Daughters of Dracula

The Stoker Sisters: Book 1

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kailin gow

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Almost 20 years ago, I visited Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania. I was nineteen and a young journalist. I was familiar with the story of Dracula, made famous by Bram Stoker, but I was also curious about the Dracula who ruled this land. The people of Transylvania took me in for a short stay and showed me a side of Dracula, quite unlike the one portrayed by Stoker. He was a Dracula who loved deeply, especially of humanity. He loved his wife and family deeply, but most importantly, he loved his country above all else.

They specifically mentioned he was not a “Strigoi,” which in Romanian folklore was an evil undead. The people saw him not as a monster, but as a ruler, a brilliant military strategist, and a man with great passion. They told me he was not the monster Bram Stoker depicted in the novel Dracula, but a great man, whose military feats were legendary.

The Stoker Sisters, in the vein of Bram Stoker’s Victorian world, is a fictionalized series incorporating the world of Jane Austen, the true view of Dracula by the Romanians, and popular contemporary vampire mythology.

The world of The Stoker Sisters is not black and white, but one where vampires, like humans, are faced with choices and allegiances. They have a choice to be good or bad, saintly or evil. Last of all, vampires may be monsters, but they may also be the most humane of all creatures.

Enjoy,

Kailin Gow

Daughters of Dracula

The Stoker Sisters: Book 1

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kailin gow

Daughters of Dracula:  Book 1 of The Stoker Sisters Series

Published by Sparklesoup Inc.

Copyright © 2010 Kailin Gow

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or  mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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www.sparklesoup.com

First Edition

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN: 1-59748-947-6

ISBN: 978-1-59748-947-8

DEDICATION

THANK YOU TEAM AT SPARKLESOUP AND THE EDGE FOR WORKING SO HARD TO MAKE THIS BOOK SERIES COME ALIVE - ESPECIALLY TO THE EDITING TEAM JAYA, DIANE AND TARA. ALSO THANK YOU TO DARLA FOR SUCH A BEAUTIFUL COVER. A LOT OF LOVE HAS GONE INTO THIS BOOK AND ITS CHARACTERS. THANK YOU FOR COMING ALONG WITH ME ON THIS JOURNEY AND MAKING IT A FUN AND HEARTFELT ONE.

Prologue

Dorset, England 1818

The sun was faint as it made its way through the veil of clouds that obscured the sky and shone down on Stoker Manor. Sadie’s desire to keep her fair skin from being touched by the sun made these days the most enjoyable of all. The small bonnet she wore over her flaxen hair barely shielded her from its penetrating rays.

Seated near the garden she breathed in the pleasant saltiness of the ocean air as she threw herself in the Jane Austen novel she was reading. The young woman she’d met the year before in Bath had inspirational talent and Sadie held to the hope she could one day have the ability to write with such flourish, even if female authors were frowned upon.

“I’m feeling a bit chilled,” Alexis complained as she set down her copy of the same novel. Always a little more daring in her attire, her shoulders were almost completely exposed. She’d even had the gumption to pull her skirt up well past her knee.

Sadie should have been mortified by such a scandalous act, but Alexis had always had a penchant for shocking people. Alexis, at nineteen, was older than Sadie less than two years, yet she was the sister whom their parents fraught over constantly.

“Perhaps a shawl would do the trick.” Alexis stood and gazed out at the horizon. The ocean, with its ceaseless breeze, crashed on the beach below. “The cool air will only grow colder with the day.”

Alexis turned to head towards the manor, but the moment Sadie noticed the young, handsome man approaching them, she knew Alexis would not be going anywhere.

With the charm and eloquence of a young lady about to be presented in society, Alexis curtsied, smiled and did all she could to capture the young man’s interest.

“Terribly sorry to disturb you,” he said, his blues eyes twinkling behind the black wave of hair that fell over them. “But I seem to have lost my way.”

Alexis tossed her thick raven hair off her face and swayed her hips as she stepped closer to him. She was flushed, her smoldering dark eyes glittering with admiring excitement. “I’d be more than delighted to guide you to your destination, my kind sir.”

“I’m searching for Stoker Manor. I’ve some pressing matters to tend to with the Mayor in town and was told I could find a room to stay.”

A low rumble came from Alexis’ throat as she chuckled, keeping a seductive eye on the startling blue of his. “How fortunate. Your search has come to an end.”

Sadie watched her sister’s antics with a blend of disdain and awe. The young man was clearly one of the most physically gifted men the two sisters have laid eyes on. He was finely dressed in a silk and wool tailored coat, a brocade vest, and white silk shirt that opened a tad more than most men’s shirts. His cream breeches filled out with muscular legs, legs that were used to physical exertion, but he held himself straight and tall, the posture of a noble-born. Sadie had never observed a man this closely, yet she could not take her eyes away from him.

“Splendid. I was indeed hoping I was at the right place.” His eyes bore through Alexis’ for an intense moment before he turned to greet Sadie. “This is even more enchanting than I’d imagined.”

Sadie’s heart fluttered under his gaze and her hands were instantly damp on the pages of her book. She set it down and rose to her feet. “Will the mayor be meeting you here?” she asked, always eager to have men of influence visiting their humble manor.

“Perhaps.” His smile held a touch of whimsy that didn’t touch his eyes. A blend of austere businessman and boyish prankster seemed to lurk beneath the pristine veneer of his stylish clothing.

Perhaps more disturbing was the underlying streak of danger Sadie perceived. No doubt this was what had drawn Alexis to him so instantly.

“I’m to propose a building project for the neglected and vacant lot not too far from here. I believe this setting could do wonders in persuading him to see my vision.”

“How impressive,” Alexis purred. Despite the chill she’d complained about, she picked up her fan and swept cool air across her face. “I’m sure you could persuade virtually anyone into doing anything you desired.”

Sadie wanted to die for witnessing such a brazen performance.

He smiled a slow smile before he replied. “Well, I must be off.” He removed his hat and nodded. “Ladies.”

The moment he was out of earshot, Alexis giggled. “I don’t remember ever meeting such a dashing young man.”

“I do.”

Alexis turned a skeptical glance at Sadie. “You lead a life that is far too sheltered to have ever met a young man at all, never mind one who is so worldly and witty.”

Sadie picked up her book and held it up to Alexis. “Mr. Darcy.”

“Why I do say, I believe you're right. He is Mr. Darcy come to life.” She turned to the direction the young man had taken. “Could he be the very man who inspired our friend Jane so?”

“I seriously doubt it, but the resemblance is quite startling. My desire to read more is heightened.”

“Oh, posh. Reading about such a fine specimen of a man is fine on a dull, dreary night alone. But when you have the real thing, heated and coursing with real blood staying under the very same roof, there is no longer a need to simply read about it.” Alexis’ eyes flashed with excitement.

“Alexis, he’s to board with us. You know very well what Mother and Father say about interacting with the guests here.”

“They say to be polite and engaging, and that is precisely what I intend to be, dear sister. You underestimate me.” She ran her hand over her bonnet then passed it over the straight skirt of her simple frock. “I think I’ll go inside to see if he needs assistance settling in.”

“Not so fast, Alexis.”

Both girls turned to the stern voice of their tutor, Delilah Wu.

“The only assistance you’ll be tending to is on a canvas.”

“Are we painting today, Miss Wu?” Sadie was quick to set her book down and show her enthusiasm for the day’s art lesson. Her love of the fine arts had grown and her desire to put paint to canvas had intensified steadily with each lesson.

“Indeed we shall, Sadie.”

“I believe tending to our guest is of more import than splattering paint on a canvas,” Alexis argued.

“Your parents would disagree. Now let’s get started before the scant daylight we have is further diminished.”

Sadie tried to ignore the blatant manner in which her sister glared at Miss Wu. Though nearing thirty, Delilah had features that were both exotic and familiar. Her mass of black hair was pulled back into a tight chignon, foregoing ringlets that were the fashion of the day. This emphasized her fragile beauty all the more. While Alexis would never admit it, Sadie suspected there was a subtle sense of competition between the women.

“Could our subject be a handsome model?” Alexis asked.

Sadie knew exactly who Alexis wanted to immortalize on her canvas and had to admit the image of the handsome young man was still fresh and clear in her mind and would make for an exquisite portrait.

Miss Wu set her large carrying case on the table and pulled out an old leather bound book, ink well and quill, and pocket watch. Gazing at the sky to gauge the source of light, she adjusted the items on a small round table she’d covered with a yard of lace and turned to the girls.

Alexis quickly huffed. “You want us to paint those?”

“I want you to bring life to these items. I want light and shadow. I want depth and subtleties. I want texture and realism.” Delilah paused. “If you see the beauty within them, even dull dead things can have life with depth.”

“Do you want to know what the book is about, while we’re at it?”

“Alexis!”

“I’m sorry, but I’d rather paint anything than these dreary drab objects...for instance...handsome young men.”

“The key is to find within you the life that these items should portray.” Miss Wu turned to Alexis. As usual she was completely unperturbed by the outburst. “If you have the passion, it should come through, no matter the item you're painting.”

For the next hour the girls settled into the task of bringing passion and realism to their canvasses. Other than the sound of the crashing waves below, the garden was peaceful and quiet, rendering it all the more evident when Alexis poked her canvas firmly with the bristles of her brush, stiffened her back and sat straight up.

A sidelong glance at Alexis confirmed what Sadie had perceived and before she could question the reason for the sudden change in her sister’s stance and painting style, she heard the faint brush of footsteps on the lawn. Her heartbeat immediately sped up with anticipation.

She looked at her canvas, hoping it was suitably impressive then took a brief look at Alexis’ ailing attempt. Pleased with herself, she nonetheless felt a pang of sympathy for the bleak effort her sister had brought to Miss Wu’s vision of still life.

“Alexis. Sadie.”

In unison, the girls turned to the sound of the crusty familiar voice. Their father, Edmund Stoker stood before them.

“I’d like to introduce you to Lord Ashwin. He’s come all the way from Cambridge to enjoy the beautiful setting of our ocean side manor.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir.” Sadie bowed demurely and glanced up at the young man whose handsome visage had haunted her the entire day from under her lashes.

“As am I, Lord Ashwin.” Alexis wasted no time approaching the young Lord. “I do hope you’ll allow me to do what I can to make your stay here as pleasant and comfortable as I can.”

Lord Ashwin glanced briefly at both ladies’ faces before his gaze lingered down to their smooth lovely throats. “I most certainly shall.”

Chapter 1

“I see you enjoy reading.”

Startled, Sadie set her book down on the small table of the library and rose only to quickly bow before Lord Ashwin.

“Please. I’d hoped you’d feel a little more at ease with me by now.”

“I am,” Sadie lied. Though they’d shared the same roof for well over a month, the sight of him still rattled her and left her breathless.

“It’s a lovely day and I was hoping for some company as I stroll by the water’s edge.”

Her hand immediately found its way to her chest. “With me?”

“If you wouldn’t mind.”

“No, of course not.”

With the self-assured stride of a man who knew where he was going, he guided Sadie outside and headed towards the ocean’s pounding surf.

“I take it your business dealings are going well.”

“I’m quite satisfied, yes. The mayor has been more than receptive of my ideas and I believe we may even break ground sooner than I’d anticipated.”

“How thoroughly exciting it must be.”

“And what gets you excited, Sadie.” He turned to gaze at her while he offered his hand to help her over the craggy stones that descended to the beach.

You, she wanted to say. “I’ve become a great fan of everything Jane Austen has ever written. I finished Pride and Prejudice a while back and have now begun Sense and Sensibilities. I’d love to write one day.”

“I certainly don’t see why you couldn’t.” His hand still held out for her, he waited.

Her heart pounded as she gazed into his eyes then at his hand.

“I assure you, my touch will go no further than in keeping you from falling off this rock.”

She knew her cheeks were blazing with an adolescent blush, but she couldn’t contain the brewing emotions that swept over her. Being so close to him, alone, it was enough to make her swoon. This past month Alexis had been around him constantly, never allowing her a moment to speak to him.

“I trust you completely, Lord Ashwin.” The moment her hand touched his, she knew she never wanted to let him go. But the two steps it took to get her past the rock went by all too quickly and, as promised, he released her.

“You're seventeen, right?”

Wanting desperately to hide how insulting she found his remark, she tried to find something mature and womanly to say. “I’ll be eighteen quite soon, but I imagine for a man of your age that makes me appear rather childish, though I assure you...”

His boisterous chuckle quickly caused her to press her lips together and gaze quizzically up at him.

“I apologize, but first of all, I’m not that old.”

“Mother told us you were twenty-two.”

“Well, that hardly makes me old. And secondly, my comment was certainly not meant to offend you. If anything, I’ve marveled these past weeks at just how strong a young woman you are. You’re intelligent and have a genuine warmth about you that is rather charming.”

“Now you're just trying to make up for your faux pas.”

His smile was instantly wicked and wild. Sadie wanted to throw herself into his arms and have her heart crash against his just as the waves pounded the shore. Her gaze dipped down to his lips and she wondered how he tasted.

Under her steady gaze, his tongue slipped out to swipe the salt off his lips.

“I’m doing no such thing. I find you wise beyond your years and have at times questioned if I’d understood correctly when told of you and your sister’s respective ages.”

At this Sadie smiled. It wasn’t the first time she’d been found more mature and reasonable than Alexis who was well over a year older than her. Enchanted to hear him say it, she skipped over the sand and led the way to the water’s edge.

They followed the rocking of the waves for well over a mile, playing tag with the frothy waves that brought salty bubbles to the cracks and crevices of the stones, only to recede leaving the foam to dissipate.

Finally finding a comfort level she never thought she’d have with him, Sadie spoke of everything that came to mind. She pointed out the lighthouse on the jagged cliff top that jutted out into the water and told him of its haunting keeper. She giggled and laughed as she told him of her childish antics as she and Alexis had fought over a rag doll they’d both wanted to play with as young girls.

“And this would be when? Last year?”

Frowning she turned to him and quickly laughed as she saw his teasing eyes. Taking advantage of the coming wave, she kicked a spray of water at him. “You are the most dreadful man I’ve ever met.”

“That’s a risky game to play, young lady.” With one strong motion, he swept her up into his arms and walked into the rippling waves.

Gasping, she clung to his neck for support while kicking her demand to be set down. “What are you doing?” she shouted with a giggle.

“You’ve no idea what happens to young ladies who dare to splash a lord.” For a moment his eyes were hooded with darkness and she worried she’d truly angered him.

His grip on her tightened while he strode into the water without any regard for the fine clothes he would no doubt ruin.

“My apologies, Milord.”

By now she felt droplets of water splashing up to dampen her dress. The length of it was no doubt trailing in the water and Sadie could already imagine the questions her mother would put forth. But none of that mattered.

She was in his arms, his breath close and mingling with hers. His strength enveloped her as he held her aloft of the waves with ease.

“You’ll not throw me in. I can’t swim.”

“Perhaps that thought should have preceded the notion to splash water on my fine clothing.”

Anger still played on his darkened eyes and with the water now up to his waist, she worried about his intent. “Please, sir.” Her quiet plea carried more of her fear than she’d intended.

In an instant the darkness left him and his playful grin curved his lips while his eyes filled with concern. “Would you truly have me dropping something so lovely into the depths of the ocean?”

A strong wave crashed into them, thoroughly soaking her, but the power of the wave did little to shake him. He smiled and gazed down at the effect the water was having on her dress.

The fear of the water she’d felt a moment earlier was replaced by the sudden fear of the hunger she saw in his eyes. His eyes narrowed and he licked his lips as he stepped out of the waves and laid her back on the sand.

He leaned over her, his hands pushing off the damp bonnet and exposing her fair hair. “This past month has been excruciating; watching you, seeing you every night and day, longing to just...”

Sadie felt the rise and fall of her bosom as her heavy breaths tried to fill her lungs. Never had she felt so alive, yet so exquisitely close to death. His lips were inches from hers and she fought to keep her eyes open as he came closer still.

Her lips parted while her hands rose to play along the planes of his shoulders. How could a man be so strong? How could he hold such power? “I’ve longed as well. Your presence has left me with many sleepless nights and many fitful dreams.”

His cockeyed smile displayed his pleasure on hearing of her feelings for him, but his eyes were suddenly shut out from her. Though he clearly looked straight at her, she felt he was no longer there with her.

He rose, grabbed her hand and brought her to her feet. She swayed unsteadily for a moment, trying to get her bearings as her body adjusted to the sudden shift in emotions.

“I think it’s time we returned to the manor.” With no further explanation, he guided her home.

Chapter 2

“Lord Ashwin.”

Though the manor was dark and the occupants fast asleep, Alexis knew he was in the library reading. Over the past few weeks his routine remained virtually unchanged; a pleasant dinner after his negotiations with the mayor and a quick withdrawal into the library where he read a variety of books, most surprisingly Pride and Prejudice.

“Miss Alexis.” He set his book down and gazed up at her.

She knew very well the effect the backlight had on her nightshift and in Lord Ashwin’s eyes; she saw the effect it was having on him.

“I’ve not been able to sleep and thought I could perhaps keep you company for a little while.”

“I’d be delighted.” He rose and dropped another ounce of cognac into his empty glass. Holding his glass up to her, he silently enquired if she’d like some as he resumed his seat in a Regency bergere.

“No, thank you.” She sat on the ottoman facing him and wondered if the backlight still clung to her silhouette. “I’ve noticed the late hours you keep.”

“I enjoy the peacefulness of the night.”

“Yet you always rise and are ready to start the day when I’ve just barely opened an eye.”

“I’ve never been a heavy sleeper. Just a few hours and I am entirely invigorated.”

“I must say I’m impressed with your stamina. You are quite an impressive man.”

“Of course, I can’t say enough about the company who shares the roof over my head.” He set his glass down and leaned closer to her. “You display a unique quality I’ve rarely seen in women of your standing.”

She noticed the quick drop of his eyes into the opening of her shift and instantly felt the effect his gaze had on her breasts. Blushing was something she was unaccustomed to, but she felt the instant wave of heat rise to her cheeks. The sensations his mere glance caused were new to her and caught her off guard.

Though she liked to consider herself worldly in the ways of men and their passions, ultimately she was innocent when it came to the true workings of a man and a woman.

“A man like yourself; I’m sure you’ve been in the company of far more worldly and elegant women than the likes of me.”

“Yes.”

His blunt answer cut through her, dashing her confidence for a brief moment.

“But none of them have ever intrigued me the way you do.”

She smiled, her ego boosted to an unimaginable high.

“I see your innocence, dear Alexis. Yet there’s a fire beneath it all that makes your innocence all the more appealing.”

“”I must admit I’m happy to see you’ve noticed. It’s not every day that I meet a man who is as handsome, as dashing and as witty as you are. For the most part, the men I’ve met have been pansies or louts.”

He chuckled and reached for her hand. She’d long yearned for his touch and the sudden cold of his skin against hers took her breath away.

“I’ve never been a pansy, though I’ve been accused of being a lout.”

“Somehow I doubt the validity of that, but rest assured, I’ve certainly never thought of you that way.”

His fingers trailed up her arm and played with the hem of her sleeve.

“Have you thought of me at all?”

She smiled and did her best to look as sultry as she could. Though the little girl in her was nervous and unsure, the woman who pounded beneath her breasts and below knew she wanted him.

“There hasn’t been a night where you’ve not entered my dreams.”

His fingers tugged at the sleeve, revealing more and more of her shoulder. The thin fabric tingled against her breast and she was suddenly painfully aware of every sensation. She looked at him, his eyes riveted to the breast he was slowly exposing.

She swallowed, considered getting up and leaving, but was thoroughly mesmerized by his actions and the hunger that clung to his parted lips.

“And what do I do in these dreams of yours?” His voice faltered and became jagged.

The fabric now clung to her body and his eyes widened in anticipation. Alexis glanced down at the swell of her breast. Though she’d always been proud of her body, never had she imagined the pure pleasure the mere sight of breasts could bring to a man.

“My dreams could never live up to this very moment. The sensations I’ve awakened to could never measure up to what you're putting me through right this minute.”

Her breast released its hold on the fabric and was completely exposed. She inhaled a deep, long breath, additionally swelling her breasts and was rewarded by the enraptured gaze of Lord Ashwin.

He bit down gently on his lip as his fingers released her sleeve and cupped her breast.

“Ah.” The soft but surprised exclamation seeped through her lips before she could contain it.

Smiling, he gazed at her. “You are, indeed, innocent.”

For the first time in her life, her mind was blank. She managed to lick her lips, but had to close her eyes beneath the wave of unexpected pleasure that took over her.

Just as quickly as he’d started, he released her, pulled her sleeve up to her shoulder and leaned back.

Her eyes remained closed a moment longer as she tried to understand what had just happened. When she finally pried her lids open, he was smiling, his glass to his lips and his eyes intently fixed upon her.

“You're an intoxicating creature, Alexis.”

She waited for more.

“But I think you should go back to your room before this gets out of hand.”

8

Alexis sat on the edge of her bed, watching the moon slowly rise to brighten the black night. When suitably high, illuminating the grounds with its ghostly glow, she approached the window and looked at the garden far below.

He never sleeps, she thought. For the past week she’d watched him and virtually every night it was the same. After hours spent in the library, he’d emerge, disappear beyond the garden walls for over two hours only to return strangely sated, but clearly disturbed.

Tonight, he roamed through the gardens a while longer, hesitant in his every move. Gathering her shawl about her shoulders, she hurried out to follow him, but he’d already disappeared. She refused to let the chill force her back inside and for the next three hours sat by the poppies, waiting for his return.

She heard him, his steps slow, his boots scraping along the stones. His breathing was heavy and labored, though from strain or pain, she couldn’t tell. As he approached, she prepared what she’d say to him, but as he came closer, she realized he hadn’t even seen her. Without even glancing her way, he walked past her, his feet dragging as though every step required the greatest exertion.

“Lord Ashwin.” She stood and waited for his response. “Lord Ashwin.”

He made no sign he’d heard her. Alexis rushed towards him, determined to get an answer. She stepped around him to block his way and with a thoughtless sweep of his arm, he pushed her aside.

Undeterred, she tried again, this time grabbing a hold of his arm. “Lord Ashwin.”

He looked at her, or rather through her. His eyes were glazed and his hair disheveled. The knot of his cravat was askew and the line of his fine jacket at an odd angle.

“Lord Ashwin, it is Alexis. Please, look at me.”

“You’ve no business being out here. Go inside.” His deep-throated growl sounded nothing like the voice of Lord Ashwin she had come to know so well.

“I watched you leave.”

“Go inside, Alexis.”

“The city is virtually asleep at night. There’s nowhere to go.”

His silence was heavy with guilt, though of what, she hadn’t a clue.

“What mysterious life do you lead, Lord Ashwin? Why would a man of your standing roam the streets under cover of darkness?”

He turned to her and his face was suddenly bathed in moonlight. Alexis took a step back from the man she didn’t recognize.

“You have blood on your cravat.” She stared at the tiny droplets, eager to hear his explanation.

For a second, he stared at her, at her throat, and her breast. Hungrily like a beast that had smelled the blood of his prey.

Alexis stepped further back, her feelings of infatuation suddenly turned into fear.

As quick as sand Lord Ashwin’s haunting expression shifted. He smiled then, his face suddenly back to the boyish charmer Alexis desired beyond anyone else. He walked up to her, his blue eyes meeting hers. “You have seen nothing tonight, Alexis. Nothing at all.” Then he turned and walked inside.

8

The summer was unusually warm and long. Lord Ashwin’s stay extended well into September, news that left Sadie relieved and uncertain. Since their embrace on the beach, she’d thought of little other than returning to his arms, and while he’d humored her on a number of occasions, he never pressed for more.

Delighted to see the true gentleman he was, she was nonetheless perturbed by his lack of passion for her.

While having her morning tea on the terrace, she spotted him circling around the garden and stepped out to block his path. “I don’t understand why you insist on remaining so distant and aloof.” Her patience wearing thin, she decided to confront him before his stay came to an end.

