ArcticFire

EricaStevens

Allrightsreserved.

Thisebookislicensedforyourpersonalenjoymentonly.Thisebookmaynotbere-soldorgivenawayto

otherpeople.Ifyouwouldliketosharethisebookwithanotherperson,pleasepurchaseanadditional

copyforeachpersonyoushareitwith.Ifyou’rereadingthisbookanddidnotpurchaseit,oritwasnot

purchasedforyouruseonly,thenyoushouldreturntoSmashwords.comandpurchaseyourowncopy.

Thankyouforrespectingthehardworkofthisauthor.

Ebookformattingby

www.ebooklaunch.com

DESCRIPTION

Forthepastsixyears,Quinnhaslookedforwardtothedaywhenshewouldfinallyhaveherrevenge

againstthevampirewhoslaughteredherfamily.Whatsheneverexpectedisforthatvampiretowalkinto
Clint’sbarandunleashterroranddeathonhersmalldeserttown.Withmorepeopledyingeveryday,
Quinnrealizesshemustdelvedeeperintoherpowerthanshe’severwantedordaredtobeforeinorderto
saveherlovedones.

Asnewenemiesandalliesariseandgoodfriendsarelost,JulianwilldowhateverittakestokeepQuinn

fromtheclutchesofthevampirewhostalksandtormentsher.Evenifitmeansbecomingthevampirehe
oncewasandsworehe’dneverbeagain.

Alsofromtheauthor

TheCaptiveSeries

Captured(Book1)

Renegade(Book2)

Refugee(Book3)

Salvation(Book4)

Redemption(Book5)

Broken(TheCaptiveSeriesprequel)

Vengeance(Book6)

TheFire&IceSeries

FrostBurn(Book1)

ArcticFire(Book2)

TheKindredSeries

Kindred(Book1)

Ashes(Book2)

Kindled(Book3)

Inferno(Book4)

PhoenixRising(Book5)

TheRaveningSeries

Ravenous(Book1)

TakenOver(Book2)

Reclamation(Book3)

TheSurvivorChronicles

Book1:TheUpheaval

Book2:TheDivide

Book3:TheForsaken

Book4:TheRisen

BookswrittenunderthepennameBrendaK.Davies

TheVampireAwakeningsSeries:

Awakened(Book1)

Destined(Book2)

Untamed(Book3)

Enraptured(Book4)

Undone(Book5)Comingspring2016

HistoricalRomance

AStolenHeart

Specialthankstoallthefans.Loveyouall!

Abouttheauthor

CHAPTER1

“YouknowClintisgoingtobepissedatmeforlettingyoustayinhereafterhours.”
JulianshruggedatQuinn’swords.Hedrapedhisarmaroundthebackofthechairasheleanedback

towatchherwipeoffoneofthelasttables.“Don’tcare,”hereplied.

Sheshothimalookasshetuckedherragintoherapronandsteppedawayfromthetable.Thatlook

guaranteedshewouldn’tbeascuddlytonightasshehadbeenlastnight,buthewaswillingtohaveher
annoyedwithhimifitmeantkeepinghersafe.

Plus,hecouldn’tdenyhelikedwatchingherassheworked.Shehadherchocolate-coloredhair

pulledintoaponytailthataccentuatedtheanglesofherface.Thefaintscarrunningfromherrighttemple
tohereyebrow,andtheonerunningfromherbottomliptobeneathherchin,weremorevisiblewithher
hairback,somethingdeliberateonherpart.

Shesawherscarsasdisplayingtotheworldwhatshefeltwerehersinsforkillingherunclewhen

shewasfirstturnedintoavampire.Itdidn’tmatterthatherunclewouldhavediedanywayorthatshe’d
hadnocontroloverheractions.Sheworethosescarstopunishherselfforthatnight.Hesawherscarsas
herbattlewounds;onessheshouldbeproudtowearastheymarkedherasthewarriorshewas.

Hewouldloveherifherentirefacewerecoveredinscars.Shewasn’tbeautifulinthedelicate,

classicalsense,butwithherhoneyedeyes,proudlypointedchin,pertnose,andhighcheekbones,hefound
hertobemorebeautifulandalluringthananyonehe’deverknown.Healsocouldn’tdenyheenjoyed
watchinghertrim,athleticbodyassheglidedfromonetabletoanother.Herassfitnicelyinher
formfitting,blackpantsthathuggedherthighs.

Yep,hecoulddefinitelygetusedtowatchingthis,evenifhehadtoendurethedaggersshekept

sendinghiswayassheworked.He’dofferedtohelpandreceivedasnapofthetowelinresponse,which
wasfinebyhim.Hewasabeerdrinking,bluejeanskindofguy,butmanuallaborwasn’tsomethinghe’d
donemuchofsincebecomingavampire.

“You’llcarewhenIgetevictedfrommyapartment,andyou’reoutonthestreet,”shesaidwithahuff.
Hegaveherawickedsmilethatcausedhertostopscrubbingatthetable.Thecolorflushingher

porcelainskintoldhimhissmilehadaffectedherevenasshenarrowedhereyesathimandthrusther
chinout.“Thenyou’lljusthavetostayatthemotel,inmyroom,withme.”

Herfullmouthpursed.“I’dgetmyownroom.”
“I’dbemorethanwillingtoshare,”herepliedwithawink.
“I’mnot.”
“Comenow,Dewdrop,youwouldenjoyyourself.”

***

Oh,Quinnhadnodoubtshewouldthoroughlyenjoyherselfwithhim.Lookingathimwasenoughto

makeherinsidesturntogoo;whathismouthandhandscoulddotoherwasanentirelydifferentballgame.
Theworstpartwasthattheconceitedasswasalsooneofthemostconsiderate,kind,andirresistiblemen
she’deverencountered.

Shestillfeltlikeateenintheearlystagesofpuppylove,andcouldn’thelpbutsmileeverytimeshe

recalledtheirdatelastnight.Thepicniconherroofhadbeenperfect;he’dbeenperfect,whichwas
somethingshe’dneverbelievedpossible,givenhowarroganthecouldbeandhowmanytimesshe’d
consideredgivinghimasolidpunchinthenose.

She’dcompletelylostherhearttohimlastnight.Therealizationdidn’tmakeherfeellikerunning

throughfieldsofgrasswhilesinging;instead,itchilledhertothecenterofhercore.Shelovedthiscocky,
brutal,killerofaman,whowasvastlymoreexperiencedwiththeworldandwomen,morethanshe’d
everdreamedpossible.Shewaspetrifiedthatlovinghimwouldcausehertolosehimlikeshe’dlost

everyoneelseshe’dlovedinherlife.

Droppingherragonthetable,sheplantedherhandsonherhips.“PerhapsIwouldn’tenjoymyself.”
Oneofhisblackeyebrowsquirkedup.“Isthatachallenge?”
Itwasalie,theybothknewit,butsherefusedtobeswayedbythoseice-blueeyesandentirely

delectablemouth—amouthsheknewcouldmakeherforgetherownname.“No,it’snot.It’ssimplya
possibility.”

Hegrinnedarrogantlyasheleanedtowardher.“No,thatisnotapossibility,andIthinkitis

definitelyachallenge.Believeme,Quinn,I’llmakesureyouenjoyyourselfverymuch.”

Hertoescurledsodeeplyintoherblackboots,shefeltlikeshe’dboreaholethroughthesoles.Ifshe

hadaheartbeat,itprobablywould’vebeatstraightoutofherchest.Instead,shethrusthershouldersback
ashisgazedidahungryperusalofherbodythatmadehertemptedtojumponhim.Shedidn’tknowhow
someonecouldinfuriateandarousehersomuchatonce,butJulianhadsomehowperfectedtheartofit.

Sheopenedhermouthtoanswerhimwhensheheardtheknobonthedoorturn.“Crap,”shemuttered.

HerannoyanceoverJulian’srefusaltoleavehaddistractedherfromlockingthedoor.“I’msorry,”she
calledtowhoeverstoodbeyondthedoor.“Butwe’reclosed.”

Shetookasteptowardthedoorwiththeintentionoflockingit.Juliancameoutofhisseatsofast,she

didn’tseehimmoveuntilhestoodbeforeher.Quinntookanabruptstepbackfromhim;hereyesdarted
towardthedoorasitopenedandfourmensteppedintothebar.Theirdistinctlackofheartbeatstoldher
immediatelytheywerevampires.

Herheartplummetedassherealizedshe’dbeendiscovered.Herhandssubtlyfelltothestakes

tuckedintotheholstersatherwaist.Thevampiresneverlookedather;immediately,theirredeyes
latchedontoJulian.

“Ifitisn’tJulian,thebetrayerofourkind.Ithoughtitwasyouwhenwespottedyoufromoutside,”

oneofthemmurmuredwhiletwooftheothersgrinned.Thefourthvampirecrackedhisknuckles,asif
readyingtofight.

ThechiseledmusclesinJulian’sbackrippled;theicyblueofhiseyesbecameafieryred.“Youboys

areaskingformoretroublethanyoucanhandle,”hegrowled.

“Oh,Idoubtthat,”thefirstspeakerreplied.
QuinnwenttostepoutfrombehindJulian,butheheldhisarmout,pushingherback.“Stayoutof

this.”

“Likehell!”sheretorted.
Julian’sshouldershunchedwhenthevampiresgaveheraleeringgrin.Thesoundthatcameoutofhis

chestmadethehaironhernapestandstraightup.Hegrabbedholdofherhands,pullingthemawayfrom
theweaponsatherwaist.

“You’retostayoutofthis.”Sheglaredathim.“Imeanit,Quinn.Stayoutofthis.”
“Youshouldprobablylistentohim,Quinn,”oneoftheintruderssnickered.
Hereyesshottothemouthyintruder;shegloweredathimasherfingersitchedtothrowoneofher

stakesrightbetweenhiseyes.Julianpushedherbackfurther.“Icanfight,”shehissedathim.“Betterthan
most.”

“Notthistime,”hesaidashepulledastakefromtheholsteratherwaist.“They’remine,andIwon’t

takethechanceofyougettinghurt.”

Shesnortedindisdain.“That’snot—”
“Stayoutofthis!”hesnappedather.
Quinn’steethgratedtogethersoforcefullyshecouldhearthemscrapingagainsteachother.He’d

neveryelledatherbefore.Itinfuriatedheratthesametimesheworriedaboutwhythesevampireshad
himsoonedge.Whatwasitaboutthesevampsthathadhimtreatingherlikeshewastheuselesslittle
womanwhoshouldbebakingcookies?He’dalwaysrespectedherabilitytofight.

Hereyesslidbacktotheintrudingvamps.Ifthetwoofthemfoughtsidebyside,thesevampswould

beeasytotakedown,butifhewashell-bentonbeingachauvinisticass,whowasshetoargue?“They’re
allyours,”shesaidandsteppedawayfromhim.Hisfeaturessoftenedinrelief.“AndIhopetheykick
yourass.”

Sheonlyhalfmeantit,buthedeservedtheasswhooping.Hiseyessparkled;hegrinnedatherbefore

spinningawaytofacethevampireschargingathim.Julianfistedhishandsandsmashedthemintothe
backofavampwhowrappedhisarmsaroundhiswaistandpropelledhimbackward.

Quinn’shandinstinctivelywenttooneofherstakesagain,butshestoppedherselffromremovingit

fromtheholster.Screwhim,shethought.Hethinkshe’ssobigandbad;lethimdealwiththeseguysonhis
own.Shereallydidhopehegotstaked,maybenotthroughtheheart,butagoodshottosomewherethat
wouldn’tkillhimmightdeflatehisegoalittle.

Bang!
QuinnwincedasthebarstoolcrashedoffJulian’sbackandsplinteredintoadozentinypieces.The

brokenshardsclatteredandrattledastheyexplodedthroughtheairandbouncedoffthewalls.Clintwas
goingtolosehismindifhefoundoutanotherstoolhadsomehowbeenbroken.

Shetriedtorememberiftherewereanyextrastoolsinthebasement,butshecouldn’trecalloffthe

topofherhead.Shehopedso;shehadnoideahowshewouldexplainthistoClint.Therewereonlyso
manystoolsshecould“tripoverandbreak,”andtherewasn’tenoughsuperglueintheworldtoputthat
onebacktogether.

Ohwell,I’llfigureitoutlater.
Grabbingholdofoneofthechairsinthepoolroom,sheturnedittowardthemainbarroomandsettled

intowatchthefight.Sheleanedthebackofthechairagainstthewallbeforepullingapackageofpeanut
buttercupsfromherapronpocket.MountainDewandpeanutbuttercupswereherleftovervicesfromher
humanyears,andthereasonwhyJuliansometimescalledherDewdrop.

Thefreshscentofchocolateandpeanutbuttertickledhernostrilswhenshetoreopenthewrapper.

Thesmelldidnothingtoprickherappetite,butitwasstilltemptingandcomfortinglyfamiliar.

Juliansworeloudlyanddrovethepalmofhishandupandintothenoseofavampirelungingathim.

Thecopperyscentofbloodfillingtheairfromthevamp’sshatterednosedidwhatthecandyhadnot.
Hungerimmediatelyrolledthroughherstomach;shepusheditasideasshecontinuedtounwraphersweet
treat.

Juliansnarledwhenavampireleaptontohisback,puttinghimintoachokeholdthatdidnothingbut

pisshimoff.Reelingbackward,heslammedthevampintothewall.Theglassmirrors,withnumerous
beerlogosetchedintothem,rattledagainstthewall.TheBudweiserclockwiththeprancingClydesdales
swungbackandforthlikeapendulum,threateningtofallatanysecond.

“Hey,watchthemerchandise!”sheyelledatJulian.“Ifyoubreakthatclock,I’mgoingtokickyour

ass!”

Julian’seyesflashedangrilytowardherasheflippedthevampoverhisbackandontothefloor.

Holdingthevamp’sneck,hekepthimpinnedtothegroundashespoketoher,“Icoulddowithoutthe
commentaryfromthepeanutgallery!”

QuinnrolledthepeanutbuttercupwrapperinherhandandshoveditintoherpocketasJuliandrove

thestakethroughthevampire’sheart.“Youknowusdelicatelittlefemales,wecan’tgetourhandsdirty,
butwesuredoliketogab,”sheblithelyreplied.

Hisscowldeepened,butbeforehecouldsayanything,anothervampirelungedathim.Thevamp

wrappedhisarmsaroundJulian’swaistandknockedhimontothefloor.Thathadtohavetickled,and
notinagoodway.Quinnnibbledattheridgedchocolateedge,makingacirclearoundthecupasshe
watchedthemeleebeforeher.

Shehadtoadmit,watchinghimfightcausedbutterfliestoflitthroughherstomach.Hewassostrong

andpowerful,andshelovedthewaythosethickmusclesrippledashemoved.Shehadtofighttheurgeto
lickherlips.Theimpulsehadnothingtodowiththechocolatelingeringonhermouthandeverythingto
dowiththewayheheavedthatoneacrossthefloorwithbarelyaflickofhiswrist.He’dbarelybrokena
sweat;theotherslookedasthoughthey’dgonetenroundswithMikeTyson.

ThevampshadstillbarelylookedatherasalloftheirconcentrationremainedfocusedonJulian.

Julianandhisfriendshadbeensoconcernedaboutvampiresfindingher,they’dforgottenJulianhad
pissedoffmorethanafewinhislengthylife,andwithhisattitude,they’dalltakeachancetospillsome
ofhisblood.

Shedidn’tblamethem.
Leisurely,shepulledthechocolatetopoffthepeanutbuttercupaftershefinishedeatingthesides.He

deservesagoodsmackupsidethehead.Justasshethoughtit,oneofthevampslandedasolidblowto
histemple.Juliandrovehisfistthroughthevamp’schest.Blooddrippedfrombetweenhisfingerswhen
hetoretheheartfreeandcrusheditinhishand.Thevamp’slifelessbodyslumpedtothefloorasanother
onecrackedatableonJulian’sback.

Shewincedagain.He’dpissedheroffwithhishighhandedbehavior,butshedidn’tlikeseeinghim

injuredinanyway,evenifshewouldliketobetheonebeatingonhimrightnow.

Shelikedthathewantedtoprotecther,butshedidn’thavetohaveawatchdogbyhersideatall

times,andshedefinitelydidn’tlikebeingkeptoutofafight.She’dsurvivedeighteenyearsinhidingwith
herfamilyandsixyearsasavampireonherown.Shewouldsurvivewhatevertheworldthrewather
next.

QuinnturnedthecupoverandpulledoffthebottomlayerofchocolateasJuliantookanotherpunchto

aplacenomanshouldbehit.Goodthingvampirescan’treproduce.Hisfaceflushedred;hedoubled
overashecoveredhisnuts.Kindoflikeshuttingthebarndoorafterthehorseisout.

Asoneofthevampsgrabbedabrokenstoollegfromtheground,shehalfroseoutofherchair,

preparedtokillhimifitbecamenecessary.Julianmayhavepissedheroff,butshewouldn’tstandbyand
lethimdiebecausehe’dturnedintoamachomanforsomereasontonight.Julianswunganuppercutthat
shotthevamp’sheadbackandsenthimflyingintothebar.Thevampshookhisheadbeforelaunching
backtohisfeet.

“Hey!Watchtheglasses!”Quinnprotestedbeforeslidingbackintoherchair.
Julian’seyeswerethecoloroffirewhentheymethers.Bothhisarmsshotoutatthesametime,

crashingthroughthechestsofthevampireslungingtowardhim.Withaviciouscurse,herippedtheir
heartsfromtheirchestsandstompedthemintotheground.

Quinnrolledtheremainingpeanutbutterintoaballandpoppeditinhermouthbeforerisingtoher

feetandwipingherhandsonherapron.Julianwipedhishandsdownthefrontofhisblood-splattered,
body-hugging,midnightblueshirt.Thecutofhisshirtshowedoffhisbroadshouldersandchiseled
stomach.

“Didyouenjoytheshow?”heinquired.
“Immensely.”Sheopenedtheclosetdoorbesidethebathroomandpulledoutthecleaningsupplies.

“Youdeservedit.Besides,Ithoughtwomenshouldn’tbefightingorwhatevercrazyideawasgoing
throughyourmindtonight.”

“Theyalmostcastratedme,”hemutteredashestaredwoefullyathisgroin.
Sheheldthesteammopouttohim.“Andyoudeserveditforpushingmetothesidelikethat.Those

spermiesdon’tworkanyway.”

Hishandwrappedaroundtheplastichandleofthesteammop.Hiswhite-blondhairhungagainstthe

cornerofaneyeasblueasthearcticice.Hisbroadcheekbones,squarejaw,andmagnificentfeatures
madeherstomachdosummersaults;herdeadenedheartgavealittleleapwhenhergazefelltohismouth.

Stopit,shescoldedherself.Youcan’tbethinkingaboutkissinghimwhenyoushouldbeyellingat

him.

“Everythingelsestillworks,somethingyou’regoingtolearnoneofthesedays,”hereplied.
Hermouthwentcompletelydryathiswords;shefeltsheshouldbepissedabouttheconfidence

behindhisstatement,buthowcouldshebewhenitwasthetruth?Sheintendedtolearneveryinchofhis
firmbody,whenshewasready.Mostlikely,itwouldbesomedaysoon,whenhewasn’tactinglikesuch
anasshat.Ittookallshehadtosniffathimbeforeturningaway.

“Admitit,thatjustgotyouallhotandbothered,”hecoaxed.
Sheforcedherselftoscowlathimoverhershoulder,eventhoughshelovedtheplayfulnessinhis

eyes.Hewasright,butshe’dneveradmitit.“You’reincorrigible.”

“Andproudofit.Ididalltheworkwiththeseguys,andyouexpectmetocleanupthemess?”
“Theywereonlyherebecauseofyou.I’mprettysuretheirexactwordsafterwalkingintothebar

were,‘Ifitisn’tJulian,thebetrayerofourkind.’LastIchecked,that’snotmyname.”

“Women,youallhavemindslikeasteeltrapwhenitcomestothingswedon’twantyouto

remember,”hemuttered.

Sheplantedherhandsonherhipsassheglaredathim.“Itsoundslikeyou’respeakingfrom

experiencewithalotofwomen.”

Realizinghe’dsteppedintoasteamingpileofshit,hismouthclampedshut.Quinnbitherinnerlipto

keepfromlaughingasheplacedthemopagainstthewallandbenttoliftoneofthebodiesoverhis
shoulder.Shewalkedovertooneoftheothers.

“I’dpreferitifyou’dletmetakethem,”hesaidtoher.
“AndI’dpreferitifyou’dstoptryingtocoddleme,butyouwon’t.”
Hegrabbedholdofherhandwhenshebenttograbtheman’sarm.“I’mnotcoddlingyou,”hesaid

quietly,hiseyesburningintohers.Thepalerbluebandencirclinghispupilsdarkenedincolor.The
turquoiseflecksinthatbanddancedinthelight.

Shereleasedthedeadman’shandandstood.“Youcan’tkeeptreatingmelikeachild.I’vesurvived

biggerthreatsbefore—”

“No,youhaven’t.”
“Yes,Ihave.IspentmyentirelifeinhidingfromHunters,Guardians,TheCommission,and

vampires.Now,Ionlyhavethevampirestoworryabout;Ithinkthosearemuchbetterodds.”

Hisgazeneverwaveredfromhers.“Desperatevampireswhobelieveyoucouldbetheironlyhope

atregainingthepowertheyonceenjoyed.Thereisnothingmorelethalthanadesperatevamp.”

Shedespisedthatdamnprophecythevampireswerespreadingabouther.Shewasn’tanyone’s

savior,andsheespeciallywasn’tthevampires’savior.Shemaybeavampire,butithadn’tbeenby
choice.Havingbeenbornahalf-vampireandaHunter,she’dhadenoughvampirebloodwithinherto
undergothechangeonthenightsheandherfamilywereattackedandkilledbyvamps.

“Theseguysseemedprettydesperate,andthere’snotmuchlefttothem,”shesaidwithawaveatthe

bodies.

Amuscleinhisjawjumped.“Vampiresenmasse,Quinn.Whatifahordeofthemcomesatus?”
“Thenwewillfightthem,buttherehasneverbeenahordeofvampiressearchingforme.Theyhave

noideawhereIam,whatIlooklike,orthatI’mwithyou.”

“Thatdoesn’tmeantheycouldn’tfindout.”
Shethrewherhandsupintheair.“Wewilldealwithitthen!ButIcan’thaveyouconstantlyprowling

aroundmelikeanirritablebearreadytolashoutatanyonewhocomestooclose.It’sexhausting!”

“Icouldn’tstanditifsomethingweretohappentoyou.”Damnhim,hecouldalwaysmakehermelt,

evenwhenshewastryingtogethertiradeon.“Whatifyouhadusedyourabilitytodrainthelifefromone
ofthemwhilefighting,andoneoftheotherstookoffbeforewecouldstophim?Hecouldhavetold
everyonehecameacrossaboutyou.Thevampireswouldthenknowexactlywhereyouareandwhatyou

looklike.”

“Iunderstand,butyouhavetoeaseup.I’mafighter,andifyoutrytotakethatawayfromme,I’m

onlygoingtoendupresentingyouforit.Andyoudefinitelycannotordermearoundlikethatagain,orI
maystakeyoumyself.Ifyouwanttobewithme,thenwearegoingtobeequals.Ifyoudon’twanttobe
withme,thentellmetogositinthecorneragain.Itwillbeasurefirewayforwhateverthisisbetweenus
tocometoahalt.”

Hisheadlifted;thesmilequirkinghismouthdidn’tlighthiseyes.Strainradiatedfromhis

compressedlipsandthelinesthatetchedhismouth.“Anythingforyou.”

Therestofherirefadedawaywiththosewords.Therehadbeenmanywomeninhispast,mostof

whomhebarelyremembered,butthosethreewordswerethecompletetruth.Hecaredforher,sheknew
that,andhehadnoideahowtohandleit.Thatwassomethingshecompletelyunderstoodasshefeltthe
sameway,butshewouldn’tbelockedawayororderedaboutbyhim.

Sheforcedasmileasshebenttograbthedeadvamp’shandagain.“Nexttime,Ipromisetohelpif

theytrytocastrateyou.”

Abarkoflaughtereruptedfromhim.“I’dappreciatethat.”Hepulledouthiscellphoneandhita

button.Liftingittohisear,hejuggledthedeadguyonhisshoulderasheheldthephone.“Cometothe
bar,”hesaidinaclippedtonebeforehangingupandslidingthephoneintohispocket.“Doyoumind
waitinghereforChris?”heaskedher.

Quinnshookherheadanddroppedthedeadhandyetagain.Thethumpingsounditmadeonthewood

floormadehercringe.“No.”

Henoddedbeforeturningandheadingforthekitchendoorsdownthehall.Herheartswelledwhen

sherealizedthiswashisfirstconcessiontoherrequest.Heneverwouldhaveleftheraloneherejust
hoursago.

ShegrabbedatrashbagandbegantocleanupthemesswhileshewaitedforChrisandwhomever

elsehebroughtwithhimtoarrive.

CHAPTER2

Julianforcedhimselftokeepputtingonefootinfrontoftheother,outofthebarandacrossthedesert.

TheideaofleavingQuinnaloneandunprotectedmadehimwanttokillthevampdrapedoverhis
shoulderalloveragain.Thankfully,thesevampshadcomeforhim,butifthey’dheardtheprophecyand
realizedshewasthevampireoftheprophecy,theywouldhavegoneforhertoo.

Shewastough;heknewit.Shewasoneofthetoughestwomenhe’devermet,butshecouldbekilled.

Hecouldloseher.Hishandstightenedonthedeadman,thewintrynightairblewthroughhishairand
overhisskinasheracedacrossthedeserttowardanoutcroppingofrocks.

Dumpingthebodybehindtherocks,heturnedandfledbackacrosstheshiftingsandtowardthebar.

Heheardvoiceswhenheenteredthroughthekitchenandwalkedtowardthebar.Quinn,Chris,Zach,and
Melissawereinside,workingtocleanupthemess.Justtwoyearsago,theideaofbeinginaroomwith
threeHunters,fourifhecountedQuinn,wouldhavedelightedhimasheplannedtotearthethroatsoutof
everyoneofthem.Nowheconsideredthemamongsthisbestfriends,minusZach.

Createdbytwistedhumans,knownasTheCommission,theHuntershadbeenforgedbyaseriesof

experimentsthathadtorturedmanyhumansandvampiresbeforealinewascreatedofhumanswhoshared
thevampire’sattributesandwouldbeabletofightthem.MostoftheHunterlinehadbeenwipedoutyears
ago,duringTheSlaughterunleashedbytheEldervampires,buthenowworkedwiththemtohelpfind
whatremainedofthescatteredsurvivors.

Julian’seyeswenttoQuinn,hisshouldersrelaxedashedrankinthesightofher.Herhoney-hued

eyesgleamedinthedimlightfilteringfromthelampoverthebar.Shestood,herlithebodymovingwith
easygraceasshebentandpickedupanotherdeadvamp.

Mine,hethoughtashewatchedhermove.He’dyettotellherhelovedher,buthedid.Hewantedto

markherashis,tofeastonherbloodandbody,andmakeitcleartoeveryoneshewasofflimitstoanyone
buthim.Theideashewashismatehadbeengrowinginsidehimwitheverypassingminute.He’dtriedto
denyit,triedtobrushitoffandnotacknowledgeit,butthetruthofitniggledathismind,refusingtobe
denied.

Andifhedidn’tbackoffandgivehersomespace,hewoulddriveheraway.
Clenchinghishands,hefoughtagainsttheimpulsetotossheroverhisshoulderanddragherallthe

waytoAntarcticaifthatwaswhatittooktokeephersafe.She’dbepissed;he’dbemiserableinthecold
snowandice,butitwouldn’tmatterifitkeptheraliveandawayfromanyonewhocouldassociateher
withthenewestvampireprophecy.

HecouldstillclearlyhearSeanix’swordstoQuinninhishead…“Theprophecyisspreading

throughthevampirecommunitylikewildfire.Whoeverfindsyouisgoingtohavealotofpowerto
forcethosetodotheirwill.”Thememoryofthosewordscausedachilltopressagainsthisneck.

ThenSeanixhadactuallyrevealedtheprophecy,andJulianhadknownitcouldonlybeaboutQuinn.

“Avampire,notbornofvampireblood,willburnlikethesunthelifefromanyoneshetouches.Ifused
correctly,shewillbecomeourgreatestally,oursavior.”

Ourgreatestallyandsavior.Theyounger,disorganizedandscatteredvampswouldlatchontothose

words.Thenonexistentpromisewithinthevagueprophecywouldhavethevampiresstillfloundering,
sincemostoftheElderswerekilledwhilescramblingtofindher.Theyweretryingtoseizeholdof
somethingstable,andtheywouldseeQuinnastheirchancetoreclaimtheiroldlife.He’dtearthethroat
outofanyonewhosomuchasleftascratchonher,nevermindtryingtotakeherandbendhertotheir
will.

“Ifyou’regoingtokilleveryonewhodoesn’tlikeyou,alotofbodiesaregoingtoaddup,”Chris

saidtohim.

Chriswipedthebackofhisarmacrosshisforeheadashestoodupfromwherehe’dbeentossing

brokenbarstoolbitsintoatrashcan.Hisshaggy,sandy-blondhairclungtothesheenofsweatbeading
acrosshisbrow.AmusementfilledhissapphireeyeswhenhesmiledatJulian.

“Theystartedit,”Julianreplied.
“I’msuretheyhadagoodreason,”MelissasaidasshedumpedaheartintothetrashbagQuinnheld

openforher.

“Funny,”hemuttered.
ThegrinMelissaflashedhimcausedheronyxeyestosparkle.She’dpulledhershortblackhairinto

asmallponytailthatfellagainstherneckandemphasizedherolivecomplexionandtherefinedfeaturesof
herEgyptianheritage.Behindher,hersortofboyfriend,Zach,liftedanotherheartfromthefloorusing
onlyhisthumbandindexfinger.Zach’supperlipcurledinrevulsion,heheldtheheartawayfromhimlike
itwasatigerreadytobite.Healreadydidn’texactlylikeZach,butseeingthissqueamishsideofhim
causedJuliantoshakehishead.

“Youcandobetter,”hesaidtoMelissa.
SheglancedoveratZachandbitonherbottomliptokeepfromlaughing.“He’snotusedtoyour

tendencyofleavinginsidesontheoutside.Besides,we’renotreallytogether.”Juliangavehera
questioninglook;sheliftedadelicateshoulder.“Somethingsjustdon’tworkout.”

“I’llkillhimforyou.”
“Theydidn’tworkoutonmypart.Thechemistrywasn’tthere,youknow?”
“Ido.”
HisgazeslidtoQuinn.Therehadbeenmanywomeninhispast,andhecouldsaytheexactsame

thingaboutmostofthem,buthecouldneversayitabouther.Shechallengedhim,stooduptohim,andhe
desiredherinawayhe’dneverdesiredanother;lovedherinawayhe’dneverknownpossibleuntilher.
He’dlovedinthepast,deeply,butneverwitheverybitofhimselflikehedidwithher.

“I’llstillkillhimifyou’dlike,”heoffered,onlyhalf-kidding.
“Thanksfortheoffer,butno.Sometimesthingsarejust…”Shefrownedasherwordstrailedoff.

“Justnotwhatyouwereexpecting.”

“Iunderstand.”
“Youwouldunderstand,perhapsbetterthananyone.”HergazeflickeredtoChrisbeforesheturned

awayandliftedanotherbrokenstoollegfromthefloor.

Julianstudiedherforaminute,buthehadafeelingthatwasallshewasgoingtosayonthesubject

rightnow.Shewassuddenlyveryfocusedonthepiecesofsplinteredwoodshepickedoffthefloor.

“Thatheart’snotgoingtobiteyou,Zachariah,”hesaidtoZach.“Ialreadykilleditforyou.”
Zachliftedhisheadtoscowlathim.“It’sjustZach,”hesaidforprobablythehundredthtime.Julian

hadnoideawhyhekeptbotheringtocorrecthim;hehadtorealizebynowitwasuseless.

ZachplacedtheheartintothetrashbagandwipedhishandsontheragQuinnhandedhim.Hisdark-

blondhairstoodinspikesaroundhishead;hisbrowneyeswerered-rimmedfromlackofsleep.Zach
wasthenewestHunterthey’ddiscoveredshortlybeforearrivinginthisArizonatown.Neitherhenor
Chrisgotanybadvibesfromtheyoung,surfer-lookingkid,butJulianstilldidn’tlikehim.

However,thatwasn’tsayingmuchastherewerefewpeoplehedidlike.
Walkingacrosstheroom,Julianliftedanotherbodyandheaveditoverhisshoulder.Asifdetermined

toprovehewasn’tsqueamish,ZachcamealongsideJulian,grabbedthearmsofanother,andliftedthe
bodyup.JuliancaughtaglimpseofthetreeoflifetattooontheinsideoftheyoungHunter’srightwrist
whenheswungthebodyoverhisshoulder.

Chrisgrabbedholdofthelastbodyanddrapeditaroundhisshoulders.Oneofthedeadguy’shands

felldowntoslaphimacrossthenosewithathwack.“Ireallyhateourheritagesometimes,”hemuttered.

Julianlaughedasheturnedtowardtheswingingkitchendoors.Don’tlookback;don’ttellhertobe

careful.

Despitetellinghimselfnotto,hecouldn’tstophimselffrompausingatthedoorwaytotakeonelast

lookatQuinnasshetiedoffthetrashbaganddroppeditonthefloor.Hehurriedthroughthekitchenand
backacrossthedesert.HeleftZachandChrisinhisdustasheracedovertothebouldersagainandthrew
thenewbodyontopoftheotherone.Whenthesuncameup,itwouldburnawaytheremains,erasingall
evidencethebodieshadevenbeenthere.ChrisandZachcaughtupwithhimandaddedtheirbodiestothe
heap.

Steppingback,hisgazescannedtheshiftingsandanddunesrollingoutbeforehim.Cactusesand

rocksdottedthelandscape,hiseyespickedoutthedifferenthuesoforangesandredsswirlingthroughout.
Inthedistance,hesawacoyotehuntingamongsttherocks,searchingforitsprey.

Theideaofhuntingcausedhisfangstotingle.He’dkilledtonight.He’dunleashedsomeofthe

brutalityhekeptsorestrainedwithinhim,buthehadn’tfed.Thescentofallthebloodandtherushofthe
killhadmadehimravenous.Hecouldgonow,giveQuinnmoreofthefreedomandspaceshe’daskedfor,
buthewasalreadyitchingtobeathersideagain,andshewouldmostlikelyhavetofeedtoo.

Turningonhisheel,heranbackacrossthedesertandbackintothebar.Hepausedbeforethe

swingingkitchendoorswhenheheardQuinnandMelissagiggling.“Ican’tbelieveyouateapeanutbutter
cupwhilehefoughtofffourvamps,”Melissasaid.

“Hedeservedit,withhiscavemanattitude,”Quinnreplied.
“Aw,hedoesn’tknowhowtohandlewhathefeelsforyou,andatleasthehasn’thityouoverthe

headwithaclub.”

“Yet!”
ThesoundofQuinn’sheartwarminglaughtermeltedhisirritationoverthetwoofthemtalkingabout

him.Heshovedhiswaythroughtheswingingdoorsandintothemainpartofthebar.Theybothstopped
speakingastheylookedupathim.

“Idon’thaveaclub,butIcouldalwaysgetoneifyou’dlike,”hesaidtoQuinn.
Melissachuckledandturnedherheadaway.Quinnbrushedbackastrandofherthathadworkedfree

ofherponytailasshegrinnedathim.Hewasn’tsurprisedshefeltnoshameovergettingcaughttalking
abouthim.

“Justyoutryit,”sheretorted.
“Trywhat?”Chrisaskedasheshovedhiswaythroughthekitchendoors.
“Nothing,”Juliansaid.
Hegrabbedthetrashbagfromthefloorandcarrieditacrossthedeserttodumpthecontentsontopof

thebodies.Theywouldalsoturntoashwiththefirstraysofthesun.

