The Taste of Night by R.L. Stine

“What’s up, Patrick?”
    He shrugged. “Just chillin’. You know.”
    He had short, wavy brown hair, dark, serious eyes with heavy, brown eyebrows, and a penetrating stare. Livvy felt that he was staring right through her.
    Did he like what he saw?
    Livvy did. If the good-looking guys have the tastiest blood, I’m in heaven tonight.
    Patrick was tall and athletic-looking. He wore black cargo pants and a dark brown leather vest over a soft gray long-sleeved shirt. An interesting look.
    He had a silver ring in one ear. And Livvy glimpsed a tattoo of a spider on the back of his hand when he raised his beer glass.
    â€œLike this club?” Livvy asked, squeezing beside him.
    Wouldn’t you rather go out for a drink, Patrick?
    Out to the woods maybe?
    â€œYeah, it’s okay,” he said. “I don’t like the five-dollar beers. But it’s a pretty nice place to hang.”
    Livvy flashed him her sexiest smile. “I think it just got nicer,” she said. Not too subtle, but she felt too hungry to be subtle.
    He has a nice long neck, she thought. Easy to get to the vein.
    Was she staring at his throat? She quickly raised her eyes to his. “I wouldn’t mind dancing,” she said. “If someone wanted to ask me.”
    He was a good dancer, she discovered. He moved easily, gracefully, and never took his eyes off her. When he smiled, those dimples came out, and despite her hunger, Livvy could feel herself melting.
    Is this my night or what?
    Suzie came into view across the crowded dance floor. Over Ari’s shoulder, she flashed Livvy a thumbs-up.
    After a while, Patrick took Livvy’s hand and led her off the dance floor. She squeezed his hand and leaned against him. Even though they’d been dancing hard, he wasn’t sweating. He bought two more Rolling Rocks at the bar and handed one to her.
    â€œI haven’t seen you here before,” he said.
    Livvy grinned. “You’re seeing me now.” She took a sip of beer. “What do you do, Patrick?”
    He snickered. “As little as possible. How about you?”
    â€œI’m in school,” she lied. She put a hand on his shoulder. “It’s kinda hot in here. And noisy. Want to take a walk or something?”
    Say yes, Patrick—or I might attack you right here .
    â€œYeah, sure,” he said, finishing his beer. “But I’ve gotta tell some guys I came with, okay?”
    Livvy nodded. Tell them you’re going out for a quick bite, Patrick . She felt her heart start to race. Her skin tingled.
    I’m finally going to feed.
    â€œMeet you outside,” she said. “I’m going to smoke.”
    She watched him make his way through the dance floor. He had a quick, confident stride. He’s hot, she thought. Too hot to die. Maybe I’ll bring him along slowly. Then give him a chance to join me, to become an immortal. To live forever with me.
    She started toward the exit.
    Then what do I do with Ross?
    Good question.
    I still care for Ross. He was so brave to come with me to the other side. He’d be lost without me…
    Ross is so sweet. But maybe sweet isn’t what I need right now. I need thrills. I need action. I need to live this new life to the fullest.
    I need…Patrick.
    As Livvy passed the lounge, she glimpsed Monica in a dark corner, on a low couch, lip-locked with the guy she’d been dancing with. Monica was pressed against him, holding his head as she kissed him, moving her hands through the guy’s hair.
    He’s toast, Livvy thought.
    She stepped out into the night. The air felt cool on her hot skin. Clouds covered the moon. A car squealed out of the parking lot, music blaring.
    Livvy stepped to the side of the club, leaned against the stucco wall, and pulled a pack of Camel Reds from her bag. She slid a cigarette between her lips. And felt a soft tap on her shoulder.
    Patrick?
    She spun around—and let out a startled