First Thirst (Craving 1)

As a moment ago, when she compelled me to walk her upstairs, I found I couldna look away.

/> “I have chosen you,” she said. “It is an honor you will one day thank me for. That’s right, you are about to enter a world where life is eternal. You are about to be mine forever!”

I felt her teeth sink into m’neck. I felt the blood drain from m’body slowly and then everything went dark!

~ One ~

PRESENT TIME

Bobbie Skye:

Manhattan, NY

I PUT DOWN THE box I was filling with personal items I just could not throw away. I have only a week left before I will be out of a job, and because my job was managing the apartment building where I live, I will also be out of an apartment.

The building is going condo. Boom!

I sealed the box and plopped on the borrowed couch that had served to comfort my ass for the last year, and sighed.

On the coffee table was my mail. Sure that it was nothing but bills, I had not yet looked through the few pieces scattered there.

Negligently, I fingered through the envelopes and found one that looked business-like. Hopeful, so hopeful it was from one of the companies that had interviewed me, I quickly ripped it open and read:

Dear Miss Skye,

MacLeod Castle, which is thirty miles outside Inverness, Scotland, has been in the MacLeod family for centuries.

Until recently, I have managed the estate for his lordship, who is abroad.

I find my activity at my firm hinders my ability to properly look after the estate and its neighboring properties.

Therefore, we have been put to the task of hiring an estate manager and should you accept, that would be your position at MacLeod. This position would give you great leeway in the smooth running of his lordship’s estates.

Your name was submitted with high praise and a staunch recommendation.

Attached herewith, you will find a contract with a generous offer, as we realize you will be taking on quite an ambitious job and taking it on with little to no assistance.

Also, please note, a bedroom suite will be prepared for you at MacLeod with everything you might need for your comfort.

If you decide to accept this position, you must respond to us at once by signing the contract enclosed and returning it immediately. A fax will do.

Also, should you accept, a first class airline ticket will be made available for your journey, again, as per the contract.

Thank you,

Jeremy Ascot

Ascot & Harcourt

I blinked and reread the letter. “What?” I said out loud. And then added, though I was alone, “Are you kidding me?”

The news was heaven sent. But something made me shiver as I read it over one more time and wondered out loud, “Wait…who highly recommended me?”

I was talking to an empty room and therefore, no one offered a reply. So, I took to pacing and waving the letter around in the air.

Choices at the moment were limited—here was a contract, Inverness, a castle—no choice there. Easy peasy…had to go to Scotland. I mean, I was ready, so ready for it.

I read the contract and stared at the salary I was being offered. Hell yeah, this was a no-brainer.