“There is much you don’t understand about the workings of a man and his passions.”

“Then enlighten me, kind sir, for you seem to have the uncanny knack of touching deeply on my emotions only to turn away once you have me enflamed and longing for you.”

He circled past her and continued his slow, steady stride amongst the roses and hydrangeas.

“Please don’t disregard me in such a fashion.”

“It is not my intention to disregard you, simply to protect you.”

“Protect me?” She brought her prim fists to her hips. “Protect me from what?”

He turned to face her, his eyes pained under the dark veil that had descended upon them. When he reached up to grip her shoulders, she was surprised by the gentleness of his touch.

“From me.”

8

A light yet endless drizzle of cool rain had fallen as Delilah prepared for art class in the back foyer. She was joined by a figure, all too happy to help her set up.

“I’m not as easily charmed as the Stoker girls, Ashwin.” Delilah’s voice was a soft purr that was quickly followed by Ashwin’s amused chuckle.

“I wouldn’t assume a woman of your experience would be the slightest charmed by my gauche attempts, Delilah. I have far too much respect for you. As for the Stokers, it is I who has been charmed. They are a delight and I’ve no doubt the artistry you bring to them is partly responsible.”

“I know you far more than you realize. Your innocence doesn’t quite fool me.”

“Innocence?” He walked up close to Delilah, close enough to use his body to guide her up against the table.

“The boyish charm you display. The playful way you have with both Sadie and Alexis, though I’ve noticed how your play can be a tad more passionate with Alexis.”

“Jealous, are we?” Ashwin had cornered Delilah, his lips a few inches away from her neck.

“Hardly,” Delilah said, pushing Ashwin lightly away and stepping out around him. “I enjoy spending time with you, idly chatting about nothing in particular and watching you try your charms on me, but I must warn you, Ashwin.”

“I’m tingling to know more.”

Delilah chuckled, a sound that was devoid of amusement.

They stood close to one another; Ashwin smirking with a trace of arrogance; Delilah frowning and determined to get through to him.

“It may not be wise to play one sister against the other,” she finally said.

“Do I sense your desire to steer this conversation in another direction?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Stoker have expressed their concern over your interest in the girls.”

“We’re more alike than you want to admit, aren’t we?”

“They are of the belief that Sadie would be better suited to the title you could bring to her, Lord Ashwin.”

“My fondness for the sweet young woman runs deep, but I can’t deny the strong attraction I feel for the heated passion of the eldest sister. And what is your interest in these girls, Delilah?”

“I have a love for the girls that runs far deeper than that of tutor/student, Ashwin. Family ties and obligations extend far back, perhaps as early as your time.” She turned away from him, her eyes filled with pain and aching. “I won’t sit by and watch you ruin them. I won’t let you turn them.”

“I’ve no intention...”

“What you intend and what occurs are of two minds.” She whirled around to face him again. Her smile had disappeared and the friendly discussion was set to become grim and sinister. “I know of your lineage, of our lineage.”

Ashwin cocked a brow and smiled, but his unease was apparent in the subtle shifting of his weight from one leg to another.

“When it comes to love and passion, many men of our lineage lose their wits. Women, too. We are ruled by the thirst.”

“I know of what you speak of, Delilah. I assure you I have no intent of giving in to the thirst with the girls. I do not wish them the same fate as ours.”

“I’m watching you, Ashwin. Be aware of that. I don’t know what game you are playing, but I have taken a stance, that of Dracule’s. I’m sure you are aware these girls are the last remaining human descendant of Vlad Dracule himself. His human bloodline runs through their veins. Even their adoptive parents, the Stokers, do not know of it. I’ll not allow you to ruin the bright future both these girls have.”

Ashwin surveyed Delilah from head to toe, taking her petite, but womanly frame in. He licked his lips seductively, his eyes never leaving Delilah’s eyes. “I do not wish to challenge you, Delilah. It has been a while, hasn’t it, since we’ve been acquainted. Much too long, yet I remember it as clear as yesterday.” He traced his finger along Delilah’s shoulder. “You’ve taught me much,” he said wistfully. Delilah stepped back. Ashwin straightened. “Dracule himself cannot have chosen a lovelier guardian for his girls.”

Delilah’s eyes widen before her pupils turned amber, revealing her passion. “Dracule is not a Strigoi, Ashwin. Remember that. He is not what the Romanians call the evil undead. My tutelage under him has taught me to control my thirst, to control the dark rage within.” Delilah’s hand shot up to Ashwin’s neck in a firm grip, before loosening it to gently touch his face. “You will find, contrary to popular legend, Dracule loved humans. And more than anything, despite his curse as an undead, he loved his family.” Delilah dropped her hand. “Do not make me regret my kindness towards you, Ashwin.”

Chapter 3

“Girls, I would like to introduce you to Dr. Franz.”

Alexis looked at her father then turned to the odd looking man. For a doctor, he was strangely dressed and had a demeanor that carried a touch of something evil and unpleasant.

“Pleased to meet you, Doctor.” She held her hand out to him and barely contained a grimace when he grasped it with his cold, clammy fingers and brought it to his wet, blubbering lips.

Sadie approached and received the same treatment, though her ability to tactfully hide her disdain was far superior.

Pinching his ill-fitting pants at the knee, the doctor sat down and reached for a few sheets of paper on the small table beside him.

“Dr. Franz would like to ask you a few questions. I do hope you’ll be able to help him.” Mr. Stoker gently patted Alexis on the shoulder before exiting.

Nodding, Alexis instinctively knew she had little intention of cooperating with this man. She stood waiting for him to carry on and could feel her sister’s eagerness to get the interview over with.

After perusing the pages in his hand a moment, the doctor pulled off his spectacles and glanced up at the girls. “I assume you’ve heard of what has been happening in town.”

The girls remained quiet and waited for him to go on.

“Mrs. Coolidge went missing several weeks ago. Her body was later found among an outcrop of rocks on a deserted cliff side.” He glanced at his notes. “A few nights later, Mr. Trisler disappeared. His body floated up to the town pier the following day. Last week Mr. Barton was seen kissing his wife at the doorstep of his home just as he was leaving for his nightshift, but he never arrived at the bottling plant. Workers found him in a heap of rubbish.”

“While we’re privileged enough to be well guarded from the goings on in the city, we’ve heard of a few of the cases you mention,” Sadie offered.

“The bodies all had common markings; a common cause of death.”

The girls patiently waited.

“Not a trace of blood remained in their lifeless bodies and they all had markings at the base of their necks; wounds that appear to have been caused by the fangs of an enraged beast.” He looked at them, his eyes skipping from one girl to the other. “A thin trail of blood has slowly been traced to Stoker Manor.”

Sadie gasped while Alexis stiffened.

“We know of the many guests who’ve resided with you over the course of the summer. I was hoping you’d spent enough time with some of them to perhaps enlighten me as to the conduct of some of these guests. Have you noticed anything peculiar? Have there been late outings with mysterious explanations?”

“Our parents don’t allow us to cavort with guests very much. Our interactions are purely of a business nature which does not include spying on guests or verifying their comings and goings.”

The man stood and approached the girls. “Yet you’ve both become rather familiar with a particular Lord Ashwin.”

Alexis saw the instant blush that came to her sister’s cheek and only hoped her own heated cheeks didn’t betray her relationship to Ashwin.

“The young Lord has been seen wandering the streets of Dorset at all hours of the night.”

“I sleep rather soundly, Mr. Franz. And as you can see, the Manor is designed in a way that allows guest complete freedom of movement. If he chose to leave in the late hours of the night, no one would be the wiser.”

Dr. Franz took in Alexis’ argument, but seemed dissatisfied.

“Lord Ashwin has been nothing but kind with both of us, sir. He is a fine gentleman of superb standing. He has no need for such morbid nighttime activities as you suggest. Hundreds of guests have passed through the doors of Stoker Manor. It could be...”

“Only Lord Ashwin has been a present in Dorset since the first disappearance to the most recent.”

“I hardly believe this makes a case against him. Perhaps your murderer simply sought temporary refuge at the Manor after his nightly rampage without residing here.”

8

The doctor remained for dinner, and the dining hall felt the weight of his presence. With few guests in attendance, the family shared their table with Dr. Franz and Lord Ashwin.

Alexis watched Ashwin carefully. He seemed completely unperturbed by the doctor and even offered him a sincere welcome on seeing him enter the dining hall. But despite the great show Ashwin put on, Dr. Franz remained curt and professional.

The doctor said little over the course of the meal, but his eyes constantly scanned everyone and Alexis found herself deeply scrutinized by the awful man on several occasions. She disliked him, a feeling that only intensified over the course of the interminable meal, and she was eager to see him leave.

When he announced he’d be staying for the night, a knot filled her belly and a sense of foreboding enveloped her. She didn’t trust him and feared for Ashwin’s safety. With every fiber of her being, she ignored the possible underlying fear she had for her own safety.

Chapter 4

Sadie’s sleep had been restless and troubled. She turned in her bed, each movement accompanied by a vision of Lord Ashwin. When troubling sounds entered her light sleep, she was certain it was a dream, but as shouts and the sounds of panic finally seeped through, she knew something was wrong.

With a jolt, she sat up and gripped the sheets about her. She heard screams coming from out in the garden, while from down the hall she could make out the muffled cries mingling with an inhuman roar.

Shaking off the remnants of sleep, she reached for her robe, pulled it on and slid her feet into her slippers as she stood. Eager to find the source of this midnight chaos, she rushed to the door, but halted before her hand could reach for the doorknob.

Smoke billowed at her feet where it crept in beneath the door.

No, she wanted to shout. She ran to the window, pulled back the drapes and gasped at the sight of flames escaping so many windows around her. Fear gripped her as she glanced back at the door. She could now make out a faint orange glow under the door. How long would it be before the flames made their way through the door?

She rushed to the door and reached for the doorknob, hoping to escape the fire by running towards the servant’s stairwell to the left. The moment she touched the brass knob she recoiled as the intense heat seared her fingertips.

She was trapped.

Trying to control the wave of panic that threatened to overcome her, she returned to the window and looked three stories below. A fall would be fatal. Smoke was slowly filling the room, sweeping past her as it made its escape out the top panel of the window. It slowly choked her in passing, raising the level of panic. A quick glance at the door told her of the smoke that continued to infiltrate her room. Another glance out the window told her this wasn’t a viable way of escaping. She’d never survive the fall.

Part of her wanted to sit in the corner and wait for her father to come in and save her. Looking out at the rest of the east wing she feared her parents’ circumstances might already be direr than her own. Their window was spewing long, heated flames that seemed to relish the horror they struck in her heart.

Had they already escaped? Were they searching the grounds hoping to find her safe? Or were they just as fearful as she was and hiding in some semi-safe corner of the manor?

Growing faint, she gave her window a shove, pushing it open, but the flow of smoke entering intensified, relishing in the path she’d opened for it. She wanted to shout, but her throat wouldn’t allow it. Her eyes burned and tear, making it difficult to focus.

The roar of flames at her door became murderous, crackling through the wood and licking the floor.

“Help me,” she croaked.

As she crumpled to the floor, the door to her room burst open and a tall shadow of a man blocked out the flames that surrounded him. Only a few strides had him at her side and just before she succumbed to the choking smoke, he scooped her up, threw the window open and jumped out, landing on sturdy legs that quickly ran towards the safety of the water’s edge.

Despite escaping the engulfing flames, Sadie’s throat and chest constricted tightly, and her breath became shallower and thinner. She was choking, her breath no longer flowing. The notion of time was blurred...she only had a few minutes, seconds even before death would take over. Something moist, thick, coppery, and salty spilled into her mouth as she opened it to gasp desperately for air. Then she saw Lord Ashwin’s beautiful tortured face sweep down to her neck, sharp needle-like fangs extended like a cobra snake. “It’s the only way for me to save you. Forgive me, Sadie.” Ashwin’s eyes grew amber as he bit down into her creamy neck, sucking hard, while Sadie felt at first a jolt of pain then euphoria. Pleasure tinged through her entire body, and she arched her back moaning. Ashwin drank on, groaning in unbridled bliss. Months of cold restraint melted as Ashwin fulfilled his thirst for Sadie. Sadie’s throat burned, her body burned as all sensations in her body faded into soreness. Finally, it was over.

Sadie felt lost as she opened her eyes to find herself enveloped in darkness that was unfamiliar. In the distance she could hear the chaos of Stoker Manor as it was consumed by flames.

Alexis, she thought. Had her sister managed to awake in time? Had someone gone in to save her? Shadows shifted around her and as the fog of sleep slowly ebbed, she could make out faint moaning nearby. The shadows mingled and tangled, raveling themselves about one another.

The moans intensified and Sadie felt a chill of horror as she tried to fathom what was happening in the shadows.

“I saw what you did.”

It was clearly Alexis’ voice and Sadie closed her eyes and thanked the Lord. Would she hear her parents’ voices next?

“I meant to save her.”

Though the voice was decidedly male, it was far from the genteel voice of her father. Her memory sought to recognize the tone that was etched with so much gravel.

“You’ve turned her, haven’t you?” Alexis said.

“This is not the time to discuss it. We need to move.” Tinged with anger, the male voice held a distinctive note of fear.

Sadie opened her eyes and saw the tall shadow looming over the vague form that was stretched out on the ground. Behind the shadows, the murderous flames forged on relentless, moving across the manor with the intent of leaving little but worthless rubble.

“I want you to do the same to me.”

“Alexis, you don’t know what you're asking of me.”

“Do it to me!”

But the pain at her throat wasn’t restricted to the working of her lungs which had inhaled a near fatal dose of acrid smoke. Her neck, just below her ear, was sore. Passing her hand over the sensitive skin, she felt some swelling and was surprised to see blood on her fingertips.

“Do it, Ashwin.” Alexis persisted.

Sadie tried to focus, watching carefully as the tall shadow of Ashwin slithered slowly to the ground and posed above Alexis. The motions were difficult to make out, but she clearly saw Ashwin’s lips poised near Alexis’.

A sudden ache in her heart gripped her and she wanted to shout out the injustice of having to watch her sister’s seduction.

“Hurry.”

The lips that had seemed poised to render a passionate embrace parted, baring teeth that couldn’t possibly belong to any man. Alexis arched her back, seemingly eager for what was to come from the animal perched over her.

“Argh!”

The strangled cry broke out and was far from the gentle, almost passionate groans she’d heard before. Sadie ignored the waves of nausea that swept over her and sat up to see what was truly happening. The image before her was surreal and barely believable. The inhuman fangs she’d glimpsed were firmly imbedded in her sister’s neck.

Without thinking, Sadie’s hand returned to her own neck, fingering the two wounds as she watched Ashwin relish the taste of Alexis’ skin. Or was it the blood he was so intent on tasting?

Feeling faint, she tried to understand what he was doing and why, but just as she was about to recline and get her bearings, shouts of anger broke over the din of the fire.

“We need to move.” Ashwin released Alexis and tried to get her to her feet.

“Why are they angry?” Sadie’s voice was barely audible, but Ashwin was quick to turn his attention to her.

“Sadie.” He seemed relieved to see her up. “Can you follow me?”

She rose onto her shaky legs, but didn’t know how long she’d manage to stay upright. “Yes,” she murmured.

The angry cry of the townspeople became clearer and more enraged. Words of death, bloodlust and murder were distinctive throughout the growl of the crowd.

“What do they want?”

Ashwin scooped Alexis up and hurried to Sadie’s side. “Me.” His eyes wide with the urgency of the situation, he passed her, tugging her arm gently in the process. Making his way over the jagged rocks he led her down to the water’s edge, but the townspeople were still at their heels.

“Why?” Sadie struggled to keep up and tried to understand how this genteel Lord of such standing could incur the wrath of an entire town. The people of Dorset were welcoming, friendly people. But tonight...

Rushing across the sand, Ashwin ignored the question and quickly made his way to the wall of rocks that jutted out into the sea. The cliff rose above them over thirty feet while strewn rocks covered the foot of the cliff. Sadie tried to keep up, but had difficulty navigating her way over the dark stones. Brief flickers of dim light from the distant torches occasionally helped her along, but she stumbled time and again. Too weary to continue further she stopped and sat.

In a heartbeat, Ashwin was at her side. Alexis had begun to stir and Ashwin set her feet on a flat stone, holding her steady. One strong arm reached out for Sadie and he crushed her against his chest, easing the fear that had begun to consume her. He showed only the most minimal effort as he lifted her off her feet and quickly made his way across the rocks.

Clinging to him, her arms intertwined with Alexis’, Sadie watched Ashwin’s movements, trying to understand the floating sensation she felt. His every step was fluid and graceful, and before long the cries of the townspeople were barely audible. Her curiosity and need to know who he was, what he was brought her to glimpse at his face.

Though still as handsome as she remembered, there was something different. His eyes held the determination of his endeavor and betrayed a hint of the concern he felt. But it was his lips that captivated her. Pale and dry, she could clearly see remnants of Alexis’ blood that stained his lower lip.

Sensing her scrutiny, he glanced at her and licked his lip, a movement that was both riddled with embarrassment, but nonetheless provocative and hinting at restrained passion.

8

Ashwin finally entered a shallow cave and set them down. “We’ll night here.”

“Many people have gone missing of late,” Alexis said. She wanted to know what was happening and of Ashwin’s involvement.

“The tide is coming in and no one will be able to reach us here for a while.”

“I’ve heard of the investigation and more recently talk of Stoker Manor involved in the disappearances.”

Intent on ignoring the accusations Alexis seemed determined to make, Ashwin turned to look out at the ocean.

“All those nights you’ve gone out. You're the one Dr. Franz was looking for, aren’t you?”

Ashwin continued to stare at the ocean.

“You’re the one.” She touched her neck. “Is this what you did to them?”

“Don’t move from here.” He headed to the opening of the cave.

“Where are you going?” Alexis felt panicked by the circumstances and reluctant to have Ashwin leave.

“The tide might not be enough to deter them. I must divert them and keep them from you.”

Before Alexis could argue, he disappeared.

With the sound of the waves crashing nearby, the girls huddled close and allowed their bodies to rest and recoup. Their ordeal with Ashwin had left them drained and though Alexis wanted desperately to stay awake to await his return, fatigue took over.

It seemed only moments had passed when she was violently stirred from sleep. A fist held a tight grip of her hair as it pulled her to her feet.

“Get up, you slut.” The growl accompanied the enraged gesture.

The sound of footsteps outside the cave caught the man’s attention and he quickly dropped her, letting her hit the stone floor with a painful thud. His footsteps echoed in the cave as he rushed out.

Alexis crawled to the entrance and was shocked by what she faced. Harold Bennett, the town baker, had plunged a wooden stake deep within Ashwin’s chest.

Without thinking, without even knowing what she was truly doing, Alexis took a solid grip of her skirts and sprinted towards Harold. She heard the wild cries of a mad woman and only realized it was her own voice once she’d tackled Harold to the ground and knelt over him.

His eyes widened with confusion, fear then anger. Harold tried to shake her off. But her movements were fast, her instinct strangely sharpened and in tuned to his every motion. With the hunger of a beast and her teeth now prominent in her mouth she lunged forward and sank her fangs into the tender skin of his whiskered neck.

He let out a cry, fearful, panicked and almost feminine in quality. But it barely seeped into Alexis’ consciousness. Her thoughts were consumed by her act. Both bewildered and intrigued, she let his warm blood trickle down her throat and was strangely aroused by the sensations that filled her.

When sated, she rose and looked around her. Only a puddle of blood remained where Ashwin had lain dying. Perhaps he’d gone inside, she thought.

The moment she turned and faced Sadie’s horrified expression she felt the full weight of what she’d done. She should feel guilty, or at least ashamed, but she felt invigorated and alive. She brought her fingers to the corners of her mouth and was fascinated by the sight of blood. With a knowing grin, she glanced at her sister and licked her fingertips. “Tis not as bad as it seems,” she said as her smile broadened.

Sadie’s heart sank, as she took in Harold’s body. She approached him, reached out a hand to touch him, but his arm shot up to grab a hold of her throat. With fluid animal reflexes, Sadie didn’t think, she didn’t flinch as she sank her teeth into his neck, succumbing to her first initial thirst as a vampire.

Chapter 5

Dublin, Ireland - Present Day – Nearly 300 years later

“Thank you for the book recommendation,” the young man said in a lilting Irish brogue. He smiled, wanting to carry on a conversation, any conversation with the pretty blonde girl standing behind the register. With hair the color of flaxen silk, bright blue aquamarine eyes and naturally pink rose petal lips, Sadie Stoker was the type of girl that had no problem attracting men. She never had difficulties in this area, not when she was a girl of seventeen in Dorset, England. Especially not since she became a vampire nearly three hundred years ago.

The young man leaned in close to the register. “Do you think...” he began, “that you’d like to have a cup of coffee with me...when you have a break? If you take breaks,” he added quickly.

Sadie smiled. The young man was cute in a scruffy Harry Potter way, but she wasn’t interested. “Sorry,” she said. “I don’t drink coffee.”

“Tea then?” Harry Potter asked again.

The door flew opened and a current of wind and alluring power swept into the small bookstore. Loose paper shuffled around, and books fell off the shelf with the strength of the entrance.

“Gahhh, for goodness sakes, Harry Potter,” cried a familiar feminine throaty voice, “get a hint. She doesn’t want to go out with you!” Appearing from a corner, Alexis Stoker walked seductively up to the young man, grabbed his face and pulled it close to her face as though she wanted to kiss him. “How about going for a real woman?” As the young man closed his eyes, ready for a kiss, Alexis bared her fangs pulling back his hair and was about to sink them into the customer’s throat when Sadie, pushed Alexis away from him.

“You stay away from him,” Sadie said, while the stunned Harry Potter look-alike stood still.

“Boo!” Alexis jumped, ready to sink her teeth into him again. This time the young man had the sense to run. Alexis struggled against Sadie, fury transforming her beautiful flawless face into an unrecognizable beast. Finally she stopped struggling and turned to Sadie. “You know what you’ve just done? Three days! Three days without feeding on someone. I’m starving!” She walked back and forth on the creaking wooden floor like a panther. “Those darn hunters kept me on the run for three days. They’re going after us. Every single vampire in Dublin.”

“Your brazen display just now sure doesn’t help. Harry Potter’s probably running out there yelling ‘vampire’ and alerting everyone, including the hunters, where we are. Have you always been this reckless? In broad daylight, right here in the open?”

“No,” Alexis sidled over. “And yes, dear sister. Unlike you, I’ve embraced my vampire nature. Oh, I have had more discretion where I feed, but sometimes a girl just can’t help indulging, you know, especially with a cute prey. You have to strike when it’s good.”

Sadie sighed. Same old Alexis. The last hundred years when they parted after one embarrassing incidence after another, Alexis was just as reckless a vampire as always.

“We don’t have much time,” Alexis grew serious. “The hunters are really here, and they’ve followed me throughout Dublin.” Alexis looked slightly guilty. “Ah, let’s just say, I left a real mess earlier, and didn’t bother to clean up.” She tossed her long black wavy hair, flowing in the latest fashion. “They’re not too happy to say the least, and they’re tracing down, destroying any vampire in sight.”

With that warning, Alexis had returned to Sadie’s life and in her typical dramatic fashion, managed to destroy the calm and peace Sadie had tried so hard to maintain as a vampire.

“Good to see you, too,” Sadie said bitterly, unable to contain her sarcasm. “After a hundred years or so. What have you been up to? I haven’t received a single letter, a single note, not even a single email from you. And now you show up here with a vicious group of hunters following you? You always seem to attract trouble, don’t you, dear sister? What did you do to attract the hunters’ attention? Kill a bunch of people?”

“I did what every vampire do, feed from people. No one is as good as you, Sadie. Even being turned into a vampire didn’t affect Miss Goody-Two-Shoes! You are so self-righteous, little sister. So very pure. A hundred years didn’t change that.” Alexis glanced at Sadie’s long black cardigan, plain white t-shirt, jeans, and black boots. “At least you’re dressed for this decade.”

