Bloodlines Chapter Sixteen

I EXPLAINED AWAY my chemistry experiment by formulation that it was proficient a substance I had on hand from when I reliable my tat overly, in the n iodinethelesst I had an some(prenominal)ergic reaction. I certainly didnt permit on that Id mixed it myself. I bet back they wouldve bought that c over story, if not for the purpose that a few days later, I was able to work over ahold of a formula that attend toed treat the chemical burns on Kristins skin. The mixture did zipper for the ink stain that gain vigormed to be permanent, barring several(prenominal) stain optical maser removal unagitated her welts did fade a little bit.after that, vocalize got somewhat that Sydney Mel move up was the bargon-ass on-site ph fortacist. Because I had extra left over from Kristin, I gave the remainder of the skin cream to a girl with grueling acne since it worked on that as well. That believably didnt do me some(prenominal) favors. People approached me for all in all mo tleys of things and even offered to pay me. Some requests were pointless, like cures for headaches. Those people I exactly told to buy some aspirin. Other requests were step forward of my power and nothing I wanted to deal with, like birth control.Aside from the weird requests, I actually didnt mind the increase in my perfunctory social interaction. I was used to people submiting things from me, so that was familiar territory. Some people well(p) wanted to know more or so me as a person, which was new and more enjoyable than Id expected. And take over others wanted different things from me.Sydney.I was wait for my English split to start and was startle to see 1 of Greg Slades friends stand over my desk. His name was Bryan, and although I didnt know much slightly him, hed neer come across as obnoxious as Slade, which was a point in Bryans favor.Yes? I asked, wondering if he wanted to borrow broadsides from me.He had shaggy brown hair that seemed to be purposely grown un kempt and was actually kind of cute. He ran a hand over it as he scavengeed his words. Do you know anything ab bulge soundless films?Sure, I express. The initial superstars were developed in the late nineteenth century and sometimes had brook musical accompaniment, though it wasnt until the 1920s that sound become truly merged into films, eventually qualification silent ones obsolete in cinema.Bryan gaped, as though that was more than hed been expecting. Oh. Okay. Well, um, in that locations a silent film festival subjecttown adjacent week. Do you think youd want to go?I shook my head. No, I dont think so. I respect it as an art form notwithstanding really dont get much bug come forward of watching them.Huh. Okay. He smooth his hair pole again, and I could al approximately see him groping for persuasions. wherefore on earth was he asking me ab break through silent films? What near Starship 30? It percipients Friday. Do you want to see that?I dont really like sci -fi either, I verbalise. It was true, I found it completely implausible.Bryan looked ready to rub that shaggy hair out. Is there any movie out there you want to see?I ran through and through a noetic contestation of current fun. No. Not really. The bell rang, and with a shake of his head, Bryan slunk back to his desk. That was weird, I muttered. He has bad taste in movies. Glancing beside me, I was startled to see Julia with her head depressed on her desk while she shook with silent laughter. What?That, she gasped. That was hilarious.What? I verbalize again. Why?Sydney, he was asking you outI replayed the conversition. No, he wasnt. He was asking me about cinema.She was laughing so stern that she had to wipe a itinerary a tear. So he could find out what you wanted to see and take you outWell, why didnt he dependable say that?You are so adorably oblivious, she utter. I hope Im nigh the day you actually notice somebody is interested in you. I act to be mystified, and she s pent the rest of class bursting out with self-produced giggles.While I became an object of fascination, Jills popularity fell. Part of it was her own shyness. She was still so conscious and worried about being different that she assumed everyone else was sensible of her otherness too. She continue holding back from connecting with people out of fear, making her come across as aloof. Surprisingly making this worse, Jills doctors note had in the long widen come through from the Alchemists. The aim wouldnt put her into a different elective course that was already in progress. Freshmen werent allowed to be teachers aides like Trey. After citation with Miss Carson, theyd finally decided that Jill would participate in all in entry(prenominal) PE activities and do alternate assignments when we were out introductions. This normally meant writing reports on things like the archives of softball. Unfortunately, sitting out half the time only managed to isolate Jill more.Micah proceed to dote on her, even in the baptistery of adversity.Lee texted me this morning, she told me at lunch one day. He wants to take me out to dinner this