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Based on the novels by

L. J. SMITH

and the TV series developed by

Kevin Williamson & Julie Ple

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0 Tis no1 the very 1it hin" time o$ ni"ht2

When hur hyards ya1n and hell itsel$ breathes out

!onta"ion to this 1orld. 3o1 ould I drin4 hot blood

5nd do su h bitter business as the day

Would 6ua4e to loo4 on.

7Hamlet2 William Sha4espeare

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e poets and philosophers I on e loved had it 1ron". 8eath does not ome to us all2 nor does the passa"e o$ time dimr memories and redu e our bodies to dust. Be ause 1hile I 1as onsidered dead2 and a headstone had been"raved 1ith my name2 in truth my li$e 1as 9ust be"innin". It 1as as i$ I0d been asleep these many years2 slumberin" indar4est ni"ht2 only to a1a4e to a 1orld that 1as bri"hter2 1ilder2 more thrillin" than I0d ever ima"ined.

e humans I used to 4no1 ontinued their lives2 9ust as I on e had2 spendin" their $inite days "oin" to the mar4et2din" the $ields2 stealin" se ret 4isses 1hen the sun 1ent do1n. They 1ere merely shado1s to me no12 no moreni$i ant than the $ri"htened s6uirrels and rabbits that s ampered in the $orest2 barely ons ious o$ the 1orld around

m.t I 1as no shado1. I 1as 1hole7and impervious to their 1orst $ear. I had on6uered death. I 1as no $leetin" visitorthe 1orld. I 1as its master2 and I had all o$ eternity to bend it to my 1ill . . .

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as : tober. The trees o$ the emetery had turned a de ayed bro1n2 and a old bree;e had 1histled in2 repla in" the$lin" heat o$ the Vir"inia summer. 3ot that I mu h $elt it. 5s a vampire2 my body re"istered only the temperature o$ y nebased ousin2 it 1as lear the

elin" 1as mutual. She 1as already playin" a dan"erous "ame. Little did she 4no1 it 1as about to turn deadly.

mentine s6uinted into the dar4ness. I ould tell $rom her heavy>lidded estained teeth that she0dd a lon" ni"ht. ?Ste$an Salvatore@A she "asped. ?But you0re dead.A

oo4 a step loser to her. ?5m I2 no1@A

es2 I attended your $uneral.A She o 4ed her head to the side. She didn0t seem too on erned2 thou"h. She 1asa ti ally sleep1al4in"2 heady $rom sips o$ 1ine and stolen 4isses. ?5re you a dream@A

o2 not a dream2A I said hus4ily.

rasped her by the shoulders and pulled her lose to me. She $ell a"ainst my hest2 and the loud drum o$ her heartbeatled my ears. She smelled o$ 9asmine2 9ust as she had last summer 1hen my hand had "ra;ed the bodi e o$ her dressile 1e played one o$ 8amon0s 4issin" "ames under the Wi 4ery Brid"e.

an one $in"er alon" her hee4. !lementine had been my $irst rush2 and I0d o$ten 1ondered 1hat it 1ould $eel li4e told her li4e this. I put my lips to her ear. ?I0m more li4e a ni"htmare.A

$ore she ould ma4e a sound2 I san4 my teeth strai"ht into her 9u"ular vein2 si"hin" 1hen the $irst stream hit myuth. Dnli4e 1hat her name mi"ht su""est2 !lementine0s blood 1asn0t nearly as s1eet as I0d ima"ined. Instead itted smo4y and bitter2 li4e o$$ee burned over a hot stove. Still2 I dran4 deeply2 "ulpin" her do1n2 until she stoppedanin" and her pulse slo1ed to a 1hisper. She 1ent limp in my arms2 and the $ire that burned in my veins and myly 1as 6uen hed.

1ee4 I0d been huntin" at my leisure2 havin" dis overed that my body re6uired t1o $eedin"s a day. Mostly I 9ustened to the vital $luid oursin" throu"h the bodies o$ the residents o$ Mysti Ealls2 $as inated by ho1 easily I oulde it $rom them. When I did atta 42 I0d done so are$ully2 $eedin" on "uests at the boardin"house or ta4in" one o$ thediers up by Leesto1n. !lementine 1ould be my $irst vi tim 1ho0d on e been a $riend7the $irst vi tim the people o$

ysti Ealls 1ould miss.

en"a"in" my teeth $rom her ne 42 I li 4ed my lips2 allo1in" my ton"ue to savor the spot o$ 1et blood at the orner o$ y mouth. Then I dra""ed her out o$ the emetery and ba 4 to the 6uarry 1here my brother2 8amon2 and I had beenyin" sin e 1e0d been turned.

e sun 1as 9ust reepin" over the hori;on2 and 8amon 1as sittin" listlessly at the ed"e o$ the 1ater2 "lan in" into itspths as i$ they held the se ret to the universe. He0d been li4e that every day sin e 1e0d 1o4en up as vampires sevenys earlier2 mournin" the loss o$ Katherine2 the vampire 1ho0d made us into 1hat 1e are no1. Thou"h she had turnedinto a po1er$ul reature2 I elebrated her death2 unli4e my brother. She had played me $or a $ool2 and the memoryher reminded me o$ ho1 vulnerable I0d on e been.

I 1at hed 8amon2 !lementine moaned in my arms2 one eye $lutterin" open. Were it not $or the blood seepin" onto

blue la e ne 4line o$ her 1rin4led2 blue tulle dress2 it 1ould seem as i$ she 1ere merely in slumber.

hhh2A I murmured2 tu 4in" a $e1 loose strands o$ hair behind her ear. 5 voi e some1here in my mind told me that Iould $eel re"ret over ta4in" her li$e2 but I $elt nothin" at all. Instead2 I read9usted her in my arms2 tossin" her over myoulder2 as i$ she 1ere simply a sa 4 o$ oats2 and 1al4ed to the ed"e o$ the 1ater.

rother.A I un eremoniously dumped !lementine0s nearly li$eless body at his $eet.

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mon shoo4 his head and said2 ?3o.A His lips had a hal4y 1hite te

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mon and I rou hed in the emetery0s hemlo 4 "rove behind the mausoleums that housed the bones o$ Mysti Ealls0unders. 8espite the early hour2 already the to1nspeople stood stoop>shouldered around a "apin" hole in the "round.$$s o$ air urled into the erulean blue s4y 1ith the ro1d0s every e

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ared my $an"s and roared. The sound 1as loud2 primal2 terri$yin". Hal$ the ro1d 4no 4ed over hairs in their haste toe the emetery2 but the other hal$ remained.

ill the demonsGA Jonathan ried2 brandishin" a rossbo1.

thin4 they mean us2 brother2A 8amon said 1ith a short2 humorless lau"h.

d so I "rabbed 8amon and ran.

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ith 8amon behind me2 I ra ed throu"h the $orest2 9umpin" over $elled bran hes and s4ippin" over stones. I leapeder the 1aist>hi"h iron "ate o$ the emetery2 turnin" brie$ly to ma4e sure 8amon 1as still $ollo1in". We ;i";a""edep into the 1oods2 the "unshots soundin" li4e $ire1or4s in my ear2 the shrie4s o$ the to1nspeople li4e brea4in" "lass2ir heavy breathin" li4e lo1>rollin" thunder. I ould even hear the $oot$alls o$ the ro1d pursuin" me2 ea h step

ndin" vibrations throu"h the "round. I silently ursed 8amon $or bein" so stubborn. I$ he0d been 1illin" to drin4$ore today2 he0d be at $ull stren"th2 and our ne1$ound speed and a"ility 1ould have already ta4en us $ar a1ay $roms mess.

1e ut throu"h the thi 4et2 s6uirrels and voles s attered $rom the underbrush2 their blood 6ui 4enin" in thesen e o$ predators. 5 1hinny and a snort sounded $rom the $ar ed"e o$ the emetery.

meon.A I "rabbed 8amon by the 1aist and hoisted him to his $eet a"ain. ?We have to 4eep movin".A I ould hear theod pumpin"2 smell the iron2 $eel the "round sha4in". I 4ne1 the mob 1as more a$raid o$ me than I o$ themF but still2sound o$ "unshots aused my mind to 1hirl2 my body to lur h $or1ard. 8amon 1as 1ea4 and I ould only arry him

$ar.

other "unshot ra 4ed2 loser this time. 8amon sti$$ened.

emonsGA Jonathan ilbert0s voi e sli ed throu"h the 1oods. 5nother bullet 1hi;;ed past me2 "ra;in" my shoulder.

mon $lopped $or1ard in my arms.

amonGA The 1ord e hoed in my ears2 soundin" so mu h li4e the 1orddemonthat it startled me. ?BrotherGA I shoo4m2 then be"an a141ardly dra""in" him behind me a"ain to1ard the sounds o$ the horses. But despite havin" 9ust $ed2y stren"th 1ouldn0t last $orever2 and the $ootsteps 1ere omin" loser and loser.

nally 1e rea hed the ed"e o$ the emetery2 1here several horses 1ere tied to the iron hit hin" posts. They pa1ed at"round2 pullin" on the ropes that tethered them so hard that their ne 4s bul"ed. :ne oal>bla 4 mare 1as none

her than my old horse2 Me;;anotte. I stared at her2 mesmeri;ed at ho1 desperate she appeared to be to "et a1ayom me. Just a $e1 days earlier2 I 1as the only rider she0d trusted.

ot$alls sounded a"ain. I tore my "a;e a1ay2 sha4in" my head at bein" so sentimental. I pulled Eather0s old huntin"i$e $rom the top o$ my boot. It had been the one thin" I0d ta4en 1hen I0d 1al4ed throu"h Veritas2 our $amily estate2e last time. He0d al1ays had it 1ith him2 althou"h I0d never seen him use it. Eather had never been one to 1or4 1ithhands. Still2 in my mind0s eye2 the 4ni$e onveyed the po1er and authority that everyone had asso iated 1ith myher.

ut the blade to the rope that tied Me;;anotte2 but it didn0t ma4e even the smallest ut. Loo4in" do1n2 I sa1 the 4ni$er 1hat it 1as= a dull blade that ould barely ut throu"h t1ine2 polished to loo4 important. It 1as 1ell suited tother2 I thou"ht in dis"ust2 thro1in" the 4ni$e to the "round and yan4in" at the ropes 1ith my bare hands. Theotsteps ame loser and I loo4ed 1ildly behind me. I had 1anted to $ree all the horses so Jonathan and his menuldn0t ride them2 but there simply 1asn0t time.

ey2 "irl2A I murmured2 stro4in" Me;;anotte0s ele"ant ne 4. She pa1ed the "round nervously2 her heart poundin". ?It0s2A I 1hispered as I s1un" mysel$ onto her ba 4. She reared up2 and out o$ surprise2 I 4i 4ed her so hard in the $lan4st I heard the snap o$ a rib brea4in". Instantly2 she yielded in submission2 and I trotted her to 8amon.

me on2A I yelled.