“I wouldn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to myself,” Sadie said. “Blending into the human world has kept my existence free of hunters.”

“Free of other vampires even,” Alexis said. “You are like a monk amongst vampires, Sadie...cloistered in your own vampire existence.”

“Just because I’m a vampire doesn’t mean I have to associate with them,” Sadie said. “I’m not interested in joining a coven or being part of a vampire gang.”

“There’s one vampire who you wouldn’t mind ‘associating’ with,” Alexis purred.

Sadie looked down. Alexis’ sudden return brought back vivid and pain-filled memories of Lord Ashwin, who had turned both sisters but left them, abandoned them, staked before the sisters knew they had turned. She’d been drawn in by his deep blue eyes and gentle manner, while Alexis had been enamored with his dark hair and dangerous streak. Lord Ashwin had been staked by a hunter.

Just the thought of hunters sent chills down Sadie’s spine. Her initiation into the vampire world had been marred by the death of her maker by a hunter creating an early fear of hunters.

Sadie’s current life in Ireland had been stable and calm for quite a while. She loved her work at the local bookstore and had all but forgotten the dark past she shared with her elder sister. She felt almost human, working in this bookstore, assimilating into human society, not drawing attention to herself so she wouldn’t be found out by the hunters.

If there was one thing they’d come to share over the years it was their hatred for these hunters. The means they used made many vampires look docile and peaceful in comparison. They were not above using innocents to lure them, killing them in the process.

As if the mere thought of hunters would conjure them, the door to the bookstore crashed open, and humans wearing dusters, carrying crossbows fitted with wooden stakes piled into the room.

Sadie and Alexis had escaped with vampire speed through the window on the second floor of the bookstore, shifting into birds – Sadie a hawk and Alexis a raven.

They had no choice but to leave. Though Ireland had become their beloved home, Alexis and Sadie needed to elude these hunters and start life anew. So they chose a place as far away as they thought from Dublin - Summerlin, California, a place vampires wouldn’t care for because of its constant sunny climate and beach environment. Vampires were supposedly afraid of the sun and running water, but somehow Alexis and Sadie had never been affected by either.

They figured that was only a myth, like Dracula was a myth.

Summerlin, California - Present Day

Sadie was filled with nervous energy that only heightened as she approached the registration office of Summerlin High School. She had never attended public school before, and thought it would be a good guise to blend into the community. Quick glances at the other students left her wondering where she’d fit in. Although she had been around nearly three hundred years, she looked very much like a seventeen-year-old.

Putting on a fidgeting smile, it was finally her turn to register.

“Name,” the clerk asked.

“Sadie Stoker.”

“Address.”

“312a Brine Crescent.”

“Parent’s name.”

“They’re deceased.”

The clerk glanced up at her. “Guardian?”

Sadie flustered, wondering if this would be a problem. “My sister, Alexis.”

A few more standard questions and Sadie was registered and would be starting classes in a few days. Excited, she grabbed her backpack off the counter and turned to rush out. Her progress was quickly halted and her breath snatched from her lungs as she ran into a young man rushing to get out.

The blow shook her, causing her to lose her bag. Her instant reaction had her reaching to catch it before it struck the ground, but the young man was equally quick. Sadie felt a quick rush of heat envelope her as her fingers brushed against his.

His movements had been so fast, almost inhuman and she instinctively became wary. Her suspicious glance took in his piercing blue eyes, smiling and filled with mischief. His full lips were set in a lopsided grin, adding to mischief his eyes betrayed. Sadie had seen many handsome young men through the years, but this one, this human young man made her vampire heart jumped. He was tall wearing a light blue t-shirt that outlined his broad shoulders, a chest built like a gladiator’s, and a trim waist that tapered down into baggy black jeans. He was dressed like a laid-back surfer boy, but Sadie sensed an intensity beyond the normal high school student. What was it about him that made her suddenly think about Dorset, her home back in England? She found herself staring at him. He was masculine, manly – he even had a silver stud in his ear, tiny and not ostentatious, which suited Sadie just fine. His smile was the most beautiful thing about him, though. It was slow, sweet, and angelic.

“Looks like football practice comes in handy,” he said with a wink. He ran his fingers though his dark hair, pushing it off his handsome face. “I’ve been putting in a lot of time catching the ball.”

Still shaken by the blow, Sadie tittered and was quickly steadied by his strong hand on her shoulder.

“I’m really sorry about running into you like that. Are you okay?”

Sadie nodded and tried to tear her eyes away from his, but was captivated by the striking features that touched a chord deep inside her. Realizing she’d been gaping, she pressed her lips together and swallowed. Though he’d released his hold of her shoulder, his hand was still holding her backpack, the heat of his fingers burning against her skin.

“I’m the one who should apologize.” Having finally found her voice, she tried to gain control of her frazzled emotions. Unwilling to believe his football practices were responsible for his quick reaction, she wondered if he might be a vampire.

He smiled and she could have sworn he heard her question. Was she that obvious? Think of something else, she thought, anything.

“I’m so unbelievably clumsy.” She took a firmer grip of her bag, but he still clung to it.

“That makes two of us.” He extended his hand. “Hi, I’m Keegan...Keegan Knowles.”

Sadie shook his hand. “Sadie...” An exquisite frisson traveled over her skin when her hand touched his while the slightest hint of a smile made its way to her lips. He was like nothing she’d seen since arriving to California. Tall and lean, she could sense the power he carried in his muscular frame. There was something in the gleam of his eye that captured her and while she wanted to get much closer, she knew she had to get away from his touch.

As she shifted to shrug the backpack on, he took a step closer to help her.

“Quite a heavy bag for such a delicate girl.”

The scent of his breath brushed under her nostrils. The scent of vampire was not on him, but she still found it hard to believe he could be completely human.

“I have to go.” Walking out of the registration office, she glanced back at him and saw the dismay that mingled with the confident smile. Anticipation for her first day of school grew and she knew not a day would pass without envisioning his handsome face.

Out in the corridor and even as she emerged from the school and walked to meet Alexis, the scent of him followed her. She tilted her nose down to sniff at the shoulder straps of her backpack and was instantly intoxicated by the intense fragrance.

Yes, she thought. Going to a public school is going to be far more interesting than being tutored at home.

In the distance she spotted Alexis and wondered if she would notice her flushed excitement.

“Is the school that captivating, Sadie?”

She’d always been far too perceptive.

“As a matter of fact, it is. I regret that Mother and Father paid out such outrageous sums of money to have us tutored.”

8

Sadie might try to show such enthusiasm for the public school system, but Alexis instinctively knew it was much more than that that caused her sister to be so agitated and flushed. Yards away, she had picked up the scent; the scent of a male, young, strong and virile.

Now standing at her sister’s side, the scent nearly overwhelmed her. Her body tingled and she fought to control her breathing that sought only to take in every ounce of the manly fragrance that clung to her sister.

“If school is to be of such interest, perhaps I should join you.”

Sadie halted and turned to face her, the horror of such a thought plainly written on her face.

Alexis bit down on a smile. Riling her sister was always so amusing. “But then again, I never have been very academic.”

Sadie resumed her stride and Alexis stayed close to her side, eager to keep the scent of this mysterious male in her nostrils. While she couldn’t quite discern the specifics of that heavenly fragrance, she knew she wanted to know more.

It was too similar to that of Lord Ashwin; painfully so.

Chapter 6

“Today, popular books are bringing a new wave of interest to the great romance of vampires,” Mr. Cutler said. “There is an appeal to them that has people not only wanting to become romantically involved with vampires, but they want to become a vampire themselves.”

Sadie sat listening attentively to her English Lit teacher. The thought of openly talking about vampires was oddly fascinating. Part of her feared her own status would be exposed if she was too closely scrutinized. It seemed her teacher’s every mention of vampire deeds was aimed directly at her and she had difficulty making eye contact with him. But she was also intrigued by the reactions of the students around her, especially the girls.

“Twilight has brought about a whole new rage of passion for the topic.” Mr. Cutler wandered through the rows of students, his hands clasped behind his back. “How many here have read one or more of these books?”

Reluctant to raise her hand, Sadie waited until almost half the girls in the class had put their hands in the air before joining them. The series had become a phenomenon and she’d been instantly fascinated by young girls’ obsession with the characters.

“Can anybody tell me why these vampires are so attractive?” Mr. Cutler asked.

A group sigh filled the air. Dreamy gazes took over the features of virtually every girl. Sadie bit down on a chuckle. Even fictional vampires held a compelling hold on these young girls.

“Robert Pattinson is so hot,” one girl offered.

“I’d willingly let him bite my neck,” another threw in.

“Those eyes; they just make me melt.”

“Can we concentrate on the character and not the actor who portrays him?” Mr. Cutler pointed out.

“It’s more than just his looks.”

It was the first time a guy had spoken up on the subject. Sadie turned to face Keegan.

“It’s his immortality,” he added. “He promises Bella the very thing she’s afraid of. She’s seduced by the danger of it all.”

“That’s an interesting point,” Mr. Cutler said as he made his way to Keegan’s desk.

“Vampires are very seductive creatures,” Keegan said. “Everything about them is meant to attract their victims – their beauty, their voice, and even their bite. Their bite can be intoxicating, pleasurable even, filling their victim with a sense of euphoria...before they die.”

A few students snickered at the sexual insinuation, but Sadie just stared at him, intrigued by his take on vampires.

He fixed his gaze on her and a warm smile spread across his lips.

Bashfully aware she’d been staring and feeling the sudden heat wave caused by his smile, Sadie looked away. She’d never felt such a response, at least not from a human. She was baffled by the effect he had on her and didn’t know what to make of it.

It wasn’t the first time she’d been so flustered by him. Every time she crossed his path and every class she shared with him had her painfully aware of his proximity. She glanced back at him again and his gaze was still steadily on her, his smile inviting, yet slightly mocking.

Though she hardly considered herself to be naïve in the ways of love between a man and a woman, the sensations she now felt left her seeking some sort of understanding. Over the years she’d met her fair share of men, had witnessed romances and had learned of the ways men seduce women.

But never had she felt such a strong desire to be seduced by a man. Keegan had latched onto something deep within her from their very first meeting. She’d tried to ignore it. It was most likely the move to California, the return to school, the start of a new life. But these rationalizations didn’t explain why it was only in the presence of Keegan that she felt such overwhelming excitement and anxiety.

As Mr. Cutler continued with the lesson, Sadie found it difficult to concentrate on what he had to say. Though she’d turned away from Keegan, she could feel him. She knew his gaze was on her and she fought to keep it from disturbing her.

He was getting under her skin, something she couldn’t allow, something she had never allowed before.

When the class finally let out, she rushed down the hall towards her locker, eager to get away from the heat of the class. She sensed him, trailing her. He was close, too close and while she enjoyed the sensual sensations she felt emanating from him, she needed to keep him from getting any closer.

In a flash, she spun around to face him, grabbed him by the collar and pinned him to the lockers. Inches from his face, her eyes were hard and determined as they met his. “Why are you following me?”

Though his eyes widened momentarily, they quickly narrowed with humor and amusement. “Hey, cool it.” His chuckle was light, reminding her of the exaggerated force she’d used to back him into the lockers. “I just wanted to know why you were looking at me that way.”

“What way?” She sounded more annoyed than she actually was and knew she was being far too harsh with him. But it was the only way she could control all the other emotions she felt.

“That funny way, back in class.”

“You were talking, I was listening. That’s all.”

“No, that’s not all.”

She had so many questions to ask him, yet she didn’t dare. His knowledge of vampires was a little too extensive for comfort.

“You're a guy. I guess it’s just weird to hear a guy talking about Twilight the way you were. I was surprised you knew anything about it.”

His gaze locked onto hers, causing that sensation to come again. He wasn’t human. He couldn’t be. He had a mesmerizing way about him; not quite vampire, but not entirely human either.

“Whether it’s Twilight, Vampire Diaries or Dracula, I’m fascinated by the population’s attraction to these stories. It’s amusing to see how compelling they all are. Don’t you find it fascinating?”

She wanted to squirm out of his scrutinizing gaze. He was looking too deeply inside her and she wondered what he saw. Somehow she doubted it was simply the blue of her eyes that intrigued him so.

“It’s popular fiction.” The statement came out as flippant and disinterested as she could make it. “It’s vaguely amusing, nothing more. I’m far more fascinated by the work of the masters; Of Mice and Men, Death of a Salesman, To Kill a Mockingbird.”

His face screwed up into a ball of confusion. “Don’t pull that intellectual stuff with me. I know you’d like to know more about vampires and pop culture’s take on them. Your eyes were wide with interest in class. You couldn’t get enough of what I was saying. Admit it. You're just as infatuated with the romantic notion of it all as every other girl here.”

“I’ve passed the age of infatuation.”

He chuckled, a sound that was mocking.

“You’re right smack in the age of infatuation, if not with vampires, at least with the mystery of them.”

“Maybe.” She released her hold of him and backed away, trying to get her shoulders into a nonchalant shrug.

“Look.” He put his hand to her shoulder and it was all she could do not to melt into him. “Meet me at the library after school. It’s filled with every myth and misconception you’ve ever heard about vampires. Cool stuff. Tomorrow you could impress Mr. Cutler with everything you know. I don’t mind sharing the stage.”

She had to laugh. There was an amusing cockiness to him that she found charming. “I’ll think about it.” 

He pulled his hand away, leaving her skin cold and tingling where it’d been warm and invigorated under his touch. His eyes remained on her as he stooped down to pick up her bag. She’d not even realized she’d let it fall to the floor when she’d grabbed him.

She was usually so in control of herself; so aware of her surroundings. It was becoming increasingly disturbing the effect this young man had on her.

Chapter 7

“Count Dracula is of course the most famous vampire of all.” Keegan idly flipped through the pages of Bram Stoker’s novel.

“There certainly is a sense of romanticism around him. His story is tragic and horrifying.”

“He was ruthless in his determination to find his Mina again. Sadistic even.” Keegan’s eyes darkened and his lips tightened. “All the people he killed, innocent and far from deserving the fate he reserved for them.”

“Well, it is fiction.”

He glared at her then quickly softened his gaze. “Or course, there were good vampires and bad ones. He was definitely one of the worse.”

“Just like humans. There are good ones and bad ones. Well, if you had to spend your days sleeping in a coffin, you’d be in a foul humor also.” Sensing his increased agitation, Sadie tried to lighten the mood.

“Oh, please. That’s one of the silliest myths surrounding vampires. That and garlic. I mean how many people do you know who aren’t repulsed by garlic? It’s not so much because they’re vampires that they back away, it’s simply because they have an acute sense of smell.”

Sadie laughed but could see that Keegan was still serious about the topic. “It’s all movie hoopla. I guess the complete truth about vampires will never be known.”

He slammed the book shut and leaned back, his eyes traveling over her face then down to the form-fitting t-shirt that hemmed just an inch short of her jeans. “You're not like the other girls around here.”

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” While the question was partly meant as a joke, she was taken aback by the serious consideration he gave his answer.

“I’m not sure yet.” A crooked smile cracked his lips and his eyes filled with mischief. “That little accent of yours is certainly appealing. There’s wisdom in your eyes that I rarely see in girls your age. You talk about things the girls here don’t even know about, yet there’s something...hmmm...pure about you.”

Placing a stack of books into the crook of her arm, Sadie stood and turned to the row of shelves behind her. One by one, she set the books into their proper place, barely looking at what she was doing. When the last book was in place she noticed Keegan’s stare.

“And you have a memory that is quite impressive.”

“My father often played memory games with me when I was young. I’d beat him every time.”

“I’m sure you did.”

She followed him out of the library and was surprised to see the sun had already gone down. How long had they been in there? Her fascination about everything he knew had kept her attentive and enthralled. She’d also been surprised by her own ignorance with regards to so many of the myths surrounding vampires. She chuckled to herself. Where did people think vampires burn in sunlight? She and Alexis never had that issue. Where did people think vampires didn’t have a reflection? Tell that to Alexis, who would check herself out every time she pass a mirror. And werewolves...they weren’t the only shape shifters. Vampires like herself and Alexis are able to shift into birds, cats, and other animals, when they need to...even wolves.

The hours had flown by, leaving the moonless night black. As she strolled through the parking lot with Keegan, she felt secure and safe. She never wanted the night to end. He was charming, in his own intense and sometimes comical way.

“I can’t believe they still haven’t fixed the lights in this lot,” Sadie remarked. Though she’d never feared the night, she inched closer to Keegan. While her motive was to protect him should anything happen, she smiled at him, feigning her need to be protected by him.

Their hands brushed against one another and she felt a tingling of anticipation. They’d been seated so close for hours and the desire to get closer had been excruciating. Again, their hands collided and she resisted the urge to reach out and take a hold of his.

On the third collision, he saved her the trouble. His warm fingers wrapped gently around her hand, holding it with inquisitive possession. 

She glanced up at him. Was he simply being protective of her or was there more meaning to his gesture?

“My car is over there.” He led the way to a mammoth SUV.

“Couldn’t you find anything bigger?” She immediately regretted the sarcastic remark. Who was she to judge him?

He chuckled, but the sound mingled with something evil and wild that came from behind his truck.

“Did you hear that?”

The low, guttural growl intensified and Sadie looked around for the source. All the blackness of the night exposed two green eyes that reflected the scant light from the school far behind them and a faint glimmer of white fangs.

She tensed, immediately prepared to battle whatever animal lurked nearby. Keegan’s presence could prove problematic. Seeing her in combat would surely have him questioning her. But as the animal took a step closer, she knew she had no choice but to defend herself.

It emerged from the shadows, a wolf, beautiful in its thick coat, and snarling with murderous intent. Large and strong, it stared at Sadie a brief moment before springing into the air to attack her.

Before she could even make a move, Keegan shoved her out of the way. The beast fell on Keegan, throwing him to the ground. Its teeth bared and its angry growl now deafening, the wolf prepared to make a feast of Keegan.

Sadie regained her balance and prepared to pounce before any harm could come to Keegan. Her heart raced and she knew she had to do everything possible to save him. But again, Keegan surprised her with his speed, agility and strength.

He brought one strong hand up to the wolf’s throat and with minimal effort threw him off. With a loud thud, the animal hit the side of Keegan’s SUV and slumped to the ground.

The long fur receded to show white skin, while paws reformed into hands and feet. The snarling snout was replaced with the recognizable face of a man.

Sadie had suspected the beast was more than just a stray wolf, but the face of the man that was exposed shocked her. It shocked her because she had not sensed him at all.

Over the years she’d prided herself on her ability to see past the façade of humans. In addition to being able to sniff out a vampire from miles away, she always recognized the authentic humans from werewolves. Yet she’d been in the presence of this man, happily so for over two months and had never sensed his true identity. What was wrong with her senses? Since meeting Keegan or being near him, it was as if her vampire senses had muted...as though she was human.

Shaken up, Sadie turned to Keegan. “How did you do that?”

His eyes were on the heap by his car. “What just happened?”

“Keegan,” Sadie said as she reached for his hand and helped him up. “Mr. Cutler is a werewolf.”

They both stared at the man who still retained remnants of his wolfish identity. Tufts of fur were still visible on his hands and his hair was thicker and darker than usual. The scent she’d come to associate with English Lit still clung to him.

“These are strong beasts. How did you manage to fight him off?”

“I fight off half-ton linebackers on the field all the time, remember?”

Sadie looked curiously at him. There was certainly something special about him but she couldn’t sense anything other than that he was human. Yet, he was certainly one of the strongest humans she had met.

Keegan pushed his hair off his face and held his steady gaze on Sadie. “But what did he want with you?”

Chapter 8

Sadie got into Keegan’s SUV, ignoring his question. The tension in the vehicle grew and she soon regretted having accepted his invitation for a ride home. Aside from the few directions she gave him, the ride was excruciatingly silent.

Trying to gauge his thoughts, she glanced at him repeatedly, but his eyes gave little away. The furrow of his brow gave away his anger or frustration, but a hint of confusion was evident in his eyes. A few of her glances even had her noticing a glimmer of embarrassment.

What could he possibly be embarrassed about? He’d save her. He was her knight in shining armor. The fact that she could have very well protected herself without his aid was beside the point. He had willingly put himself in harm’s way and she was greatly grateful for that.

Oh my God, she thought. That must be it. Poor guy fought a werewolf for me and I didn’t even think to thank him. Sadie Stoker, your mother would be ashamed of you.

“I don’t know how to thank you for what you did back there. I mean, that was a werewolf, can you believe it? And you threw him off like he weighed nothing.”

“Adrenaline. It was nothing.” His answer was curt.

Apparently, lack of an apology wasn’t exactly the problem and the heavy silence returned.

“It’s the little blue house just over there.” She pointed to the small home she and Alexis rented. 

Keegan pulled up to the curb and stopped. His eyes were still filled with confusion, but he asked nothing of her.

With nothing else to say, Sadie got out of the car and shut the door. Just as she was about to poke her head inside the car window to thank him again, she heard the house door open.

“Is that you, Sadie?” Alexis called from the front porch.

Clenching her teeth and cursing her sister, Sadie turned to see Alexis dressed in a scandalous nightie. Back lighting from inside the house didn’t help matters. Every curve of her body was clearly visible as was the broad grin that expressed just how proud she was of that fact.

The moment Alexis took a step forward Sadie moved to intercept her as quickly as possible. She rushed up the walkway and took a firm hold of Alexis’ arm before she could head out to mingle with Keegan.

“Is there no end to how you must ruin my fun?” Alexis hissed.

“Don’t you dare make a move.”

Huffing and standing stiff still, Alexis eyed Keegan from afar.

“Thanks again for stepping in to help me, Keegan.” Sadie waved. “See you at school.”

He pulled away from the curb and slowly disappeared down the street while Alexis made the exaggerated motion of following him with her eyes.

“He is incredible.” Alexis purred.

“He is.”

“So how did Mr. Incredible manage to step in to help you? You’re usually the one stepping in to save everyone.”

Eager to just meet up with a warm bath and relax for an hour, Sadie left Alexis to drool on the stoop while she entered the house. As usual, the place was a mess. Alexis refused to do her part to keep the house tidy and Sadie had recently decided to let her sister live in her own filth.

“Would it kill you to lift a finger, even once in a while?” Sadie asked when she heard her sister walk in behind her.

Alexis nodded impertinently and said, “Probably.” She followed Sadie into the kitchen. “Would it kill you to answer a question without my having to repeat it?”

“A werewolf lurked in the darkness of the school parking lot. As it prepared to pounce and attack me, Keegan fought it off, with his bare hands.”

“I’m liking this boy more every day.” Alexis licked her lips and reached for a string of licorice. With enticing precision, she whipped one end of the candy into her mouth and tantalizingly drew it out. “I do believe I should take a closer examination at who this boy really is. We can never be too certain.”

“Leave him out of your games, Alexis. He’s an innocent football player who is strong and kind-hearted. He could have gotten himself killed back there.” She knew her sister was trying to challenge her again. It was a game Alexis never tired of. The moment Sadie set her eyes on a guy who was even remotely interesting, Alexis jumped in to make trouble.

“I just want to make sure he’s on the up and up. Maybe I should join this school of yours. I mean, academics aside, this could be fun.”

“No, you don’t. You just want to slither your way into another of my attempted romances.”

“Oh, so now it’s an attempted romance.”

“You know very well what I mean. I’m in school. You’re not. Leave me the guys at school and have your fun with everyone else. Besides, we’re simply here to get away from the hunters, remember? This isn’t the time to be building relationships with the locals.”

“If only you knew how to have fun with them, Sadie,” Alexis said as she grabbed another licorice and sauntered out of the kitchen.

Fuming, Sadie tried to ignore her sister’s exasperating antics. Adding to the pile of dirty clothes in front of the washer, she stripped out of her jeans and t-shirt and headed to the bathroom for that luscious bath.