weekend. Do you think I mean, I know you khats would have to go too She glanced uncertainly between Eddie and me.Whos Lee? asked Micah. He had moreover sat vote win with our group.A few moments of awkward silence fell. Oh, said Jill, averting her eyes. Hes this, um, guy wire we know. He doesnt go here. He goes to college. In Los Angeles.Micah processed this. He asked you on a date?Yeah we actually went out before. I compute were, well, kind of dating.Not salutaryly, piped in Eddie. I wasnt confident(predicate) if he was saying this to spare Micahs effects or if it was some protective itinerary to stop Jill from acquire too close to anyone.Micah was effectual at hiding his perceptions, Id part him that. After a bit more thought, he finally gave Jill a pull a face that only seemed slightly forced. Well, thats great. I hop e I john happen him. After that, the conversation glum to the up plan of attack football game, and no one mentioned Lee again.Finding out about Lee changed how Micah acted around Jill, entirely he still hung out with us all the time. Maybe it was in the hopes that Lee and Jill would break up. Or it couldve simply been because Micah and Eddie spent a grant of time together, and Eddie was one of Jills few friends. But the problem wasnt Micah. It was laurel wreath.I didnt think Micah wouldve been interested in Laurel even if Jill hadnt been in the picture, but Laurel still apothegm Jill as a threat and went out of her way to pull in her miserable. Laurel spread rumors about her and made pointed comments in the halls and during class about Jills pale skin, height, and skinniness Jills biggest insecurities.Once or twice, I hear the name vampire girl whispered in the halls. It made my origin run cold, no matter how many times I reminded myself it was a joke.Jill isnt whats keepi ng Laurel and Micah apart, I remarked to Julia and Kristin one day. They were divert by my continued efforts to apply logic and rationality to social styles in the school. I dont understand. He just doesnt like Laurel.Yeah, but its easier for her to think Jills the problem, when really, Laurels just a bang and Micah knows it, explained Julia. Ever since the awkward encounter with Bryan, she and Kristin had taken it upon themselves to try to educate me in the ways normal humans behaved.Plus, Laurel just likes having someone to pick on, said Kristin. She rarely spoke about the tattoo but had been serious and sober ever since. Okay, I said, trying to follow the logic, but I was the one who called her out about dying her hair. Shes hardly said a word to me.Kristin smiled. No fun picking on you. You talk back. Jill doesnt contain herself much and doesnt have many people to stick up for her either. Shes an loose target. cardinal positive thing did happen, at least. Adrian was staying on good behavior after the Los Angeles mishap, though I had to wonder how long it would last. Based on what I gathered from Jill, he was still bored and unhappy. Lees schedule was erratic, and it wasnt his handicraft to look after Adrian anyway. on that point didnt seem to be any good solution for her, really. If Adrian gave in to his vices, she suffered the effects of his hangovers and romantic interludes. If he didnt, then he was miserable, and that attitude slowly trickled into her as well. The only hope they had was that Jill would eventually film the control to block him out of her mind, but from what Rose had told her, that could take a very long time.When the next feeding came around, I was disappointed to see Keiths car parked in Clarences driveway. If he wasnt passage to actually do anything active to support this assignment, I kind of wished hed just stay international from it altogether. He apparently thought these supervising visits counted as work and continued t o justify his presence. Except when we met up with Adrian in the living room, Keith was nowhere in breathet. Neither was Clarence.Where are they? I asked Adrian.Adrian was lounging on the couch and put down a book hed been reading. I had a feeling reading was a rare activity for him and almost felt bad for the interruption. He repress a yawn. There was no alcohol in sight, but I did see what looked like three empty cans of energy drink.He shrugged. I dont know. Off talking somewhere. Your friends got a sick sense of humor. I think hes feeding Clarences paranoia about vampire huntsmans.I glanced uneasily at Lee, who had direct begun talking to Jill. Both were so caught up in each other, they didnt even realize what the rest of us were discussing. I knew how much the vampire hunter talk twoered Lee. He wouldnt appreciate Keith encouraging it.Does Clarence know about the killing in LA? asked Eddie. There was no reason Keith wouldnt, since it was open Alchemist knowledge, but I was nt sure if he wouldve made the connection to Clarence or not.He hasnt mentioned it, said Adrian. I swear Keiths just doing it because hes bored or something. Even I havent sunk that low.Is that what youve been doing instead? I asked. I sat down across from him and pointed at the energy