li 4er o$ doubt passed a ross 8amon0s eyes2 but then he rea hed over Me;;anotte0s broad ba 4 and hoisted himsel$ Whether it 1as $ear or instin t2 his 1illin"ness to $lee "ave me hope that he 1as not resolved to die2 a$ter all.

ill themGA a voi e yelled2 and someone thre1 a burnin" tor h to1ard us that ar ed and landed on the "rass ate;;anotte0s $eet. Instantly2 the "rass be"an to burn2 and Me;;anotte bolted in the opposite dire tion o$ the 6uarry.o$s thudded behind us7the men had leaped on the other horses and 1ere no1 $ast on our tail.

other "unshot ran" out behind us2 $ollo1ed by the t1an" o$ a bo1. Me;;anotte reared up2 lettin" out a hi"h 1hinny.mon slipped2 "rapplin" to hold on to the underside o$ Me;;anotte0s ne 42 1hile I tu""ed at the leather straps2 tryin"4eep us upri"ht. :nly a$ter a $e1 steps ba 41ard did all $our o$ Me;;anotte0s hooves "et ba 4 on the dirt. 5s 8amonhted himsel$2 I sa1 a slim 1ooden arro1 9uttin" out $rom the horse0s haun hes. It 1as a lever ta ti . 5t a distan e2

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mob had a $ar better han e o$ slo1in" do1n our horse than o$ stri4in" one o$ us strai"ht throu"h the heart.

n hed lo1 over Me;;anotte2 1e "alloped under bran hes and pressed on. She 1as a stron" horse2 but she $avoredr le$t side2 1here the arro1 had "one in. 5 1et strea4 o$ my o1n blood 1as streamin" do1n my temple and onto myrt2 and 8amon0s "rip on my 1aist 1as dan"erously loose.

ll2 I ur"ed Me;;anotte $or1ard. I 1as relyin" on instin t2 on somethin" beyond thin4in" and plannin". It 1as as i$ Iuld smell $reedom and possibility2 and 9ust had to trust that I0d lead us to it. I pulled the reins and steered out o$ theods and into the $ield behind Veritas #state.

any other rainy mornin" there 1ould have been li"hts in the 1indo1 o$ our old home2 the lamps "ivin" the bubbledss an oran"e>yello1 loo4 o$ sunset. :ur maid2 !ordelia2 1ould have been sin"in" in the 4it hen2 and Eather0s driver2red2 1ould be sittin" sentry by the entran e. Eather and I 1ould be sittin" in ompanionable silen e in the brea4$ast

om. 3o1 the estate 1as a old shell o$ its $ormer sel$= the 1indo1s dar42 the "rounds ompletely silent. It had onlyen empty $or a 1ee42 yet Veritas loo4ed as thou"h it had been abandoned $or a"es.

e leaped over the $en e and landed unsteadily. I 9ust barely mana"ed to ri"ht us 1ith a hard tu" on the reins2 thetal o$ the la 4in" a"ainst Me;;anotte0s teeth. Then 1e thundered around the side o$ the house2 my s4in lammy aspassed !ordelia0s plot o$ vervain2 the tiny stal4s an4le>hi"h.

Where are you ta4in" us2 brother@A 8amon as4ed.

eard three sets o$ splashin" hooves as Jonathan ilbert2 Mayor Lo 41ood2 and Sheri$$ Eorbes ut alon" the pond atba 4 o$ our property. Me;;anotte 1hee;ed2 a pea h $roth linin" her mouth2 and I 4ne1 that outridin" them

uldn0t be a possibility.

ddenly2 the throaty 1ail o$ a train 1histled throu"h the mornin"2 blo 4in" out the hooves2 the 1ind2 and the metallip o$ a "un reloadin".

We0re "ettin" on that train2A I said2 4i 4in" Me;;anotte in the $lan4s. Bearin" do1n2 she pi 4ed up speed and saileder the stone 1all that separated Veritas $rom the main road.

mon2 "irl2A I 1hispered. Her eyes 1ere 1ild and terri$ied2 but she ran $aster do1n the road and onto Main Street. Thearred hur h ame into si"ht2 bla 4ened bri 4s risin" up li4e teeth $rom the ashen earth. The apothe ary had alsoen burned to the "round. !ru i$i

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e ar 1as pit h bla 42 but our eyes2 no1 adapted $or no turnal vision2 allo1ed us to pi 4 out a path throu"h the pilessooty oal in the aboose. Einally 1e emer"ed throu"h a door1ay into 1hat appeared to be a $irst> lass sleepin" ar.

hen no one 1as loo4in"2 1e stole a $e1 shirts and pairs o$ trousers $rom an unattended trun4 and put them on. Theydn0t $it per$e tly2 but they 1ould do.

1e ventured out into the aisle o$ the seatin" oa h2 the train rumblin" beneath our $eet2 a hand "rabbed myoulder. e$leli4e eyes bul"ed s4epti ally2 and then I remembered a vampire s4ill Katherine had used on me to "reat$e t= ompellin". ?. . . 5nd I already sho1ed you my ti 4et2A I said slo1ly2 1illin" him to believe me.

e ondu tor $urro1ed his bro1s. ?3o2 you didn0t2A he replied 9ust as slo1ly2 ta4in" e

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ou0re "oin" to sleep no1@ :$ all times@A I e< laimed.

Why not@A

Why not@A I repeated dumbly. I held out my arms2 "esturin" to our surroundin"s. We sat amon" 1ell>dressed men in hats and 1aist oats2 1ho2 despite the hour2 1ere busily patroni;in" the 1ood>paneled bar in the orner. 5 "roup o$

der men played po4er2 1hile youn" men in aptain0s uni$orms 1hispered over tumblers o$ 1his4ey. We 1entnoti ed in this ro1d. There 1ere no vampire ompasses revealin" our true identities. 3o one so mu h as "lan ed inr dire tion as 1e sat do1n.

er hed on the ottoman opposite 8amon. ?8on0t you see@A I said. ?3o one 4no1s us here. This is our han e.A

ou0re the one 1ho doesn0t see.A 8amon inhaled deeply. ?Smell that@A

e 1arm2 spi y s ent o$ blood $illed my nostrils2 and the thud o$ pumpin" hearts e hoed around me li4e i adas on ammer evenin". Instantly a searin" pain ripped throu"h my 9a1. I overed my mouth 1ith my hands2 loo4in" 1ildlyund to see i$ anyone had noti ed the lon" anines that had shot out $rom my "ums.

mon let out a 1ry hu 4le. ?Cou0ll never be $ree2 brother. Cou0re tethered to blood2 to humans. They ma4e yousperate and needy7they ma4e you a 4iller.A

the 1ord4iller2 a man 1ith a rust> olored beard and sun>dyed hee4s "lan ed sharply at us $rom a ross the aisle. I

r ed a beni"n smile.

ou0re "oin" to "et us in trouble2A I hissed under my breath.

es2 1ell2 you0ve "ot only yoursel$ to blame $or that2A 8amon replied. He losed his eyes2 si"nalin" the end o$ ournversation.

"hed and "lan ed out the 1indo1. We 1ere probably only thirty miles outside o$ Mysti Ealls2 but it $elt as thou"herythin" I0d 4no1n be$ore had simply eased to e lass ars to the 1ooden ben hes o$ se ond lass.

nally2 I made mysel$ om$ortable in an empty sleeper abin2 dre1 the urtains2 losed my eyes2 and opened my ears.

pe those Dnion boys "et out o$ 3e1 :rleans and leave it to ourselves . . .

e you see those beauties on Bourbon Street2 your Vir"inia vir"in 1on0t loo4 the same . . .

u0ve "ot to be are$ul. There0s voodoo do1n there2 and some say it0s 1here demons ome out to play . . .

miled. 3e1 :rleans sounded li4e the per$e t pla e to all home.

ettled into the ma4eshi$t bed2 ontent to rela< and let the train ro 4 me into some sort o$ slumber. I $ound that I $edu h better a$ter I had rested.

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day later2 the train s ree hed to a stop. ?Baton ou"eGA a ondu tor alled in the distan e.

e 1ere "ettin" loser to 3e1 :rleans2 but the time 1as reepin" by $ar too slo1ly $or my li4in". I $lattened my ba 4ainst the 1all o$ the ar2 noti in" passen"ers hastily pa 4in" up their belon"in" as they prepared to va ate theirarters2 1hen my eye $ell upon a "reen ti 4et2 embla;oned 1ith a lar"e boot print. I 4nelt do1n and pi 4ed it up.Mr.my Pi ard2 i hmond to 3e1 :rleans.

u 4ed it into my po 4et and 9auntily 1al4ed ba 4 throu"h the train2 until I $elt someone "a;in" at me uriously. I

ned around. T1o sisters 1ere smilin" at me throu"h the 1indo1 o$ a private ompartment2 their ebound diary. They 1ere bein"

hed 1ith ha14>li4e intensity by a short2 plump 1oman in her si

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ee42 and I 4ne1 that I ouldn0t ontrol mysel$ $or mu h lon"er.

arah Jane2 I bet your auntie needs some help2A I said2 "lan in" into Sarah Jane0s blue eyes. She paused $or a moment2n e< used hersel$ and 1ent to $ind her aunt. I had no idea i$ I 1as ompellin" her or i$ she 1as simply $ollo1in" my

ders2 be ause she 1as a hild and I 1as an adult.

2 you0re 1i 4ed2 aren0t you@A Lavinia as4ed2 her eyes $lashin" as she smiled at me.

es2A I said brus6uely. ?Ces2 I am 1i 4ed2 my dear.A I bared my teeth2 1at hin" 1ith "reat satis$a tion as her eyesdened 1ith horror. The best part o$ $eedin" 1as the anti ipation2 seein" my vi tim tremblin"2 helpless2mine. I slo1lyned in2 savorin" the moment. My lips "ra;ed her so$t s4in.

oGA she "asped.

hhh2A I 1hispered2 pullin" her loser and allo1in" my teeth to tou h her s4in2 subtly at $irst2 then more insistently2til I san4 my teeth into her ne 4. Her moans be ame s reams2 and I held my hand over her mouth to silen e her as I4ed the s1eet li6uid into my mouth. She "roaned sli"htly2 but soon her si"hs turned into 4ittenish me1s.

e1 :rleans2 neendin" $eedin"s2 never>endin" pretty "irls 1ith s1eeths and s1eeter blood.

orever pantin"2 and $orever youn"2A I 1hispered2 pleased at ho1 1ell the lines $rom the poet Keats suited my ne1e.

irGA The ondu tor 4no 4ed on the door. I strode out o$ the ompartment2 1ipin" my mouth 1ith the ba 4 o$ mynd. He 1as the same ondu tor 1ho0d stopped 8amon and me 9ust outside Mysti Ealls2 and I sa1 suspi ion $lashross his $a e.