The moment she reached the hall, Alexis strolled out of her bedroom with scented oils in one hand and trivial reading material in the other. With a shake of her shoulders and shimmy of her hips, she let her nightie fall to the floor at the threshold of the bathroom.

“If you need me I’ll be in a nice warm bath.” Alexis didn’t even look back as she entered the bathroom, leaving the door ajar.

“You know very well I was heading there.” Sadie stormed into the bathroom in time to see Alexis step into the empty claw foot bathtub and twist the faucet on.

“I’m bored silly, Sadie.” Standing there nude, in the tub she faced Sadie as she set to pinning her long hair up. As modern as Alexis had become, she’d not lost the ability to set her hair in a proper chignon when she desired it.

“And a bath is going to excite you?”

“No, silly. Irritating you excites me.” She settled into the water and sprinkled in scented oil.

“How fabulously mature of you.”

“Why did we come to this dead nowhere town anyway?”

“To get as far away from those hunters trailing you in Ireland, my dear sister. You’ve left a mess in Europe, and got me involved, too. Now it’s time to lay low and blend. Besides, it’s not all that bad. I’ve already come to like it very much here. The weather is pleasant. The people are kind.”

“And enrolling in school. Whatever gave you that idea? It ruins all the fun we could have. No one needs to know you're not an adult.”

“For one thing, I was turned when of adolescent age. It’s the proper thing for me to be in school. Secondly, I don’t see how that keeps you from having your fun. We don’t exactly run in the same circles, remember?”

“This town is more dead than a zombie convention.”

“Need I remind you that prior to your dramatic return into my life, I was running my life in a rather safe and proper way? It had been decades since I’d even had a brief run in with a hunter. While you...I swear, Alexis. Sometimes I think you deliberately set out to taunt them just to keep your life thrilling and filled with excitement.”

Alexis cupped a handful of water, raised her arm high and let the water trickle down. “Maybe I should drive up to Hollywood.”

“Maybe you should just sink into that tub.”

“Vampiring was so exciting in Europe. There was something vibrant, mysterious and right about being there. Perhaps it was the old blood.” She snickered and gazed at Sadie. “Get it. The old country... old blood.”

Tired of Alexis’ selfish ways, Sadie took a seat on the edge of the tub and dipped her feet into the rising water.

“Of course there’s also nothing quite like the taste of blue blood. You can’t get that here, which is such a pity. For crying out loud, the veins here are so clogged with fat and junk, it’s disgusting.”

“Red blood, blue blood, fatty blood; you love it all. You always have. You’ve loved everything about being a vampire right from the start. You thrive on it.” Ignoring Alexis’ irritated glare, Sadie lightly kicked her feet through the water that was now getting dangerously close to the lip of the tub. “For Heaven’s sake, Alexis. You actually bring a bad reputation to being a vampire.”

“I hardly see how that’s possible.”

“Just because I wasn’t there to witness it doesn’t mean I’m not aware of what you’ve been up to this past century or two. Mingling with pirates, cavorting with mercenaries, and getting close to the Sicilian mob. Do you have no sense of right? No sense of morality?” Realizing Alexis had no intention of cutting the water off, Sadie reached over to do it herself. “You have always been rather immature and irresponsible.”

“Don’t play innocent, little sister. Human blood is the only food that will satisfy you as well.”

“There is a lot of bad out here, Alexis. We could do something right. Our presence here doesn’t have to be negative. Our feeding doesn’t need to take innocents’ lives.” Throughout the years, Sadie had always sought the best way to satisfy her hunger, while doing something that could help mankind.

“You’ve always been a dreamer; always there to save the injured bird or tend to a sick cat.”

“Come feed with me. I’ll show you what it is to bring a conscience to your vampiring.” Sadie pulled her feet out of the water and twirled around to set them on the floor. “Coming?”

“If you promise me fresh blood, I’m there.”

Chapter 9

“Honestly, Sadie. What are you trying to prove by dragging me down to the seediest part of town?” Alexis grimaced as she stepped over the outstretched legs of a homeless man.

“Everyone sees only the quaint side of living in this beach community. This part of it is ignored, if people know of its existence at all.”

A young woman, strung out and stick thin sat on a concrete stoop smoking a cigarette. She eyed Alexis and Sadie, bit a nail off and spat it towards them.

“Well, I can certainly understand why.”

Two young boys ran by, yelling at each other over the rightful ownership of the twenty dollars the first boy held in his fist.

“It’s almost midnight,” Alexis said as she turned to watch them scramble by.

“Few mothers bother to check in on their kids down here,” Sadie explained.

As they passed a narrow alley they heard the plaintive yelp of another young boy.

“Come on.” Sadie led her sister into the darkness to find an arrogant young man clutching the collar of the young boy. Barely ten-years-old, the boy was no match for the brawny young man who obviously wanted to show the youngster a lesson.

“I din said you could keep any profits, Jason. Now where’s all the cash you owe me.”

“I swear, K.B., I gave you everything I got.”

K.B. shook him up a bit, shoved him against the wall and slammed his ear with his palm. “I gave you five grams of good stuff and you come back here with this?” He held up a fistful of bills before slamming into the boy’s head again.

The click of Alexis’ heels on the pavement caught K.B.’s attention.

“You ain’t hitting the right street, ladies.” He gave Alexis an appraising glance, offered her a crooked grin and winked.

“And you're not hitting the right lad.”

“The right lad?” K.B. grabbed the young boy by the hair and pulled him closer. “Well, pardonnez-moi,” he said in a dense accent. “We’s got ourselves some high class lassies comin’ to the hood.”

“You’ve no business manhandling that boy,” Sadie said. “Release him.”

“Oh, ain’t that sweet, Jason. The fine lady here’s worried about your bad ass.” He let out a maniacal chuckle, amused about the girls’ presence. But the moment Sadie took a step forward, his demeanor changed and he was no longer amused. “I’s take care of my b’ness my way. You ladies head on out and tend to yours however you want.”

“The boy is my business.”

“This piece of crap.” K.B. raised his fist and prepared to pummel Jason.

The boy cringed in anticipation of the pain, but Sadie stepped in and grabbed K.B by the arm. With one quick twist she brought his arm behind his back and pushed him into the wall. His head slammed into a cement windowsill and, as he swayed to remain upright, he stared at Sadie in amazement. Seconds later, his eyes rolled back and he fell forward, his head crashing into the piles of newspaper that littered the alley.

Before the boy could run, Sadie took a hold of him.

“This is not your life, Jason. This is not what you’re destined to be. There’s a whole world out there. Cut from this business and tend to what a young boy like you should. You might think this is cool and you’re making some nice money, right?”

“It’s decent.” While Jason tried to put on an air of cool detachment, he stared at Sadie with wonder and awe.

“Stick to school and work to get out of here. I promise you your life will be more than just decent... and you won’t have to risk your life in the process.”

“I ain’t smart enough for school. This is all I got.”

Sadie cupped his chin and looked deep into his eyes, using her vampire compulsion. “You’re far smarter than you think. I see it in your eyes, Jason. You're not only smart, but you have the making to become a powerful and important man.”

He beamed then looked away sheepishly.

“Now go home and forget about everything here.” She released him and he rushed out of the alley. She fervently hoped she’d gotten through to him.

Turning her attention to K.B. she found Alexis already at his throat, fangs deep in his artery.

“Don’t bleed him dry, Alexis,” she said as she knelt beside her and sank her fangs into his thick arm. As much as she despised this one human, she wouldn’t drain him dry. She has always been careful not to kill anyone when she fed. It was a way for her to keep her humanity, to keep her sane. Otherwise, if she drained her prey, kill them, she would become a true killer, an evil vampire, a “Strigoi” as Romanians call them...the ones that gave vampires a bad name, the ones that caused hunters to go after all vampires, the ones Bram Stoker based his version of Dracula on. She was a vampire, but she wasn’t evil...at least that’s what she kept telling herself.

Chapter 10

School had become the most enjoyable place to be. Sadie enjoyed all her classes and aside from Mr. Cutler, whom she hadn’t seen since her run in with him in the parking lot, all of her teachers were wonderful and patient.

Lessons had certainly changed from when she’d last been schooled. Math was a little more challenging and sciences... she was repeatedly amazed by the advances of these last centuries.

But it was American History that interested her the most. Though she’d heard a bit about America while in Europe, it was nothing like what she was learning in class. The whole democratic process fascinated her, as did the Civil War.

“That was quite a class, wasn’t it?” Keegan followed her out of the class and escorted her to her locker.

“The history of this country never fails to intrigue me.” Sadie clasped her books to her chest as though absorbing the very content.

“And you never fail to intrigue me.”

At her locker, she rolled the combination of her lock, opened the door and shelved her books, taking the time to put them in order.

“Wow, you keep things really neat in there.”

“Makes up for the tornado zone I live in at home.”

Rowena arrived to put her books away just a few lockers down. Though Sadie had repeatedly tried to befriend the loner, Ro had politely but firmly resisted. Keeping her eyes downcast under the fringe of black bangs, the girl pulled out her bagged lunch and paperback and Sadie was again tempted to reach out to her.

She grabbed her own lunch and followed Ro to the cafeteria with Keegan at her side. He’d been her lunch date for several weeks now and she had no complaints.

She’d grown incredibly fond of him over the months. He was smart, funny and reliable. Always ready to lend a hand, he’d even helped her out when she’d had trouble understanding the new math they were teaching.

And he seemed quite fond of her as well. She relished her time with him and was surprised to see how eager he was to be with her.

They entered the melee that was the cafeteria. The din was louder than usual and the chaos was widespread, reminding Sadie they’d had a full moon that night. A small group of guys were harassing a younger geek down by the vending machines while a band of pubescent girls paraded like tarts in front of the table where the football team ate.

Sadie glanced at Keegan and was pleased to see he’d not even glanced at the girls.

“I’ll go grab myself a burger and come back to join you.” He winked and headed to the lineup.

Not even bothering to find a table, Ro grabbed a chair and dragged it to a corner, sitting with her back to the wall. She pulled out her sandwich and quickly immersed herself in her novel.

The girl seemed to deliberately want to tell everyone to keep away from her, Sadie thought as she took a seat at a nearby table. And everyone seemed happy to ignore her.

Scanning her surroundings, Sadie pinched away at the bread of her sandwich. Something was going to happen. She could sense it. The electricity was almost visible in the stagnant air that was filled with the scent of fatty foods, sweaty kids and cheap cologne.

In her peripheral, Sadie noticed Tatum’s approach. A small girl with long blond hair and mean blue eyes, she had the face of an angel and the disposition of a pit bull. She enjoyed running the show and the gleam in her eye told Sadie she was preparing to put on quite a spectacle.

She sauntered to the outer aisle, her goal clear. Though Ro had taken care to be well out of the way, Tatum strutted up to her, kicked her feet out of the way and slapped the book out of her hand.

Ro sat back, chewing on her sandwich and showing neither fear nor concern.

“Do you know why nobody wants to sit with you, Rollo?”

Remaining silent, Ro’s gaze didn’t waver.

“Because you’re dirty, poor, dumb and...” She turned to the masses as though making a grand announcement. “Because you're the biggest slut in school.”

Sadie slowly got to her feet and made her way to the pair. Tatum’s band of friends had already closed in on Ro, eager to help their leader.

“Your stink makes me want to throw up.” Tatum flicked her hand through Ro’s bangs, sending them askew. “Why don’t you just take your cheap lunch and eat outside. It’ll give the air in here a chance to clear up and then I could eat lunch without having to smell your stink.”

“Perhaps you’re the one who should bring her lunch outside.” Standing just outside the ring of bullies, Sadie glared at Tatum.

With indignant rage in her eyes, Tatum turned to face her.

“Great, here comes the great defender. Don’t you have a kitten to rescue, Sad Eyes?”

“You know that tacky perfume you wear doesn’t really help my appetite much.”

“You couldn’t afford a drop of this scent and you know it.” Without looking she reached back and backhanded Ro. “And this cheap slut shouldn’t even be allowed to breathe the same air.”

Just as Tatum prepared to turn the full extent of her rage on Ro, Sadie pushed her aside, sending her crashing to the floor.

Sputtering obscenities, Tatum jumped to her feet and came to stand toe to toe with Sadie. Though inches shorter, the girl knew she had the back up of her friends and didn’t hesitate to push Sadie back.

Once again, Sadie shoved her to the ground, eager to show she wouldn’t allow Tatum’s bullying to escalate, but holding back just enough not to harm her.

Tatum’s eyes fixed just above Sadie’s shoulder a moment and an expression of utter and complete humiliation replaced the haughty air for a split second.

Without even looking back, Sadie knew Keegan stood inches behind her. Not only could she sense his presence, but she knew only he could have such an effect on Tatum.

The two had dated briefly, and while they’d split two weeks prior to Sadie’s arrival, Tatum relentlessly blamed her for the break up. Her love for Keegan, if one could call it that, was still evident, making her hate against Sadie all the more intense.

Shaking off the humiliation and resuming her arrogant stance, Tatum stood, glanced at Keegan and smiled sweetly. “You’ve gotten yourself quite a tiger there, Keegan. From what I remember, you didn’t particularly appreciate strong women.”

“You're confusing strong with bully.”

Tatum snickered and came up close to Sadie, her nose inches away. “It’s going to cost you to keep me off Ro’s back,” she whispered. “Your life here at school is going to be hell from now on.”

“Don’t,” Keegan warned.

She brought her gaze back to him and the venom in her eyes turned to honey. “I know the kind of fun you like to have, Keegan, and I know that Miss Purity over here isn’t it.”

Letting her insecurity take over a moment, Sadie glanced down at her faded jeans and frilly paisley blouse.

“Remember the fun we used to have, Keegan? Remember the nights you spent at my house? Remember how close we used to be?” She took on a seductive pose and passed her hand over her breast, down her belly and across her hips.

“I think you might have me confused with all the other football players you dated. I mean, I know it might be hard keeping track of who you do, what with your busy line up and all, but we never really got that close.”

Clenching her teeth, her eyes shot daggers at him. Aware that many were watching, her eyes dart to the crowd, to Sadie and back to Keegan. After a quick cluck of her tongue, she glanced back and snapped her band to attention.

Sadie moved to check on Ro. Though she could clearly sense the girl’s anger and resentment, Ro remained docile and quiet.

“The pages are crumpled a bit,” Sadie softly said to Ro as she picked up her book.

“This crowd is growing dull,” Tatum declared.

“I’m starting this small book club,” Sadie went on, keeping one ear on Tatum. “I think you’d really enjoy it.”

Ro offered her first tentative smile and Sadie felt she’d won a huge battle.

Tatum pushed past Sadie, deliberately jabbing her knee into her ribs. She squeezed up against Keegan, her breasts high and proud as they brushed against his arm. “I know what you really are, Keegan,” she said as she walked by.

Tension made its way across Sadie’s shoulder and she wanted to know more. But Tatum walked on, carrying whatever knowledge she had of Keegan with her.

Was he a heartbreaker? A player? The kind of guy who got his kicks out of winning a girl’s heart only to trample it to oblivion? Tatum had called her Miss Purity. Was that why Keegan paid her any attention at all? Just to conquer the school virgin?

Handing the book to Ro, she glanced up at Keegan for some kind of explanation.

“She thinks I broke up with her to play the field.”

“Oh.” Sadie felt a lump of pain well up in her throat. She looked away and busied herself helping Ro. The poor girl’s lunch had also ended up on the floor, her sandwich stomped upon by one of Tatum’s goons. “You can have the rest of my sandwich,” Sadie offered.

Sadie rose and noticed that Keegan was staring at her. She didn’t have the heart to face him. She’d come to like him so much and a part of her didn’t really want to know what he was. Whatever he was, though, she had never felt more human with him than anyone else. If she remained ignorant, she could still fantasize about him and could still envision herself in his arms, not a vampire, but a human.

“Sadie,” he said, his voice soft and meant only for her. He cupped her chin and forced her gaze to meet his. “I broke up with her because she’s a selfish and mean-spirited girl. That’s not what I want.”

“What do you want?”

His eyes softened and a warm smile touched his lips as his thumb stroked her cheek. She wanted to melt into his eyes and fall into his arms. She felt it was his heart that spoke out to her and though he didn’t say it aloud, she could sense the intense emotions that transpired between them.

Chapter 11

Excited about the first real meeting of her book club, Sadie set water to boil for the tea then artfully placed sugar cookies on a platter. Ro had already arrived and was finishing up the last pages of the eleventh chapter while Keegan was set to arrive at any moment.

“Why don’t you come out and join us, Alexis?” Sadie offered. “We’re reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It’s one of your favorites.”

“It was one of my favorites when I believed it was one of father’s distant relatives who’d written it. Learning that it was by some strange Irishman diminished my interest somewhat.”

“Just because we weren’t able to trace back the lineage doesn’t mean he wasn’t of our blood. And besides, it’s a terribly romantic story no matter who wrote it.”

A loud knock at the door had them both looking toward the hall.

“Come in,” Sadie called.

“Another of your little book clubbers.”

Keegan walked in and set a dish of lasagna on the counter. “Here’s the snack I promised to bring.”

“That’s quite a snack.” Alexis quickly devoured Keegan with her eyes. His t-shirt clung to his chest and revealed the strength of his biceps. His hair lightly tousled, he looked delicious and Alexis didn’t hide her appreciation.

“You didn’t have to go to such trouble, Keegan.” Sadie said, giving Keegan a quick peck on his cheek before she took the lasagna and put it in the oven.

“No trouble,” he said, clasping his hands together and trying to get comfortable under Alexis’ hungry gaze.

“Ro’s already in the living room if you want to join her. I’ll be in in a minute with tea.” Sadie handed him the platter of cookies. “You can bring this in.”

The moment he disappeared through the door Alexis smiled and said, “He is simply delicious!” Her fangs protruded slightly as she imagined what she’d like to do with Keegan. Then she glanced down at her attire. Clearly dissatisfied with the degree of sexuality she was exhibiting, she pulled her shirt over her head, tossing it to the floor as she headed out. Keegan was too delicious of a boy for her not to try to seduce, especially since Sadie was so into him.

“What are you doing?” Sadie demanded.

“I can’t go to your meeting looking like this. I need a more appropriate outfit.”

“You mean a more revealing one?”

“Call it what you like.”

Sadie bent down to pick up her sister’s discarded garment and hurled it at her. “Don’t mess things up with Keegan,” she hissed. “And don’t mess up my house with your junk. I spent over two hours clearing away your trash.”

“Your house?”

“I swear, Alexis, don’t ruin this.”

“Oh, don’t mind me, little sister. I’ll just try to blend into this human charade and act like one of them. This will be fun.”

The whistling kettle called to Sadie and with a final determined glare at her sister, she turned and poured the boiling water into her favorite silver teapot. Taking a deep breath to forget her sister’s antics, she stepped into the living room to find Keegan and Ro already immersed in an interesting conversation.

“Hey, don’t get started without me,” Sadie said with a teasing chuckle as she set her silver tray down.

“Without us,” Alexis corrected. She strutted in wearing a tight low-cut tank top that was clearly meant to impress Keegan.

“Tea?” Sadie offered through tight lips.

Ro nodded. “That’s a great teapot. My mom loves those kinds of things, you know, old and antique.”

“Thanks.” Sadie poured tea into elegant little china cups. “I’ve always loved it.”

Keegan glanced skeptically at the delicate cups.

“Would you prefer a soda, Keegan?” Sadie realized her ways probably appeared old-fashioned.

He reached for a cup. “No. This is cool. Tea time at the Stoker’s.” He winked at Sadie, causing a warm tingling in her stomach.

She smiled, so pleased to see how he humored her.

“So what were you guys saying?” Alexis picked up the last cup of tea and settled herself on the arm of the sofa beside Keegan.

It was all Sadie could do to control her anger. She returned to the kitchen to retrieve an additional cup and hurried back, eager to assure Alexis didn’t steal the entire show.

“We were arguing the validity of the book. Written the way it is, with diary entries, personal letters and newspaper articles, it gives the reader the impression that it is an entirely true story,” Ro said. “I had to keep reminding myself that this is fiction.”

“I enjoyed Jonathan Harker’s diary entries,” Keegan added. “Though I do find him to be a bit wordy. Sometimes I just want to say, ‘come on, get to the point already.’”

“I totally agree,” Alexis purred. “I like a man who says what’s on his mind then takes action.”

“Of course the whole fantasy of it is rather romantic,” Ro said. “I don’t know what it is that is so appealing in this Count; his endless love for Mina, the danger in his eyes, the pain in his heart. There were times when I actually rooted for him. I didn’t want him to get caught and killed.”

“Yeah, well you wouldn’t say that if you were a victim,” Keegan shot out.

Alexis raked her fingers through his hair and leaned in close. “Don’t knock it, Keegan. Most women dream of meeting someone like the Count. I mean, just read any of Mina’s diary entries and you’ll understand. It’s in our DNA to want a man who has such power, such control and such passion.”

“Such death.” Keegan, with his strong arms and huge fingers, took a tiny sip of his hot tea.

“Oh, pooh. You’re missing the point here. It’s romantic. It’s mysterious. I mean, look at Lucy. Don’t you just love her? She’s the best thing in the book.”

“The love interest is Mina,” Sadie argued.

“But it’s Lucy who spices everything up.” She winked at Keegan, putting her hand on his knee, lightly drawing a circle with her fingertips on his thighs. “I just love that.”

“You would,” Sadie grumbled.

Keegan jumped up, dropping his cup, which crashed into sharp pieces. His index finger was cut, and a small drop of blood flowed out.

The smell of Keegan was intoxicating, and Sadie’s eyes were riveted to that single drop of blood flowing out of his finger. She wanted to lung at it, to take his finger and suck the blood out.

Without notice, Alexis had already taken Keegan’s finger, stared into Keegan’s eyes, and said, “Poor Keegan. Let me help you there.” She took his finger into her mouth sucked on it while keeping her eyes straight on his. Keegan appeared surprised, but mesmerized for a second until Alexis released his finger. He looked down, and the bleeding had stopped, the cut was closed. “There,” she said huskily. “It’s better now.”

Without notice, Alexis bolted out of the room leaving Ro and Keegan to turn their questioning glances to Sadie.

She shrugged. “She can get very passionate about her literature.”

Moments later Alexis startled everyone by walking into the room with her fangs bared and her eyes amber, looking hungrily at Keegan and Ro. Horrified, Sadie felt certain her sister had gone mad and had jumped up, ready to fight Alexis if she made a move on either of her friends.

After her initial squeal, Ro laughed. “That is some pretty great make up. Where did you get those fangs?”

Alexis panted softly, deciding to play along... giving her audience plenty of time to take in the full effect of her appearance.

“Forgive my sister,” Sadie said steadily. “She never did get over the fact that my parents had a second child. She’s been sorely lacking attention ever since.”

Alexis glared at her and actually growled.

The room fell silent and the fear was palpable. Sadie felt the blood drain from her face and wanted to throttle Alexis. Was Alexis actually challenging her?

“Wow!” Ro said, still clinging to her seat with tight fists. “How d’you do that?”

“She has a lot of spare time to practice such silly tricks,” Sadie said, warning Alexis to back off, while ready to spring at any moment.

Alexis stared back at Sadie, equally tensed. “I think the lasagna is ready, little sis. Why don’t you go check on that?”

“It won’t be ready for another twenty minutes. Now why don’t you stop your silliness and go wash up?”

“Sure smells good,” Ro said. She seemed uncomfortable with the sibling roe and twisted and turned nervously in her chair.

After a long, heavy silence that left everyone fidgeting uncomfortably, Alexis finally left the room and returned looking more like a live human being.

Sadie quickly read the vengeance in Alexis’ eyes and wondered what she’d try next.

“Have you tried my sugar cookies?” Alexis asked Keegan, looking deep into his eyes. No doubt she would try to use compulsion on him. She reached for the plate and retrieved one cookie. “Only real butter.”