CHAPTER3

Quinnleanedbackinthetubandrestedherheadagainstthelittlepillowshe’dboughtforherbaths.

Shestretcheduphertoestoturnthehotwateronagain,lettingafreshwaveofheatpourintothebasin.

Theyshouldhavefedbeforecomingbacktoherapartment,butJulianhadwantedtowashoffthe

bloodcoatinghisskinandchangeintosomecleanclothes.Whilehewasshowering,she’ddecidedthat
afterthisnightaquicksoakinthetubwastootemptingtoresist.Assoonashewasdoneandoutofher
bathroom,she’dtoldhimshewastakingabathandwouldbeoutshortly,beforeslippingbyhim.She
couldgetatleasthalfanhourinthewaterandstilldosomehuntingbeforethesunrose.

Shescoopeduptwohandfulsofthethickbubblesfloatingonthesurface.Sheblewthebubblesaway,

unabletosuppressasmileastheyfloatedthroughtheairtostickagainstherwhitetiledwall.Her
apartmentmaybesmall,butthetubwaslargeandshe’dtakenadvantageofitsinceshe’dmovedinthere.

Asavampire,herthrobbingfeetandbackeasedfasterthanahuman’s,butitwasstillalittlebitof

heaventosinkintoherscented,hotwaterasoftenasshecould.Tonightshe’dusedherlavenderand
peppermintbathsaltstorelaxandrejuvenate.

Sheliftedanotherhandfulofbubblesandblewthematthewall.Aknockonthedoordrewherhead

around.“What?”

“You’vebeeninthereforawhile,”Juliancalledtoher.
“It’scalledrelaxing!”
Shecouldpicturehimstandingontheotherside,hisarmsfoldedacrosshischestashestaredatthe

door.“Ithoughtyouplannedtofeedtonight.”

“Ido.Givemeafewmoreminutes.”
“What?”
“Justgivemeacouplemoreminutes!”shecalledoverthehotwaterflowingintothetub.
“What?”
Quinnslidherfootupandturnedthewateroff.“I’llbeoutsoon!”
“Whatdidyousay?”
Sighinginexasperation,Quinnsliddownsoonlyhershoulderswereoutofthehotwater.Shemade

surethebubblescoveredherbodybeforeyellingathimagain.“Comein!”

ThedooropenedtorevealJulianleaninginthedoorway,hisarmsfoldedoverhischestjustasshe’d

knowntheywouldbe.Hisnearlywhite-blondhairwasdarkerincolorduetohisshower.He’dchosen
nottoputashirtbackon,whichwassomethingshebothappreciatedanddislikedashereyesrakedover
hismagnificentformandchiseledabs.Hergazefinallysettledontheblacktattooofanangelweepingon
hisrightbicep.

Sheslidfurtherintoherbubblesandscowledathim.“Youcouldhearmefine,”sheaccused.
Hismouthcurvedintoasmileashisgazeslidoverthebubbles.“Thiswastootemptingtoresist.”
“YoucouldhavewaiteduntilIgotout,likeanyrespectablegentlemanwoulddo.”
“ThosearetwowordsI’veneverbeencalledbefore.”
“Respectableandgentleman?”
“Exactly.”
Sheshookherheadandbrushedbackapieceofhairthatfellfreefromthebunshe’dpiledontopof

herhead.“WhatamIgoingtodowithyou?”

“IknowwhatI’dlikeyoutodowithme.”Hesteppedfurtherintothebathroom,sniffingattheairas

hemoved.“Smellsfantastic.”

Hemovedaroundher,butdidn’tcomecloseenoughtoseeanything.Hershouldersrelaxing,she

tippedherheadbackagainstthepillowashestoppednearhersink.Hegraspedtheedgeasheleaned
againstit.

“MaybeIshouldstartcallingyouBubbles,”hesaidwithasmile.
“That’sastrippername.”
“Iwouldn’tturnyoudownifyouofferedtodanceforme.Ihavedollarbills,andI’dbemorethan

willingtohandoutsomehundredstoo.”

Forsomereason,thatcausedhertolaugh.Slidingherfoottowardthehotwatertapagain,shefroze

whenhiseyeslatchedontoherexposedleg.Passionradiatedfromhiseyesashewatchedthewaterand
bubblesslideoverherskin.Hishandsclenchedonhersinksohardshefearedhemightripitfromthe
wall.Shecouldn’ttearhereyesawayfromtheravenouslookonhisfaceasherbodyquivered.

Knowingshehadtodosomethingtobreakthetensionbeforehepulledherfromthistub,sheturned

thewateronagainandslidherlegbackintothewater.“There’syourstriptease,”shesaidthroughthe
constrictionofherthroat.

“Worthit.”
Extendinghertoeupagain,sheturnedthewaterbackoff.Thenearlywhitebandaroundhispupil

turnedredashefollowedeverymovementshemadewithapredatoryexpression.“Julian.”

Hisheadtiltedtothesidewhenhisice-blueeyesmethersagain.Hereleasedhersinkandbrought

hishandsbeforehim.“Needmetogo,Dewdrop?”

No!Yes!No!Thewordsbashedaroundinherheadlikeabattrappedinabelfry.Shewantedtotouch

andfeelhimsobadly,yetsheknewshewasn’treadyforwhatthatprogressionintheirrelationshipwould
mean.Shedidn’tknowifshewasreadytohavesexforthefirsttime.Healreadyhadherheart,wouldshe
everbeabletosurvivethelossofhimifhehadherbodytoo?Thereweretoomanyenemiesoutthere
huntingthembothtobelieveeverythingwouldbeokayforanylengthoftime.

Walkingover,hekepthiseyesonherfaceashekneltbesideherandbrushedbackherdamphair.He

leanedforwardandkissedherlips.“Maybewecouldblowsomeofthesebubblesoutofthewayor
something?”hesuggested.

Theteasingglintinhiseyeseasedsomeofhertensionasshechuckled.“Let’snot.”
Hekissedherforeheadandleanedbackonhisheels.“Takeyourtime.”
Asenseoflossslidoverherwhenheroseandwalkedovertothedoorway.“Ithoughtyouwere

hungry,”shesaid,unwillingtohavehimleavealready.

Heglancedatheroverhisshoulder.“Iam,butifyoumovesomeofthosebubblesaside,I’llbeable

towaitalittlelonger.”

Sheshookherheadandsanklowerinthetub.“Ilikemybubbles.”
Turningtofaceher,herestedhishandhighonthedoorjamandleanedagainstit.“Oneday,I’mgoing

toclimbintherewithyouandpopeverylastoneofthem.”

Hertoescurledattheideaandthepromiseofhiswords.“I’llgetoutnow.”Sheliftedherfingers

throughthebubblestogivehimalittlewave.“Nowshoo,beforeIgiveyouazapthatwillmakethat
punchyoutooktothenutsearlierseemlikefun.I’llmakeitnotworkforaweek.”

Hissmilefadedaway.“Canyoudothat?”
“I’dbewillingtofindout,”sheteased.
Heglancedathiscrotch,thenshookhisheadasheturnedawayfromher.“We’retakinghandjobsoff

thetable,”sheheardhimmutterbeforeclosingthedoorbehindhim.

Quinnlaughedandrosefromthetub.Shegrabbedthetoweldanglingfromthehookandwrappedit

aroundherselfbeforesteppingout.Herneedtofeedhadn’tbeenpressingbeforesheclimbedintothetub,
butshefoundherselfstarving.Shejustwasn’tsureifbloodwouldbeenoughtosatisfytheurges
clamoringthroughherbodyrightthen.

Herresistancetohimwasmeltingaway;itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeshegaveintohim

completely.Shesmiledattherealization.

***

Julianreleasedthecoyoteandsatbackonhisheels.HisgazedriftedovertoQuinnasshefedonthe

coyoteshe’dcaught.Thesilveryraysofthemoonfallingoverhercausedherhairtoglisten.Hereyes
opened;theirgoldencolorshoneinthelightasshegavethecoyoteapatbeforesendingitunsteadilyinto
thenight.

Risingtoherfeet,shewipedthesandfromherkneesandbrushedbackherhair.Hecontinuedto

watchasshewipedthesandfromherassbeforeturningtofacehim.Herheadtiltedtothesidewhenshe
caughthim.“DoIhavebloodonmeorsomething?”sheasked.

Herosetohisfeetanddustedthesandoffhisclothes.“Noblood.”
“Good,can’tspillany,”shesaidwithalaugh.Shelookedtowardtheskyasitbrightenedinthe

distance.“Wehavetogo.”

“Wedo.”
Hebrokeintoabriskrunthroughthedesertwithherathisside.Hemovedsoshewasaheadofhim

astheysprintedthroughtheshadowsandrocksobscuringtheirapproachtothebackofherapartment
building.Theybrokeintoaleisurelyjog,appearingtobenothingmorethantwopeopleoutforarun
beforethesuncameup.Sowhatifmostpeoplewouldbeinbedafteranightofwork?Humanswereused
totheodditiesofotherhumansandoftenwroteofforignoredthestrangeandunexplainable.

Theraysofthesunhithisbackashepulledthebackdooropen.Hestoodoverher,usinghisbodyto

blockherfromthebeams.Hecouldtoleratethem;shewouldn’tbeableto.Closingthedoorbehindhim,
hestayedclosetoherbackashefollowedherupthestairsandwaitedwhilesheunlockedherapartment.

Slippinginbehindher,Julianmadehiswayovertothewindowandpulleddowntheslatontheblind

tolookoutatthemotel.Luthersatinachairatthecornerofthebuilding,flippingthroughoneofhis
numerousbooks.Behindhim,Chrispokedhisheadoutofhisroombeforestridingdownthewooden
walkwaytowardhisGuardian.AsaGuardian,Lutherwasentirelyhuman,buthehadvastknowledgeof
theHunterlineandtrainedthemtofightvamps.LutherhadadoptedandraisedMelissaafterherfamily
waskilledinTheSlaughter.He’ddiscoveredChrisandhisbestfriend,Cassie,yearslaterandhad
startedtheirHuntertraining.

HeglancedoveratQuinnassheunzippedoneofherknee-high,blackleatherbootsanddroppediton

thefloor.Shepulledoutthestakeshiddenwithinherboot,setthemaside,andthenunstrappedtheone
wrappedaroundhercalf.Hecouldn’thelpbutsmileashewatchedhertakeoffherotherbootandmore
weaponsbeforepullingfreethestakesstrappedtoherwaist.

They’donlygoneouttothedesertforanhour,andshe’dpreparedherselfforwar.Itwasoneofthe

manythingshe’dcometoloveabouther.Oneofthesedays,he’dworkupthecouragetotellherthat.

“I’mgoingtospeakwithLuther,”hesaidashereleasedtheblind.
Shelookedupathimfrombehindhercurtainofbrownhair.“It’slightout.”
“Icanmovethroughit,”hesaid.Walkingover,herestedhishandsonthecouchbehindher.“You’ll

besafeherenowthatit’sdaytime.”

Hergazewenttothewindowbeforecomingbacktohim.“Itcan’twaituntillater?Whenyou’llbe

safer?”

“I’llonlybeexposedforhalfaminuteatmost.Icantoleratethat.”He’dbeenworkinghardto

increasehistolerancetosunlightbygraduallyexposinghimselftoit;thatshortamountoftimewould
barelyaffecthim.

Hebenttopressakissagainstherforehead.Herhandssqueezedhiswristsbeforeshereleasedhim.

Hedidn’twanttoleaveher,butLutherhadtalkedtosomeofhisGuardianfriendstotrytolearn
somethingnewabouttheprophecy.He’dbeenhopingtohearbackfromthemsoon.

Reluctantlypullingawayfromher,Julianwalkedtothedoor.“Makesuretolockitbehindme.”

“Iwill.”
Shewalkedovertothedoorasheslippedout.Heremainedinthehallwayuntilheheardthelocks

slideintoplace.Turningaway,hestrodedownthepoorlylitanddingyhallofQuinn’sapartmentbuilding.
Thesmellsofcookingbaconandeggsfilledhisnostrils.Thecoupleattheendofthehallwasfighting
again,andtheoneintheapartmenttohisrightwasdoinghisdailyroutineofwakingandbakingwithhis
pot.

Julianrandownthestairsandshovedthedooropen.Theearlymorningsunspilledoverhim,heating

hisskinasheranacrossthestreettowardthemotel.Lutherlookedupathimashejoggedbyandintothe
shadeofChris’sroom.Chrisglancedawayfromarerunof“MarriedWithChildren.”

“Privacy,”hesaidaroundamouthfulofpotatochips.
“You’rethelastpersonwhoshouldevertalkaboutprivacy,”Julianrepliedashemovedtothe

window.HepushedthecurtainasideandpeeredupatQuinn’sshadedwindows.“Areyouseriously
eatingchipsatseventhirtyinthemorning?”

“Breakfastofchampions.”Chriswipedsomeofthecrumbsfromthefrontofhisshirt.“Andareyou

seriouslyquestioningmyeatingpractices,bloodboy?”

“Christopher-”
“Yeah,yeah,Iknow.Youstoppedbeingaboybeforeyoubecameavampire.”
JulianshothimalookasLutherstrolledintotheroomandplacedhisbooksontooneofthetables.

“Haveyoumanagedtolearnanythingnewabouttheprophecy?”Julianinquired.

Lutherliftedhisglassesandrubbedatthebridgeofhisnose.“There’snothingleftformetodiscover.

I’vetappedthefewGuardiansItrust;noonehasheardanything.Ifwe’regoingtolearnanythingmore,
it’sgoingtohavetocomefromthevampirecommunity.They’retheonlyoneswhocantelluswhat
they’replanning,howmanyofthembelievetheprophecy,andhowmanywanttodosomethingaboutit.
Infiltratingthemistheonlywaywe’lllearnanything.”

“Andthere’snowaytodothat,”Juliansaid.“Wesawhowvampiresreacttomypresencelastnight.”
“Someofthemwouldwelcomeyoubackamongstthem.”Chrissetthebagofchipsonthenightstand

asheswunghislegsoutofthebed.“YouareanElderafterall.”

Atoverfivehundredandseventy-sixvampyears,hewasoneoftheonlytwoEldersleft.Any

vampirewhomanagedtosurvivetofivehundredwasconsideredanElder.Theirspeed,strength,and
otherinherentvampireabilitiesincreasedatthatage,aswellaswhateverabilitythey’dacquiredupon
becomingavamp.Julian’spsychometry,theabilitytolearnthingsaboutothersfromtouchingthemoran
objectthey’dtouched,hadnearlydoubleduponbecominganElder.Itwaswhyheoftenkeptitshutoff.
Thefloodofimagesfromhissurroundingswasdistractingandtedious.

“Togobackamongstthevampiresandearntheirtrust,Iwouldhavetokillagaininordertoprove

myloyaltytothem,”Juliansaid.“I’dalsohavetoleaveQuinnhere,unprotected.”

“Youhadmeconvinceditwasabadideaonceyousaidkillingagain,”Chrissaid.“Ifeellikethat

wouldn’tbethewisestofchoices.”

“No,itwouldn’t.”Especiallywhentheneedtokillwasalwaysjustbeneaththesurface,lurking

withinhim.Quinnhelpedtocalmthehungerandtheurge,butifheevergaveinagain,hedidn’tknowif
he’dbeabletobringhimselfback.Forher,hebelievedhecouldbringhimselfbackfromthedarkness
withinhim.However,shemaybeabletoforgivehimifhereturnedtobeingamurderer,butshe’dnever
forgiveherselfifhekilledinnocentsinordertokeephersafe.Herubbedathistemplesashepacedaway
fromthewindow.

Melissaenteredtheroom;herbrowsdrewtogetherasshewatchedhim.“What’sgoingon?”
Chrisfilledherinwhenshesatonthebedbesidehim.“Definitelynotagoodidea,”sheagreed.
JulianstoppedpacingandpulledthecurtainbacktocheckonQuinnagain.Notforthefirsttime,he

realizedthevampireshadtobeorganizedandruled.Theseconfusedandangryvampsweremore

dangerousthaniftheywereunitedunderageneralguideline,astheyhadbeenwhentheElderswere
alive.Granted,theEldershadprettymuchletthemhavefreereintodowhatevertheypleasedaslongas
theykeptthevampirespeciesasecret,buttherehadbeenrules,andtherehadbeenrulersthey’dlistened
toandrespected.

Thesestupidvampiresdidn’trealizethatmostpropheciesweresoarbitrarytheycouldbetakenone

ofathousandways.Itwaslikethemanwhowishedtobewealthy,andthenextdayhisentirefamilydied
inaplanecrashandhecollectedtheirlifeinsurance.He’dgottenhiswishbuthadsufferedgreatlyinthe
end.

Theprophecystatedthat,ifusedcorrectly,Quinncouldbetheirgreatestallyandsavior.Manyof

themprobablybelievedshewouldbeontheirside,orthey’dbeabletobendhertotheirwill.They
didn’tstoptothinkthatiftheypissedheroffenough,shemightdestroythemall.Hewassuresomehad
questionedhowavampirenotbornofvampirebloodcouldevenexist,butmostprobablyhadn’t.He
doubtedanyofthemhadconsideredthepossibilityshemaybepartHunterandwouldfightthemevery
stepoftheway.

Howcouldhepossiblygoabouttryingtogetthevampirestofallinline?Howcouldhebringsome

stabilitybackintothevampireworldwithoutcrossingalinehe’dvowednevertocrossagain?Howdid
hedoitwithoutpushingQuinnawayandruiningwhatwasgrowingbetweenthem?

Hehadnoanswersforthosequestions,onlyagrowingheadache.
“We’llfiguresomethingout,”Melissasaid.
“Yeah.”Hehadafeelingthebattlewouldbecomingtothemsoon,andtheywerenotreadyforit.His

gazeslidbacktoQuinn’swindow.Thedrivingurgetogetbacktoherhadhimwalkingtowardthedoor
beforeherealizedhewasmoving.

“I’llseeyoulater,”hesaidandslippedoutside.
Higherinthesky,thesunburnedhisskinashesprintedacrosstheroadtoQuinn’sapartment

building.Heranupthestairsandnoddedhellotothekidwholikedtowakeandbakeastheypassedin
thehall.Julian’seyesrolledwhenthekidflashedhimapeacesign.

“Don’tlikeDusty?”
Hehadn’trealizedQuinnwasstandinginthehallwithacatinherarmsuntilshe’dspoken.

Wheneverthatcatescapeditsapartment,itwouldsitoutsideQuinn’sdoor,cryinguntilsomeonefinally
openedit.He’dsuggestedtossingthecatoutsidelasttimeithadgottenloose,butshe’dinsistedon
returningit.

“Mittensescapedagain,”hestated.
“Shedid.”Quinnwalkeddownthehallandknockedonthedoorofapartmentsix.Thedoorcracked

openaninch.Quinnhandedthemarmaladecatthroughthedoortotheelderlywomanwhokeptstranger
hoursthentheydidasvampires.Thewomantookthecatandclosedthedoorwithoutsomuchasathanks.

“Threeyearsago,I’dhaveeatenherrudeass.Mothballscentandpossibledustyveinsbedamned,”

Julianmutteredastheywalkedaway.

Quinnshothimacensuringlook,butthecornerofherlipsquirkedinasmileasshesteppedintoher

apartment.“Sowhat’syourproblemwithDusty?He’sharmlessenough.”

Julianclosedthedoorandthrewthelocks.“Thatkidneverwouldhavesurvivedthesixties.Iwas

immortal,andIbarelyescapedthemalive.Ispentagoodchunkofthedecadehighortrippingmyballs
off,butIdidloveWoodstock.Itwasahedonisticindulgenceofmusic,sex,andblood.”

Quinnblinkedathim,hermouthopenedthenclosedagainbeforesheshookherhead.
“What?”heinquired.
“SometimesIforgethowmucholderyouarethanme,andhowmuchmoreofthisworldyou’ve

experienced.”

“AndyouforgethowbrutalIoncewas.”

Herforeheadfurrowed.“No,there’snohidingwhatyou’recapableof.Idon’twantyoutoeither.It’s

justyourtalkoffeedingonflowerchildren,twenty-some-oddyearsbeforeIwasborn.Itcanbealittle
disconcerting.”

Hegrinnedatherasheapproached.Restinghishandsonherhips,hebackedhertowardher

bedroom.“Noneofthoseflowerchildrenwereascuteasyou,andtheydefinitelydidn’tsmellasgood.”

“You’reanass,”shetoldhim.
“Iam.”
“WhatdidLutherhavetosay?”
“He’sdiscoverednothingnew.”
Shebitherbottomlip.“Ididn’tthinkhewould.”Shefocusedonhimagainandleaneduptopressa

kissagainsthischeek.“AndI’mexhausted.”Beforehecouldstopher,shespunoutofhisgraspand
saunteredtowardherbedroom.

“Oneofthesedays,you’regoingtoletmeinthere.”
“Today’snotthatday,”sheshotoverhershoulderwithasaucysmilethatmadehisdeadenedheart

lurchbeforesheclosedthedoor.

CHAPTER4

Julianyawnedandstretchedoutonthecouchhe’dboughttoreplaceQuinn’soldone.Rollingover,

heproppedhisheadonhishandashelistenedtohermovingaroundbehindherclosedbedroomdoor.
Risingtohisfeet,hewalkedovertotheblinds.Hepulledthemupandsteppedintotheraysofthesun
hangingonthehorizon.

Hisskinheated,hisfleshreddened,buthetippedhisheadbackandsavoredthewarmthpouringover

him.Hecouldstillonlytoleratesmallamountsoftimewithinthesun’srays,butitwasmuchmorethanhe
couldhavewithstoodtwoyearsago.Hegroundhisteethtogether,refusingtomoveashisskinblistered
andpeeled.

Finally,unabletotakeitanymore,hesteppedawayfromthewindowandloweredtheblindsbefore

Quinnemergedfromherroom.Heturnedtofindherleaninginthedoorway,herwethairwavingabout
herface,hergoldeneyesfilledwithyearningasshestaredattheblind-coveredwindow.Hergazedrifted
tohim,andsheflinchedatthesoresmarringhisbarechestandface.

“Youstayedinittoolong,”shechastisedasshesteppedawayfromthedoor.
Stoppingbeforehim,herhandshoveredoverhisflesh.Hisbodytensedashiseyesremainedlocked

onherraisedpalms.Hedidn’tcarehowmuchitwouldsting;allhewantedwasforhertotouchhim.
Takingholdofherhands,hepressedthemagainsthischest.Theheatofherpalmswarmedhimmorethan
theraysofthesunevercould.

Shetriedtopullherhandsaway,buthekeptholdofthem.“Itmusthurt,”sheprotested.
“No,”hegratedthroughhisteeth.“Iwanttofeelyou.”
Herheadtiltedback;hereyesbecamemoltengoldasshesearchedhisface.Loweringhishead,he

restedhisforeheadagainsthersandinhaledthecucumberscentoftheshampoosheused.Hewrappedhis
handaroundherneck,histhumbstrokinghernape.Heclosedhiseyesasthefeelandscentofherengulfed
him.

“Julian.”
Herfingerscurledintohisfleshbeforeshetriedtopullthembackagain.Hekepthertightagainst

him,unwillingtobreaktheconnection.Hereyessearchedhischest.Heglanceddowntofindtheblisters
hadfaded,thoughhisskinstilllookedasifhe’dfallenasleeponaFloridabeachinAugust.

“Itdoesn’thurt,”heassuredher.
Hecouldfeelthesizzlingarcofherpowerassheinstinctivelyswayedtowardhim.Thedrawofhis

lifeforcewasn’tanunpleasantsensation,asshegaveandtookfromhiminequalmeasure.Thelossof
controloverherabilitysignaledhergrowingdesireforhimmorethanthedarkeningofhereyesorthe
increasedscentofherarousal.

Withalowgrowl,hebenthisheadtohersandtookholdofhermouth.Hisarmlatchedaroundher

waist,drawingherflushagainsthimashistonguebrushedoverherlips.Hermouthpartedtohisquesting
touch,allowinghistonguetoslideintotasteher.Hertonguemethiswitheagerthruststhatthreatenedto
unravelallhisrestraint.

Walkingherbackward,hepressedheragainstthewallandbracedhislegbetweenherthighswhen

theybegantoshake.Herfangslengthenedagainsthislips,oneofthesharppointspuncturinghisflesh.
Harder,healmostgroanedagainsthermouth,butheheldthewordback.Hesobadlycravedherblood
andtohavehistastedinreturn,buthehadtoproceedcarefullywithher,orshemightbecomefrightened
andbolt.

Hishandsranoverherribcage,liftingherlooset-shirtupsohisfingerscouldrunoverhersilken

skin.Herarmsslippedaroundhisneckashertonguecontinuedtoentwinewithhisinhungrythrusts.
Pushinghershirtuphigher,hebrokethekisssohecoulddrinkinthesightofherexposedskin.

Herlipswereswollen;hereyesdazedwhentheymethis.Hewatchedthesubtlenuancesofherface

whileheleisurelyexploredherbodywithhishands.Theebbandflowofherpowerincreasedasher
headfellback.Hisgazelatchedontoherneckandtheenticingveinrunningjustbeneaththesurface.

He’dneverexperiencedsuchadrivingneedtomarksomeone,totastethem,likehedidwithher.

Brushingbackthestrandsofherhair,hiseyesremainedlatchedonhervein.Salivarushedintohismouth
ashisfangsthrummedwiththeurgetobeburiedinherflesh.They’dbothfedwellonlyhoursago,buthe
wassuddenlyravenous.

“Julian,”shewhispered.
Hetorehisgazeawayfromtheveinandbacktoherflushedface.Hisfingerstracedoverhercheeks,

thenacrossherswollenlips.Heranhisthumboverherfullbottomlipbeforebendinghisheadtokissher
again.“Iwantallofyou,Quinn,”hemurmuredagainsthermouth.

Herfingersdugdeeperintohischestasherhipsarchedagainsthis.“I’mnotsureI’mreadyforthis.”
Theebbandflowofhislifeforcebetweenthemcausedhisskintoprickleasitbecameelectrifiedby

herincredibleabilitytodrainthelifefromsomeonebutalsogiveitback.ASoulMaster,Lutherhad
calledher.Inallofhismanyyears,Julianhadneverencounteredsomeonelikeher.

“Shouldwegoonanotherdate?”Hislipsbrushedagainsthermouthashespoke.“I’lltakeyou

anywhereyouwant.”

Goosebumpsbrokeoutonherfleshashisotherhandcontinueditscaressofherribcage.Shesmiled

sensuouslyathim.“Evensomeplacecold?”

Sheknewhehatedthecold,buthe’dtakeheranywheresheaskedhimto,especiallyifitwas

somewhereremotewherenoonewouldthinktolookforthem,muchlessfindthem.“Anywhere,”hetold
her.

Herheadtiltedtotheside,hereyesdancingwithmerrimentasshewatchedhim.“Paris?”
“I’llbooktheshiptomorrowandclimbtheEiffelTowerforyou.”
“You’rejusttryingtogetmeoutofthistown.”Heshruggedashisfingersslidoverthebottomedge

ofherlacy,blackbra.Shegrabbedholdofhishand,pressingitflatagainsther.“Therearevampiresall
overthisworld.We’llbenosaferinParisorMoscowthanwearehere.”

“Maybenot.”Hekissedhernosebeforemovinghislipstoherear.“ButatriptoParismustequalat

leasttendatesandwouldhavetogetmebonuspoints.”

Shelaughedasshepushedathisshoulder.“You’reahorndog.”
“Andyouloveit.”
“Ido.”Herhuskyvoicemadehisbodyquickenashisfingerscontinuedtoexploreherbra.“ButI

alsolovegettingpaid.Soifyoudon’tmind,Ihavetogetreadyforwork.”

Sheduckedbeneathhisarmwithalaughanddartedintoherbedroom.Herdoorclosedwithaclick.

Hecouldn’thelpbutsmileashestaredatthecloseddoor.Shehadhimmorewoundupthanhe’dever
beenbefore,butlittledidsheknowhowmuchheenjoyedthechasesheledhimon.

CHAPTER5

Quinnsethertrayfullofemptyglassesonthebarandturnedtoplacetheminthedishwasherbefore

fillingherorder.Clint’swaspackedtonight.EvenforaFriday,thecrowdwaslargerthanusual.Probably
becauseHawtie’sstripclubwasclosedfortheweektoundergosomerenovationsandrepairs.

ItmaybeearlyFebruaryoutside,butwithsomanypeopleinthebar,itfeltlikeJuly.Usingher

forearm,shewipedthesweatfromherbrowbeforeshovingtheglassesintothedishwasher.Whenshe
wasdone,sheclosedthedoortothemachineandstoodtosurveythebaragain.Thenormalmixofbikers,
cowboys,youngcollegekids,NativeAmericans,andMexicansfilledthebaraswellasmorewomenthan
normal,whichwasmakingthemenalothappierandalotlouderthantheynormallywere.

HergazefoundJulianamongstthecrowd.Itwaseasytospothiminthemixashisnaturalvampire

magnetismdrewpeopletowardhim,evenastheirhumaninstinctstoldthemhewasapredator.An
extremelygood-looking,unable-to-ignorepredator,whowaswatchingthecrowdwithalookofpart
disdainandpartboredom.

Sensingherstare,heliftedhisheadtogazeather.Asensuoussmilecurvedhismouth,amouththat

coulddodeliciousandwickedthings,andthatwasonlywithhiskiss.Sheshutofffantasiesofwhatelse
hismouthcoulddobeforesheshatteredoneofthecleanglassesshe’dpulledfromtherackoverhead.

“CanIgetaPBR?”someguyaskedasheleanedoverthebar.
QuinntoreherattentionawayfromJulianandfocusedonthemanbeforeher.“Sorry,we’reout.”
Themansmiledashetappedhisfingersonthebar,hiseyesrakingleisurelyoverher.LikeJulian,her

inherentvampireabilitiesluredthemtoher.Alasciviouslookfilledhiseyeswhenheleanedcloser.“So
whatcanyougetme,sweetheart?”

Apunchintheface,shethought,butforcedherselftosmileathim.Billstopay,becamethemantra

onrepeatinherhead.“Youcanseethebeersontap,”sherepliedandgesturedtowardthehalfadozen
tapslinedupalongthebar.“Pickyourpoison.”

“Whatifmypoisonisyou?”heinquired.
Quinncouldn’thelpbutsnortathisresponse.Restingherelbowsonthebar,shesmiledathim.

“Believeme,sweetheart,you’dpreferpoisontome.”

“Oh,Idoubtthat.”Heinchedhisfingersclosertohersashissmilegrew.
“Idon’t,”Juliangrumbledfrombehindhim.
Theman’seyebrowsdrewtogether.HishandfelltothegunathissideashespuntofaceJulian.

“Whodoyouthinkyouare?”themandemanded.

Julianrestedhishandonthebarasheleanedclosertotheman.Themanwastwoinchestallerthan

hewasandhadagoodthirtypoundsonhim,butthelookonJulian’sfacewouldhavemadealiontucktail
andrun.“IthinkI’mthemanwhowillbreakeveryoneofyourfingersiftheymoveanothercentimeter
closertoher,”Julianreplied.

Themanglancedoverather.“I,ah…Igottago,”themanstammeredout,apparentlydecidingshe

wasn’tworthnotbeingabletousehishandsforawhile.

QuinnshookherheadassheturnedherattentiontoJulian.“Itoldyou,don’tscareoffmytips.”
Thethunderousexpressiononhisfaceeasedwhenheturnedhisattentiontoher.“Youhavetoagree

hewaspathetic.”

“Maybeso,buthepaysmybills,notyou.”
“Ah,butIdosomuchmoreforyou,”herepliedwithawink.
HerentirebodyturnedtoJell-O,butshestillforcedherselftoliftherchin.Shehadnoideahowto

respondtothat.Shewas,thankfully,savedfromhavingtoreplywhenClintwalkedbywithacaseofbeer.

“Backoff,DracoMalfoy,”ClinttossedoverhisshouldertoJuliananddroppedthecaseonthebar.
Julianhadtosnatchhishandbacktoavoidhavingthecasedroppedonit.Quinncouldn’tholdback

herlaughterasClintpulledopentheboxandpulledoutsomebeerbottles.Bushygrayhairpokedout
fromunderClint’sbaseballcap;hisbrowneyestwinkledmerrilyashestoredthebeerinthecoolers.

ClinthadstartedcallingJulianbythenameofanyoneextremelyblondtheminutethey’dmet.Quinn

hadbeguntosuspectClintwasactuallygooglingpeople,ashehadyettocallJulianbythesamename
twice.She’dneverknownthereweresomanypopularblondsinexistence,butshehadafeelingshe’dbe
learningmoreofthemsoon.

ShegaveJulian’shandapatbeforeturningawayfromhimtofinishfillingherorder.Sheplaced

somemugsandapitcherofbeeronhertrayandliftedit.Expertlyweavingherwaythroughthecrowd,
shearrivedatatablewithacoupleofwomenwhoworkedatHawtie’sseatedaroundit.

“Thanks.”
QuinnrecognizedthewomanwhospokeasthebartenderfromHawtie’s.She’ddyedherhairpurple

sincethelasttimeQuinnhadseenher,butherpumpkin-coloredcontactswerestillin.

“You’rewelcome.”
Turningawayfromthetable,shetwirledthetrayinherhandsasshemadeherwaythroughthecrowd

towardoneofhertablesnearthedoor.Shealmostfeltlikewhistlingasshespunthetrayaround.Sure,
therewereGodonlyknewhowmanyvampiressearchingforherandtherewassomecrazy-assprophecy
abouther,butforthefirsttimeinyears,sheactuallyfelthappyagain.

Then,shefeltguiltyforfeelinghappyinthesamebuildingwhereAngiehaddied.Hersmileslid

awayandthetraystoppedspinninginherhandsasapangofsadnessstabbedherheart.Angiehadn’t
knowneverydetailofQuinn’slife.Julianwastheonlyonewhoknewhermostgruesomesecretabout
havingkilledherdyinguncleuponturning,butAngiehadbeenherfriend.

Steppinguptoatable,shesmiledatthegroupofcollegestudentsgatheredaroundit.“Sameaslast

round?”sheaskedthemasshestackedtheiremptymugsonhertray.

“Soundsgood,”oneofthemenreplied.
Quinnwasabouttolifthertrayfromthetablewhenthefrontdooropenedandamalevampire

steppedinside.Shecouldonlystandandstareastheworldlurchedoutfromunderher.Shethoughtshe
wasgoingtofallover,butsheremainedunmoving.

Memoriesofdeathandbrutalityassailedherasthebararoundherfadedaway.Shefoundherselfin

thehomeshe’dfledsixyearsago.Undertheinfluenceofthisvampire’sabilitytocontrolminds,her
cousinBarryhadopenedthedoortohim.Barryhadinvitedhisdeathandthoseofhislovedonesinto
theirhomethatnight.Hermindreplayedtheechoingscreamsastheirbloodstreakedthewallsand
picturesofherhome.

Unabletoholdhertrayup,itfellontothetablewithaclatter.Thestudentsjumpedbackontheir

stoolstoavoidthetopplingglasses.Quinn’slegsshookasascreamroseinsideherandstrangledinher
throat.Thescreamwassofullofanguishandfuryitwouldhavemadeabansheecower.Hernailsdug
intoherpalmsasshetriedtoreininthewarringemotionstearingthroughher.

Theman’sgazeslidpasthertothecrowdbeyond.Thenhisshouldersstraightenedandhisgazecame

backtoher.Hiseyeswideneduntiltheywereabouttopopoutofhishead.Quinnfeltasifsomeonehad
kickedherinthegutasshestaredintohisblue-greeneyes.Fangsslidingfree,shetookasteptowardhim.

Theman’sgazerakedher.Thesmilespreadingacrosshismouthcausedherbloodtoboil.Lunging

awayfromthetable,heedlessofthosearoundher,sheshovedherselfthroughthecrowdstraighttoward
him.Shedidn’tcarewhowitnessedit;she’dripthisvampire’sthroatoutwithherbarehandswhenshe
gotaholdofhim.Beforeshecouldreachhim,hefledoutthedoor.