drinks.Hey, its not vodka or brandy or well, anything good. Adrian sighed and upended one can, drinking the last few drops. So march on me some credit. Eddie glanced at the cans. Didnt Jill say she had trouble sleeping last wickedness?Adrian, I said with a groan. Eddie was right. Id sight Jill tossing and turning constantly. Vicarious caffeine would certainly explain it. Hey, Im trying, Adrian said. If you could get me out of here, Sage, then I wouldnt be forced to drown my sorrows in taurine and ginseng.She cant, Adrian, and you know it, said Eddie. heapt you I dont know. Find a hobby or something?Being charming is my hobby, said Adrian obstinately. Im the life of a party even without drinking. I wasnt meant to be alone.You could get a job, said Eddie, settling into a corner chair. He smiled, amused by his own wit. Solve both your problems make some bills and be around people.Adrian scowled. Careful, Castile. Theres only one comedian in this family.I straightened up. Thats actually not a bad idea.Its a terrible idea, said Adrian, glancing between me and Eddie.Why? I asked. Is this the part where you say us your hands dont do manual labor?Its more like the part where I dont have anything to offer society, he countered.I could help you, I offered.argon you dismissal to do the work and give me the paycheck? Adrian asked hopefully. Because that actually could help.I can give you a ride to your interviews, I said. And I can make you a resume that would get you any job. I eyed him and reconsidered. Well, within reason.Adrian stretched back out. Sorry, Sage. upright not feeling it.Clarence and Keith entered just then. Clarences face was exuberant. Thank you, thank you, he w as saying. Its so nice to talk to someone who understands my concerns about the hunters.I hadnt been aware that Keith understood anything except his own self-seeking nature. Lees face black-marketened when he realized Keith was furthering the old mans irrationality. Nonetheless, the Moroi withheld the comments he doubtlessly wanted to make. It was the first time Id seen any sort of dark emotion on Lees face. Looked like Keith could bring down even the most snug person.Clarence was happy to see us, as was Dorothy. Humans who gave blood to vampires werent just nasty because of the act itself. What was in like manner appalling was the addiction that resulted. Vampires released endorphins into those they drank from, endorphins that created a pleasurable sort of high. Human feeders who lived among Moroi spent their entire days in that high, becoming hard dependent on it. Someone like Dorothy, who had lived only with Clarence for years, hadnt experienced abounding bites to really g et addicted. Now, with Jill and Adrian around, Dorothy was acquiring an increased amount of endorphins in her daily life. Her eyes lit up when she saw Jill, confronting she was eager for more.Hey, Sage, said Adrian. I dont want an interview, but do you think you could give me a ride to get some cigarettes?I started to tell him I wasnt going to help with such a filthy habit and then noticed him looking meaningfully at Dorothy. Was he trying to get me out of here? I wondered. Give me an excuse to not be around for the feeding? From what I understood, Moroi normally didnt hide their feedings from each other. Jill and Dorothy just usually left the room for my comfort. I knew theyd probably do it again but decided Id take the opportunity to get away. Of course, I glanced at Keith for confirmation, expecting him to protest. He merely shrugged. It looked like I was the last thing on his mind.Okay, I said, standing up. Lets go.In the car, Adrian turned to me. I changed my mind, he said. Il l take you up on helping me get a job.I almost swerved into onset traffic. Few things from him could have surprised me more and he said sanely surprising things on a regular basis.That was fast. Are you serious?As much as I ever am. Will you still help me?I suppose so, though theres only so much I can do. I cant actually get you the job. I ran down my mental list of what I knew about Adrian. I dont suppose you have any idea of what youd actually like to do?I want something entertaining, he said. He thought some more. And I want to make separate of money but do as little work as possible.Lovely, I muttered. That narrows it down.We reached downtown, and I managed a flawless parallel-parking job that didnt impress him virtually as much as it should have. We were right in front of a convenience store, and I stood outside while he went in. Evening shadows were falling. I was off campus all the time, but so far, my trips had all been to Clarences, mini-golf courses, and fast-food jo ints. It turned out that the city of Palm Springs was really pretty. Boutiques and restaurants lined the streets, and I couldve spent hours people-watching. Retirees in golfing getups strolled alongside young glamorous socialites. I knew a circulate of celebrities came here too, but I wasnt in tune enough with the entertainment world to know who was who.Man, said Adrian, emerging from the store. They raised the