Free Friction (The Frenzy Series Book 4) by Casey L. Bond Page B

if we’re turned, we might die. And they have a special security system, if memory serves me right. You’ll want to change us right before we get there.”
    “Fine. I’ll turn you all, but as soon as we get Porschia back, we find a rotter and you change back. Got it?”
    They all agreed easily, too easily, and I wasn’t sure if any or all would fight me about becoming human again. Being a vampire was like a high for most; an addiction that wouldn’t be easy to overcome.
    Roman turned to me first and smiled. “If you turn us, we can run to her.”
    He was out of his mind. “I won’t set you loose in Mountainside.”
    “Fine, but you’ll have to turn me as soon as we’re outside the wall or else I won’t make it. I’m weak,” he drawled.
    I nodded. “Fine. But you can’t feed from them.”
    He nodded and leaned against the earthen wall to keep himself from falling over. “Let’s go get our girl.”
    “She isn’t your girl!” I shouted, my words echoing around the small space. Let them all know it. She wasn’t up for grabs. Saul stormed outside and Mercedes followed him.
    “How many are we facing?” I asked once they were gone.
    “Three of the most vicious women alive, although I’m not sure how many others they have doing their dirty work. When I was there they only had a few slaves, though none lasted long. Pierce is probably there if they haven’t killed him already. He’ll only live as long as he’s useful to them.”
    Outside, the sun was high. It was midday and she’d been at The Manor too long already. The others were stopped just inside the gate where Garreth stood. He inhaled deeply, his large chest rising and falling again. “I can’t let you come back if you’ll be in Frenzy.”
    “We understand that,” Roman said from behind me, “and I’d advise you to close the gate behind us and not reopen it – not for anyone or any reason. You have some meat to last you. If this goes well, we can hopefully bring more. But you need to think seriously about leaving Mountainside.”
    Garreth’s mouth bobbed open, ready to respond, but Roman held his hand up. “Think about it – you have no reliable food source. It’s been ruined and will take years for the animal populations to increase to the point where it could feed your people adequately. Blackwater has empty homes and there is still game in the forests surrounding the Colony. I’m sure they would welcome you all.”
    “That’s a lot to ask of a group of people who are also struggling to survive.”
    I butted in, “Would you refuse the citizens of Blackwater help or shelter if they needed it?”
    “No,” Garreth asserted thoughtfully. “We would welcome them.”
    Point made.
    Garreth shifted on his feet. “I’ll take it into consideration.”
    Mercedes and Saul were the first to step around him and beneath the tall gate. Roman followed. “Seal them behind us.”
    Garreth nodded. “Good luck.”
    “Thank you for everything,” Roman added. Saul had all but carried him to the gate, acting as a crutch. The doors closed behind us and wood scraped against wood as they slid the beam into place.
    Roman turned to me and smiled. “Now change me.”

 
     

     

     
    This feeling was familiar. My head was cloudy, my body ached, and I woke up in a bed that wasn’t my own. Stripes of burgundy and gold were papered down the walls of the room, and the bed covers matched. I threw them back and gingerly sat up before sliding my legs around. The soft hairs of a snow-white rug tickled my feet as I eased them to the floor.
    The door rattled and my eyes snapped up to see Pierce enter the room carrying a silver tray. He stilled when he saw me sitting upright. “I thought you’d still be asleep.”
    “You thought wrong.” A low growl erupted from deep within my chest.
    He stuck his free hand out. “Easy. I need to explain a few things before you go crazy.”
    “I don’t intend to go crazy,” I said softly, venomously.
    “What do you