Chapter || 3

Chapter 003

Allie's POV

Pain was the only word I could register as consciousness crept in. Every inch of my body ached. My thighs burned, and between my legs... well, that was what I got for losing my virginity, right?

I blinked up at the ceiling and groaned. I shifted in bed and immediately regretted it. If I tried to walk at this point, it would be a suicide mission.

I finally forced myself to roll over, clenching my teeth as my sore limbs cried out in protest. The red numbers on the digital clock by my bed blurred into view.

**7:12 AM.**

Shit.

I had class at nine.

Gritting my teeth, I grabbed onto the nightstand for support and slowly pushed myself up. My knees buckled as I stood, but I didn’t fall.

I made it to the bathroom. Just as I reached for the doorknob, the door across the hall swung open, and Caden stepped out, already dressed.

He squinted at me. “When the hell did you get in last night?”

I blinked at him. “I... don’t know.”

He tilted his head. “You don’t know?”

My brain felt foggy.

Caden’s eyes suddenly narrowed. “Allie, there’s blood on your dress.”

“What?” I looked down, startled.

Sure enough, faint dark reddish smears marred the neckline of my dress.

“Ew,” I muttered, sniffing instinctively.

It was blood, but not fresh. I scowled.

Caden hissed, backing away slightly. “That’s... kind of freaky.”

He was gone before I could respond.

I blinked again and shuffled into the bathroom, flicking on the light. The fluorescent glow seared my eyes, and I winced.

Leaning over the sink, I stared at my reflection.

My face was pale, my lips dry and cracked. My eyes were glassy and slightly red-rimmed. I leaned closer. What the hell?

Tilting my head, I slowly traced my fingers along my neck. The skin was sensitive and tender, especially just above my collarbone.

“Okay, you’re being paranoid,” I mumbled to myself. “Your neck is fine.”

I shook my head and reached for my toothbrush. The cold water helped, but not much. After brushing my teeth, I forced myself into the shower; the warm water did little to soothe the fire beneath my skin. Stepping out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel with my hair dripping, I took slow, careful steps back toward my room. That’s when Mum stepped out of her room. She paused when she saw me.

“Allison?”

I groaned inwardly. “Hi, Mum.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I answered too quickly. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

“Mum, I’m just tired. Go make coffee or something.”

She stared at me, frowning. I tried to brush past her, but she moved forward.

“Allison, wait...”

I groaned. “Mum, please. Just... leave me alone.”

She started to turn around but paused mid-step. Then she whirled back and closed the space between us.

“Mum...”

Her hand pressed to my forehead.

She gasped.

“Oh my God, Allison. You’re burning up! You’re at least—120 degrees?!”

“It’s nothing,” I muttered, swaying slightly. “I’ll just get an ice pack. I have class.”

“You’re not going anywhere!” she snapped.

“Mum!”

She ignored me and yelled, “Caden! Get in here!”

I groaned again. “Seriously?”

“What now?”

“Get a basin of cool water and a face cloth. Your sister’s burning up.”

He looked at me, eyes wide. “Wait, is she okay?”

“She’s not alright,” Mum snapped.

“I’m fine!” I said at the same time.

“She’s not,” Mum insisted. “Call the doctor right after. Go!”

Caden bolted down the hallway.

Mum grabbed my arm and gently but firmly led me into my room. I was too tired to fight her. Thankfully, she didn’t comment on how awkwardly I walked. I sat on the edge of my bed. She crossed her arms. “Have you checked your sugar lately?”

I winced.

“When was the last time it went low?”

“Last night,” I mumbled.

“And you didn’t tell me?!”

“I had Jess over!” I protested in a weak voice.

“And what about your asthma? Any attacks?”

“No.”

She stared at me, then stormed out, muttering to herself about negligence and stubborn children. I flopped back against my pillows. The room spun slightly. My gums ached. My ears itched, and I scratched them. The sensation wouldn’t go away. I kept scratching. It was driving me insane. Then the door creaked open. I expected Mum or Caden again.

Instead, Jess entered with Lucas right behind her. As soon as I saw him, my stomach dropped, and my eyes went wide. The memories from last night rushed back. His eyes were turning yellow. The way he bit me.

“No,” I whispered. “No, no... stay away from Lucas raised his hand. “Allison, wait... let me explain...”

“Jess, make him leave!” I shouted.

Jess looked confused. “Allie...”

“Now!”

Jess bit her lip, then grabbed Lucas’s arm. “Just go.”

He looked torn but nodded and stepped back, walking out of my room. The moment he was gone, I collapsed into myself, cradling my arms around my legs.

I was freaking out.

No one would believe me if I said anything about the eyes or the bite. But I remembered vividly, and it scared me more than anything.