We0re in 3e1 :rleans2 then@A I as4ed2 the taste o$ Lavinia0s blood in the ba 4 o$ my throat.

e "in"er>haired ondu tor nodded. ?5nd the ladies@ They0re a1are@A

yes2 they0re a1are2A I said2 not brea4in" my "a;e as I slipped my ti 4et out o$ my po 4et. ?But they as4ed not to beturbed. 5nd I as4 not to be disturbed2 too. Cou0ve never seen me. Cou0ve never been by this ompartment. Later2 i$ yone as4s2 you say there may have been some thieves 1ho "ot on the train outside i hmond. They loo4edpi ious. Dnion soldiers2A I invented.

nion soldiers@A the ondu tor repeated2 learly on$used.

"hed. Dntil I had ompellin" under ontrol2 I0d have to resort to a more permanent style o$ memory erasin". In ash I "rabbed the ondu tor by the ne 4 and snapped it as easily as i$ it 1ere a s1eet pea. Then I thre1 him into thempartment 1ith Lavinia and shut the door behind me.

es2 Dnion soldiers al1ays do ma4e a bloody mess o$ thin"s2 don0t they@A I as4ed rhetori ally. Then2 1histlin" theole 1ay2 I 1ent to olle t 8amon $rom the "entlemen0s lub ar.

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mon 1as slumped ri"ht 1here I0d le$t him2 an untou hed 1his4ey "lass s1eatin" on the oa4 table in $ront o$ him.

me on2A I said rou"hly2 yan4in" 8amon up by the arm.

e train 1as slo1in"2 and all around us passen"ers 1ere "atherin" their belon"in"s and linin" up behind a ondu toro stood in $ront o$ the bla 4 iron doors to the outside 1orld. But sin e 1e 1ere unen umbered by possessions andssed 1ith stren"th2 I 4ne1 our best bet 1as to eated Dnion soldiers on every street orner2 their mus4ets at their hips2 seemed someho1 $estive. It 1as a arnival inery sense o$ the 1ord2 the type o$ s ene 8amon 1ould have loved 1hen 1e 1ere human. I turned to loo4 over my

oulder. Sure enou"h2 8amon0s lips 1ere urved in a sli"ht smile2 his eyes "lo1in" in a 1ay I hadn0t seen in 1hat $elte a"es. We 1ere in this adventure to"ether2 and no12 a1ay $rom memories o$ Katherine and Eather0s remains andritas2 maybe 8amon ould $inally a ept and embra e 1ho he 1as.

emember 1hen 1e said 1e0d travel the 1orld@A I as4ed2 turnin" to1ard him. ?This is our 1orld no1.A

mon nodded sli"htly. ?Katherine told me about 3e1 :rleans. She on e lived here.A

nd i$ she 1ere here2 she0d 1ant you to ma4e this to1n your o1n7to live here2 be here2 to ta4e your $ill and ma4eur pla e in the 1orld.A

1ays the poet.A 8amon smir4ed2 but he ontinued to $ollo1 me.

erhaps2 but it0s true. 5ll o$ this is ours2A I said en oura"in"ly2 spreadin" my hands 1ide.

mon too4 a moment to onsider my 1ords and simply said2 ?5ll ri"ht2 then.A

l ri"ht@A I repeated2 hardly hopin" to believe it. It 1as the $irst time he0d "lan ed into my eyes sin e our $i"ht at thearry.

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es. I0m $ollo1in" you.A He turned in a it le2 pointin" to the various buildin"s. ?So2 1here do 1e stay@ What do 1e@ Sho1 me this brave ne1 1orld.A 8amon0s lips t1isted into a smile2 and I ouldn0t tell 1hether he 1as mo 4in" me1as spea4in" in earnest. I hose to believe the latter.

ni$$ed the air and immediately au"ht a 1hi$$ o$ lemon and "in"er.Katherine.8amon0s shoulders sti$$enedF he mustve smelled it2 too. Wordlessly2 both o$ us spun on our heels and 1al4ed do1n an unmar4ed alley1ay2 $ollo1in" aman 1earin" a satin lila dress2 a lar"e sunbonnet on top o$ her dar4 urls.

Ma0amGA I alled.

e turned around. Her 1hite hee4s 1ere heavily rou"ed and her eyes rin"ed 1ith 4ohl. She loo4ed to be in herrties2 and already 1orry lines reased her $air $orehead. Her hair $ell in tendrils around her $a e2 and her dress 1ast lo12 revealin" $ar too mu h o$ her $re 4led bosom than 1as stri tly de orous. I 4ne1 instantly she 1as a s arletman2 one 1e0d 1hisper about as boys and point to 1hen 1e 1ere in the tavern in Mysti Ealls.

ou boys loo4in0 $or a "ood time@A she said lan"uidly2 her "a;e $li 4in" $rom me to 8amon2 then ba 4 a"ain. She 1asn0ttherine2 not even lose2 but I ould see a $li 4er in 8amon0s eyes.

don0t thin4 $indin" a pla e to stay 1ill be a problem2A I 1hispered under my breath.

on0t 4ill her2A 8amon 1hispered ba 42 his 9a1 barely movin".

me 1ith me. I have some "als 1ho0d love to meet you. Cou seem li4e the type o$ boys 1ho need adventure. Thatht@A She 1in4ed.

torm 1as bre1in"2 and I ould va"uely hear thunder laps in the $ar distan e.

We0re al1ays loo4in" $or an adventure 1ith a pretty lady2A I said.

o$ the orner o$ my eye2 I sa1 8amon ti"hten his 9a12 and I 4ne1 he 1as $i"htin" the ur"e to $eed.8on0t $i"ht it2 Iu"ht2 $ervently hopin" 8amon 1ould drin4 as 1e $ollo1ed her alon" the obblestone streets.

We0re ri"ht here2A she said2 usin" a lar"e 4ey to unlo 4 the 1rou"ht>iron door o$ a peri1in4le blue mansion at the end

a ul>de>sa . The house 1as 1ell 4ept2 but the buildin"s on either side seemed abandoned2 1ith hippin" paint anddens over$lo1in" 1ith 1eeds. I ould hear the 9aunty sound o$ a piano playin" 1ithin.

0s my boardin"house2 Miss Molly0s. #< ept2 o$ ourse2 at this boardin"house 1e sho1 you sometruehospitality2 i$ t0s 1hat you0re in the mood $or2A she said2 battin" her lon" eyelashes. ?!omin"@A

es2 ma0am.A I pushed 8amon throu"h the door1ay2 then lo 4ed the door behind us.

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e neiron bal onies in the Eren h uarter7and thels 1ho 1aved to us $rom their per hes there7the $ine tailor shops 1ith bolts o$ sumptuous sil4 in the 1indo1s2 andheady i"ar shops 1here men 1ith round bellies stru 4 business deals.

t o$ all the si"hts2 I li4ed the harbor best. This 1as the ity0s li$eblood2 1here tall ships arryin" produ e and e

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th that I stood2 $ollo1in" the iron and toba o s ent2 $eelin" my $an"s pulse 1ith the promise o$ a ne1 meal. Ibbed 8amon2 1ho la""ed a $e1 pa es behind me2 until 1e $ound ourselves on a slanted lane out o$ ran"e o$ theli"hts. What little li"ht there 1as "athered onto a sin"le point= a 1hite>uni$ormed nurse2 leanin" a"ainst a bri 4ildin"2 smo4in" a i"arette.

e 1oman loo4ed up2 her startled e

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ober )2 -+)

a human2 I0d thou"ht it 1as my mother0s death that had shaped the men 8amon and I 1ould be ome. I0d alledysel$ a hal$>orphan in the initial days a$ter she died2 lo 4in" mysel$ a1ay in my room2 $eelin" as thou"h my li$e hadded at the youn" a"e o$ ten. Eather believed "rievin" 1as 1ea4 and unmanly2 so 8amon had been the one to om$ort. He0d "o ridin" 1ith me2 let me 9oin the older boys in their "ames2 and beat up the i$$in brothers 1hen they maden o$ me $or ryin" about Mother durin" a baseball "ame. 8amon had al1ays been the stron" one2 my prote tor.

t I 1as 1ron". It is my o1n death that has shaped me.

1 the tables have turned. I am the stron" one2 and I have been tryin" to be 8amon0s prote tor. But 1hile I haveays been "rate$ul to 8amon2 he despises me and blames me $or 1hat he has be ome. I had $or ed him to $eed $rome2 a bartender at the lo al tavern2 1hi h had ompleted his trans$ormation. But does that ma4e me a villain@ I thin4

t2 espe ially as the a t had saved his li$e.

nally2 I see 8amon the 1ay Eather had seen him= too imperious2 too 1ill$ul2 too 6ui 4 to ma4e up his mind2 and too1 to han"e it.

d as I had also reali;ed earlier this evenin" as I stood 9ust outside the dim "lare o$ the "as lamp2 the body o$ the dead

rse at my $eet= I am alone. 5 $ull orphan. Just as Katherine had presented hersel$ 1hen she ame to Mysti Ealls andyed in our "uesthouse.

that0s ho1 vampires do it2 then. They e

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e triumph o$ losin" in on my prey2 tou hin" my anines to the paper>thin s4in that overed their ne 4s2 hearin" theirarts slo1 to a dull thud and $eelin" a body "o limp in my arms. . . . Huntin" and $eedin" made me $eel alive2 1holeFy "ave me a purpose in the 1orld.

1as2 a$ter all2 the natural order o$ thin"s. 5nimals 4illed 1ea4er animals. Humans 4illed animals. I 4illed humans.ery spe ies had their $oe. I shuddered to thin4 1hat monster 1as po1er$ul enou"h to hunt me.

e salty bree;e 1a$tin" $rom the 1ater 1as la ed 1ith the odor o$ un1ashed bodies and rottin" $ood7a $ar ry $romaroma a ross to1n2 1here s ents o$ $loral per$ume and tal um po1der hun" heavy in the air o$ the 1ide streets.

re shado1s hu""ed every orner2 1hispers rose and $ell 1ith the $lo1in" o$ the river2 and drun4en hi ups pier ed

air. It 1as dar42 here. 8an"erous.uite li4ed it.

urned a orner2 $ollo1in" my nose li4e a bloodhound on the trail o$ a doe. I $les ent o$ blood ame loser. The smell 1as s1eet and smo4y. I $o used on it2 on thei ipation o$ sin4in" my $an"s into a ne 42 o$ 1onderin" 1hose blood I0d be drin4in"2 1hose li$e I0d be stealin".

ontinued to 1al42 pi 4in" up my pa e as I tra ed the s ent to an anonymous ba 4 street lined 1ith an apothe ary2 aneral store2 and a tailor. The street 1as a repli a o$ our o1n Main Street ba 4 in Mysti Ealls. But 1hile 1e0d only hade2 3e1 :rleans must have had do;ens2 i$ not hundreds2 o$ these orridors o$ ommer e.

e rusty smell o$ iron 1as stron"er no1. I $ollo1ed t1ists and turns2 my hun"er buildin"2 burnin"2 searin" my very s4intil $inally2 $inally I ame to a s6uat2 pea h> olored buildin". But 1hen I sa1 the painted si"n above the door2 I stoppedort. Sausa"es in their asin"s hun" in the buildin"0s "rimy 1indo1F slabs o$ ured meat dan"led $rom the eilin" li4e ates6ue hild0s mobileF arved ribs 1ere nestled in i e beneath a ounter2 and in the $ar ba 42 1hole ar asses 1ereun" up2 drainin" blood into lar"e vats.

is 1as a . . . but her shop@

"hed in $rustration but my hun"er $or ed me to push the door open any1ay. The iron hain snapped easily2 as i$ itre no sturdier than thread. :n e inside2 I "a;ed at the bloodied ar asses2 momentarily mesmeri;ed by the bloodlin" into the vats2 one drip at a time.

r the sound o$ the rainin" blood2 I heard the sli"htestpin"2 no louder than the t1it h o$ a mouse0s 1his4ers. Thenme the li"ht shu$$le o$ toes passin" over on rete.

eared ba 42 my eyes dartin" $rom orner to orner. Mi e s uttled beneath the $loorboards2 and someone0s 1at h4ed in the buildin" ne

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apter .

rou hed lo12 my $an"s elon"ated. The heady s ent o$ blood permeated every orner o$ the room2 ma4in" my headn. It 1as impossible to 4no1 1here to atta 4 $irst.

e vampires "ro1led a"ain2 and I emitted a lo1 snarl in response. The ir le losed in ti"hter around me. There 1ereee o$ them2 and I 1as au"ht2 li4e a $ish in a net2 a deer surrounded by 1olves.

