Page 47 of Vampires & Bikers

I recall something about coming here after being kidnapped by the shifters. Luc saved me, brought me here and gave me something for the pain. I inspect my body, see the stitches on my arms and the bruising. I must have received medical care but I can’t remember it.

Then I remember what the shifters did to me and I close my eyes briefly. Rat Man’s face appears in front of me and I quickly open my eyes.

I’ve never been to a hotel room before, not something I would admit readily. My life has been rather unimpressive so far. No grand trips, no big holidays. But I’ve survived this attack and that feels big.

I sit up, notice the bottle of water and gratefully drink all of it.

I wonder where Luc is, the room is empty.

I try to figure out how long I’ve been here and recall waking up at times, seeing him here, lying on the bed next to me. I try to get out of bed, walking carefully, wincing with pain. As long as I don’t move, I feel okay but every movement brings a range of sensations, all of them unpleasant. The bathroom is lovely, with deep, fluffy towels and soap scented with lavender. I wash my face and flinch when I see myself in the mirror. I look terrible, my face is purple and blue, with some bruises turning yellow.

I step into the shower, open the faucet and let the water wash over me until I feel less dirty, though not clean. Somehow, I doubt I will ever feel clean again.

When I get out into the room, Luc is waiting for me.

“How are you feeling?” he asks me.

“Better. Hungry.”

He smiles, “That’s good, I’ll call down for some food, what do you feel like?”

I shrug. “Eggs? Bread?”

He calls the order to the kitchen and within minutes, a porter brings several plates of food.

“How long have I been sleeping?” I ask Luc.

“Three days now,” he says, and tells me about the doctor’s visit.

“Jesus. Three days,” I can’t believe I’ve slept this long.

I suddenly sit up. “My mother! I have to find her, make sure she’s okay!”

Luc nods. “I’ve had her moved to another facility in the capital.”

Anxious, I ask, “So, she’s okay?”

Luc nods and I relax.

“When do you have to leave?” I ask him.

“Tired of me already?” he asks with a smile.

“No…. but there is a war on and don’t you have things to do?”

His face becomes serious. “Everything seems to be falling apart. There are so many places I need to be, people I should talk to. At the same time, I don’t know, I feel like it shouldn’t all be my responsibility.”

I’m not sure what he is talking about exactly but I can see he is worried, upset.

I get up and walk over to him, sitting down on his lap, carefully.

It’s the closest I have been to him since we slept together at my house. It feels like months ago but it isn’t even that long. But so much has happened and I’m not sure where we stand with each other. He has stuck around this long to make sure I’m okay, but I can’t tell why. Perhaps he is being chivalrous, or something.

Being this close to him feels intoxicating.

I put my hand on his chest and notice a muscle tightening in his face. I immediately pull back.

“No, no,” he catches my hand and pulls me closer.

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