Bound – Book Tour and Giveaway

CHAPTER ONE

Serenity

The Elite Program.

Every person, regardless of age or hatred for their kind, yearned to be selected. Deep down, they craved the privileges of being an Elite—the ones who willingly offered themselves to the vampyrs. But not her.

Serenity had no such desires; she refused to be a meal for anyone, no matter how tempting the rewards seemed. Yet, her personal feelings were irrelevant now. This program was her last hope, and if it didn’t work, she dreaded turning to Jax for help—something she desperately wanted to avoid.

Looking up at the clock, its hands slowly ticked as she waited for the nurse to arrive and begin the process that would, hopefully, improve her and her family’s lives.

Sighing deeply to calm her rising nerves, Serenity’s eyes wandered around the office, taking in the sterile and impersonal atmosphere. Four white walls encased a stark, bare office containing only the essentials: a simple desk, a utilitarian chair, a computer, a printer, and a cold, metal filing cabinet. There were no pictures or decorations. It was as if they intentionally designed it to be unwelcoming, discouraging any sense of comfort or happiness.

Honestly, it didn’t make any sense. One would think they would try to create a more inviting space to welcome potential Elites. The environment’s lack of warmth and care showed her what she was truly signing up for and how she’d be treated as soon as her application was approved.

And they would approve it. She did not doubt that.

Serenity had the type of blood that the vampyr wanted… and craved. At least, that was what her father told her. Only those with the rarest of blood types were selected as Elites.

Anyone whose blood type was A or B was automatically entered into the system as a donor, regardless of whether they were positive or negative. O positives were rarely chosen, and O negatives had better chances only if specifically requested. AB positives, the rarest of the rare type, were treated like gold and were consistently selected as Elites, typically matched with the wealthiest of the vampyrs. This made Serenity think despite their claims, money still talked within their society. AB negatives were a myth, according to the locals. Still, they were believed to represent a divine gift in vampiric lore, ‘ambrosia,’ so treasured that only the upper echelons in vampyr society knew of their existence.

As an AB negative, her blood was revered as the most delectable drink. She almost felt violated knowing that such an intimate part of her was seen as a commodity, something to be consumed with primal delight. It wasn’t just about her, though.

The Elite program was supposed to bring balance and peace between the two races, a part of the treaty the humans and vampyrs signed before she was born. But it seemed the vampyrs ruled their lives, despite humans sitting on the city’s governing Council. All the rules seemed to cater to the vampyrs survival, not humanity’s. It was infuriating.

When the office door opened, Serenity turned in her chair to see a petite woman in black scrubs walking through. The woman had caramel-colored skin and dark eyes. A laminated card clipped to her shirt read “Shelia” in bold capital letters.

“Can I have your name, please?” the nurse asked, sitting on the other side of the desk and placing a clipboard with an application next to the computer.

Such a simple question, but for Serenity, it was surrendering to the inevitable. Call it an innate feeling, but she had always known she would end up here signing up to be an Elite.

She couldn’t explain how, but a small part of her, deep inside, suspected it had to do with the rarity of her blood type. As if it had always known this would be her fate. But it was only a feeling and possibly the wariness of her situation.

Either way, she was here now. Taking a deep breath, she reluctantly spoke her name aloud. “Serenity.”

The words felt like a prison sentence once they left her mouth. Every inch of her screamed for her to get up and run away. They only had her first name. There was still the possibility of escape. She could get on the bus and go back home, where it was safe.

But she couldn’t. Not if she wanted to save her family. This was her choice, her sacrifice.

Her mother couldn’t become an Elite because of her sickness, and her sister was too young and sick, so it had to be her. They needed medicine, and this was the only way they could afford it.

Shelia’s kind smile and soothing voice washed over her, easing the tension in her shoulders. “What is your full name, honey? You don’t have to be nervous. You may not even get approved. This is just the application stage,” she assured her.

She was right; this was just the application process. She hadn’t even given a blood sample yet.

If Serenity was being honest with herself, she couldn’t deny the fear that gripped her. The thought of encountering a vampyr had always terrified her. She had hoped never to face one, but now, everything was about to change. She was preparing to leave behind everything she knew.

But she pushed those thoughts aside for the moment. She needed to focus on getting through this, or else her instincts would take over, and she would flee. Steeling herself with a deep breath, she forced the words out. “Serenity R. Wright.”

Shelia punched her name into the machine, attempting to assess her medical history. Her father had burned and erased every document that could identify her blood type a long time ago, insisting it was to keep her safe from them.

