Free PS01 - Tall, Dark & Lonely by R.L. Mathewson Page B

Way,” she bit out each word.
    “But…” Candy looked nervously from Madison to Jill. Whatever she saw on Jill’s face made her act in self-preservation. She
    inhaled deeply and looked down her nose at Jill. “I told you not to bring drugs into the house again.” Jill and Madison’s mouth
    dropped open at the same moment.
    “I’m sorry, Jill, perhaps I didn’t do you any favors by letting it slide last time, but,” she nodded to herself, “this is for the best I
    think.” With that she stalked back to the house, leaving everyone stunned. Not for one second did anyone believe Candy hadn’t
    given her the drugs.
    A sob broke from Jill that had nothing to do with the Madison’s hold. “I-I did pot last week and I-I tried ecstasy a week ago as
    well…..” she choked. “I’m sorry….I…..I didn’t think….I just wanted Candy to li-like m-me.”
    Madison released her hold and pulled Jill into a fierce hug. “Shh, it’s okay.” She was going to slap Candy one of these days.
    Madison swore inwardly, she knew that was the major reason Jill had been acting like this the past weeks. She wanted Candy
    to like her.
    “I won’t do it again. You don’t have to worry,” Jill said bitterly. Madison sighed. It finally happened. Jill realized in that
    moment their mother didn’t love them or care about them. It took her fifteen years to do it and Madison felt like someone
    stabbed her in the heart. She never wanted her sister to feel this pain. It hurt more than anything. She knew that better than
    anyone. Her eyes wondered over to Joshua who was watching them with bored interest. He already knew.
    She forced herself from that knowledge and pushed Jill towards the car. “What? I told you what I did and won’t do it again.”
    “I know,” Madison said softly. “But I wouldn’t be doing my job if I took your word. I don’t want you to end up making
    mistakes that you can’t take back.”
    Jill’s eyes watered up. “Too late,” she mumbled. Silent tears streamed down her young face as she walked to the car on her
    own and climbed in. Grandma closed the door and threw a sympathetic look in Madison’s direction before driving away.
    Madison forced herself to smile as she turned to look at her brother. “You feel like going car shopping with me?” she asked
    brightly.
    Joshua’s little face lit up. “Heck yeah!” His little face scrunched up, looking thoughtful. “You should wash your face first.”
    “Why?”
    “You’re bleeding,” he said casually.
    Her fingers went to her lips and found hot moisture. She pulled her fingers away and frowned. Damn that girl can hit. “Give me
    ten minutes and then we’re off.”

    *******
Ephraim walked into his room and froze. He inhaled deeply and then again. Blood. Her blood . He closed his eyes and
    followed the scent into the bathroom. His eyes darted to her door, making sure it was closed. He walked over and locked it
    before looking for the source. After a moment he found it, tissues.
    His hands shook as he reached into the wastebasket to pick up one of the many bloody tissues. He snatched up all of them,
    afraid they would disappear. In less than a second his eyes were closed and he inhaled deeply. The scent of her blood was
    overwhelming. His fangs dropped in his mouth aching for a taste.
    He licked his lips, imagining what it would be like to taste her blood. In a moment he would know. It was fresh. All he had to
    do was squeeze a drop from the discarded tissues and he would have his taste. His head dropped back as he held the tissues
    over his waiting mouth. He opened his eyes, making sure that he didn’t miss a drop. His hand began squeezing the tissues
    together with inhuman strength, forcing the red liquid to separate from the material.
    His tongue darted out, prepared to catch the drops he saw forming. So close…so close…He caught his reflection in the mirror
    and froze. His eyes were glowing red while his fangs glistened. His features were