Free Magic & Memory by A.L. Larsen

flashed a lopsided grin. “I know. That’s why I got you the veggie burger.”
              “How could you possibly know that about me?”
              “Because of your scent. Vegetarians smell totally different than meat eaters,” Joey told her. Alastair slid into the passenger seat and Joey turned the key in the ignition.
              She raised her brows at that and fished in the bags. In addition to the veggie burger and fries there were bags of chips, nuts, bottles of water and candy. “I must really look hungry,” she mumbled as the Impala cruised back onto the interstate.
              Joey said over his shoulder, “I thought it’d be good if we had some extra people food on hand for you.”
              Lu said, “You don’t eat? Besides -- well, you know.”
              “We can eat regular food, it just doesn’t do anything for us. Kinda like if you decided to eat a piece of paper. It wouldn’t kill you, but you wouldn’t get any enjoyment or nutrients from it, either,” Joey said. Then he added, “We do drink water occasionally. It’s not necessary, but sometimes it’s nice, like when you want to chase away the taste of gamey werewolf. Speaking of which.” He retrieved a water bottle from the floor and took a swig.
              Lu frowned at the back of Joey’s head, then took a big bite of veggie burger. He was right -- it was awesome, and she was starving.
              They rode in silence for a while as she finished the burger and fries and what turned out to be a chocolate shake, then packed the rest of the food up for another time.
    After a while, Alastair turned to look at her and asked hesitantly, “Would you mind if I joined you back there?”
              She slid over to make room, and he climbed over the bench seat with impressive grace. His big dark eyes found hers as he said, “I’m so sorry about everything that’s happened, Lu.”
              “It’s not your fault,” she told him.
              “Sure it is. All of this is happening because of me. My God, you’ve been driven from your home, placed in an incredibly dangerous situation, on the run with a couple of…of…” he couldn’t even say it.
              “Vampires,” she finished for him.
              “When I didn’t know who I was, I never in a million years imagined I’d find out I was a monster. If I had known, if I’d had any idea, I would have stayed far away from you. I would never have wanted to endanger you like this.” Anguish shone clearly in his eyes.
              Lu said gently, “You didn’t choose this situation, Alastair. Just like you didn’t get to choose what you are. And from everything I’ve heard tonight, it sounds like you live your life trying to do the right thing, despite what’s been done to you.”
              “Apparently by killing others like me.” His voice was rough with emotion.
              “Oh, make no mistake,” Joey chimed in from the front seat. “Most vamps are nothing like us. And until we run into one and you’re reminded what evil, vicious bastards they are, I wouldn’t bother feeling too bad about our ongoing efforts to wipe ‘em off the planet.”
              Lu reached out and took Alastair’s hand in hers. He was surprised that she could bear to touch him, knowing what he was, and after what he’d done to her. He still couldn’t believe he’d actually bitten her. It horrified him that it had happened without a conscious decision, as if it came to him as naturally as breathing. When she reached out and gently traced along his cheekbone with the tip of a finger, he stared at her in amazement.
              Joey glanced at them in the rearview mirror and said, “Not to interrupt this touching moment, but Allie -- do you remember anything about killing vampires?”
              Alastair met his gaze in the