What do you thin4 you0re doin"@A one o$ the vampires as4ed. He loo4ed to be in his mid>t1enties and had a s ar thatn the len"th o$ his $a e2 $rom his le$t eye to the orner o$ his lip.

m one o$ you2A I said2 standin" at my $ull hei"ht2 $an"s on display.

2 he0s one o$ usGA an older vampire said in a sin">son"y voi e. He 1ore "lasses and a t1eed vest over a 1hite>llared shirt. But $or the $an"s and red>rimmed eyes2 he ould have been an a ountant or a $riend o$ my $ather0s.

ept my $a e impassive. ?I have no ill business 1ith you2 brothers.A

We are not your brothers2A said another 1ith ta1ny hair. He loo4ed not a day over $i$teen. His $a e 1as smooth2 but"reen eyes 1ere hard.

e older one stepped $or1ard2 po4in" his bony $in"er a"ainst my hest as i$ it 1ere a 1ooden sta4e. ?So2 brother2 ni eenin" to dine . . . or die. What do you thin4@A

e youn" vampire 4neeled ne

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nou"hGA 5 $emale voi e sli ed throu"h the monta"e in my mind. Immediately2 the vampires let "o o$ my hands andet. My eyes spran" open2 and I sa1 a 1oman "lidin" throu"h a narro1 1ooden door in the ba 4. Her lon" blond hairs ended in a sin"le plait do1n her ba 42 and she 1ore men0s bla 4 pants and suspenders. She 1as tall2 thou"h sli"hta hild2 and all the other vampires shran4 a1ay $rom her in $ear.

ou2A she said2 4neelin" nespirited hild.

e turned to1ard me. ?I0m sorry $or your troubles2 Ste$an. 3o12 an I help you be on your 1ay@A she as4ed.

oo4ed around 1ildly. I0d thou"ht no $urther ahead than es apin" this room. ?I . . .A

. don0t have any1here to "o2A she said 1ith a si"h2 $inishin" my thou"ht. She "lan ed to1ard the other vampires2

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1o4e neoran"e sun sin4in" lo1hind a 1hite steeple. The entire house 1as silent2 and $or a moment2 I ouldn0t remember 1here I 1as. Thenerythin" ame ba 4= the but her shop2 the vampires2 me bein" $lun" a"ainst the 1all.

"ro1n 1oman2obably around nineteen or t1enty. I had no idea ho1 many years she0d seen sin e then.

e per hed on the ed"e o$ my bed2 smoothin" ba 4 my hair.

ood evenin"2 Ste$an2A she said2 a mis hievous "lint in her eye. She lut hed a tumbler o$ dar4 li6uid bet1een hern"ers. ?Cou slept2A she noted.

odded. Dntil I0d sun4 into the $eatherbed on the third $loor o$ the house2 I hadn0t reali;ed that I0d barely slept in thest 1ee4. #ven on the train2 I0d al1ays been t1it hin"2 a1are o$ the si"hs and snores o$ my $ello1 passen"ers andays2al1aysthe steady thrum o$ blood oursin" throu"h their veins. But here no heartbeats had 4ept me $rom

mber.

brou"ht this $or you2A she said2 pro$$erin" the "lass. I pushed it a1ay. The blood in it smelled stale2 sour.

ou need to drin42A she said2 soundin" so mu h li4e me spea4in" to 8amon that I ouldn0t help but $eel a tiny pan" o$ tation7and sorro1. I brou"ht the tumbler to my lips and too4 a tiny sip2 $i"htin" the ur"e to spit it out. 5s Ipe ted2 the drin4 tasted li4e dan4 1ater and the s ent made me $eel va"uely ill.

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er a barroom. But as I 1as $ast reali;in"2 3e1 :rleans 1asn0t Mysti Ealls.

e $loor o$ Miladies 1as a4ed 1ith sa1dust2 and I 1in ed at the over1helmin"ly a rid smell o$ s1eat2 1his4ey2 andlo"ne. The tables 1ere pa 4ed shoulder to shoulder 1ith men playin" ards2 "amblin"2 and "ossipin". :ne entire sidethe room 1as $illed 1ith Dnion soldiers2 and in another orner2 a motley band onsistin" o$ players 1ith anordion2 t1o $iddles2 and a $lute 1as playin" a 9aunty rendition o$ ?The Battle Hymn o$ the epubli .A

What do you thin4@A Le$illed mu"s behind.

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e band stopped mid> hord and immediately s1it hed to ? od Save the South.A

eyGA one soldier shouted. His omrades "lan ed at one another2 learly 1onderin" 1hy a band in a Dnion bar hadddenly been inspired to play a pro>Southern son".

haired barmaid. Her eyes 1ere deep bro1n2 and her hair 1as tieda lo1 4not at the nape o$ her ne 4. Her lips 1ere parted2 and she 1ore a ameo pendant that nestled in the not h o$ r ne 4. In the split se ond bet1een seein" and 4no1in"2 I 1as reminded o$ Katherine. I thou"ht o$ my $irst "limpse o$ ss Molly2 and ho1 I0d mista4en her $or Katherine as 1ell. It $elt as thou"h my ma4er 1ere intent to haunt me in 3e1

eans.

er2A I said2 noddin" to1ard the "irl.

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rin" her ba 4 alive2 boy2 or you0ll be ans1erin" to me2A said a voi e so lo1 that I 1ondered i$ I0d ima"ined it.

t 1hen I turned ba 42 Le

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utside2 I let the "irl lead me a1ay $rom the drun4en ro1d and to1ard a side alley beyond a bar alled !alhoun0s.

m sorry2A she said breathlessly. ?I don0t 4no1 1hat ame over me. I0m usually not so $resh2 it0s 9ust that7A

m than4$ul $or it2A I said2 interruptin" her. She shivered2 and I put my arms around her thin $rame. Instantly2 shelled a1ay.

ou0re so oldGA she said in an a usatory tone.

m I@A I as4ed2 $ei"nin" non halan e.Cou 1ant to 4iss me2 I thou"ht.

e shru""ed. ?It0s o4ay. It0s 9ust that I0m sensitive to temperature. But I 4no1 a 1ay 1e ould both 1arm up.A Sheiled shyly2 then raised up to her tiptoes. Her lips pressed a"ainst mine2 and $or a moment2 I allo1ed mysel$ to en9oyir 1armth and $eel the "irl0s blood ra e throu"h her veins as she "ave hersel$ over to me.

en I lun"ed $or her ne 4.

GA She protested2 tryin" to push me o$$. ?StopGA

u 1ill su umb2 be ause i$ you do that2 I0ll let you live2 I thou"ht2 usin" every $iber o$ my bein" to ompel her at this

u ial moment. She "a;ed up at me2 on$usion in her eyes2 be$ore she $ell ba 4 over my arms2 her $a e a mas4 o$ sleepyis$a tion.

oo4 a $e1 more sips o$ the blood2 all too ons ious o$ Le

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e $ollo1in" evenin" Lesatis$ied smile appeared on her $a e. 5 reature lay on the $allen leaves2 its le"s bent as i$ it 1ere still mid>run.

e "estured to the lump o$ oran"ish>red $ur. ?Eo< isn0t bad. Would you li4e to try it@A

nelt do1n2 my lips urlin" as they made onta t 1ith the rou"h $ur. I $or ed mysel$ to "in"erly ta4e a sip o$ li6uid2u"h2 as I 4ne1 it 1as 1hat Let1othu>thudsa minute.

utiously I slipped past Le

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te$an2A Le

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mon. 8eath.

e 1ords s1am in my mind as I tried to ma4e sense o$ 1hat I 1as seein". 8amon 1as alive. But 1ho 4ne1 $or ho1n"@ I$ he had been aptured2 he 1as undoubtedly 1ea4. Ho1 ould he $a e a ravenous beast in a battle and survive@

"er tore throu"h my body2 alon" 1ith the $amiliar a he o$ my $an"s elon"atin". I ripped do1n the si"n 1ith a snarl.

What is it@A she hissed2 her o1n $an"s bared.

eld up the paper.

My brother2A I said2 starin" 1ithout omprehension at the poster. The pi ture made him loo4 li4e a monster. My eyet hed. ?The battle is in t1o days.A

bit ir us and $rea4 sho1. 5l1ays loo4in"r uriosities to display2 and people al1ays seem to $ind the money to attend. Cour brother7A

amon2A I said2 uttin" her o$$. ?His name is 8amon.A

amon2A Le olored Vi torian houses 1ere lush and ehued mansion en losed by an open 1rou"ht>iron $en e. Ma"nolias and alla lilieslled over the "ate2 and the air smelled li4e mint. Just beyond2 I ould see an enormous herb "arden that too4 up ath o$ the property. I re oiled as 1e 1al4ed loser2 as the "arden "re1 a "enerous amount o$ vervain.

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0s too lose to da1n2A Le ons iously. The lapus la;uli adornmentd be ome so mu h a part o$ me2 I0d $or"otten that it made me di$$erent $rom other vampires2 made me able to 1al4the dayli"ht. Katherine had arran"ed $or both 8amon and me to have this prote tion.

We0ll ome ba 4 tomorro1. The others an help us then2A Leblooded 4iller is "oin" to save me.A 8amon attempted a 1an smile. He leaned ba 4 a"ainst the 1all2 hisains rattlin".

es2 1e have to7A

ddenly2 I heard the sound o$ a door slammin"2 then a do" bar4in". I 1hirled around to1ard the main house.

