The Taste of Night Read online

  Livvy, why did you come? she wondered. If you didn’t want to talk to me, what were you doing here?

  chapter thirty-one

  “YOU’RE STILL CONNECTED TO YOUR SISTER”

  LIVVY SWOOPED TO THE SIDE OF THE ABANDONED apartment building, fluttered high against the wall, then dropped gently onto the sill of a glassless window. The night air felt cool on her wings. For a moment, she thought she might turn around and fly out again, fly away from her troubled thoughts, cover herself in the darkness above the trees.

  But no. She changed her mind and scuttled inside, shutting her eyes and willing herself to change back to the body that was familiar to her—and unfamiliar at the same time.

  Here I am, Livvy Weller once again. Only I’m not really Livvy Weller. I’m someone else, someone new.

  She took a deep breath. It always took a while for her heartbeats to slow from the racing rhythm of a bat’s heart. And it took a minute or two for her eyes to adjust to normal, for the night vision to fade, for her hearing to return.

  Livvy reached for the floor lamp she had found on the street. Would it work? The electrical generator downstairs was usually broken. She clicked it, and a triangle of pale, yellow light washed over the floor.

  “Oh.” She blinked as Patrick climbed up from the floor, dusted off the seat of his faded jeans, torn at both knees, and slowly ambled over to her.

  She laughed. “Don’t you ever knock?”

  He grinned, showing those dimples, and pointed behind him. “No door.”

  She kissed him on the cheek. His skin felt cool and smooth.

  “Where’ve you been?” he asked.

  She gave him a sexy smile. “Like it’s your business?”

  “Yes, it is my business,” he said, smile fading. He swept a hand back through his dark hair. It had been brushed straight back, but now he’d messed it up. “I…I’m interested in you, Liv. I like you, okay? So I want to make sure you don’t mess up.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Mess up? Mess up what?”

  He shrugged. “Everything.”

  Livvy ran her finger down the side of his cheek. “What are you talking about?”

  “Where were you tonight?” he asked again.

  “Out flying around,” she said. “You know. The usual.”

  He turned those dark, deep eyes on her, and she could feel their power. “You’re lying, Liv. Why would you lie to me unless you knew you were out looking for trouble tonight?”

  Livvy stared back at him. Was he hypnotizing her or something? Using his powers to invade her mind?

  She turned away, but she could still feel the strange power of his stare.

  “You went to your sister’s party,” Patrick said. “You pretended to be your sister, and you fooled her boyfriend, that guy Harrison.”

  Livvy let out a groan. “I don’t believe this. So you’re spying on me?”

  He nodded. “Yes. Why did you do it, Liv? Explain that to me.”

  Livvy shrugged. “I don’t know. I…I just don’t know. For fun, maybe.”

  Patrick shook his head. He crossed the room to her. “You didn’t do it for fun. You did it because you’re still connected to your sister.”

  “Connected? What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Livvy snapped.

  “You’ve chosen a new life, right?” Patrick asked. “You’re one of us now. But you’re not really here yet, Liv. You’re not whole.”

  “Not whole?”

  “You won’t be whole as long as you have a soft spot in your heart.”

  Livvy stared at him, hands on her waist. “You mean for Destiny? Listen—”

  “Your heart still beats for your sister,” Patrick said. “You still care about her.”

  He’s wrong, Livvy told herself. I hate Destiny. Hate her! She killed Ross.

  “You’re crazy,” she snapped at Patrick. “I just went to that party to mess with Destiny’s mind.”

  “But, why?” Patrick demanded. “See? You’ve proven my point, Liv. Why did you go to mess with Destiny’s mind? Why did you go to that party? Because you still care about her. You still care what she thinks.”

  “That is so wrong,” Livvy insisted.

  Patrick softened his tone. “You know I’m right. Admit it. Admit it.”

  “Stop trying to push me around,” Livvy said.

  “Listen to me,” he said. He wrapped his arms around her. “Listen to me,” he repeated, whispering the words now. “You want to be immortal?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then you have to break all ties with the other world.”

