Page 11 of Hot Blooded

“I don’t have any personal experience, since I’ve never turned anyone. But I’m told that those who have done it feel a strong bond to their progeny.”

“Does that mean… the vampire who turned you, she’s bonded to you in some way?”

“Eat your energy bar,” Amos prompted. Tessa scowled at him, but obeyed. “And, yes. Even a century later, my dam still tries to mother me. Which is a bit rich, considering I’m actually older than her when you take both our mortal and immortal lives into account.”

“How is that possible?”

“She was only nineteen years old when she was turned. And then she turned me within her first year as a vampire.”

“Are you angry with her for attacking you?”

“Not anymore. I was angry at first. But I’ve adjusted, and now she’s my oldest friend.”

Tessa was quiet, chewing contemplatively. When she finally finished the energy bar, Amos passed her the bottle of juice. He could sense the questions building in her mind, and decided it was his turn to be the interrogator.

“What about you?” Amos asked. “You said you’re not married—were you ever?”

Tessa shook her head. “No. Never married. Never engaged.”

He took that in, somewhat surprised. She was beautiful and interesting and insightful and curious and kind. She obviously thought that not being married was some kind of failure on her part—one of the ways she was “behind” in life—but Amos couldn’t quite fathom how she didn’t have her choice of men who were ready to give her what she wanted.

“Why not?” he blurted out tactlessly.

Tessa paused, clearly trying to find words. “I…” She shrugged. “I don’t know. These last few years have been rough, and I haven’t really been in a position to date. But it’s not like it’s always been that way. I’ve had relationships. They just never made it that far.” She shrugged again, a quick, slightly defensive gesture.

Taking pity, Amos changed the conversation. “How did you find out about HemoMatch?”

“The daughter of one my patients told me about it a few months ago. We were talking about the costs of end-of-life care and how the bills pile up and… all that. She was grateful for my care for her dad, so she told me about how she was managing to cover her father’s costs with HemoMatch.”

The mention of money prickled at his subconscious. “Why did you sign up, then?”

She sighed. “I was in a similar boat with my dad. After he passed, there was so much debt and it’s been this huge hole my family’s been trying to dig our way out of.”

“I’m sorry,” Amos said, wanting to kick himself for asking. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Tessa was quiet for a moment. “Remember what I said about grieving someone before they’re gone? I’m just glad he’s not suffering anymore.”

“What was it?” he asked gently.

“Cancer. It started in his throat, then it metastasized to his lungs and brain. He fought for a long time. For a while, we were so sure he was going to beat it.” She shook her head.

Obeying an instinct, Amos reached out and took her hand. She squeezed his fingers, leaning her head against his shoulder.

“Sorry,” she said after a moment. “I’m supposed to come over here to feed you. Not depress you.”

“Tessa, don’t apologize. You’re more than just a source of blood.”

She let out a breath, something halfway between a laugh and sigh. “High praise from a vampire.”

“It is,” he said lightly, though he meant it with total sincerity. He nudged her shoulder gently with his. “Drink the juice.”

She slanted a slightly annoyed look at him, but she brought the bottle to her lips and tipped it back. Amos watched the motion of her throat as she swallowed, then quickly tore his gaze away when she pulled the bottle back.

“This is good.” She looked down at it, then glanced at Amos. “Do you eat? I mean, besides blood?”

“No. Not since I was turned.”

“Do you miss it?”

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