“Sure.” Keegan smiled at her, a sensual and wicked smile, and Sadie felt her heart wither within her. She should have known better than to invite him here. Why had she thought Alexis would behave properly in front of her guests?

Settling back on the sofa’s arm, Alexis leaned over Keegan and fed him the cookie, careful to let her fingers touch his lips before bringing the sugary digit to her own lips.

Sadie had seen enough. “Well, I think we’ve run through pretty much everything. How about we do this again next week.” She turned to Ro. “Maybe we could do it at your place.”

“What about dinner?” Alexis asked. “We don’t want to let Keegan’s hard work go to waste. Besides, I’m absolutely famished.”

Famished? Aside from treating her sweet tooth on occasion, Alexis only ate real food when she absolutely had to.

“Right,” Keegan said, heading to the kitchen.

Ro followed him and before Alexis could take a step, Sadie grabbed her.

“We’re going to have a pleasant, civil and tame dinner. You’re not going to make any vampire jokes. You're not going to make any sexual innuendo. And you're not going to sit next to Keegan.”

Alexis simply smiled and gazed up at the ceiling, trying to look innocent. “Just having some fun – vampire style.”

“I mean it Alexis. If you ruin the rest of this day, I’ll be the one hunting you down.”

Chapter 12

When Keegan arrived and honked the horn, Sadie feared Alexis might wake up despite the early hour. It was almost ten o’clock and Alexis wasn’t set to get up for another two hours. Sadie wanted to have time to steal away without Alexis knowing where she was going or with whom.

Grabbing her beach bag on the way down the hall, she whipped into the living room, picked up her straw hat and headed out the door, careful to close it silently behind her.

Once in Keegan’s SUV she let out a small squeal of delight. “I can’t remember the last time I went to the beach.”

“Then you’re going to love this. I’m taking you to a secret little spot that few people know about.” He reached for her hand, gave her an affectionate squeeze and brought her fingertips to his lips.

Tingling all over, she giggled as they took off. It was like going on an adventure and she greatly needed one. The stress of living with Alexis was beginning to show and, while she was an excellent student, the strain of leading a teenager’s life was more strenuous than the adult life she’d adopted in Ireland.

Though Keegan initially took a route she was familiar with, he eventually turned onto a dirt road and twisted and turned, bringing the salty scent of the ocean closer and closer. When they emerge in a cozy cove, deserted save for a few seals toasting on a scattering of rocks, Sadie immediately fell in love with it.

“This is spectacular, Keegan. I didn’t even know there was a place like this.”

“It’s my favorite place to be.” He beamed with pride and seemed especially happy to be sharing his secret with her.

“I can see why.”

Getting out of the truck, Keegan grabbed a picnic basket from the back seat then led Sadie between too large boulders that created an intimate lunch setting while allowing a fabulous view of the crashing waves.

“Hope you're hungry. I brought a great assortment of salads, sandwiches and some drinks.” He shook out a large thick blanket.

“Wow, Keegan. You're too much.” Kneeling on one corner of the blanket, she reached back to pull her sandals off.

“My mom used to say you can never have too much food when you're treating guests, so...” He pulled out the bottle of wine and expertly popped out the cork. “And every meal has its wine.”

Sadie looked at the ruby red content of the glass he offered and thought of the last time she’d properly fed. She was walking a thin line and knew it, feeding just enough to keep her going, but never feeling fully satisfied.

Keegan held his glass up to her. “Cheers.”

Reluctant to bring up the underage argument, Sadie simply feigned taking a sip then set the glass aside.

“So what’s your story?” she asked.

Setting his gastronomical picnic out on the blanket, Keegan glanced up at her. “Story?”

“You cook, you seem to live alone, yet you’re still in high school, yet you're able to go out and buy wine.”

“I guess, in a way, my story kind of resembles yours.”

Taken aback, Sadie tried to understand the connection. She rarely spoke of her childhood or of her time in Europe. How much did he know about her?

“I’ve always loved to cook,” he said. “As a kid I was always in the kitchen helping out.” He unwrapped a sandwich and smiled with pride at the work he’d done. “My parents died in a fire when I was eight.”

“How dreadful.”

“Yeah, it was rough. But I guess you would know that, right?”

A bit of the tension that had raced to her shoulders began to dissipate. “All too well, yes.”

“For a long time I felt guilty for having survived.”

“And where have you been since?”

“Around. Caretakers, guardians...I moved from home to home, from place to place. But in October I turned eighteen and was on my own.”

“No offense, but what are you still doing in high school?” She picked away at her salad, separating the onions from the macaroni then setting the green peppers to another corner.

“I started a year late because of my birthday. Then I lost another year after the fire. I was out of school for over four months and fell too far behind.”

She felt the pain of his loss, for his parents and for his childhood. Having to go from foster home to foster home must have been rough, too. Remembering her own loss, she brought her hand to his shoulder. “Your parents would be incredibly proud of you, Keegan. You're a remarkable young man.”

He cracked his crooked smile. “Well, before you shower me with too much praise...” He lifted his glass of wine to his lips. “I did get a friend of mine to buy me this. I wanted to make today special.”

Sadie looked thoughtfully at him. After a moment of contemplation, she reached for his glass and set it aside. “We don’t need this to make today special.”

His eyes narrowed and he seemed exceedingly pleased to hear her say that. When he licked his lips, it was all Sadie could do to keep from devouring him. He was adorable and suddenly so vulnerable, yet she saw the strength and independence he was so proud of.

Feeling wild and wanton under his steady gaze, Sadie knelt back on her heels and began slowly unbuttoning her shirt. His eyes were riveted to her motions and while she felt a hint of uncertainty, she didn’t stop. Once she’d completely exposed the bright yellow top of her bikini she stood and shimmied out of her short denim skirt. The bikini bottom was skimpier than she was comfortable with, but she was pleased with the effect it had on him.

Keegan’s jaw dropped and his eyes didn’t seem to know where to look next. They wandered up to her breasts, trailed over the trim curve of her waist, stared into the core of her belly button and finally traced their way down the toned line of her legs. “Wow,” he sighed.

A playful smile on her lips, Sadie cupped his chin and set it back into place. “Last one in has to give up his dessert.” Before Keegan could even register what she’d said, she was sprinting towards the shore. Conscious of the true speed she was capable of, she paced herself as reasonably as she could while still maintaining a competitive speed.

Just as her toes made first contact with a salty wave, Keegan came up behind her, swept her up into the air and ran into the crashing waves with her in his arms. His strength surprised her, almost frightened her as his motions were effortless.

He looked at her with a victorious grin while boyish mischief alternated in his eyes with lustful hunger.

Clinging to his neck, Sadie’s eyes widened as a flash of her time with Ashwin suddenly hit her. The water. The breeze. The power of his arms. His water soaked clothes. Her desire to get closer.

She could feel the damp fabric of her dress clinging to her breast and the weight of her skirt as it trailed in the water. In the distance she saw Stoker Manor and felt the fear of having her father find her in the young Lord’s arms.

His damp curls tickled arms that held her tightly, inviting her to run her fingers through each tendril.

“Never try to outrun a running back.” Keegan laughed and held her closer.

Sadie laughed along with him, but knew her distant thoughts had to be apparent. Keegan’s eyes clouded over a brief moment and she felt the weight of the moment descend on them. Guilt engulfed her as she looked into the intensity of his gaze. He was fully there for her and she was reminiscing about an ancient love.

“Where did you go?” he asked.

“Not very far, thanks to you,” she answered, trying to be as flirty and flippant as possible.

He pecked her on the temple. “In there.”

A large wave crashed into them, causing Sadie to squeal and tighten her hold of his neck, but Keegan held steady and waited for a response.

She hated the thought of lying to him, but realized she couldn’t tell him the complete truth. “When I was a young girl, we lived by the sea. It was grand and marvelous and I miss it more than I’d realized. Being here brought me back to that special time.”

Satisfied with the answer, he smiled and headed back to the shore where he set her on her feet. “You seemed sad for a moment there. Sorry if all this brings back bad memories.”

“I wasn’t sad, Keegan and don’t ever be sorry for bringing me here.” She brought her fingers to his lips to cease his apologies. “I love it. It’s perfect.”

Keegan took her fingers and pressed them to his lips, kissing the salt away.

“It’s perfect,” Sadie whispered. Wild sensations zipped from her fingertips to her toes and her eyelids felt incredibly heavy.

Pulling her fingers away, Keegan held her hand in both of his, his fingers weaving and threading through hers repeatedly as though he couldn’t get enough of touching her. Taking each digit one at a time, he kissed them, leaving her middle finger for last. With one slow, deliberate and exquisite motion, he passed his tongue over the length of her finger.

It took every ounce of control to hold in the sigh that swelled inside her. He was amazing and she didn’t want the day to end. His every touch felt perfect, as if they were meant for one another and she longed to feel more of him.

Her free hand trailed up his arm and stopped to play at the nape of his neck, twirling a curl. His lids seemed suddenly heavy as they shielded his eyes and Sadie realized her touch affected him just as his did her. With a will of their own, her feet tilted up onto her toes and she leaned into him, eager to have his lips over hers.

The first tender brush of his lips left Sadie dizzy, and as he pressed for more, she felt her soul slowly open up to him. His mouth consumed her, filling all her thoughts, blocking out any other desire and leaving her breathless.

But when he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in closer, pressed the length of her almost nude body against his, she felt a confusion of hunger and passion.

As Keegan’s tongue slipped into her mouth, Sadie suddenly felt the tip of a fang emerge. Getting a grip on her growing passions, she pulled away, her tongue subconsciously passing over the retreating fang.

“This is Keegan, too fast.” Her brain, still caught up in the sensations that had filled her, couldn’t compose a proper sentence and she knew she was spewing nonsense. Lack of proper feeding left her hungrier than usual, and the immensity of the passion she felt for him exacerbated the situation. “I mean, I’m not...”

She knew what boys said about girls like her; girls who ignited the flames of passion only to extinguish them with a prudish and innocent bat of their eyes.

“I’m not in a rush, Sadie.” His voice was husky and heavy, and though he showed his complete understanding, hunger still clung to his gaze.

“Don’t hate me.”

“I could never hate you, Sadie. It’s no big deal.”

But just as he pulled away and turned to walk back to their picnic blanket, his brow furrow with conflicting emotions.

Chapter 13

“Not that I want to invite myself over again,” Keegan said to Sadie as they emerged from their science class. “But I was hoping you’d go over the periodic table with me.”

Sadie kept a somber expression and stomped her way to her locker.

Concerned, Keegan took her by the elbow and turned her to him. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I know I’ve been spending a lot of time at your place lately, but...”

She cracked a broad, teasing grin. “Of course you can come, silly. Sorry, I’m only fooling around with you. All this science talk has left my brain eager to just laugh at nonsense. I love having you over, Keegan.”

Haven’t been taken in, his smile was bashful, yet showed a trace of playful vengeance. “Just for that I might not bring my world famous ravioli for dinner.”

He was so sweet, she thought as she put her things away in her locker and grabbed her purse. Not only did he give her a ride home every night, but he always brought something great for dinner. Too bad she and Alexis couldn’t really appreciate it. Not wanting any of it to go to waste, Sadie always brought whatever was left to a handful of homeless young men she’d become acquainted with on her midnight feedings.

There were simply lost souls who were having an unfortunate start in life and Sadie wanted to do what she could to help them.

“Mmm, sounds too good. You have to bring it over. I’ll make up for teasing you so childishly.”

He kissed the tip of her nose and smiled. “You’re already forgiven.”

In addition to his kind deeds, Keegan had also been instrumental in allowing Sadie to breeze through science. He was a natural and studying with him made everything easy to understand. Of course staring into his deep blue eyes tended to distract her at times, but that’s what made studying all the more pleasing.

They arrived to find Alexis gone and though she’d been on good behavior of late, Sadie was nonetheless pleased to have the house to herself. Keegan settled into the sofa and after grabbing him a soda from the fridge, Sadie took a spot nearby and they ran through the table of elements.

“You have such an easy way with all this,” Sadie said. They’d been running through them for almost an hour. He already knew them all by heart while she was still struggling with several of them. Her memory was usually considerably sharper than this and she wondered if her minimal feeding was affecting her mind. She looked at Keegan, appreciating everything about him...but why was her vampire senses weaken when she was around him?

“They say you're good at what you enjoy and I just love this stuff.” He tapped his textbook affectionately. “Even if I didn’t have to learn it in school I’d want to look up all of this.”

“I know what you mean. Only my love is for literature. I’ve loved all the books we’ve been asked to read and write about. If I can, I might even start a blog.” Sadie chuckled. That would be something... especially as an extension of her book club.

The front door flew open, startling them both. A strong breeze carried a wealth of fresh air into the house, fluttering through Alexis’ long hair in the process.

“Why, hello lovebirds. How quaint to see your heads bowed together so studiously.” Alexis kicked off her sandals, letting one fall by the door while the other flew clear into the kitchen.

Glum, Sadie stared at the discarded sandal at the door, but refrained from complaining to her sister. “We were just finishing up.” She slammed her book shut, letting the frustration she felt out on science.

“Oh, am I just in time for dinner?” Alexis sauntered into the kitchen to find some food. She never failed to make an exaggerated show of her appreciation for Keegan’s cooking.

Always of service, Keegan jumped to his feet. “All that’s left to do is warm it up.”

Fifteen minutes later they were enjoying his ravioli. Keegan continued to intermittently test Sadie on the elements and their properties, at times elaborating where science collided with cooking.

“It’s like alchemy,” he said. “You never know what incredible concoction you may come up with. You know sodium, or salt, isn’t just a matter of taste. It serves a scientific purpose. Don’t you just love it when your two favorite things meet up to become one?” He beamed as he glanced from Sadie to Alexis.

When his eyes rested on Alexis a little longer, Sadie almost gagged. Though she knew Keegan really liked her, she had to constantly struggle with a tiresome sense of insecurity. His last statement along with the way he’d looked at her and her sister left her wondering if he was still talking about science and cooking or his growing affection for both of them. Since the book club, it was as if Keegan couldn’t help noticing Alexis whenever she appeared.

I don’t want to have to compete with my sister, she thought.

She glanced sidelong at Alexis, who looked like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine. She’d adjusted to the fashion sense of America far better than Sadie had.

Letting her eyes fall to her own simple pink t-shirt, she let out a silent and tired sigh. The effort of battling for his attention was exhausting, yet she had too much pride to play the game the way Alexis did. Never would she stoop so low as to dress provocatively and gain his love with her body.

“Speaking of science, there’s a great movie in town,” Alexis said. “Any takers?”

“Sure. What movie?” Keegan said.

“Frat House Party.”

Sadie shook her head. “What does that have to do with science?”

With a quick back shove of her chair, Alexis rose and let her fork fall into her plate with a loud clang. “Nothing, little sis. I was just trying to segue out of all this dull academic talk.” She flashed Keegan an apologetic grin then returned her irritated grimace to Sadie. Clenching her teeth, she hissed, “Get off my back.”

Tension in the house had never ceased rising, and it had reached an all-time high. Between Alexis’ tornado effect on the house and her blatant seduction attempts on Keegan, Sadie had come to find living with her intolerable, but she was yet to find an alternative to their living arrangement.

Then again, she knew her meticulous and orderly ways could at times be annoying. Towels in the bathroom had to hang just right. Jars and bottles had to be properly aligned in the pantry. Bills and bank notices had to be filed in a precise manner.

After months spent trying to get Alexis to understand her method and after pointing to every little thing Alexis left hanging around the house, Sadie had only recently decided to just shut up and clean up.

“I’m going to go splash cool water on my face, change into something hot and meet you guys out by the car.” Alexis strutted out and slammed her bedroom door behind her.

“She’s got quite a temper,” Keegan said.

Sadie piled the dinner dishes one atop the other and brought them to the kitchen counter. Her own temper was flaring up and she had to bite down to control it.

“I guess it mustn’t always be easy to live with a sibling.” He’d come up behind her and wrapped his strong arms around her.

A smile instantly erased all the angst her sister so easily created. Keegan’s arms were warm, his hold tender despite the enormous strength he had. He brushed his lips across her temple, gently groaning his hunger for her. “I would have given anything to have a brother,” he murmured.

While her tiny fingers worked to lace through his, she glanced back at him. “I guess I should learn to appreciate her more.”

“People come and go in your life, but a sibling is there forever.”

Forever. The thought wasn’t comforting at all.

Keegan helped clean up the rest of the dinner mess while Sadie quickly freshened up for their outing. Hand in hand they headed out to the truck to wait for Alexis. Twenty minutes later she emerged, smiling and oblivious of how long she’d kept them waiting.

Sadie’s mouth opened in disbelief and she heard Keegan give off some strange animalistic groan of appreciation.

Wearing a black skintight cat suit, her every curve was explicitly and enticingly displayed. Cut in a daringly low V-neck, the laced bodice, with its web of satin ribbon that began at her navel, was cleverly left as wide as was permitted, exposing the weight of her breasts. Her four-inch spike heels added length and definition to her already shapely legs and her heavy make-up, dramatic and fiery, emphasized the danger she sought. With catlike precision, Alexis took long, slow strides down the walkway. Her lips, dark and glossy, parted in hunger then spread into a sultry grin, while her tongue visibly rolled along her teeth. She’d pulled back her dark hair, letting it fall down her back in a sheen of black velvet. She looked every bit the vampire seductress that she was.

“You look great, Alexis,” Keegan offered as she got in.

All Sadie could do was bite her lip and stare out her passenger window. She felt virtually invisible, shadowed in Alexis’ brilliant spotlight. Then she felt the warmth of Keegan’s hand over hers and turned to him.

His eyes steadily on hers, he brought her palm to his mouth and pressed his lips to her skin, mouthing, “You’re exquisite.”

They drove off and barely made it to the theater in time for the seven o’clock showing. Seated firmly between her sister and her boyfriend, Sadie enjoyed the movie, letting the silliness of the comedy wash away the frustrations of the day.

“That was better than I thought,” Keegan announced as they walked out.

“Not bad,” Alexis conceded.

They stepped outside and Sadie immediately wrapped her arms around herself as the chill of the night air greeted them.

“Darn it,” she exclaimed. “I forgot my jacket. Wait for me here.”

8

A thrill shot through Alexis at the thought of a moment alone with Keegan. Though his love for Sadie was obvious, his attraction to her was also apparent. She’d seen the way he looked at her, the hunger in his eyes whenever she entered the room.

Her sweet little sister might have the makings for a proper wife, but Alexis could sense the passion and intensity in Keegan that could match Alexis’. He was like no human she had met, and each time she came near him, she wanted more of him...his scent, his touch, and his very soul.

“We’ll cut through here,” he suggested, pointing to the alleyway. They’d left his truck one street down and the alley offered a quick shortcut.

But only two steps in, the decision proved to be bloody.

A grimy shadow appeared from the darkness and stabbed Keegan without warning. Screeching in pain, Keegan grabbed his bleeding thigh and leaned back against the wall. The shadow moved in over him, eager for more blood.

Instantly, Alexis smelled the blood that gushed from Keegan’s wound and her eyes widened with hunger and anticipation. But his assailant had to be dealt with first. Before he could go in for the kill, she grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and threw him into the air.

While the young thug was airborne, she realized the excessive strength she’d displayed. Hopefully the cover of darkness would shadow the true goings on and Keegan wouldn’t be the wiser.

The young man landed head first, his head sounding very much like a large hard-boiled egg crashing to the floor.

Alexis turned her attention to Keegan and saw in his steady gaze just how much he’d seen of her ability. She’d shown too much, but there was no going back now. As he squeezed his leg just above his wound, his eyes remained on her, awed, impressed then afraid and confused.

Alexis sighed then cupped Keegan’s face turning his eyes to look into hers. “You will forget you saw me throwing the man. You will remember...” she smiled wickedly laying on the compulsion thickly, “how good I look, how much you want me, and how good we would be together...” With her eyes focused on the blood of his wound, Alexis controlled the hunger that threatened to take over. The sight of his blood excited her and a part of her was thrilled by the fear in his eyes.

It intensified as she approached and she saw him search, with hand and eyes, for some sort of weapon with which to defend himself.

Alexis inserted her finger into the last tab of her laced up satin ribbon and with a single flick of her wrist, pulled the length of ribbon free, further exposing her flesh. She delighted in Keegan’s cocked brow and knelt before him to make swift work of wrapping the length of satin around Keegan’s thigh. Blood stained her fingers as she worked, heightening her hunger.

Her breathing was labored, each intake of air bringing the tantalizing scent of nourishment to her nose. She licked her lips and contemplated tasting just a drop.

“This should slow the bleeding until we can get you to the hospital,” she said. One hand held onto the back of his injured thigh while the other clung to his healthy leg. With her face so close to the wound, she could almost taste him and her fangs slowly crept out in anticipation.

She rose to face him, slyly licking her fingers on the way. Her hunger for him intensified until she caught the strange look in his eyes.

It was as if he knew her. Not as Alexis. Not as Sadie’s sister. But he knew her, deep inside and with intricate precision. His hand took hers and held on, bringing her back to a time she’d almost forgotten. The softness of his skin, the firm grip of his fingers and the warmth that sent thrills throughout her body, all as Ashwin had once made her feel.

She leaned into him, wanting to feel more of the sensations the years had erased. In the dim light, she could almost see Ashwin’s features; his amused grin and fiery eyes. All that remained was the taste of his lips and the heat of his tongue.

His hands gripped her tiny waist, holding her close. His lips parted, hungry and prepared to devour.

Alexis was suddenly breathless and lightheaded. Her love for Ashwin rushed over her, drowning her with a need to be secure in his arms. She brushed her hand over his smooth cheek and brought her lips to the edge of his sharp jaw.

Her eyes caught on the movement of a shadow; a shadow that had come from the lit street, but had remained immobile since. Alexis wanted to ignore it. She wanted to fight it. This moment was too good and she’d waited so long to feel this much passion again. Right or wrong, she refused to relinquish the sensations her body played with.

But Keegan saw it too, and his control proved stronger than hers. His hold of her waist became firm where it’d been sensual and his intent to push her away was clear as his eyes focused on Sadie.

Alexis pulled out her cool veneer and backed away from Keegan before he could push her further.

“Your boyfriend was attacked by a mugger,” she quickly explained. She straightened up and backed away.

“We’ll get you to the hospital,” Sadie said. She scrutinized Keegan, looking into his eyes, looking for traces of Alexis’ handiwork.

Alexis knew Sadie suspected her of having already turned him. “Give me your keys.” She said forcefully to Keegan. “I’ll bring your truck around.”

Before walking away, she gripped Sadie’s arm and pulled her close. “I know what you're thinking. I’m not that vile a witch, Sadie. I didn’t touch him. I didn’t even lick the wound as I could have. I used my lace as a tourniquet instead. So stop with the sad doe eyes already.”

“Don’t even talk to me,” Sadie said, her soft voice filled with anger and hurt. “You’ve been trying to steal him away from me since day one, and now I’ve seen you’ve reached a new low – using compulsion to get him to kiss you! I thought we can be like sisters again...the way we were when we were human...at Stoker Manor, but I was wrong.”

“Is this what it’s about?” Alexis asked in disbelief. “Us moving here to Summerlin, trying to live with each other...like our own mini-coven...so you can feel human again?” Alexis chuckled. “Get this, little sister, we are vampires. We can’t be human no matter what we try. We couldn’t stand each other when we were human. What makes you think we can now? As vampires, our feelings are magnified tenfold. So, get this, Sadie, when we were sisters we fought for everything against each other. Now is no different. I want Keegan, and he will be mine.”

Alexis stormed off, leaving Sadie fuming. She meant what she said about Keegan...he will be hers. Keegan’s passion was young, untamed, virtually untried. There was an innocence about him that made his sexual energy all the more powerful. It was virile and difficult to contain.

