Page 13 of Greer's Change

A half a second later, my stomach starts to roll. It’s almost comical how my hands can’t decide what to cup. They fly between my head and stomach and back again.

“Okay, enough of that,” Lisette says calmly. “You’re a vampire now, but you were clearly fae before you were turned.”

I give a wobbly nod as the pain starts to recede.

“And you want something to fight that compulsion?” she asks, tilting her head.

“I don’t think I can afford that,” I say grimly. “Mostly, I’m hoping for something that helps me smell less siren-like. Maybe a potion to change my hair to a normal human color?”

“Hmm.” She grabs her tea, taking a long sip. “There’s ultimately no guarantee my magic could break your compulsion, but it would be a nice way to make sure whoever did that to you would pay.”

“Right, but I had to quit my job, leave my apartment, and come to Black Cove.” My head shakes. “I’m on a pretty tight budget until I can find a new job, but to do that, I need to be sure the town council won’t put me down for being unregistered. A newly turned vampire probably wouldn’t garner much attention, but a half fae changed? I’m guessing that’s a whole lot rarer. If anyone went looking, they would immediately discover that I wasn’t registered properly.”

“That would be on your maker, dear. Not you.” She gives a soft smile. “I also know how the paranormal council likes to tidy up loose ends. Even if you’ve done nothing wrong, it would be easier to simply do away with you, rather than having to find someone to take you on as their progeny.”

I nod.

That was pretty much my exact thought process in a nutshell. If I was back in Haven, I might have had a chance to beg someone, but I really don’t know many vampires, and even thinking of calling anyone I know makes my temples radiate with a dull ache.

There are no words to describe how badly this compulsion sucks.

Lisette sighs heavily, drawing my attention. “Come back in a week. I’ll have something for you then.”

“Can you give me a roundabout price range?” I ask, licking my lips.

“We’ll figure something out. Don’t stress about the money.”

Only at this very moment do I recognize that anxiety increases my hunger. Or maybe it’s being so close to her pulsing blood.

Shit.

I have to gonow.

Shoving my chair back, I accidentally use super speed to run away.

The next thing I know, I’m by the door.

“See you in a week,” I slur around my fangs. “Thank you so much.”

This is such a bad look, and I’m guessing it’s a big part of why vampires are extremely particular about who they change.

My maker could be held responsible if I killed someone.

Ohmigod.

That’s not happening. I’m not a murderer, especially not of sweet old lady witches. Ripping the door open, I stumble outside and move toward my car. I dig around for my keys and click the button to unlock the doors.

I’m just in the process of tugging the handle when I catch movement to my left.

My feet actually leave the pavement as I jolt.

This is getting a little ridiculous.

I’m a badass vampire now.

Shadows aren’t supposed to scare me, but I definitely stumble back when I spot the massive Unseelie fae. His whitish-blond hair falls over his forehead as he tilts his face down to appraise mine.

Pulling a hand up, I will my fangs away. “Sweet baby Jesus, you scared the damn hell out of me.”

---