Thirst: The Kindred Trilogy, #1

By J. Thiele

Georgie is young, she has her entire life ahead of her, or so she thought. A trip to the doctor, leads her to find out she is dying. Each day grows harder and more difficult to get out of bed. She just wants to spend what time she has left in the arms of her dream lover. - This book is for anyone that has lost a loved one, and wished that Vampires were really real.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Bell & Jordin Thiele Inc.
• Release date: Nov 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781386347040

J. Thiele

J. Thiele lives in Brisbane, Australia. She writes in a variety of genres, ranging from paranormal romance, old fashioned who did it – Detective novels and most recently has broadened her scope with the addition of writing horror. She finds writing therapeutic and centring which tends to balance out her energetic personality, and the occasional bout of insomnia. Although she has realised that writing horror at night can raise your blood pressure when you see a movement out of the corner of the eye. It’s all too easy to scare oneself half to death.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Georgie walked quickly along the eerily darkened streets, carrying a bag of groceries. She was anxious to get home out of the cold night air. It had been raining all day, and small puddles had formed. She was trying to dodge stepping into them, to avoid getting her shoes wet. The reflection of the streetlights on the water and the howling of the wind that echoed through the empty alleyways made her unusually nervous .

She was used to living alone. It was what she’d done ever since she moved into her apartment a little over two years ago after her relationship with Alan Slacks had broken down. Though they were still good friends, she doubted she would ever be ready for another relationship anytime soon. It wasn’t that their relationship had been abusive by any means; it had just left her feeling drained, and she didn’t think she had the energy to pour into another. Single was a better fit for her right now.

With less than a block to go before she reached her front porch, she quickened her steps slightly. A man huddled in a long-hooded jacket walked briskly towards her; only his eyes could be seen peering over the scarf that covered his face. She thought she knew just about everyone that lived in her neighborhood, but she didn’t recognize this guy and felt there was something very disturbing about him. She clutched her bags tighter to her body and tried to give him a wide berth as he neared her.

However, as he passed, their shoulders brushed unnecessarily and much firmer than she would have expected, almost knocking her into the wall of the building that lined the street, causing her to drop her bag of groceries onto the wet footpath.

She regained her balance, just as she heard a noise which reminded her of the sound a switchblade knife would make as it extended. She spun around to defend herself, but the streets were bare. There was not a soul in sight. She shook her head and squinted her eyes. ‘That’s impossible,’ she thought to herself, as she searched the darkness for the ignorant thug that had knocked into her. The last alley was over a hundred yards away. It was not possible for him to have made it there before she’d turned to face him. It was mere seconds ago that he’d nudged her.

Her adrenaline spiked, and she snatched up her dropped bags and raced the rest of the distance to the safety of her home, slamming the door and promptly locking it behind her. She then checked and double checked that all the windows were locked before putting her groceries away.

Still shaken by the night’s events, she made sure her Glock was fully loaded before turning in for the evening.

Morning came too soon for Georgie. She felt as though she’d barely fallen asleep when her alarm started to buzz, however, she was grateful for the daylight. At least now she could see what was going on around her. She flicked the kettle on so it would be ready to make her morning coffee by the time she’d had her shower and got ready for work.

As she left the kitchen, she reached for the remote that sat on the bench and turned the television on so she could catch the morning news, as well as the weather report.

She glanced at her oversized screen. Just as it came into focus, Georgie heard the reporter say, The man was found by some early morning joggers. He was discovered lying face down in Camden Park at around 5:30 this morning. Police are urging anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour in and around the surrounding area to come forward…. Georgie pressed the off button and fell into the lounge. Her skin paled as she recalled the man from the night before. He was wearing the same or very similar clothing to the ones worn by the victim in the park. ‘My God, was he running from someone?’ She asked herself. She wondered if it were even the same man. Georgie was unsure if she should call the authorities. Camden Park was only two blocks away. She decided she would wait until she got to work and talk to Alan about it first. He was level headed and not one to overreact. She trusted his advice and would take it on good faith that he would know exactly what to do.

Alan was sitting at his desk when she walked into his office and closed the door.

Georgie, are you okay? You look a little frazzled today, he asked playfully.

She was grateful they were able to maintain a good working relationship, but even more thankful for the solid friendship they’d built since their break up. She took a deep breath and told him what had happened on her way home the night before.

Well, of course, you should go to the police. If it turns out to be a different guy, then it’s no big deal, but if it is him, they may be able to trace his movements leading up to his death. I’ll come with you if it makes you feel any better. We’ll go after work. I’ve got my car today so that I can drop you straight home afterwards.

Oh no, I don’t want to be a bother, besides, what would Miranda say?

She would say I was an ass if I didn’t take you. You know she’s very fond of you, and I thought we’d gotten way past all that awkward shit years ago, Alan insisted.

Georgie finally agreed to go to the police after work and allow Alan to drop her at her doorstep, before going home to the new love of his life, Miranda.

It was after dark before they left the police station downtown; luckily neither of them had far to travel to get home. Alan pulled his car up out the front of Georgie’s apartment building and turned off the engine. Did you want me to walk you in? You look a little shaken.

No, I’m fine, just tired from lack of sleep last night and all the repetitive questioning tonight. Go home. I’m sure Miranda will be glad to see you. Georgie went to get out of the passenger seat, but stopped and turned to face Alan. Alan? Thanks for tonight. I mean it. You’re a true friend, and I’m glad I have you. She got out and closed the door before he had a chance to respond. He waited until she'd gone inside then drove off in the direction of his home.

The next morning, Alan woke in a hospital bed to find Georgie and Miranda keeping vigil at his side. He reached up to his pounding head and came into contact with a large bump, that had, what felt like, more than a few stitches. Miranda quickly pulled his hand away from his fresh injuries. Take it, easy sweetheart. You have stitches there that you don’t want to pull out just yet, her soothing voice explained.

What happened? he asked, dazed and confused.

You had a car accident on the way home last night, Miranda informed him.

"I did? Oh yeah, I remember now. Some idiot walked right out in front of me… Jesus, I didn’t hit him, did I? Is he okay? It all happened so quickly! I tried to swerve; I felt the car hit him. Please?