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.”

“Are you . . . trying to tell me that you’re a vampire?” Man, the Halloween vibes on this ship are immaculate.

“And . . . are you hungry right now?” “Ravenous.”

Then the doors open, and Vlad the Hopefully-Friendly-and-Not-Impaler steps out so I can get a good look at him.