“No!”shegaspedandburstfreeofthecrowd.
Sheracedacrossthefewremainingfeettothedoorandsmashedintoit.Shedidn’tfeelthechillin

theair.Herfeetbarelyhitthestairsassherandownthemandintotheparkinglot.Atthecornerofthe
building,shesawaflashofcoattailsasthevampireshepursuedvanishedintoanalley.

Assheracedacrosstheparkinglot,heronlythoughtswereofdiggingherhandsintohisfleshand

tearingitapartwhileshedrainedthelifefromhismiserablebody.Ragetastedbitteronhertongue,or
maybethatwasherdesiretosinkherfangsdeepintothismonster’sneck.

Justashehadoncedonetoher.

***

Julianrestedhiselbowonthebarashesurveyedthecrowd.Heglancedattheclockonthewall,

urgingthetimetogofastersohecouldgetQuinnoutofhereandbacktoherapartment.Hewouldn’tmind
pickingupwherethey’dleftoffearlier,andhedidn’tthinkshe’dputupmuchofanargument.

ChrisandMelissasatatatablenearthepoolroom.Lou,ayoungGuardianintraining,wassitting

withthem.LutherandZachhadn’tarrivedyet.Quinnflippedthetrayinherhandsasshewalkedthrough
hislineofvision.Hesurveyedthecrowdagain,butthemainbarroomandthepoolroomwerefullof
peoplewithheartbeats.Nomatterhowmanyvampirestherewere,novampirewouldbefoolishenough
toattackherinthiscrowd.

Juliantappedhisfingersonthebar.Quinnstoppedatatable,asmileonherfaceasshespokewith

theyoungkidsgatheredaroundit.Chrisrosefromhisseatanddisappearedintothepoolroom.He
returnedaminutelaterwithapoolstickandliftedittowardJuliantolethimknowitwastheirturnto
play.

Julianrosefromhisseatandsteppedawayfromthebar.HefrozewhenQuinnbegantoshoveher

waythroughthecrowd,oblivioustothoseinherpath.Julian’seyesshottowardthedoorasitclosed
secondsbeforeshecrashedintoit.Heopenedhismouthtoshoutathertostop,butshe’dalready
disappearedfromview.

Julianleaptawayfromthebarandrushedthroughthecrowdbehindher.Ittookeverythinghehadnot

toruthlesslyshoveeveryoneoutofhisway,buthemanagedtokeephimselfrestrainedenoughnotto
revealtoeverypersoninthisbartheywereinthepresenceofsomethingmorethanhuman.

Asnarltorefromhimwhenacoupledancedintohisway.Ithadbeentwoyearssincehe’dkilleda

human,buthenearlybroketheirnecksinfrustration.Onlysecondshadpassedsinceshe’dgoneoutthe
door,butitfeltlikehoursastimeseemedtocrawl.Shewasoutofhissight,andsomethingorsomeone
haddrawnheroutthedoor.

He’dstrangleherwhenhegothishandsonher,butfirsthehadtofindher.
JustasJulianreachedthedoor,Zachwassteppingthroughitintothebar.Hetookastepbackwhen

hespottedJulianandshovedthedooropenagain.“Shewentaroundthebackofthebuilding,”hesaid.

Julianraceddownthestepsandhurriedaroundthecornerofthebuilding.Aheadofhim,hespotted

LutherrunningthroughthedesertinpursuitofQuinn.Therewasnowaythemiddle-agedGuardianwould
beabletokeepupwithher.

“Wheredidshego?”hedemandedwhenheeasilyovertookLuther.
Lutherpointedaheadofhim.“Thatway.”
Julianpouredonthespeed,racingacrossthesandasitshiftedandslidbeneathhisfeet.Thesmall

sliverofmoonspillingacrossthesandlitthewayasheranupthesideofoneduneanddowntheother.

Healmostbellowedhernameacrosstheopendesert,buthehadafeelingstealthwasbestrightthen.

Racingoveranotherdune,hefinallyspottedQuinninthesandbelowhimfacingoffagainstamanwitha
distinctlackofaheartbeat.Thevampire’sankle-lengthdusterswirledaroundhiscalvesashemoved.
Shewasmorecarelessthanhe’deverseenherbeforeasshechargedheedlesslytowardthevampire.The
vampraisedhisarmandbackhandedheracrosstheface,causinghertostaggertotheside.

Unabletosuppressaroar,Julianplungeddownthedunetowardthem.Quinnspunaround,astakein

herhandasshewentatthemanwithaferociousnessthathadthevampdodgingbacktoavoidhercrazed
swings.Leapingtotheside,thevampsmashedhisarmontopofherswhenshelurchedawkwardlyatthe

spotwherehe’dbeenstanding.Thevampswungapunchather,butshedodgedtothesideintimeto
avoidtheblow.

Thevampire’sheadshottowardhimwhenJulianbellowedagain.Themanbackpedaledinthesand.

Quinnlungedathim,swingingthestakeinanarchthatslicedacrossthevamp’schest.Theblowtorehis
skinopenandbloodspilledfreetostainhisshirt.Quinnlungedathimagain,butthevampmanagedto
darttotheside.

Pullinghisarmback,heswungitatQuinnasherforwardmomentumcausedhertorunpasthim.The

blowhithersoforcefullythatitcausedherheadtosnaparoundwithaloudcrack.Redburstacross
Julian’svisionwhenQuinnlandedfacedowninthesand.Thevampirelookedfromhertohimbeforehe
turnedandfledacrossthedesert.

BloodlustpulsedthroughJulian.He’dmakethevamppayinthemostexcruciatingandinnovative

waysforstrikingQuinn.Hisfangspulsedwithhishungerforblood,buthepulledtoanabrupthaltnextto
Quinn,asshelayunmovinginthesand.Nomatterhowbadlyhewantedtocatchanddestroythevampire
fleeingacrossthedesert,hecouldn’tleaveher.

Kneelingatherside,hishandsshookasheturnedherover.“Quinn?”
Herarmsfellacrossthesand.Thespillofherdarkhairsprawledaroundher,hereyesremaining

closed.Hisfingerstrembledashebrushedasidethesandandhairstickingtohercheeksandforehead.

“Comeon,Dewdrop,wakeup,”heurged.
Heranhishandsoverherstillbodyashesearchedforaninjuryotherthantheduskybruisehighon

herlefttemple.Hisfangspressedagainsthisinnerlipashestaredather.Hetookaminutetosteady
himselfagainsttheragesimmeringwithinhimbeforeslidinghishandsunderher.Liftingherintohisarms,
hecradledherlimpformprotectivelyagainsthischest.Hedidn’tlookatherasheran.Hewashalfway
backtotownwhenheencounteredMelissa,Chris,andZachrunningafterthem.

“Whathappened?”Melissademanded.
“Shechasedavampireintothedesert,”JuliangratedthroughhisteethandpulledQuinncloser

againsthim.Thesweetscentofherfilledhisnostrils.Whathadshebeenthinking?Hetrembledasthe
imageofherfallinginthesandslitheredthroughhismind.“I’mtakinghertoherplace.TellClintshegot
sickorsomethingandmeetmethere.”

MelissaturnedandranbacktowardthebarwhileChrisandZachfollowedhimtowardherapartment

building.

CHAPTER6

Whowasbeatingonherheadlikeitwasafreakingsnaredrum?
“Ugh,”shegroaned,whenattemptingtomoveherheadturneditintoafull-blowndeathmetalbeatin

herhead.

“Quinn.”Coolfingersbrushedoverhercheeksandtemple.SherecognizedJulian’svoice,butshe

couldn’tbringherselftoopenhereyesyet.

“Myhead,”shemuttered.
Acoolclothwasdrapedoverherforehead,andasighescapedherwhensomeofthepounding

eased.Hisfingerswerebackonherface.Thefeelofthemsolightagainstherskindidmoretoeaseher
painthanthecoldclothonherbrowhad.Finallyfeelingbraveenoughtoopenhereyes,sheliftedherlids
topeerathim.

Heleanedoverher,hisstrikingeyessearchinghersashecaressedherface.Hislipswerepinched,

andlinesetchedthecornersofhismouthandeyes.“Quinn,”hebreathed.

Sheforcedherselftosmileinanattempttoeasesomeofhistorment.“Whathappened?”
“Youtookoffafteravampire,”hebitout.
Memoriesofwhathadoccurredassaultedher.Onherfeetinaninstant,sheswayedasthemovement

causedhertofeelasifsomeonehadfiredoffanM-80insideherhead.Takingasteptotheside,she
bracedherselfastheworldlurchedbeneathherfeet.Juliangrabbedholdofherarms,butsheshookhim
off.

“Whereisthevampire?”shedemanded.
“Hegotaway.”
“Wehavetofindhim.”
“Quinn—”
Shespuntowardhim.“Now,wehavetofindhimnow!”
“Wewill,butthesuniscomingupsoon,andthere’snothingwecandoduringtheday,”hesaidina

calmingtonethatonlymadehermoreagitated.

“Youdon’tunderstand.Itwashim!Thatwasthebastardwhomurderedmeandhelpedtokillmy

family.”

Hishandsclampedonherarmsasthecolordrainedfromhisface.Thesilencewassocompletein

theroomthatshecouldhearthebeatofsomeone’smusicfloatingacrossthenight.“He’llknowthen,”
Juliansaid.

“Knowwhat?”
“Thatyouweren’tbornofvampireblood.Ifheknowsabouttheprophecy,he’llputtwoandtwo

together.Wehavetoleavethistown.”

“No!ThisistheclosestI’vebeentohiminsixyears.I’mnotleavingherewithoutkillinghim.Idon’t

carewhatyousay,orwhathemayormaynotknowaboutme.I’mgoingtodestroyhim.”

Julian’seyesturnedcrimson.Heliftedherarmsandpulledherclosersoherpalmspressedagainst

hischest.“Iwilldowhateverittakestokeepyoualive,includingdraggingyououtofthistownkicking
andscreaming.”

Herchinroseashereyesnarrowedonhim.“Hedestroyedmylife.Iwillnotwalkawayfromhim,

andIwillnotleavemyfriendsunprotectedifhedecidestocomebackwithapackofvampires.Ifyou
takemefromhere,IwilltrytoescapefromyoueverychanceIget.WhenIfinallysucceed,andIwill,I’ll
makeitsoyouneverfindmeagain.HehasnoideahowIturned,”shecontinuedastheredblazedhotter
inhiseyes.“Forallheknows,oneofhiscohortscouldhavegivenmetheirbloodwhenhewasn’t
looking.”

Julianshookhishead.“Hewon’tthinkthat.”

“Youhavenoideawhathethinks.HenowknowsIworkatClint’s.He’llmostlikelyassumeI’ve

establishedsomekindofalifeinthistown.I’vespentmyentirelifehiding.Irefusetodoitanymore.”

Hereleasedhersosuddenly,shetookastartledstepawayfromhim.Pacingtowardthekitchen,he

ranhishandthroughhishairashestalked.Shehadn’trealizedalltheotherswereinhersmallapartment
untilhemovedoutofherwaytorevealthemgatheredbythedoor.

Luther’spale-grayeyeswereintentonherbehindthelensesofhisLennonstyleglasses.Hissaltand

pepperhairwasslightlydisheveledanddamp.Sheknewhe’dtriedtofollowherwhenshe’dleftthebar,
butshe’dbeentoofocusedonhuntingherkillertoacknowledgehim.Heliftedhisglassesandrubbedhis
noseashebowedhishead.

Loustoodbesidehim,histawny-browneyesflittingbetweenherandJulian.Hehadhishandsfolded

beforehimandhisthinshouldershunchedforward.Theendsofhisbrownhaircurledagainstthecollar
ofhisalligatorshirt.Helookedyoungerthanhiseighteenyears,yethehadanairofwisdomabouthim
thatmadehimappearfarolder.

“Ishouldhavekilledhim,”Julianmuttered.
Turningtofacehim,Quinnfoldedherarmsoverherchest.“He’smine.”
ChrisandMelissabothsighed;ZachtookastepclosertothedoorwhenJulianspuntoglowerather.

“He’sfarolderthanyou!Lookatwhathedidtoyou!”heshouted.

Shedidn’twanttothinkaboutit;itmadeherheadpoundalloveragain.She’dgoneagainstallofher

training.Wrathhadfueledherattack,notreason,andithadnearlygottenherkilled.Shewouldn’tmake
thesamemistakeagain.

“Iwasn’tpreparedfortheshockofseeinghimortheangerandmemorieshisarrivalbroughtwithit.

I’llbebetterpreparedforhimnexttime.”

Julianstoppedbeforeher.Shetiltedherchinuptomeethisfieryeyes,determinednottobackdown.

Shesimplycouldn’t;therewastoomuchonthelinerightnow.

“Notprepared?”hesaidandrestedhishandagainsttheholsteronherhip.“Youhavemoreweapons

strappedtoyouthananyoneIknow.”

“Ididn’texpecttocomefacetofacewiththemanwhotorturedmeandleftmefordeadwhileIwas

atworktonight.Excusemeifitthrewmeoffmygamealittle.”

“Anditwillbeeasierthenexttimeyouseehim?”
“Idon’tcareifit’stentimesharder!I’mgoingtodraineveryounceoflifefromthatmanbeforeItear

histhroatout.”

Julianliftedaneyebrowathervehemence,hismouthactuallyquirkinginasmile.Shefoughttheurge

toscreamandkickhimintheshin.Shehadnoideawhyhewaslookingatherlikethatwhenseconds
beforehe’dappearedtowanttochokeher.

“Leashthefangs,Dewdrop.”
Hernailsdugintoherpalmsasshegloweredathim.“I’mnotleaving.”
“Idon’tthinksheshouldleave,”Lutherinterjected.
Julian’ssmilevanishedasheturnedtowardtheGuardian.“Andwhyisthat?”hedemanded.
“Forone,ourdeparturefromthistownwillleaveitvulnerable.Also,ifthisvampirehasheardthe

prophecy,hemaynotknowitinvolvesQuinn.Runningfromherecouldconfirmittohim.Heknowswhat
shelookslike.Hewillspreadtheword.Wecanmakeastandinthistown.Ifwerun,we’llneverknow
whentheymightcatchupwithus.Ifwestayhere,hemaynotbelieveQuinnisthevampireofthe
prophecy.Shewon’tbeabletorevealwhatshecandountilweknowhe’sgoingtodie.Unlessyou
revealedittonight?”

“Inevergotachancetousemyabilityonhim,”QuinnrepliedtoLuther’squestioninglook.
“Andifhecomesbackherewithagroupofvamps?”Juliandemanded.
“Yetanotherreasonnottoleavethistownunprotected.Didyourecognizehim?”Lutherinquiredof

Julian.

“No.”
“Thenheprobablydoesn’tknowwhoyouareeither,orthatyou’reanElder.Hecertainlydoesn’t

knowthere’salsothreeHuntersinthistown.IbethisinterestinQuinnjustbecamealotmoreintensenow
thatheknowsshe’savampire.He’sgoingtotrytosatisfyhiscuriosityabouther,andwe’llbeabletoget
himwhenhedoes.”

“ClintandHawtiearetheonlyfriendsI’vehadforyears.Ican’tturnmybackonthem,”shesaid.
Julianbitoutanexplosivecursebeforeswingingawayfromherandpacingovertothekitchenonce

more.Shecouldfeelhishungerandneedtodestroyradiatingfromhim.“Julian—”shestarted.

Heheldhishandupbeforeglancingatthewindow.“Ihavetofeed.”
“Thesunwillbeupsoon,”sheprotested.
“I’llbebackbeforethen.Staywithher,”hecommandedtheothers.“Don’tforgetthatvampirewas

abletogetintoQuinn’shouseandatherfamilybecausehehastheabilitytocontrolminds.Don’tgo
outsideuntilit’sdaytime,andnoonegoesanywherebythemselvesanymore.”

LouscrambledtogetoutofJulian’swayashestrodetowardthedoor.Hedidn’tlookbackbefore

slippingoutside.Theystaredatthecloseddoorbeforetheothersallturnedtolookather.“He’llbe
okay,”shesaid.“Hehastocalmdownalittlebit.”

“Yeah,”Melissaagreed.
Quinnranahandoverherface.“ClintmustthinkIlostmymindorsomethingtonight.”
“Itoldhimyougotsickandhadtogohome,”Melissareplied.
“Orhe’sgoingtothinkI’mpregnant,”shesaidwithahalf-heartedlaugh.Sheslumpedtiredlyontothe

couchanddroppedherstill-throbbingheadintoherhands.

***

Julianprowledthroughthedesert,goingfromoneanimaltothenextashetriedtoeasehisneedto

murderwithaglutofblood.Whathereallywantedwastosinkhisfangsintosomeone’sneckandtearout
theirthroat.Inthetwoyearssincehe’dstoppedkilling,theurgetomurderanddestroyhadneverbeenas
strongasitwasnow.

Noneoftheanimalbloodwasgoingtobegoodenoughtonight.Itwouldneversatisfyhisneedfor

deaththewayactuallykillingsomeonewould.Thewindhowledacrosstheopenlandashestood
amongsttheshiftingsand,staringatthehomesacrosstheway.Curtainsandblindsshadedthewindows;
somehadsparklydecorationshangingfromthewindowsthatreflectedthenight-lightswithintherooms.
Thereweresomanyunsuspectingpeoplewithinthosehomes,sleepingsoundly,unawareofthepredator
lurkingintheirbackyard.

Hecouldsoeasilywalkuptooneofthosehomes,manipulateaninvitefromsomeonewithin,and

destroythembeforetheyrealizedwhatthey’dinvitedintotheirhome.Theprospectwasentirelytoo
temptingforhisliking.

You’reabettermannow,heremindedhimself,butthereminderwasdoinglittlegoodrightthen.
Killingsomeonewasnottheanswertohisproblems.Itwouldn’tmakeQuinnanymorewillingto

leavethistown.Itwouldn’tdestroythevampirewhohadtorturedandunknowinglyturnedher,butdamnif
itdidn’tsoundlikeoneofthemostpleasingideashe’dhadinawhile.

Hisfangstingled.Hegroundhisteethtogetherashestaredattheshadowedwindows.Justslip

insideandfeelalittlebetter.Unleashthemonsterwithinthat’sbeenbeggingtobefreesinceitwas
caged.Loseyourselfinmurderanddeathbyindulginginthebloodoftheinnocents.

Ithadbeentwoyearssincehe’dfedfromahuman,buthecouldclearlyrecallthetasteofhuman

blood;couldstillfeelthewarmthofitasitfloodedhismouthandsliddownhisthroat.Thethrillof
powerandexcitementithadgivenhimashisvictimsstruggledandscreamedinhisarmswassomething

hecouldneverforget.Thosescreams…

Asmilecurvedhismouthatthememories.Thosescreamshadfilledmanyofhisnightsandhadmade

himfeelaliveinawayhehadn’tfeltincenturies.Thenhe’dmetCassieandhisloveforherhadmade
himfeelaliveinadifferentway.Ithadmadehimrealizehecouldbe,andwantedtobe,abetterman.
He’dalwaysknownCassiewasDevon’sandcouldneverbehis,buthe’dstillwantedtobebetterforher,
andhewas.

NowhehadQuinn.Hewantedtobeagoodmanforher,likeshedeserved,buthewoulddo

whateverittook,nomatterhowmercilessandhorrific,tokeephersafe.Shemadehimfeelmorealive
thanhe’deverfeltandmadehimloveinawayhehadn’timaginedpossible.Evenwhenhe’dbeenhuman,
he’dneverfeltasaliveashedidwhenhewasholdingher,touchingher.

Andhecouldloseher.Somanythingsoutthereweretryingtotearthemapart.Heneverknewwhere

thenextthreatmightcomefrom.

Icouldwalkintooneofthosehomes,shutouttheworldforafewhours,andloseeverythingI’ve

workedtoachieve.

Alightcameoninoneofthehomes.Heremainedwherehewasastheskyturnedpinkinthe

distance.Heshouldtakesheltersoon,buthecouldn’ttearhimselfawayasthethrillofthehuntandthe
killpulsedwithinhisbody.

Hecouldn’treturntoQuinnlikethis,notwhenhewassoclosetolosingcompletecontrolofhimself.

Shecouldsoothethebeastwithinhim,buthewasn’tinthemoodtobecalmed.

InsteadoftakingshelterorreturningtoQuinn,heflexedhisfingersagainashewalkedtowardthe

house.

CHAPTER7

QuinnliftedherheadwhensheheardthelockslidingfreeandwatchedasJuliansteppedintoher

apartment.PlacinghercanofMountainDewdown,shelaunchedtoherfeetashesteppedinsideand
closedthedoor.Hisskinwaspuckeredandred;partsofhisshirtwereactuallycharred.Whileshe
wantedtoshakesomesenseintohimfortakingofflikethat,thewildnessofhiscrimsoneyesandthe
harshnessofhischiseledfeaturesmadeherheartache.

“Wherehaveyoubeen?”shedemanded.
Hisgazeflashedaroundtheroom.“Whereiseveryone?”
“Itoldthemtogoafterthesunrose.Hecouldn’tcomeatmenowthatit’sdaylight,andIpreferredto

bealone.”

Hiseyesfocusedonherbrieflybeforeslidingawayagain.“Younevershouldhavebeenleftalone.”
“Nothingcouldpossiblyhappenduringthedaytime,”sherepliedimpatiently.
“Hecancontrolminds.Thatmeanshecanuseahumantodohisbidding,andtheycanwalkaboutin

theday.”

Shehadn’tconsideredthat.She’dbeendesperatetobealone,desperateforhimtoreturntoher.

“Oh,”shesaiddully.

Hefinallyfocusedonher.“Yeah,oh.”
Sheplantedherhandsonherhips.“Youlefttoo,youknow.”
“Ishouldn’thave.”
“Wherehaveyoubeen?Thesuncameuptwohoursago.”
Hispowerfulbodymovedwiththegraceofapredatorashecametowardher.“Out.”
“Out?”sheparroted,butshehadnoideahowtorespondtohisflippantreply.“Youfed.”
“Idid.”
Despitetheburnsonhim,hisskinshonewithvitalityandpower.Heradiatedanauraofbarely

leashedviolencethatcausedherfightorflightinstincttoreartolife,eventhoughsheknewshehad
nothingtofearwithhim.

Mostwouldhavebeenafraidofwhathecoulddo;itonlymadeherlovehimmore.Hewouldnever

hurther,buttherewassomethingdifferentabouthimrightthen.Somethingwithinhimwasextremely
volatile,andallhisattentionwasfocusedonher.

“Youwerecaughtoutinthesun.Whydidn’tyoucomebacksooner?”sheaskedwhenhestopped

beforeher.

“Ihadsomethingstotakecareof.”
Despitehermisgivingsabouthiscurrentstateofmind,sheinstinctivelyleanedcloser.Yearning

slippedthroughherbody,makingherstomachclench.Unabletostopherself,shewrappedherhands
aroundhisforearmstosteadyherself.

Beneathhertouch,hispowerfulmusclesrippled.Herhandsslidoverhisskinandthebristlyblond

hairscoveringhisarms.Shebarelymanagedtosuppressamoanfromtheshiversofdelightthecontact
elicitedinher.

“Iwishyou’dcomebacksooner,”shebreathed.
“SodoI.”Herheadtiltedbacktotakehimin.Hisfacewasunreadableashewatchedher,hisfull

mouthcompressedintoathinline.“Yousomehowmakeeverythingbetter,Quinn.Youmakemefeellikea
manandnotamonster.”

“You’renotamonster.”Sheraisedherhandandpressedherfingersagainsthischeek.Heflinchedas

ifherwordsandtouchdistressedhim.Confusionswirledthroughher.Shehadnoideawhathadhappened
tonight,buthefeltdistantfromher.

Shewenttowithdrawherhand,butheclaspedholdofitandpresseditagainsthisface.“Youhave

noideawhatgoesthroughmymindaboutyou,andwhatI’dliketodotoyou.Noideaaboutthecravings
forbloodanddeaththataremyconstantcompanion.TheneedIfeeltosinkintotheoblivionthebloodcan
bringmeisatemptationthatfollowsmeeverywhere.You’drunscreamingintothenightifyouknewthe
halfofit.”

Quinnswallowedheavily,butshekeptherhandpressedagainsthischeekassherestedherother

handonhischest.“I’dneverrunfromyou,”shewhispered.“Thereisnothingyoucoulddothatwould
makemeturnfromyou.”

Thecirclesaroundhispupilsburnedwithfire.“WhatifIreturnedtokillinghumans?”
Sheclosedhereyesandrestedherheadonhischestasshetriedtothinkthroughhiswords.“I

couldn’tbewithyou.”Aknifepiercedherinsidesandslicedthemapartasshespokethewords,butshe
couldn’tlietohim.“ButIwouldn’tturnagainstyou.”

“You’dtrytosaveme.”
Sheliftedherheadtolookathim.“Youdon’tneedsaving,Julian.Youwillbewhoyouwillbe,and

itwillbeyourchoicetomake,butnomatterwhatyoudo,Iwillloveyou.”

She’dbeenfightingbackthoselastwordsforweeks.She’dbeencertainsayingthemwouldspell

doomforthem,asithadfortheothersshe’dlovedorgottenclosetoovertheyears.Now,sherealized
herlifehadalwaysbeenprecarious,italwayswouldbe,buthehadtoknowhowshefelt.

Ifsomethingweretohappentoeitheroneofthem,andshehadn’ttoldhimshelovedhim,shewould

neverforgiveherself.Shesensedheneededtohearthewordsnow,morethanever.Hemaynotfeelthe
samewayabouther,shemayhavejustopenedherselfuptoaworldofhurt,butshewouldnevertake
themback.

Hiseyessparked,andatremorshookhishands.Anguishflittedacrosshisfacebeforehewrapped

hishandaroundthebackofherheadanddraggedheragainsthischest.“I’mnotsureIdeservethatlove,”
hesaidinavoicehoarsewithemotion.

“Iam.”
Hegroanedlowinhisthroatbeforethreadinghisfingersthroughherhairandtenderlypullingher

headback.Hiseyesweretheirbeautifulbluecoloragainashesearchedherface.“Iloveyoutoo,Quinn.
MorethanIeverdreamedpossible;morethanIeverrealizedIcould.”

Beforeshecouldrespond,hebenthisheadandkissedherwithahungersodesperateitcausedher

kneestogiveout.Thearmhesnakedaroundherwaistkeptherfromgoingdowncompletely.Heliftedher
offherfeetashistongueslidbetweenherlips.Hotandheady,histonguestrokedinandoutofhermouth
inthruststhatshemeteagerly.

Noreason,notanymore,sherealizedwhenherhandswrappedaroundhisneck.Thelingeringtasteof

thecopperybloodonhislipsandtonguefromhishuntarousedherfurther.Herhipsarchedinstinctively
intohis.Therumbleofpleasureheemittedoverthefrictiontheactioncausedbetweentheirbodiesmade
herdoitagain.Excitementandneedpulsedthroughher,drowningherwithintheirconsumingdepths.

Shefeltoutofcontrolasherhandsranoverthecordedmusclesofhisback.Herbodymovedofits

ownvolitionagainsthim,rockingasitbeggedformore.Shehadn’trealizedhe’dcarriedherintothe
bedroomuntilshefeltthemattressagainstherback,andhewascomingdownontopofher.

Toofast.Notfastenough.Havetohavemore.
Herthoughtsbecameatangledmess.Shestoppedthinkingcompletelywhenhepulledthebottomof

hershirtuptoexposeherflesh.Givenwhathadhappenedinthelastfewhours,hispowerfulhands
caressedherfarmoregentlythanshe’dbelievedpossiblewhenhe’dfirstreturnedtoherapartment.

Shedidn’tstiffenwhenhisfingersbrushedoverthescarhighupinthemiddleofherstomach,asshe

wouldhaveonlyamonthago.Thatscarwasjustoneoftheplaceswherethevampirewhohadwalked
intoClint’slastnighthadpinnedhertothefloorwithhisknivesbeforefeedingonher.

Julianknewherhistory;heknewherscarswereherconstantreminderoftheatrocityshe’d

committeduponturning.Hedidn’tpityherorcondemnherforthem,andheneverwould.Heunderstood
whyshe’dneverallowedthescarstohealandhadreopenedthemforyearsbeforethey’dfinallystopped
healingontheirown.

Itonlymadeherlovehimmore.
Nudgingherthighsapart,hesettledhimselfbetweenthem.Breakingthekiss,hiseyessearchedhers

ashestaredather.“Tellmeifyouwantmetostop.”

“Pleasedon’t,”shewhispered.
Hiseyesblazedafieryredbeforehepulledhisruinedshirtoverhisheadandthrewitaside.She

hungrilydrankintheeye-poppingmarvelthatwashisbody.Delicious,lickable,andhot,wereallwords
thatfellfarshortofwhathetrulywas.Herfingerstrailedoverthechiseledridgesofhisabsasherbody
quickenedwithexcitement.Movinghigheroverhim,shetracedoverhistattoo.Hewasbeautifuland
ruthlessenoughtomaketheangelsweep.

Herfingerstrembledonhisbody.She’dnevergetenoughoftouchinghim,oflookingathim.She’d

nevergetenoughofhim.

“Sayitagain,”hegrated.
Hergazeflewuptohiscrimson-coloredeyes.Shedidn’thavetoaskwhat;sheknewwhathewanted

fromher.“Iloveyou.”

Hiseyesclosed,andhisheadtiltedbackasifhewereinextremeecstasy.Whenhiseyescameback

tohers,theywerethecoloroftheMediterraneanSeaastheyshimmeredwithpassion.Hishandsslid
underhershirt,draggingitleisurelyupherbodybeforetuggingitoverherhead.Hiseyesburnedwith
yearningashedrankherin,buthetookhistimerunninghishandsoverherbellyandupherribcage
beforeslidingaroundtounclaspherbra.Hetosseditasideandsatbacktodrinkherinbeforebendingto
heroncemore.

Hismouthtookholdofhersagainashepulledhercloser.Thefeelandsmellofhim,thesensationof

hisbodyslidingoverhersencompassedherwholeworld.Beyondthisroom,nothingelseexisted.

Shebitintoherbottomlipwhenhisbodytookcompletepossessionofhers.Shefoughtbacktearsas

herhandsdugintohisback.Hestilledaboveherashismouthpressedagainstherear.“I’llstop.”

Theroughnessofhisvoiceagainstherearmadehershudder.Sheturnedherfaceintohissweat

slickenedneck.“No,”shewhispered.“Don’t.”

“Thepainwillfade,”hepromised.
Shekepthermouthpressedagainsthisneckasheremainedunmovingwithinher.Hisscent

envelopedher;theenticingaromaofhisbloodtransfixedher,causingherfangstolengthen.Hegroaned
whenshescrapedthemagainsthisflesh.“Doit!”hecommanded.

Quinndidn’thavetobetoldtwice.She’dlongedtotastehisblood,craveditalmostasmuchasshe’d

cravedtoknowthefeelingofhiscompletepossessionofherbody.Herfangssankdeep,releasingahot
washofbloodintohermouth.Hisbodypusheddeeperintohers.Somethingwithinhershiftedand
changed;hermindopenedtohisaspathwaysshe’dneverknownexistedunwoundbeforeher.

Hispleasureengulfedher,andhisneedforherbeatagainsthermind.Tearsspilledfreelydownher

cheeks.Shewasunabletostopthemashisloveforherpouredintohermind.Theamountoflovehefelt
forherwasconsumingandbeautifulinitspurity.He’dlayhislifedownforherinaninstantanddestroy
anyonewhoharmedherwithouthesitation.

She’dneverdoubtorquestionhowhefeltaboutheragainasshesawherselfthewayhesawher—

proud,strong,defiant,awarriorhefoundmorebeautifulthananyonehe’deverknown.Asmallpartofher
hadbelievedCassiestillwouldhavebeenhisfirstchoice,ifhecouldhavehadher.Sheknewnow,he
wouldn’ttradeherforanyone,ever.Shewashiseverything.

Beneaththelovehefeltforher,shealsobrushedagainstthebarelyleashedbrutalityresidingwithin

him.Hisdesiretokillandgorgeonbloodslidthroughhermind.Itwasaconstantbattleforhim,farmore

ofonethanshe’deverexperienced.Shewastheonlyonewhocouldcalmhimwhenhewasontheverge
ofgoingoveragain.Shecouldalsosoeasilypushhimoverthatedge.Untilhe’dmether,hiscontrolhad
beenmorestable;nowhefeltfarmorevolatilebecauseofhisneedtokeephersafe.

Warmthenvelopedherasshebitdeeper.“That’sit,”hemurmuredashistongueswirledoverherear,

andhisbodymovedwithinhers.“Mine.”

Somethingwithinhercompletelyfracturedatthewordandtheoverwhelmingsensationspounding

againsther.Itwastoomuchpleasureallatonce;shecouldn’thandleit.Shewantedtowithdraw,butat
thesametimeshewantedmoreandmoreofhim.

Herpowersurgedupwithinher.Itwasbeyondhercontrolasitsparkedacrossherfingersto

illuminatehispaleskin.Shealmostscreamedatthesensationofhisfangspressingagainstherneck.His
armsbesideherheadshookashekepthimselfrestrainedfromtastingher.

Unwillingtoreleasehergrasponhisvein,shewrappedherhandaroundthebackofhisheadand

pressedhimcloseragainstherneckininvitation.Asoundofpossessionrumbledthroughhischest
secondsbeforehisfangsslidintoherflesh.Shecriedoutinecstasyashehungrilyfeasteduponher.She
pouredallofherloveintohimasmorepathwaysunfoldedbetweentheirmindstoenvelopeher.

Herpowerexplodedoutofherbeforeshecouldstopit,butitdidn’tlaunchhimoffthebedordrain

himofhislife.No,thisburstdidsomethingshe’dneverexperiencedbeforeorhadeverknownitcould
do.

Forthespaceoftenheartbeats,sheactuallyheardaheartbeat.Shefellback,agaspescapingher

whenshereleasedherholdonhisvein.Hisfangsretracted,andhisdazedeyesmethersashisheartgave
onemorelumberingbeatbeforegoingstillagain.

Hismouthhungopenashisgazewenttohischest.Sheliftedahandtopressitoverhisheart.“What

wasthat?”shebreathed.

Hisglazedeyesclearedwhentheymethersagain.Asmilecurvedhismouth.“Amiracle,likeyou.”
Shestaredupathimwordlesslybeforehereclaimedhermouthandbegantomovewithinheronce

more,pushinghercloserandclosertotheedgeofsomethingshedidn’tfullyunderstandbutlongedfor.
Herheadfellback,acryescapedherwhenthepressurethathadbeenbuildingwithinhersplintered
apart.Wavesofecstasycrashedthroughherbodyashedroveintoheroncemorebeforefollowingher
overtheedge.

CHAPTER8

QuinnsatonthecouchbehindwhereJulianstoodasshestrappedherstakestohercalves.Luther,

Lou,andZachstoodbyherdoor.ShecouldhearChrisinherkitchen,pullingapackageofpeanutbutter
cupsfromthefridgebeforepoppingthetoponacanofherDew.He’deatallofherchocolatestashifshe
lefthimintherefortoolong.Melissasatbesideheronthecouch,watchingasQuinnarmedherself.

“Foravamp,yousurearecomfortablebeingstrappedwiththingsthatcankillyou,”Melissa

commented.

Quinntuggedonherbootandzippeduptheside.“Huntertoo,”sheremindedher.“I’vebeen

comfortablewiththisstuffsinceIcouldwalk.”

“Oh,thetoddleryears.Mostpeoplebabyproof,wewerevampproofed.”
Quinnlaughedasshetuggedonherotherboot.“Andyou’restillalivebecauseofit,”Luthersaid

fromthedoor.

Turningonthecouch,Melissadrapedherarmacrosstheback.“AndIthankyouforthat,”sheassured

him.

“We’regoingtohavetostaytogetherfromnowon,”Juliansaid,bringingthemallbacktothereason

whytheywerehere.“SincethevampwhoattackedQuinncancontrolminds,wecan’ttakethechanceof
himgettingaholdofsomeoneandbendingthemtohiswill.Fromnowon,we’llstayingroupsoftwos
andthrees.Atalltimes.”