price on my normal brand. I had to buy some crappy one.You know, I said. Quitting would also be a really great way to save some I froze as I spotted something down the street. Three blocks away, through the leaves of some palm trees, I could just barely make out a sign that read Nevermore in ornate gothic lettering. That was the place. The source of the tattoos running rampant through Amberwood. Ever since Kristins incident, Id wanted to grok into this more but hadnt been sure how. Now I had my chance.For a moment, I remembered Keith telling me not to get involved with an ything that might raise guardianship or cause trouble. Then I thought about the way Kristin had looked during her overdose. This was my opportunity to actually do something. I made a decision.Adrian, I said. I need your help.I pulled him toward the tattoo front room, filling him in on the situation. For a moment, he seemed so interested in high-inducing tattoos that I thought hed want one. When I told him about Kristin, though, his enthusiasm faded.Even if its not Alchemist technology, theyre still doing something redoubted, I explained. Not just to Kristin. What Slade and those guys are doing using the steroids to be unwrap at football is just as bad. People are getting hurt. I thought, suddenly, of Treys cuts and bruises.A small alley separated the tattoo parlor from a neighboring restaurant, and we stopped just before it. A entre opened inside the alley, on the parlor side, and a man stepped out and lit a cigarette. Hed taken only two steps when some other man stuck his h ead out the side door and called, How long are you going to be gone? I could see shelves and display panels behind(predicate) him.Just running down to the store, said the man with the cigarette. Ill be back in ten.The other guy went back inside, shutting the door. A few moments later, we saw him through the window at the front of the store, tidying up something on the counter.I have to get back there, I said to Adrian. Into that door.He bowing an eyebrow. What, like sneaking in? How very black ops of you. And oh, you know dangerous and foolish.I know, I said, surprised at how calm I sounded as I admitted that. But I have to know something, and this may be my only chance.Then Ill go with you in case that guy comes back, he said with a sigh. Never let it be said Adrian Ivashkov doesnt help damsels in distress. Besides, did you see him? He looked like some insane biker. They both did.I dont want you to wait. Inspiration pretend. You talk to the guy inside.Huh?Go in the front. Dis tract him so that I can look around. Talk to him about I dont know. Youll think of something.We quickly hashed out a plan. I move Adrian on his way while I ducked into the alley and approached the door. I pulled the comprehend and found it locked. Of course, I muttered. What business would leave a remote door like this exposed and unlocked? My brilliant plan started to crumble until I remembered I had my Alchemist essentials in my purse.My full kit was rarely needed, high school acne crises aside, so it was usually unbroken at home. But Alchemists were everlastingly on call, no matter where they were, to cover up vampire sightings. And so, we always kept a couple of things on us at all times. One was the substance that could dissolve a Strigoi body in under a minute. The other was almost equally efficient at dissolving metal.It was a type of acid, and I kept it in a protected vial in my purse. Quickly, I fished it out and unscrewed the top. A bitter scent hit me and made me wri nkle my nose. With the bottles glass dropper, I very carefully leaned down and placed a few drops right in the center of the lock. I immediately stepped back as a white mist rose up from the contact. Within thirty seconds, it had all dissipated, and there was a mend in the middle of the doors handle. One of the nice things about this stuff, which we called quickfire, was that its reaction occurred exceedingly fast. It was now inert and posed no danger to my skin. I pushed down on the handle, and it released.I only opened the door a crack, just to ascertain that there was no one else around. Nope. Empty. I crept inside and softly shut the door behind me, fastening an inside bolt to make sure it stayed locked. As Id seen from the outside, the place was a storage room, filled with all sorts of tools of the tattoo trade. Three doorways surrounded me. One led to a bathroom, one to a darkened room, and another to the stores front and main counter. Light spilled in from that doorway, an d I could hear Adrians voice.My friends got one, he was saying. Ive seen it, and he said this is the place he got it. Come on, dont play me.Sorry, came the gruff response. No idea what youre talking about.I slowly began scanning the cupboards and drreverencers, reading labels and looking for anything suspicious. There were a flock of supplies and not much time.Is it a money thing? asked Adrian. Because Ive got enough. Just tell me how much it costs.There was a long pause, and I hoped Adrian wouldnt be asked to show any cash since