Free The Rise of the New Bloods, From Dark Beginnings by K A HAMBLY Page B

average human, but that along with my dark hair and blue eyes, is probably what attracted the females to me anyway. Their attraction to me is more than likely what makes the temptation to drink their blood even more difficult to resist, especially when they were under the influence of alcohol, and couldn't decide on whether I was a friend or foe. Tonight, I had to be on my best behaviour so there would be no chance of a repeat of what happened in Helsinki.
      I took th e black t-shirt from the bed and pulled it over my pale, slightly masculine chest. There was a sense of acceptance and belonging attached to it, which made me feel a little more human tonight.
      ‘Are you ready?’ Blaze hollered from the door.
      ‘Yeah sure, let me just get my jacket.’
      ‘We'll walk, yeah?’ 
      ‘Sure.’   
    I felt like a brisk walk anyway. My nerves needed calming down before I was about to sing in front of a real crowd for the first time. As we stepped out of the door, the noise from the polic e sirens that went passed and the drunken antics of the people that were around were making it impossible for me to soothe my nerves anyway, in fact it was just adding to my tension.
      ‘It’s just another normal Saturday evening, don’t worry.’
      ‘No, I’m not worried about that,’ I said, pointing to a man being arrested.
      ‘Hey, the show is gonna be great ok, just chill out. I don’t know what the fuck you’re worried about though you have it all, the chicks are going love you!’ he laughed obviously clocking on to my nervousness.
    We must've walked about a half of a mile up the road when Blaze pointed out the club.
      ‘Here we go, Crowley's, the best live music venue this side of town. I'll introduce you to everyone, C'mon.’
      I walked through the doors, brushing my way past a couple of youngsters sipping on their beers. They looked up at me with a glint of admiration. Was it because I was in the band I pondered or did they know what I really was.
    My tall frame and dark brooding good looks surpassed many of the people here, almost as if it was invite to everyone to look up at me as I made my way to the bar.
      ‘Jyrki?’ I felt a tug on my arm.
      ‘This is Jonesy, our drummer. He’s from London and has played with some of the best metal bands out there. We’re lucky to have him.’
      ‘Hey mate. It’s nice to finally meet ya. Blaze mentioned he had found us a singer like, so you’ve been practicing with Blaze? How's it going?’
      I was relieved he took to me; I guess some people could se e past the horror of what I really am, which was intriguing. ‘Nice to meet you too,’ I said holding my hand out in a gesture. I looked at him studiously. The tattoos and piercings were quite an elaborate piece of body art I had ever seen. There couldn't have been an inch of him besides his face that wasn't inked.
      ‘It's mostly friends here tonight, so I wouldn't worry about fucking up,’ he smirked.
      ‘Friends?’ I said, glancing around at the hundred or so people.
      ‘Yep, the band has a small following here. Before the last singer quit, we were doing quite well, we were so close to signing with a label.’
      ‘Then I guess I have a lot to live up too.’
      ‘You sure do, but no pressure,’ he laughed.
    Then I saw April standing by the bar talking to some female friends. My attention quickly diverted to her.
      ‘Err, sorry I'm just gonna get a drink, I'll see you later yeah?’
      ‘Yeah sure man, we're on at ten!’  
    There must've been some sort of connection between us. Before I could say anything, she turned towar ds me and smiled quite coyly. Although my intentions were more than honourable, I couldn't help but feel there was an underlay of a much darker fate that brought us together. I must ask her about the exhibition tonight, I thought as I gazed at her sweet smile. I had a sneaky feeling she was going to be of some help.
      ‘Do you want to sit down?’ she