What do you thin4 you0re doin"@A a voi e yelled out. 5nd I stood2 my hands raised to the s4y2 unsure o$ 1ho7orat7had $ound me this time.

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y hands still in the air2 I pressed my lips to"ether. I0d already learned that any si"n o$ stress aused my $an"s to bul"ed my pupils to "ro1 lar"erF I didn0t 1ant to prepare to atta 4 until I 4ne1 1hat I 1as dealin" 1ith.

a4e@ !harley@A a $emale voi e alled as t1o burly men ran to1ard me $rom the main house. 5lthou"h t1i e my bul42y 1ere de$initely human. #a h man "rabbed one o$ my arms2 thou"h I noted 1ith old al ulation that it 1ould ta4ely one 6ui 4 t1ist to sha4e both o$$ be$ore I lun"ed $or my atta 4.

t I $ou"ht 1ith every ore o$ my bein" to stay still2 my hands hi"h in the air2 hopin" I0d 9ust loo4 li4e a ommon

"rant. There 1as no "uarantee that a $i"ht 1ould lead to 8amon0s res ue.

irl 1al4ed to1ard me $rom the por h and stopped a $oot a1ay.

apolo"i;e2A I said to her. I tried to ma4e my voi e sound li4e I 1as nervously "aspin" $or breath. ?I didn0t reali;e thiss private property. I0m ne1 to to1n2 and I 1as in the tavern2 and2 1ell . . .A I trailed o$$2 unsure o$ 1hether my liesuld "et me into even deeper trouble.

ou thou"ht you0d steal $rom me@A The "irl stepped $or1ard. Her hair tumbled in $lamin" urls do1n her ba 42 and shere 1hat loo4ed suspi iously li4e a vervain 1reath on her head. She had on a 1hite ni"htdress2 but she 1as 1earin"n0s boots2 and I ould see alluses on her hands. Thou"h she 1as learly $rom a 1ealthy $amily2 this 1as no oddled

y "irl.

o. 3oG I 1asn0t stealin"2 I 1as 9ust loo4in" $or the vampire2A I said.

e 4nit her eyebro1s to"ether. ?To steal him . . . @A she as4ed leadin"ly2 hands on her hips.

oGA I said a"ain2 my arm 9er4in" involuntarily. :ne o$ the men holdin" me dropped my arm in surprise. ?3o2A I saidain2 $or in" mysel$ to remain still. ?I sa1 the poster $or the sho1 do1n by the la4e2 and2 1ell2 I "uess my uriosity "ot

best o$ me.A I shru""ed.

ooster ro1ed. Sunli"ht slo1ly spilled over the ba 4yard. I "lan ed do1n at my "leamin" rin"2 than4$ul that Leroom o$ the house2 and to1ard

"ate. ?Than4s $or trustin" me2A I said.

Who says I trust you@A she as4ed sharply2 but an amused smile $litted a ross her lips.

Well2 then2 perhaps I should than4 you $or not lettin" your brutes 4ill me.A

e smiled a"ain2 1ider this time. Her teeth 1ere pearly 1hite2 and one o$ her $ront teeth 1as sli"htly roo4ed. Ere 4lessted her upturned nose. She smelled s1eet2 li4e oran"es. I reali;ed it had been a lon" time sin e I had $ound a

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ober ,2 -+)

methin" has han"ed. Maybe it is merely a"e2 a sort o$ hyper>maturation into the role o$ an adult vampire. Maybe itLede$yin" hallen"e2 and I simply 4no1 In0t e

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o2 are you ready to save him@A

usual2 Letipped ane. Behind him 1ere bla 4>suited men. The three 1ere en"a"ed in intense onversation.

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ou 4ill that monster and I0ll buy it all. The $an"s2 the blood2 the rin". #verythin". 5nd I0ll "ive you a very "ood pri e2Aelderly man said in a tremblin" voi e2 barely on ealin" his e< itement.

$ore I ould poun e2 shatterin" the "lass that separated me $rom the man 1ho 1as tryin" to sell my brother in bitsd pie es2 an iron>$irm "rip lasped my arms behind me and dra""ed me ba 4 out to the street.

et a hold o$ yoursel$2 Ste$anGA Le

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My dau"hter says you0re urious about vampires2A he said. ?Prove you0re serious and 1or4 the ti 4et ounter. Then 1en tal4.A

es2 sir.A I nodded2 $eelin" li4e Ste$an the obedient hild.

nd2 boy@A alla"her as4ed2 turnin" ba 4 to1ard me.

es@A

ou 1ant to pla e a bet on the $i"ht@ Winner0ll ta4e a lot. !ould ma4e you a $ortune.A He raised an eyebro1.

y eyes narro1ed2 and blood s reamed throu"h my veins2 $ast and hot. Ho1 dare this man as4 me to bet on myother0s li$e@ Ho1 dare he a t so sel$>important 1hen I ould rip his throat out in an instant@

te$an@A !allie as4ed 1arily.

r in" mysel$ to alm do1n2 I rea hed into the po 4ets o$ my 1ell>1orn brit hes and pulled them inside out. ?I0mraid I have no money2 sir. That0s 1hy I0m so "rate$ul to have this 9ob.A

lla"her too4 a step loser to me. ?Cou say you0re $rom Mississippi2 boy@A He "a;ed at me uriously. ?Cour a entunds more northern7maybe Vir"inian.A

My parents 1ere $rom Vir"inia. I suppose their a ent rubbed o$$ on me2A I said in as asual a voi e as I ould muster.

ter a lon" moment2 he nodded. ?Well2 1hen you rustle up some urren y2 ome $ind me. In the meantime2 !allie 1illo1 you the ropes. 5nd son@A he alled2 turnin" on his heel.

es2 sir@A I as4ed.

ll be 1at hin" you.A

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n0t be bothered by him2A !allie said2 on e her $ather 1as a sa$e distan e a1ay.

m not2A I lied.

r "reen eyes $li 4ed over me2 as i$ she didn0t believe my 1ords. But she didn0t press the issue.

ll "ive you a 6ui 4 tour2A she said2 ta4in" me into one o$ the smaller tents. In a orner2 a 1oman 1as hun hed over arror. She turned2 and I too4 a step ba 4. Her $a e 1as overed 1ith tattoos2 1hi h2 upon loser inspe tion2 1ere

urtesy o$ rapidly dryin" India in4.he tattooed 1oman2A !allie said. ?5nd the on9oined t1ins.A

e 1oman and the t1ins nestained shirt rolled at the sleeves2 4ept a sta4e positioned $irmly over his heart.

entle no12 JasperG We need him alive be$ore the $i"htGA !allie alled2 her voi e sharp. 8amon turned2 barin" his teethour dire tion. I sa1 surprise in his eyes2 1hi h 6ui 4ly turned into ontempt.

My little brother2 the "ood Samaritan2A he 1hispered under his breath2 barely movin" his 9a1. Lu 4ily2 he said it lo1ou"h that only I heard.

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soon as I0d ta4en every last ti 4et and a epted every last dollar2 I slipped into the tent behind an over1ei"ht manut hin" a s1eaty 1ad o$ !on$ederate notes in ea h $ist. The air 1as thi 4 1ith the sten h o$ s1eat2 sa1dust2 and2 o$ urse2 blood.

ople 1ere millin" around us2 payin" e

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ush $illed the tent. The mountain lion strained at his hains2 but 8amon simply stood in his orner o$ the rin"2 as i$ a1are o$ 1hat the imminent $uture held $or him.

nd . . . "oGA alla"her yelled. Immediately2 the handlers unlo 4ed 8amon0s hains and opened the iron door o$ theuntain lion0s a"e2 then ran o$$ the sta"e. The lion 9umped to1ard 8amon2 ma4in" onta t 1ith his hest. 8amon let

t an an"uished moan and $ell ba 41ard. Then2 9ust as 6ui 4ly2 he rose to his $eet and roared2 his $a e suddenlyushed2 his $an"s on $ull display. I 4ne1 this 1as all instin tual= 8amon0s Po1er risin" to the sur$a e as soon as he0d $elt

atta 4. I had learned this about our 4ind in the past $e1 1ee4s= :ur po1er led us to do thin"s be$ore 1e even 4ne11ere doin" them. 8espite 8amon0s e

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ntervene.

e mountain lion 1as slo1in". #a h time it bu 4ed2 more blood appeared in the sa1dust in little red rivers. Its le$t hind1as loo4in" 1ea4 no1F 1obblin"2 it started to $lop to1ard the "round. 8amon unlat hed his $an"s and reared ba 42dy to "o $or the vein in the at0s ne 4.

t then2 the at $lailed its hind6uarters and thre1 8amon $ree. 5s 8amon tried to re over his $eet2 the mountain lionved in and 1rapped its 9a1s around his side.

e ro1d "asped a"ain2 then be"an to boo.

ht2 I ur"ed 1ith every $iber o$ my bein"2 len hin" my $ists at my sides.

mon had "one limp and 1as bein" $lun" around li4e an old slipper in a do"0s mouth. The lion tossed 8amon to theund2 then pulled its head ba 4 and opened 1ide. But 9ust as the animal dove $or1ard2 8amon rolled a1ay. He droveshoulder into the on$used beast0s side2 bo1lin" it over and e

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an past the shanties set up around the ir us throu"h the deep 1oods2 $ollo1in" the tra 4s o$ the 1a"on until I lostvehi le0s s ent ompletely at the outs4irts o$ the ity proper. 5 drun4 1as leanin" a"ainst a bri 4 buildin"2 1histlin"

nelessly.

a blind ra"e2 I rou"hly $ell to my 4nees and "rabbed him2 bitin" into his ne 4 and su 4in" his blood be$ore he evend time to "asp. It tasted bitter2 but I 4ept drin4in"2 "ulpin" it in until I ould stand no more.

tin" ba 4 on my heels2 I 1iped my mouth 1ith the ba 4 o$ my hand2 and loo4ed around. !on$usion and hatred

ursed throu"h my veins. Why ouldn0t I save 8amon@ Why had I 9ust 1at hed as alla"her "oaded the audien e intoin" even more bets2 as the mountain lion poun ed onto my brother@ 5nd 1hy had 8amon allo1ed himsel$ to be

ptured and put me in this impossible position@

ished I0d never insisted on turnin" him into a vampire in the $irst pla e. I$ he 1eren0t here and I 1ere alone in they2 everythin" 1ould be so mu h easier. 3o1 I 1as tryin" to be a "ood brother2 and a "ood vampire2 and yet 1aslin" at everythin".

al4ed home2 lompin" up the steps to the house. I slammed the door2 ausin" the hin"es to rattle and one o$ thentin"s in the parlor to $all on the $loor 1ith a latter.

tantly2 I sa1 Bu

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ou 9ust need to thin4 o$ another plan. :ne 1e an help 1ith.A Le

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e neups. The $ortune>teller headed to the se luded part o$ the la4e2 to1el in hand2 noubt $or a bath. 5nd t1o o$ the ever>present burly se urity men 1ere 1at hin" !allie and me uriously.

lie learly noti ed as 1ell. ?Would you li4e to "o $or a 1al4@A she as4ed2 leadin" the 1ay do1n a dirt>pa 4ed road toed"e o$ the la4e2 out o$ si"ht o$ the sho1. She pi 4ed up a stone and thre1 it into the 1ater2 1here it landed 1ith a

un4.

never ould s4ip stones2A she said2 in su h a sad voi e that I ouldn0t help but burst out lau"hin".