“Whatifhe’salreadygottenholdofsomeone?”Chrisaskedfromthedoorwayofthekitchen.Quinn’s

eyesfocusedonthebagofpeanutbuttercupsinhishand.She’dpurposelyputthatoneintheoventokeep
ithiddenfromhim.Sensingherstare,Chrislookedoveratherandgrinned.

Iwillnothithim,shetoldherself.Still,shecouldn’thelpbutsmileoverthefacthefeltcomfortable

enougharoundhertobraveherannoyancewithhim.She’dhavetofindbetterhidingspotsforhertreatsif
theyallagreedtowhatJulianwasabouttopropose.

“HeseemedassurprisedtoseemeasIwashim,”Quinnsaidassherosetoherfeet.
“Hecouldhavefakedthat,”Zachsaid.
“Hecouldhave,butIdon’tthinkso.”
“Ifhedid,oneofuscouldbeunderhiscontrolrightnow,”Melissasaid.
Lutherliftedhisglassestopeeraroundtheroombeforerubbingathisnoseandsettlingthemback

intoplace.“Butsincewehavenowayofknowingifthat’strue,we’regoingtohavetotrusteachother.”

“Isn’ttheresomekindofvamptest?”Chrisasked.
“No,”Julianreplied.
“WouldDevonbeabletotell?”
Julianshookhishead.“TheonlythingDevoncoulddoistakecontrolofallofyourmindshimself,in

ordertomakesurenoneofyouwentagainsthim.”

“Thanks,butnoonthatone,”Chrissaidandshovedapeanutbuttercupintohismouth.Quinnstalked

overandsnatchedthebagawayfromhim.“Aw,comeon!”

Openingthestove,shethrewthebaginsideit.Shesupposedithadn’tbeensuchagreathidingspotto

beginwith;sheneverusedthestove,soofcoursehewouldthinktolookthere.“Ithinkyou’vehad
enough.”

“Someonenevertaughtyouhowtoshare,”herepliedwithasmilethathadherreachingbackinand

pullingouttwomorechocolatesforhim.Hissapphireeyestwinkledwhenhetookthemfromherhand.
“Youvamps,allbarkandnobite.”

Aburstoflaughterescapedherassheslippedpasthimandintoherlivingroom.“I’llbitehimfor

you,ifyou’dlike,”Julianoffered.“Idon’tthinkanyoneherewouldsayhehasn’tdeserveditatleast
once.”

“Feelingthelove,”Chrisrepliedashepoppedanotherpeanutbuttercupinhismouth.
“Thanks,butno,”QuinnsaidtoJulian.
Heheldhishandouttoher,andaquiverofpleasureracedupherspinewhenshetookholdofitand

steppedagainsthisside.Herbodyinstinctivelypressedclosertohis.Histhumbstrokedthebackofher
hand.

“SinceIknownooneherewantstobeunderanyone’scontrol,andIthinkwecanagreewedon’t

wantDevonandCassieinvolvedinthis,we’regoingtohavetowatchoutforeachother,”Juliansaid.

“Couldyoutouchustolearnifhehastakencontrolofoneofourminds?”LouaskedJulian.
“Icouldtry,buthemostlikelywouldcommandyoutoforgetanyencounteryouhadwithhim,

especiallyifheknowswhoIam.”

“Wouldn’ttherebesomethingonourskinfromhimifwehadcontactwithhim?”Chrisasked.
“Hedoesn’thavetotouchyoutotakecontrolofyourmind.”
“I’dstillfeelalittlebetterifyoutried,”Lousaidandheldhisarmouttohim.
Julianwalkedaroundtheroom,takingholdofeveryone’shands.Imagesoftheirlivesflashedthrough

hismind,buthesawnothinginvolvingthevampirefromlastnight.Heshookhisheadbeforereturningto
herside.“There’snothingthere.”

“Canhetakeusinagroup?”Louasked.
“No,he’smuchstrongerthanthelastvampwecameacrosswiththisability,buttheonlyvampI

knowwhocantakecontrolofmorethanonemindatatimeisDevon,andhe’sanElder,”Julianreplied.
“Thisvampcan’tbeolderthantwoorthreehundred,I’mguessingfromthelittleI’veseenofhim,and
that’snotoldenough.Ifhegetsyouseparately,hecantakecontrolofyouandkeepcontrol,buthecouldn’t
takeanentiregroupatonce.”

Chriswipedhisfingersonhisjeansandleanedagainstthedoorframeofthekitchen.“Whatifwe’re

inagroupandhe’shidingsomewhere,couldhetakeoverthemindofonewithouttheothersnoticing?”

“That’sapossibility,”Lutherreplied.“Butwe’realltrainedtoknowwhenavampispresent,tolook

forsignsofsomethingunusual.We’remuchstrongerinagroupthanseparated.”

“Weare,”Julianconfirmed.“Andyou’llbemuchsaferherethaninthemotel.Hecanenteranyof

thoseroomsatanytime.Beforethesunsets,youshouldmoveinhere.”

Theyallglancedaroundhercrampedapartment.Therewasbarelyroomforthesofa,TV,andmilk

cratecoffeetable,nevermindfivemorepeople,buttherewaslittleotherchoice.“Where?”Zachasked.

“Whereveryoucanfindroom.It’snotgoingtobepleasantforanyofus,butit’sbetterthanthe

alternative,”Julianreplied.

Zachranahandthroughhishair.“Can’targuewiththat.”
“Weshouldgetmovingthen,”Melissasaid.“We’llseeyouatthebar?”
“I’mgoingtowalkQuinnover.I’llmeetyouatthemotelafter,”Juliantoldher.
Quinnwatchedastheyallfiledoutherdoorbeforefollowing.Shesteppedintothehallandlocked

thedoorbehindJulianandher.Together,theywalkeddownthehall.Dustywascomingupthestairswhen
theyreachedthem.

“Hey,Quinn-o,”DustygreetedandflashedthepeacesignatJulian.
QuinnbitbackalaughasJulianshookhisheadathim.“I’mgoingtohavesomefriendsstayingwith

me,Dusty,”shetoldhim.

“ThesamepeepsI’vebeenseeingalotaroundherelately?”
“Thosearetheones.”
“Theblack-hairedgirlsingle?”
“Sorry,butno.”ItwasbettershebrokeDusty’sheartwithalienowthanhavehimchasingafter

Melissawhileshewasstayinghere.

“Ohwell,sheprobablycouldn’thandleallthisanyway,”hesaidandgesturedathisskinnybody.

JulianlookedatDustyasifhe’dsproutedathirdeye.“Wehavetogo.”ShegrabbedJulian’sarmand

propelledhimdownthestairsbeforehecouldsaysomethingtohurtDusty’sfeelings.Dustywasalittle
strange,butshelikedhim.

***

“Areyousureyou’refeelingbetter?”Clintaskedasshetiedherapronaroundherwaist.
Despitehavingcomefacetofacelastnightwiththemanwhohadendedherlifeasahuman,shefelt

likeshewaswalkingonclouds.EverytimesherecalledwhathadtranspiredbetweenJulianandher
earlier,shecouldn’tstopherselffromsmiling.Shehalf-worriedshe’dbecomelikeoneofthoseDisney
charactersandburstintosongatanysecond.UnlikeSnowWhite,hersingingvoicewouldchaseoffevery
animalinaten-mileradius.

“Muchbetter,”shereplied.“Itmusthavebeenoneofthosetwelve-hourbugsormaybefood

poisoning.”

Clintchewedonhisgumasheeyedherskeptically.“Neverheardofatwelve-hourbugbefore.Don’t

needyoupukingonthecustomers.”

“I’llmakesuretotakeitoutsideagain,”sheassuredhim.
“Fine,”herelented.He’dturnedawayfromherwhenJuliansteppedintothebarwithChrisand

Melissa.“Ihopeyou’renottheonewhogothersick,HulkHogan,”ClintsaidashewalkedbyJulian.

Juliandidadoubletakebeforeathunderousexpressioncrossedhisface,andheglaredatClint’s

retreatingback.MelissaandChrisburstintolaughter;Quinnhadtobiteherliptokeepfromlaughing
aloud.

“Oneofthesedays,”Juliangrowled.
“You’llwhat?”Quinnaskedasshegrabbedhertrayfromthetable.
Julianshookhishead.“Imightflashmyfangsandgoallred-eyedonhiminordertomakehimpiss

himself.”

“He’dprobablyjustshootyou,”Chrischokedout.“AndthenI’dlaughmore.”
Juliangavehimthefingerbeforewalkingovertokisshercheek.“Areyouokay?”
“AsokayasIwasthelastsixtimesyouaskedme,”sheassuredhimassherestedherhandonthe

blackstubblelininghisjaw.“Ihavenoregrets.”

Hesettledhishandsonherhipsandshookthemalittle.“Justchecking.”
Shegavehimaquickkissbeforereluctantlysteppingawayfromhim.Theplacewasalready

beginningtofillup.Quinnkeptherattentiononthefrontdoorasshetookordersandworkedherway
throughthecrowdwithease.Shedidn’tthinkthevampwouldreturnsosoon,butshehadn’texpectedhim
toappearlastnighteither.Afterwork,sheplannedtosearchthesurroundingdesertforhim,butuntilthen,
shehadrenttopay.

Thelaughterofthebarroom,thesmellofalcohol,andtheclinkofthepoolballswereallfamiliar

soundsthatcomfortedherassheworked.ShestoppedatthetablewhereJulian,Melissa,andChriswere
sitting.Luther,Lou,andZachhadrecentlyjoinedthem.“WhatcanIgetforyou?”sheaskedasshepulled
herpenfrombehindherear.

Beforetheycouldrespond,awashofredandbluelightsspillingthroughtheplateglasswindowat

thefrontofthebardrewherattentiontotheroad.Everyoneinthebarquietedasfirstoneandthenanother
policecruiserspedby.Theirsirensechoedthroughthenight,shakingtheglasswiththeirforlornwails.

Quinnsteppedclosertothewindowandcranedherheadtopeerout.Allthepatronswhohadseen

thecruisersgobyapproachedthewindowtoseewheretheyweregoing.EdandBeverlyJohnsonwere
theonlytwofull-timecopsintown.Theyrarelyworkednights,andthemarriedcouplewasmostoftenin
thesamecruiserwhentheywereatwork.Thelasttimeshe’dseenthemgotoacallatthesametimewas
whenthebarwasshotupandAngiehadbeenkilled.

Thefivepart-timedeputiesontheforcemostlydroveoneofthethreepolicemotorcyclesatthe

station.Occasionally,theywouldbeinoneofthecruisers.Itcouldbeoneofthepart-timers,insteadof
theJohnson’s,drivingoneofthosepatrolcarsnow,butforsomereason,Quinndidn’tthinkso.

Theghostlyhandofimpendingdoomslidoverherback,causingthehaironhernapetorise.

Someoneopenedthebardoorandsteppedontotheporchoutside.Thesplashofredandbluelights
continuedtoplayoverthestreetandwindow,butshecouldn’tseethecarsanymore.

Murmursranthroughthecrowd.Shovingherpadintoherpocket,Quinnwalkedovertotheopen

doorandsteppedoutside.Attheendoftheroad,bothofthecruiserswereparked.

ShefrownedasshewatchedtheJohnson’sapproachthehousewiththeirgunsattheready.Mostof

thecallsinthistownwerebarfightsthatcouldn’tbehandledbythebaremployeesthemselves,somecats
intrees,andtheraredomesticabuse.She’dneverseenBevorEdwiththeirhandsneartheirweapons
before.

Amiddle-agedwomanstoodontheporchofthehouse;shegesturedfranticallyforthecoupleto

hurryup.Withhersuperiorhearing,Quinnheardthewomantalking,butshewassobbingtoohardforher
tobeabletomakeoutthewords.Peoplepressedcloseraroundher,andsomemadetheirwaydownthe
stepstowardthedirtparkinglot.

“They’reattheKemp’splace,”someonebehindhercommented.
“Thatcan’tbegood.”Quinnhadn’trealizedHawtiestoodbesideheruntilshe’dspoken.
Intheflashinglights,Hawtie’sdeep-auburnhairwasavibrantshadeofred.Herredlipswere

pursed,hercreamycomplexionilluminated.

“No,itcan’t,”ClintsaidfrombesideHawtie.WithClint’sbarelyfive-fiveheightandHawtie

standingatsix-foot,thetopofClint’sheadjustmadeitpastHawtie’sbreastsashewrappedhisarm
aroundherwaist.

Thewhispersofthecrowdpickedup.Morepeoplefiledintotheparkinglotandafewmadetheir

waydowntheroadasBevandEddisappearedinsidethehouse.Edreemergedaminutelater.Hegrabbed
holdoftheporchrailingandthrewupovertheside.Suchaspectacleprobablywouldhavebrought
laughterfromthepatronsofthebaronanyotheroccasion;nowitonlyincreasedtheconcernedvoices
surroundingher.

BevstrodepastEd.Shejoggeddownthestepsofthehouseandovertothepolicecruiser.Shesatin

thedriver’sseat,talkingwithsomeoneoverthemicrophonebeforegrabbingsomethingandheadingback
towardthehouse.Herhusbandwipedhismouthbeforejoininghertospreadouttheyellowcrimescene
tapearoundtheperimeterofthehome.

“OhGod,”Quinnbreathed.Shepressedherpalmagainsthermouthasshewatchedthehomebeing

tapedoff.

ShefeltthepulseofJulian’spowerbeforehesteppedagainstherback.Herstomachturnedsickly,

buteventhoughMelissahadtoldClintshe’dgottensicklastnight,asavampire,shedidn’tthrowup.
Rightnow,shereallywishedshedid;itmightmakeherfeelalittlebetter.Tiltingherheadback,she
lookedatJulian.Noemotionflickeredoverhisfeaturesashewatchedthesceneunfold.

“Weshouldfindoutwhathappened,”LuthersaidfrombesideJulian.
QuinngesturedatthecrowdgatheringinfrontoftheKemp’shouse.“We’llknowsoonenough.Word

travelsfastinthistown.”

“Comeon,”Clintsaidandnudgedherelbow.“Whateverhashappened,wecan’tdoanythingabout

it.Besttogetbacktowork.”

Quinnnodded,butshehadahardtimetearingherattentionawayfromthehouseattheendofthe

road.

CHAPTER9

“Theyweremurdered.”
QuinnliftedherheadasCarlieJeanwhisperedthistoher.C.J.,asshepreferredtobecalled,wasa

prettyredheadwithdeep-browneyesandafreckled,roundfacethatwouldforevermakeherlookyears
youngerthanshewas.Herfive-footheightandslenderfigurealsomadeherappearmorelikeshewas
twelvethantheactualtwenty-twoshewas.

C.J.hadworkedatthebarpart-timeforayearnow,butafterAngie’sdeath,she’dbeenpromotedto

full-time.Shewasafriendlygirl,butthefactshealwayshadhereyesonJulianandhadtakenAngie’s
position,madeitdifficultforQuinntolikeher.

“They’resayingitwasbrutaltoo,sadistic.Well,ImeanyousawEdpukeright?”C.J.continuedwith

anenthusiasmthatmadeQuinnwonderabouther.

However,shesupposedifsomeonehadn’tgrownuparoundbloodanddeathandhadn’texperienced

atraumaticeventoftheirown,itmightallbealittlefascinating,especiallyinthissmalltown.Itmade
Quinn’sskincrawlasmemoriesofthenightherfamilyhadbeenmurderedswelledtowardthesurface.

“Idid,”Quinnsaid.“Didtheysayhowtheywerekilled?”
C.J.shookherhead.“Notsureiftheyknowyet,butI’msuretheywillsoon.”
Quinnrubbedatthebridgeofhernose.Herheadthrobbed.Iftherewaseveranightshecouldgo

homesick,tonightwasit.

“Whatisgoingoninthistown?FirstAngie…”Quinn’sheadshotupatC.J.’swords.“Oops,sorry,”

shesaidhastily.“Butwe’vehadmoremurdersinthepastmonththanintwentyyears.”

“Yeah,”Quinnmurmured,hereyesgoingbacktothemassiveglasswindow.Theredandbluestrobes

hadbeenturnedoff.Threeblack,unmarkedcarswerealsoparkedoutsidetheKemp’snow.Themen
insidehadclimbedoutandjoinedEdandBevanhourago.Sheassumedtheywerecrimescene
techniciansordetectivesfromthestate,butshewasn’tsure.She’dwatchedthenewarrivalswiththerest
ofthebar,buthadn’tgoneoutsideagain.“It’shorrible.”

Gatheringhertray,shewenttoliftit,butherhandtrembledtoobadtogetitoffthecounter.Quinn

flexedherhandasshewilledittostopshaking.Nomatterhowbadlyshetried,shecouldn’tridherselfof
thefeelingthatherkillerwasalsotheonewho’dkilledtheKemps.Thatitwassomehowherfaultthey
weredead.

Thatpoorfamily.Shedidn’tknowthemwell,theydidn’tcometoClint’s,butthey’dseemedhappy

enoughthefewtimesshe’dseenthem.

Sheliftedthetrayagain,herhandwassteadier,butshehadtocarryitwithbothhands.Thebarhad

clearedoutconsiderablysincethefirstcruiserhadgoneby.Agoodchunkofthecrowdwasstilloutside
theKemp’shouse;theresthadgonehome.

Maybeoneofthemhadbeenthekiller.Shedoubtedit,butwhatdidsheknowanymore?
IfthevampirewhohadkilledherhaddonethistotheKemp’s,itmeanthe’dalreadystartedtotake

outhisvengeanceontheresidentsintown.

Shedidn’tknowhowtofindoutifithadbeenavampireattackontheKemp’sornot.Unless…
HergazeslidtoJuliansittingatthetablewiththeothers.Anairofwarinesssurroundedhimashe

kepthisheadbentandhishandsclaspedaroundthemugbeforehim.Withhisabilityofpsychometry,he’d
beabletoseewhatthepolicehadseenatthecrimescene.Hewouldbeabletotellwhathadcausedthe
murdersifhecouldtouchsomethingoftheKemps.

Orevenbetter,shethoughteagerly.Hemaybeabletotellwhodidit!
Theideaofforcinghimtowitnesssuchathingcausedapittoforminherstomach.Whatifithadn’t

beenavampireandhewasforcedtowitnesssomethingterribleheneverwouldhavehadtoexperience
otherwise?Maybeithadbeenamurder-suicidetypeofthingoverthere.No,shedecided,therewasno

wayshewouldaskhimtodosuchathing.

Sheplacedthetrayonatableofsubduedbikersandhandedouttheirdrinks.Theygaveherabrief

nodofthanksbeforeturningtheirattentionbacktothewindow.Themenandwomenmaynotbeableto
seemuchfromhere,buttheyremainedriveted.

Turningaway,shewalkedovertowhereJulianandtheotherssat.“C.J.saidtheKemp’swere

murdered,”shesaidquietly.

Julianfoldedhisarmsoverhischestandleanedbackinhischair.Hiseyesglitteredlikeiceshards

astheyslidtothewindow.Shehadnoideawhathewasthinkingorwhathadhimlookingsoexhausted
withshadowslininghiseyes.Sherestedherhandonhisarm;hishandfelloverthetopofhers,butshe
couldn’tshakethefeelinghedidn’treallyseeherrightthen.

“I’msuretherewillbealotofrumorsinthebeginning,”Luthersaid.“That’swhywe’regoingto

havetofindoutwhatreallyhappened.Ifitwasavampireorhumanwhocausedthedeaths.”

“Andhowdoyouplantodothat?”Zachinquired.
“Well,heplanstouseme,Zachariah,”Julianrepliedashereleasedherhandandcasuallytookasip

ofhisbeer.

Zachshothimalook,butwiselyrefrainedfromtheusualcorrectionofhisname.Julianhadbecome

completelystillashesatwithhisgazepinnedonLuther.

“Itisthebestchancewehave,”Lutherreplied.
“Idon’tseeusbeingabletogetanywherenearthebodies,soitwillhavetobesomethingthey

touchedwhilebeingmurdered,”Juliancontinued.

“Youcangetmemoriesfromadeadbody?”Melissainquired.
“Theyareinanimateobjects.”
ThoselasttwowordsmadeQuinnrubatherarmswhenachillranthroughher.Shehadwithheld

fromaskingJuliantodothis,butLutherhadnoneofthesamereservationsthatshedid.Shescowledatthe
Guardian,butLutherkepthisattentionfocusedonJulianashepretendednottonoticeher.

“Idon’tthinkthey’llbeabletohandlethebodieshere.Thistownisn’texactlysetupforthatkindof

policework.TheymighttakethemovertoYuma,”Quinnsaid.“They’dbebetterequippedtohandleit
overthere.”

“WhichmeansIhavetogetintothathouse,”Juliansaid.
Quinn’sgazewentbacktothedoorasmoreflashinglightsspeddownthestreet,ambulancesthis

time,probablytocarrythebodieswhereverthey’dbegoing.Sheturnedawayfromthevehicles,
unwillingtowatchanymore.

Julianrosetohisfeetandwalkedstifflytowardthewindow.Watchinghisback,shebegantothinkit

wasmorethanthemurdersandthearrivalofherkillerthathadhimsotenseanddistant,butshehadno
ideawhatelseitcouldbe.

***

“Shh!”JulianhissedfromaheadofherwhenChriskickedthesideofalawnchaironthebackpatio.

Theclinkingsoundofthemetalchairlegsskitteringacrossthepatiosetherteethonedge.

“Sorry,”Chrismuttered.
Hergazeslidoverthepatioandneighboringhomes.Shescannedthehouses,butalloftheirlights

remainedoffandshedidn’tseeanyoneamongstthesprawlingdesertbehindtheKemp’shome.Everyone
inthistownhadbeenonhighalertafterwhathadoccurredlastnight.She’dhalf-expectedthemtoallstill
beawake,afraidtogotosleepnowthattheyknewakillerwalkedamongstthem.

Multiplekillers,ifsheincludedthegroupwithher.
Julianhadwantedtoenterthehouselastnight,whilethememorieswerestillfresh,butthepolice

hadn’tfinisheddoingwhatevertheyhadtodountilmid-morning.Nowattwoo’clockinthemorning,they

wereslinkingthroughtheshadowsoftheKemp’sporchtotheirbackdoor.Shehadnoideawhatpossible
excusetheycoulduseiftheywerecaughtdoingthis,soshehopedsomeoneelsehadone.

Julianstoppedatthebackdoorandrestedhishandontheknob.Hetriedtoturnit,buttheknob

remainedunmovingbeneathhishand,somethingQuinndidn’tfindatallsurprising.Thepolicemayhave
doneeverythingtheycouldfornow,butthehousewasstilltapedoffandanactivecrimescene,oratleast
that’swhatshecalleditthankstotheTVshow“Bones,”hernewestNetflixaddiction.

ThemusclesinJulian’sarmbunchedandflexedasheleanedontheknob,breakingitawayfromthe

door.Withhisfingers,heshovedtheremainsofthedoorknobawayandpushedagainstthedoor.It
remainedlocked.

“Deadbolt’slocked,”hemuttered.
Judgingbytheshineofthedeadbolt,Quinnguesseditwasabrandnewaddition,probablyaddedby

thepolice.Julianpulledthepalmofhishandbackandsmasheditintothelocklocatedabovetheknob.
Quinncringedwhenthemetalgavewayandclatteredontotheflooroftheroombeyond.

Hershouldershunchedupasshepreparedherselfforsomeonetostartshoutingatthem,oragiant

spotlighttobeamdownonthemlikethecriminalstheywere.Sheglancednervouslyaround,butthough
she’dthoughtthesoundhadbeenasloudasfireworks,thenightaroundthemremainedcompletelystill.
Julianpressedhisshoulderagainstthedoorandnudgeditopen.

Thedoorcaughtthebrokenlockthathadfalleninsideandsentitspiralingawayinadingingclatter

acrossthetiledkitchenfloor.Quinnwincedateveryrattlingting.“We’reaboutasstealthyasabull,”
Chrismuttered.

Withoutaword,Julianretrievedthebrokenknobandlockandplacedthemonthegreenmarble

countertopnearthekitchensink.“Comeon,”hesaidwithajerkofhishead.

Quinnsteppedhesitatinglyacrossthethresholdofthehome.Shefeltliketheworstformoflifefor

breakingintothedeadfamily’shomeasshestoodinsidethedoorway.Thehushenvelopingthehouse
madeherfeelasifshe’dsteppedintoatomb.Insomeways,shesupposedshehad.Shewrappedherarms
aroundherselfandgraspedholdofherelbowsinanattempttowardoffthechillseepingintoherbones.

Shecouldn’tbringherselftolookcloselyatthepicturesanddrawingsstucktothefridgewith

magnets.Onthewall,besidethephone,wasawhiteboardfullofcolorfuldoodles,notes,andpinsstuck
toit.Sheglimpsedaphotooftwoyounggirlshuggingeachotherastheyheldupblueribbonsbeforeshe
hastilylookedawayfromthepicture.

Thewarmththathadoncefilledthishouse,theloveandlaughterthathadmadeitahome,wasgone.

Theonlythingremainingwasthissilenceandthehauntingechoofscreamsresonatinginherhead.

“They’vealreadytakenthefingerprintsfromthisplacetoo,”Juliansaid.“Butjustincasetheydecide

totakemore,don’ttouchanything.”

“Shouldwewipeoffwhatyoutouch?”Melissaasked.
“Nooneisgoingtohavemyfingerprintsonfileandnobarsmeanttoholdahumanwillholdme.You

twocouldspendalongtimeinprisonthough.”

“Don’tremindme,”ChrismurmuredashiseyesskippedoverthethingsQuinnrefusedtofocuson.
Juliandidn’tbothertotouchanythingelseinthekitchenbutmadehiswaydownthedimhall.Quinn

stood,unabletogetherfeettomove,whenhedisappearedfromview.Finally,sheforcedherselftoput
onefootinfrontoftheotherasshefollowedhim.Nomatterhowhollowthishousemadeherfeel,she
couldn’tlethimfacewhathemightseealone.Unwillingtolookatthepicturesliningthewalls,shekept
hereyesfocusedonhersneakers.

Shadowsdancedacrossthewoodfloorofthelivingroomwhenshesteppedintoit.Thescentof

bloodbecamemorenoticeablehere;ittickledhernoseandcausedherfangstotingle.Shehatedthepart
ofherthatreactedtothescentofblood.Sheloathedthepartthatmadeheralittleexcited,whenwhatshe
reallywantedwastoweepfortheliveslosthere.

Julianhaddescendedthetwostairstoasunkensecondlivingroomandwasmakinghiswaytoward

thediningroom.Quinnstoppedtowatchashewalkedacrossthehardwoodfloorandthroughthedouble
doorsofthediningroom.Beyondthesmalldiningroom,shecouldseethekitchenagain.

We’dbeeneatinginthediningroomwhentheyknocked,sherecalledofthenightherfamilyhad

beentornfromher.Spaghettiwithmeatballs.

Herhandfluttereduptotheheart-shapedlocketaroundherneckthathadbelongedtohercousin,

Betsy.Shewrappedherhandaroundit,feelingasifthemetalburnedherfleshwhileshewatchedJulian
runhisfingersoverthediningroomtable.Nofoodwasonthetable,butpaperswerescatteredacrossthe
surface.Perhapssomeonehadbeendoingtheirhomeworkwhentheattackhadoccurred.

Quinn’sfingerstrembled,tearsburnedhereyesasherownmemoriesthreatenedtoengulfherwithin

theirsuffocatingdepths.Shestruggledtokeepherselfrootedinthepresentwhilethepastroseupall
aroundher.

“Didthepolicecleanupalltheblood?”Chriswhispered.
“Ifthiswasavampireattack,theremostlikelywouldn’tbemuchbloodforthemtocleanup,”Julian

murmured.

“Oh,yeah,”Chrisreplieddully.
Helookedaspaleasshefeltrightthen.Besidehim,Melissa’snormallyolivehuehadfadedtoa

pastycolorthatcausedheronyxeyestostandout.

Quinnspottedspecksofbloodonthehardwoodfloorandafewmoreonthetilesbeyondit.
Atremblewentthroughher.“Therewasalotofbloodwhentheyattackedmyfamily.”
Julian’seyeswereavibrantredwhenheliftedhisheadtolookather.“Theyhadtobeviolentand

lethalwithyourfamily.TheyknewyouwereHunters.”

Quinnclosedhereyesasshetriednottocry.Ithadbeenviolent.
BetsyandIwerediscussingwhattopackforcollege,howtodecorateourdormroom.Betsyhad

wantedpinkorpurple.Ipreferredlivingonthestreettoeitherofthosecoloroptions.Ipreferreda
stereoandnoTV.Betsyinsistedonboth.Thebickeringhadbeengood-natured,moreexcitedthan
annoyedorirritated.Webothknew,intheend,weweregoingtohaveagoodtime,andneitherofus
wouldconsidertheideaofgettingadifferentroommate.

Barryhadrisenatthesoundoftheknock.Ibarelypaidhimanyattentionashewalkedbehindus

towardthedoor.Icouldn’tseewhowasthereandbarelyheardhimsay,“Comein.”

Then,beforeIcouldtellBetsyI’dbeatherwithherold,giant,stuffedelephantifshebroughtit

withher,theywereonus.Hishandwrappedaroundmyneck,yankingmeoutofthechairanddragging
meintoabattleIhadn’tbeenpreparedtofight.

“Quinn?”Julianaskedworriedly.
Sheopenedhereyesandforcedherselftofocusonthehousebeforeher.Forcedherselfnottoseethe

homeshe’dsharedwithherfamilyuntilthatfatefulnight.“I’mfine,”shemuttered.“Doyousee
anything?”

Hecontinuedtostareather,hiseyesnarrowingonherface.MelissarestedherhandonQuinn’s

shoulder,squeezingitreassuringly.Julianshookhisheadbeforewalkingoverandrunninghisfingers
acrossthepapersonthetable.Quinn’slegswerewooden;herkneesbarelybentassheclimbeddownthe
twostepstothesunkenlivingroomandwalkedtowardhim.Julianglancedatherwhenshestopped
besidehimtostareatthepapers.

“Algebra,”shemutteredtonooneinparticular.
“Maybeweshouldgetoutofhere,”Chrissuggested.
“Wait.”Turningaway,Julianwalkedoverandkneltbyoneofthefewsplattersofdriedblood

marringthefloor.

Quinnliftedherhead,hereyeslatchingontoapicturesittingontopofadeskinthecorner.Hermouth

wentcompletelydryasastabofgriefshotthroughherheartandastartledcryescapedher.Atthesound
ofherdespair,Julian’sheadshotup.Hiseyesdartedaroundashesearchedforsomesignofan
impendingattack.

Hiseyescamebacktoherswhenherlegsbegantoshake.Beforesheknewit,hewasstandingbefore

her.Hishandsonhershouldershelpedtosteadyher.“Whatisit?”hedemanded.

Quinnpointedatthepictureonthedesk.“Itwashim,”shewhispered.“Thevampirewhoattacked

medidthis.”

Julianturnedtolookatthephoto.Acrossthecenteroftheglass,asmearofbloodpartiallyobscured

theclothesofthefamilyinthephoto.However,theirsmilingfaceswerestillevident,allfiveofthem.
Twoofthechildrenweretheyounggirlsshe’dseeninthephotointhekitchen,butthegirlswereolderin
thisone,probablymid-teens.Theotherwasaboywhowasonlyacoupleofyearsyoungerthanthegirls
were.Themotherandfathersatinfrontoftheirchildren,theirprideintheirfamilyevidentontheir
glowingfaces.Allofthemhadhairsodarkitnearlyblendedinwiththeshadowsoftheroom.

“Howdoyouknow?”hedemanded.
“Theylooktoomuchlikemyfamilyforittobeacoincidence.Andthebloodacrossthepicture,

that’swhatourfamilyphotolookedlikeaftertheattack.”

Juliansqueezedhershouldersbeforeturningandstridingovertopickupthepicture.Hehelditinhis

handasheranhisfingersoverthebloodsmearedacrosstheglass.Hisheadbowedbeforeheplacedit
backonthedesk.

“She’sright,”heconfirmed.Returningtoher,hepulledherintohisarms.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”
Hedidn’treleaseherashewalkedwithheroutthedoor.

CHAPTER10

JulianheldQuinncloseagainsthissideashestaredattheceilinginherroom.Hisarmwaspropped

behindhishead;thelittlebitofsunfilteringthroughtheblindsandcurtainsplayedacrosstheceiling.His
armtightenedaroundQuinnwhenshestirredagainsthim,mumblingsomethingbeforesettlingdownagain.
Ithadbeenacoupleofweekssinceshelasthadanightmare.Tonight,she’dhadthree.

Aftereachnightmare,she’dbolteduprightinbed,hereyeswildinthenightasshescreamed.Her

crieshadstartledtheothersandbroughtLuthertothedoorthefirsttime,butJulianhadsenthimaway.
Turninghisfaceintoher,henuzzledherhairuntilshesettleddownagain.

Heinhaledherfreshscent,whichmingledwithhisownscentinherblood.Hewassuchabigpartof

hernow,hisbloodminglingwithhers,hisclaimonherevidentinthefadingmarksonherneck.Shewas
hisnow,andhewasnevergoingtolethergo.Shemaynotknowwhattheyweretoeachotheryet,buthe
hadnodoubtshewashismate.Theirliveswereirrevocablyboundtogether,andhewouldn’thaveitany
otherway.

Hisheadturnedtowardtheroadwhenashoutsounded;itwasfollowedbythelaughterofpeople

outside.Thetownhadbeenabnormallysubduedsincethemurders,butithadbecomelouderagaintoday
aspeoplefellbackintothenaturalrhythmoftheirlives.

Julianshudderedasherecalledtheimpressionshe’dreceivedfrominsidetheKemp’shouse.Inthe

beginning,allhe’dseenwaslaughterandsometearsinthehome—alongwithfightsandhugs,shared
mealsandburntfood.Ithadbeenthehomeofafamilywhohadlovedandsupportedeachother.When
he’dtouchedtheirblood,he’dfelttheirterror,heardtheirscreams,butitwasn’tuntilhe’dtouchedthe
photothathe’dseenwhohadunleashedsuchruthlessbrutalityontheunsuspectingfamily.

Thevampirehadtouchedthephotohimself,wipinghishandacrossthepicturepurposelywhenhe

wasdonekillingthem.ThephotohadbeenmeantasamessageforQuinn.Thevampirehadpickedthe
KempfamilybecausetheyremindedhimofQuinn’s.He’dleftthebloodtrailonthephototoremindher
oftheblood-splatteredpicturesinherownhome.Quinnknewitwasthesamevampirewho’dattacked
her;whatshedidn’tknowwashowbadlythevampwantedher.

Juliandidthough.He’dsensedthedesireintheman’stouch,thetwistedamusementthevamptookin

tormentingher.Julianhadnoideawhothevampwasyet,buthewould,andsoon.

Quinnstirredbesidehimoncemore.Heranhisfingersoverthebareskinofhershoulderuntilshe

settledagain.Thevamphuntingherwaseverythingshehatedanddespisedabouttheirkind.Julianhad
beenonthevergeofbecomingthatkindofvampireagaintheothernight.He’dnearlybeentheoneto
bringdeathtothistownashe’dteeteredontheedgeoflosinghimselftohissinisterurges.

ThoughtsofQuinnandhowbadlyhe’dhurtherifhedidsuchathinghadbeentheonlythingsthathad

stoppedhim.She’dlosttoomuchalreadyinhershortlife;hecouldn’tbeanotherofherdisappointments
andheartaches.Helovedhertoomuchforthat.

He’dcomesoclosetokillingagainthathe’dstoodatsomeone’sbackdoor,hishandontheknobas

he’dfoughttoreininhisbaser,morevolatileurges.He’dstoodthereuntilthesunhadsizzledacrosshis
back,burningthroughhisclothesdowntohisskin.Forcedawayfromthedoorbyhisburningflesh,no
onewouldwelcomeaburningmanintotheirhomenomatterhowhandsomeorcharminghewas,he’d
takenshelterinthepoolhouse.Unabletotrusthimselfaroundthepeopleasthey’dwokenandstarted
theirday,he’dremainedhiddenuntilhecouldbesuretheyweregonefortheday.

