“I don’t understand. Why in the world didn’t you do it? You knew my choice, Bennett. You’ve always known my choice.”

“I just…I just...”

“You just what, Bennett?” Lisa said, slamming her hands on her hips. “You just decided to sit there and watch me die? You just decided that because I was in no shape to argue, it didn’t matter what I wanted?” Bennett averted her eyes, and Lisa’s pale cheeks fused with blood. “Well, screw you, Bennett. Screw you.”

Lisa marched over to Ruby and eyed her up and down. “Well, it seems I owe you my life…master.”

Ruby winced. “It only means I’m the one who turned you. That’s all.”

If looks could kill, Ruby would have been a pile of dust on the floor. The room became ominously silent for what seemed like forever before Lisa stomped away to retrieve her wine. After downing the glass in one swallow, she returned to Ruby and looked her straight in the eye. “Care to share a vein?”

Thankful her back was to Bennett, Ruby pushed up her sleeve.

“No, not the wrist,” Lisa said, invading Ruby’s personal space. “I want your neck.”

Lisa brushed aside Ruby’s hair and calling on her fangs to extend, she locked eyes with Bennett before plunging her canines into Ruby’s neck. She remained riveted on Bennett for a few more seconds, but as the carmine ambrosia began entering her system, Lisa became a slave to the flavor. She closed her eyes, placing her hands on Ruby’s hips as she took what she needed.

Again, the adrenaline rush was incredible, and Lisa’s body surged with newly found energy. Her lungs expanded easily, filling to the extreme with every breath she took, and her senses became ultra-keen. She could hear Ruby’s heartbeat and the sound of the blood flowing through the woman’s veins, and her skin tasted not only of salt and sweat, but her jaunt through the forest had left behind hints of foliage and earth. Enthralled, Lisa drank in the nourishment, all the while concentrating on Ruby’s heart, ever mindful that when it slowed, she would have to stop.

Bennett clenched her fists, enraged by the scene unfolding in front of her. To the unsuspecting, the two women appeared like lovers. Following Lisa’s lead, Ruby had rested her hands on the woman’s hips, and with her head slanted to the furthest point, Lisa’s lips were pressed against Ruby’s neck. Bennett could hear Lisa breathing and imagined the warmth of it washing over Ruby’s neck. Lisa casually placed her hand on Ruby’s back, and out of nowhere, Bennett felt her body react, and her rage instantly turned to fury. “I’ve seen enough,” she said, glowering at the two women. “I’m going to go take a shower.”