  “I…I don’t know if I can do that.”

  “Well then, you have no choice. Don’t you see, Livvy? Don’t you see the answer? You will never truly be an immortal—until your sister is one of us!”

  chapter thirty-two

  A DATE WITH A VAMPIRE

  “DESTINY A VAMPIRE TOO?” LIVVY STARED HARD AT Patrick. “Yes. I like that idea.”

  The perfect revenge for what Destiny did to Ross, Livvy thought. Why didn’t I think of it?

  Maybe I do still care too much about her. Maybe that’s why I didn’t imagine a revenge this good.

  “Yes,” she told Patrick. “You might be right. Destiny would be much better off as a vampire. And then I wouldn’t have to think about her, about my family back home.”

  “I knew you’d agree,” Patrick said, sitting down on the window ledge, gazing up at the nearly full moon. “Most people finally agree with me.”

  “It’s not like you’re an egotist or anything,” Livvy said.

  He laughed. “I like you, Liv. I really do. And I think I’m really going to like your sister too.”

  Livvy narrowed her eyes at him. “Like Destiny? What do you mean?”

  “I’ll go after Destiny myself and turn her into an immortal. You take care of the new boyfriend. Harrison Palmer.” He grinned. “You’ll enjoy that, right?”

  Livvy nodded. “It won’t be hard work. I already spent time with Harrison at that party tonight. We hit it off really well. And he didn’t have a clue I wasn’t Destiny.”

  “Excellent!” Patrick rubbed his hands together. “A little project for the two of us.”

  He wrapped his arms around her waist in a tight hug. Then he kissed her hard, grinding his teeth against her lips until she cried out in pain—and in pleasure.

  Destiny arrived at the diner and found Mr. G. behind the grill. “Where’s Harrison?” she asked, sliding behind the counter.

  “Some kind of mix-up at school,” Mr. G. shouted over the crackling and hissing of the eggs and bacon. “He had to go straighten it all out. Don’t look for him today. Once you go in that administration building, they don’t let you out.”

  Destiny went to work, clearing dirty dishes off tables, refilling coffee cups, taking orders. Breakfast was the busiest part of the day. A lot of the professors, instructors, and other college workers stopped here before heading to their offices.

  “I asked for rye toast, not white.”

  “Could you top this cup off for me. No—decaf. Make sure it’s decaf.”

  “I asked for extra crisp bacon. Look at these soggy things.”

  Breakfast was the busiest time—and the most difficult.

  Destiny wondered what kind of trouble Harrison was having. He hadn’t mentioned anything to her at the party last night.

  The party…

  Luckily, Harrison hadn’t seen her chase after the bat. If he had, he’d think she was totally nuts!

  And of course she didn’t tell him he’d spent half an hour talking with her vampire twin. If Harrison knew the truth, he’d freak.

  He’s a great guy, Destiny thought. I wish I could confide in him. Tell him everything. But I don’t want to lose him…

  A young man leaned over the counter, staring at her.

  She shook her head hard, forcing away her troubled thoughts. “Sorry. I didn’t see you there.” She wiped her hands off on a towel, picked up a menu, and carr
ied it over to him.

  He smiled. He had the cutest dimples in his cheeks. Dark eyes, very round and wide, dark hair brushed straight back over his broad forehead. “You were off on some other planet,” he said.

  She handed him the menu. “Just daydreaming. How long were you watching me?”

  He shrugged. “A little while. You look like someone I know.”

  She studied him. “Oh, really? Are you from Dark Springs?”

  “No. Not really. I mean, I am now. I teach across the street. I’m a teaching assistant. For Professor Clark. Heard of him?”

  “No. Sorry. I’m starting there this fall. What do you teach?”

  “English. Creative writing, actually.” He lowered his eyes to the menu.

  “I’m very into creative writing,” Destiny said. “Maybe I’ll be in your class sometime.”

  He smiled. Again those dimples. “I’d like that.”

  How old was he? Maybe twenty? Except his eyes looked older somehow.

  He stuck out his hand. “My name is Patrick.”