What0s so $unny@A she as4ed2 hittin" my arm a"ain. The s1at 1as play$ul2 but the bra elets she 1ore 1ere t1istedou"h 1ith vervain2 and the onta t sent a 1ave o$ pain up my arm. She put her hand on my shoulder2 on erneasin" her $orehead. ?5re you o4ay@A

in ed. ?Ces2A I lied.

ay . . .A she said2 thro1in" me a s4epti al loo4. She leaned do1n to pi 4 up another stone and raised her li"ht bro1nebro1 at me be$ore she thre1 it in the 1ater. It $ell 1ith a harmless plop.

ra"i GA I pi 4ed up my o1n stone and aimed it a ross the 1ater. It s4ipped $ive times be$ore $allin" belo1 the sur$a e.

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lie lau"hed and lapped her hands. ?Cou must tea h meGA

ou have to $li 4 your 1rist. 5nd pi 4 a $lat stone.A I spotted a smooth bro1n ro 4 1ith a 1hite band rin"in" the top.ere.A I put the ro 4 in her hands. ?3o12 $li 42A I said2 "in"erly tou hin" her s4in2 ma4in" sure my $in"ers didn0t brush

ainst the vervain.

e losed her eyes and tossed the stone2 1hi h s4ipped on e2 be$ore $allin" into the 1ater. She thre1 her arms up ini"ht. ?Than4 you2 Ste$an2A she said2 her eyes t1in4lin".

o more stran"er0@A I teased.

ou0ve tau"ht me somethin". That means 1e0re $riends.A

oes it2 no1@A I said2 ta4in" another stone and tossin" it in the 1ater. 8amon and I had s4ipped stones in the pondar our home in Mysti Ealls. We0d ma4e 1ishes and pretend that they 1ould ome true i$ 1e ould "uess the numbers4ips a stone 1ould ma4e.

losed my eyes brie$ly.I$ it s4ips $ive times2 I0ll have a han e to $ree 8amon2 I thou"ht. But this stone 1as heavier andn4 a$ter t1o s4ips. I shoo4 my head2 annoyed at mysel$ $or indul"in" in su h a hildish "ame.

o 1as that your bi""est on ern in the 1orld@ That you ouldn0t s4ip stones@A I teased2 tryin" to re laim the li"ht toneour outin".

e smiled2 but her eyes loo4ed sad. ?3o. But don0t you thin4 pretend problems are mu h more mana"eable than reales@A

es2 I do2A I said 6uietly.

e sun 1as steadily risin"2 lendin" the la4e an oran"e "lo1. Several small s4i$$s 1ere already on the 1ater2 astin"ir nets2 and the 1ind 1hipped around our ears2 a reminder that even thou"h the sun $elt 1arm2 1inter 1as 1ell on1ay.

ve never tal4ed to anyone about this. That0s rule number t1o o$ the alla"her $amily business7don0t trust anyone2A

e said.our $ather seems tou"h2A I ventured2 sensin" her $rustration. ?Perhaps too tou"h@A

My $ather is $ine2A !allie snapped. She s o1led at me2 hands on her hips.

m sorry2A I said2 raisin" my hands in surrender. I reali;ed I0d pushed too $ar too 6ui 4ly. ?That 1as out o$ line.A

lie let her hands $all to her sides. ?3o2 I0m sorry. I0m 9ust prote tive o$ him. He0s all I have.A

Where is your mother@A I as4ed.

ed 1hen I 1as si

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ean up the "rounds.A

odded. ? ood idea.A 5lone here 1ith !allie2 I0d ome so lose to losin" ontrol.

te$an2A !allie said. ?I 1as thin4in" . . . sin e 1e don0t have the sho1s $or a $e1 ni"hts2 do you thin4 you ould sho1 meity@A

ut I don0t 4no1 the ity2A I pointed out. ?Cou0ve been here lon"er than I have.A

lie0s hee4s $lushed poppy red. ?Eather doesn0t let me leave the house2 unless it0s $or 1or4. But there are so manyo1s and adventures in 3e1 :rleans.A She loo4ed up at me $rom beneath her lon" lashes. ?Please@ I0ll $eel sa$e i$ I0m

h you.A

early lau"hed at the irony o$ that statement2 but the hu 4le au"ht in my throat. !allie had it 1ron"= She 1ouldn0tessarily be sa$e 1ith me2 but I ould use her to "uarantee the sa$ety o$ my brother. 5$ter all2 she 4ne1 everythin"

out alla"her0s !ir us7in ludin" 1here her $ather 1as holdin" 8amon.

ay2 let0s do it2A I said.

2 1e0ll have su h $unGA !allie lasped my hands and 1hirled me around. ?Meet me at the par4 at the end o$ myeet at nine o0 lo 4.A She rose onto her tiptoes and 4issed my hee4.

e 1as so lose2 I ould pra ti ally $eel her heart beatin" a"ainst my hest. I pulled a1ay abruptly2 my head poundin"d my 9a1 a hin". I turned my ba 4 to her as my anines e

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apter '&

rrived at home at dus4 and $ound Le$a ed body.

hey0re ri"ht2A Le

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r y loo4ed at Le

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apter ''

trai"htened the u$$s on my neatly pressed 1hite shirt and buttoned my over oat. The shiny brass buttons "linted inlampli"ht as I turned the orner onto Laurel Street.

iped my $a e2 to ma4e sure no blood lin"ered on my lips. I0d visited my barmaid $rom Miladies2 satin" my hun"er$ore my evenin" out on the to1n 1ith !allie. The barmaid0s blood had tasted s1eet2 li4e lilies dipped in honey. Theond the 1armth had hit my ton"ue2 my senses had be ome honed and the 1orld had sharpened around the ed"es.

1 the i adas shrie4ed in my ears and the smell o$ roses assaulted my nose2 but my stoma h 1as alm and my veins

re sated. I 1as ready $or my date.

e par4 at the end o$ the street 1as $illed 1ith ma"nolias and an ient elm trees2 and in the enter2 a marble $ountains topped 1ith a s ulpture o$ a na4ed 1oman. Throu"h the burble o$ the $ountain2 I ould hear the beatin" o$ aman heart.

ello@A I alled.

te$anGA !allie stepped out $rom behind a stone herub into the 1ea4 li"ht o$ a "as lamp. Her red hair2 a $lame in the4erin" li"ht2 hun" loose and urly around her shoulders. She 1ore a simple2 ream> olored dress2 1ith a la e bodi e

d a $loun y s4irt that draped over her tiny hips.

ood ra ed throu"h my body.

What@A !allie said2 reddenin" as she noti ed my stare.

ou loo42 uh2 li4e a "irl2A I said. She loo4ed beauti$ul.

ee2 than4s.A !allie rolled her eyes and so$tly slu""ed my shoulder. ?Cou0re 9ust used to seein" me in 1or4 lothes.Ae "a;ed at me. ?Cou loo4 6uite handsome.A

leared my throat and tu""ed on my ollar. Suddenly my lothes $elt un om$ortable and onstri tin"2 and the ni"ht air$$y. I 1ondered brie$ly i$ the barmaid had somethin" in her blood that hadn0t a"reed 1ith me. ?Than4 you2A I said

rmally.

te$an@A !allie li$ted her arm e4ept

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"hborhood in $ront o$ a pristine2 stately house. 5 simple pla ard ne

ssed passen"ers into the depths o$ the lub.

momentarily pani 4ed. I didn0t have any money. 5nd I 1as 1earin" a s hoolboy0s lothes that hadn0t been in stylee the turn o$ the entury.

llie2 I thin4 . . .A I be"an2 tryin" to ome up 1ith an alternate idea $or our evenin" 1hen the $ront door s1un" open toet us.

ood evenin". 5re you "uests o$ the house@A The man0s eyes $li 4ed do1n my old lothes. I 1as 1ildly underdressedr this venue2 and I 4ne1 it. !allie2 ho1ever2 loo4ed radiant.

es2A !allie 9umped in2 strai"htenin" her shoulders.

nd your names@A

om the 1ay !allie0s lips $lattened2 I ould tell she hadn0t reali;ed there 1as a "uest list. I stepped in $ront o$ her2ddenly inspired. ?We0re the Pi ards. emy and his 1i$e2 !alliope.A

e moment2 sir.A The man 1addled in his slippers over to a podium holdin" a list that almost ertainly did not in lude. emy Pi ard0s name. He turned a pa"e2 then turned it ba 4.

What are you doin"2 Ste$an@A !allie 1hispered.

have it under ontrol2A I said 6uietly. ?Just smile and loo4 pretty.A

e man returned2 loo4in" "enuinely distressed.

m terribly sorry2 sir2 but your name is not on our list $or toni"ht.A He "lan ed around2 as i$ ready to be 4on a se urityard i$ 1e made trouble.

ant you to let us in 1ithout as4in" us any more 6uestions2 I thou"ht2 hannelin" all my ener"y. ?We0d really li4e tome in2A I said aloud2 on entratin" on loo4in" deep into his eyes2 i"norin" !allie0s urious "a;e borin" into my ba 4.re you sure you didn0t see our names on the list@A

e man0s eyes $li 4ered.

t us in 1ithout loo4in" at the list.

ou 4no12 I believe Imi"hthave seen your names. In $a t2 I0m sure I did. The Pi ardsG I0m sorry. It 1as my on$usion.ht this 1ay2A he said2 a sli"htly va ant e

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lie shru""ed2 the shado1 o$ a $ro1n rossin" her $a e. She "lan ed around the room. ?They all hate Eather. They say0s a Dnionist 1ho0s ta4in" advanta"e o$ 3e1 :rleans 1ith his business. 5nd perhaps he is2 but at least his sho1esn0t pretend to be somethin" it0s not2A she said2 9uttin" her hin.

hi$ted in my seat. Wasn0t that eslun"2 red velvet ben h beneath a lar"e mirror in the ba 4 o$ the room.

soon as everyone settled into seats2 a master o$ eremonies too4 to the sta"e. I 1as surprised to see that he 1as an 1earin" a dinner suit and ape. I0d ima"ined a burles6ue sho1 to be louder2 lar"er than this2 1ith plenty o$ musi

d s antily lad 1omen.

ood evenin"G 5s 1e0ve all heard2 1e have a vampire in our midst2A he said dramati ally.

dien e members tittered nervously. I "lan ed at !allie out o$ the orner o$ my eye. Was this some sort o$ trap@ 8ide 4no1 1hat I 1as@ But !allie 1as leanin" $or1ard2 as i$ mesmeri;ed by the man0s 1ords.

e master o$ eremonies smiled2 drin4in" in the suspense. ?Ces2 a vampire. 8o1n at that t1o>bit ir us by the la4e.A

rs $illed the room. !allie hadn0t been e

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am a vampire2 and you all are my preyG !ome to me2 my prettiesGA he a 4led2 in an eembroidered "o1n stood up $rom a table in the $ront and 1al4ed to1ard the sta"e as i$ in a tran e2 emittin" a lo1an 1ith ea h step.

he vampire has spe ial eyes that an see throu"h lothin". 5nd this vampire2 ladies and "entlemen2 li4es 1hat hesGA The master o$ eremonies leered at the audien e.

his2 the audien e applauded enthusiasti ally.

an ed at !allie a"ain. Had she 4no1n this 1as a sho1 about vampires@

ut2 no12 the vampire has his hun"er a1a4ened. 5nd 1hat he0ll do to $eed the hun"er2 you 1on0t believe2A the mastereremonies said as the vampire onsta"e 1aved his hands to1ard the 1oman2 as i$ ondu tin" an or hestra. 5s he did

t2 a trumpet player be"an playin" a slo12 mourn$ul tune. The 1oman be"an to move her hips2 slo1ly at $irst2 andn more and more 6ui 4ly until she loo4ed as thou"h she 1ould topple over.