Not since Lord Ashwin had she felt such power in a man. Not since centuries past had she met a man who could match her wit, her passion and her strength. Yet in all that strength and power there was something kind, soft and gentle. He had the makings of a fine gentleman. Perhaps the closest thing to nobility she would find in this new country.

But it was what Keegan held back that so intrigued her. A sense of quiet danger and pent up anger. No, Keegan was not simply the handsome student who so charmed her sister, and Alexis longed to learn of his full capacity. Good and bad. Sweet and bitter. Gentle and harsh. She wanted it all.

Her skin tingled at the thought of his blood. It wouldn’t take much. Not much at all to have him exploding with the full force of emotions. If only she could have more time alone with him. She’d seen how easy it was to awaken his passion. All she needed was to keep Sadie out of the way.

His lips had parted too hungrily and his eyes had surrendered to her.

Getting behind the wheel of his vehicle, she breathed in the musky scent of him. His masculinity pervaded the space and she was again caught up in the strong desire to be with him. He could be her own Mr. Darcy, the Lord Ashwin she’d lost, the love that had always eluded her. She saw in him the capacity to empathize and understand her, perhaps even more than Lord Ashwin.

She started the motor and drove into the tight alleyway, stopping in front of the loving young couple who now huddled close together. Keegan leaned heavily on Sadie as she led him to the passenger door.

8

Though his wound was substantial, Keegan still had to wait before being seen by a doctor. The triage nurse had cut an opening in his jeans and had stemmed the flow of blood with thick wads of surgical gauze that she’d temporarily taped to his leg before sending him to the crowded waiting room with a pair of old crutches.

Mothers holding crying and coughing babies, mingled with several elderly people who complained about the inexcusable wait. One young man sat staring at the floor, his arm in a sling and a patch over his eye.

“You may as well go home, Alexis,” Sadie was eager to point out as she took a seat next to Keegan. “There’s absolutely no sense in all three of us waiting here.”

Sadie saw the hesitation in Alexis’ eye, and the argument she was preparing. But there was no room for argument. Keegan was her boyfriend and she had every right to be here with him while Alexis was nothing more than an irritating appendage.

“Well.” Alexis gave a haughty tilt to her chin and glanced down at Sadie. “The night is young. I guess my time would be better served elsewhere.”

Sadie smiled as she watched her sexy sister walk away, but was quickly dismayed when she caught Keegan’s unwavering stare at Alexis. His hunger was clear and her heartache intensified. Why had she thought Keegan could love only her?

This was Lord Ashwin all over again.

She fought to keep her eyes dry, but was overwhelmed by the pain of loving him. Losing him to another girl was heartbreaking enough. Losing him to her own sister was unbearable.

His eyes remained on Alexis until she was completely out of view. Bringing his gaze back to Sadie, he was instantly shocked to see the tears that lined her eyes. Sorrow tugged at his lips as he dragged his thumb under her eye to catch a tear.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and while she felt his emotions in his embrace, she couldn’t quite define what emotions he actually felt. When he squeezed her tight, it wasn’t with the love she’d sensed before, it was with regret and remorse.

She was losing him and she felt helpless to stop it.

They held each other for a long while; him with his confusion; her with emptiness.

“Keegan Knowles.” The crackling voice called over the intercom. “Examination room six.”

Keegan got up and grabbed the crutches. “Coming?” he asked Sadie when she remained seated.

She shrugged, unable to find her voice. Though she wanted to be with him, she was reluctant to be present should he start to bleed heavily.

“I’d like you to be there,” he insisted.

Knowing he needed her was a small victory. She stood and followed him down the hall to the door marked six.

A nurse invited him to sit on an examination table and just as quickly left.

Silence barreled down on Keegan and Sadie, almost drowning them.

“Does it hurt?” she finally asked, if only to break the ungodly silence. She couldn’t imagine how the pain could even remotely compare with what she was feeling that very moment.

“Not as bad as when I dislocated my shoulder at last week’s game.”

She forced a tight smile, remembering how she’d held ice to his shoulder. He’d been so appreciative of her presence, thanking her repeatedly for being there for him. Then again, Alexis hadn’t been there to distract him.

After another tense moment, he reached for her hand and gave it a tight squeeze. With all the pain she felt, it was little consolation, but she clung to it. It was all she had. With Alexis’ uninhibited ways, Sadie felt she had nothing to battle with.

Her thumb played over his, and her gaze dipped to watch the dance of their digits. She couldn’t give him up; not without a fight. Not without trying. Not without showing him the passion she was capable of. Alexis might wear her passion for all to see, but Sadie’s passion was meant only for Keegan; only for intimate moments like this.

She leaned over him, bringing her face inches from his. “This isn’t over.” Bringing their intertwined fingers to his chest and squeezing his fingers tight, she leaned closer still and brushed her lips against his. He smiled, unsure and reluctant. When she pressed for more, urging his lips to part and welcome her tongue, he yielded with a soft moan.

His fingers tightened around hers and she felt the swell of passion fill him. The softness of his lips was replaced with urgency and hunger while his free hand ran through her hair, gripped the back of her neck and pulled her closer.

The heat that grew between them was intoxicating and Sadie soon forgot where they were. She was with him, in his embrace and that’s all that mattered. He held her, tight and with conviction. It was all she wanted from him.

Their tongues tasted and teased. Their lips puckered and nibbled. And their hands... He released his hold of her fingers and slowly traced a line up the curve of her waist and over her breast. She shivered, gasped and fought to stay upright as her knees faltered.

When Keegan began to kiss his way to her jaw and down her neck, her eyes shot open. The touch of his lips over the thin skin that protected her pounding artery was at once alarming and exciting and the thought of skimming her own lips over his neck filled her.

What would he taste like? How wonderful would it be to completely melt into him and share in his blood.

She arched her back, surprised by her own abandon. He leaned into her, pressing her closer. Their mouths met again sending waves of pleasure through her. Sensing her urgency, he deepened the kiss until she had practically crawled on top of him. She was lost in the kiss, relishing his taste until she felt her fangs grow. In a flash, she bolted away from Keegan and out the door, leaving him breathless, confused, and frustrated.

Chapter 14

The night she’d left Sadie and Keegan at the hospital, Alexis had gone hunting with a vengeance. Her hunger was insatiable and she’d only returned home in the early hours of the morning.

Though exhausted by her late night activities, she resisted going to bed, hoping to see Keegan arrive. Judging by the cute little outfit her sister put on first thing that morning, she was expecting a visit from him as well.

“Did you have time to go hunting after the hospital last night?” Alexis asked, trying to cut through the growing tension.

“Barely,” Sadie said. She opened her school bag and set her books in a neat pile on the table. Once her pencils, pens and erasers were all aligned she glared at her sister. “But I’m sure you drank enough for both of us.”

“I was quite reasonable,” Alexis lied. She’d be anything but reasonable. Whether it was her hunger for Keegan or her irritation with Sadie, something had triggered an increased desire to feed and feed again.

“I know what your idea of reasonable is.”

8

By that evening, it was clear that Keegan wouldn’t be coming around. Sadie was already preparing to go out feeding and thought the tension between them had remained throughout the day, Alexis wanted to go along with her.

As they’d always done, they tracked down criminals for their prey. This night led them to a kindergarten teacher who’d been accused of kidnapping young children for the purpose of making kiddy porn.

Alexis felt particularly eager about this one. Not only was her hunger more intense than ever, this victim was the vilest creature they’d hunted down since arriving in California.

Easy to track down, they’d stormed into his miserable little apartment while he’d busied himself uploading his latest production. Sadie vomited as she caught a glimpsed of the image on his screen.

Alexis pulled him out of his chair and threw him to the floor.

“Hey, what the...?”

“Let’s see what you can do with someone your own age,” she hissed.

The pig gave her the once over and licked his lips. “Whatever you want, babe.” He stood, his hands clawing at the air before him as he approached her.

She slapped him, sending his head reeling back further than any human’s should.

“You like it rough, you slut?” He reached out again grabbing her wrist.

Never one to enjoy losing control of a situation, Alexis felt rage and indignation at his touch. How dare the vermin lay his hand on her?

He jerked her forward, bringing her nose-to-nose with him. Alexis smiled sweetly just a second before she ripped his head to the side and sank her fangs into his throbbing vein.

His scream was a gurgle that slowly ebbed away until only the occasion bubble of saliva could be heard popping at the corners of his mouth.

After Sadie had done her best to stop his latest movie from making it to the web, she joined the feast. It took only a short amount of time for her to be sated.

“Come on, we need to leave.” She got to her feet, clapping her hands free of his filth with disgust.

Alexis, still famished and weak from need, clung to her victim wanting more.

“I’m going to go see if there isn’t any more vile material lying around and then we’re out.”

Alexis nodded, but while Sadie was in the other room, the blood stopped flowing. Stunned, Alexis bit deeper, searching for more. Unwilling to believe she’d drained him dry, she tried again and again.

When Sadie emerged from the bedroom, she rose. “All done.” She swiped her arm across her mouth and was quick to head to the door and lead the way out before Sadie could check on the man. As they emerged on the forgotten streets of the quaint little beach town, Alexis repeatedly passed her fingers over her lips.

She’d drained. It was the one thing about being a vampire that she’d always managed to control whether it was because of Sadie’s influence or an innate instinct not to drain. Despite her reckless reputation, she’d always been able to stop herself; to feel satisfied after a relatively small amount of blood.

She hoped her little sister didn’t see the difference in her, but she knew that if she drained a person to the point of death, it was the worse way of killing the person. Vampires who do, have succumbed to the most base of their darkest nature, thus becoming killers...Strigois.

But as weeks passed, the change became more and more evident. She wanted to deny it and did everything she could to keep it from Sadie. Her time at the house had greatly diminished as she spent all her time roaming the streets, even venturing to neighboring towns for prey. And though Sadie often questioned her with a glimmer of suspicion in her eye, the vague explanation Alexis offered seemed to satisfy her.

Vague memories of lessons on vampires returned to her. She remembered reading about Strigoi vampires from Romanian myths. The more blood they drank, the stronger the cravings became. It was exactly what she was going through and she didn’t know how to stop it.

One early morning, as she finally made her way back home after a night of draining one criminal after the other, she looked at her reflection and was horrified. Her eyes glowed more than ever, visibly red and betraying the nature of her identity.

Fear automatically had her wanting to run to Sadie to confide what was happening to her. But concern for her little sister won out. Sadie mustn’t find out that she’d become an insatiable killing machine. Soon the city would run out of criminals. And who would she feast on then?

Chapter 15

Class was about to begin and Keegan still hadn’t arrived. Sadie glanced at Ro for the fourth time, silently asking if she knew of any problem. Ro shrugged and looked up at the huge clock on the wall. Another minute left.

Keegan usually arrived at school long before Sadie, most often waiting for her by her locker. She’d missed seeing him that morning, missing the touch of his hand on hers. These past weeks, she bit down on the number of questions that dogged her. Since their passionate embrace at the hospital, Keegan had been too gentle in his touch, at times almost platonic. She feared her intense passion might have scared him off.

She longed for an explanation, even if it did turn out to be what she dreaded the most; his love for Alexis. At least then she’d know where she stood.

Now she was suffocating in some unbearable limbo that had her constantly analyzing Keegan’s every move.

That quirky smile meant he cared for her. That deep frown meant he was thinking of something he didn’t want to share with her; most likely Alexis. The touch of his hand was a good sign; he still wanted her. But the lack of warmth in his kiss indicated something else; his ever growing distance. His hugs held more resignation than affection and it was slowly tearing her apart.

And the look in his eyes. Though concern was often there, chagrin and regret always overpowered it.

“Well now, class,” Mrs. Beranski barked as she reached for the door.

Keegan ran in, squeezing through just before Mrs. Beranski could completely shut the door. Sadie smiled at him, but he barely seemed to notice. He looked past her, through her. Baffled, Sadie tried a small and discreet wave as he walked between the rows of desks, passing right by her, but he staunchly ignored her.

Tears sprang instantly to her eyes and she searched for what she’d done wrong. What had she said the last time they’d seen each other? What had she done?

Had he been offended when she said football bored her? Had she insulted him by not eating a meal he’d prepared for her? Or had Alexis finally gotten to him and he could no longer even bare to look at Sadie?

Mrs. Beranski was a blur at the front of the class and her lesson an incomprehensible buzz of chatter. Only when she filed through the row of desks did Sadie manage to focus. She turned, following Mrs. Beranski’s movement until she spotted Keegan seated at the back of the class.

He was livid and, he too, seemed unable to concentrate on the lesson. Sadie stared at him, trying to draw his gaze to her. Not once did he bat an eye or even glance her way. Staring for as long as she could without drawing the attention of Mrs. Beranski, Sadie finally had to turn to the front of the class when her teacher resumed her desk.

Two minutes were left to the class. Two interminable minutes before Sadie could hear Keegan out. Her pencils and pens were all zipped up in their neat little case and her books were closed, piled neatly on the corner of her desk just waiting to go.

The second the bell rang, she grabbed her things and bolted from her seat, heading to the back of the class.

“Damn it.” She caught a fleeting glimpse of Keegan as he slipped out the back door.

Shoving students aside, she rushed out of the class. He was already clear down the hall, running as if a linebacker would tackle him any second. Sadie picked up the pace, running with the respectable speed of a trained athlete. But still Keegan was putting more space between them. She added just enough speed to catch up with him without attracting too much suspicion from the other students who jostled their way through the crowded halls.

Keegan exited through the door that led to the student parking lot. By the time she reached it, he was already throwing his backpack into the back seat of his SUV. With the parking lot deserted, Sadie doubled her speed and was at his side in a heartbeat.

“Keegan, where are you going?”

He got into the driver’s seat and jammed the key into the ignition. His face was unrecognizable when he turned to finally look at her. Sadie took a step back.

“Are you okay?”

His eyes were deep and hollow, blank as he stared lifelessly at her.

Reaching out to touch his shoulder, she shook him gently, hoping to get any kind of response. “Please, Keegan, you’re scaring me.”

“Death.”

“What?”

“There’s been a death.”

“Keegan, I’m so sorry. Please talk to me about it. Don’t go.”

“I thought I could come to school, but I can’t. I can’t be here right now.”

“But you can talk to me, Keegan. Please don’t shut me out. Not now.”

Lacking all the gentleness he’d always displayed, he pushed her out of the way and pulled the truck door shut.

“I’ve lost a close friend; a mentor.” He glared at her, his eyes searching for an answer yet filled with so much vehemence and hatred.

Sadie’s breath caught in her throat for a long moment and a dizzy spell took its hold of her. She understood the intensity of his pain, but couldn’t begin to comprehend the anger he directed at her.

“His lifeless body was found, drained of blood, his throat ripped apart by a vampire.”

Chapter 16

Sadie couldn’t remember ever feeling so self-conscious of being a vampire. She averted her gaze and wondered if her eyes had given anything away. His comment had come as such a surprise and she couldn’t help wonder if there was an accusation in there.

After one horrified moment, she brought her gaze back to him. Eager to convey how sad she was, she reached for his hand. “I’m so terribly sorry, Keegan.” She took it as a good sign when he didn’t recoil. “How do you know it’s a vampire?”

His eyes remained hard and angry. For a second Sadie felt certain he’d push her away again, but he suddenly softened and his fingers laced through hers.

“These weren’t the kind of puncture wounds you see so often in the movies. This was savage and ugly.”

“A werewolf, perhaps? I mean, look at our English teacher.”

“No,” he said with conviction. “It was a Strigoi vampire and the attack was well-planned. This wasn’t random.”

Sadie just barely knew about Strigois at all. How much did Keegan know about them?

“I know you're pretty strong for someone so petite and feminine, but be careful.”

He reached into the backseat of his truck and pulled out a wooden stake. “Here.” He held it out to her.

“What’s this for?” she asked innocently.

“Remember what I told you about vampires? You need to drive this through his heart. You’ll kill him that way.”

Her heart stopped a second as she took in the sharpened end of the stake. “How can you be sure it’ll work?”

“I’ve done it before.”

His gaze went directly to her soul. He may as well have come straight out and told her he knew she was a vampire. Then in an instant, his eyes closed, his hand snaked to the nape of her neck and he pulled her close to kiss her forehead.

“I’m sorry about the other night.” Though he remained so tantalizingly close to her, she could feel how far away he truly was. “As much as I wanted to, it was a good thing you left. I’m just not ready...for anything serious. I...”

“Is it because of Alexis?”

“No. It’s not you. It’s not her. It’s not any girl. I just can’t let myself get vulnerable.” He grimaced in pain and disgust. “Look what happened with my mentor...he took care of me for so long, raised me, and I let him down.”

Though deeply disappointed, Sadie offered him a gentle smile. “I understand. I know you’ve lost people you’ve loved, Keegan. The loss of your parents was no doubt devastating, and now your mentor. When I lost my parents I felt lost and didn’t know how I’d ever be able to live without them. But I had Alexis. Granted, I could have had a better, more supportive sibling, she is still family and I desperately need to have her in my life.”

Sadness filled Keegan’s eyes, but his jaw tightened with bitterness.

“You need someone in your life.” She cupped his cheek. “You can’t live this kind of pain alone. The grief you feel and the anger; you need to have someone to share it with; someone who’ll understand you.”

He tried to turn away, but she kept him from escaping her gaze. “Let me be the one you can turn to. Let me help you.”

After a quiet sigh, he took a hold of her shoulders and held back. “I love being with you and you're no doubt the girl I most enjoy being with. You bring out something in me that I thought had died. I’ve come to care for you so much, which is just another reason why I can’t allow you to get too close.”

“But, Keegan...”

He shook his head, refusing to hear her out. “I have obligations and I can’t let anything or anyone get in the way. I know you mean well, and I appreciate your concern, but I need to be alone to get through this.” His thumb played tenderly with the skin at her neck. “I can’t risk getting you involved, getting you injured. And now with my mentor gone, the danger will be increased.”

“I understand.” It was a ball-faced lie. She didn’t understand at all and wanted desperately to argue with him. She forced a smile, clinging to his admission that he cared about her.

That was worth something.

Reluctant to release him, she stepped closer and wrapped her arm around his waist while the hand at his cheek worked its way through his hair where it took a solid grip and pulled him closer.

She peppered his neck and cheek with kisses, reveling in the almost imperceptible release of his shoulders. He wanted her; she knew he did. His hold of her – his hand, his arms, his fingers – tightened and grew hard, but not with anger. His every touch was now filled with passion; hot, irresistible and filled with his need and pain.

Chapter 17

Keegan walked out of the funeral home with his head hung low. The service had been short and to the point. Few had been in attendance adding to Keegan’s chagrin. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt such pain.

Like a flash, the pain of hundreds of years prior stabbed at his heart. Yes. His parents’ death. The pain of losing them felt like a fresh wound.

As an eight-year-old boy, his love and adoration for his father had been immeasurable. And his mother; she’d been an angel with a sweet disposition and never a harsh word.

Keegan still remembered the day they were hired to tend to Stoker Manor.

“You're going to love it out here, son,” his father said. “The ocean air, the expansive and elegant home, and I’ve even heard the owners have two young ladies who live here.”

“Perhaps you’ll become friends.”

Keegan doubted it. At eight he had little interest in playing with girls, but the thought of the nearby ocean did appeal to him. Every morning, after helping his father in the stables, he ran to the thundering waves, reveling in their power.

Within weeks he knew every inch of the beach, as well as the immense grounds that surrounded the impressive manor. He loved life at Dorset; simple, easy and joyful.

“Keegan,” his mother called as he rushed into the hall and prepared to run to his room. With a broom in one hand and a dusty rag in the other, she gestured to the strange man standing beside her. “Dr. Franz appears to have lost his way. Would you be a good boy and show him to his room in the west wing?”

The man was imposing, in an awkward way. Keegan hesitated just a moment, sizing up the funny-looking man. He had an old leather briefcase in one hand and a monocle that added asymmetry to his already lopsided face.

“I’d greatly appreciate it, young man.” His eyes were intelligent and he had a way of looking at Keegan as though he were an older and more responsible boy than he actually was. “Perhaps a sixpence would make you a little more eager.”

Keegan’s eyes fixed onto the coin in the doctor’s hand. Pulling back his shoulders and marching off like a little man with a mission, he led the strange man to the opposite end of Stoker Manor.

“As promised.” Dr. Franz dropped the coin in Keegan’s hand when they reached the door to the good doctor’s room.

With the coin heavy in riches in his nubile hand, Keegan turned to skip away, visions of the delights he would treat himself to already filling his head.

“Perhaps I’ll see you again during my stay,” Dr. Franz called out.

Keegan stopped and turned to the man. Though he politely bowed and grinned, he couldn’t imagine the circumstances in which he would see the doctor again.

8

That night Keegan’s sleep was troubled. He could hear sounds from the distance and none of them made sense. Screaming and hollering as though it were midday. A loud roar that was neither man nor beast. The heavy fog of sleep was long in releasing him and when he finally opened his eyes, the distant screams began to make sense.

His room was clouded in smoke and when he rushed to his tiny window to get air, he saw the flames that spilled out of so many windows. Struggling to get his window open, he squinted and coughed, eager to get fresh air into his lungs.

When it refused to budge he ran to the door and threw it open. The flames in the hall were quick to push him back into the room. Reaching to the high ceiling the inferno engulfed the corridor, leaving no escape route.

Panic gripped him and he wanted to call out for his mother, but he reached for his bed sheet, wrapped it about him and slid under the bed. With his eyes shut tight to keep the charring smoke from burning and his fingers plugged soundly into his ears to keep the ungodly sounds from haunting him, he curled up and waited.

On the threshold of consciousness, Keegan said a prayer.

“Keegan.”

For a moment Keegan remained motionless. Had God responded so soon?

A claw-like hand reached under the bed and gripped Keegan’s nightshirt. “Get out from under there.”

Barely able to see through the thick cloud of smoke, Keegan made out the unusual features of Dr. Franz.

“Let’s get you out of here.”

Keegan blacked out before they reached the threshold of the door and awoke in the cool early morning air. His face was in the grass, dew licking away the soot that clung to his lips and nostrils. His lungs still ached, but every breath left him stronger. He focused his eyes on the dark shadow sitting beside him.

“Father?”

Dr. Franz turned to him. “I’m sorry, but I was unable to save your parents.”

Tears sprang to Keegan’s eyes, rinsing away remnants of burning smoke, but also carrying so much pain. How could something like this have happened? Anger quickly replaced the pain and he wanted to retaliate. The manor was modern and meant to house the rich. It should have had the means of controlling such an inferno.

“What happened? How could this have happened?”

“Vampires stormed the manor late last night. They attacked and killed many residents, including your parents. They then set the manor ablaze.”

The news was too much of a shock. The thought of his parents dying in a fire was something he could wrap his head around. But to think they’d been attacked by vampires, left him filled with rage.

“I understand your anger, Keegan. To lose someone you love to these retched creatures is unbearable, certainly for someone so young.”

Keegan sat up and took in his surroundings. High on a cliff that overlooked the ocean, the remnants of smoke could barely be seen in the distance. How had the doctor been able to save him? Had he dragged him this far? These questions tickled his brain, but there was only one question he truly needed an answer to. “What will become of me now?”

Dr. Franz ruffled Keegan’s hair. “I was fond of you from our very first meeting. I felt an instant kinship to you. In light of what has happened, that kinship has only intensified.”

Through the weight of the pain that clung to his heart, Keegan felt a wave of relief sweep over him. The thought of an orphanage scared him beyond reason, and though the kind doctor seemed a tad odd, Keegan felt safe in his presence.

“Have you heard of Blood and Bones?” Dr. Franz asked after a long and thoughtful silence.

Keegan shook his head and looked expectantly at the doctor.

“They are a sect of vampire hunters. Their mission is to kill all vampires. With what has happened, I’m sure you can understand why.”

“I’d like to help.”

Dr. Franz cocked a brow as a crooked grin warped his lips. “I thought you might.”