  She reached over the counter to shake it. “Destiny Weller. Do you know what you want?”

  He eyed her meaningfully. “I’m thinking about it.” He held onto her hand for the longest time.

  Destiny could feel herself blushing. She wasn’t sure why. Something about the way his eyes locked on hers?

  “Guess you have a lot of time for daydreaming in this job,” Patrick said.

  She shrugged. “Once the breakfast crowd leaves, it gets kinda quiet.”

  His grin grew wider. “And what do you daydream about?”

  She grinned back at him. “Things that are none of your business.”

  “Didn’t you daydream this morning that a nice guy was going to come in, order ham and eggs, and ask you out for Friday night?”

  “Is that what you want?” Destiny pulled out her pad. Why was her hand shaking like that? She suddenly felt fluttery. “Ham and eggs?”

  She looked up to see his dark eyes trained on hers. “Yes, that’s what I want. Ham and eggs. And for you to go out with me Friday night.”

  “And how do you want the eggs?” Destiny couldn’t remove her eyes from his gaze. It was as if he held her there, froze her with those deep, dark-jeweled eyes.

  Suddenly, she felt very frightened. This isn’t right. Something very wrong is happening here. I feel like…a prisoner.

  “Scrambled, please,” he said. “And could I have a toasted bagel with that? And what time should I pick you up Friday night?”

  His eyes…the stare was so intense, it made Destiny’s head hurt.

  Then slowly the pain faded. And she felt comfortable again. No. More than comfortable. She felt as if everything was floating. As if she were floating off the floor. And the whole diner became soft, and shimmering, and bright. Not real…not real at all.

  And she saw things in Patrick’s eyes. She saw clouds and blue sky, and a pale, white moon, fluffy like tissue paper, round and full.

  A full moon in Patrick’s eyes. And he was saying something to her. But she was floating now, and he was so far away, his voice so distant and muffled.

  What was he saying?

  Something about Harrison.

  No. Harrison and I don’t have an exclusive arrangement. No, Patrick, I’m free to go out with anyone I want. Yes, I’d love to see you Friday. Can you pick me up at home?

  Yes, that would be great.

  And what will we do Friday night?

  She struggled to hear his voice, muffled by a strong wind, the wind that blew behind the full moon in his eyes. All that blue sky, so clear and bright, and the full moon trembling in the middle of it.

  What did you say? You want to take me into Drake Park, sink your fangs into my throat, and feed on my warm blood?

  Oh, yes. Excellent. That sounds awesome.

  Yes. I’m definitely up for that.

  And then Destiny felt as if she were sinking. Suddenly heavy, she dropped from the clouds. The blue sky faded away, taking the full moon with it. And she stood heavily behind the counter, leaning on the yellow Formica, in the darkness of the diner, the smell of grease and bacon invading her nose, and stared at the young man with the dimples, sitting on the stool across from her.

  What was his name? Patrick?

  Yes. Patrick and I are going out Friday night after work.

  I’ll have to be careful not to let Harrison know.

  “I’ll get those eggs,” Destiny said, taking the menu from Patrick. “Anything to drink?”

  “Just your blood.”

  He didn’t say that. Destiny, why are you making up these things? Why can’t you concentrate this morning?

  “Coffee,” he said. “Black is fine.”

  “You got it,” she said.

  “I’m looking forward to Friday,” Patrick called after her.

  chapter thirty-three

  HARRISON AND LIVVY

  LIVVY MET HARRISON AT THE CINEPLEX AT THE DARK Springs Mall at eight o’clock. A warm night, the air heavy and wet. She wore a white shirt over a sleeveless green tank top and white shorts. Something Destiny would wear.

  She had put on clear lip gloss, a dab of peach-colored eye shadow. Totally boring, Livvy thought. But Destiny likes that clean-cut, all-American-girl look.

  Can I fool Harrison into thinking I’m my sister? Livvy watched him climb out of his car and come hurrying toward her. Well, Harrison was totally clueless at that party. No reason to think he’ll figure it out tonight.

  I’ll bet Destiny hasn’t even told him about me.

