Free Must Love Fangs (Midnight Liaisons) by Jessica Sims

not working?”
    “Not really,” I confessed. “Maybe a different pill? Something I haven’t tried yet?”
    “In the last few months, you’ve tried everythingI can recommend. If it’s not helping, there might be other factors we need to look at.”
    “I’m sure it’s nothing.” I didn’t want to become his science project or guinea pig once he found out exactly what I had. That was why I switched doctors constantly. “I’ve just been under a lot of stress lately, and I’m working nights, so I’m sure that’s not helping things.”
    He ignored my excuses, checking my pupils and continuing to examine me. When he was done prodding, checking my ears, nose, throat, and my pulse, he stroked his chin, frowning. “Marie, I’d like to send you for more tests.”
    My heart sank. “All I really want are some stronger pills.”
    “If the pills aren’t working now, a stronger dose isn’t going to do anything for you. I think there’s a larger problem at hand, and I’d like to run some blood work. There are some rare illnesses that can cause insomnia, and I’d like to rule them out.”
    Yeah, I was familiar with those diseases. I gave him a tight nod. “Sure. Whatever you say.”
    “We can schedule for you to run down to the blood center today, if you like, and once the results are in, we can discuss where to go with this. Again, it may be nothing, but I want to rule out every possible scenario so we can get down to a cure.”
    He patted my knee. “Just see Betty at the front desk on the way out and tell her that I’m sending you to the lab for more tests. I’ll update your chart.”
    I grabbed my purse, thanked the doctor, and slid out of the room. He paused to talk to a nurse, then headed down the hall to see another patient. I glanced at the front desk, then turned and walked out the front door.
    I wasn’t going to go for more blood tests. I already knew what was wrong, and I didn’t want a doctor poking and prodding me for the next six months in an attempt to find a cure, when the only one that I knew of involved fangs and neck-biting.
    Still . . . My stomach knotted, I pulled out the card of the Alliance doctor and dialed.
    “Little Paradise Family Clinic,” a woman announced. “How can I help you?”
    “I need to see the doctor. Today, if possible,” I told her. “I’m having trouble sleeping and wanted to see if he could recommend something.”
    She typed for a moment, then paused. “The doctor has an opening at four today.”
    “Four sounds great. Thanks.”

Chapter Six
    Y ou look like hell,” Sara told me bluntly as I entered the office Saturday night.
    The office was only closed on Sundays, and Ryder and I alternated on the overnight shift on Saturdays. It wasn’t so bad, since it was only a half shift until midnight.
    “Thanks,” I murmured, not even having the energy for a sarcastic comment. In the last three days, I’d gotten probably a half hour of sleep. My repeated catnaps and sleeping pills had only made things worse. I existed in a half-awake stupor, and my entire body felt as if it had been run over by a truck. This was just the early stages of the disease, though. It would get much worse from here on out.
    “You sure you’re okay?” she asked, moving over to my desk, looking worried. “Is something going on?”
    “Just not sleeping well,” I told her. Understatement of the century.
    “Is something bothering you? Is it money?” She bit her lip, clearly concerned about me. “Familyproblems? I’m not trying to pry, honest I’m not. I just want to help. You look like you’re going through a rough patch.”
    I gave her a wan smile. “I’m fine. Seriously. I just need some caffeine and I’ll be good.”
    She reached out and squeezed my hand. “I’m here if you want to talk.”
    “Thanks, Sara, I appreciate it.” But I can’t tell you anything, because you’d tell your sister.
    The bell clanged and a shadow loomed in the doorway of the agency, blocking out