Theentiretimetheircoffeebrewedandtheirbaconfried,he’dfoughttheurgetofindawaytocoax

aninviteintotheirhometogorgeonthem.Theirlaughterandinaneconversationhadgratedonhisnerves;
hisnailshaddugintohispalmssoforcefullyhe’ddugcrescentshapedgroovesintothemuntilblood
drippedfromhishands.Itwasn’tuntilheheardtheslammingoftheircardoorsthathe’ddaredtoemerge
fromthepoolhouse.

Hewouldhavestayedtherealldaytoavoidthesun,buthisneedtogettoQuinnhaddrivenhim

throughthescarceshadowshecouldfindbacktoherapartmentbuilding.Thenshe’dsoothedhim,told
himshelovedhim,andgivenherselftohim.She’dcompletedandcalmedhiminwayshe’dneverknown
possible.Whatshe’ddonethatdayhadworkedmoreofamiraclewithhimthanherabilitytomakehis
heartbeathad.Forthefirsttime,he’dknownhecouldforeverkeeptheevilpartofhimselfcagedinorder
tobewithherandmakeherhappy.

Shewashissavior;she’dalsobehisgreatestdownfallifsomethingeverhappenedtoher.
HewishedtherewasawaytogetDevonherewithoutbringingCassietoo,butCassiewouldnever

agreetostaybehindifshebelievedtheywereinenoughdangertowarrantcallingDevon.Chrisand
Melissawereherbestfriends,LutherherGuardian,andheknewshelovedhim.She’drefusetostay
behind,andwithherpowers,shecouldn’tcomeanywherenearQuinn.Notwhilealargechunkofthe
vampirepopulationwashuntingher.

“You’reverydeepinthought.”Quinn’sfingersbrushedoverhisface,heatinghisfleshanddrawing

hismouthinstinctivelytowardhers.

“Thinkingabouthowtocatchavamp.”
“Easy,”sherepliedandroseabovehim.“Weusemeasbait.”
“No.”
“Julian,hehasnoideawhatI’mcapableof.Sofar,heseemstobeplayingthisgamealone.Ican

drawhimout,wecantraphim,andthenIcanusehisownlifeforcetopummelhimintopieces.”

Despitehisintensedislikeofherplan,hiscuriosityprickedatherstatement.“Canyoudothat?”
“I’venevertrieditbefore,butIdon’tseewhynot.Icangiveandtake,orIcanjusttake.Apparently,

Icanrestartheartbeatstoo.”Shesmiledatthisandpressedherfingersagainsthischest.Thatlittle
developmentstillawedhim.Ithadbeenfivehundredandseventy-sixyearssincehe’dfelthisheartbeat.
Thesensationhadbeenoneofthemostamazingofhislife,secondonlytoknowingwhatitwasliketo
possessherbodyandtasteherblood.“IimagineIcouldalsoturnthatlifeforceagainstanotherandbash
themwithit.”

“I’dimaginesotoo,”hemurmured.
Hethreadedhisfingersthroughherhair,drawinghermouthtohis.Hetookherlipswithafirm

possession.Histonguedelvinginandoutofherhotrecessesmadehimcravemore.Wrappinghisarm
aroundherwaist,hepulledherontopofhim.

“Julian,theothers,”sheprotestedagainsthismouth.
“Sleeping,”heassuredherashereclaimedhermouth.
He’dmakeherforgetallaboutherharebrainedideatobebaitsoonenough.Instead,hefoundhimself

beingtheonetoforgetashishandsskimmedoverherflesh.Afeelingofcontentmentandbelongingstole
throughhimwhensheeasilyslidherbodytogetherwithhis.Whenherfangssankintohisneck,hisentire
bodyarchedup.Herecstasybeatagainsthimsovehementlyhecouldbarelyseparateherpleasurefrom
his.Sinkinghisownfangsintohershoulder,hegorgedonhersweet,powerfulblood.

Heopenedupthepathwaysbetweenthem,allowinghertoexperienceallofthesensationshe

experiencedwhenhewasinsideofher,tastingher,allowinghertofeelthelovehefeltforher.She
meldedagainsthimashermindopeneduptofloodhiswithherlove.

Hisfingersentangledinherhair,hepulledhercloserashefeddeeperonher.Herhandsdugintohis

back,andherbodymovedmorerapidlyoverhisasshegaveandtookofhislifeindeeppulls.Hisheart
explodedintolife,pulsinghisbloodmorevigorouslyintoher.

Shemoanedagainsthisthroat,adelicioussoundthatnearlypushedhimovertheedge.Breakinghis

holdonhershoulder,hisheadfellbackashisheartcontinuedtobeatoutariotoustempowithinhischest.

Hepulledheragainsthimashelosthimselftothepleasureofherbody.

***

“Ifhewouldlistentoreason,hewouldseeit’sagoodplan,”Quinnsaidandactuallystompedher

footontheground.

Julianfoldedhisarmsoverhischestashewatchedher.Itwasrarethathercomposureslipped,but

thewhitesofhereyeshadturnedred,andtheredencirclingtheouterrimofheririsesleaptanddanced
likeactualflames.

“Wow!”MelissabreathedandJulianrealizeditwasthefirsttimethey’dactuallyseenthe

enchantinglystrangephenomenaofhereyes.Havingbeenbornahalf-vampireandaHunter,Quinnhad
possessedalotofpowerbeforeshe’dmadethetransformationintofullvampire;itshowedinthecolorof
hereyesnow.

“Astounding,”Lutherremarked.
QuinnfrownedatLutherbeforefocusingherattentiononJulianoncemore.“It’sthebestwayto

accomplishanything,”sheinsisted.

“Puttingyourlifeonthelineisfarfromthebestwaytoaccomplishanything,”hereplied.
“It’sagoodplan,andyouknowit.Ifitwasanyoneelse,youwouldallowittohappen.”
“Butit’snotanyoneelse,”hesaid.“It’syou,andI’vesensedhowbadlythismanwantstogethis

handsonyou.I’vesensedhisthoughtsaboutyou,andthedepravedthingsheanticipatesdoingtoyou.”
Shepaled,butherchinremainedthrustoutindefianceathiswords.“Iwon’tallowittohappen.Doyou
reallythinkhe’sgoingtofallforit,ifyougoprancingaroundallaloneinthedesert?”

“AndwhatwouldyousuggestIdo,prancearoundmyjobandthisapartmentwhileheslaughters

morefamilies?Idon’tknowhowmanyfamiliestherearewiththreechildrenintheminthistown,butI
canguaranteenoneofthemaresafe.Andthat’sonlyifhedecidedtokeepgoingafterfamilieswiththose
numbers.He’smadehispoint;I’dguaranteealmosteveryoneisfairgamenow.”

“She’sright,”Chrissaid.
Julian’seyessnappedtowardhim.“Thisdoesn’tconcernyou,Christopher.”
“Butitdoes,”hesaid.“Itconcernsallofus.Believeme,Iknowhowtestyyouvampscanbewhen

yourmatesarethreatened.IsawitfirsthandwithCassieandDevon.Ireallydon’twanttoseeitwithyou.
You’realreadyalittlescaryattimes,butyouralternativeistoletmorepeopledie.Possiblyalotmore.”

“You’remakingthemistakeofthinkingIputanyone’slifeaheadofhers,”Juliangrowled.
Chris’seyesnarrowedonhim.Quinnsteppedforwardandwavedherhandsathimtobreakhisstare

withChris.“Mates?”sheinquiredwhenhelookedather.

“Itoldyouaboutthembefore,Dewdrop.”
“Yes,Iremember,butus?”
JulianshotChrisafulminatinglook.Chrisheldhishandsupinnocentlyandshookhishead.“I

assumedyouwerewithhowcloseyoutwohavebeen.Icouldbewrong.Idon’tthinkIam,”hemuttered
inanasidetoMelissa.

“NeitherdoI,”shewhisperedback.
“Doyouthinkwe’remates?”QuinnaskedJulian.
Juliantriedtofigureoutthebestwaytoanswerthis.Intheend,hewentwiththetruth.“Weare.”
Quinn’smouthdroppedopen;shecloseditagainastheredfadedfromhereyes.“Oh.I,uh…Oh.”
“Justtheresponseeverymanwantstohearwhenawomanisinformedshe’llshareherlifewith

him,”hesaid,hopingtocoaxasmilefromherandeasesomeofthestrainfromherface.

Finally,asmallsmiletuggedathermouth,butshestilllookedasifafreighttrainhadsideswipedher.

Walkingover,sheperchedontheedgeofthecouch.“Wecandiscussitlater,”heassuredher.

Sheturnedtolookathimwithhereyebrowsdrawntogether.Chris,Melissa,andLuthergrouped

closertogether.LouandZacheyedthedoorlikeitwastheironlyhope.

“IsawwhatthatbonddidtoSeanixwhenAngiedied,”Quinnmuttered.“Andtheynevereven

completedit.”

“Canyouleaveus?”Julianaskedtheothers.“We’llmeetyouatthebarshortly.”
“Sure,”Lousaidandflungthedooropen.Hewouldn’thavebeenmoreeagertoescapefroma

tickingbomb.

“Goodluck,”ChrissaidandslappedhimontheshoulderasJulianfollowedhimtothedoor.
“Thanks,”Julianmuttered.
Lutherstoppedbeforehiminthedoorway,hisgrayeyesintentonhim.“Hallway,”Luthersaid.Julian

glancedbackatQuinnbeforesteppingintothehallbehindhim.“Onceyougetthisstraightenedout,you
reallyshouldconsiderherplan.Thisvampirehastobestoppedbeforehedestroysmoreinnocentlives.I
knowQuinnisyournumberoneconcern,butshewillblameherselfforeveryoneofthoselives,andyou
knowit.She’llalsoblameyouforkeepingherfromdoingthis.”

Julian’shandcurledaroundthedoorknobashefoughttheurgetotearitfree.“Shit!”
“Shitisright.Youcan’torderheraboutandexpectittoendwell.Itwon’t.Idon’tthinkbeingamate

assuresyouahappilyeverafterwitheachother,butworkingtogetherandlisteningtoherwillgoalong
waytowarddoingso.”

JulianreallyresentedthatLutherwasalwayssoreasonableandoneofthewisestpeopleheknew.

EveryinstincthehadscreamedathimtomakeQuinnbendtohiswill.Shewasthemostimportantthingto
him.Outsideofherandhisfriends,hereallydidn’thavemuchconcernforanyoneelse,butshedid.She’d
beenthroughhellandstillsomehowhadabigenoughhearttoloveandcareforothers.

“I’lltry,”hesaid.
“That’smorethanI’dexpected,”Lutherrepliedwithalaugh.
Juliansmiledathimbeforesteppingbackinsideandclosingthedoor.Heturnedtotakeinanashen-

facedQuinn.Walkingovertothecouch,hesettledbesideherandtookholdofherhand.“Didyouknow?”
sheinquiredinahushedvoice.

“Isuspectedawhileago.Iknewthefirsttimeweweretogether.”
Hereyeswerethecolorofmoltengoldwhensheturnedtowardhim.Herchocolatehairtumbled

aroundhershouldersinwaves,enhancingherprettyfeatures.Reachingout,herubbedthescaronher
chin.Unlikethefirsttimehe’dtriedtodothis,shedidn’tpullaway,nordidshebecomeangry.

“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”sheasked.
“BecauseIdidn’tknowwhattosayorhowtogoabouttellingyou.Iloveyou,Quinn.Youloveme.

Surely,yoususpectedsomethingmorewashappeningbetweenuswhenwebothallowedthepathwaysto
openbetweenusduringthebloodexchange.I’veneverletsuchathinghappenbefore.”

“MyuncleistheonlypersonI’deverfedfrombefore.Atthetime,hewasdying,andallIfeltwasa

mindlesshungerforblood.”Tearsshimmeredinhereyesatthememory,butsheblinkedthemaway.

Unabletoresisttryingtocomforther,heleanedtowardherandpressedakissagainstherforehead.

Hebrushedhisfingersoverhercheeksashepulledaway.“Forgiveyourself,love.I’msurehehas.”

“Hewouldhave,but…”Hervoicetrailedoff.
“It’sdifficult,Iknow.”
Herheadtiltedtowardhim.“Whydidyouneverallowthepathwaystoopenwithanotherbefore?”
“Becauseyou’retheonlyoneI’veeverwantedtosharetheexperiencewith.Youmademyheartbeat

again;I’mguessingthat’sanothersignofourbond.”

Justashe’dhoped,shegrinnedathim.

***

Quinnleanedagainsthissideasshecontemplatedhiswords.Shesupposedsheshouldbemadhe

hadn’ttoldherhissuspicionsearlier,butwhatwouldithavechanged?Shestillwouldhavehadsexwith

him.Shewouldnevertakethatback.Shestillwouldhavetakenhisblood;ithadbeenirresistibletoher
andstillwas.

Theonlywaytoavoidthishappeningwouldhavebeentohavenevermethim,butthatideaonly

madeherheartandmindrecoil.Shewouldneverwishtogobacktothelonelyexistenceshe’dbeen
livingbeforeJulianandhisfriendshadwalkedintoherlife.He’dbroughtherbacktolife,hadshownher
acceptanceandlovewhenshe’dbelievedherselfundeservingofeitherofthosethings.

“Mates,”shepondered.“Sooneofuswilldieifsomethingweretohappentotheother?”
“Orgoinsane,”heconfirmed.
Thepossibilityoflosinghimwasenoughtomakeherfangstingle,buttheideaofbeingboundto

someoneinsuchawaywas…“Terrifying,”shemurmured.“Iloveyousomuch.Ican’timaginelosing
you.”

“Youdon’teverhaveto.TheStayPuftMarshmallowMancouldn’tsquishme.”
Shecouldn’thelpit;aburstoflaughterescapedherashebrushedherhairbehindherear.“Andyou

areokaywiththis?”sheasked.“Tobeingbondedtomeforeternity?”

“Dewdrop,Iwouldgladlyreliveeverywretcheddayofmyexistence,andbelieveme,therewere

plenty,ifitmeantIwouldhaveyouintheend.”

Herheartmaynotbeatinherchest,butthosewordscausedittomeltcompletely.Sheclaspedhis

cheeksinherhands.Hewasmagnificent,andhewashers.

“SowouldI,”shewhisperedandpressedakissagainsthismouth.Whenheatandpassionswirledup

withinher,shepulledawaybeforeshecouldbecomelosttohim.“Butthatdoesn’tmeanI’mgoingto
caveontryingtolureoutthatmurderousbastardsomehow.”

Juliangroanedashedraggedherintohislapandrestedhischinonhershoulder.“We’llfigure

somethingout,”hesaidashewovehisfingersthroughhers.“Together.”

CHAPTER11

Overthenextfewdays,theyworkedtocomeupwithaplanthatwouldlureoutthevampire.

Fortunately,nooneelsewaskilledinbetween,buteverywhereshewent,shefeltasifeyeswereburning
intoherbackwatchinghereverymove.Onlyinherpackedapartmentdidshefeelasifsheweren’tbeing
watched,whichwasfunnyconsideringherapartmentwaslitteredwithpeople.

Luthersleptonthecouch.MelissahadacotinthecornerbytheTV;ifsheswungherarmoutatnight,

she’dmostlikelyknocktheTVover.Zach,Lou,andChrisweresprawledacrossherlivingroomfloor.
Tryingtogetintothekitchenhadbecomeamazeofarms,legs,andheads.Shehadtobeagymnastto
maneuverherwaythroughwithoutsteppingonsomethingimportanttosomeone.

Asachild,she’doftenplayedagamewithBetsyandBarrycalledTheFloorIsLava.Theywould

laughastheyjumpedfromonepieceoffurnituretotheotherinanattempttoavoidputtingtheirfeetonthe
“lava”floor.

Theadultversionwasnowherenearasfun,shedecidedwhenChrisrolledoverandshebarely

avoidedstompingonhisprivates.Sometimeduringthenight,Zachhadrolledupagainstherdoor,
blockingit.Finally,leapinglikeaballerinaoverLou,shemanagedtogetintoherkitchen.

ThereshefoundJulianalreadysittingatthetable,hislonglegsstretchedoutbeforehimandhis

handsfoldedonhisstomach.“It’slikeTetris,”hesaid.

“IwasthinkingTheFloorIsLava.”ShewalkedovertothefridgeandpulledoutacanofMountain

Dew.Poppingthetop,sheswallowediteagerly.Caffeinedidn’thavethesameeffectonherasitusedto
—muchlikealcohol,itwouldtakealottohaveanyrealimpactonhernow—butitwasstilloneofthe
firstthingsshewentforafterwakingintheafternoon.Perhapsitwasn’tthebesthabit,butitwouldn’trot
herteeth,sowhatdiditreallymatter?

“Iwasconsideringbuyingahousetogetsometimealonewithyouagain.”
Quinnalmostsnortedsodaoutofhernoseasshebitbackalaugh.“Couldyouimagine?”
Thehungrygleaminhiseyesastheyrakedoverhercausedherkneestogoweak.“Verymuchso.”
Thecancrumpledinherhand.Shewashalf-temptedtoheaveitintothesinkandjumponhim,buta

loudsnortfromtheotherroomkeptherrestrained.Risingtohisfeet,hemovedwithlethalgraceacross
theroomtostandinfrontofher.

Thecornersofhismouthquirkedintoasmileasherestedhishandsonthecounterbesideherand

leanedtowardher.“Icanwakethemallandbootthemoutnowifyou’dlike,”hemurmuredagainsther
lips.

Shewouldlikethatverymuch,butsheshookherheadnoinstead.“Letthemsleep,butassoonas

they’reup…”

“I’llpersonallyshovethemoutthedoor.”
Quinnlaughedasshegrabbedhisshirtandrestedherheadagainsthischest.Theheady,peppery

scentofpowerandthespicyscentofthesoapheusedenvelopedher.Comfortandlovestolethroughher
whenhewrappedhisarmsaroundherandpulledheragainsthischest.

“Goodafternoon.”QuinnliftedherheadasMelissastretchedherarmsoverherheadinthedoorway

andreleasedaloudyawn.Hershorthairwastussledaroundherprettyface,asmilepulledatherfull
mouthasshedroppedherarmstohersides.“Aren’tyoutwothecutest?”

Quinnchuckled,butJulianscowledatMelissa.“I’mnotcute.”
“Aw,butyoukindofarenow,”sheteased.“You’relikealittlekitten.”
Quinncouldn’tholdbackherlaughter.ThelookonJulian’sfacewouldhavemademostpeople

cower,butMelissasaunteredforwardwithasmileasshepulledaglassfromthecabinetandremoveda
bottleofwaterfromthefridge.

“You’reluckyIlikeyou,”Julianmuttered.

Melissalaughedassheuncappedthebottle.SheturnedtowardJulian.“Andyou’relucky…”
Watershotout,sprayingthewallandJulianwhenherhandcompressedaroundthebottle.Julian

jumpedback;heopenedhismouthtosaysomething,butcloseditwhenMelissaremainedunmoving
beforethem,hereyesglazedandhermouthslack.

“Melissa,”Quinnwhisperedandstretchedherhandtowardtheyoungwoman.
Juliansnaggedholdofherarmandpulleditaway.“Don’ttouchher.She’shavingavision.”
Quinn’shandfelllooselybacktoherside.Helplessnessfilledheraswatercontinuedtotrickledown

thewallandJulian’sface.ShewantedsobadlytograbholdofMelissa,toshakeher,towakeherfrom
whateverheldherwithinitsfirmgrasp.

ThebottletumbledfromMelissa’shand.Herarmswungout,catchingtheglassonthecounter.Itflew

acrosstheroomandshatteredagainstthewallasshestaggeredback.Melissacrashedintothewall,gasps
escapingherastearsspilleddownherface.

“Melissa,”Juliansaidsoftlyashecarefullyapproachedher.“It’sokay,you’resafe.Justbreathe.”
QuinnmovedinfrontofJulianandknelttorestherhandonMelissa’sshoulder.“Easy,”shesoothed.

Melissatookafewmorelurching,steadyingbreathsasthetearsdriedandsheregainedhercomposure.

“Canyoutellmewhatyousaw?”Julianasked.
ThecolorhadfadedfromMelissa’sface.Herlowerliptrembledashereyesclearedandshe

focusedonJulian.“Death,somuchdeath.Wehavetostopit.”

“Where?”heasked.
Melissa’sforeheadfellintoherhands.“Thedesert,abonfire.I’mnotsurewhen.Tonightmaybe.It

couldbetomorrow.Itcouldbe…”

BesideQuinn,Julian’sbodyjerkedforwardandastartledshoutescapedhim.Quinnstaredathimin

confusionashishandshotaroundtohisback.Melissa’sgazelatchedontohischest.Stillunableto
understandwhyJulian’sfacewastwistedinagony,andMelissalookedasifshewerestaringintotheface
ofdeath,Quinncouldonlygazeindismayatthebloodspreadingacrossthefrontofhisshirt.

Blood!
ShejumpedupasJuliancollapsedintoherarms.Shecriedoutinsorrowwhenhisicy-blueeyes

brieflymethersbeforerollingupinhishead.“Julian!”shescreamed.

Melissaleapttoherfeettotakeupabattlestance.Quinncouldn’tbegintothinkaboutfightingas

confusionanddisbeliefswirledthroughher.Hereyeslatchedontothestakejuttingoutofhisback.What?
How?Idon’tunderstand.Itcan’tbereal!It’sanothernightmare;ithastobe!Ican’tlosehim.Wake
up,youidiot!

Hershakinglegsgaveoutbeneaththeweightofhisbody.Fallingtoherkneesbeneathhim,she

cradledhiminherarms.Notreal,notreal!

Thosewordskepttumblingthroughhermind,butnomatterhowhardshetriedtowakeup,she

remainedsittingonherkitchenfloor,trappedinthenightmare.Hiswarmblood,poolingaroundher,
causedhert-shirtandyogapantstosticktoherskin.Herhandsfranticallyranoverhisbackinauseless
attempttostaunchtheflowofbloodseepingoutfromthepuncture.Sheknewamortalwoundwhenshe
sawit,andthiswasone.

“No!”shemoaned.
Herheartshatteredinherchest;jaggedpiecesofitslicedheropenandshreddedhersoul.Tears

pouredfromhereyes.SheliftedhergazetofindZachstandingbehindJulianwithaglazedlookinhis
eyesashestaredatthebodyinherarms.Thebody,sheshudderedattherealization.Zachhadmade
Juliannothingmorethanabody.

Buthow?Why?Hewasoneofthem,theirfriend.They’dbeensofocusedonMelissathatthey’d

neverheardhimapproach,andeveniftheyhad,theyneverwouldhavethoughtanythingofit.

Melissa’seyesnarrowedonZachwithfury;shesteppedtowardhimbutfrozewhenheremained

unmoving.Hedidn’tseemtorealizewhathe’djustdone.Bewildermentanddesperationflittedover
Melissa’sface.Quinn’sfangsbegantotinglewiththeurgetodrivethemintoZach’sthroatandtearitout.
Shedidn’tcarewhyhe’ddonethis;sheonlyneededhimdead.Ifitwasn’tforJulian’sbodyinherlap,
shewouldhaveleaptonhimandtorehimtopieces.

“Whathappened?”Chrisdemandedfromthedoorwayofthekitchen.Hisgazeshotbackandforth

betweenallofthembeforecomprehensiondawned.Thecolordrainedfromhisface,hisjawclenched
withfuryashegrabbedholdofZach’sarmandjerkedhimbackastep.Liftinghisarm,helookedaboutto
drivehisfistintoZach’sfaceandbeathimtodeathbuthiseyebrowsknitsharplytogetherwhenZach
remainedunmovinginhisgrasp.

“Whatthefuck?”ChrismutteredashereleasedZach’sarm.
Quinn’spowerbegantoseepoutofhertoshakethewallsandflooraroundthem.Shehadnocontrol

overit,andshedidn’tcaretotrytoregainany.Therewasnothinglefttocareaboutasherinsides
continuedtoshredapart.

Melissastaggeredtotheside,herhandfallingonthetabletosteadyherself.LutherandLoupushed

theirwaypastChrisandintothekitchen.LoutookanabruptstepbackandLuther’sjawfellopenwhen
theyspottedherandJulianonthefloor.

Turning,LuthergrabbedLou’sshouldersandpushedhimoutthedoor.“Getsomewheresafe,now!”

hebarkedattheyoungman.

Quinn’shandsshookasherhairwhippedaroundherandsparksofenergyshotfromalloverher

body.Theaircrackledaroundher.ChrisandLuthergesturedfranticallyforMelissatocometothem.
MelissaedgedcarefullyaroundQuinnandrantowardthedoor.Chrisgrabbedholdofherarmandjerked
herupagainsthisside.

Julian’sbloodcontinuedtosoakherashislifeslippedaway.Notslipped,itwasgonealready.He’d

toldheronce,“I’mmoredifficulttokillthanacockroachonsteroidsandathousandtimesfaster.You
won’tloseme.”

Hewaswrong;shehadlosthim.She’dlosteverything.Therewasnothinglefttoheranymoreexcept

forthefieryburnoffuryandtheicychillofagriefsointensesheknewshecouldn’tsurviveit.Something
withinherfractured,andthewavesofpowercoursingoutofherknockedtheothersback.Lutherpushed
themtowardthedoorway,butChrisandMelissaresistedhimastheyshooktheirheads.Theywere
speaking,butshehadnoideawhattheyweresaying,nordidshecare.

Fromsomewhereinthenotsobrokenrecessesofhermind,sherecalledwordsLutherhadonce

utteredtoher,“Ijustwitnessedthedamageyoucando,butyoucanalsobreathelifebackintothings.
Humans,animals,plants,youcangivethemalllifeagain.”

Hehadn’tsaidvampires,butthenavampirehadalreadydiedandbeengrantedanunnaturallife.

She’drequireavastsupplyoflife,morethanherownforcetoreviveavampire.Liftingherhead,she
tilteditbacktostareatZach.Shedidn’tknowwhyhehaddonethis,andshedidn’tcare.Allthatmattered
wasgettingJulianback.

HerhandwrappedaroundthestakeinJulian’sback,andthenshetoreitfree.Herbellytwistedwhen

itgavewaywithasickeningsuckingsound.Rollinghimover,amoanofmiseryescapedherwhenshe
sawhisopen,unseeingeyes.Soempty.Notforlong,notifshehadanythingtosayaboutit.

Turningherwristover,shebitdeepintoitbeforepressingittohisopenmouth.Herbloodflowed

intohim,butitwouldn’tbeenoughtobringhimback.Lurchingforward,shegrabbedholdofZach’sarm
andyankedhimtowardher.Hismouthparted,andhiseyeswidenedbriefly.Finallycomingbacktolife,
hesquirmedinhergrasp,butitwastoolate.Thetentaclesofherpowerhadalreadyslitheredout,
graspedholdofhisarm,anddugintohim.

Zach’seyesflewtohers.Sufferingtwistedhisfaceasthepulseofhislifeflowedintoher.
“Quinn!”Luthershouted.

Shedidn’tlookathim;shedidn’ttearhergazeawayfromZach’s.They’dtrustedhim,andhe’d

slaughteredtheonlymanshe’deverloveincoldblood.Rightnow,shedidn’tcarewhatitmadeher,
didn’tcareifitwaswrong,shewoulddowhatevershecouldtogetJulianback.Ifshehadtousehis
murderertodoso,shewould.

Zach’sskinbecamesallowasshefunneledhislifeintoherandouttoJulian.Keepingherwrist

pressedagainstJulian’smouth,sheclosedhereyesandtiltedherheadbackastheinfluxoflifewithinher
madeherfeelasifshe’dgrabbedalivewire.

Herentirebodysizzledwithpower.Theaircrackledasherhairwhippedaboutherfaceandsparks

ofenergycontinuedtolighttheairaroundher.She’dalwaystriednottodrainapersonorvampire
completely.Ithadhappenedbefore,butthestrengthandvitalitythatcamewithdrainingsomeonewaslike
adrug,soaddictingandtempting.Shecouldfeelthatdrugtryingtodragherundernow,tryingtotwistand
turnherintosomethingmalevolentandpower-hungry.

Perhapsshealreadywasthosethings.
Shehadn’thesitatedaboutusingZachtodothis,eventhoughtherewasachanceitmightnotwork.

Lutherhadsaidshecouldbreathelifeintothings,butsheneverhadbefore.No,sherealized.Shehad
breathedlifeintosomeonebefore.She’dmadeJulian’sheartbeatagain.Ifshecoulddothatwithout
trying,thencertainlyshecoulddothiswheneveryounceofherenergywasfixatedonhim.

ShekeptfocusedonnourishingJulian,onfillinghimwiththelifeshestolefromtheyoungHunter.

Aroundher,Julian’sbloodcooledagainstherskinandclothes.Whensheopenedhereyesagain,Zach’s
browneyeshadfadedincolorsotheywerenearlytransparent.Hischeekswerehollow,hisskinthe
grayingcolorofanoldcorpse.Hiseyeswerestillonhers,buttherewaslittlerecognitionwithinthemas
thelastofhislifeslippedintoherandontowardJulian.

ThrustingZach’sbodyawayfromher,shequakedashisnotyetreleasedlifezippedaroundherbody

insearchofanoutlet.Shepouredallofthatlife,andmore,intorepairingJulian’slethalwound.Shekept
hereyesonthewall,unabletolookateitherofthebodiesbeforeher.Unabletoacknowledgeshemay
havebecomeamonsterworsethananyshe’dfacedovertheyears.

Then,beneathherhand,shefeltthebeautifulbeatofaheartstilledyearsago.Acryescapedher,and

hereyesflewtoJulianashishandwrappedaroundherwrist.Hisdazed,beautiful,blueeyesblinkedup
ather.Hisheartbeatfivemoretimesbeneathherpalmbeforegoingstillagain.

“Whatdidyoudo,Dewdrop?”
Quinn’seyesrolledupinherhead.Shepassedoutbeforeshecouldanswerhisquestion.

CHAPTER12

Julianpacedtheroomfromonesidetotheother.Hefeltlikeacagedanimal.Hishungerbeat

incessantlyagainsthim,buttherewasnowayhewouldleaveQuinnaftertheeventsofthisday.Hewas
starving,Zachwasnothingbutshrunkenremains,andQuinnhadyettoreawaken.He,ontheotherhand,
feltmorealiveandpowerfulthananyonewhohadjustdiedshould.

Whenhe’ddiedandbecameavampire,he’dbeenoutofhismindwiththirstandweakwithhunger.

Nowhefeltasifhecouldtearthisentiretownapartwithhisbarehands,asifhecouldtakeonathousand
vampsatonce,butthenhe’dbeenfloodedwithaninfluxoflifetostaveoffthisdeath.

Dead,he’dbeendeadagain.However,thistimehe’ddiedwiththebeliefhewouldn’tbecoming

back.Heranhishandthroughhishair,tuggingattheendsofitasherecalledthefeelingofhislife
slippingawayfromhim.Noneofthedreadthatcamewiththeknowledgehadbeenforhimself.Ithadall
beenforQuinn.Heknewhisdeathwouldtearherapart.Heworriedaboutwhatwouldbecomeofher
afterhewasgone.Whatshewoulddotoherselfandtheothersinhergriefandrage.

Theothersallsatsilentlyby.Lutherleanedbackinthechairhe’dbroughtinfromthekitchen;his

eyeswerefocusedonQuinn,hisarmsfoldedoverhischest.ChrisandMelissasatbesideeachotheron
thefloor;hehadherhandwrappedinhisastheywatchedQuinn’sunmovingformonthecouch.Lou
lookedtemptedtoboltashiseyeskeptdartingtowardthedoor,butheremainedseatedbesideQuinn’s
bedroomdoor.

“Ifyou’rescared,thenleave!”Juliansnappedathim.
Loujumped.“Idon’twanttoleave.”
“Thenwhydoyoukeepstaringatthedoor?”
Louglancednervouslyattheothersbeforelookingathimagain.“Because,ifhegottoZachandtook

controlofhismind,whatifhegottosomeoneelseinthisroomtoo?Whatifhe’sonhiswayherenow,
thinkingyou’redead,thathehasanallyinhere,andthatQuinnwillbeeasygame?”

Julianhadalreadyconsideredtheexactsamething,buthecouldn’tdoanythingaboutit,notright

now.Ifthatvampwasonhiswayhere,he’dbeinforarudeawakening,butJulianhadafeelinghewould
waittoseeifZach’smissionhadbeensuccessfulbeforemakinghismove.

Therewasnowaytoknowwhothatvampmayhavegottencontrolofinthisroom,andtheonlyway

tobreakanykindofcontrolthevampiremayhaveoverthemwastomakesurethevampwasdead,which
wassomethinghewasgoingtodoassoonashegotachance.

Hewouldtakehissweet-asstimeinmetingoutthatdeathtoo.He’dsavoreverysecondoftorturehe

wasgoingtounleashontheassholewhohadalmostsucceededinendinghislife.Juliancursedhimself.
He’dlethisguardslip.He’dmistakenlybelievedtheyweresafehere,amongstfriends.

Hedidn’tknowwhentheirenemyhadgottentoZach.Eversincehispresenceintownbecame

known,they’dbeeningroupsoftwoorthreetoensurenoonewasleftvulnerabletohismindcontrol.
Whichmeantthereweretwopossiblesituationsplayingoutnow.Therecouldbesomeoneelseinthis
roomunderhisspell,maybetwosomebodies,orthevamphadbeenstalkingQuinnbeforehe’dstepped
intothebar.Itwaspossiblethathe’dgottentoZachlongbeforethatnightatClint’s.

Hedidn’tlikethinkingaboutanyofthosescenarios,buthealsodidn’twanttoconsiderhismost

trustedfriendspossiblethreatseither.

“Anybodywhothinksshe’seasygameisgoingtogettherudestawakeningoftheirlife,”Chris

muttered.

“Thattheywill,”Louagreed.
Melissashudderedasshefocusedonthebloodonhisshirt.“I’veseenCassieturnintoaballoffire,

butthat…Well,thatwasimpressiveandterrifying.”

JulianrecalledopeninghiseyestofindQuinnkneelingoverhim,herhairwhippingaroundheras

sparksoflifeshotfromherfingertipsandaroundherbody.Hereyeshadbeentheirfieryredcombination
thatneverfailedtoamazehimwiththeiruniquebeauty.They’dalsobeenunseeing,asshe’dstaredatthe
wall.She’dbeenawesomeandfrightening,breathtakinginherwildness,andenticinginherpowerand
ruthlessness.

She’dneverkilledforpleasureorspite,butshe’dneverhesitatetostrikesomeonedowninorderto

savethelivesoftheonessheloved.

Andthistime,ithadbeenhislife.
Hedidn’tknowhowshewouldfeelaboutwhatshe’ddonewhenshewoke,buthewoulddealwithit

then.Now,hejustwantedhertowakesohecouldfeelherarmswraparoundhimagainandpullhim
close.

Shockwasnowherenearbigenoughawordtodescribewhathadgonethroughhimwhenhe’dfelt

thatstakepiercehisheart.Hisdisbeliefhadswiftlybeenreplacedwithgriefoverthelossofher,theloss
ofallthethingshedesiredforthem,fortheeternityhe’ddreamedofwithher.He’dgrievedoverleaving
herbehindtodealwithhisloss,foreffectivelyendingherlifetoo.

Thathadbeentheworst,mosthideousrealizationofhislife.Farworsethanwhenhe’drealizedhe’d

lostDevonashisfriendandkillmate,farworsethanwhenhe’drealizedCassiecouldneverbehis.Both
ofthoselife-changingeventshadbeennothingcomparedtowhatwouldbecomeofherinthewakeofhis
death.He’dletherdown.He’dleftherbehindtodealwithsomethingnovampireshouldeverhaveto
face,especiallynothisQuinn.