Maybe Eather should "ive our vampire dan e lessons2A !allie 1hispered2 her breath hot on my hee4.

en2 suddenly2 the vampire stopped 1avin" his arms. The musi stopped2 and so did the 1oman. The vampire lur hedard her2 too4 hold o$ the sleeve o$ her dress2 and tore it o$$2 eni"ht bustle all the 1ay to the riverban4. 5s I stared

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1n at my re$le tion in the s1irlin" 1ater2 Per y0s 1ords e hoed in my head= ?Cou0ll either 1ant to 4ill her or 4iss her2d neither s enario 1ill end 1ell $or you.A

1as ri"ht. Be ause 1hile I truly didn0t 4no1 1hether I 1anted to 4iss or bite !allie2 I 4ne1 I 1antedher.

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apter '(

ober 2 -+)

m not supposed to have a heart. 5 bullet 1ent throu"h it nearly three 1ee4s a"o2 and no blood o$ my o1n 1ill evermp throu"h it a"ain. The only blood that no1 ourses throu"h my veins is that o$ 1homever I happen to atta 4. 5ndsomethin" about !allie auses my dead heart to $lutter and the stolen blood to 6ui 4en in my body.

t real@ :r is it a mere memory o$ somethin" that used to be@ 8amon on e told me that on the battle$ield2 boyso0d under"one amputations still 1o4e up to a"oni;in" pain in their le"s or ried $or the hand that a hed2 thou"h

se limbs 1ere no lon"er part o$ them. But 1hile those boys had phantom limbs2 it seems I have a phantom heart.

my short time in 3e1 :rleans2 I0ve learned about my Po1er. It0s 1hat has driven me2 1hat I0ve thrived on2 1hat4es me a vampire. But that0s not the only po1er I possess. The other 4ind isn0t e< itin"2 or thrillin"2 or dan"erous. It0s

undane and tedious7the ein4ed desi"ns2 she 1astually 6uite pretty2 1ith hi"h hee4bones and 1ide2 in6uisitive eyes. ?What are you doin" here@A

runted in response.

ou0ll 1ant to apolo"i;e to !allie.A She pointed at the side o$ the tent.

!allie had already told her $riends about our disastrous evenin". Just as I had $eared. I 1al4ed around the "roundstil I sa1 !allie 4neelin" over a pie e o$ bir h 1ood at her $eet. Paint splattered her overalls2 and her red hair 1assted on top o$ her head and held in pla e by a sin"le2 slender2 lon">handled paintbrush. The si"n said=

#33C 5 P##K= 5 #5L2 LIV#2 HD3 C V5MPI #. #3T# IE C:D 85 #G

derneath 1as a rude dra1in" o$ a vampire= $an"s elon"ated2 eyes s6uintin"2 blood tri 4lin" do1n both sides o$ hisuth. The $eatures 1ere 8amon0s2 but it 1as lear !allie had dra1n si"ni$i ant artisti inspiration $rom the burles6ue

o1 last ni"ht.

lie loo4ed up2 at hin" me starin". Her mouth made a round :2 and she dropped her brush onto the anvas. 5 lar"e4 spot suddenly appeared on 8amon0s $a e.

oo4 1hat you made me do2A she said an"rily.

u 4 my hands in my po 4ets2 subtly sni$$in" the air $or tra es o$ 8amon. ?I0m sorry.A

lie si"hed in annoyan e. ?I don0t need your apolo"ies. I 9ust need you to stop distra tin" me so I an "et some 1or4ne.A

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o you 1ant me to help you $i< the paintin"@A The 1ords 1ere out o$ my mouth be$ore I ould stop them. They hun"1een us $or a lon" moment2 both o$ us seemin"ly surprised by my o$$er.

i< the paintin"@A !allie e hoed2 puttin" her hands on her hips. ?5m I hearin" you orre tly@ Ei< thepaintin"@A

es@A I $umbled.

re you a1are that you le$t me last ni"ht to "et home alone2 1ith no e

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e se ond 8amon0s eyes landed on me2 his $a e lit up.

Wel ome to hell2 brother2A 8amon 1hispered2 his lips barely movin" as he lo 4ed eyes 1ith me. Then he turned toper. ?So2 Jasp2A he said2 in a onversational tone2 as i$ they 1ere 9ust t1o men en"a"ed in a $riendly tal4 at a tavern2

ou $ound a ne1 sap to do your dirty 1or4. Well2 ome on2 brother. Let0s see i$ you an sta4e me.A

is bar4 is 1orse than his bite2A Jasper said2 holdin" out a sta4e to me. Erom its sten h I ould tell it had been soa4ed inrvain.

ive me your "loves2A I said 1ith an air o$ authority. Tou hin" the 1ood 1ould "ive me a1ay instantly.

Won0t "ive you mu h prote tion. Those $an"s an "o throu"h anythin"2A Jasper protested.

ust "ive them to me2A I said throu"h len hed teeth. 8amon 1at hed the e< han"e intently2 learly en9oyin" mydi ament.

ay2 i$ they0ll ma4e you more om$ortable. . . .A Jasper shru""ed and handed me his leather "loves. I pulled them overy hands and too4 the sta4e $rom Jasper2 my hands tremblin" sli"htly. Ho1 ould somethin" so li"ht be so deadly@

mon let out a lo1 hu 4le. ?Is this the best you ould rustle up@ He loo4s about ready to 4eel over.A

ared at my brother. ?I0m tryin" to save you2A I 1hispered.

mon 9ust snorted derisively.

lease2A I added.

lease 1hat@A he said2 1rappin" the hains around his hands.

lease let me save you.A

orry. !an0t help you there2A he said2 be$ore yan4in" on the hains. T1o o$ the "uards $ell to the "round in surprise.

o somethin"GA Jasper said "ru$$ly. ?Cou0ve "ot to sti 4 him2 let him 4no1 his pla e.A

isten to your boss2A 8amon sneered.?Be a man and stab me. 5 real man isn0t a$raid o$ blood2 isn0t that ri"ht@A

per bent do1n and "rabbed a sta4e $rom the "round.

mon2 boy. #arn your 4eep2A he said2 usin" the side o$ the sta4e to nud"e me $or1ard. I "asped. Pain shot up and1n my s4in2 as i$ I0d been tou hed by a hot po4er.

mon lau"hed a"ain.

e $lap opened2 and !allie po4ed her head throu"h the tent.

oo4ed 1ildly over at her. ?!allie2 you shouldn0t be hereGAth she and 8amon loo4ed at me 6ui;;i ally. 5 si 4enin" $eelin" spread throu"h my limbs. The vervain2 the heat2 the4es . . .

t then2 1ith a simple t1ist $rom his hains2 8amon bro4e $ree and lun"ed to1ard !allie. !allie shrie4ed2 and Jasperve to shield her.

me seemed to stop2 and 1ithout thin4in"2 I hurled my sta4e throu"h 8amon0s belly. He $ell ba 41ard2 "aspin"2 bloodurtin" $rom the 1ound.

said2 pleaseGA I hissed 1ildly2 in a voi e only 8amon ould hear. !allie o1ered near the $lap2 her eyes 1ide as shen ed bet1een me and 8amon.

mon loo4ed up2 1hee;in" as he pulled the sta4e $rom his stoma h. Then I heard the $aintest2 hoarse 1hisper over theouts o$ Jasper and the trainers as they moved to re> hain 8amon.

hen please 4no1 that your hell hasn0t even yet be"un2 brother.A

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apter ')

an do1n to the la4e2 the sound o$ the sta4e rippin" throu"h 8amon0s $lesh e hoin" in my mind. :n e I "ot to theore2 I stared at my re$le tion in the 1ater. My ha;el eyes stared ba 42 my lips pressed into a thin line. With an an"ry42 I thre1 a pebble into the pond2 shatterin" my ima"e into a thousand little ripples.

rt o$ me 1anted to 9ump in the la4e2 s1im to the other side2 and never ome ba 4. 8amn 8amon to hell i$ death 1asat he 1anted so mu h. But no matter ho1 mu h I 1ished he0d die2 I ouldn0t 4ill him. 8espite everythin"2 1e 1ereothers2 and I 1anted7needed7to do everythin" in my po1er to save him. 5$ter all2 blood 1as thi 4er than 1ater. I"hed bitterly as I thou"ht o$ the deeper meanin"s o$ the metaphor. Blood 1as also more ompli ated2 more

stru tive2 and more heartbrea4in" than 1ater.

an4 into the bra 4ish sand at the 1ater0s ed"e and lay ba 4 1ith a si"h2 lettin" the 1an 3ovember sun as ade over. I don0t 4no1 ho1 lon" I remained li4e that be$ore I $elt mu$$led $oot$alls vibrate the "round beneath me.

"hed. I don0t 4no1 1hat I0d hoped to $ind2 omin" do1n to the la4e2 but my pea e and 6uiet 1as ruined 1hen !alliedo1n ne

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lie moved loser to me. ?But you saved me. When your . . . brother lun"ed $or me2 you sta4ed him. Cou sta4ed yourn brother. Eor me.A

ust in the stoma h2 not the heart2A I pointed out.

till.A She pla ed her hand on my hest2 ri"ht over 1here my heart used to be. I sti$$ened2 tryin" not to inhale the s enther.

$ore I ould rea t2 she pulled a needle out o$ her po 4et and pun tured her inde< $in"er. I $ro;e.

ood.

t one drop o$ it2 li4e a sin"le ruby2 balan ed there on the tip o$ her $in"er.

d2!allie0sblood. It smelled li4e edar1ood and the s1eetest 1ine. My $a e be"an to s1eat2 and my breathin" be ameavy. My senses sharpened2 and my $an"s throbbed. Eear $lashed in !allie0s eyes and radiated o$$ her body.

d 9ust li4e that2 my $an"s retra ted. I $ell ba 41ard2 pantin".

ee2 you0re not a monster2A she said $irmly. ?3ot li4eheis.A

e 1ind pi 4ed up2 ausin" !allie0s hair to ripple out behind her li4e the 1aves in the la4e. She shivered2 and I stood2 pullin" her lose.

