The Vampire from Hell Returns - The Vampire from Hell (Part 4) (Sample)

Chapter 4 - I'm Not Dead, Am I?

Chapter 4 - I'm Not Dead, Am I?

"Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." ~ Muhammad Ali

After I came to, I noticed everyone had consumed several shots of tequila. The large bottle of tequila I had gotten a few months ago was empty. Shot glasses and various lime wedges were scattered on the coffee table. 

"You okay?" Lynn asked me. 

"I think so. I'm not dead, am I?" 

"No, thank god." 

Wondering if I should move my head or stand up from the chair, I struggled to open my eyes. When I finally did, I saw Lynn's face before me. I smiled faintly in her direction. Death and Ashton stood off to the side, both with their arms crossed over their chests, while Lynn and Grace knelt by me. 

"Don't move, Rayea," Grace said. "You're hands are tied to the chair, okay? We'll cut you free in a second, okay?" 

"What did you guys do?" I asked, still trying to gather my wits. 

"Grace gave you some of her blood to level out the power of Typhean's blood," Death volunteered. "I'd say you ladies are even now. You saved her. She saved you. Why! I think that means you guys are a team." I heard his moments before me as he cut me free from the chair. He was such the smartass, but his comments were true. 

I felt someone wrap their hand around mine. 

"I'm not ready to lose my maker anytime soon, even if you dated Demetri." Grace held my hand as she knelt near me. 

"I'm sorry about before," I said. 

"I am too. I was stupid." 

"No, you weren't." I put my hand over hers. "I can tell you care for him very much, and he cares for you. There's nothing wrong with that." 

Before I could stop her or move, she bent down and kissed my hand like she was kissing royalty. I appreciated her sentiment, but it made me immediately think of my sister, and I felt nauseated. I caught Death turn around and observe me as Grace hovered near me. My statement had startled him. He shrugged and walked towards the kitchen. 

"I'd like to take a bath and change into some normal clothes. Can someone help me up?" 

Lynn and Grace both stood up and extended their hands to me. "Come on. We've got you," Lynn said. 

As the ladies led me to the main bathroom, I called over my shoulder. "Ashton, if you want to freshen up, I think there are some clean towels in the laundry room." 

He nodded and waved at me as he stood near Death who had returned to the living room with a fresh drink. Ashton's red shirt and jeans sported a multitude of blood splatters. He glanced at me, forced a smile on his face, and waved like he was dismissing me. I bet he was two seconds from the door, and likely, I'd never hear from him again. I could hardly blame him. 

*** 

When I returned to the living room, freshly bathed and feeling sane again in my fitted white-shirt and black jeans, I made my way to the couch. 

I glanced around for Ashton. Death had sprawled out on the couch and was flipping through the channels on the TV as he nursed his drink. 

"Where's Ashton?" I asked Grace who sat next to Death, her hand on his knee. 

"Demetri said he left soon after we helped you to the bedroom," she replied. 

"He was pretty freaked out," Death added.