Page 14 of Ghoul Kisses

“Here you go.” he rests the computer on my lap.

“I can give you the money for this computer,” I say, brushing my fingers against the keyboard. I’m not big on computers but Mac is expensive.

“No need.”

“Come with me to an auction tomorrow,” he says more like a demand than an invitation.

“Where and why are we going to an auction?” I ask. My eyes focus on the screen as I set up a password and username. Excitement flutters my chest; I can’t wait to connect with the outside world.

“Kailua, Hawaii. We will stay a night there. I need to get a box I’ve been looking for,” he answers. I check my Facebook, and I have over 100 notifications from Vanessa and old co-workers. Apparently, the word got out that I went missing. I see a picture of me from my vacation with Vanessa in Boston last year. The caption beneath says, “Have you seen her?” I hate the thought of worrying her.

“Yeah, sure.”

Eric says something else, but I don’t catch it. I nod my head, pretending I heard him. Eric disappears from the room. I check my Gmail and find that Vanessa has sent me over thirty e-mails. I scan through the last four. The police have been called, and they are looking for me. I click on the compose button and begin writing her.

From: Sarah

To: Vanessa

Subject: Alive

Hey Nessa,

I’m alive; staying with a friend. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It was a last minute decision. I’ll make it up to you soon. I’m sorry I caused you pain. I love and miss you too.

Love,

Sarah

P.S. I will call you when I’m available.

Hitting the send button, I close the laptop and pull the covers over my head. I wish I didn’t have to keep things from Vanessa. We always tell each other everything but I can’t tell her about Eric. I miss her so much; we do everything together. It’s hard to keep secrets from your best friend, especially if she is the only person you can talk to about your problems. Sighing, my mind drifts to Eric and this auction. Why does he need me to go? I still have so much to learn about ghouls. My reality has been turned upside down and I don’t know how I am going to cope with it.

There is a knock at the door. The servant is a bit early. Normally, she brings me my breakfast at eleven in the morning. Eric invited me to breakfast but I refused. I couldn’t watch him and his brother chow down on raw meat. It’s revolting; just thinking about it makes me want to puke. I open the door to find Odessa standing there. Her wavy hair hangs past her shoulders, and she is wearing a pair of black jeans with a white turtleneck. She is exotic. If I were into women, I would sleep with her. Victoria’s Secret models don’t have anything on her. She clears her throat before speaking.

“Can I come in?” her voice is cheerful. I wave her in, and she sits at the edge of the bed. She gazes around the room, probably taking in the mess I made in here. The servants are not allowed to clean my room; I don’t like it when people touch my personal belongings.

“What can I do for you?” I ask as I bow. She gives a humorless laugh.

“You don’t have to be formal with me. Besides, you’re not as formal with Eric, now are ya?” she asks.

I shake my head.

“I’ve been talking to the kings, and we’ve come, well I’ve come to the conclusion that we could use a hand with some of the ghouls. We need your help.” I sit next to her.

“What exactly do you want me to do?”

“Treat them. Sometimes, ghouls get injured enough that their body can’t heal without aid, and according to Jack you have magic hands.” I smile at her last comment.

I guess I could do that instead of being cooped up in this room all day. Plus, it will give me a chance to study the race one on one.

“Okay, when do you want me to start?” I ask.

“When you and Eric come back from the auction,” she answers as she rises from the bed. Kate barges in with a gown draped over her arms and a pair of black heels in her hand. She drapes the items on the rocking chair. Odessa and Kate air kiss each other, and Odessa leaves. I admire the stunning dress. The long, black dress is made of silk with red rubies sewed into the sleeves. The high heels have rubies on the back of the heel. How much did Eric spend on this? It must have cost a fortune.

“Eric needs you to wear this tonight,” Kate says.

I don’t think I’ve ever worn a gown as beautiful as this in my entire life.

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