Talisman 01 - The Emerald Talisman

towards my car.
    “Parker.”
    This time I knew I wasn’t hearing things. I recognized Phil’s voice, even though tonight it was raspy and barely more than a murmur. I spun around, but he wasn’t there. Weird.
    “Phil, where are you?”
    I saw movement in the shadows at the corner of the store, just outside the light. That’s when I saw him. A gasp escaped from my lips.
    He leaned against the wall, with a black sweatshirt hood over his head, shifting his eyes from me to the other patrons who left the store. His skin was no longer tan, but a creamy white and if he hadn’t called me by my last name, I wouldn’t have recognized him. He appeared agitated and I could feel his extreme hunger—the unmistakable hunger—the hunger of a vampire.
    My eyes widened and my pulse increased as I tried to remain composed, frozen in my spot.
    “Parker, I need your help,” he said soft and slow, sounding like he was hurt.
    My mind screamed and told me to run, but my feet stayed firmly rooted.
    But how did this happen?
    The only thing that crossed my mind was the bites from his attack must have been vampire ones. Is that how vampires are created? I didn’t know, but whatever happened, he was one of them now and more than I could handle. I needed Nicholas’ help. This was a true emergency.
    “Phil,” I whispered. It was all that would come out.
    “Please come over here for a minute. I want to talk to you in private.”
    His hunger overwhelmed me and I knew without a doubt what he wanted. I wasn’t going to fall into his trap.
    “Phil, I know someone who can help you work through this change,” I said, talking from complete ignorance, but hoped Nicholas would know what to do.
    He gave me a wicked grin.
    “Clever girl,” he hissed and the leaves at his feet spun up as if caught in a whirlwind and he was gone.
    I looked around the parking lot for any evidence of his presence, but he was nowhere to be found.
    Phil and his hunger had vanished.

14 - FASCINATION
    U nsure of whether Phil was still lurking in the shadows waiting for me, I darted back inside the store and took out my phone.
    - I’m in trouble. Where are you?
    As I clicked send, I watched the parking lot with trepidation, waiting for his reply. Nicholas had said I was safer around people, but I would feel better if he were here instead. Someone touched my shoulder and I jumped.
    “I’m sorry to startle you. Are you okay, dear?” asked a store employee with a name tag that read “Pam.”
    “Oh, yes . . . I’m . . . I’m just waiting for my ride,” I stammered as I lied, feeling self-conscious about my demeanor and tear-stained cheeks.
    “Well, if you need anything, come see me, okay?”
    She pointed to the flower shop in the store. I thanked her, plastered a happy grin on my face, and moved to a more secluded area of the store lobby.
    My phone vibrated.
    - I’m here. What’s wrong?
    How was I going to tell him in one text message all the details about what’s transpired with Phil?
    - Long story, but my friend who had an accident, just confronted me in the parking lot. He’s a vampire now.
    The wait for the reply text seemed to take forever. What would he think? Did he already know?
    - Walk out with the next person and go straight to your car. Don’t go home. I will follow you. I want to see what he does.
    With gritted teeth, I flipped my phone closed and shoved it in my pocket. I didn’t like his brilliant idea that I be the bait to lure Phil out of hiding.
    I stood at the double-doors pretending to read the labels on the kitty litter and waited for a tough dude to walk out with. When the third old lady exited the store, I gave up and started to head out until I spotted a security guard.
    “Um . . . excuse me,” I said, as I approached him.
    “Yes ma’am?” the gray-haired gentleman said.
    I spied his name badge.
    “George, I was wondering, would you be so kind as to escort me to my car?”
    “Is there something wrong, ma’am?” he said, instantly on guard.
    “Oh no . . .” I stammered. “It’s my tire. I think it’s flat. Can you look at it to see if it might need some air?”
    The old man straightened his shoulders and pulled down his jacket. “Why of course young lady.”
    He motioned for me to lead the way.
    The guard made small talk about the importance of car care and how he always had to remind his granddaughter to check her oil as we walked towards my car. I claimed complete ignorance, and promised to have my dad give me