"A few. Not like before."

"Let me see." The nurse lifted her bag and pulled the blanket down to my feet. She removed and unfolded a surgical pad, spreading it on the bed and sliding it under my butt. I felt something cold and metallic on my leg as she tucked it in. "Don't react to it or show it," she whispered. "Help is coming soon. If vampires come for you, fight back. Don't let them move you, or your family will never find you."

"Why are you doing this?"

"It's not right."

She pulled out a small device with a long, narrow probe. "This is a portable ultrasound unit...