“Promise me that you’ll never do that again!” My mother’s face was screaming like a scary Halloween mask.

I tasted iron, and warm spit dripped down my lips.

The limp body of a tiny kitten was crumpled in my lap. “O-okay, Mama,” I stuttered, resisting the urge to lick the salty-sweet taste from around my lips.

The people next door will come looking for their pet, Sammy. And that could blow our cover. My mom snapped her long white fangs. “We’re not going back to Transylvania.”

My eyes glowed blood red in angry protest.

“Your dad got a job in New York, and we are staying here.” Her voice was warm, like the sunset. She took me in her boney arms. “I know you miss the castle and your old friends, but you will learn to love this place.” Pure white fang glistened as she smiled. “I’m sure of it.”

Forcing a fake smile, I cursed being a late fanger.

“I was going to give you some raw hamburger for breakfast, but I see you’re by no means hungry.” Her eyes glowed red down at the dead calico kitten.

I growled like I heard the scary werewolves do, and still hungry, I chowed on what was left of the kitten, yanking a stringy piece of meat.

“That’s the last straw, Sammy. Go into the attic window and sleep. NOW!”

“I’m not a baby.” I snapped my jaws, wishing I had fangs.

Smoke was coming out of mom’s pointed ears.

I turned into a tiny bat and flew into the dusky sky. My mom bayed in a rage watching in confusion as I struggle to spread my weak wings. The warm night air feels magical on the tight muscles of my fledgling wings. Nothing mattered as long as I felt the air against my wings.