Bennett looked up. “I can make tea if you’d prefer.”

“What I’d prefer is to feel a little less washed out,” Lisa muttered. “I thought I was supposed to feel like a superhero or something after I fed.”

Bennett frowned, and carrying the three goblets of Merlot into the living room, she gave one to Ruby and handed Lisa another. “You are,” she said, sitting on the edge of the coffee table. “Except it appears that while your forethought in wanting to save those men’s lives was commendable, you didn’t get what you needed. Max believes that Omega is required to put things fully in motion, and I think he's right. Without it, even though the blood you consumed tempered your appetite, the fact you’re sweating right now tells me you’re still hungry.”

“I’m…I’m doing okay.”

“No, you aren’t, and by trying to deny it, you’re only going to end up making matters worse.”

“How?”

“You know how,” Bennett said softly. “You saw me when I was starving.”

“But I fed,” Lisa said, sitting up. “I did.”

“I know, Lisa, but it wasn’t enough. Thankfully, though, since it appears you can control yourself when it comes to being greedy or…um…sloppy, there’s something we can do right now to get you where you need to be.”

For a moment, they held each other’s gaze before Lisa got up and headed for the kitchen. “Well, I guess it’s time I learn about this stuff,” she said, opening the tiny fridge. “Can I put it in a glass, or is sucking it out of the bag the in thing to do?”

“Oh, no,” Bennett said, going over. “Lisa, that won’t work. It’s not strong enough.”

“But you just said we had something to get me over the hunger.”

“We do, but it’s not transfused blood. It’s…um…it’s blood drawn from your master, the one who turned you.”

“Oh, my God,” Lisa said through her giggles. “Talk about Karma. You always refused to feed on me, and now I get to feed on you. Too funny.”

When Bennett bowed her head, Lisa beamed. “Well, come on. Don’t be shy,” she said, crooking her finger. “Roll up that sleeve of yours. Baby’s got the munchies.”

Bennett raised her eyes. “It’s…um…it’s not me you need to feed on.”

“What do you mean it’s not—” Lisa’s words died in her throat, and snapping her mouth shut, her smile dissolved. She peered at Ruby, and seeing that the woman’s somber expression now matched Bennett’s, Lisa’s nostrils flared. “Are you saying…are you saying she’s the one who turned me?”

No longer able to make eye contact, a sour taste formed in Bennett’s mouth, and she doubted it would ever go away, for this truth was bitter. “Yes.”