Page 74 of Bite Me

“He’s talked of your abilities in the kitchen, and I’ve seen your . . . tenacity. I think he’s quite proud of you, and I can see why. I’ve heard nothing but glowing things about your progress.”

No way. I bite my cheek to stop myself from getting lost in the excitement. This is Dacre’s grandfather, after all, and I don’t know much about him. That man who threatened Dacre mentioned that his grandfather didn’t know about what he was doing, but that doesn’t make him a safe person to trust. My dad certainly doesn’t think so.

“Thank you. This is all I’ve ever wanted.”

“So you’re enjoying your time in the culinary club? Everyone has been welcoming?”

“Yes, it’s all been . . . very enlightening. It’s a great challenge.”

“I’m glad you think so. All the best chefs in Vviveren aren’t afraid of challenges.” He adjusts his suit, and his chair spins just enough for me to make eye contact with the dog statue behind him.

“Would you like a drink?” He motions to his liquor cabinet next to his desk.

It’s like nine in the morning.

“I’m okay. Thank you, though.”

“May I ask you something?”

“Sir.”

“It’s not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable, knowing how things went for your mother. But as the chairman of the Donor Program, it’s always been my wish to make the culinary club something that aligns with my values.”

“Is this about my dad?”

“No, it’s about you. Please forgive me. I am going to be forward here, but know that there is no pressure from my end. We’re lucky to have you in the club.”

He continues when I say nothing.

“Your blood is important. It makes people do things. Those who are willing to share it, like your mother, are greatly valued. You have such a gift, and I want to make sure you understand the power you have and the opportunity. Sought after blood gets special interest from people who will put money toward things like charities or things of value to you.”

“Are you saying I should join the Donor Program?”

“No, not at all. I would never ask for something of that caliber. I suppose I’m just hoping that the way things went with your mother hasn’t hurt your idea of the Donor Program or its associations, because they could be beneficial to you.”

“I don’t think my mother had any regrets in her life, and neither do I. She believed in the Donor Program . . . and, I suppose, I do too. Out of my sisters, I’m definitely the most open minded about it.”

Even knowing what would happen, I believe she wouldn’t have done it any other way. She was so sure of herself. Even if she made mistakes, she wasn’t afraid to try. How could you have regrets when you did your best with the information you had at the time?

“She sounds like a wonderful woman.”

“Did you know her?”

“No. I never got the opportunity to meet her, but she left quite an impression on the world. Just look at you and your sisters.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate that.”

“I’m inviting the culinary club to one of my estates for the weekend. It’s not mandatory, but I hope you’ll attend. There’ll be a few chefs teaching that I bet you’ll recognize.”

“Of course, I’ll be there. Thank you again.”

He winks at me as I leave. I contemplate going straight to the restroom, but something tells me Dacre will worry if I don’t come back, and that’s somehow enough for me to make my way back to my station. I hold a hand to my warm forehead. Maybe he was right. Maybe I’m sick or something, and that’s why I smell different.

Class involves something I’ve never done before—learning the ins and outs of cutting meat. I knew I’d need to work on all aspects of the culinary arts here, but I wasn’t anticipating it would be so . . . bloody.

Luther is the main instructor for the day. He demonstrates, and the rest of us follow along. Then we perfect.

We’ll spend today learning, then every day for the next week is spent practicing doing the same thing over and over again. Whatever meat we successfully prepare will be cooked and served in the dining hall or at the dinner banquets for the board of directors.