Free Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between by J. A. Saare Page B

devices, and made me think we had slipped into a bad episode of The Twilight Zone .
    The conversation quickly delved into subjects chocked-full of words like mutual funds, offshore accounts, and the stock market. The minute they went into that area of expertise, I glanced around the room. Most of the people branched off in pairs—couples, I assumed.
    “And what is it you do, Janet?”
    Sarah’s voice echoed inside my ears, and I knew she’d caught me daydreaming. I whipped around and smiled awkwardly. My mind shut down, totally devoid of any thoughts or ideas.
    Bartender? No. Pool player? No. Ghost hunter? No. Full-time smart ass? No. I was running out of ideas and she was waiting. The room closed in on me as her tiny black eyes came closer and closer…
    “You’re looking at it,” I said for no logical reason whatsoever. You’re looking at it? What the hell was I smoking? We were busted. I started working out our exit strategy in my head—time to get the hell out.
    “What she means is…” Goose pulled me close, squeezing tighter than necessary. “Soon, we hope to expand our family. Janet is currently focusing all of her attention on that aspect of our lives.”
    Ah, smart man. Make me a breeder.
    “How wonderful,” CeCe exclaimed. She turned to Mark and Sabrina. “Didn’t you say you have a little boy?”
    “Yes,” Sabrina answered softly and Mark nodded.
    Sarah shook her head distastefully. “I couldn’t have children. I would never get my body back.”
    “How selfless of you, Sarah,” CeCe smirked.
    “It’s the truth. Some of us are not cut out for Mommyhood.” Sarah’s eyes slitted and her mouth formed a thin line, making her appear much older.
    “Ladies,” Jude interrupted, motioning a server over with his index finger, “Let’s remember what tonight is about. Just relax.”
    Everyone took a crystal flute, and when the tray made its way to me, I followed suit, keeping the revolting brew at my side.
    “Let’s toast.” Jude smiled and brought his glass to his chest. “To longevity.”
    Everyone lifted their glasses and I placed the rim my lips, blocked off my throat, and pretended to take a sip.
    The wine clung to my lips, and I licked them quickly, tasting that odd sweetness.
    “Is something wrong?” Jude asked, and I brought my eyes up. Of course, he’d pay attention. His focus hadn’t left us since we arrived. “You don’t like the wine?”
    Damn it.
    I didn’t want to drink, and I couldn’t look at Goose for guidance. My fingers tightened on the cool glass as I brought the rounded swell of fine crystal to my lips. Like before, the sweetness lingered on my tongue, and clarity came on hard and fast.
    “Good, isn’t it?” Jude’s eyes were all over me, and I found vampire blood didn’t alleviate one human trait—my temper. I imagined erasing his sneer with a wicked crotch shot that would keep him celibate for weeks, but even anger couldn’t overcome the smells that assailed me. My nose took in the scent of perfumes, colognes, starch, and stale air blowing from the overhead air conditioning vents.
    I smiled tightly, turned to Goose, and said, “I need to visit the ladies room.”
    “Excuse us.” Goose lowered his glass and off we went, in search of a throne and a few precious minutes to compose myself.
    I’d never dabbled in drugs, so I didn’t have anything to compare the rush to. But there was no cloudiness or confusion, no stupor induced fog or heaviness. This felt like a perfect high directly following a good workout, when your blood is flowing and your lungs are at full capacity. My body didn’t feel detached. Instead, it felt magnified, each part stronger and easily recognizable.
    “It’s here.” Goose nudged me to the left, down a hall. The walls were painted white, with no decorations or adornments covering them. The floor was white ceramic with grey swirls of iridescent pearl mixed within. My eyes saw it all perfectly, absorbing every detail.
    “Give me a