8

His years spent at Dr. Franz’s side taught Keegan a lot. If anything the student had almost surpassed the teacher, with Keegan often getting Dr. Franz out of a tight spot.

Hunting vampires had become Keegan’s way of working through the pain and the loss of his parents. With every vampire that died at his hand, he felt his parents’ death was avenged that much more.

They had drained his parents of blood and he now reveled in doing everything possible to stop them from taking another life.

Dr. Franz had taught him well and Keegan’s abilities with a stake were well known. Few vampires escaped Keegan’s clutches once he’d tracked them down. His reputation soon had him feared by the blood sucking society and revered by the many members of Blood and Bones.

Walking through the streets of London, Keegan felt pride in his accomplishments, but also the seeming futility of killing a beast that so readily reproduced. For every vampire Keegan staked, dozens were born. Dr. Franz never failed to lift his spirits and encouraged him to continue with his work, and today Keegan felt he greatly need to talk to his mentor.

Each step brought him closer to the office the doctor had set up as a front. His hands fisted with nervous energy and he tried to shake the sense of doom that had awakened with him.

London had had a sudden rash of brutal murders bringing the hunters to the large city. Rumor had it Strigoi vampires were on a rampage. While Keegan had had his share of run-ins with the most vicious of all vampires, the thought of so many running wild in London left him apprehensive.

Reaching out for the door to the doctor’s office, Keegan’s instincts took over. Before he’d even pushed the door open he knew something was wrong. He rushed in, prepared for battle, but what he came upon left him shocked and frozen in place.

Dr. Franz lay in a heap in the corner of the front hall while Skars Svengaard stood over him, relishing the pain he’d inflicted. With unhurried moves, the most vile of all Strigois turned to Keegan.

“Well, well. Has the little boy come to save his mentor?” His grin was lined with dark blood. He gave a quick kick to the doctor’s leg. “I think you might be a bit too late.”

“The little boy is now a man of eighteen, Skars.” Though Keegan’s voice sounded strong and self-assured, he wanted to retch. He took a step closer.

Not only had Skars fed off Dr. Franz, but he’d visibly tortured him. His eyes were two swollen mounds of blue flesh while his lip had been cut and now hung open, exposing his teeth and gums and leaving the doctor with a perpetual grimace.

Though the largest of the bloodstains was at his neck, his slacks, shirt and even socks had splotches that indicated small cuts over the doctor’s entire body.

Ready to pounce on the strong vampire, Keegan stopped when a strangled and gurgling sound came from the doctor.

“Well, look at that.” Skars smirked. “The good doctor still has a few breaths left. How would you like to stay and witness how I drain the very last drop from your mentor’s aging and twisted body?”

Keegan fisted his hands as he took another step closer. He glanced down at his tortured friend. He needed medical attention fast.

“No doctor will be able to save him, Keegan.” Slowly threading his fingers together, Skars took a step toward Keegan and held his clasped hands up to point at him. “The remaining drops of blood that course through his veins will not keep him until he can be examined.”

Tears threatened to make their way to his eyes, but Keegan refused to give Skars the satisfaction.

“Your stoicism is admirable.” Skars snickered as he took another step closer. “Having lost your biological father must have been painful enough. Now to have to watch your mentor, the man who brought you from a boy to a man, the man who gave you a purpose in life, lose his last life’s blood must tear you apart.”

“I’ve grown accustomed to living with pain.”

“And what if I were to alleviate that pain?”

Keegan resisted the urge to ask how.

“I’ll spare your mentor and will breathe life back into him.”

The price would be high; of that Keegan had no doubt.

“Let’s have an exchange, shall we?” Skars asked. “We both want one thing – vampires destroyed. I want certain ones to be, and you are going to help me...”

8

Though the hundreds of years had passed, Keegan maintained his youthful, eighteen-year-old appearance. Dr. Franz was made immortal, too. In exchange for Dr. Franz’s life, they were made immortal, not as vampires, but humans. But Keegan would serve the vampire he hated most – Skars as his immortal hunter. There was something about Keegan that rendered vampires to lose their vampire instincts when they were around him...all except Skars and Strigoi vampires. Skars could use that to his advantage in ridding the world of his vampire enemies. When Dr. Franz suggested coming to Summerlin, Keegan was reluctant. Leaving Europe seemed like a betrayal.

“You're the one who made a pact with Skars,” Dr. Franz reminded him. “He wants death to all vampires who could diminish his powers.”

“Yeah, but hunting good vampires feels like such a waste of my time, of my abilities.”

“There’s no such thing as a good vampire, Keegan,” Dr. Franz said.

“Well, a less vicious vampire.”

“Delilah has been at the top of Skars’ list for centuries. Now that he’s tracked her down, he wants her. Not only is she a good vampire, but she’s strong... and that’s why Skars wants to get rid of her.”

The beach community was a far cry from the life Keegan had known in London. Becoming accustomed to the high school he had to attend added to his initial discomfort. But being in school afforded him a good cover, and he had heard Delilah sometimes taught art at this school. Months he spent trying to see when she would turn up, but as if she knew to stay away, she never did.

But now as he distanced himself from the funeral home, the pain of his loss was heavier on his shoulders than it had ever been. He was alone. Battling the seemingly endless stream of vampires had been a daunting task with Dr. Franz as mentor.

The knowledge that he now stood at the helm both invigorated and frightened him. Would he be able to live up to the legacy of Dr. Franz?

Alone in this strange country, did he have what it took to rid the world of vampires?

Chapter 18

Alexis avoided her reflection. Every storefront cast a vile image; a woman she barely recognized and one she wanted to look at less and less, despite the human beauty that still clung to her features. Her intense and frequent feedings, constant hunting and insatiable thirst for blood had left her barely human.

Her hunger led her to risky hunting practices and feeding grounds where the chances of being caught were high. Though aware of the increased risks, she forged on, intent on her next victim; next meal. If anything the thrill and the danger of it all heightened her senses and intensified the satisfaction of each kill.

A thread of logic remained somewhere in the recess of her mind, telling her to gain control of these frenzied feedings before things got out of hand. It was also this thread of logic that kept her from sharing this transformation with her sister. But the thread seemed about to break. Alexis could feel it.

It seemed no matter how many victims she drained, no matter how many pints of blood she ingested, it was never enough, and that thought alone concerned her.

8

This was the part of town tourist never visited, Keegan thought. At least not intentionally. The buildings were run down beyond habitable. More windows were boarded up than glassed, and the few that still held their panes were cracked and broken. Stoops were filthy and falling apart, and the people who loitered around fit in perfectly with their surroundings. In this part of town, the streets were filled with people who’d found a way of life society just didn’t approve of.

But this was where Keegan felt certain a particularly vicious vampire hunted; the same vampire who’d killed Dr. Franz. Was Dr. Franz out stalking this vampire when he was viciously killed? Keegan had traced a line of victims with similar wounds down to these very streets. If this vampire maintained the same practices, he would be here tonight.

Prepared for an intense battle, Keegan knew he would be up against a strong force, stronger than any he’d ever come up against. This had to be a powerful vampire. Dr. Franz wasn’t an easy target and with the years of experience the good doctor had, getting to him couldn’t have been accomplished by a rookie bloodsucker.

No. This vampire had been around for a good long while. And the way Dr. Franz’s throat had been torn apart told of the ravenous hunger this vampire lived with. Few vampires ever left such messy remnants of their handiwork.

As he walked with strong and confident strides, Keegan held his head high and avoided eye contact as much as he could. All eyes were on him as he made his way down the street, heading to a popular drug dealer’s digs. Some sneered and one old man actually spat on him.

“Get out of here, pretty boy. There’s no room for guys like you out here.”

Keegan only grinned. Dr. Franz had raised him a gentleman and it was evident in his stance and stride. He’d always carried himself with importance, something many people didn’t understand and appreciate in the form of a man so young. Trying to fit in was useless and he’d given up years ago trying to melt in with the people he often came across on these hunts.

After all, when it came to a hunt with a solid lead, he was usually in and out, his business done in a quick and efficient manner before returning to the serenity and quietude of home.

Turning into an alley he approached the door that was slightly obscured by a pile of trash cans and an old mattress stained with urine. A low groan followed by the sound of punctured skin came from further down the darkened alley.

His hair on end, Keegan saw the vampire in the distance, hunched over an elderly homeless man. Blood pumped fiercely through his veins at the thought of a kill. The anger and pain of Dr. Franz’s death added to his urgent need to rid the world of one more vampire.

Every step he took had him analyzing the situation more and more closely. The vampire was small and slight, delicate in its way of attacking, despite the obvious penchant for wild and animal-like movements.

This would be easy and would only warm him up for the real hunt to come.

He readied his stake, gripped it tightly in his hand and he rushed to the hunched figure. Raising his hands high above his head, he anticipated driving the stake deep into the vampire’s back, piercing the heart and killing it. The thought alone was euphoric.

Despite its intense feeding, the vampire rose and turned to face Keegan, blood dripping to the ground from its chin.

“Alexis,” Keegan gasped. The shock of seeing her paralyzed him and it took him a few moments to collect his thoughts. Throughout the years he’d been surprised to learn of acquaintances that’d been turned. It was a frequent happening and as a novice hunter, he’d been fool often, meeting people who had a semblance of a normal life, some even saintly and pious. He’d long ago learned that vampires came in many different styles and sizes.

But he had not suspected Alexis; not at all. She was warm and tanned. She walked in the sun without effects, and she had a heartbeat. She seemed so human, unlike the other vampires he had known. Was he that smitten by Alexis that he refused to see any signs of vampirism in her? That thought alone shocked and scared him. For all the times he’d been with her, and for the occasions he’d actually been close, so close, how could he not have known?

She stared at him, wide-eyed with bloodstained lips parted. Her fangs were long and menacing, ready to continue feeding. “You?” Her eyes darted to the stake in his hand, his arsenal of vampire hunting weapons at his belt and his duster.

“It all makes sense now,” Keegan said in a strangled and unsure voice. Never had he been so shaken by the discovery of a vampire. “You’re undead. I can’t believe I didn’t see it. You play the game very well.”

Keegan thought he saw a moment of fear in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced with anger and determination. Her chin took on a haughty tilt. “I certainly didn’t suspect you were a hunter, and certainly not one who would be able to sneak up on me as readily as you managed. I’m rather astute, you know.”

“I’ve no doubt.”

“Granted I’ve always found you were fast and undeniably strong, but despite that you seemed, well, too...” Her lips curled into a sultry grin. “... pure to be a hunter.”

“I’ve had years of training; hard training by a master. I’m very good; better than any other hunter out there.”

An eerie chuckle rumbled from deep in her throat while her eyes roamed over every inch of him. There was hunger in her eyes, but whether it was a hunger for his blood or hunger for the man he was, he couldn’t quite tell. “I’ve no doubt. But I warn you, my dear Keegan, I, too, have had years of being what I am. It’s amazing what a few hundred years of practice can do to a girl.”

Keegan swallowed, afraid to ask what he needed to know, though in his heart he already knew the answer.

Alexis’ eerie chuckle exploded into a full on cackle, evil and spiteful. It filled the alley and echoed with vengeance. “Yes, Keegan,” she said with relish. “Sadie has been turned as well. Aren’t you the lucky boy? You’ve hit upon two sisters who not only have your heart confused and searching for the right answers, but they’re vampires as well.”

The stake almost fell from his numbed fingers. He may as well have driven it into his own heart for all the pain he felt. He cursed himself for having allowed his heart to open to anyone. Hadn’t the years taught him that?

Sadie. The image of when he’d last seen her came to him. Sweet, caring and with a heart of gold. But she fed on human blood. There was no way she could deny that aspect of who she was; of what she did to survive. She dug her fangs in like any other vampire and sucked blood to fulfill her and keep her alive.

The pleasure he now saw in Alexis’ eyes added to the pain of this deception. “She was turned at the same time as I, by the same vampire. As a guest of Stoker Manor he took a liking to us both.” She winked, naughty and inviting. “Of course I enticed him more than my saintly sister. Don’t think her puritan ways are anything new and just for you. If anything she was more annoying back then than she is now. But her saintly ways did manage to entice that handsome Lord nonetheless. When our home was ravaged by fire, he saved us from certain death. He turned us.”

“Our parents died that night...” A soft feminine voice came from beside Keegan. Sadie emerged from the shadows, her sad eyes taking in the awkward scene with uncertainty.

Alexis’ laughing eyes instantly narrowed into two incensed slits. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be studying, cleaning or whatever it is you do when you lock yourself up in that little house of yours?”

Sadness for her sister played on Sadie’s serene features. “Didn’t you think that I would suspect something was going on with your constant outings? I tracked you down here. Though I suspected something serious was happening to you, I wanted to see for myself just how low you’d gone.”

Keegan wanted to clutch at his heart to stop the pain. He had a stake in his hand and two beautiful vampires who... It hurt too much to think about the emotions that had built up for Sadie. He’d fallen for her more than he had even dared admit to himself, and now he was paying the price. He should have put two and two together...Stokers...the sisters were the same sisters from the manor...but he refused to believe they were. They couldn’t be...couldn’t be the same girls, unless they were immortal like he was or vampires...

“I’m so sorry you found out this way, Keegan.” Sadie took a tentative step closer to him. Her eyes looked as pained as he felt. “I wish I had told you myself. I want to, but there was never a time; never a way.”

“Stoker Manor.” Keegan mumbled through the haze of confusion. “The fire.”

Both girls looked at him curiously.

“Keegan, are you all right?”

“Hungry and looking for work, my parents left Ireland and traveled through many cities before finding employment in Dorset. I remember that huge home. It was a fascinating place to play hide and seek. Thrilling and frightening.” In his mind’s eye, he saw the ocean front manor in all its splendor. “My father tended to the extensive stables while my mother cleaned the guests’ rooms.”

“You were at Stoker Manor?” Sadie took a step back, the announcement visibly shocking her. “But that was...”

“For a few weeks, yes.” He looked at her, trying to remember the two young daughters of the owner. He had only a vague memory of two lovely teenagers. The rest, even their names, he had block from memory. “While you were saved by a vampire that night, I was saved by a hunter; Dr. Franz.”

The girls exchanged bewildered glances.

“I’d met him that day as he’d settled into his room. Only later did I learn of his reason for his stay at Stoker Manor.”

“He was looking for a vampire.” Sadie offered. Her hands clasped and unclasped nervously as she looked to him.

Keegan nodded.

“I remember him very well,” Sadie went on. “An odd little man who seemed frighteningly determined to get to this murderous vampire. He’d even questioned us and he’d been rather belligerent about it. But I don’t remember you.”

“I was just a little boy. I’d just turned eight when we arrived in England.”

“If you were with the help, there was little chance I would have noticed you, no matter how old you were,” Alexis threw in with a haughty tilt of her chin.

Keegan eyed the girls with increased anger. “The owners, Stokers if I remember correctly, were abetting him.”

“They were doing nothing of the sort. They were completely unaware of...”

“My parents died because of your parents’ ignorance and stupidity.” His eyes hardened as he recalled his pledge to avenge his parents’ death. That elusive vampire was first on his list, but anyone related to the Stokers also deserved his wrath. “Someone has to pay for what your parents put so many people through. And for what? A few shillings?”

“Keegan, it wasn’t like that at all,” Sadie argued. “We didn’t know he was...”

In unison, the girls approached him. While Sadie’s empathy was clear in her saddened eyes, Alexis’ concern for him was more reserved.

“I’m so terribly sorry, Keegan,” Sadie said.

“I as well.” Alexis’ voice showed as much warmth as her condition allowed.

He recoiled, refusing to allow the girls to get too close. “Sorry for what?” he spat. “That your parents are murderers? That you are the result of the very man Dr. Franz wanted to capture?”

Sadie hurried to get closer, her eyes filled with love and concern. “Keegan, we were young girls. We weren’t responsible for anything that happened that night.” She snaked her hand around his neck and leaned into him, crushing her breasts against his chest.

“I’m so sorry about this,” he said in a hushed tone that was filled with remorse and regret. He raised the stake, knowing in his breaking heart what he had to do. In that flash of a moment, Sadie looked up at him and her fangs sprouted the moment her eyes caught on the stake.

The sight made him want to retch. The fresh beauty of her face, the tender curl of her lips, all marred and made ugly by inhuman fangs that rendered her no better than the wildest beast. How could he have fallen in love with a girl who represented everything he loathed in the world? His head filled with confusion and his heart trampled beyond repair, he backed out of her hold and ran.

It would take him a while to take in all he’d seen that night. He had to drive past the pain and heartache and put himself to the task of killing them.

Forget about the girls who have played with your heart and deceivingly enticed you and tend to the killing of the vampires that they truly are, he ordered himself.

He promised himself he would do away with them. His heart would be set on a shelf and he would do what had to be done. Their next encounter would be better planned.

Death to the Stoker sisters was the only acceptable outcome.

Chapter 19

Her heart breaking and her head searching for ways to make it better, Sadie ran after Keegan. She’d only advanced a few steps when she felt the painful grip of her sister’s hand on her wrist.

“What are you doing? I have to stop him. I have to make him understand about me. This isn’t all I am. This isn’t all I have to offer. He has to see that there’s more to me than just being a vampire. Even if I have to use compulsion, I have to do something.”

Alexis’ eyes softened, something that rarely happened these days. “There’s nothing you can do for now. Let him think this through. He’s had too many shocks in too short a time. The death of his mentor and, in a sense, the death of the love he thought he had. Leave him be for a day or two.”

For once Sadie agreed with her sister.

“Did you know Dr. Franz had been his mentor?” Alexis asked.

“No, of course not. I never would have thought Keegan had ever been at Stoker Manor. But, now that I think about it, it might explain the instant sense of ease I felt from the very first time we met. It instantly felt as though we’d come from the same world; the same time.”

“To think that a sweet boy like Keegan could have been molded into an expert hunter by that vile little man who brought such pain and tragedy to our lives. And Keegan dares to blame us for the death of his parents. No doubt it is the very man who became his mentor who torched our beloved home and killed our parents. If anything, we should be the ones pursuing him for vengeance.”

“Don’t say things like that, Alexis. We don’t know what happened that night.”

Alexis grunted, but her hard glare told Sadie she knew exactly what had happened.

Sadie reached out to wipe the drying blood off her sister’s chin. “What have you been up to these past nights?” she asked.

“The usual. Cleaning up the mess this city continually spews out.”

“Dr. Franz was killed by a vampire.”

“So I gathered.” Alexis cast her reddened eyes to the side, avoiding Sadie’s gaze.

“Did you have anything to do with it?”

Alexis brought an offended hand to her heart. “Of course not,” she said with practiced indignation. “Unless he’d become one of the low-lives that trudge through these mean streets on a regular basis.”

“I think the pain of the loss is affecting Keegan more than I’d originally thought. He’s spent hundreds of years with him, training, learning and probably protecting him. Now the only person who has ever meant anything to him is gone.”

Alexis’ shoulders fell and she appeared ready to weep. Taking a step back, she leaned against the grimy wall of the alley then brought her hand up to inspect her chipped nails.

Sadie had seen this tactic many times before. It was Alexis’ way of hiding the pain she felt. Concentrating on her nails made her appear aloof and indifferent when all the while her heart ached.

“What is it?” Sadie asked.

“For the longest time I had dreams of mother and father. Dreams where they returned to hold me, console me and tell me that everything would be all right.” Alexis brought her frank and candid gaze to Sadie. “I know I’ve treated you shabbily over the years, little sister, but I’ve always been thankful to have you, even if you were miles away.”

Sadie hid her surprise. It was so unlike Alexis to make such an admission.

“I knew that somewhere in the world there was someone who knew me, who understood me. Someone who was like me. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have you. Keegan lost his parents at an earlier age than we,” she went on. “And now the only person in the world that was close to him is gone. It must be devastating.”

Touched by her sister’s empathy for Keegan, Sadie reached out to take her hand and give it an affectionate squeeze. Keeping a hold of her, she led her out of the alley and onto the unappealing street.

“You know,” Alexis said in a voice reminiscent of her pre-vampire days. “I saw the stake and I saw the determination in his eyes; the pain and the need to avenge. Though I’m not the one who is guilty of having killed his mentor, I was prepared to just stand there and...”

“You would have let him stake you?” Sadie was stunned by the admission.

Alexis nodded while a tear filled the corner of her eye.

“You love him that much?”

“I believe I do.” Alexis looked at Sadie. “I love him just as much as you do.”

Though her heart felt a twinge of pain, she understood her sister’s affections for Keegan. He was a joy to be with and easy to love. She couldn’t fault her sister for falling for him.

“I’m sorry, Sadie. I just realized how much Keegan reminds me of...”

“No,” Sadie cut in. She stopped at the corner of the street and looked straight into her sister’s eyes. “Don’t even say it. Keegan is nothing like Lord Ashwin. Nothing.”

Alexis looked away, her chin tilted up and her eyes narrowed with concentration.

“Are you listening to me?” Sadie hissed. She would never admit to her sister that the thought had crossed her mind a time or two, but she refused to acknowledge that fact, even to herself.

“Do you smell that?” Alexis tilted her nose to the breeze and turned to peer into the darkness.

Sadie followed Alexis’ gaze. In the distance a dark shadow slithered along in an inhuman fashion.

“A vampire?” Sadie whispered. The scent was oddly familiar and evoked strong memories from the distant past.

“Definitely.” Alexis grinned, her eyes displaying her anticipation of a confrontation with this new vampire. “Come out and show yourself,” she shouted.

Sadie held her breath as the shadow emerged from the alleyway. It was tall, masculine and strong. Even in the dark of the night she recognized him, though her head told her it was impossible.

He stepped into the light, the flash of a grin bringing her back to her days of innocence.

“Ashwin.” Time and place ceased to exist as she ran to him.

He looked just as fabulous as she remembered. Though dressed in modern slacks and button down shirt, he still carried that regal air that had always made him so enticing.

Her hands played on his chest as she sought proof that he was truly there. Was this her imagination? Her desperate need to connect to her past?

He wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close.

“How can you be here?” Alexis said as she slowly approached. “You were staked. I saw it. I saw you. How...?”

He reached out for her. Though she seemed reluctant at first, she quickly succumbed and greedily took a place under his arm.

“The only thing that matters is that I am here now. I have spent years searching for you and you’ve no idea how I’ve longed to see you again.”

Alexis’ hands were quick to rediscover him. She unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hand over his chest. Sadie saw the hunger in her eyes and felt her own desire for the handsome lord rise. How could one man touch them so deeply? Leave them both so hungry for the slightest touch?

As vampires she knew their senses were heightened, almost excruciating. But the hold Lord Ashwin had on them was like no other.

“It’s been far too long, Ashwin,” Alexis cooed. “What kept you from finding us?”

He chuckled, a sound that immediately brought Sadie back to those long strolls on the beach. With an arm wrapped securely around each girl, they walked down the street, leaving the misery and destitution behind as they approached their more palatable neighborhood.

“Let’s just say I was detained.” He looked lovingly into Alexis’ eyes and stroked her cheek with his thumb. “It’s a long and dreary tale.”

Alexis’ gaze was intent and burning as she looked at him. For all the love she’d claimed for Keegan, the strong emotions that were now obvious in her eyes far outshined any adolescent crush she had on anyone else but Ashwin.

“I’d almost forgotten how good it feels to touch you, Alexis. Your skin, your hair, the sultry softness of your lips.”

A seductive growl rose from deep within her, curving her lips into a hungry grin while her eyes narrowed with desire. “Being a vampire is a constant aphrodisiac. My senses are heightened, elevated to a degree that is almost painful at times. I could smell you, even at a distance. And I can taste you, feel you filling me.”

“Still the artful seductress, I see.”

A shiver of discomfort shook Sadie. Being so close to so much passion only emphasized her own confusing emotions.

As though sensing her malaise, Lord Ashwin turned to her and gave her a tight squeeze. “And you’ve remained the sweet, adorable and contemplative little sister.”