As Shelia stared intently at the screen, Serenity knew she was seeing the bare minimum of information. Her father had been thorough in keeping her out of the system. She had been homeschooled, never left the human districts, and always kept a low profile.

The scent of her mother’s homemade herbal concoction lingered on every piece of clothing she wore. The blend of lemon tea tree oil, activated charcoal, rosemary, and vanilla was meant to hide her natural scent.

Since she was young, she’d relied on it to cover up her unique scent. Her mother would create soap and shampoo for her to use and a specialized spray for when she ventured out into public. She always carried a small bottle of vinegar with her, a precaution in case she encountered any vampyrs.

She also wore a light brown cloak whenever she went out. But her mother believed her father’s true intentions were to hide her curly hair and honey-brown eyes, fearing they would attract unwanted attention. She never left without her cloak whenever she traveled, especially outside their district.

Except for today. She felt vulnerable without it but wouldn’t need it after this.

Shelia glanced up from the computer with curiosity evident in her eyes. “The only record we have of you in the system is your birth date. Have you never had a physical?”

It didn’t surprise Serenity that the woman was curious. If she were in her shoes, she would feel the same way. Her answer was simple: “My father was a doctor. He handled all my physicals and medical records.”

The memory of her father hung heavy in the air. He had been training her to be a nurse to help her mother and sister with their medical needs. But his life was cut short by a sudden heart attack during one of his routine trips into the city for more medicine.

With his absence, Serenity felt a part of herself missing; however, her family relied on her strength.

“He didn’t update your records.” Shelia glanced back at the screen and  asked, “What was his name?”

“Dr. Richard J. Wright.” She wouldn’t find him in the system. He never officially returned to practicing as a doctor after the war. He only worked as an informal doctor for their neighbors and friends.

The nurse’s brows scrunched in concentration as she surveyed her computer screen. “I can’t find him in the system, and your records have not been updated. We’ll need to do a physical today and draw blood to get your blood type for your application. Let me see if we can squeeze you in with Dr. Bradford.”

Serenity anticipated this; she had mentally prepared for this precise moment. But even with all her preparation, she couldn’t shake the waves of anxiety that threatened to engulf her. Soon, they would know her secret, and she would be in danger. But her family would be saved, reaping the benefits of her becoming an Elite.

She despised the crushing weight of her family’s future on her shoulders; the pressure was almost suffocating. Her palms were slick with sweat, and her chest tightened as she struggled to hold back a sob.

Needing to gather herself, she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, seeking respite from the tension. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts, and she was torn between the responsibility she bore and the fear of what lay ahead.

It was a delicate balancing act; her determination to be strong for her family clashing with the nagging doubt and uncertainty gnawing at her resolve. She knew she had to be here, but that didn’t make it any easier. The emotional turmoil within her was like a storm raging beneath a calm exterior.

With a quiet yet determined resolve, Serenity opened her eyes, squared her shoulders, and braced herself for whatever lay beyond those cold, impersonal walls. She couldn’t let anxiety derail her; her family depended on her strength.

“Don’t worry, honey.” The sympathy in Shelia’s eyes didn’t help her worry. “The physical exam is painless, and the blood drawing is quick and painless.”

But it wasn’t the exam that made Serenity anxious. She was uncertain what would happen once her application was submitted, and there was no turning back.

Shelia typed a few more notes on her computer.

“Alright. I was able to squeeze you with Dr. Bradford. She is wonderful. This way.”

Shelia stood, grabbing a piece of paper from the printer before moving towards the door. Serenity stood to follow when suddenly Shelia stopped and turned back to her.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Shelia asked with a seriousness that almost made Serenity want to run. “Once we walk out the door, there is no turning back. Your name will be filed into the system forever.”

Even if she wasn’t approved by some chance of fate, her name would still be recorded in their databases, making her a potential target in a future blood drought—which meant that if they ever ran out of human recruits, they could call upon her. It was one of the risks she took by even walking into the clinic, but it was her only choice.

“I understand your concern, and thank you for it, but I have to do this.”

Shelia nodded slightly and opened the door. Her eyes, wide with uncertainty, met Serenity’s briefly before she led them into the hallway, closing the door behind them.

Serenity was happy to know that at least one of the nurses here cared about the humans who signed up and ensured this was their choice. This gave her some hope that this whole process wouldn’t be as dreadful as she thought.

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and followed Shelia into the hallway, heart pounding as she contemplated what lay ahead.

