The Vampire's Kiss (Other World Series Book 1) Read Free

Abby.
    “This is Abby.”  Eone tugged her forward
and stroked her hair.  She had plaited it this morning but it was starting to
come loose from her braid.
    More people were crowding into the room,
men and women of varying ages and sizes, and Abby shrank back as they gathered
around her.
    “Don’t be afraid, sweet one.”  Eone smiled
at her.  “We will not harm you.”
    “Please tell me what’s happening.”  Abby
whispered.
    Bert stared at her.  “Christ, she’s another
transplant.  Who wants to try and explain it this time?”
    The woman with the bun stepped forward.  “I
will.”  She took Abby’s hand and led her to a second couch across from the one
that Val was lying on.
    “My name is Maria.  It’s nice to meet you,
Abby.”
    “It’s nice to meet you too.  Are you – are
you a vampire?”  Abby stared at her.
    Maria shook her head.  “No I’m not.  I’m
human like you.  Only Eone and Val are vampires.”
    She took Abby’s cold hand in her warm
ones.  “Abby, do you remember what happened to you?”
    “I was – was walking home from work.  It
was raining and dark and then there was this weird glowing orb.  The next thing
I remember was waking up in the forest.”
    Maria sighed.  “All of this is going to be
hard for you to believe but I need you to try and have an open mind.  Can you
do that, Abby?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good.  That glowing orb was a – a doorway
of sorts.  It sucked you from your world and into ours.”
    Abby frowned.  “Am I on an alien planet?”
    Maria shook her head.  “Not exactly.  It’s
what you call earth – only a different version of it.”
    She glanced behind her at a tall, thin man
and he smiled encouragingly at her.  “Our version has not only humans but other
creatures as well.  Vampires like Eone and Abby and other different species.”
    “Like what?”  Abby rubbed the knot at the
back of her head.
    “We’ll explain more later.  Right now, I
just want to make sure you understand that you are no longer on your earth. 
There are many things in this world that will seek to harm you, and you must
stay with us for your own protection.  Do you understand that?  None of us will
hurt you.”
    Abby’s eyes slid to Val and Eone and Maria
grasped her chin and turned her face towards her.  “Eone and Val will not harm
you.”
    “They’re good vampires?”
    Bert snorted loudly and Maria glared at
him.  “Yes, Abby.  They’re good vampires.  Most vampires prey on humans, seek
them out to feed and turn, or keep them as pets.  However, there are some who
have joined forces with the humans.  They wish to create a world of peace like
we do.  Val and Eone are two of those vampires.”
    “How do I get back to my own world?”
    Maria gave her a look of sympathy.  “You
cannot, Abby.  I’m sorry but there is no way to return to the life you once
led.”
    Abby stared at her in shock.  “But – but
you said the orb was a doorway.  I just need to find another one and –“
    Maria squeezed her hands.  “There is no
guarantee that the orb would return you to your own world.  Most likely you
would be sent to yet another world.  There are many different worlds.”
    Abby could feel the tears sliding down her
cheeks as Maria squeezed her hands again.  “I’m sorry, Abby.  Why don’t you
come with me?  You can bathe and I’ll find you some clean clothes, and then you
can lie down for a bit.  Things will be clearer once you’ve gotten some rest.”
    Abby stood and allowed the smaller woman to
lead her from the room.
    * * *
     
    “Do you feel better, Abby?”  Maria smiled
at her when Abby entered the kitchen.
    “A little.  How long have I been sleeping?” 
She pulled nervously at the top and pants that Maria had given her.  The pants
were too big, she suspected Maria nicked them from one of the men, and the top
too small.  It clung tightly to her large breasts.
    “Only a few hours.  Here, have some tea.” 
    Abby