Sadie didn’t know whether to be flattered or offended. “Do you have a place to stay?” she asked, hiding as best she could how she felt.

“And just as hospitable as ever.” His eyes shined with mischief and joy. “Don’t tell me you’ve resurrected Stoker Manor.”

“Well, it’s no manor, but it certainly is enchanted,” Alexis cooed as she pet his chest.

“We’re renting a small home just a few streets down,” Sadie clarified.

“Well, I’m presently staying at a hotel.” Though his eyes remained on Sadie, she could tell that his focus was on the working of her sister’s hand. “Of course I would love to visit.”

“We’d be honored,” Alexis whispered loudly into his ear.

8

Lord Ashwin smelled the innocence and lack of politics as he entered their humble little home. The house lacked the darkness that often surrounded vampire’s dwellings. It seemed too... normal and human.

Do doubt that was Sadie’s touch. How hard had she constantly worked to counteract the effects of being a vampire? If anything, the home displayed an overemphasis of normalcy.

He gazed at her, as innocent and charming as she’d been the very first day he’d met her. Not an ounce of venom, hatred or vengeance. Just purity.

And Alexis. If anything the years had heated her passion, honed her seductive skills and made her all the more alluring and tempting.

“This is quite cozy,” he said as he glided in behind Sadie. “Very enchanting indeed.” He winked at Alexis.

The small house barely carried the scent of vampire. He gazed at them, astonished to see just how they’d remained so completely innocent all these years. They seemed entirely oblivious to the politics of vampirism. But the time for them to choose was now upon them.

Though they were clearly unaware of it, the time had come.

Chapter 20

“I’m going to go get out of these tatters and be back in a minute,” Alexis said, already pulling apart her shirt.

The moment she left the room Sadie felt Ashwin’s intent gaze on her. Her attraction to him was still there and the strong emotions, but there was something missing; something different.

He pulled her into his arms, his embrace hard and passionate. “I can’t believe how long it’s been, Sadie. Do you know what these years without you have been like? Not knowing where you are? How you are? The desire to hold you in my arms again almost drove me to the brink of insanity.”

She stared at him, wanting to believe him, wanting to feel his strong desire for her.

He kissed her, his lips instantly possessing her while his tongue slipped in to greedily taste her. “Now that you're a vampire, I don’t have to be so gentle. We can be together, Sadie. Finally together.”

Though she wanted to completely lose herself in his embrace, in his words, Keegan’s face came to her mind’s eye. She felt she’d finally discovered him. Knowing that he was a hunter explained so much; his incredible strength and speed. When he’d told her he couldn’t become involved with her, she’d been confused and a frustrated, but now it made sense.

As a hunter, the slightest distraction could result in his death. And if he was fighting vicious vampires like Strigois, his concentration had to be flawless. He had to remain focused on the task at hand.

The thought struck her suddenly, making her embrace of Ashwin all the more awkward and uncomfortable. While his hold was warm and his kisses passionate, something about him left her feeling odd; as though she was missing out on something.

Something was different about Ashwin. Of course years had passed and, just like Alexis and herself, there were no doubt he made adjustments in order to fit in with modern society. But it wasn’t just that.

Before she could figure it all out, Alexis emerged, freshly showered, smelling of sweet flowers and enticingly dressed in tight jeans and a clingy red tank top. Sadie barely had time to take a breath before Ashwin was releasing her and turning his attention to her sibling.

“I must say, Alexis, you sure do clean up well.”

“Why thank you, milord,” she said with her heavy British accent.

“This California setting suits you far better than Dorset ever did.”

“Don’t I know it?” She quickly resumed the American lingo she’d adopted.

“Can’t wait to see you out at the beach.” His tone was deep and hungry. “You have a body built for the sun, surf and bikinis.”

Alexis’ smile was triumphant. “You seem to be doing pretty well for yourself as well.”

Sadie felt like an outsider in her own home. As far as they were concerned, she wasn’t even in the room.

“I certainly am. Coming from the time when Dracule reigned over the world of vampires, I didn’t think I would fit into the American mentality. Like Delilah, the move out here had to be well thought out. I hear she’s been enjoying the beach life.”

Sadie turned to him, but Alexis beat her to the question.

“Delilah’s a vampire?”

“And she’s here?” Sadie added.

“Yes,” he said to Alexis before turning to Sadie, “and yes.”

“But...” Alexis seemed as dumbfounded as Sadie felt.

“How do you know Delilah,” Sadie finished.

Fitting right into their little home, Ashwin strolled into the kitchen and glanced around with vague interest. “I was the Romanian prince of a tribe when Dracule turned me. He was a strong leader, and he needed to subdue his enemies to keep them from overtaking the empire. While his name was spoken of throughout the land as that of a bloodthirsty and ruthless beast, he was able to accomplish just his task. However, there was another side to him and Delilah knew of this. Though she was his peer, she clung to her humanity like it was the most precious thing a vampire could ever keep. It set her apart, but it also made her stand against what is natural for a vampire. You do know where she is now, don’t you?”

“No, we didn’t even know she had survived the fire,” Sadie said. “Are you looking for her?”

“I would have liked to reconnect with her, yes; reminisce about those days so long ago. I just know she’s here in town and I would like to see such an old friend.” His smile seemed genuine, if lacking in warmth.

“I can’t believe Delilah could be here in town, in the same town as us, and not contact us. We were her darlings. Practically her daughters.” Though initially elated at the news of Delilah’s safety, Sadie was dismayed by the cold shoulder of her childhood guardian.

“Well now, haven’t you grown wise, Sadie?”

Through his pleasant grin, Sadie could see his displeasure at the question.

“We’ve grown up considerably these past centuries. Pity you weren’t around to witness it.”

Alexis shot Sadie a deadly glare, but Ashwin took the reproach in stride.

“If you survived that staking, where were you? Where have you been all these years as we struggled to come to terms with what you’d done to us? What kept you from us while we relied simply on our instincts in order to survive?”

“That’s the life of a vampire, my sweet Sadie.”

“I’m sure Ash is tired, Sadie,” Alexis cut in. “It’s late and we’re all tired. I’ll walk him back to his hotel and we can start out fresh tomorrow.”

“Fine,” Sadie spat. “Everyone knows what you’ve been waiting centuries to do with him anyway. You might as well get started.”

“Sadie!”

“Oh, don’t play innocent now, Alexis. No doubt it’s what brought Ashwin to our home as well, isn’t it, Ashwin?”

“My run in with you was completely accidental. I had no idea...”

“And why did you not have any idea, Ashwin? How could you not know where we were? You’ve had centuries to find us. Were we just two of many innocents that you turned then left without a word?”

“I tried to find you, but...”

“You didn’t try hard enough,” she shouted.

“I couldn’t.” For the first time Ashwin raised his voice. His face red and filled with age-old anger, he took a step towards her. “I was imprisoned. I couldn’t do anything.”

“Easy to say.”

“The day I was staked, I knew I was to die and I was prepared for it. My day had come and I accepted that. But the hunters had a far worse fate in mind for me. Merely staking me wasn’t enough. Some of Skars’ men took me away and imprisoned me. For years I saw nothing of the sky and the sea and felt only the stagnate air of the deepest dungeon on my face. Everything possible was done to take away the slightest trace of humanity from my soul.”

For a long moment, Alexis and Sadie were struck dumb. Sadie felt his pain and the struggle he’d lived through and deeply regretted her strong words of accusation.

“Who is Skars?” Sadie softly asked.

Ashwin leaned against the kitchen counter, his eyes barely able to meet hers. “He’s one of the most powerful Strigois and the nemesis of Dracule and Delilah. Ruthless does not even begin to describe him. No doubt you’ve heard of his rampages, atrocities and slaughters. Nothing, no one is safe from his wrath.”

“How do you now come to be here?” Sadie asked.

“A lazy guard permitted me to slip past and escape. Life hasn’t been easy since then, however. Skars has many hunters, far too many, and they’ve rarely been far behind me. All are smart, strong, fast and with a keen ability to smell vampires out. They’re human, but don’t let that fool you. They can be just as powerful as most vampires. Be on your guard. If you cross one, you’ll be hard pressed to make it out alive.”

Alexis and Sadie exchanged discreet but concerned glances.

“Well, that’s enough about me for tonight. I think I ought to head back to my hotel.” Ashwin headed for the door with Alexis at his heels.

“Hang on a minute,” Sadie said. “I think I’ll go with you after all.”

While Alexis clung to one arm, Sadie held onto the other as the threesome headed to the sidewalk.

“It’s a beautiful night for a nice stroll,” Ashwin announced with pride.

Chapter 21

The night air was refreshing and Sadie relaxed as they maintained a steady stride into town. Though Ashwin’s hotel was in the heart of downtown, many undesirables littered the streets looking for handouts and a free meal.

“How about a midnight snack?” Ashwin pointed his chin to an old drunk sleeping on a park bench. “We could get ourselves an easy feed.”

“I’m in,” Alexis was quick to reply.

“I don’t think we...”

In a heartbeat, Ashwin was on the frail old man, Alexis right behind him. Just as he was about to sink his fangs into the thin, wrinkled throat of the man a dark figure emerged from the surrounding trees and pushed him off the still sleeping figure.

Alexis was also flung far from her victim, landing several yards away from her feeding spot.

“Hey, what the hell is going on?” the old man grumbled. He sat up and squinted into the dark night. “What do you guys want?”

Ashwin didn’t bother answering. Once he’d shaken off his aggressor, he returned to finish what he’d started.

Sadie didn’t know where to turn as more and more figures emerged from the shadows. Though every movement was frighteningly fast, the action seemed to roll out in slow motion, as though her brain couldn’t quite keep up with all that was happening at once.

Her eye caught on a raised stake and for a moment she feared for Ashwin. So intent was he on his feeding that he didn’t take note. Alexis, quick to rush to his rescue, sunk her fangs into his would be assailant’s hand and refused to let go. She took a firm hold of the stake and turned it into its owner.

Crying with agony, the assailant fell to the ground, his hands pressing into the wound where so much blood flowed.

“Alexis!” a strangled male voice called out.

Sadie immediately recognized the familiar voice, but judging by Alexis’ wild eyes and bitter growl, her sister saw only the figure of a hunter and not Keegan.

He rushed to her, his eyes filled with the horror of the scene that awaited him. His fellow hunter was on the verge of death and there was nothing he could do to help him.

Keegan grabbed Alexis’ arm, holding it high above her, but still she didn’t recognize him. She snarled and lunged forward to sink her teeth into him. His gaze was filled with disbelief as he stared into her reddened eyes.

Sadie considered jumping into the melee to try to make sense of it all. Her sister, the love of centuries past and the young man she’d grown so incredibly fond of were all colliding and the results were far from desirable.

Keeping a hold of Alexis only a moment longer, Keegan relented and released her, quickly retreating to the safety of his group of hunters.

Sadie wanted to call out to him, to beckon him. Couldn’t he see she wasn’t involved, that she was different from her sister? Please, Keegan, she silently begged. Look at me and see the real woman that I am.

His scrutinizing gaze swept over the scene in the park and only after a lengthy glare at Ashwin did he finally bring his gaze to Sadie. Bewilderment was quickly replaced with tenderness and caring.

Her heart melted on realizing he knew. His eyes were warm and lacked the hunting instinct that had been reserved for his attack on Alexis.

“Sadie,” he called out. He rushed to her and took her in his arms.

“Keegan,” she whispered as she clung to him.

“You're an angel in this hell.”

He grabbed her hand and turned to lead her out of the park, but then halted as Ashwin emerged from the darkness.

“Well, well, well.”

His voice was more menacing than Sadie could ever recall hearing. It droned, thick and deep, as though emanating from the depths of hell. Alexis stood at his side, relishing the anger Ashwin now directed at Sadie.

“So the lovely and pure Sadie Stoker is in cahoots with the world famous immortal hunter Keegan Knowles. How deliciously charming,” came a new voice dripping with menace.

Firm footsteps came from behind Ashwin and everyone turned to see the source.

“He is far more than just an immortal hunter.” The booming voice startled everyone, including Keegan who stared at the imposing figure with awe and disbelief.

“Skars,” Keegan said.

“I’m quite proud of what I’ve accomplished with this young human,” the tall figure went on. “When this whole adventure began, I didn’t think he’d stand the test of time, but he’s proven to be a remarkable investment.”

“What are you doing...?” Keegan continued to stare at Skars with increasing disbelief.

“Time has slipped through my fingers, my old friend,” Skars said with arrogance and confidence. “What has it been? A century or two?”

With age-old flair, he turned dark brown-red eyes to Alexis. “Ah,” he said with rapture. “And the beautifully delectable Alexis Stoker. This is truly an honor.” He reached for her hand and bowed over it to lay a kiss.

Sadie grimaced at the scene while Alexis giggled at the attention.

“You know me?” she asked, more coquette than wary.

“I’ve known Cleopatra, Josephine and Antoinette; all of the world’s most tempting beauties.” He cupped her cheek before turning to scrutinize Sadie. “Of course I know you as well. I should have made your acquaintance years ago but there was a manner of a pesky guardian you’ve had watching over you for years – Delilah.”

“Delilah?” Sadie and Alexis looked at each other.

“Amazing that she still watched over you two after you’ve turned. All these years...from afar, fighting off hunters and Strigois that came near you...keeping you innocent and child-like in the ways of vampires so that you can retain your humanity.”

It took only one step to cause Sadie to back away, resulting in a deep chuckle from Skars. “And the genteel and demure Sadie. Always a pleasure to be in the presence of a true lady. How two beautiful siblings can be so different is something I’ll never understand, but then again, the spice of life is in variety.”

Sadie felt dirty just for having been under his gaze. There was something vile about the man despite the practiced grin and handsome face.

“Your fate is far larger, far more important than either of you seem to realize. How is it that two intelligent, beautiful and worldly young ladies such as yourselves have not come to fully understand the natural ways of a vampire?”

Sadie glanced at Alexis wondering if she knew of what he spoke. Despite everything, she thought they’d done an excellent job of living as vampires. Now she knew why she kept hearing in her mind, a voice calling her to come to Summerlin of all places. It was Delilah’s voice. But where was she now?

“You mean the Dark Side,” Keegan said.

Sadie heard the pent up anger in that one little phrase. Never had she heard such menace and determination in his voice.

“You’re not a Strigoi vampire, Alexis,” Keegan added.

Skars smiled while his eyes held a demonic gleam. “Not yet.” He quickly glided to Alexis’ side, tilted her chin up and looked closely into her eyes. “It has begun. Those beautiful eyes of hers are already glowing with a beautiful tint of red.”

Sadie was stunned to see Alexis stare adoringly at Skars who seemed more than pleased.

“No,” Keegan shouted. “You’ve done enough.”

“Ah.” Skars seemed increasingly pleased with Alexis. “But she truly does have the makings to be a natural in my army. Look at her.” He turned her chin from one side to the other, analyzing her features.

Keegan took a step closer to the pair with his hands fisted and his chin tight with determination. “Alexis is a lot more innocent than she lets on. And if Sadie has had any influence at all on her over the years, becoming the killing machine you desire is not going to happen.”

“Let me be the one to worry about that, my dear boy.” He took on a subdued fatherly tone that didn’t quite sit right on him. “I’m worried about you, Keegan. After all these years, you, more than anyone else should know that there are no innocents in the world of vampires. You’ve allowed these beauties to play with your senses, touch your heart and turn your brain to useless mush. No wonder why you couldn’t find Delilah. You’ve lost track of her for a while now.”

“I’ve done nothing of the sort.”

“Oh, but you have, dear boy. Your love for that sweet Sadie is more than evident in your eyes. And it is that love for her that will have you killed if you don’t wise up and realize what she truly is. Just another vampire out to get blood. Just another blood sucker out to dominate the world.”

An eerie chill ran up Sadie’s spine, visibly shaking her.

“Yes, the pure innocence she portrays is a magnificent cover. A pleasant diversion from all the obvious vampires who so wantonly display their ferociousness.”

In a second he was standing inches from Sadie, filling her with fear and dread. Never had she been in the presence of someone so evil and filled with hatred. “You’re mistaken, sir. I...”

His chest rumbled with what resembled a laugh, but it was deep and black, completely lacking humor. “Don’t waste your time stating your case for me, my sweet. Keegan’s naiveté, or perhaps it is his adolescent ardor, may have allowed him to be won over with the game you play, but I’ve been around too long to be deceived by the likes of you.”

Tears came to Sadie’s eyes at the accusation.

“Vampire history shows the wars that are constantly being waged between those who kill for a meal and those who do not.” At this he looked deeply into Sadie’s eyes. “Once you kill, you can’t go back.”

“I wouldn’t let that happen,” Keegan said.

Though Keegan’s voice was the epitome of calm, Sadie saw the murder in his eyes as he approached Skars. With lightning speed he was at Skars’ back, his hand raised and prepared to stake the old vampire.

Without even putting any effort into the motion, Skars grabbed Keegan by the throat and raised him high in the air. “I thought you were better than that.”

Skars flung him into the air, sending Keegan flying like a ragdoll until he landed on the ground with a thud.

This threw the band of hunters into a frenzy. Seeing their leader manhandled in such a fashion, they sped to Skars wielding weapons and shouting cries of war far into the darkened night.

Ashwin took part in the battle as did Alexis. Her hunger for blood seemed endless as she killed one hunter after another. The young men who’d been recruited to save the world from vampires had little chance against the immense power she displayed.

Sadie felt obliged to do her part, if only to ensure Keegan didn’t get hurt again. He’d not yet risen from his fall and she feared for him. While she managed to send a few hunters running for their lives, she refrained from overpowering them to the point of death. As dire as the situation became, she refused to find herself guilty of having taken a human life.

Before long, vampires and hunters mingled, danced the macabre choreography of death and growled with pain and victory.

But the melee wasn’t enough to keep Sadie from noticing Ashwin’s diverging alliance. He made several attempts on Skars then turned his attention to a few hunters before trying again to kill Skars.

When all was said and done, many hunters lay lifeless in the little park of Summerlin. Sadie did a quick head count and was happy to see that many had survived, though surely badly wounded.

As for herself and Alexis, their arms had a few scratches and Alexis now sported a neat bruise on her shoulder.

“Congratulations, little sister,” Alexis said. “You put up quite a fight when your heart is truly in it.”

“Battles such as this serve no purpose. This is your doing...” She turned around, searching for Skars in order to point the finger of blame at him. But the park had only the bodies of the dead to show. “Where did he go?”

“Ashwin?” Alexis called out as she scanned the perimeters of the park

Sadie turned to stare at her sister. “Great. Now they’ve both disappeared.”

Epilogue

The dim light was intermittently obscured by an eerie shadow that played against the wall of the large library. Responsible for the constantly shifting shadow was one pacing form, eager and anxious in his every movement.

“I hadn’t anticipated the distraction these two immortal sisters would be.”

“They are, indeed, lovely, are they not?” Sitting behind the large mahogany desk, the younger man sipped his scotch.

“I’m impressed, I must admit. Not only are they lovely, but they come from the revered bloodline of Dracule himself. It’s not every day I have the opportunity to get so close to vampire royalty. How is it that you managed to find them?”

“I once knew Delilah, tutor and partial guardian of the girls when they were young. She has always been a strong influence on them and her protective arm has never failed to be very far from her charges. When I learned she’d moved to the quaint, little beach town, I knew Sadie and Alexis wouldn’t be too far.”

“I’m impressed. You work well. Does she know you're here?”

A throaty chuckle filled the dark room. “Of course not. I’ve been keeping a distant eye on her, ensuring I’m aware of her every move without arousing any suspicion on her part.”

“Delilah has always been far too sympathetic to the plight of humans. I’ve never understood her obsession with minimizing the effect vampires had on society. While her attempts were slight and barely noticeable in Europe, she’s become a nuisance and a liability.”

“Inconvenient.”

“Exactly.”

“Of course her desire to protect the Stokers runs deeper than that. As the last human relations of Dracule, the sisters have a rather unattractive fate awaiting them. Just as Dracule was destroyed, many are out to tear them apart. I feel certain Delilah is prepared to do everything within her power to keep that from happening. You know, he was not the legendary figure so many have made him out to be. Bram Stoker exaggerated and took great liberties with Dracule’s life and his effects on Europe. Not enough was said about his gentle soul and the grand romantic he truly was. The truth is that he was more human than any vampire has ever been, and he transmitted his beliefs and ways to Delilah, rendering her a very humane vampire.”

“I assume that’s why she found herself at Stoker Manor; to protect the young girls.”

“Yes, and she did a fine job of it.”

“But not fine enough.” 

Chilling laughter filled the room and echoed against the books that lined the walls. The pacing man clapped his hands in triumph.

“As worldly and experienced as Delilah is, she neglected to take into consideration just how easily the young Stoker girls would fall for my charm.”

“Surprising, considering your reputation.”

“I beg your pardon.” Mock anger furrowed his brow as he sipped from his glass. “I’ll have you know that my reputation is that of a gentleman.”

“Young innocents might mistake you for a gentleman, but I’ve no doubt many realize the rake you truly are.”

“Ah, and the role does please me, I must confess.”

“Lord Ashwin...” The name and title hung in the air as the men grinned.

“What can I say? I’ve always had a penchant for the high life,” Ashwin admitted.

“Well, you’ve certainly used your talent to perfection with the Stokers. I’m pleased. Very pleased. Vlad Dracule died a martyr, a symbol to all vampires that they can be a vampire and still retain their humanity. I’ve decimated all the blood descendants of Dracule. The remaining ones are under my control except for the sisters. With descendants of Dracule on my side, I will truly be a force to be reckoned with. And one of them is already showing promising signs of becoming a strong and ruthless Strigoi. What more could I ask for?”

“Her only hindrance now is that pure-hearted little sister of hers. Sadie is relentless in her attempts to keep Alexis as human as possible.”

“She’s a thorn in my side.”

“But she can be dealt with easily enough. Leave her to me. I have a seductive way with Alexis and a puritan and genteel manner with Sadie. I worked them against one another well in Dorset and I will do the same now. They will be completely oblivious to what is truly happening to them.”

“Don’t get too cocky.”

“I’m not cocky. I’m confident. Alexis will lose all sympathy for the human race, of that I can assure you.”

He stopped pacing and set his knuckles on the desk to look at Ashwin. “I know you love her... Sadie. It is evident in the way you move around her, in your manner of speaking. Allowing your emotions to get in the way could be your end.”

“I’ll not deny the affection I have for both girls.” His eyes turned to the window and gazed far into the distance. “The conglomeration of both girls would be the woman of my dreams, the woman to spend my life with. Sadie needs to learn to be more seductive, more alluring, while Alexis is lacking restraint and discretion. But neither of them will keep me from doing what I must do.”

“I need their cooperation.”

“I’m quite aware of that, Skars.” His voice was suddenly hard. “I’m not a juvenile like Keegan, letting emotions get in the way of what needs to be done. My love for them will not keep me from my task. You should know me well enough to know that.”

“I’m relying on you.”

“But you have a trump card to play. If all else fails...”

A deep and contented growl shook the walls. “Yes. And I admit I look forward to playing it. There is something satisfying about dangling a prisoner in front of his beloved.”

“Sadie will not take Keegan’s imprisonment lightly.”

Skars turned to him with venom in his eyes. “And that’s exactly what I’m counting on; the pure vampire goddess out to save the life and soul of her adolescent lover who happens to be a hunter. How fitting. She will willingly join me...and then Delilah will soon follow.”

“I must admit your plan to turn him into a Strigoi is a stroke of genius. It will no doubt have Sadie rushing out to save him in no time.”

“You have to admire her guts and determination. For such a naïve girl she has willpower beyond many.” Skars turned to grin at Ashwin. “But I will break her of that, just as I did with you, dear boy. I’m patient. I can wait another hundred years to rid her of this love of humans and all that is good.”

***

The Stoker Sisters Series continues in

Book 2

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Angels and Hunters

Now Available!

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