Space Vampire

by Ruby Dixon

“Bad news,” I growl, echoing her words. “Oh?” Her voice is a little uncertain, and she shivers even as she tilts her head back as if to look at me. I lean in close, mouth watering again at her delicious scent. “Little one, I am the monster they fled.”

“I can’t. It doesn’t recognize me in the system.” “How do we get in, then?” “Unless you have a severed hand somewhere, we can’t.” He pauses. “I think I might have taken off a finger when I attacked them. Do you want it?” Is he serious? I don’t know if I’m horrified or thrilled. “Your finger?” He scoffs. “As if I am that weak. It’s one of theirs.”

He takes two more steps and then he’s looming over me again, and I don’t even come to his shoulder. I really, really wish it was just a costume. “I should remind you that you promised not to eat me,”

“You know . . . we could practice some other things in the pod, since we’re already in here.” “Like what?” He leans in, going for my throat, and his nose whispers over my skin. “Like having sex.” Vlad groans, his mouth moving up my neck to kiss along my jaw and then on my mouth. “You want me?”