CHAPTER TWO

Serenity

As Shelia led Serenity to an exam room, her hesitant steps mirrored the nervous pounding of her heart as she crossed the threshold. A chill enveloped her, making her shiver involuntarily as they entered the room. The atmosphere was sterile and unwelcoming, leaving her yearning for a moment of warmth or solace.

This was Serenity’s first time in a doctor’s office, and she couldn’t help but feel uncertainty. Her father’s stories from over thirty years ago had painted a different picture; one of a more inviting and compassionate place. Now, reality clashed with those nostalgic tales, leaving her feeling disillusioned.

Glancing around the room, she noted the sterile surroundings designed to keep patients distant and disconnected, much like the office they had left. Trying to shake off her unease, Serenity reminded herself that sometimes stories were just that—stories. She couldn’t let her father’s reminiscences color her expectations too much. This was her reality now, and she needed to face it head-on, even if the coldness of the room mirrored the nerves she tried to suppress.

The room contained one vinyl-covered chair in the corner, a wooden chair against the opposite wall, and a medical bed between them. In front of her, a white countertop held various tools laid out neatly.

Serenity couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated by all the unfamiliar equipment, but she tried to remain calm. She reminded herself again that this was for her family; they needed this more than anything else right now.

“You can have a seat right there.” Shelia pointed to the chair, grabbed a clipboard from a drawer, and clipped the paper. With a comforting smile, she handed it to Serenity. “Please fill this out as best you can. All the information is optional, except for your family’s medical history and your own.”

Serenity nodded, taking the clipboard.

“Dr. Bradford will be in soon.” Shelia gave her an encouraging look before closing the door, leaving Serenity alone in the silent room.

Left with only her thoughts, a wave of anxiety hit her, making her heart race. Desperate to calm herself, she settled into the corner chair, its hard cushion digging uncomfortably into her back. She picked up the medical sheet, running her finger repeatedly over the details of past surgeries and medications, hoping that focusing on filling it out would help ease the panic before the doctor arrived.

Seeing her name already pre-filled at the top of the medical form, Serenity glanced at it briefly before turning her attention to the next blank space. Her pen hovered momentarily over the line, then she confidently wrote her date of birth: June 4, 2020.

Not only was the day significant because of her birth, but it was also historic. For thirty long years, the humans had fought against the vampyrs—ancient beings who had lived in the shadows for centuries until they no longer could watch humans destroy Earth—to gain some semblance of control until finally, on the day of her birth, in one of the deep caves of the Northern Appalachian Mountains, the peace treaty was signed.

As Serenity continued to fill in the form, she remembered her father’s story about her birth and how they’d almost lost her when her lungs refused to inflate. Not willing to lose her when peace had finally come, he painstakingly blew air into her tiny lungs until she let out her first screams. Pure joy and happiness always lit his face when he recounted the story. She missed him deeply.

Serenity continued down the form, not wanting to think back on her father. He would not condone what she was doing, not in the slightest, especially since he worked so hard to keep her hidden from them.

Next, they asked for her address. She wrote it without a second thought, then hesitated when they asked for her number. Technically, she could put down the communal phone, except anyone could answer it. She didn’t want anyone to know about this yet.

Instead, she gave the number to her job, Rack n’ Reynolds, the only place with a reliable phone. Besides, Lenny wouldn’t mind—he was never there anyway.

Serenity skipped most of the personal questions, only answering the ones about viral or sexually transmitted diseases, marking them all negative. When reaching the medical history section, she checked “no” for everything except birth complications. Unsure whether they referred to her own birth or if she had given birth, she decided to leave it blank.

She moved on to family history. Her sister had severe asthma, and her mother had type 1 diabetes. They were the reason she was doing this.

When her father died, he left only enough medicine to last them for a short while. A few months ago, they ran out. Serenity had been getting medicine from the bootlegger named Swindle, but a few weeks ago, he got raided by the OCP, the Outer City Police. She tried to go to the pharmacy, but they said she needed a doctor’s prescription and $600—just for her sister’s inhaler.

They couldn’t afford it. She was the only one working, and Rack n’ Reynolds, an all-goods store, only paid her barely a fraction of what she needed. It would take her months to save up for one dose. Besides, her boss, Lenny, mostly paid her with products instead of cash. They didn’t get many customers anyway.

With a resigned sigh, Serenity finished and placed the paperwork on the table. This was the only way out for her family, the only way things would get better.

