gone. At least he brought the box of donuts inside with him.

Thunder rumbles in the distance.

If the situation were reversed, I would certainly invite him inside. Or I would’ve given him a ride back to town. It would be hard for me to imagine a situation where I'd let someone I knew who came up to deliver me a gift wait outside for two hours alone. In the rain.

And that's when I realize he walked with a slight limp. I didn't notice it in the grocery store, but I wasn't able to catch him walking. Maybe he’s hurt and wants to be alone to recuperate? Or, this is the real reason he doesn’t want to get close to me, because he thinks this is something to hide? I’ve heard whispers about his limp but hadn’t thought too much of it. Maybe this, and his long gray sleeves covering more of his body has something to do with his need to be alone or push me away? I have no idea. I wish I knew him better so I could understand his motives.

I shut the car door with a huff because now the rain is falling harder.

This is terrible. I glance around the interior, assessing the situation. There’s no food or water and my stomach grumbles. I lick my lips, feeling a little bit thirsty. “This sucks.”

A heavy sigh escapes my lips.

I can do this.

My phone pings. I pick it up and see there’s another text from my mother, It’s raining now…

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