Chapter Twenty-Six: Blood Transfusion:

 Lauren glanced up at the floating dummy. “That’s not your real body, is it? Heh! You’re really good at hiding yourself, aren’t you?”

“Where would be the fun of revealing myself right away?” the dummy asked. “I like toying with my victims before we kill them.”

“Wait, we?” Lauren asked.

“That’s right,” the dummy said. “You think we’re the only ones hunting you down? If by an unbelievable chance you manage to beat us, there will be more. You’re pretty infamous, you know?”

“So I hear,” Lauren said. “Why you all just leave me alone? I’m the victim in this.”

“I don’t care,” the dummy said as its body shook. “You were turned into this and now you have to deal with being the hunted.” Sweat broke out of on Lauren’s forehead. How long had she been trapped in her head like this? Did Doyle really save her? She took a quick glance around with her eyes.

“Give it up,” the dummy said. “You won’t find any blood around here.”

“I know that, Captain Obvious!” Lauren snapped. She threw back her head and took in heavier breaths. Maybe she could contact somebody from the outside. Did Fred even notice she was out in a daze in the car? She only had the basic minimum of her skills back. Another wave of pain ripped through her stomach.

“Oh come on,” the dummy said. “If you starve to death, that won’t be fun. I want to be the one to finish you myself.” Lauren tried to put herself to her feet.

“Bite me!” she growled. The vampire closed her eyes.

Fred! Fred! Can you hear me? Fred!

The dummy shook as it laughed.

----------

Fred drove further down the road. Fred! Fred! The shop owner paused.

“Lauren?” he asked. “Lauren, is that you?”

Yes!

The driver began to turn around.

Don’t turn around! Keep driving! I don’t want my body to be burned up in a crash!

“Oh right,” he said. Fred turned his focus back to the road. “What is going on with you? You’ve been silent all this time. I keep dodging these vampires left and right. What did you do to piss them off?”

Existing apparently. Never mind that. I need you to do something for me. Listen closely. I don’t know how long I can keep this connection open.

“Okay,” Fred said.

I’m trapped in my mind and I’m too weak to fight. The hunger is causing me so much pain. She cried out in pain through his head.

“Okay,” he said. “What do you need me to do?”

Get me more blood! I can’t fight back until I’ve fed.

“Do I just stick it in your mouth while you are like that?” the shop owner asked.

Yes.

“I know where to go,” Fred said. “Hang on!” He stepped on the gas and sped down the road.

--------

Back on the inside, Lauren opened her eyes and smirked.

“Heh,” she said.

“So you managed to reach outside,” the dummy said. “Well, now. You managed to get out one jam, but will your driver get you to the care center in time before my crew gets to you.” Lauren raised her eyebrow.

“Good luck with that,” she said. A twinkle appeared in her eye.