Only Human: Monsters and Men

Chapter 10: Jason Hendrix

Change of P.O.V

The piles of papers that were on my desk would be overwhelming to any inexperienced vampire, but I had grown used to them. Inheriting my family's small fortune, I used many risky ventures to increase my wealth exponentially. I had accumulated so much wealth, that it was no longer necessary to gamble on questionable tactics. Using business savvy investments, and properly marketed merchandise, my wealth was not only constant, but sometimes overwhelming. Possessing such wealth came with many pleasures, and I was never in want for anything, but nothing was free. I was a slave to this desk many hours a day, and there were persons that I had to appease, and appointments I could never miss.

With such weight on my shoulders, I would come to this desk with a heavy heart. But today was different. There was a new energy in me that made everything seem exhilarating and new. Mary was pleasantly surprised to find me up and dressed without her having to wake me. Keith didn't have to play his games and tricks to get me into my office. I simply strode in and set to work. By late afternoon I had actually gotten through a large portion of the paper work. Not only did I do the work, I had a deep pride in the work as well.

Keith remained in the corner of my office creating small statues out of bits of metal. It was a hobby of Keith's, and he swore it benefited both his strength and accuracy. Mary occasionally dropped by to see if Keith or I wanted anything. Each time she would bring a tray with two glasses of blood. Keith would drink his, but I would put mine to the side. I wasn't thirsty or hungry. I was really quite content. It wasn't until Mary came for the fourth time that I had realized I had three glasses of coagulating blood left at my desk.

"Master Hendrix, I am most pleased that you have been so motivated today. It is quite a marvel, but you must take some blood. You haven't had any all day, and if you put it off too long you will go on an unhealthy binge," Mary said, and placed the freshly warmed blood before me. I glanced at the red and black liquid, but felt no desire for it.

"I'm simply not hungry, Mary," I said and tried to get back into my work.

Mary pressed the glass closer towards me. "You are just too focused on work to notice that you are hungry. Please. If not for your own health. Drink it for me."

I rolled my eyes at Mary's dramatics. It was only a glass of blood. If I didn't humor her, however, she would never give it up. I grabbed the warm glass and brought it to my lips. The moment it entered my mouth, I spat out the disgusting substance.

"Ack! Mary, what is this? It tastes like sand!" I couldn't figure out how, but the smooth looking liquid was gritty. The taste was foul and made my stomach cramp. Where I wasn't hungry before, I was now struck by a pang of it. I wanted some blood, but I could not down this slop.

Mary grabbed the glass quickly and sniffed the contents. "It's normal healthy blood. AB+, your favorite. I even warmed it to the perfect temperature," she said concerned.

"Mine tasted great, Mary," Keith said from across the room. Keith and I should have had the same blood. How could he find this disgusting blood even tolerable?

"Let me taste your blood, Keith," I said gripping my dried-out throat. Keith hurried to my side and supplied me with his glass. This blood did not look any better, and in fact smelled just as displeasing. Ignoring these signs, I forcibly downed it. The blood could not stay down long, however, for it quickly came back up and I spewed it on the conveniently blood red carpet. "I can't," I panted. "It tastes so awful."

"I thought it was strange that you weren't taking any of your blood." Mary placed the back of her hand on my forehead, and looked in my mouth. "Maybe you're sick," she said helping me to my large office chair. How could I be sick? I felt so lively and full of energy before.