Read Zamani for Free Online Page B

without
knocking.   She’d seen her obituary.
    “We have to find some way
for me to attend.” Alex blurted the words out as she stormed in the door. Lucy
laughed.   “That’s a bit Huck Finn of
you, don’t you think?   According to
your wishes, your remains were cremated, but that doesn’t mean that your
girlfriend and family won’t notice if you happen to show up.”
    Alex nodded.   “We’ll just have to make sure I don’t
look like myself.   I’ve already made
a list of what I need.”   She handed Lucy
the list.   “I’ll sit in the back of
the church.   I promise to
behave.   You have to let me go, and
you have to come with me.”
    Lucy looked over the
list.   They had a good week to make her
over, as the service was on October 26th.   Lucy finally shrugged and agreed to try the idea.   “If we are approached, leave the talking
to me, though.   And, if I say we
need to make tracks, you don’t get to argue with me about it.” Alex agreed.
    Lucy pocketed the list and
sat down on the sofa.   “I also need
to talk to you about your needs.   You were nearly killed by Wren.   I suspect that at some point in the process you must have ingested some
of her blood; either she meant to turn you or in the melee perhaps you bit her
lip or something and that is how you were turned.” She paused, wondering if
Alex had any memory of an exchange.   She didn’t seem to, so Lucy continued.   “Unless you had contact with another
vampire before the attack.   If you
were already turned prior to the attack that would mean Wren didn’t turn you.”
    Alex frowned.   “Do you think Olivia turned me without
my knowing?”
    Lucy shook her head.   “No, I don’t think that’s the case; if
it were, she would have claimed you before any police showed up. More than
likely the two of you would have taken Wren out. That would have been far
easier than letting Wren go down for your murder. For now, I think we should
assume Wren turned you--at least until we know differently.”   She stubbed out her cigarette.   “But, because you were so drained, to
gain your full strength and to make the kind of progress you should make so you
can get on with your life, you need more than I can give you.   Probably even more than donors can give
you, Alex.”   She paused and watched
Alex’s face.
    As it dawned on Alex what
Lucy was suggesting, Alex frowned and shook her head. “I don’t think I can,
Lucy.   Feeding on you has been odd
enough.   I’m not even sure how to go
about picking someone who is unaware.”
    Lucy nodded. “I know you’re in
new territory here, Alex. But as you gain strength, you will find it impossible
to resist the urge to hunt, just as you found it impossible to resist feeding
from me in the morgue. I just want you to be prepared and to know that I will
not judge you.” She paused.   “I also
need to warn you so you’ll be mindful of this and not take out a donor--me or
someone else--in a moment of frenzy.   When you are ready, I know who can serve as a mentor for you--a
teacher.   I didn’t want to move
things too quickly for you, but I can’t teach you all you need to know.”
    Alex sighed in relief.   “I would appreciate the help.   But, let’s get past my memorial service
first, if we can. I want to focus on just getting through that first, and then
you can turn me over to someone else.”
    The plan Alex devised for
her disguise was to go in drag.   On
her list, she had requested hair clippers, hair dye, and a suit.   She and Lucy sat down together and
ordered what they needed for the transformation. Being able to buy everything
online certainly made things easier.  
    By the day of the memorial
service, Alex was transformed.   She’d shorn her shoulder length brunette hair close to the back of her
head, leaving just enough length at the top and sides to keep it from being a
crew cut.   She left bangs that she
could sweep to one side.   Lucy
helped her bleach it.