Free Initiation by H. N. Sieverding

scared, but I’d never hurt you, Josh. Never."
    "It’s okay." Still hugging her, Josh pulled away a little, "And damn. I’m so jealous. So you’re a vampire now." Laughing, Josh playfully pinched her cheek, his fear of her subsiding a little. "That’s really cool."
    "Yeah…" Addison was uneasy, her hands resting on his shoulders. "But it’s not so fun now, ’cause I feel so sick." Letting out a nervous laugh, she glanced toward the doorway, but Christian and the others were gone. "I—" She looked back at Nicolette, a triumphant smile on her face. "I think I’m all right now. Can I talk to him alone?" She took a step away from Josh, smiling as she motioned toward her brother.
    "Some other day." Nicolette held her hand out to Addison, motioning for her to come to her. "You must go back to your room and rest."
    Brandon walked over to Addison, placing his hands on her shoulders and speaking softly to her, "You look tired." Behind Addison, Brandon’s evil stare settled on Josh, the malice making Josh look away.
    He walked around Addison and stood in front of her, blocking Josh from her view, "I’ll inquire with the Master and see if he will allow you something to eat." Lightly touching her face, he studied her worn out features. Then, he nervously looked toward the empty doorway as he took his hand away, tensing slightly.
    Addison nodded, Nicolette came up behind her and led a reluctant Addison out of the room. Nicolette took her back to her bedroom, sitting her down on the bed and making her lay in it.
    "Sleep now, my dear." Nicolette pulled the covers over Addison’s legs, treating her like a child. "You’re not well enough to be walking around the manor yet."
    "Where’s the Master?" Addison was attempting to protest, pulling off the sheets and trying to get out of the bed.
    "Hush now, dear." Nicolette pushed on Addison’s shoulders and forced her to recline. "You need your rest."
    "Why hasn’t he come to see me?"
    "Never you mind what the Master is up to. You’ll see him soon." Nicolette smiled as she knelt at the bedside, taking one of Addison’s hands and holding it in hers. "Right now, I have some wonderful news to share with you." She ran her hand over the sheet, smoothing out the wrinkles in the soft fabric. "In a few days, we will welcome another member to our family. Her name is Amanda."
    "So I’m not the only new member?" Addison’s face filled with a small frown, "The Master has chosen another girl?"
    "Yes." Nicolette laughed as she dropped Addison’s hand and stood up. "You are very special to us, and there is no need for you to get jealous. There is enough room in the family for another as well. Now, you will have someone to share your experience with." She tapped Addison’s leg, a happy expression on her perfect features. "I know you will become good friends." Nicolette walked toward the door. "Now get some rest. I’ll come see you later."

 
    * * * *

 
    A few days passed, Addison spending most of the time in her room sleeping. Christian hadn’t allowed her to eat, and she was getting weaker by the hour. Now, perched on the railing of the balcony, Christian looked out over the gardens, hundreds of lights sparkling and lining the walk below.
    "Master." Brandon walked out onto the terrace, hopping up like an agile cat and sitting next to Christian. "Do you wish for one of us to stay back with Addison during the initiation tonight?"
    "No." Christian didn’t look at Brandon as he spoke, his eyes narrowing on something below. "I want her to come."
    "Are you going to allow her to feed?" Brandon’s voice came out slightly lower than normal. "I think it may be hard on her to be around everyone else feeding, if she can’t."
    "I would imagine." Christian laughed, pulling one of his knees up to his chest. He looked over at Brandon’s concerned face. "But I can’t let her do that yet."
    "Yes, Master." Brandon looked away from him, his hands holding the railing loosely. "Then I will have Nicolette