A knock sounded at the door. “Come in.”

The heavy door creaked open, and a tall, striking feminine figure entered the room. A cascade of sun-kissed blonde hair framed the woman’s face, falling gracefully around her shoulders.

Her presence radiated a sense of authority and knowledge, accentuated by her crisp white coat.

As their eyes met, time seemed to slow down for a brief moment. Serenity was captivated by the most mesmerizing pair of deep blue eyes she had ever seen.

They held a glimmer of intelligence and kindness, but something else was an unspoken depth that seemed to see right through her. In that instant, Serenity knew she was one of them—a vampyr.

She looked so normal, but her father told her she would always know when she saw one. Their unearthly beauty and ancient eyes would always give them away. Still, she wasn’t prepared for her and her kindness.

“Hi. I am Dr. Joy Bradford, and I will be doing your exam today.” She glanced down at the paperwork in her folder. “I see you haven’t been to the doctor in a long time, but your father was a doctor. What kind of medical professional was he?”

Serenity didn’t know if disclosing that kind of information was okay. Then again, she could just lie.

Dr. Bradford looked up from her paperwork when Serenity was not forthcoming with an answer. “It’s okay. There’s no need to disclose that particular information. I was merely curious.”

Serenity nodded. Her father warned her to always be weary in their presence, but she couldn’t help but feel at ease with the warmth radiating from Dr. Bradford.

“Okay. Do you mind if I sit near you?” she asked, and Serenity nodded.

The woman glided across the room like an elegant dancer, grabbing the rolling stool and wheeling it over to Serenity. As she was about to sit down, she glanced at Serenity and immediately retreated, pushing the stool back to give her some much-needed space.

Dr. Bradford’s gentle voice broke the silence. “Is this the first time you have been around one of us?”

Serenity’s heart raced as she forced a stiff nod. She had always been told to avoid vampyrs at all costs, and yet here she was, sitting mere feet away from one. Her fear and curiosity warred within her, unsure of how to act or what to feel in this unprecedented situation. The guards at the gates had always seemed so distant and unapproachable, but this vampyr before her seemed almost human. A part of Serenity wanted to flee back to the safety of Grove Gardens, but another part was drawn to stay and discover more about this mysterious creature.

Her father was the one who interacted with the vampyrs, but only when he ventured into the Inner City. Serenity had grown up hearing stories about them and was taught to be cautious around such creatures. He gave her a crucial warning never to let her blood be exposed in front of them. Scent could be disguised, but the smell of blood was near impossible to hide.

“There is no need to be afraid or nervous. I will not harm you. I am only here as any human doctor would be. To give you a physical and take a blood sample. That is all, I promise.” The woman smiled at her, calming Serenity’s already building anxiety.

Serenity gazed into her blue eyes and chose to push aside her fears. “I believe you.”

“Good.” Dr. Bradford glanced down at the sheet. “I just have a few questions, okay?”

Serenity took a deep breath and nodded.

The doctor smiled, then asked, “When was the last time you had your period?”

She had skipped that question because she didn’t think it was relevant, but now she realized it was. “It just ended four days ago,” she admitted.

“How long do they typically last?”

“Five days.” It was five days she wasn’t allowed to go out in public because they couldn’t afford the specialty-made feminine products that would mask the scent of her blood. Even though almost all the vampyrs lived within the Inner City, Waterside Park, and Waterside Cross, her father was still cautious.

There were vampyrs amongst the Outer City Police who, despite strict regulations, liked to patrol the human districts occasionally but never within her neighborhood. However, no vampyrs lived within the human districts, and only vampyr doctors or nurses were allowed to work in blood clinics like this one in order to collect blood and recruit Elites.

“Are you sexually active?” Dr. Bradford asked next.

The unexpected question left Serenity momentarily speechless as heat rose in her face. She eventually muttered an answer. “No, but I’m not a virgin.”

It was true; she had lost her virginity after her father’s death. It was a reckless decision fueled by grief and alcohol, but it still happened.

The doctor nodded thoughtfully. “Are you on birth control?”

They couldn’t afford it. She was grateful nothing resulted from the first and only time. “No.”

“Okay. So, I am going to have you go behind that curtain and change into this gown.” Dr. Bradford stood up, grabbed a gown from the nearby cabinet, and placed the garment next to her. “I will go grab the blood sample kit and will be back shortly.”

Serenity’s gaze scanned the gown as Dr. Bradford left the room. She wanted nothing more than to run out of this place, yet her body seemed to be moving on autopilot.