Herushedbacktohersidewhenshestirredonthecouch,butshesettleddownagain.Shelookedso

fragileandsmall,sodrained.Lookingather,herealizedshe’dusedsomeofherownlifetobringhim
backtoo.Spinningonhisheel,heranahandthroughhishairashepacedovertothekitchendoorway.
Zach’swastedbodyremainedsprawledonthefloorthere.

Hespunwhenheheardthesoundoffootstepsbehindhim.He’dheardZachapproachearliertoo,but

hadn’tpaidhimanyattention,ashe’dbeenmoreconcernedwithMelissaatthetimeandmistakenly
believedtheyweresafe.ItcouldhavebeenQuinn,insteadofhim,who’ddied,andhewouldn’thave
beenabletobringherback.

“Youknowyoucantrustus,underordinarycircumstances,”LuthersaidtohimwhenJulianeyedhim.
“Ido,butthesecircumstancesaren’tnormal.”
“No,they’renot.”Luther’sgazelingeredonthecrumpled,shrunkenformoftheHunter.
Julianstillcouldn’tbelieveshe’ddonethisforhim.Hecouldonlyhopeitdidn’tchangehertoo

much,thatshedidn’thateherselfforit.Whenshewoke,herangerandsorrowoverhisdeathwouldbe
gone,andshewouldrealizewhyZachhadstakedhim.Juliancouldtrytokeepithiddenfromher,butit
wouldputherindangerifhedid,andshewouldneverforgivehimifsheeverdiscoveredthetruth.

“Weshouldprobablygethimoutofhere,”Luthersuggested.“Beforeshewakesup.”
“I’dliketo,”Juliansaid.“ButIthinkit’sbetterifnoneofusseparaterightnow.”
Lutherliftedhisglassesandrubbedatthebridgeofhisnosebeforesettlingthemintoplaceagain.

“Thenlet’satleastcoverhisbody.Sheshouldn’tseethiswhenshewakes.”

“No,sheshouldn’t,”Julianagreed.“There’ssomeextrasheetsandmaybesomeblanketsinher

closet.”

“I’llgetthem,”Louofferedandrosetohisfeet.
LouglancedatQuinnbeforeshufflingintoherbedroom.Heemergedaminutelaterwithagraysheet

andatatteredblueblanket.JuliantookthesheetfromhimandwalkedovertodrapeitoverZach’sform.

Zachlookedasifhe’dbeendecayingforahundredyears,notmerelydeadforanhour.Atleasthe

doesn’tstinkyet,hethoughttohimself.Thenagain,heprobablywouldn’tstinktoobadlyastherewas
verylittlelefttoZach’soncestrongbody.JuliansettledthesheetintoplaceandturnedbacktoQuinn.

“Areyousurehewasundermindcontrol?”Julianinquired.“Iwasn’texactlyhisfavoritevampirein

theworld.”

“No,youweren’t,”Lutheragreed,“butI’msure.Henevertriedtomoveawayfromher.Hestood

there,staringatherassheunraveled.Noonewouldhavewillinglystayedsoclose,nevermindthathe
barelyregisteredwhatwasgoingonuntilshestartedtodrainhim.”

“Hiseyeswerecompletelyblank,”Melissaadded.“Therewasabsolutelynothingwithinthem.He

hadnoideawhathe’ddone.”

Julianactuallyfeltatugofremorseovertheyoungman’sdeath.Zachhadstabbedhimthroughthe

back,butitwaswhathismindhadbeenmanipulatedintodoing.“Doyouthinkhewastoldhehadtokill
youtoday?”Louasked.

“We’llneverknow.”Julianwalkedbacktowardthedoorwaytolookoutatthem.“Iknowafair

amountabouttheabilityfromwatchingDevonwielditovertheyears,butonlythevampireorHunterwho
iscontrollingthemindeverknowsthefullextentofthatcontrolorthecommandstheyissuetotheone
undertheircontrol.Zachcouldhavebeentoldtodoittoday,orthecommandcouldhavebeentokillme
thefirstchancehegot.Myguardwasdownearlier,andheseizedthemoment.”

Melissabitherbottomlipassheglancedawayfromhim.“Ididn’tmeantodistractyou…”Hervoice

trailedoff,butwhatcouldshesay?Shehadnocontroloverwhenhervisionshither,andshecertainly
hadn’tbeenresponsibleforwhathadhappened.

“It’snotyourfault,”Chrissaid.
“It’snot,”Julianassuredher.Itwasoneuglyvampire’sfault,andJulianwasgoingtomakehim

uglierbythetimehewasdonewithhim.

Melissathrusthershouldersbackwhenshemethisgazeagain.“Wouldn’twehaveseenadifference

inZach?Imean,something,anything.”

“No,”Julianreplied.“Hewouldhaveactedcompletelynormaluntilhe’dfulfilledhisduty.Even

then,I’veseenDevoncommandpeopleandvampstodosomethingandcontinueabouttheirlivesasif
nothinghappenedafterward.Theyneverrememberedthey’dkilledtheirwife,mother,brother,sister,or
someoneelse.”

MelissashiveredandChrissqueezedherhand.“Whywouldn’thetellZachtodothesamething

after?”Louasked.

Julianstaredatthebodyandhisbloodstainingthefloorbeforepacingaway.“Ibelievethisvamp

hasbeenwatchingQuinnforawhile.”Theminutethewordswereoutofhismouth,herealizedhowmuch
hebelievedthem.“Heprobablydoesn’tknowhowdeepthebondisbetweenthetwoofus.Fewvamps
whomurderandkillactuallybelieveinmates,andsomehaveneverevenheardofsuchathing.However,
heknowsthereissomethingbetweenthetwoofus,andIthinkhewantedQuinntobetheonetokillZach
afterhe’dfulfilledhiscommand.”

“Why?”
Thecroakedquestioncausedhimtospinaround.Quinnsatuponthecouch,herhairatangledmess

aroundhershoulders,hereyesbloodshotandswollen.Thepalenessandtranslucenceofherskinwould
havemadeaghostlooksolid.Hecouldseeallofthethinblueveinsrunningthroughhercheeksand
aroundhereyesandforehead.Hersunkencheekshadcausedhercheekbonestostandoutstarklyunder
herskin,butshewasstillenchantinglybeautifultohim.

Hemovedsofast,hewasaroundthecouchandathersideinlessthanasecond.Fallingbeforeher,

heclaspedholdofherhands.Lookingather,herealizedthatfunnelingZach’sandherlifeintohimhad
causedhertoloseagoodfifteenpounds.Alreadyslenderwithanathleticbuild,theweightlosshad
affectedhergreatly.Hecouldfeelthedelicatebonesofthebacksofherhandsinhisgrasp.

Earlier,beforeplacingheronthecouchtosleepofftheaftereffects,he’dtakenherintothebathroom,

scrubbedhisbloodfromherskin,andchangedherintoat-shirtandshorts.Shehadn’tbeenthisthinthen,
hewouldhavenoticed.Theimpactofforcingherlifeintohimhadtakenitstimeshowinguponher.

Thesleeveofherbaggyteeslidoffhershouldertorevealthesharpedgesofhercollarbone.His

fingerstrembledashestrokedgentlyovertheboneandtheblueveinsrunningbeneathherskin.“Lookat
whatyoudidtoyourself.”

Asingletearrolleddownhercheekandfellonhishand,drawinghisattentiontoherfaceoncemore.

“YoumeanwhatIdidtoZach.”

“No,Imeanwhatyoudidtoyou.Zachdoesn’tmatter.”
“Ofcoursehedoes,”shewhispered.
“Notanymore.”Heglancedattheothers,wishinghecouldtellthemtoleave,butwithnightupon

them,hedidn’tdaresendthemoutalone.

“Becauseofme.”Anothertearslidfree,shegraspedhishandsmorefirmlyashereyesclosed.He

didn’tknowhowtomakeitbetter,didn’tknowhowtoeasethisforher.Leaningclosertohim,hereyes
flutteredopentorevealtheirhoneycolor.“I’ddoitagain,foryou.”

Hishandwrappedaroundthebackofherheadashepulledherdownforatenderkiss.Hedidn’t

wanttoharmherbyhaulingheragainsthimandkissinghersenselesslikehelongedtodo;shewastoo
frailforthatrightnow.Heforcedhimselftopullawayfromherandsitback.

“You’llneverhavetoworryaboutsomethinghappeningtomeagain,”hepromised.
“You’dsaidthatbeforethistoo.”
“Igotoverconfident.Iwon’tagain,”hevowed.“Now,wehavetogetyousomenourishment.”
Herhandsweresurprisinglystrongwhentheytookholdofhis.“Itcanwait.Whydoyouthinkthat

monsterwantedmetokillZach?”

Julianranhisthumbsoverherlipbeforetakingholdofherhandsandrestingtheminherlap.“To

pushyouovertheedge.Tohaveyougoafterhimsohecouldcatchyou.”

Thewordscausedhisfangstolengthen;hetriedtokeepithiddenfromher,buthergazefelltohis

lips.She’dhadenoughhappentodaywithouthavingtodealwiththewrathmountingsteadilywithinhim.
Thatvampirewantedher,andnotonlyfortheprophecy,whichhehadtoknowaboutnow,ifhehadn’t
before.Ifhe’dhadthechancetogettoZachandbendhimtohiswill,hewouldhavetakensometimeto
questionZachaboutQuinnandtheotherstoo.ThesickprickplannedtokeepQuinnashisown.

Itwouldneverhappen.
“AndyoubelievehegottoZachbeforeheeverwalkedintothebar,”shemurmured.
Hisbrowfurrowedashestudiedher.“Howlongwereyouawake?”
“Notreallyawake.Tryingtowake.Iwascaughtinastrangein-betweenIcouldn’tquiteescapefrom.

Icouldhearyouallspeaking,butcouldn’trespondtoyou.”Hereyeswerehauntedwhensheliftedher
headtohim.“Itwashorrible,butIdeservedtoknowthefearanduncertaintyofpossiblybeingtrapped
likethatforeverafterwhatIdid.”

“Oh,love,”hemurmuredbeforepullingherintohisarmsandoffthecouch.“Youdeservednosuch

thing.”

Herockedherashepressedhercloseandkissedherforehead.Herslenderarmsslidaroundhis

neck,andhermouthrestedagainsthisthroat.Hefeltthepressofherfangsbeforesheturnedherhead
away.Shetriedtohideit,butherhungerbeatagainsthim.Itdidn’tmatterhowhungryhewas,orthatthey
hadthingstodiscuss,herneedscamefirst.

Rising,hedidn’tglanceattheothersashecarriedherintoherbedroom.“Don’tleave,”he

commandedbeforekickingthedoorshutwithhisheel.Carryingherovertothebed,heplacedheronthe
edgeofitbeforesettlingbesideher.“Youhavetofeedfromme.”

“Julian…”
“Quinn,notonlydidyouforceZach’slifeintome,butalsosomeofyourown.Youneedbloodand

life,andIamthemostpowerfulbeinghere.”Redbledintothewhitesofhereyesbeforesheclosedthem.
“Don’tpunishyourselfforwhathappenedtoday.Youwerepushedintoit.”

“IchoseyourlifeoverZach’s.”
“Iwouldhavedonethesame.Iwouldchooseyourlifeovermyown.WhenZachkilledme,healso

signedyourdeathcertificate.RecallwhatyouwerefeelingbeforeyougrabbedholdofZach.Thatfeeling
neverwouldhavegoneaway.Youwouldhavehadtobedestroyedifyoudidn’twalkintothesun
yourself.Youverylikelywouldhavegoneaftertheotherstooinyourinsanity.Youkilledonetoday.You
couldhavekilledcountlessothersbeforeyouwerestopped.Onelifeissmallincomparison.”

“Onelifeisneversmallincomparisontoanythingelse.Sacrificesmaybemadeforthegreatergood

insomecases,butalifeisneversmall.Iknowallofthosethingsyousaidaretrue,”shewhispered.“I
realizewhatIcouldhavedone.Ifelttheneedtodestroyandkillshakingmyentirebeing,andIwouldn’t
havebeensatisfiedwithjustZachifyouhadn’treturnedtome.”Hergazeslidawayasshenervously
lickedherlipsbeforefocusingonhimagain.“IregretwhatIdidtoZach,butIwoulddoitagain.What
doesthatsayaboutme?”

“Thatyou’reasurvivor,andallsurvivorsdowhatisnecessarytolive.Now,drinkfrommeandtake

frommethelifeforceyouneedtogrowstronger.”

“Theothers,theydidn’tsoundliketheyhatedme…”
“Theydon’t.”
“Butthey’reafraidofme,whatIwas,whatIbecame.”
“Isawyou,intheend;itwasasighttobeholdforsure.Theyareafraidofwhatistocome,ofwhat

thisvampireiswillingtodo,andofyou.”Therewasnoreasontodenyit.She’dscaredthemtoday,and
sheknewit.“Buttheyknowyouwouldn’tinjurethemundernormalcircumstances.”

“Ifithadbeenoneofthemwhostakedyou,Iwouldhavedonethesamething.”
“Iknowandsodothey,butIcanguaranteenoneofthemwouldwanttoliveunderhiscontrol.Justas

youwouldn’t.”

“No,killmeyourselfifthateverhappens.”
Wrappinghishandaroundherneck,hepulledherclosertohimasheliftedherupandsettledheron

hislap.“We’llkillhiminordertoensureitdoesn’teverhappen,andtobreakwhatevercontrolhemay
haveoversomeoneelse.Now,stoptalkinganddrink,”hecommandedbrusquely.

Shefoughthimforasecondmorebeforeeasinginhisgrasp.Herlipspressedagainsthisneck,

heatinghisflesh.Hishandclaspedherthighashewilledhertotakethenourishmentsherequired.Finally,
afterwhatfeltlikeendlessseconds,herlipspulledbackandhefeltthepressofherfangsagainsthis
throat.

Agroanescapedhimwhenherteethpiercedhisskinandshedrankfromhimingreedypulls.Herjoy

overbeingabletotouchandholdhimagainfilledhim.Hefeltherterrorandanguishoverlosinghim,felt
theshatteringofhersoulthathadprecededthemomentshe’dlostcontrolandgrabbedholdofZach.

Allofherfeelingswashedoverhimashertearswetthecollarofhisshirt.Heheldhercloseragainst

hischestwhilehefeltthesubtlepullofherpowertakingbackfromhimsomeofthelifeforceshe’d
given.

“IunderstandandIloveyou,”hemurmured.“Nothingwillturnmeawayfromyou.”

CHAPTER13

Quinnliftedherheadfromhisshoulderandstaredaroundherbedroombeforelookingathim.
“Didyouseeanything?”sheinquired.“Youknow,whenyoudied?Wastherealightoranything?”
Hefrownedasheponderedherquestion.“No,Isawnothing.Therewasonlyblackness,likethelast

timeIdied.”

“Ionlysawblacknesstoobeforethechangeintovampirestartedtotakehold,”shemurmured.
Hebrushedbackalockofherhair,drawingherattentionbacktohim.“Whydoyouask?”
“Imaybeimmortal,butdeathisn’toutofthequestion.I’dliketoknowthereissomethingafter.”
“Ithinkweallwould.Iwasn’tdeadforlong,eithertime,soperhapsthereissomethingafterandI

haven’tfoundityet.”

“Maybe,”sheagreed.
“Ifitdoesfindme,Ihaveafeelingtherewillbealotoffireinvolved.”
“Youdon’tknowthat.You’redoingalotofgoodnow.”
“Ihavecenturiesbehindmeofbeingaboutasfarfromgoodasonecanget.”
Sherestedherhandagainsthischeek.She’dalmostlosthim.Thesorrowofthatreminderwaslikea

staketoherheart.“Thenwe’llhavetomakesureyougetamillenniaofbeingwhoyouarenow,”shetold
him.

Hesmiledashepressedakissagainstherforehead.“Ilikethewayyouthink.”
“Besides,Imaybejoiningyouinthefire.”
“No,neveryou.”
Shehadn’tbeensosurebeforetoday,andshewaslesssurenow,butshewasn’tgoingtoarguewith

him.“Weshouldrejointheothers.”Hishandstightenedonher,thecordedmusclesofhisneckandarms
stoodout.“Julian—”

“Yes,”heagreed.
Hedidn’treleaseher,butkeptherpressedagainsthimasherosetohisfeet.Eversoslowly,he

allowedhertoslidedownthefrontofhisbody.Adeliciousshiverwentthroughheratthefrictionthe
motioncaused.Shebitherbottomlipasshetriedtosuppressthearousalthemovementawokeinher.She
knewshe’dfailedwhenhismouthquirkedinthatcockyhalfgrinofhis.

“Ihavetowashmyfacefirst.”Shepulledawayfromhimandwalkedintothebathroom.
Flickingonthelight,sheblinkedatthevisionofthewomanstaringbackatherwithinthemirror.Her

cheeksweresunken,theblueveinsinherfleshclearlyvisible.Theshadowsunderhereyesmadethem
shinenearlyasbrightasthesun.Herfingerspressedagainsthercheeks,andshegawkedatherbony
hands.She’dneverconsideredherselfbeautiful,butnowshelookedlikeawalkingcorpse.

Sheshudderedatthereminderofacorpse.Therewasoneinherkitchenrightnowafterall,andshe

hadputitthere.AndI’ddoitagaintosaveJulian.Shedidn’tbothertodenyit,andZachhadn’tbeen
innocent.

Butwasn’the?He’dhadnocontroloverwhathe’ddone.Ifhewasstillalive,Julianwouldbe

dead,you’dbeamonster,andZachwouldbeuselesstous.Untrustworthyandcorrupted.Hewould
havehadtobelockedawayordestroyedanyway,andsowouldyou,eventually.

Nomatterwhat,ifJulianhaddied,sheknewshewouldhavebeenabletokeepherselftogetheruntil

she’dmanagedtodestroythemonsterstalkinghertown,turningwhoknewhowmanycountlessothers
againstthem.Shewouldhavetakenherrevengeonhimbeforedestroyingherself.

Now,therecouldbeotherfriendsturnedenemiesoutthere,waitingfortheirchancetoattack.And

therewasnowaytoknowwhotheywere,untiltheymadetheirmove.Julianwastheonlyoneshecould
trustcompletely.Ifhe’dbeenunderthecontrolofthevampirewhowantedher,shewouldnolongerbe
standinghere.Shewasstrong,butshe’dneverbeabletofightJulianoffifhewasevercompelledtohand

herovertotheirenemy.

“Youlookbetter.”SheglancedatJulianasheappearedinthedoorwayofthebathroom.
“Ilookedworsethanthis?”shecroakedwithawaveofherhandatthemirror.“Ilooklikethecorpse

bride.”

Hesmiledashecameforwardtostandbehindher.Theireyesmetinthemirror.Restinghishandson

herwaist,heleanedoverheruntilhischinrestedonhershoulderandhislipswereagainstherear.“But
you’remycorpsebride,”hewhispered,“andIstillthinkyou’restunning.”

“Ifyouweren’tavampire,I’dswearyouneededglasses.”
Herhandstrembledwhensheturnedonthewater.Dippingherhandsintoit,shebenttosplashitover

herface.Whatshewouldn’tgiveforthelongest,hottestbathofherlife,butwithacorpseinherkitchen,
thereweremorepressingissuesthanherachy,bonybody.

Julianhandedherafacetowel,andshequicklydriedherself.Hereyesmethisinthemirroragain

beforesheturnedtofacehim.“Somemorebloodwillhelp,”hesaidandbrushedherhairoverher
shoulder.“We’llgetyousomenow.”

“Ithinktherearemoreimportantthingstodealwithfirst.AndwhataboutMelissa’svision?It’s

Tuesday,Idon’tthinkthereareanybonfirestonight,butwhatifthefireinhervisionisn’tthesame
bonfirewewenttobefore?It’snotlikepeopledon’thavefiresintheirbackyardsallthetimearound
here.”

Juliantuggedthetowelfromherhandsanddrapeditonthesink.“We’lldealwiththatlater.”
“Icouldn’tstanditifmoreinnocentpeoplediebecauseofthisd-bag,”shemuttered.
“Iknow,butyou’renotexactlyupforafightrightnow.”
Shetiltedherchinandthrustbackhershoulders.“Icanstilldrainhimdryifnecessary.”
“That’smygirl.”Hekissedhersotenderly,herheartmeltedbeforehepulledawayfromher.“Come

on.”

Heslidhishandintohersandledherfromthebathroom.Shefollowedhimintohercrowdedliving

room,thoughitwaslesscrowdednowthanithadbeenbefore,sherealizedguiltily.

“I’msorryaboutwhathappened.”Shecouldn’tbringherselftoapologizeforsavingJulian’slifeby

takingZach’s,butshewassorryithappened,andsheneededthemtoknowthat.Julian’shandsqueezed
hersashesurveyedthepeoplegatheredwithin.“Iwishyouallhadn’tseenit.”Thatwasverytrue;she
couldonlyimaginehowappallingandfrighteningithadbeenforthemtowitnesswhathadunfoldedhere
earlier.

MelissareleasedChris’shandandrosefromthecouch.Quinnbracedherselfforwhatevertheyoung

womanhadtosay.Theymaynothavedatedseriously,buttherehadbeensomethingbetweenMelissaand
Zachatonetime.She’dcometoconsiderMelissaafriendandbelievedMelissasawherthesameway,
oratleastshehadbeforeQuinnhadkilledZach.Now,shedeservedMelissa’scondemnationand
resentment,andshewouldtakethembothwithoutcomplaint.

“Weunderstandwhyyoudidit,”Melissasaid.
Quinnopenedhermouthtosputtersomekindofresponse,butshehadnone.Chrisrosetohisfeetand

walkedaroundthemilkcratecoffeetabletowardher.Quinntookastepawayfromhim,butherestedhis
handagainstherarm.

“Youshouldn’ttouchme,”sheprotestedasherpowerhungrilyslidtowardhim.
Shewasdrainedandherabilitywasseekingoutasourcetoreplacethelifeithadlost.Clamping

downonit,shekeptitfromlatchingontoChris.Shecouldkeepherselffromhurtinghim,butshedidn’t
believeshedeservedtheirsympathyandunderstandingrightnow.She’dkilledaman;she’dkilleda
Hunter.Oneoftheirown,oneofherowntoo.

ShetriedtomovefurtherawayfromChris,butJulian’shandonherswouldonlyallowhertogoso

far.AttemptingtotugherhandfreeofJulian,shegaveupwhenherefusedtoreleaseher.Shedidn’thave

itinherrightnowtogivehimthezaphedeservedforkeepingherrestrained.

Chriskepthishandwrappedaroundherarm.She’dlostsomuchweightthathisfingersmetonthe

undersideofherarm.Hershouldersheavedwiththehelplessnessfillingher.“Itwasn’tZach’sfault,and
itwasn’tyourseither,”Chrissaid.“Hedidwhathe’dbeencompelledtodo.Youreactedoninstinctand
yourneedtokeepyourmatealive.Wetrustyou.”

“Why?Youshouldn’t.”
“Becauseyouarealsooneofus,aHunter.”
“IwasalsopartvampirebeforeIbecameafullvamp.”
“Intruth,allHuntersarealsopartvamp.Youwerejustalittlebitmorethantherestofus.Ifyou

weretrulyadangertous,youwouldbetakingsomeofmylifefrommerightnow.Judgingbythelookof
you,nooffense,youcoulddefinitelyuseit,butyou’renottakinganythingfromme.”

Quinnreleasedasmallsnortoflaughter.“Nooffensetaken;Ihaveamirror.”Hesmiledather,

squeezedherarmagain,andreleasedher.“Whyareyousounderstanding?”sheblurtedwhenheturnedto
walkbacktowardthecouch.

“BecauseIcanfeelevil.Icansensewhensomethingiswronginsomeoneandthey’reathreat,unless

they’reundertheinfluenceofmindcontrol,apparently.You’renoneofthosethings.Notunlesssomeone’s
lifeisontheline.Everysingleoneofuscanbecomesomeoneyoudon’twanttomesswithwhenour
lovedonesarethreatened.”

“WhatifithadbeenMelissaorLuther,insteadofZachIhaddonethisto?”
Chriswinced,bowinghisheadandhunchinghisshouldersforward.Finally,heliftedhisheadto

meethergazeagain.“Butitwasn’t,andforthatIameternallygrateful.WhatdoesitsayaboutmethatI
wouldhavetradedZach’slifeforJulian’s,oranyoneelse’sinthisroom?”

Quinndidn’tknowhowtoanswerhim.Therewasnoanswertoit.Judgingbytheexpressionsonthe

facessurroundingher,theyallfeltthesameway.Butthen,shebelievedthey’dtradeherlifefortheothers
too.Theylikedher,buttheyhadallbeentogetherforyears,especiallyChris,Melissa,andLuther.She
hadnodoubttheywoulddoanythingtoprotecteachother’slives.

Andsheunderstoodthat.
Finally,tuggingherhandfreefromJulian’s,shewrappeditaroundhisarmandsteppedclosertohim.

“Thebonfireyousawinyourvision,wasitthesameonewewenttobefore?”sheaskedMelissa.

Melissatiltedherheadtothesideasshemulleditover.“Witheverythingelsethat’shappened,I’d

almostforgottenaboutthevision,”shesaidwithasmallsnort.“Youknow,I’mnotsure.Itwasinthe
desert,buteverythingaroundhereis.Theflamesweren’toverlylarge,soitcouldhavebeenstartingor
ending.”

“Ifthere’sgoingtobeabigbonfire,itwon’tbeuntilFriday,butanyonecouldhaveafireintheir

yardoverthecomingnights,”Quinnreplied.

“Therewereatleasttenbodiesthere,”Melissasaid.Chrisrestedhishandonhershoulderwhenshe

begantopullanxiouslyatthesleevesofhershirt.Herfingersstilled.

“Thebestplacetostartwillbethebigbonfire,”Juliansaid.“Andwe’llstayalertforanyotherfires

inthearea.Wehavetodestroythisvampassoonaspossible.Untilhe’sdead,anyonecouldbean
enemy.”

Quinn’sgazeslidovertheothers.Shedidn’tliketobelieveanyoneofthemcouldbeadanger,but

therewasnodenyingtheycould.

“Wehavetogetthebodyoutofhere,”Chrissaid.
“We’lldothatnow,”Juliansaid.“I’mgoingtoneedallofyouinthehallwaysandoutsidetokeepan

eyeout.Icangethimoutofhereandintothedesertbeforeanyoneseesme,butIcan’ttakethechanceof
walkingintoahuman.”

“Dustyprobablywouldn’tflashyouanotherpeacesignafterhesawyouwithadeadbody,”Quinn

said.

“Thatmightbeworthit,”herepliedbeforeturningtotheothersagain.“You’realltostaynearthis

buildinguntilIgetbackfromdisposingofhisbody.”

“No,”Quinnsaid.“We’regoingwithyou,andhe’sgoingtobeburied.Maybenooneelsewillever

knowhe’sthere,butwewill,andhedeservesmorethanbeingdumpedoutfortheanimalstofindhim.”

Julianopenedhismouthtoarguewithher,butMelissaspokebeforehecould.“She’sright.Wewill

givehimaproperburial.”

HeglancedatQuinnbeforelookingoveratMelissa.“Fine,”herelented.“We’llneedshovels.”
“Thehardwarestoreisprobablyclosedbynow,”Quinnsaid.
“He’snotstayinginhereuntiltomorrow,”Lousaid.
“No,he’snot,”Quinnhastilyreplied.TurningtoJulian,shesmiledathim.“Butyoucangetthem.”
“Youexpectmetobreakintothehardwarestore?”heasked.
“Aren’tyoutheonewho’salwaystellingmetoembracemyvampirenatureandthatweneverhaveto

wantforanything?”

“ThisisnotwhatImeant.”
“Ofcourseitis.Weneed,andwedon’thaveto.”
Hescowledather,butdidn’tprotestasheturnedaway.“You’recomingwithme,”hesaidtoChris

whonoddedhisheadinagreement.

***

“Freakingwomenhaveusbreakingintoahardwarestoreinthemiddleofnighttostealshovelsfor

themanwhostabbedmeintheback,”Julianmutteredasheslunkthroughtheshadowsofthestoretoward
theshovelshangingonthebackwall.

Chris’seyesdartedaroundconstantly;hejumpedateveryshadowhesaw.“Stillcan’tbelievethat

happened.Shockistheunderstatementofthecenturyforthatwholetraumaticevent,”Chrissaid.

“Youdidn’tgetthestakethroughtheheart,thatwastrauma,”Julianretorted.
“No,butyoudidn’thavetowitnessoneofyourbestfriendsdying,again.I’dhopedtoneverseethat

againafterCassie.”

Julianglancedbackathim.Chriswascrouchedlowashewalked,lookinglikeeveryridiculous

burglarinabadcomedymovie.Bestfriend?They’dgrowncloseroverthepastcoupleofyears,buthe’d
alwaysbelievedapartofChriswouldneverforgivehimforwhathe’ddonetothemwhenthey’dfirst
met.Chrishadneveractedthatway,butJuliancertainlywouldn’thavebeensounderstandingiftheroles
hadbeenreversed.Apparently,Chrishadabiggercapabilityforforgivenessthanheeverwould,butthen,
healreadyknewthat.

Watchinghim,Julianhadtoadmithedidn’tknowwhathe’ddowithoutthekid.Chriscouldbeapain

inhisass,buthealsokepthiminlineandcalledhimonhiscrap.Chrisstoppedwalkingwhenherealized
Julianhadhaltedbeforehim.Hissapphireeyesglintedinthedimlightashesearchedforathreat.

“Whatisit?”hedemanded.
“Nothing,”Juliansaidwithashakeofhisheadandturnedawayfromhim.
“Bytheway,”Chriscontinued,“I’mgettingreallysickandtiredofseeingmyfriendsdie,socould

westopthatnow?”

Juliansnortedwithlaughter.“Itwasn’tinmyplansfortheday;Icanassureyouofthat.”
“Ithinkyou’regettingsoftinyouroldage.”
Julianshothimaferociousscowl.“Iwas,butitmostcertainlywon’thappenagain.Quinndepends

onmenow,andImessedup,bigtime.”

“Noonesawthatcoming,ever.Thisvampafterher,he’saconnivingprick.”
“He’sgoingtodiethemostagonizingofdeaths,ifIhaveanythingtosayaboutit.”

Chrisjumpedwhenacarwentbyonthestreetandthespillofitsheadlightsbrieflyilluminatedthe

store.“Ican’tgotojail.”

“You’renotgoingtojail,”Julianrepliedimpatiently.Arrivingatthebackwall,hetuggeddowntwo

shovelsandhandedonetoChrisbeforemakinghiswaytowardthefrontofthestore.Hepulledsome
moneyoutofhispocketashewalked.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Chrishissed.
HemayhaveletChrisbehindhim,butJuliankepthissensesandhisearsacutelyattunedtoevery

soundandmovehemade.Undernormalconditions,he’dneverhesitatetotrustChriswithhislife.These
weren’tnormalconditions.He’dhavehimbythethroat,ontheground,andhog-tiedwiththenearest
pieceofropeifChrismadeonewrongsteptowardhim.

“Quinntoldmetoleavemoneybehindforthetools.Shesaidthecouplewhoownthisplacework

hardtokeeptheirstoregoing,”heanswered.

Chrisreleasedasnortoflaughter.“Shehasyouwrappedaroundherlittlefinger.”
“Shedoes.”Hewasn’tatallashamedtoadmititeither.
“Butthen,Ithinkshe’sprettyfargoneforyoutoo.”ChrisstoppedatthecounterbesideJulian.He

reachedouttoflipthroughthebrochuresandcouponsstackedneartheregisterbeforesnatchinghishand
back.“Nojail,”hescoldedhimself.

“Ithinksheistoo,”Julianreplied.Tossingacoupleoftwentiesonthecounter,heliftedhisheadto

starearoundtheshadowedinteriorofthestore.Hecouldn’tshakethefeelinghewasbeingwatched.

“It’sagoodthingtoo.Ifshewasn’t,you’dbeashinthemorning.”
Julianshothimalookoverhisshoulder,butChrisassumedacompletelyinnocentexpressionthatset

histeethonedge.Hadhereallyjustbeenthinkingthathedidn’tknowwhathe’ddowithouthim?

TurningawayfromChris,hescannedthestoreagain.Chrisreleasedaloudgruntofdispleasurewhen

Julianmovedtowardtheplateglasswindowsmakingupthefrontofthebuilding.

Hiseyesscannedthehorizon,buthesawnothingmovingamongsttheshadows.Turning,hefocused

onQuinn’sapartment.Hespottedhersittinginhergardenwindowwithherbacktothestreet.He
believedithighlyunlikelythevamphadmanagedtogettoLuther,Melissa,andLoutoo,butreliefstill
filledhimatthesightofhersittingwherehe’daskedherto.Ifhe’dthoughtshewasupforit,hewould
havebroughtherwithhim,butuntilshegotsomemorenourishment,hedidn’twanthertoexertherself.

“Look,humanbarsmaynotholdyou,butIdon’tlookgoodinorange,andIamwaytoogoodlooking

togounnoticedinprison,”Chrissaidfrombesidehim.“Canwepleasegetoutofhere?”

“Yeah,”Julianmurmuredasheturnedawayfromthewindow.“Let’sgo.”
Chriseagerlyledthewaybackthroughtheaislescrowdedwithanassortmentofhardwaresupplies.

CHAPTER14

Juliantossedthelastshovelfulofsandontothegraveandpatteditdownwiththebackoftheshovel.

Quinn’sheadbowedasshesilentlysaidafewwordsofprayer,eventhoughitwassomethingshe’drarely
donebefore.Rightthen,shereallyhopedZachhadsomewheretogobeyondthisplane,andhehada
chancetoexperiencesomethingotherthanthebriefandbrutallifehe’dlivedhere.

Besideher,Julian’snostrilsflaredasherelentlesslysearchedthenight.Quinnliftedherheadtolook

attheshiftingsandofthedunesaroundthem.Shewasconvincedsomethingmenacinglurkedbehindevery
cactusorrockoutcroppingonthehorizon,maybemultiplesomethings,butnothingcameatthem.

“Wehavetofeedandgetback,”Juliansaid.
Melissaliftedherheadfromwhereshewasdrawingasmallcrossintothesandattheheadofthe

grave.“We’llleaveyou.”

“No,”Julianreplied.“I’llfindsomethingandbringitback.Splittingupwhilewe’reinthemiddleof

nowhereisnotagoodidea.”

HehandedhisshoveltoChrisbeforerushingintothenightsofastQuinnonlysawablurinthesand

hekickedupinhiswake.Theprotestshe’dbeenabouttoissuediedonherlips.“Idon’tknowwhyhe
thinksit’sokayforhimtotakeoffonhisownthen,”shemuttered.

“Becausehe’sstubborn,”Chrisrepliedandshovedtheheadsoftheshovelsintotheground.
“Toostubborn,”Quinnagreed.
ThemoonhadbarelyshiftedintheskybeforeJulianreappearedwithacoyoteinhisgrasp.The

animalsquirmedagainsthim,butJuliandidn’treleaseit.QuinnfollowedJulianovertoasetofrocksand
knelttofeed.Therushofwarmbloodfillinghermadehergroaninecstasy.Hisbloodandlifeforce
earlierhadhelpedtoreplenishheralot,butshehadn’trealizedhowhungryshewasuntilherfangssank
intotheanimal’sthroat.

“Areyoustillhungry?”Julianinquiredwhenshereleasedthecoyotetostaggerawayintothenight.
Shewipedthebloodawayfromherlips.“Yes,but…”
Shenevergotachancetofinishbeforeheturnedawayandvanishedoncemore.Redstainedhislips

fromhavingfedtoowhenhebroughtherbacktwocoyotesthenexttime.“Stillhungry?”hiseyesran
anxiouslyoverheraftershe’dfedfromthem.

“I’mfull,”shesaid.“Andyoureallyneedtostopdisappearing.Ialreadylostyouoncetoday.”
Hisjawjuttedout,buthisshoulderssagged.Takingholdofherhand,hehelpedherrisefrombehind

therocks.Theotherswereallsittingatthefrontoftherocks,theirkneesdrawnuptotheirchestsasthey
huggedthemselvesagainsttheincreasingchillofthenight.

