Page 84 of Afflicted

I nod absently throughout the small talk, answer questions vaguely, keenly aware of the sinking sun and the urgency to get back to the compound. The other vamps are curious about the National Guard attack, looking at each other with concern. I repeat myself a few times, then suddenly one of them says something that snaps up my attention.

“What did you say?” I turn to the dark-haired vamp with a frown.

He shrugs. “I know, it caught us by surprise too. I mean, a whole human colony? It’s been years since we broke them all up.”

“Where is it?”

He gestures to the air over his head. “Up in Roanoke.”

The vamp loading the last box onto the truck grunts. “I heard they got vamps working there as well.”

“No way?” The dark-haired one raises his eyebrows. “Why the fuck would a vamp wanna live with humans?”

All the vamps chuckle. All except me.

“Wait, so you’re saying there’s a whole colony up there living without any vamp supervision?” I ask. The chuckles subside, and one of the other vamps nods.

“That’s what we got told,” she says, leaning back against the gate. “And with the National Guard regrouping, you gotta wonder, you know? How long is it gonna be like this?”

“You saying our days are numbered, Kowalski?” The vamp asks as he jumps down from the truck. “That’s depressing.”

“I don't think the Covens will let that happen.” She tosses her short blonde bob. “But the humans can still try and fight back, right? Who knows what could happen.”

Everyone laughs awkwardly. The attack made us all nervous. But I can’t give that any more thought now, and I made my excuses to leave. I gun the engine and speed all the way back to the compound.

By the time I get back, the sun has almost slipped behind the horizon. I unload the supplies with two of the other vamps, and head to Sam’s office to bring her the papers.

When I open the door, she’s sitting behind her desk, her shirt open more than it should be while she’s on duty. She watches me cross the room with blazing red eyes, and I can feel the heat rolling off her.

“Silas,” she says in a low voice. “You got something for me?”

I throw the papers on to the desk. “Yeah, all delivered and accounted for.”

“Fantastic.” She runs a hand down her chest, into her open shirt. She gives me a smile, her eyes hooded with desire. “You look so good tonight.”

I take a step back from the desk. “Thanks.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “Thanks? Not,Do you need something, Sam? Because I do need something. I need something real bad.”

“Not tonight, Sam.” I turn to the door and she’s in front of me in an instant.

“You haven’t been to see me in a really long time. I’m so lonely.” She puts a hand against my chest.

“I said, not tonight.” I try to push past her, but she grabs me and spins me so my back is against the door. Her lips nip at my jawline.

“I need you to fuck me, Silas.”

“No.” I push her away, hard, and she stumbles, sneering at me.

“What’s wrong, Silas? Pretty human got you sprung has she?”

“Fuck off.” I turn to open the door, and Sam’s hand slams against it, pushing it shut. She glares up at me, and I bare my fangs at her. “I said, fuck off.”

“It is her, isn’t it?”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I think I do.” She grabs my crotch. “Maybe you just need to be cured of this little crush.”

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