Inoculation

The needle sank into Andre’s neck.

“Ouch!” he said.

“Don’t squirm,” said the doctor.

“So this’ll protect me, right? From everything?”

“Well,” the doctor said quellingly, “I wouldn’t go right back into the clubs. You’ll actually be more sensitive for a day or two. Maybe even phantom symptoms: unfocused craving, inexplicable fondness for strangers, light sensitivity...”

Andre was already out the door and into the waiting room.

“All done?” asked Cass with saccharine sweetness.

“Yup.”

“You know what this means?” Her eyes narrowed. “If I catch you with that vampire slut again, you won’t be able to blame the venom.”