“Youlookalotbetter,”Melissasaidtoher.
“Ifeelalotbetter,”Quinnreplied.“Istillwouldn’tmindstandingintheshowerforhoursand

sleepinguntilnextweekthough.”

“Wecanarrangethat,”Juliansaidashetookholdofherhandandledheracrossthesand.
“Ihavetoworktomorrownight,”sheremindedhim.
“I’msureClintwillunderstand.”
“No.I’mnotgoingtoletthatbastardcontinuetointerferewithmylife.He’sdonefartoomuch

damagealready.”

ShecouldfeelJulian’sdispleasure,buthedidn’tcommentastheycoveredthetwomilesbackto

town.Enteringherbuilding,shewalkedtiredlyupthestairsandunlockedherdoor.Shehurriedintoher
bedroomandgrabbedafreshsetoftowelsbeforeheadingintothebathroom.

Turningtheshoweronashotasshecouldstandit,shesighedwithpleasurewhenshestepped

beneaththestingingwater.Shewasintheprocessofscrubbingherhairwhenthebathroomdooropened.
Grabbingthecurtain,shepeekedaroundtheedge.Sheblinkedagainsttheshampooslidingtowardher

eyeswhenshespottedJuliantugginghisclothesoff.

“Whatareyoudoing?”shewhispered.
Heglancedatherbeforepullinghisshirtoffandtossingitonthefloor.“Joiningyou.”Hereyes

hungrilydrankinhischiseledphysiqueasmistfromthewaterswirledaroundhim,dampeninghispale
skin.Whenhewasnaked,hetuggedthecurtainawayfromherclenchedhand.He’dalreadyseenallthere
wasofher,butthiswassostrangelyintimateandnewtoher.Shetriednottogawkathimwhenhe
climbedinandpulledthecurtainclosed.“Now,let’sgetthatstuffoutofyourhairbeforeitblindsyou.”

Withgentlehands,hemaneuveredherbeneaththesprayofwaterandtiltedherheadback.Sheclosed

hereyesashisfingersranthroughherhair,massagingherscalpashewashedtheshampoofromher.His
handsslidoverher,rubbingandkneadingherachingmusclesasheprogressedloweroverherbody.Her
legsquiveredashistoucheasedthediscomfortinmusclesdeniedlife.Shehadn’trealizedhowbadly
they’dbeencrampeduntilheworkedhismagicoverthem.

Shecouldfeelhisgrowingarousalagainsther,buttherewasnothingsexualinhistouch,ashe

remainedfocuseduponeasinghersoreness.Kneelingbeforeher,hishandsworkedoverhercalves.A
moanescapedherwhentheknottedmusclesinthebacksofherlegsgaveway.

Risingbackoverher,hishandsslidthroughherhairashebrusheditoverhershoulders.“Feel

better?”

“Much.”Sherestedherhandsandheadagainsthischest.Loveswelledwithinherassherelishedthe

feelofthehotwaterslidingoverthemboth.Hismusclestightenedwhenshelickedawayabeadofwater
tricklingdownhispaleflesh.Hishandssettledintothehollowofherbackashepressedheragainsthim.
“I’dliketogotobednow.”

“Icanobligethat.”Heturnedthewateroffandwrappedherwithinatowelbeforecarryingheroutto

herroom.

***

Standingoutside,Julianstaredinthefrontwindowofthebar.HewatchedQuinnasheimpatiently

waitedforhisphonecalltobeanswered.Finally,whenhethoughtitwasgoingtovoicemail,Devon
pickedup.“Hey.”

“Heytoyoutoo,”Juliansaid.HishandsclenchedaroundthephonewhenQuinnmovedoutofview

andintothepoolroom.Don’tbreakit.

“Whathappened?”JustlikeDevontocutstraighttothechase.
“Well,Idiedandcamebacktolife.”
TherewasamomentofsilencebeforeDevonreplied,“Again?”
JulianstartedtopacewhenQuinnreemergedfromthepoolroom.“Yeah,andbelieveitornot,itwas

lessfunthistime.Moreofapermanentthing.”

“Obviouslynottoopermanent.Caretotellmehowthisnon-deathcameabout?”
Julianfilledhiminonwhathadoccurredyesterday.Ashespoke,hecouldhearDevonmovingabout

andclosingdoors.Bythetimehegottotheendofhisstory,hewasfairlycertainDevonwasinaclosetin
anentirelydifferenthousethantheonehe’dstartedin.

“Whatkindoftroubleareyouintodownthere?”heaskedwhenJulianstoppedspeaking.
“NothingIcan’thandle.”
“Julian—”
“Youwouldn’thaveseenoneofourHunter’sstakingyouthroughthebackeither,”hesaid.
“No,Iwouldn’thave.Butavampwiththatstrongofmindcontrolisgoingtobeanissue.”
“Healreadyis.”
“Doyouneedhelp?”Devonasked.
“No,neitherofuscanriskCassiehere.”

“Itwouldbeonlyme.”
“Likeshe’deverallowthattohappen.”Anotherdooropenedandclosedontheotherendoftheline.

“Whatareyoudoing,goingthroughallofthehouses?”

Devonchuckled,andJuliancouldhearwindblowingaroundhimnow.“Therearebigandlittleears

alloverthisplace.Tryingtofindsomewheretohideoutisdamnnearimpossible.WhatifIsendDanito
you?”

Julian’shandsqueezedthephone.He’dnevergottenoverhisdislikeordistrustofthatgirl.Chrishas

forgivenyou,andyouwouldhavegladlyrippedouthisthroatatonetime.Still,itwasDani.“Youwant
tosendmetheHunterwhobetrayedCassieandplannedtoleavemyassinthathellholetheCommission
created,thanksbutno.”

“Youknowwhyshedidthat.She’soneofusnow.She’sproveditmultipletimes.Plus,she’sstrong

andgettingstronger.She’dbeabletozaphimbeforeheevergotcloseenoughtocontrolhermind,or
anyoneelse’s.”

Julian’sstomachtwistedwithturmoilasheponderedDevon’swords.Daniwouldbeapowerful

ally,butshe’dbeenabigpartofthereasonheandCassiehadbeenimprisonedtogetherbeneaththat
school.Imprisonedandtortured.TheideaofheranywherenearQuinnmadehimseered,butDaniwould
beabletoknockthatvamponhisasswithherabilitytowieldelectricalcurrents.She’dknockedhimon
hisassbefore.

Andshehasdonenothingbutproveherselfthesepasttwoyears,likeyou.
“Julian?”Devonasked.
“I’mthinking.”
“Don’thurtyourself.”
“You’refunny.Holdon.”Walkingovertotheglass,hetappedonthewindowtogettheattentionof

Chris,Melissa,andLousittingontheotherside.HepointedtoLutheratthebarbeforegesturingforthem
tomeethimoutside.“Howiseveryonedoingthere?”heaskedashewaitedforthem.

“Farbetterthanyou.ImaybeabletoconvinceCassietostaybehindandletmecomeonmyown.

Thatvampwon’tknowwhatmindcontrolisifIgetaholdofhim.”

“Idon’tthinkwe’rethereyet,butI’llcallyouifitbecomesnecessary.”
“Youwanthimforyourself,”Devondeduced.
“Yes.YouhavenoideawhatI’mgoingtodotohimwhenIgetmyhandsonhim.”
“Oh,Ihaveaverygoodidea.Wedidruntogetherforcenturiesafterall.”
“Thiswillbeworse,”Julianvowed.“They’recoming.”Luther,Lou,Melissa,andChrisstopped

beforehim.Hemovedthephoneawayfromhismouthashespokewiththem.“Devonhassuggested
sendingDaniheretohelp.Sinceweallknowmyfeelingsonher,I’dliketohearyouropinionsonit.”

TheyallexchangedalookbeforeLutherspoke.“Ithinkit’sagoodidea.”
“CassiewillknowsomethingisupifhesendsDani,”Melissasaid.
“She’sgoingtoknowanyway,”Devonsaidthroughthephone.“Ican’tkeepthisfromher.Icankeep

herfromthere,butshehastoknow.She’llneverforgivemeifsomethinghappensandIknewaboutitbut
didn’ttellher.”

“Devonisgoingtotellheranyway,”Juliansaidtothem.
Melissafoldedherarmsoverherchest.“IagreewithLuther.Ifmoreinnocentpeopledie,andDani

couldhavehelpedusdosomethingtostopit,butwerefusedherhelp,thenwe’llbeatfaulttoo.”

Juliancouldn’tkeepthescowlfromhisface;heglancedthroughthewindowatQuinnagain.“Iknow

youdon’tlikeDani,”Chrissaid.“Iunderstandwhy,butshehaschanged,andsheistrustworthy.Iknow
sheis.”

Everythinginhimscreamedagainstit,butheknewitwouldbefoolishtoletpastgrudgesstandinthe

wayrightnow.“Fine,sendher,”hemutteredintothephone.“I’mgoingtohavetobuyahousetohaveany

alonetimewithQuinnagain.”

“I’msurewiththatattitude,Daniwillfeelverywelcomeandathome,”Devonsaidwithalaugh.

“Andjustkeepbuildinghouses,likeIdo.”

“Lookathowwellthat’sworkingoutforyou.You’restandingoutsideinFebruaryinCanada.IfDani

makesonewrongmovetowardQuinn,I’lltearherheadoff,”hepromised.

“Thatwillhelpherfeelmorewelcome.”
Julianturnedawayfromtheothersandstalkedovertoapickuptruck.Hewatchedastheymadetheir

waybackinsidethebar.“Areyousureyou’regoingtobeabletokeepCassieawayfromhere?”he
asked.

“It’sgoingtokillher,butyes.Shehasnumerouslivesdependingonherhererightnow.”
“Good.”
“Yourmate,Quinn?”
“Whatabouther?”
“Theycan’tgettheirhandsonher,Julian,notifshecandosomethinglikebringingavampirebackto

life.Herpowerwillonlygroweveryyear.Whatshecoulddoinahundredyears,orfiftyyears,couldbe
devastatinginthewronghands.”

“Iknow.”
“Iknowyoudo.”
“AreyouflyingDaniorhavingherdrivehere?”Julianasked.
“ThesoonestdayflightIcanfind,hopefullytomorrow,she’llbeonit.Ifit’sstilldaytimewhenshe

arrives,she’llbesafegettingtoyou.Youdorealizeshe’stheonlyone,besidesQuinn,you’llbeableto
trustnottopossiblybecorruptedbythisvampire.”

“Thethoughthasoccurredtome.”
Devon’slaughtermadehimwishhisfriendwerestandingbeforehimsohecouldthrottlehim.“That

makesyousohappy,Icantell.”

“Thanksforthesympathy.”
“OnlythesameamountyougavemewhenCassieandIwerefirststrugglingthrougheverything.In

fact,youtriedtokillher,multipletimes.We’vegottenpastit;youshoulddothesamewithDani.”

“Dick.”
“Yep.”
“Danimaynotwanttocome,”Juliansaid.
“Shewill.She’safighter.”
“I’lltextyoutheaddresshere.”
“Okay.Oh,and,Julian?”
“Yeah.”
“TellQuinnIsaidthankyou.”
Devonhungupbeforehecouldrespond.JuliantextedQuinn’saddresstoDevonandslidthephonein

hispocket.Devonwasright,buthestillcouldn’thelphisresentmentattheideaofseeingDaniagain.
Climbingthestairs,hesteppedintothebarandsurveyedthemeagercrowd.

Mostmenweregatheredaroundthebar,whereQuinnwaspouringdrinks.Shesmiledandlaughedas

shetalkedwiththemandslidthemugsacrossthebar.Shestilllookedaboutfivepoundslighterthanshe
hadbeforeshe’dbroughthimbacktolife,buttheblueveinswerenolongervisibleinherskinandthe
shadowsweregonefromunderhereyes.Hercheekboneswerestillmorepronounced,hercollarbone
morevisible,buttherewasahealthyglowaboutheroncemore.

Hewasgoingtohavetochaseoffsomeovereagerpatronswhomistakenlybelievedtheyhadany

chancewithher.Stalkingtowardthebar,ascowltwistedhisfacewhenClint’sshort,stoutformstepped
infrontofhim.

“She’sgoingtohavetowait,ChildrenoftheCorn.”Julian’sscowldeepenedatthenewfreaking

name.HisfingerscurledintofistsashefoughttheurgetobreakClint’sneck.TheworstpartwasJulian
grudginglyadmiredthatClintkeptcomingupwithwaystoneedlehimandthemanhadnofearofhim.
Clintdidn’tknowwhathewas,butmostmenstillstayedfarawayfromhimandcoweredfromthevery
lookJuliangaveClintnow.“Ineedyourhelpwithsomething.”

“Areyououtofyourmind?”Juliandemandedbeforehecouldstophimself.“WhydoyouthinkI’d

helpyouwithanything?”

“BecauseQuinnwouldwantyouto.Thisway.”Clintspunonhisheel,leavingJulianstaringafter

himashemadehiswaythroughthetablestowardthekitchenwithoutsomuchasabackwardglanceto
makesureJulianfollowedhim.

QuinnwasturningawayfromthetapswhenJulianmadehiswayaroundthebar,grabbedholdofher

waist,anddraggedherupagainsthimtokissher.Asmallsqueakescapedher.Herhandsflattenedonhis
chestasshetriedtopushhimaway,butashistongueslidoverherlips,herbodymeldedagainsthis.

Sheswayedonherfeetandblinkedathimwhenhereleasedher.Heforcedhimselftostepaway

beforeheforgotallaboutthepeoplesurroundingthem,liftedherontothebar,andstrippedherclothes
fromhersweetbody.Thatwasanideaforlater,hedecidedashegazedatherdazedeyesandswollen
lips.

“IhavetohelpClintwithsomething,”hetoldher.“I’llberightback.”
“Really?”sheblurted.
“Hetoldmeheneedsmyhelp.”
“Oh,uh…okay,”shestammered.
Hesentascathinglookoveratthemengatheredtoocloseforhislikingbeforehurryingovertojoin

Clintbythekitchendoors.“Whydon’tyoujustbrandher?”Clintdemanded.

Julianmerelysmiledinresponse.Clintshookhisheadandshovedthedooropen.Theclatteringof

potsandpansgreetedhimastheysteppedintothekitchen.Greasesizzledonthestoveaswatersprayed
intothesink.Thetwomeninthebackbarelyglancedatthembeforecontinuingonwiththeirworkinthe
swelteringkitchen.HewipedthesweatfromhisbrowashefollowedClintpastthestainlesssteel
appliancestowardthebackdoor.

“Wherearewegoing?”hedemandedasClintopenedthedoorandhelditforhimtowalkout.
“She’llsurvivewithoutyoufortenminutes,”ClintgrumbledwhenJulianhesitated,hisgazegoing

backtotheswingingdoorsleadingintothebar.Clintcouldn’tknow,buttenminuteswasnineandahalf
minutesmorethansomeonewouldneedtotakeherfromhim.“Nooneisgoingtoattackherinsucha
crowd.”

JulianfrownedasheturnedtowardClint.Whatanoddchoiceofwordsforhimtouse.Whywould

heeventhinkaboutsomeoneattackingQuinn?

“Youhavetoseethis,”Clintinsisted.
JuliankeptoneeyeonClintwhenhesteppedoutthedoor.Hadthevampiretheywerehuntinggotten

toClinttooandwasnowusinghimasbait?Thesmellofbloodfilledhisnostrils;hekepthisinstincts
honedonClintwhiletheywalkeddownthebackalley.Clintremainedfocusedonhim,hisbrowneyes
intense.Hedidn’taskthemanwherethescentofbloodwascomingfrom,mosthumanswouldn’tbeable
todetecttheodor.

“WhatamIsupposedtobeseeing?”heasked.
Clintsnortedandjerkedhisheadtowardwherehisgaragewas.Julianwalkedstifflybesidehim,his

gazemovingoverthealleyastheymadetheirwaytotheback.Oncethere,Clintpulledaflashlightfrom
hispocketandclickediton.

Thescentofbloodwasstrongerhere,moreintenseasthecoppertangofitsearedintohissenses.

Juliandidn’tneedthelighttorevealthestreaksofredalloverthebackofthebar.Hismusclestensedas

hefullytookintheimagepaintedthere.

ThetwistedassholehadusedhumanbloodtopaintQuinnonthebackofthebuilding.Herhairfell

overhershoulder,herheadbentandturnedtothesideinthewayitoftendidwhenshewasbeingplayful
withhim.Fewsawthatlookfromher.

Thebloodmuralbecameshadedinathickredhaze.Hismusclesshook,hisnailsdugintothepalms

ofhishandsasalowhissslidoutfrombetweenhisgrittedteeth.Beneaththemural,asinglewordwas
scrawled:mine.

Thatwasnearlyhisundoing.Steppingclosertothebar,hereachedouttoteartheshinglesoff.To

rendthebackwalltopiecesinordertoremovethehideousimagefromthebuilding.“Don’ttearmybar
apart,”Clintsaid.

Julianalmostlungedathimwiththeintentofrippinghisthroatoutinordertoeasesomeofwhatwas

burningsohotlywithinhim,buthemanagedtokeephimselfrestrainedatthelastsecond.Controlit.
Controlit.

Butitwassodifficultwhenhecouldn’ttearhisgazeawayfromthescenebeforehim,andhisbody

shookwiththebloodlustconsuminghim.Quinnwashis.Everyone,especiallyvampiresshouldrecognize
this,butthisvampwantedtotakeherfromhim.

“Comewithme,”Clintinstructed.
“No.”
“She’llbefine.Comewithme.”
Julianfinallyturnedtowardtheshortman.“Youhavenoideawhatisgoingonhere.”
Clintpointedtowardhisgarage.“Come.Iplantowashthisoffafter.”
JuliangloweredafterClint;heturnedtoheadbacktothebarandQuinn,buthisfootfrozeinmid-air.

HisgazereturnedtoClintashepulledopenthedoorofhisgarageandsteppedinside.Hedidn’tbotherto
lookbackatJulianbutcontinuedoutofsight.

Julianglancedatthebar.Quinnwassafeinside,ifthevampdidenter,shewouldn’tchasehiminto

thenightagain.Hehopedshewouldn’tanyway,butshemight,andifthevampknewJulianwasoutside,
hemightbeboldenoughtotrytolureherawayagain.Theotherswouldstopher,ortheywouldatleast
tryto.

Heshouldgoback,buthefoundhiscuriositydrawntothestrangelittlemanasthelightinsidethe

garageflickeredon.Clintwasfartoocalmforsomeonewhohadrecentlyfoundabloodymuralpainted
onhiswall.Perhapsheassumeditwasonlyredpaint,butJuliandidn’tbelieveso.

Walkingover,hefoundClintwaitingpatientlyinsidethedoorforhim.Clintclosedthedoorbehind

himbeforewalkingaroundhissouped-upJeeptowardthebackwall.Heknelttopullupapanel
discreetlytuckedwithinthefloor.Theopeninginthefloorrevealedasetofstairsalreadyilluminatedby
alightbelow.ThemanvanisheddownthestairswithfarmorespeedandagilitythanJulianwouldhave
suspectedfromsomeonewithhisbuild.

“Don’tbeachicken!”Clintcalleduptohim.
Ifyousnaphisneck,youcouldmakeitlooklikehefelldownthestairs.Butheknewitwouldupset

QuinnifClintdied,andhecouldn’tbringheranymoredistress.

Hedescendedthestairs,preparedtoattackClintifhetriedtostakehimorattackhim.Steppingoff

thebottomstep,surpriseslammedintohim,buthemanagedtokeephisfaceimpassiveasherealizedhow
likelyanattemptedstakingcouldbe.HemaygethischancetokillClintafterall,herealizedashisgaze
ranovertheroom.

CHAPTER15

Quinnclosedthedishwasherandhitthebuttontoturniton.Becauseitwasatypicallyslow

weeknight,shewastheonlywaitresson.Clintwouldjumpbehindthebartohelpifsheneededhim,butit
wasraresheeverdid,andhe’ddisappearedoutbackwithJulian.Pleasedon’tkillhim,sheinwardly
pleaded.

SheknewhowClintcouldpushJulian’sbuttons,butshehopedJulianhadenoughrestraintnottohurt

themanwhohadbecometheclosestthingshe’dhadtoafathersinceheruncle.Hergazeslidtothe
kitchendoors.Allthecustomersweresetwithdrinksinthebarrightnow;shecouldslipoutbackandsee
whatthetwoofthemwereuptoandmakesureClintwassafe.Itwouldn’ttakelong.

“Wouldyoulikemetocheckonthem?”Melissaaskedassheleanedoverthebar.
Quinnshookherhead.“I’msurethey’refine.”
“Youdon’tlooksosure.”
“That’sbecauseI’mnot.”
“Ireallydon’tthinkJulianwillkillhim.”
“That’sreassuring,”Quinnrepliedwithalaugh.
BeforeMelissacouldrespond,thedooropenedandfivemoremenentered.Theywalkeduptothe

barandsettledontosomestools.SherecognizedJeb,Ernie,andRoss,butshe’dneverseentheothertwo.
Thatwasn’tunusual,sometimesnewhandsrotatedthroughtoworktheranches,dependingontheneedsof
theranchatthetime.

Still,herinstinctswentonhighalertasshesmiledandapproachedthegroup.“Goodtoseeyou,

Quinn,”Jebgreeted.She’dalwaysreallylikedJeb;hewaseasygoingwithacharmingsmile.He’dhada
bitofaromanticinterestinherovertheyears,butshe’dmadeitclearitwouldn’thappenevenbefore
Julianwalkedintoherlife.

“Youtoo,Jeb.Whereyoubeenhiding?”
“Beenhavingalotofproblemsoutattheranch.Someone’sbeenslaughteringthelivestock.”
“Whowoulddosuchathing?”Melissagasped.
“Don’tknow,”Jebreplied.Hepulledhiscowboyhatofftorunahandthroughhiscurlyblondhair.

“Weputupcamerasandstillcan’tcatchwhoeveritis.It’samess.Losingalotofmoney.Wehadtomove
whatremainedoftheanimalstotheboss’smainranchupnorth.Canwegetaroundofshots?”

“Sure.”QuinnwalkeddownthebarandpulledabottleofJacksheknewwasJeb’spreferredchoice

fromtheshelf.

LutherandChrishadmovedcloserthroughouttheconversation.Lousatontheothersideofthem

withhisheadtiltedtowardthemen.“Howcomeyouhaven’tcaughtthemonthecameras?”Luther
inquired.

Quinnplacedfiveshotglassesonthebarandfilledthemall.
“Youwouldn’tbelievemeifItoldyou,”Jebmutteredbeforeliftinghisglassanddowningtheliquid.
HeputtheglassonthecounterandgesturedforQuinntorefillit;sheliftedaneyebrow,butpoured

thedrink.Jebwasmoreofabeerman.Whenhediddoashot,itwasusuallyoneanightandhewasdone.
Inherthreeyearshere,she’dneverseenhimdotwoinonenight.Theothermenalldranktheirshotsand
madethesamegesturetorefillasJebhad.

“You’dbeamazedatthethingsI’llbelieve,”Luthersaid.“I’veseenshitnoonewouldbelieve.”
Jebdownedhissecondshot.HeturnedtowardLuther,hiselbowrestingonthebarashishand

grippedtheglass.“Everseesomethingmovesofastitcan’tbecaughtoncamera?”

ThehaironQuinn’snapestoodup.Shewashalf-temptedtotakeashotforherselfasshestudied

Jeb’sprofile.Hisnormallytannedskinhadpaledconsiderably;hisfingersontheshotglasstrembled,and
sheknewithadnothingtodowiththewhiskeyhe’dconsumed.Behindhim,theotherfourcowboyshad

theirheadsbentandtheireyesfocusedonthebar.Oneofthemcrossedthemselvesbeforekissingthe
crosshangingaroundhisneck.

“Becausethat’swhatwesaw,”Jebcontinued.“Justthisblurandthenadeadsheep.Anotherblurand

adeadsteer,anotherandmyfavoritehorsewaskilled.Thereweresomanyofthem…”Hebrokeoffwith
ashudderandliftedtheshotglasstowardQuinn.“Another?”

“YouknowClint’srule,”shesaid,butshestilltooktheglassfromhimandrefilledit.Underthese

circumstances,shewasprettysureClintwouldunderstandthebreakingofhis‘twoanddone’shotrule.

“We’restayingatthemoteltonight,beforeheadingbacknorth.Rosswantstospendsometimewith

hiswifebeforewegoback,sonodrivingforus.”

“You’renotgoingtotheranch?”sheasked.
“No.”Hiseyeswerehauntedwhenheliftedhisheadtolookather.“We’regoingtobeworkingup

northforabit.Probablycomebackinthespring,maybe.”

Sherefilledtheotherglassesandslidthemtowardtherestofthemen.Luther’seyesweretroubled

whentheymethers;hepulledhisglassesupandrubbedatthebridgeofhisnose.

“Itsoundscrazy,”Jebmurmuredashestaredattheamberliquidinhisglass.“Butwesawthem,and

whenweshowedthevideototheboss,notonlydidhenotfireourasses,butheorderedtheremaining
stockbetakensomewheresafer.Weweren’timaginingit.”

“Ididn’tthinkyouwere,”Quinnsaidquietly.
Jeb’snormallyjovialfacewasgraveandremotewhenhelookedather.“Idid,”headmitted.“Even

whentheseguyssawittoo,Istillbelievedwewereallimaginingit.Thatitwassomesortofstrange,
grouphallucination.Imeanit’sinsane.”

Quinnrestedherhandonhisandgaveitapat.“Sometimestherearethingsinthisworldnoneofus

canexplain.”

Jebsnortedbeforeconsuminghisshot.“You’retellingme.Beer,please.”
“Yougotit.”
Shelookedtotheotherswhoallgavehertheirordersbeforeshewalkedawaytopourtheirdrinks

andpopthetopsofftheirbeerbottles.HermindspunasshecontemplatedJeb’swords.Whywould
vampiresbeslaughteringlivestock?Unlesstheyabstainedfromhumanbloodlikeher,Julian,andhis
vampirefriends,buttheydidn’tkilltheanimals.However,noteveryvampirewhodidn’tkillhumans
wouldn’tkillanimals.Asmuchasshedidn’tlikeit,betterananimalthanahuman,shesupposed.

Butforsomereason,shedidn’tthinkthesewerevampireslikeher.Therewassomethingawfuland

offaboutwhattheyweredoing.Whywouldtheykeepgoingbacktothesameplace?Whyweren’tthey
huntingtheanimals?Shedidn’tlikethatithappened,butshecouldn’tdenyapartofherthrilledatthe
hunt.Theexcitementofthechasemaybethebestpartoffeeding.

Yetthesevampsweredenyingthemselvesthatthrill.Andhowmanyvampsweretherethattheywere

decimatinglivestocknumberstothepointwheretheyhadtobemoved?

Herhandtrembledsomuchsheclinkedtwoofthebeerbottlestogetherwhenplacingthemonthe

tray.

“Doyouhaveanyideahowmanyaredoingthis?”Lutheraskedasshesetthetrayonthebarbefore

Jebandtheothers.

“Atleasttenblurs,”Jebrepliedandbowedhisheadinthankswhenshepushedhisbeertowardhim.
Asickfeelingtwistedthroughherstomachasshehandedouttherestofthedrinks.Whatwasgoing

on?Sheglancedbackatthedoors,butJulianandClinthadyettoreturn.ShehighlydoubtedJulianhad
everheardofanythinglikethisbeforeeither.

Grabbingashotglass,QuinnbrokeanotherofClint’sruleswhenshepouredherselfoneanddowned

it.Herfacetwistedasshestuckhertongueoutatthepotenttasteofthewhiskey.Itwasn’tasgoodasher
rum,butsheenjoyedtheburn.

***

“Red,”JuliangreetedwhenhespottedHawtiesittinginachairacrosstheway.Shebowedherhead

ingreeting,butdidn’tsayanything.Herthickredlipswerepursedandthoughsherarelylookedherfifty
plusyears,therewerelinesetchedaroundthecornersofhermouthandeyes.Hisgazeslidbackoverthe
cacheofweaponsstoredwithintheroom.“Arewepreparingforthezombieapocalypse?”

“Let’snotplaygames,”Clintrepliedashesettledhimselfontoacrate.
“Oh,yes,let’snot,”Juliandrawledashelookedpointedlyatthehundredsofcrossbows,stakes,

axes,swords,andgunsbigenoughtotakedownanelephant,hangingonthewall.Thereweremore
weaponsleaningagainstthewall,orstoredinsideglasscases.ItmadethestashintheRVlooklikea
joke,andJulianhadbelievedthemover-prepared.“Whatisyourpointhere,Clint?”

“Mypointhere,Julian,isIknowwhatyouare.Ihaveagoodideawhatyourfriendsare,andIknow

whatQuinnis.”Julian’sjawlocked.Heshiftedhisstancesohecouldbeacrosstheroomandhave
Clint’snecksnappedbeforeeitherheorHawtieblinked.“There’ssomethingnastyoutthereafterher,
huntinginourtown,andithastobestopped.”

Julian’sgazeranoverthestoutmanashetriedtofigureoutexactlywhathewas.NotaHunter,he

wouldhavesensedthepowerinhim.CertainlynotavampasbothheandHawtiehadsteadyheartbeats.
Guardians?Butwouldn’tLutherhaveknowniftheywere?

Hetriedtorecallthetimeshe’dtouchedeitherofthem.Hewasn’tsurehe’devertouchedClint.He

wasalmostcertainhehadn’t,buthe’dcertainlytouchedthingsClinthad.Hawtie,he’dtouchedafew
times,andhe’dtouchedthingsshehad.Buthe’dalmostalwayshadhisabilityshutoffaroundthemandin
theirplacesofbusiness,andhe’dneverbeenfocusedonthemwhenusingit.Evenifhe’dhaditon,he
couldn’thaveguaranteedhe’dseesomethingfromthem,notwiththerotatingamountofpeopletheyhad
cominginandoutoftheirbusinesseseverynight.

ClintandHawtiewerehumans,andhe’dwronglyassumedbothofthemwouldhavelittleuseful

informationforhim.Hekepthisabilityturnedoffmostofthetime,unlesshebelievedheneededit.Years
ofseeingthingshedidn’twanttohadmadeitsohepreferrednotseeingthemnow.Nottomention,most
peoplewerebeyondboring.He’dratherbeathisheadagainstthewallthanseeintothelifeofonemore
soccermominamini-van.

“Andhowdidyoucomebythisinformation?”JulianinquiredofClint.
“Someonepaintedabloodypictureofheronmywall.”
“Let’snotplaygames,”Juliansaid.“Thatalonewouldn’tleadyoutobelieveQuinnandIwere

somehowdifferent,ormyfriends.”

Clintfoldedhisarmsoverhischestandtiltedhisheadtotheside.“Ipayattention.”
“Andwhatexactlydoyouthinkyou’velearnedbypayingattentiontous?”
“Thatyou’renothuman.”
JulianheldClint’ssteadygazeasapatronizingsmirkcurvedhislips.“SoIseesomeonehoppedon

thecrazytrain.Enjoytheride.”

“Enoughboys,”Hawtieinterjected.“Jesus,thetwoofyouarelikedogscirclingabone.”Sheturned

towardClint.“He’sgoodforQuinn.You’veseenthechangeinher,howmuchhappiersheisnow.And
you,”herwarmbrowneyessearedintoJulian,“weprotectedQuinnthiswholetime.We’velookedout
forherandtriedtokeephersafeforthreeyears.Evenwhileknowingshewasavampire—”

“Chelsea,”Clintgroaned,anddespitewhatJulianhadalreadysuspectedthemofknowing,ajoltof

disbeliefwentthroughhimathearingherconfirmit.

“Wewelcomedherhere,”HawtiecontinuedasifClinthadn’tspoken.
“Whywouldyoudothat?”Julianinquired.
“Becausewhenshefirstcamehere,shewasabrokensoul.MorebrokenthananyoneI’deverseen

before,andinmybusiness,I’veseenmyfairshareofhauntedandhurtingpeople.AllIwantedwastohug
her,butshewouldn’tletanyonenearher.Gradually,shecameoutofhershell,butittookawhile,”
Hawtiereplied.Shedabbedatthecornersofhereyesasshespoke.“Weneverhadchildren—”

“Maybeifwe’dgottenmarried,”Clintinterrupted.
“Pfft,”Hawtiesaidwithawaveofherhandathim.“Marriagewouldn’thavemadeyouwant

children.”

“AndyouknowwhyIdidn’t,”Clintmuttered.
HawtiepattedhishandreassuringlybeforeturningtofocusonJulianagain.“Therewassomethingso

forlornaboutQuinnthatIcouldn’thelpbutcareforher,evenifshewassupposedtobeamonster.”

“Butshe’snot,”Clintsaid.
“Ofcourseshe’snot,”Juliangrowled.
Clint’seyesnarrowedonhim.“Youarethough.Youmaybebetterthanmostvampires,butthere’sa

viciousnessinyou.”

“Thereis.”Therewasnopointindenyingit.Theywerealllayingeverythingoutonthetable,

subtletyanddenialhadnoplaceinthisconversation.“ButIdon’tkillhumans.Idon’tfeedfromthem,
unlessit’snecessary,andthenIwilldowhathastobedone.Quinnwilldothesame.”

Clintnodded,butHawtieshookherhead.“No,she’s—”
“Asurvivor,”Julianinterrupted.“OneofthestrongestsurvivorsI’veeverencountered.You’reright;

she’svulnerableandkind.She’sbeenbroken,andshe’sdonethingssheregrets,butinordertobea
survivor,youmustbewillingtodowhateverittakestokeepgoing.Butshealsoloveswithallshehas,
andshelovesyoubothverymuch,”Juliantoldthem,sensingHawtieneededtohearthisbitoftruth.
“You’rethewholereasonshewon’tleavethistown,evenifitwouldprobablybesaferforhertodoso.”

Hawtiedabbedathereyesagain.Clintrestedhishandonherthighandgaveitasqueeze.“It

wouldn’tbesaferforthetownifyouleft,”Clintsaid.

“Andsheknowsthis.”
“Asdoyou.”
“Yes,butI’dhaveheroutofherefasterthaneitherofyoucouldblinkifitmeantensuringhersafety.”
TherewasactuallyagrudgingflickerofadmirationinClint’seyesasasmilecurvedhismouth.“I

don’tlikeyou,butIdolikethatshehasyoulookingoutforhernowtoo.Whatisthisthinginourtown?”

“It’sthevampirewhoendedhermortallife,”Juliansaid.
“Andturnedher?”Hawtieasked.
“Notinthewayyou’rethinking.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
Julianranahandthroughhishairbeforeglancingatthestairs.“Ithinkthat’ssomethingforQuinnto

tellyou,ifshechoosesto.”

HawtieandClintexchangedalookbeforetheyfocusedonhimagain.“Fairenough,”Clintreplied.
“Whatdoyoususpectmyfriendsare?”Julianinquired.
“Hunters,Guardians,maybeboth.”
“Whatgaveyouthatimpression?”
Clintshrugged.“Iknowwhattolookfor.”
“Andhowdoyouknowwhattolookfor?”
Clint’smouthclampedshut.Hawtieleanedagainsthisside,nudginghimwithherelbow.“Tellhim.”
Clintheavedalargesighbeforerisingtohisfeet.“MygrandparentswereGuardians,”hefinally

answered.

“Isee.Andsoareyou?”
“Isuppose,butIwasn’traisedinthesamewaymostGuardiansare.Mygrandparentsfledthe

CommissionwithmymotherandcametotheU.S.duringWorldWarII.”

“Whydidtheyflee?”Julianinquiredasheleanedbackonhisheelstopeerupthestairs.Hereally

shouldreturntothebar,buthehadtolearnasmuchashecouldaboutthesetwobeforeheletthem
anywherenearQuinnagain.

“BecausetheydisagreedwiththeCommission’spolicies.InEngland,duringthewar,the

CommissiondidalotoftestingandexperimentingonHuntersandvampires.”

