Here is another piece of Chapter 3 of Violet, introducing another character ~ Ashley 🤍 I hope you enjoy this little snippet! This is during the first 24 hours as a vampire (before Jeffrey’s unfortunate encounter). I will say this is a pretty raw first draft, so I apologize in advance if it is not super polished. 

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I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. My fangs that emerged suddenly retracted back. I realized I needed some new clothing before I returned home or even walked in public. There is blood all over my shirt, and my pants are covered in dirt and debris. I'm just not sure how to go about buying new clothing to wear, looking like I do. I have some cash. Maybe I can spin a story and ask someone to help me out. 

At that moment, I am covered in the darkness of the alleyway. A woman turns the corner abruptly, and I approach her, controlling myself because I need her help. She may be the luckiest woman tonight, but I do have enough sense not to bite the hand that feeds you. I will do my best not to harm this woman.. . before she helps me. STOP! I tell myself. I need not to keep thinking about killing people. 

“Hi,” I said, “I fell and ripped my clothing. I made a huge mess of myself. Is there any way you can go to that store over there and purchase new clothing for me if I give you cash and my size?”

As I ask, I see the woman looking at all the blood on my tattered clothing. Her heart was beginning to beat quickly, and I could see, feel, and smell the blood pumping through her veins in her neck. I almost stutter because she is beginning to smell delicious, and my hunger is coming on like a raging fire. 

“Hi, I’m Ashley. Are you okay?” She begins to ask. “Do you need medical assistance? Were you attacked or hurt?”

“No, I really did fall after a full night of drinking. I went down pretty hard, and it was completely embarrassing. I cannot go home like this. I don’t want to worry my friends,” I responded. I don’t want her to ask any more questions for fear I will devour her. 

“Okay, I just wanted to check. Clothing.. . Do you have a preference in what I purchase?” She responds, apparently blindly believing me now, but there is a glimmer of her trying to play it off cool. 

“I really don’t. I just can’t go home like this. I have cash in my purse for you, and whatever is left, you can keep for your inconvenience,” I say as I hand her a hundred-dollar bill, unsure how I got so much money or where it came from. “The extra . . . use it for the night out. Size small, by the way.”

“That is very generous but definitely not needed or expected. I’ll be back in a few minutes. There is a store right around the corner that I love, and I know the people that work there well.” 

With that, she disappeared and just in the nick of time. I was about to drink her in. I am glad she walked away. I am having a hard time with this newfound need for - essentially murdering others for their blood. I know I will figure this out, but it would have been helpful if I had a mentor, a teacher, or a friend. If that’s even what you call it, perhaps the one who made me into this, a maker? I know nothing. I’m like a petulant toddler, knowing not how to survive. My feelings and emotions are entirely out of control. 

I realized that in my zoning out and diving into my thoughts, Ashley was walking back toward me. She is coming back with a bag in her hand, and she looks rather proud. 

“Okay, so I found this remarkable black dress. It’s casual but HOT! I wasn’t sure if you were heading home or out again tonight, but you could dress it up, dress it down, or wear this baby to work. It is literally perfection. I’m sorry, I don’t even know your name!” She started saying. 

“Thank you, Ashley. I’m Violet. I really appreciate this, and thank you so very much. I’m sure it will be amazing,” I replied. 

Ashley smiled and continued, “I put my number in the bag. If you ever want to hang out, please call me. I do need to go back to meet up with my boyfriend and friends now, but . . . I would love to connect with you again. There is just something about you I feel close to. Sorry if that sounds odd since we just met, but I am glad we did.” 

“Thank you again and most definitely,” I lied . . . maybe. “I would love that. Have a great night, and thanks again,” I said, hugging her, lingering a bit too long as I got lost in the scent of Ashley’s hair.

Her smell was intoxicating. I am not sure if it was the new me or if I wanted Ashley in ways I never have wanted another woman before. I needed to let her go before my first night became a blood bath yet again. But, I may take her up on the offer, maybe. 

And with that, I let go, and she left. Thank goodness because she was about to meet an imminent violent death if not. I couldn’t stop myself for much longer, but I really seemed to like her. In fact, I am realizing I am insatiably aroused and immensely wet between my legs. I am hoping there are new panties in that bag, too. This is certainly a first. Is the arousal an effect of the potential for blood or her?

I felt her pulse, and my need for more blood was harshly approaching, but I also smelled her. She was sweet with perfume, but it was her pheromones and sweat that were intoxicating to me. Ashley was one lucky woman tonight. 

~ ©️Tegan Matthews, 9/2023