  Afraid she’ll frighten him away by making her family seem too weird.

  Well, guess what, Harrison, my boy? You should be frightened. Because an evil vampire is out to get you—namely me.

  Tonight I’m going to start getting you ready. No big deal, guy. A few sips of blood from your lovely throat. You’ll hardly feel it, a big healthy hunk like you.

  So sweet…I know you’re going to taste so sweet.

  Once we get started, we won’t want to stop, will we? Sunday night is the full moon. That’s your big night, Harrison. Sunday night when the moon is at its height, you and I will hook up in the best way.

  We will mix our blood. I’ll drink yours and you’ll drink mine. It’s so sexy and so delicious and so…hot, Harrison. Wait and see.

  I’m getting all tingly just thinking about Sunday night.

  Oh, wow. I just want a taste. I’m dying for a taste, Harrison. Can you see how much I want you?

  He’s so cute and nice and…sincere. That’s why you like him, isn’t it, Dee? That’s why he’s your new guy.

  Well, how are you going to like him after Sunday night when he’s one of us? A vampire, Dee. Your summer hunk is going to be a vampire.

  Will you still go to his house parties? Still hang out with him on campus?

  I don’t think so.

  Hey, don’t blame me, sister. It’s all your fault. I’m just paying you back. You murdered Ross. You came into my building at dawn and murdered my boyfriend.

  Did you really think I would just hang back and not do anything at all?

  You’re going to pay, Dee. Patrick and I will see to that.

  Where are you tonight? Probably home thinking you’re safe and sound. Well, Patrick will be there soon. Sunday night the two of you will mix your blood under the light of the full moon.

  Then you can rejoin Harrison—forever. You can have him forever, Dee, because you’ll be an immortal too.

  The perfect revenge? I think so.

  And then Patrick and I…

  Patrick and I…

  Livvy pictured Patrick, tall and strong. A leader. Smart and quick.

  But with those dimples. Those adorable dimples and the wavy, brown hair. Is he to die for? Yes.

  She thought about the way he held her so tightly, as if she were his prisoner. And she thought about his kisses, tender for only a second, and then so hard, so hard and passionate, they hurt.

  Blood on my lips. As
if he wanted to hurt me.

  Cruel kisses. Exciting and frightening at the same time.

  Like Patrick.

  And now Harrison came trotting up to her, jamming his car keys into his jeans. He flashed her a smile. “Hey, Dee. Am I late?”

  “No. Right on time.”

  “You look great.”

  “Thanks.”

  He motioned to the movie theater. “So you want to see something tonight?”

  Livvy wrapped her arm in his. She licked her lips. “Wouldn’t you rather take a walk?”

  chapter thirty-four

  DESTINY AND PATRICK

  DESTINY BALANCED THE CORDLESS PHONE ON HER shoulder as she used her hands to check the oven. “Dad, I thought you were coming home tonight,” she said into the phone.

  “I can’t, Dee.” Dr. Weller sounded tired, his voice hoarse. “We’re down to the crunch here.”

  “The crunch? What do you mean?”

  “Sunday night is the full moon. My hunters and I are going into that abandoned apartment building at dawn Monday morning. I’ve got to get everyone prepared. I—”

  “Hold on a sec, Dad,” Destiny said. “Mikey’s pizza is burning.”

  She pulled on oven mitts and lifted the pizza tray from the oven. Then she carried it over to the white Formica kitchen counter. “Hey, Mikey—it’s almost dinnertime!” she shouted. “It just has to cool.”

  She lifted the phone back to her ear. “Dad? Are you still there? I’m terrified about this whole thing. Do you really have to go into that building?”

  Destiny never told her father that she’d already been inside it. Never told him how strange and frightening it was with vampires—dozens of them—settled in the empty apartments.

  She knew he’d be furious that she took such a risk.

  But now he was determined to take an even bigger risk. To attack the vampires in the building at dawn as they slept, to kill as many as he could.

  “Dad, do you really think these vampires will just keep on sleeping as you wipe them out one by one? Don’t you think they might fight back?”

  A long silence at the other end.