Maybe2A I 1hispered into her ear2 drin4in" in the heady s ent o$ her2 my mouth in hes $rom her ne 4. I ouldn0t beartell her about all the lives I0d ta4en2 ho1 8amon thou"ht thatI1as the monster. ?But he0s my brother. 5nd it0s myult he0s in there.A

o you 1ant me to help you $ree him@A she said heavily2 as i$ she0d 4no1n all alon" that our onversation 1ould omethis.

es2A I said simply.

lie he1ed on her lip as she played 1ith a strand o$ her hair2 1rappin" it on her $in"er2 over and over a"ain.

ut you don0t have to.A I avoided her eyes2 so I 4ne1 I 1asn0t ompellin" her.

e stared at me are$ully2 as i$ my $a e 1ere a ipher she ould de ode.

n t1o days2A she said2 ?meet me at midni"ht. That0s 1hen 8amon 1ill be moved to our atti .A

re you sure@A

e nodded. ?Ces.A

han4 you.A I upped her hee4s 1ith my hands and leaned $or1ard2 pressin" my $orehead to hers. 5nd then I 4issed

r.

1e stood2 palm to palm2 hest to hest2 I ould have s1orn I $elt my heart ome ba 4 to li$e2 beatin" in per$e t synh hers.

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apter '*

hen I "ot ba 4 to the vampire house2 the moon 1as han"in" hi"h in the s4y. Le$ittin" lothin". What 1ould the nei"hbors thin4@A She lau"hed2 amusedher o1n 9o4e.

2 ri"ht.A I in hed to1ard the stair1ay. ?Maybe 1e ould "o tomorro1@ I0m e

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4.A

o;en manne6uins 1ith pu$$ed>out hests held ourt in the store. :ne in a t1eed 9a 4et li$ted its arm in a 1ave2 1hileother in a sailor0s ap had a hand above its eyes2 as thou"h starin" strai"ht out to sea. Bolts o$ $ine $abri s 1ereopped up a"ainst the ba 4 1all2 and a ro1 o$ u$$>lin4s "listened under "lass. Sta 4s o$ ready>made shirts 4ept silent

h over the dar4ened shop2 and a $e1 ravats spilled out o$ a dra1er.

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he1ed on my thumb. ?3o.A

te$anGA

he "uessed2A I said de$ensively. ?5nd I trust her.A

rustGA Le$ramed mirror. I $ell as the mirrorattered around me. :ne lar"e shard ut a lar"e "ash a ross my arm2 but it barely hurt. Instead2 I 1as sho 4ed by

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apter '+

pent the ni"ht at the la4e a"ain2 but this time I didn0t sleep. Instead I sat alon" the ban42 listenin" to the 1orld humund me as thou"h I 1as an audien e member at a musi al sho1. Ero"s roa4ed melodi ally2 blo1in" out their hestsh proud pu$$s. Eish s1am to the la4e0s sur$a e to "ulp do1n the 1ater bu"s that hovered there2 then dived ba 41n to the depths 1ith so$t $lips o$ their tails. Birds $le1 overhead in V $ormation2 and small animals rustled throu"hreeds2 hasin" one another as they $erreted out their ne olored mansion at the bottom o$ !allie0s

eet.

te$anGA an ur"ent 1hisper ame $rom behind the tree at the bottom o$ the alla"her drive1ay.

lie stepped into vie1. Her hair 1as loose and $lo1in" do1n her ba 42 and she 1as 1earin" a 1hite ni"htdressmmed in eyelet la e2 9ust li4e the $irst time I0d seen her2 e< ept that this time she 1as standin" lose enou"h to met I ould see that althou"h she 1as 1earin" a heavy "ray 1oolen sha1l2 she 1asn0t 1earin" a petti oat. I turned

ay2 suddenly shy.

te$an2A !allie murmured2 brushin" my arm 1ith her $in"ers. ?5re you ready@A

es2A I said. I too4 the $lo1er and tu 4ed it behind her ear.

e smiled. ?Cou0re su h a "entleman.A

nd you0re beauti$ul2A I responded2 rea hin" out to push a strand o$ hair behind her ear. Her tresses 1ere as so$t ase petals and smelled o$ honey. I 1anted to stay there $orever2 1at hin" her breath $orm pu$$s o$ air in $ront o$ me.

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llie . . .A I be"an2 1hen the bells o$ a distant hur h himed suddenly into the $rosty air. T1elve bells. Midni"ht. Thehin" hour.

0s time2A !allie said. ?Jasper0s shi$t lasts until t1elve thirty2 but I an tell him you0re there to relieve him early. Thatl buy us some time. :n e the se ond "uard sho1s up2 you0ll be lon" "one. But 1e have to hurry.A She sounded verye o$ hersel$2 but her tremblin" lip "ave a1ay her emotions. I 1anted to thro1 my arms around her2 tu 4 her into

d2 and 1hisper ?s1eet dreamsA in her ear. But I2 a vampire2 1as relyin" on this hild to prote t me.

lie 4nit her $in"ers to"ether as i$ in silent prayer. Then she nodded and "ave me a 1an smile. ?8on0t be s ared2A shed2 pressin" her palm into mine. But I ould $eel her heart thumpin" at a "allop $rom the pulse points in her palm.

e led me throu"h the iron "ates and around the "ravel drive1ay2 and opened a nondes ript door on the side o$ theuse.

e 6uiet2A !allie ommanded2 as my eyes ad9usted to the dar4. Dnli4e the rest o$ the house2 1ith its polished marbled "leamin" oa42 this entran e 1as stri tly utilitarian2 desi"ned $or servants to have easy a ess to the stora"e spa e inatti 1ithout disturbin" the residents o$ the house. 5 steep stair ase2 made o$ un$inished 1alnut beams2 loomed in

ont o$ us. !allie o 4ed her head2 listenin" $or somethin". I $ollo1ed suit2 althou"h my thou"hts 1ere bu;;in" tooudly $or me to hear spe i$i 1ords.

ddenly2 I heard a s rapin" sound $rom the $loor above us. !allie "lan ed at meF she0d heard it as 1ell.

asper2A !allie e

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o you0re alla"her0s "uy no12 ain0t you@A Jasper as4ed2 shovin" a vervain>soa4ed sta4e in my hands. My s4in burned2d pain shot throu"h my arms. I $ou"ht the ur"e to "ro1l and lamped do1n on my ton"ue. Tensin"2 I $elt the sta4eh only t1o $in"ers2 tryin" to minimi;e the onta t the poisoned 1ood had 1ith my body.

Well2 I ain0t "oin" to sti 4 around2A Jasper ontinued. ?The vampire0s hun"ry toni"ht. Hope he eats you. 5nd 1hile hees that2 I0m "oin" to spend some time 1ith Miss !allie and her daddy. Sho1 0em you0re not the only man 1ho an be$riendly and "enteel>li4e2A Jasper said. His movements 1ere loose2 and I ould smell 1his4ey on his breath.

rother@AI 1hispered.

mon reared up2 $an"s bared2 ausin" me to 9ump ba 4 in surprise.

lau"hed2 a hoarse hu 4le2 then ollapsed a"ainst the side o$ the a"e2 e

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apter ',

y heavy>lidded eyes $ou"ht to dri$t open. I didn0t 4no1 ho1 mu h time had passed. Was it one ni"ht@ T1o@ 5 1ee4@ Its dar42 1herever I 1as. I 1as va"uely ons ious2 hearin" $oot$alls and yellin"2 and on e a voi e that sounded li4elie0s2 allin" out my name. But one day I 1o4e up 1ithout suddenly $allin" ba 4 into un ons iousness. I li$ted my

ms2 reali;in" I 1as sha 4led to the 1all. I had vervain burns on my arms and le"s. 8ried blood rusted my entire body24in" it impossible $or me to tell 1here I 1as 1ounded. 3e

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ay attention2 vampireGA alla"her said2 his lips urled ba 4 in a snarl. ?Cou 4no12 I thin4 I0m "oin" to bet you0re thee 1ho0ll "et 4illed. Ces2 I thin4 that 1ill do very ni ely.A He turned to1ard the t1o "uards. ?Hear that@ 5 tip $rom thess. Bet on the dar4>haired one2A alla"her said2 t1istin" the sta4e a"ainst my body. ?I thin4 his brother has morered in his belly.A

ouldn0t see 8amon0s $a e2 but I ould pi ture the smir4 that no doubt played on his lips.

lla"her snorted in lau"hter and thre1 the vervain>soa4ed sta4e to the $loor. ?:h2 and I don0t 1ant you usin" the4es on the vampires $or sport anymore2A he said in the dire tion o$ the "uards. The heavyset one "lan ed "uiltily1n at the $loor.

Why not@A the other as4ed indi"nantly. ?It0s "ood $or 0em. Sho1s 0em their pla e.A

e ause 1e 1ant them in tip>top shape $or their $i"ht2A alla"her said2 his voi e an ehaired one2 there2 but ain0t he loo4in0 a little 1ea4@ My pennies are "oin0 $or that boy2Ae ommented.

h2 I al1ays "o 1ith 1hat the boss says. Besides2 ain0t all about si;e2 ri"ht@A the s ra1ny one said2 soundin" a$$rontedthe $irst "uard0s impli ation.

umped a"ainst the 1all2 losin" my eyes. The hatred that my brother had $or me 1as surely enou"h to 1ant mead. But 1ould 8amon really 4ill me@

m more vi ious than a ro odile2 brother2A 8amon said 1ith a smile2 his eyes still losed. ?5nd this is the best pie e o$ 1s I0ve heard sin e 1e turned into vampiresGA He lau"hed2 lon" and loud2 until one o$ the "uards lambered overd2 despite alla"her0s de ree2 9abbed him 1ith a vervain>la ed sta4e.

t even then2 he ontinued to lau"h.

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member the time 1e bro4e Mother0s rystal bo1l@ 5nd I 1as so 1orried about ho1 she 1ould rea t that I ried@A I4ed.

es2 and then Eather de ided I 1as to blame and 1hipped me and alled me 1i 4ed2A 8amon said dully. ?I tried to4e your li$e easier2 little brother. But I0m done. This time2 I 1ant you to "et emast. ?I0ll tell you ene1 "old 1at h that "linted in the 1ea4 sunli"ht. He snapped his $in"ers2d instantly the "uards 9umped to their $eet2 bustlin" to put on the ma4eshi$t uni$orm o$ a vampire handler= "loves2ots2 and vervain>soa4ed "arlands.

e door o$ the a"e $le1 open2 and "uards rou"hly yan4ed us out2 ti"htened mu;;les around our $an"s2 and sha 4ledr hands behind our ba 4s. We 1ere blind$olded2