With trembling fingers, she reached for the garment. Stepping behind the curtain, she began to change into it, her heart racing with every motion. She had never imagined taking this path, but she would do whatever it took to protect her family.

A few minutes later, Dr. Bradford entered the room just as Serenity pulled the curtain back.

“Oh, good. You’re ready,” she said. “You can have a seat on the examination table.”

Serenity followed her instructions, feeling comforted by her calm demeanor.

“I want to make this as quick and easy as possible. And I also want you to feel comfortable, so I will explain each step before I do it. Sound good?”

Doctor Bradford’s considerate approach helped ease Serenity’s nerves, and she replied with a grateful, “Yes.”

“Great. I’m going to listen to your heart first.”

With no stethoscope in sight, Serenity’s curiosity about how the doctor would listen to her heart was piqued. But then it dawned on her: vampyrs had magnified hearing.

Dr. Bradford gently touched Serenity’s back and requested, “Take a deep breath for me.”

Serenity obliged, inhaling and exhaling as the doctor’s warm hand explored her back, listening to the rhythmic beat of her heart.

“Alright, everything sounds good.” She took a moment to jot down a note. While writing, she paused and glanced at Serenity. “You smell lovely.”

Serenity froze as fear gripped her. Could she smell her? This morning, she washed twice and sprayed herself three times, twice at home and once before entering the building.

“I like the smell of lemon and vanilla.”

Relief floods Serenity as she realizes the compliment was about her fragrance, not hinting at her true scent.

“Now, I’m going to check your blood pressure.” She grabbed the blood pressure monitor from the wall and wrapped the cuff around Serenity’s upper arm. Then she pushed her arm down. “Relax.”

She pressed the button and activated the machine. While it worked, she pulled out her small flashlight and examined her eyes.

“Do you wear glasses or contacts for any reason?”

Her response was immediate. “No.”

“Please open your mouth. When was the last time you went to the dentist?”

The machine beeped, and she clicked off the flashlight.

“I have never been to the dentist.” At this, Bradford nodded understandingly, displaying no judgment or reproach as she removed the cuff.

“Your blood pressure is normal. I am going to need you to lay back. I am going to perform a breast exam, then a quick pelvic exam.”

Serenity took a deep breath and lay back on the table.

Dr. Bradford pulled aside her gown on her shoulder to examine her breasts. Surprisingly, her hands weren’t cold. They were warm. “Everything feels good. No lumps, but then again, we wouldn’t expect them in one so young.”

She moved to the end of the table and asked Serenity to move her bum down until it met the edge of the table. She felt pressure from the cervical clamp, and it was all done.

“You can sit up now.” Dr. Bradford grabbed the folder and jotted down some notes. “Okay, I just need to take the blood sample, and you will be all set.”

This was the part that made Serenity nervous. Vampyrs and blood. Who wouldn’t be on edge? She could only pray that she left this place alive.

Bradford opened the kit and took out an oddly shaped black device. Fear and uncertainty gripped Serenity as she moved to place it on her arm. Her instinct took over, and she pushed the device away, knocking it from the doctor’s hand.

With a blur of motion, Dr. Bradford reacted swiftly, catching the device before it could hit the ground. Serenity was taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise and awe.

Time seemed to slow down as she witnessed the doctor’s extraordinary reflexes. Serenity hadn’t even seen her move. All she saw was her standing slowly with the device unharmed.

“Sorry to startle you. You may have never seen one of these before. It is simple and will not harm you. I will just place it against your arm like this.” She demonstrated on her own arm how she would place the device against her arm and then press the white button to collect the blood sample and seal the wound. “Quick, easy, and painless.”

“Okay. I am sorry.” Serenity reluctantly held out her arm. There was no point in delaying the inevitable. Besides, there was no escaping this now.

Dr. Bradford gently and cautiously lifted her hand and placed the device against her upper arm. Serenity felt the slightest pressure when the button was pressed, but nothing more.

The doctor smiled. “That’s it. You’re all set. I will submit your exam and bloodwork immediately.” As she stood to put the device back into its kit, her head whipped toward Serenity with a fierce intensity that sent a chill down Serenity’s spine. Her illuminated sapphire eyes bore into her. Time seemed to stand still as the doctor stared at her, unmoving. Serenity didn’t understand.

Her father told her their eyes only glowed like that when there was blood in the room, but the device in the doctor’s hand held the blood.

Why is she staring at me? What did I do wrong?