Nick Of Time (A "The Preternaturals" Story)

...A squeak and a thud informed Gryphon that Abramson had thrown something into the cell. The metallic tang of vitamin-rich human blood assaulted his nose and his need clawed through him.

“Too bad you’re chained, vamp. Fresh blood just a few feet away and you can’t get it.” Abramson’s harsh laugh grated on Gryphon’s nerves.

The human in the cell with him took a deep breath, and Gryphon heard the death rattle in the man’s lungs.

“Remember, Abramson, you can only kick a dog so often before he bites back.”

Even though pain and death filled each word, Gryphon heard the courage underlying the statement.

“Well, my bite won’t come from either of you.” Abramson chuckled.

The door slammed and they were alone. Gryphon tugged at the chains holding him to the wall. A dragging sound came to his ears right before a hand wrapped around his ankle. He barely managed to stop from kicking out.

“How far can you lean down?” the dying man asked.

Gryphon cleared his throat. It had been weeks since he’d done anything except scream. “My chains are long enough for me to kneel.”

“Then do it. You’re starving and I’m giving my blood freely.” The man pulled on Gryphon’s leg.

“But the hunger in me is fierce. I might kill you,” he warned even as he knelt.

“I’m dying. They broke something inside me during the beating. I can’t feel my legs. I know they haven’t given you anything but animal blood. Maybe my blood will give you the strength to escape.”

A cool hand brushed his stomach and then his shoulder. “Can you help me lean against the wall?”

“Yes.” He used his hands to settle his willing sacrifice next to him. “My name is Gryphon.”

“I’m Nick. You’ll have to bite my wrist. The chains don’t allow you to reach my neck.”

Nick seemed rather calm for a man on his way to being a vampire meal. Maybe it was shock.

“How do you know what I need?”

“I spent years studying the paranormal, which is why Abramson seduced me.” Nick laughed. “Such a fucking, naïve idiot, thinking he wanted me because he liked me.”

“I’m sorry.” Gryphon wasn’t sure why he apologized.

“Not your fault. A geek like me should’ve known better.” A slight breeze told Gryphon that Nick had waved a hand. “Doesn’t matter now, but if I can help you escape, it’ll be the best revenge.”

“You’ll need to help me, Nick. I can’t see very well. They damaged my eyes with one of their torture devices and without human blood, I couldn’t heal.” Gryphon reached out and touched the hand Nick held out to him.

“Will my blood heal you?” Nick’s hand was small and fragile.

“Enough for us to get out of here and to safety.”

He’d made the decision to take only enough blood to regain his strength. Once that happened, he could teleport them to safety and someone who might be able to help Nick.

“Don’t worry about me. I never thought I fit in this world, you know?” Nick’s voice faded.

The pulse under Gryphon’s fingers weakened. He raised the thin wrist to his mouth. Before he bit, he said a silent prayer for control to any of his gods who might be listening. He didn’t want to be caught up in the thirst and drain Nick. He wanted to try to save this man who offered his own life’s blood to a monster...