Sacrifical Lamb II

"See, your uncle's company... those labs and scientists... They're trying to figure out a way to reverse this." He walked into the clearing fully until he was near the thing which struggled against the chains which were binding it to the tree. He turned to look at it with disgust before beginning again. "We've been doing tests for years now trying to figure out why this happens.. And how to use their DNA to help create lifechanging vaccines. To help against illnesses and disease... even make one invincible."

Lionel turned to Vivienne and gestured for her to come toward him and the rabid vampire. Vivienne took a moment before she let go of Claire's hand and stepped forward only a few paces. The forest and night seemed deathly quiet now. All she could hear were the hisses and her heart pounding. The vampire seemed to hiss and growl more with ever thump in her ears. She didn't want to get any closer than a few feet away. Not that she didn't doubt this thing, if released, would be able to catch her whether she was three feet away or five.

"I know Marcus told me so much about how empathetic you are. How you've fought and challenged many people in the company and in your field about certain studies and research." Lionel's tone changed and suddenly Vivienne wasn't sure whether she was supposed to fear this vampire or Lionel. "I just need you to understand that those humanitarian efforts and enthusiasm will be best left with just that. Humans." Lionel pulled something out from behind his suit jacket that all Vivienne saw was a blur of silver.

The sound that followed deafened Vivienne's ears and the world seemed to move in slow motion. She jumped backward, almost stumbling and falling over. Her eyes darted to the vampire. In the center of its head was a large, round hole. Dark red blood, looking almost black in the moonlight, poured out of its head, its mouth, its nose. It's lifeless eyes were still open, staring at her. She felt its eyes like a sword through her. When her body finally caught up with what her brain was seeing she felt first a deep pain in her chest. Then came her hands shaking violently, the hot tears start falling, and her stomach feeling like it had done a few summersaults.

Vivienne stumbled back a few steps, turned to look at Lionel again and then the vampire. She turned quickly on her heel and ran.