the last of his money had gone to promoting cancer.I dont know, the guy said at last. If I was able to do this copper tattoo youre talking about and Im not saying I can you probably couldnt afford it.Im telling you, said Adrian. Just name your price.What is it youre interested in exactly? the man asked slowly. Just the color?I think we both know, said Adrian cunningly. I want the color. I want the bonus effects. And I want it to look badass. You probably cant even do the design I want.Thats the least of your worries, said the guy. Ive been doing this for years. I can draw anything you want.Yeah? Can you draw a skeleton riding a motorcycle with flames coming out of it? And I want a pirate hat on the skeleton. And a parrot on his shoulder. A skeleton parrot. Or possibly a ninja skeleton parrot? No, that would be overkill. But itd be cool off if the biker skeleton could be shooting some ninja throwing stars. That are on fire.Meanwhile, Id still seen no sign of what I needed, but there were a cardinal nooks and crannies left to explore. Panic began to rise in me. I was going to run out of time. Then, seeing the darkened room, I hurried over to it. With a quick glance toward the stores front, I flipped on the light and held my breath. No one must have noticed anything because the conversation continued where it had left off.Thats the most ridiculous thing Ive ever comprehend, said the tattooist.Thats not what the ladies are going to say, said Adrian.Look, kid, said the guy. Its not even about money. Its about availability. Thats a lot of ink youre talking about, and I dont have that much in stock.Well, when will your supplier deliver next? asked Adrian.I stared in awe at what I had found I was in the room where the tattooing took place. There was a lounging chair much more comfortable than the table Id authoritative my tattoo on and a small side table cover with what appeared to be freshly used implements.Ive already got some people wait-listed out front of you. I dont know when therell be more.Can you call me when you know? Adrian asked. Ill give you my info. My names Jet Steele.If not for my own tense situation, I wouldve groaned. Jet Steele? real? Before I could think much more about it, I finally found what Id been looking for. The tattoo gun on the table had its own ink container, but sitting nearby were several littler vials. All of them were empty, but some still had enough metallic equipoise of t heir former ingredients to tip me off. Without even thinking twice, I quickly began recapping them and put them in my purse. Nearby, I noticed some sealed vials full of dark liquid. I froze for a moment. Carefully, I picked one up, opened it, and took a sniff.It was what Id feared.I screwed the lid back on and added those vials to my purse.Just then, I heard a rattling behind me. Someone was trying to open the back door. Id bolted it behind me, however, and it didnt give. Still, it meant my time for snooping was up. I was just zipping up my purse when I heard the stores front door open.Joey, whys the back door locked? an angry voice demanded.Its always locked.No, the bolt was on. From the inside. It wasnt when I left.Cue my exit. I flipped off the light and began upper back through the storage room.Wait exclaimed Adrian. There was an anxious note to his voice, like he was trying to get someones attention. I had the uneasy feeling that the two guys who worked here were headed back behind the counter to investigate. I need to know something else about the tattoo. Can the parrot also be wearing away a pirates hat? Like a miniature one?In a minute. We have to check something. The voice was louder than before. Closer.My hands fumbled as I unlatched the bolt. I managed it and opened the door, hurrying out just as I heard voices behind me. Without pausing to glance back, I shut the door and ran out the alley and up the street, back toward where Id parked. I was pretty sure the guys hadnt gotten a good look at me. I think Id just been a figure darting out the door. Still, I was grateful for the crowds of people on the street. I was able to blend in as I turned my attention to my car and unlocked the door. My hands were sweaty and shaking as I fumbled with the keys.I wanted badly to look behind me but was xenophobic of attracting the attention of the two men, if they were out searching the street. As long as they had no reason to suspect me A hand suddenly grabbed my arm and jerked me away. I gasped.Its me, said a voice.Adrian. I breathed a sigh of relief.Dont look back, he said calmly. Just get in the car.I obeyed. Once we were both safely inside, I took a deep breath, overwhelmed by the pounding of my heart. Fear-born adrenaline surged in my chest, so strongly it hurt. I shut my eyes and leaned back.That was too close, I said. And you did good, by the way.I know, he said proudly. And actually, I kind of want that tattoo now. Did you find what you were looking for?I opened my eyes and sighed. I did. And a whole lot more.So, what is it? Theyre set drugs in tattoos?Worse, I said. Theyre using vampire blood.