Page 89 of Immortal Bastard

The women exchanged knowing glances and Gracie explained, “New transitions need a lot of blood.”

“Wait, are you suggesting that Christian gave me his blood without my knowledge?”

“Not at all,” Larissa interjected. “Because that would be none of our business.”

After that, the girls sealed their lips, but Delilah had a sneaking suspicion they were right. How else could she explain the change in her this morning?

“Isn’t this maroon lovely!” Gracie exclaimed. “Not at all like vomit.”

Annalise and Destiny exchanged a glance and Delilah sensed there were certain things they wanted to tell her, but not in front of Larissa and Gracie. Maybe she could ask for more water. Then it occurred to her that Gracie was probably reading her thoughts.

“Correct. Still shouting,” Gracie said without looking up from her work as she stitched the hem of a gown.

“So, how are you coping with the Amish thing so far?” Annalise asked, changing the subject.

Feeling useless, she fiddled with her empty glass. “Um, I guess it’s a little weird. Sorry. Is that rude of me?”

The girls laughed. “Not at all,” Annalise lifted her bonnet to scratch at her copper hair. “It’s totally weird. I’m still not used to it, and I’ve been here for years.”

Delilah examined her, searching for signs of longing or regret. “Do you ever miss your old life?”

Anna shrugged. “Sometimes. But it’s more like missing pieces. I’m happy I’m here with Adam.”

“What was your life like before this?”

“I was a student and a waitress at a bar. Nothing super glamourous.”

“You get used to it,” Destiny said. “Although sometimes I miss the internet.”

“Destiny was on television,” Larissa said, her tone full of admiration.

“Really?”

Destiny nodded. “I was a field reporter for Channel Six. It’s just a small local station.”

“Cool.”

“It brought me to Cain.” She grinned then lamented. “I’m sure by now social media’s changed so much I wouldn’t even know how to use whatever platform’s trending.”

It was refreshing to hear them speak in modern phrases. “TikTok’s all the rage.”

“What’s TikTok?” Anna asked.

“The dance app? You’re kidding?” Destiny laughed. “I never thought that would stick. Kids record videos of silly dance trends and post them from their phones.”

“Well, it’s not just for dances anymore. People use it for everything. And it’s not just for kids. It got really popular during the pandemic.”

Gracie frowned. “The what?”

“Another plague,” Larissa explained inaccurately.

Anna rolled her eyes. “Sickness is a tricky thing to explain here. I read about it, but it never hit us.” She shrugged. “Immunity is just one of the perks of being immortal.”

“I miss dancing.” Larissa sighed.

No alcohol or music. No television or social media. How would Delilah ever survive such a lifestyle? Not that she wanted to.

“It’s not as difficult as you might think, being here,” Anna said as if sensing her concern. “Adam lets me have a record player.”

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