Page 46 of My Road Trip with a Vampire: Season One
“Uh, yeah. What were you saying?” I ask, shaking my head and looking between them. Apparently the ghosts were speaking directly to me because it doesn't seem like either of my companions heard them.
“I was just commenting on your attire. Dennis told you about the dress code, didn’t he?”
I nod, crossing my ankles like I can hide the fact that I’m wearing leggings and a baggy sweater.
“Yeah. Sorry, I was kind of in a rush. The haunted bath session really freaked me out.”
“You never quite get used to that,” she muses. Her eyes narrow, looking at the pendant I’m wearing. I touch it on instinct. “You’re not playing games with me, are you, little witch?”
“I'm not—”
I look to Dennis, who’s already talking.
“I told you she’s not a witch, Faith,” he says, still refusing to meet my eyes. In fact, he seems to be creating more space between us. Oh no. He’s probably waiting until we’re back in the car so he can give me a lecture about fingerbanging and being professional.
Faith’s lips twitch at the corners, but she clears her throat.
“We’ll let it slide since you’re in such a rush, and I do really need your help.” She tosses a smile that screamsif you mess this up, you’re dead to me.The expression showcases her fiercely pretty features. Working with Faith feels a lot like playing with fire.
She turns the key in the slot and swings the door open. The room is lined with rows of drawers and brass pulls. My stomach turns thinking about what’s inside each of them.
“Most of your family’s remains are here?” Dennis asks, and I’m glad he can ask the important questions because I’m too consumed by the feeling of death creeping over me.
“The ones who are haunting the place, yes.”
I step slowly, closing my eyes and feeling the plaques on each compartment.
“Are we allowed to pull these out?”I ask.
“No,” Faith snaps, her hair whipping around when she turns to face me. There’s a flash of warning in Dennis’ eyes, which is kind of annoying since it’s the first time he’s looked at me since the wine cellar.
“Ok, no touching the bones. Got it,” I murmur to myself, feeling out of place, although I’m the one the ghosts are trying to speak to. They whisper my name, calling for my attention, but they don’t say anything else.
“What do you want from me?” I turn around to face a marble statue of an angel. It stands victorious over a fanged creature impaled by a sword.
“They won’t like it if you speak to them like that,” Faith says tightly, coming up behind me.
Right. Manners. Ghosts never like to be challenged, but I feel like this crowd is particularly picky about formalities.
“Um. Excuse me, but I can’t understand what you’re trying to tell me,” I whisper back to the humming sound of my name.
One of the candles flickers out as soon as Faith lights it. Smoke wisps up in the air and takes the form of a woman—one who looks a lot like Faith herself but with darker hair.
“Hello,” I say, reaching for my salt.
“Who are you talking to?” Faith asks. “Can she see someone?”
She looks at Dennis, who is staring at the apparition in front of me.
“Yes, there’s someone with us,” he whispers, holding a hand out in front of her. He’s either trying to protect her or stop her from interrupting. I can’t tell.
“Tell her Mother is here,” the ghost says, a stern expression set above her high collar. “Tell her we know how she’s tainted our legacy.”
“I’ll save that talk for later. For now, let’s discuss something more peaceful. Surely great things are waiting for you after all of your uh…hunting duties.”
“I lived a pious life, sending creatures back to hell. I know what awaits me. I crave peace, but I can’t rest easy knowing what my daughter has done to our legacy. This is not her home anymore. She lost that privilege a long time ago.”
“What does the ghost look like? What are they saying?” Faith asks.
