Free Bloody Valentine by Lucy Swing Page B

senses were all over the place. The scent of blood drove me insane. It was uncontrollable. Whenever hikers were around, my body was thrown to a frenzy. I couldn‘t control the urges to run out into the sun and hunt. Unfortunately, every time I ran outside, the sun would burn me. Luckily, as a vampire, we heal at an extremely fast rate.
The incredible speed, strength and sight were the best part of it. We had what we called our built-in night vision. It made hunting in the dark fun and easier. Unfortunately, deer, bears and large birds had learned not to get too close to where we were. Sometimes we would have to go days feeding on puny little rabbits. Not hunting humans wasn‘t as easy as movies make it seem to be. I had had my share of lives taken that I spent my waking hours regretting. As I said before, it is uncontrollable. Once you catch their scent, its game on. Your mind ceases to exist and all there is is the thirst for blood.
Jude decided to test his luck the day he decided to move in with us. I had to admit, that not being able to see him constantly was a bummer. I didn‘t get those seven hours to gawk at him at school anymore. I only saw him a few once Maggie and I had fed. So our time together was limited. I fought him to the ground about moving in, but once he got something in his head, it was impossible to tell him otherwise.
I still didn‘t get to see him much, since he had to sleep at night, but at least I was able to watch him sleep and cuddle next to him. Of course, after I had fed. Once our thirst has been satiated, then we can act like normal people.
During the weekend, we ventured into town. We felt normal, acting like real teenagers; going to the movies, crashing house parties, the occasional bowling alley and sometimes, the pool hall. It wasn‘t the best scene for teenagers, but knowing none of the large men there could touch us, even if they dared, made it okay.
Life had fallen into a new routine we all felt comfortable with. Since Maggie and I couldn‘t go out during the daylight, Dad had added about 10,000 square feet to the cabin: an indoor swimming pool, a beautiful indoor garden decked with a small Koi pond and waterfall. It was a way for us to be able to enjoy little things we would forever be forbidden.
Once I had, somewhat, mastered my vampire skills, we were able to unbound my powers as a witch. Which turned out to be a huge mistake, if I am being totally honest. I couldn‘t control them. They were far stronger that I had anticipated.
Maggie had been right, my affinity was with fire. If I ever happened to get upset at anything, something, without fail, would burst up into a million little pieces or catch on fire.
Jude wanted to be my teacher, giving us some extra time together. I‘ll admit he did steal my concentration more often than not, but it welcomed. The immeasurable. There was nothing I couldn‘t do for him or with him. The need to have him constantly near could sometimes be overwhelming, but it was wonderful all the same. It had become us against the world. And we would see us through, no matter what the consequences were. was a distraction I truly enjoyed and feelings he awoke in me where
    ―Honey? I‘m here,‖ even though there was about a mile between us, I heard my Dad speak as if he was right next to me.
    It took me two seconds to get to him, literally. I hugged him hard, almost making him fall backwards. I missed spending time with him, too. For the most part he only came over around three in the morning, when he knew we would be fed and not a menace to anyone.
    I nestled against his chest, the sweet smell of his cologne, the one I had once loved, almost made me puke. I pulled away, blowing air out through my nose, ridding myself of the stench. ―Cool it down with the cologne, Dad. It stinks!‖
    ―It‘s your favorite,‖ he grabbed the shirt and pulled it up to his nose. ―It smells fine to me.‖
―Yeah, to you, key-word. My sense of smell is wacky; I can even