“IamwellawareoftheCommission’sexperiments,”Julianspat.
Clintliftedaneyebrowatthatbutrefrainedfromcommenting.“Mygrandparentswereawarethere

werevampiresouttherewhodidn’tkillandlivedinpeace.They’dencounteredafewofthemand
allowedthemtolive.Acoupleyearslater,theyrecognizedoneofthevampiresthey’dletgoasavampire
theCommissionhadcapturedtoexperimenton.TheytriedtomaketheCommissionunderstandwhatthey
didaboutvampires,buttheywouldn’thearofit.Mygrandparentsfearedtheirprotestswouldturnthe
Commissionagainstthem.”

“Rightlyso,”Julianmuttered.
“Somygrandparentsfled.Theyspenttherestoftheirlivesinhiding,asdidmymother.Myfather

alsowentintohidingtobewithher.I’vespentmywholelifehidinginthistown.”HesqueezedHawtie’s
handandliftedittohismouthtopressakissagainstthebackofit.“Thoughitwasafunhidingplace.”
Shegrinnedathimasshebrieflyrestedherheadonhisshoulder.“Hawtieistheonlyonewhoeverknew
thetruthaboutme,untilnow.”

“Andbelieveme,Iconsideredhiminsaneatfirst.”Hawtiechuckled.
“Youstilldo,”Clintteased.
“Ido.”
“MyparentstaughtmewhatIwasandtrainedmetobepreparedincasesomeonecameafterme,”

Clintcontinued.“Theytaughtmehowtorecognizevampsbytheirmovementsandactions.Thesamewith
Hunters.Guardiansaremoredifficulttopickout,butthey’relessofamenacetome,insmallnumbers.
Theymostlikelydon’tknowaboutmyexistencebutI’mnotwillingtotakethechancetheydo.”

“Sothat’swhyyoudidn’tgoafterQuinnwhenshecameintotown,”Juliansurmised.“Becauseyou

thoughtshemightbeoneofthevampswhodidn’tkill.”

“Yes.I’veencounteredafewvampireswhocamethroughhereovertheyears.SomeI’veallowedto

passfreelywhentheymadenomovetoattackanyone.SomeoftheothersIputdown.Iwaswaitingtosee
whichcategoryQuinnwouldfallinto.Iwasrelievedtolearnshewassimplylookingforaplaceofher
owntohide,andIknowthistownisagoodone.”

“Sowhatexactlydoyouplantodotohelpus?”Julianinquired.
Clintgesturedattheweaponssurroundinghim.“Youmightnotthinkit,butI’mtougherthanIlook.I

wantthisvampireoutofmytownandasfarfromQuinnaspossible.”

“YouandIfinallyagreeonsomething,”Juliansaid.

CHAPTER16

“Aren’tyougoinghome?”QuinnaskedClintasshegatheredtheremainingglassesfromthetables.
“Inalittlebit,”Clintreplied.“Wehavesomethingstodiscussfirst.”
Quinnfroze,herheadliftedtostareathimandHawtiesittingatthebar.SheglancedatJulianwhen

hewalkedovertolockthefrontdoorwithMelissa,Luther,Lou,andChrisstillinside.Clintdidn’tprotest
theaction.

“Iseverythingokay?”Quinndemandedassheplacedtheglassesonthetable.
SheturnedaccusingeyesonJulian.HadhesomehowmanagedtopersuadeClinttofirehersoshe

wouldreconsiderleaving?“It’sfine,”Julianassuredherandrestedhishandsonhershoulders.

Quinnturnedtowardherboss.“Whatisit?”
“Youshouldsit,”Juliansuggestedandpulledoutachairforheratthebar.“Andtherestofyouwill

wanttohearthistoo.”

Quinnglanceduneasilyathimbeforesettlingintothechair.SheturnedtofaceClintandHawtie,

preparedtofightforherjob,nomatterwhatJulianhadtoldthem.ShewasalsopreparedtosockJulianin
thejawfortryingtotakecontrolofherlife,again.

“Whatisit?”Quinndemanded.
“I’maGuardian,”Clintsaidflatly.
Outofeverythingrunningthroughhermind,thatdeclarationhadbeensounexpectedthatshecouldn’t

processitatfirst.Chrissprayedhisbeeroverthebar,andMelissastartedtolaughbeforeabruptly
silencingitwhensherealizedClintwasn’tkidding;he’ddroppedawordmosthumanswouldn’tuseto
describethemselves.LutherandLoubothhadtheireyebrowssohighintotheirhairlinesthatQuinndidn’t
thinkthey’devercomedownagain.

“Idon’tunderstand,”shefinallymanagedtogetout.
Leaningforward,Clinttookholdofherhandswhilehetoldherabouthisfamilyandtheirhistory.“I

wasborninthistown,I’veneverleft,butIknowofyourworld.”

Quinncouldn’thelpbutsqueezehishandsasshefoughttheshockwashingthroughher.“Whydidn’t

youtellmesooner?”

“Iwashopingthethreeofuscouldliveherepeacefullyandfindtheshelter,refuge,andfriendship

wewereseekingwitheachother.HawtieandIwantedtoprotectyouandkeepyousafe.Wewereafraid
youmightboltifyouknewthetruthaboutme.

“Whentheseguyscameintotown,”hewavedahandattheothers,“Iknewourpeacewasgoingto

cometoanend,butwhentheydidn’thurtyou,Idecidedtoletitplayoutandseewhathappened.Ididn’t
realizetherewerestillHuntersandGuardianswhorealizedallvampiresweren’tevil.Whenthisgroup
walkedinwithavampire,Ihavetoadmitmycuriositywaspiqued.”

“Ittooksometimeformanyofustolearnthatnotallvampiresarekillers.Wedidn’tbelieveituntil

onlyacoupleofyearsago,”Luthersaid.“IknowofnootherHuntersorGuardiansbeforethenwho
believedsomevampiresdeservedtolive.”

“Mygrandparentssaidtherewereothers,”Clintreplied.
“TheCommissioneitherkilledthem,theyfled,ortheyremainedsilentinordertoensuretheir

safety,”Julianreplied.“I’dleantowardtheCommissionkilledasmanyofthedissentersastheycould
find.”

“Iwouldtoo,”Loumurmured.
“Bunchofbastards,”Clintmuttered.
“They’regonenow,”Quinnsaid.“Theyweredestroyed.”
Clintspuntowardher,hisjawslack,andhiseyesbuggingoutofhishead.Besidehim,Hawtiesatup

straighterinherchair.“What?”Clintdemanded.

“Wedestroyedthem,”Julianreplied.“Theremaybesomeouttherestill,butthey’remorescattered

thantheHuntersandGuardianswereafterTheSlaughter.They’realsoanopentargetforeveryonewho
stumblesacrossthemasfarasI’mconcerned.Therearenoinnocentsinthatbunch.”

“Julian.”Quinnrestedherpalmontherigidhandgraspinghershoulder.Heeasedhisgripalittle

beforebeginningtomassagehershoulders.

“Thatmeans…”Hawtiewhisperedbeforeshakingherhead.“Itdoesn’tmatter;I’malittletoooldto

havechildrennow.”

Clinttookholdofherhandandsqueezeditwithinhis.“I’msorry.”
“It’snotyourfault.Iknewyoudidn’twantchildrenwhenIchosemypathyearsago.I’mhappywith

it,untilyoupissmeoff.”

“Mostlikelytomorrow,”Clintsaid.
Hawtielaughed.“Mostlikely.”
“TheCommissionisthereasonyouneverhadchildren,”Quinnguessed.
“Icouldn’thavemychildrenlivingwiththeworrytheycouldbediscoveredatanytime,”Clint

replied.

“AndIrefusedtomarryhimifherefusedtohavechildreninthebeginning.Now,it’sbecomeour

thing,”Hawtiesaid.

“Oneofthesedays,I’llconvinceyoutomarryme.”
“Don’tcountonit.”
Quinncouldn’thidehersmileovertheirbanter.“SowhydidyourevealthistoJulian?”Luther

inquired.

“Wewanttohelp,”Clintreplied.“Ihavealargestashofweapons—”
“Hehasenoughtobringdownavampirehorde,”Juliansaid,notlookingatallpleasedbythenotion.
“Good,becauseIthinkwe’regoingtoneedit,”Luthersaid.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Juliandemanded.
Quinnroseandpacedovertolookoutthewindowasshespoke.“Jebcameinearlier.”
“Iwaswonderingwherethatboyhasbeen,”Clintsaidasherubbedathischin.
“Busy,”QuinnsaidandthenfilledtheminonwhatJebandtheothershadrevealed.Thewhiteband

encirclingJulian’spupilsburnedafieryred.She’dcometorecognizethereddenedbandsignifiedhewas
angry,butstillmostlyincontrolofhimself.

“Howmanydidhethinkwerethere?”hedemanded.
“Atleastten,”Quinnreplied.
“WhatIdon’tunderstandiswhythey’rekillinganimalsandnotpeople,”Chrissaid.
“They’retryingtogoundetected,”Lutherreplied.“They’vebroughtattentiontothemselveswiththe

slaughterofthelivestock,buttheybelievehumanswillpassitoffasabizarreanimalattack.Idon’tthink
theyrealizethey’reoncamera.”

“Whywouldn’ttheythinktheywereoncamera?”Melissaasked.
“Notallvampshavecaughtupwithtechnology,”Julianreplied.“Andthosewhohaveareoftentoo

arroganttothinkthey’deverslipupinsomeway.Besides,noonewouldbeabletotellwhatthoseblurs
were.Slowingthevideowoulddonothingasthevampsthemselvesaremovingataspeedundiscernible
tothehumaneye.”

“Sowehaveagrowingnumberofvampsontheoutskirtsoftown,tryingtogounnoticed.Why?”

Clintasked.

“Becauseoftheprophecy,”Julianreplied.WhenheliftedhisheadtolookatQuinn,hiseyeswerea

fieryrednow.“Theyknowit’syouandthey’vecomeforyou.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Clintdemanded.
QuinnfilledhiminonthestupidprophecyandthetruthsurroundingAngie’sdeath.Sheknewthere

wasachanceClintandHawtiewerealsounderthatass’smindcontrol,butmostvampsprobablyalready
knewabouttheprophecy.Besides,Zachhadmostlikelyspilledallthebeansaboutheranyway.

“Jesus,Quinn,”Hawtiewhispered.“Whydidn’tyourunfromhere?”
“BecauseIhadtomakesureyouweresafe.Itdoesn’tmatterwhereIgo;therearevampires

everywhere,andthey’llhuntmeuntilthedayIdie.Ididn’texpectthevampresponsibleformyturningto
walkinhereafteralltheseyearsorforhimtoamassasmallarmy.Ifweleftnow,Ithinkhe’dbeenraged
enoughtoslaughtereveryoneintownbeforetryingtofollowme,andIcan’tallowthat.”

“NovampsinAntarctica,”Julianmuttered.
“Likeyouwouldlivethere,”Chrissaid.“You’remorecold-bloodedthanasnake.”
“Iwouldifitmeantnoonewouldbotherus.”
“I’mnotrunning!”Quinnsnapped.“AndI’mnotlivinginthelandofsnowandice.”
“Theyhavepenguins,”Juliansaidwithacoaxingsmile.
“Idolikepenguins.Wecanvisitsomeday.”
“Thisvampireisobsessedwithyou,Quinn,”Hawtiesaid.
“Andtheonlywaytoendthatistokillhim,”shesaidfirmly,“beforehebringsmoreoftheundead

here.”

“Whyishesoobsessedwithyou?”Clintinquired.
“Ithinkbecausehedoesn’tunderstandhowI’mstillalive.Hecertainlydidn’texpectmetosurvive

thenightheattackedme.”

“Howdidyouchange?”Clintinquired.
QuinnturnedtolookatthewindowagainassherevealedherHunterandvampireheritagetothem.

“BetweenbeingbornaHunterandpartvampire,Ihadenoughvampirebloodinmetokeepmefromdying
thatnight,”shesaid.

“Aw,honey.”HawtiewalkedovertopullQuinn’shairforwardandtugattheendsofit.Quinn

couldn’thelpbutsmileoverthefamiliar,comfortinggesture.“I’msosorryforwhatyou’vegone
through.”

“Othershavebeenthroughworse,”shesaidasshesqueezedHawtie’shands.
Hawtiedraggedherupagainstheramplechest,hugginghersoclosethatQuinnneverwouldhave

beenabletobreatheifshewerestillhuman.ShesmiledasshewrappedherarmsaroundHawtie’sback.

“Notmanyhave,”Hawtiesaidasshesteppedawayfromher.
“HeprobablyknowshowIwasabletosurvivethechangenow,becauseofZach,”Quinnsaid.
Clintlookedaroundthebarattheotherswithalookofconfusion.“Waitaminute,whatdoyoumean

becauseofZachheprobablyknows,andwhereisZach?”

GuiltslitheredthroughQuinn.Sheturnedhereyesawayfromthemanwhothoughtbetterofherthan

heshould.ShemovedfurtherawayfromHawtie.Juliansteppedclosertoherandwrappedhisarms
aroundherwaist.Hepulledheragainsthischestandrestedhischinonherhead.

“He’sdead,”Juliansaidflatly.
Clint’seyeswidened.Hawtie’shandflewtohermouth.“Whathappened?”Clintdemanded.
Julianlookedquestioninglyather,butsheshookherhead.Shedidn’tmuchfeellikeretellingthat

tale.Hefocusedonthetwoofthemagain.“ThevampirehuntingQuinnhastheabilitytocontrolminds.
HegotholdofZachatsomepoint,probablybeforeheeverlethispresenceinthistownbeknowntous.
Zachstakedme,killedme,andQuinnbroughtmeback.”

Noonespokeforaminute.“Howwereyouabletodothat?”Hawtiefinallyblurted.
“IdrainedthelifefromZachandgaveittoJulian,”Quinnsaidflatly.
Clintpulledapieceofgumfromhispocket.Heunwrappeditandfoldeditintohismouthashisgaze

slidfromhertoJulianandbackagain.

“Youcandothat?”Hawtieaskedwithahitchinhervoice.

“Ineverhadbefore,butyes,Icananddiddothat,”Quinnreplied.
“Bytakingmylife,ZachwasalsotakingQuinn’s,butI’mnotsureheknewthat.I’mnotsureifthis

vampireknowswe’rematesornot,but—”

“Wait,wait,wait,”Clintsaidandheldahanduptohalthim.“Thematethingisreal?”
“Itis,”Julianconfirmed.
“Andyoutwoaremates?”
“Yes.”Julian’sarmstightenedpossessivelyonherwaistashegrowledtheword.
Quinnrestedherhandreassuringlyontopofhis.“Ididn’tmeantokillhim,”shesaid.“Well,Idid,

butIneverwouldhaveundernormalcircumstances.Ijustlostit.IonlyknewIhadtogetJulianback.”

Clint’seyeslookedabouttopopoutofhisheadashechompedonhisgumandstaredbetweenthe

twoofthem.“ButlikeIwassaying,”Juliancontinued,“ifthisvampdoesknowwe’remated,Ithinkhe
intendedtotestthestrengthofthebondbykillingmeandseewhatQuinncoulddoifpushedbeyond
reason.Ifhedidn’tknow,thenhewassimplylookingtogetmeoutofthewaysohecouldgettoher.”

“AndifwhatJebsaidabouttheranchistrue,he’seithercreatingvampiresorhe’sgatheringthem

here,”Clintsaid.

“Orboth,”Julianreplied.
“Shit.”
“Thataboutsumsitup,”Chrissaid.
“What’syourplan?”Clintinquired.
“Wehaven’tformulatedoneforthisyet,”Lutheranswered.“I’mnotsurethereisone,otherthan

stickingtogether,stayingonourbestdefense,andpreparingourselvesforwhatcouldbeonehellofa
battle.”

“Icanhelpwiththepreparing,”Clintsaidwithagrin.

***

TheknockonthedoorrousedJulianfrombed.DevonhadcalledearliertosayDaniwasonherway

andshouldarriveearlyintheafternoon.Openingthebedroomdoor,hepeeredoutatthepeoplestrewn
abouttheroom.Melissasatuponhercotandrubbedathereyes.Luther’sheademergedaroundthe
kitchendoorway,butChrisandLouremainedsleepingonthefloor.

Shakinghishead,hesteppedovertheirbodiestogettothedoor.HepulleditopentorevealDanion

theotherside.Thesightofhercausedajoltofangertogothroughhim,butheshoveditaside.Hereto
help,andrightnow,she’stheonlyoneyoucantrustotherthanQuinn.Ifthatvamphadcontrolof
Quinn,shewouldn’tbewithmerightnow.

Thesmall,slendergirlhadhernormallydarkhairbleachedblondnow;rainbowstreaksofcolor

framedherfaceasitfellaroundhershoulders.Sincehe’dseenherlast,she’dpiercedhereyebrowand
lipwithsilverhoops.

“Ibetyou’rethrowingmeapartytocelebratemyarrival,”shesaidwithasmile.
Julianscowledather,buthesteppedasideandgesturedforhertoenter.“Wow,I’mhaving

flashbacksoffifthgradesleepovers,”shemutteredasshesurveyedthepeoplesprawledacrossthefloor.
“Excepttheseguyssmellmuchworse.”

Chrisdidn’tbothertoopenhiseyesasheliftedhishandtogiveherthefinger.
“Forcedtobuddyupbecauseofacrazedvampireandallthat,”Melissasaid.
“So,theusual,”Danireplied.
“Yeah.”
“What’swiththefacemetal?”Chrisaskedashepushedhimselfupontohiselbows.
Danigrinnedathimasshesetherbagonthefloornearthedoor.“Eighteenthbirthdaypresentto

myself.Like?”

“It’syou,”Chrisreplied.
Daniturnedtowardhim,butbeforeshecouldspeak,Quinnemergedfromthebedroom.Juliantook

holdofherhandandpulledheragainsthisside.“Quinn,thisisDani.”

He’dtoldQuinnenoughaboutDanithatshehesitatedbeforeextendingherhand.“Thankyoufor

coming,”shesaid.

Danithrustathumbathim.“Ikindofowethisguy.”
QuinnglancedathimasDanitookholdofherhandandgaveitashake.Heremainedunmoving,his

gazeontheyounggirl.Andsheisyoung,heremindedhimself.Shewasevenyoungerwhenshebetrayed
Cassie.

HekepthiseyesonQuinn’shandasDaniwrappedbothofhersaroundit.“It’snicetomeetyou,”

Danisaid.

“Youalso,”Quinnrepliedandglancedathimagain.Sherestedherhandonhischest,causinghis

musclestorelaxalittleassomeofhistensioneased.

“So,whydon’tyouguysfillmeinonwhat’sgoingon,”Danisaidassheweavedherwaythroughthe

sleepingbagstosettleonthecouch.Luthergrabbedachairfromthekitchenandbroughtitoutastheyall
gatheredaroundtofillherinonthedetails.

CHAPTER17

Danileanedagainstthehoodofthepickupshe’drentedfromtheairportwithherfakeIDandstared

outatthedesert.Quinnsatinthedriver’sseat,watchingasJulianandtheothersmovedaroundthetruck,
tossingthelastofthesuppliesintotheback.Therewasanever-endingsupplyofdeathwieldingpower
beneathClint’sgarage.Sheneverwouldhavesuspectedthatroomwasbeneaththebuilding,orthatClint
wasactuallyaGuardian.He’dshownnoindicationhe’dknownwhatshewasoverthelastthreeyears.

Butthen,howwellcouldanyoneeverreallyknowsomeoneelse?Thesurfaceofapersonpainted

onepicture,butbeneathitwerethousandsofhiddensecrets.Quinn’sgazedriftedbacktoDani.Ithad
beenthesamewithher,buttheothersseemedtohaveforgivenherandmovedon.Julianhadonlyforgiven
hergrudgingly,buthewastrying.

Quinndidn’tknowiftheycouldtrusther,butshe’dcometoliketheyounggirloverthepastcoupleof

days.Shewasherownperson,confidentandoutgoingwithaneasysmilethatwastoughtoresist.Quinn
wouldn’tmindpunchingherforwhatshe’ddonetoJulian,butshelikedDanifarmorethanshe’d
believedshewouldwhenJulianhadtoldhershewascoming.

Julianwalkedoverbesideher.Heleanedhisarmagainstthedriver’ssidemirrorasChristossed

twoshovelsontothepileinthebackandpulledthecanvascoversovertheload.Quinndidn’twantto
thinkaboutthefacttheshovelshadbeenaddedincasegravesneededtobedug.Shewasholdingontothe
hopetheywouldbesavinglivestonight.

“That’sit,”Juliansaid.
Quinnturnedthetruckon.Hedidn’tmoveawayfromthevehicle.“We’llbefine,”sheassuredhim

andpattedhishand.

“Idon’tlikethis.”
“Iknow,butlookattheweaponswehave.Besides,betweenDaniandme,wecanfryanyonewho

triessomethingfunny.Plus,allofyouwillberightbehindus.Ifsomethingisgoingtogodownatthe
bonfiretonight,itwillbebetterifwehavetheelementofsurpriseonourside.”

“Istilldon’tlikeit,”hegratedthroughhisteeth.
ShesqueezedhishandasDaniopenedthepassengersidedoorandjumpedin.“Wecan’tkeepletting

himcomeatus;wehavetotakethefighttohim.”She’dseenwhathe’dpaintedonthewallofClint’sbar.
Thememoryofitcausedhertotremble,butthankfully,Clinthadhosedthebloodawaythatnight.“He’s
onlygoingtodestroymorelivesuntilhe’sstopped.”

Julian’sgazeslidtoDani.
“Besides,”Quinncontinued.“I’vegottheonlypersonweknowisn’tundermindcontrolwithme.I

shouldbemoreworriedaboutyou.”

“Don’tworryaboutme,keepyourselfsafe.”
“Iloveyou.”
Hishandwrappedaroundthebackofherheadandhepulledherclose.Hislipspressedagainsther

earasheheldher.“Iloveyoutoo,”hemurmuredbeforegivingherakissthathadherblinkingdazedly
afterhe’dsteppedawayfromher.Thearrogantgrinheshothercausedhertoscowlathimbeforeshe
shiftedintodriveandhitthegas.

Thevehiclelurchedforward,kickingupsandasthewheelsspun.Danigrabbedholdofthehandle

overherheadandpressedherfeetintothefloorboardasthebackwheelscontinuedtospin.Finally,the
truckfoundtractionandlurchedforward.QuinnlaughedloudlywhenDanipressedherbackflatagainst
theseat.

“Holdon!”Quinnyelledoverthewhippingwindasthetruckspedacrossthepackedsandofthe

deserttrail.

“GoodthingIrentedthiswithmyfakeID,”Danimutteredasthevehiclewentairborneoveradune

andlandedwithaloudgroanofspringsandstruts.

Quinnlaughedagainandhitthegasharder.

***

“IsthatthewayshedrivesmyJeep?”Clintaskedashepoppedapieceofgumintohismouth.
“Ohno,shetreatsitlikeit’sadelicateflower,”Julianrepliedwithastraightface,earninghima

sizzlingglarefromClint.

“ThelookonDani’sface!”Chrislaughedashehuggedhisbelly.“Oh,Idon’tenvyher.Thatvampire

isonenutsodriver!”

Julianwatchedasthetruckflewintotheairoveradunebeforecrashingbacktotheground.Shaking

hishead,heturnedawayandtossedthelastofthebagsintothebackofClint’sJeep.Heclimbedintothe
driver’sseatandstartedtheengineasClintwalkedovertojoinHawtieinherblackBronco.

HawtiehadaskedsomeofheremployeestohelpatClint’stonightwhileherstripclubwasstill

closed,sayingbothClintandQuinnhadfallenill.ItwouldmakemanyofthepatronsatClint’shappy,
Julianwassure,anditallowedQuinnandClinttogotothebonfirewiththem.Juliandidn’tknowifhe
wouldhavepreferredherworkingtonight.Ifshewereatthebar,shewouldbeawayfromthebonfireand
anypotentialdanger.Thenagain,hewouldhavespenttheentirenightthinkingofherwhilehewasstaking
outthebonfirewithouther.

Atleastnow,hewouldbeabletokeepaneyeonherasshemingledwiththeothersattheparty.The

planwasforQuinnandDanitoattendthepartyatthefire,whiletherestofthemkeptwatch.

JulianshiftedintofirstasLutherclimbedinbesidehim;ChrisandMelissahoppedintotheback.Lou

climbedintothebackseatofHawtie’sBronco.“Braceyourselves,”Juliansaidandpoppedtheclutch.He
couldpracticallyhearClintcursinghimashehitthegasandtheJeeplaunchedforward.

MelissaandChrisgrabbedtherollbartokeepfrombouncingoutofthevehicle;Lutherremained

composedbesidehimastheytookoffdownthetrailQuinntraversed.He’drelentedtoherbeingbait,but
herefusedtoletherbeouthereonherownforanylengthoftime.Hedroveforacoupleofmiles,
keepingthedimglowofQuinn’staillightsinview.

Inthedistance,hesawthegrowingflamesofabonfireabovethesandydunes.Thesunhadonlyset

anhourago,butthepartyhadalreadystarted.“QuinnandClintsaidtheydidn’tgetstarteduntilaround
nine,”Luthersaid.

“Musthavebeenachangeofplans,”Julianmurmured,notatalllikingthefacttheywouldbearriving

late.Heglancedatthenighttimesky;therehadbeenplentyoftimeforothervampirestomakeittothefire
bynow.Quinncouldbewalkingintoatrap.

Hishandtightenedonthewheel.Stickwiththeplan.She’snotthatfarahead,hetoldhimself.

Pullingtothesideoftheroad,hejerkeduptheemergencybrakeandjumpedout.“Becareful,”Luther
saidandslidovertotakehisplace.

“Youtoo,”hereplied.
Thesandslippedbeneathhisfeetashesprintedacrossthedesert,takingadirectlinetowardthefire.

***

Quinnslowedasshenearedthefire,herheadlightsbouncingovertheskyandtrailwhenthetruck

dippedintoahollow.TheyhadnoideaifthiswasthefirefromMelissa’svisionornot,butshestill
approachedcautiously.“Theystartedearly,”shemurmured.“Wemaybetoolate.”

“Allothervampswouldhavehadtowaitforthesuntosettoo.Thatwasonlyanhourago,”Dani

replied,butQuinnstillheardthenoteofconcerninhervoice.

“Ihopeyou’reright,”shemurmured.
“Metoo.”

Thetruckroseoverthetopofthedip.Beforethefirecameintosight,thesmellofbloodassaulted

hersenses.Hernosewrinkledagainstthecopperyodorasherfangsprickedwithhunger.

“We’retoolate,”shesaid.
“Howdoyouknow?”Daniasked.
“Icansmellbloodalready.”
Danipaledvisibly,butshethrusthershouldersbackandpulledherstakefromtheholsteratherside.

Quinnhadhernormalarsenalstrappedtoher,butitdidn’tgiveherthesamereassuranceitnormallydid.
“Youshouldstayhere,”shesaidtoDani.“There’snoreasonforustobothseethisifwedon’thaveto.”

“ItoldJulianI’dsticktoyoulikewhiteonrice,andI’mgoingtokeepthatpromise.Besides,letting

yougoouttherealonemaybethethinghefinallykillsmeover.”

“Hewon’tkillyou,”Quinnreplied.Danishotheralookthatsaidshedidn’tagree.
Quinnfocusedonthetrailbeforethemastheydroveclosertotheflamesdancinghighintheair.The

truckbrokeoverthetopofthelastdune.Theheadlightsflaredoverthefirebeforethem.Shemanagedto
keephermouthfromfallingopenatthespectaclethatgreetedher,butherstomachturnedandtearsburned
hereyes.

“Oh.”Dani’shandflewtohermouth.“Horrible.”
Horribledidn’tbegantodescribethetwistedscenebeforethem.Quinn’seyesshoteverywhereat

onceasshetriedtotakeitallin,buttherewasnowaytotakeallofthisin.

Aboutfifteenvehicleswereparkedaroundthefire;allofthemhadtheirgrillsfacingtheflames.

Kegsofbeerhadbeendraggedoutandsetupbeforethevehicles.Coolerswereneatlyarranged,along
withbeachchairsandavolleyballnet.Laughtershouldhavebeenfillingtheair;thereshouldbepeople
dancingtothemusicshecouldhearcomingfromoneoftheparkedtrucks.

Instead,bloodsplatteredthesand,turningitfromanorangeyhuetoamacabrepaintingofreddeath.

Amongsttheblood,bodiesweresprawledacrossthesand.Somepeopleremainedsittinginthebeach
chairs;onewasslumpedoverthekegwithhiscupstillclenchedinhishand.

Thevolleyballlyingnexttothekeghadturnedpinkfromthebloodcoveringit;whitespotspokedout

frombeneaththelayerofblood.Someone’shandwastangledwithinthewebofthevolleyballnet.
Quinn’shandwenttohermouthwhensherealizedtherewasnobodybeneaththehand.

“Whywouldtheymutilatethemlikethis?”Daniwhispered.
Quinnhadnoanswerforher.Thishadn’tbeenafeedingbutabloodbath,amessageperhaps,but

whatwasthemessage,I’moutofmymind?Becausethatwasallshecouldthinkaboutherstalkerasshe
staredatthemassacrebeforeher.Thiswassomethingbeyondanythingshecouldcomprehend.Vampires
couldbebrutal,thissickfreakwasnoexception,butthesavageryheremadeherskinfeellikeice.

“Theycouldstillbehere,sobecareful,”shesaidasshepulledastakefromtheholsteratherside.
Shegrabbedthedoorhandleandpusheditopen.Slidingfromthetruck,shekeptherhandonthedoor

asshecontinuedtosurveythecarnage.DaniopenedherdoorandclimbedouttojoinherasQuinnwalked
closertothefire.

Quinnmovedcautiouslythroughthebodies,listeningforaheartbeat,thoughdeepinside,sheknew

theywerealldead.Ifthebodieshadn’thadtheirthroatsslashed,they’dbeentornoutandspitonthe
ground.Shecouldalmostheartheechoesofthedyingpeople’sscreamsontheair,feeltheirpainand
terrorresonatingfromtheirbrokenbodies.

“Weshouldhavecomehereearlier,”shemurmured,tryingnottoshedthetearsburninghereyes.“We

didn’tneedtheextrasupplies.”

“Wecouldn’thaveknowntheywouldstartsoearly,”Danisaid.
Quinnliftedherheadtolookather.Shewasaboutfiveshadespalerthannormalasshestaredat

Quinnfromacrossthebodyofayoungman.“Couldn’twehave?Melissahadavision.”

“Butwedidn’tknowwhereorwhen,notevenMelissaknew.Wedothebestwecanwithwhatwe

have.Wewillstophimsohecan’tkeepdoingthis.”

“IsaidthesamethingafterheslaughteredtheKemps,yetlook.”Shewavedherhandoverthebodies

sprawledaroundthem.“There’satleasttwentymoredeadhere,andIcan’thelpbutfeelit’smyfault.
He’sherebecauseofme.MaybeIshouldhavelefttown.”

“Thisisonetwistedindividual.Ifyou’dleft,heprobablywouldhaveslaughteredtheentiretown

beforefollowingafteryou.”

Quinnglancedaway.SheknewDaniwasmostlikelyright,butshecouldn’tshakehersenseofguilt.

Shescannedthenightandkeptherearsattunedtoanysoundotherthanthecracklingfireasshewalked.

Makingherwayaroundtheflames,shestaredatfacessherecognizedandthoseshedidn’t.Those

twoboyshadgonetocollegeinYuma.Thatwomanhadworkedinthehardwarestore.Thatmanhad
alwaysleftgoodtips,andthatonehadnevertipped.Shedrankwine.Hedrankgin.Shedrankbeer.

AbouthalfthepeopleherehadwanderedintoClint’satsomepoint,orshe’drunintothemintown.If

she’dbeenabletogooutintheday,shewascertainshewouldknoweveryoneintown,buther
knowledgedidn’tgofarbeyondthebarandhersmallapartmentbuilding.Nowshewishedshe’dgottena
chancetoknowthemall.Toputanamewiththefacesscreaminginendlesshorrorandtheeyesstaringat
theskyorather.

Sheshudderedasshemetthecloudy-blueeyesofayoungwomanwhohadherheadturnedtoward

her.Fromthetruck,“SimpleMan”begantoplay.Thechillthatcausedgoosebumpstobreakoutonher
fleshhadnothingtodowiththebreezeblowingacrossthedunesandeverythingtodowiththoseunseeing
eyes.

Sherubbedatherarmsassheturnedawayfromthewomanandsteppedoverthearmofanother

youngwoman.Thefirecontinuedtoburnbesideher,buttheheatofitdidnothingtowarmherasshe
steppedoverthebodyofayoungmanwhohadonceaskedherforadate.Quinnfroze,asingletear
slippedfreeasshegazedatthenextfacebeforeher.

“Oh,Dusty,”shewhispered.Herneighborhadneverhurtafly;he’dbeenoneofthemosteasygoing

menshe’deverencountered.Hehadn’tdeservedthis;noneofthepeopleherehad.Kneelingbesidehim,
Quinn’shandtrembledwhenshewenttoclosehiseyelids.Shejerkedherhandbackfromthefeelofhis
lifelessbodybeneathherfingersandhastilyretreated.

Movementtoherrightdrewherattentioninthatdirection.Hopeshotthroughher,asmallcryescaped

assheracedacrossthesandtotheyoungwomanshesworeshe’dseenmove.Quinnfellbesidethe
woman.Grabbingholdofherchin,sheturnedthewoman’sheadinherdirection.Theveininherneckhad
beentornout.Theimprintofavampire’sfangswereclearlyvisibleagainsthertannedskin.Bloodcoated
herneckandpooledbeneathherinthesand,butherhandtwitchedontheground.

“Dani!”sheshoutedasanewsetofheadlightsspilledoverthem.Glancingtotheside,shespotted

Clint’sJeepandHawtie’sBroncopullingupbesidethetruck.“She’salive!”

Danifellbesideher.“How?”sheasked.
“Idon’tknow,”Quinnreplied.Sheranherhandsoverthegirlwhenherfingerstwitchedonthe

groundagain.Liftingherhead,Quinnshadowedhereyesagainsttheheadlightsasdoorsopenedand
closed.

“MyGod,”Hawtiebreathed.
“ThishasnothingtodowithGod,”Clintreplied.
Thegirl’sbodyjerked;herheadturnedtothesideasshefinallyblinked.Quinnstretchedherhandout

torestitagainsthercheek.Beforeshecouldtouchthegirlagain,armswrappedaroundherwaist.They
liftedherupastheypulledheraway.Astartledcryescapedher,andsheinstinctivelyfoughtagainstthe
powerfulholdasshekickedherselfforlettingherguarddown.

Turning,shealmostsmashedherfistintoJulian’scheek.Shemanagedtoholdbackherpunchatthe

lastsecond.“Whatareyoudoing?”shedemandedasshesquirmedinhishold,butherefusedtolether

go.

“Getawayfromher,Dani,”hecommandedbrusquely.
“But…”Danistartedtoprotest.
“Getawayfromher;she’sturning.”
Quinngawkedattheyoungwomanasherbodytwitchedonthegroundagainbeforegoingstillonce

more.Memoriesofherownturning,theexcruciatingagony,thehideouspanicandhelplessnessthathad
accompaniedthechangefromhumantovampirefilledher.Shesobadlywantedtohelpthewoman,but
thedamagehadalreadybeendone.

Toherleft,shespottedsomeoneelse’shandjerkingonthegroundandthenanother.Julian’slips

skimmedbacktorevealhisrazor-sharpfangs.Hergazeslidaroundthecircleasmoreofthebodies
startedtomove.

“Getthesupplies.Wehavetodestroythembeforetheyturn,”hesaid.
HecarriedherbrisklytowardthevehicleswithDanicloseonhisheels.Theothersweregathered

beforetheheadlights,theirfacesashen,andtheireyeswideindisbelief.“Wait,whatiftheystillretain
somesenseofrationalityafterturning?”Quinnprotested.“Wecan’tkillthemwhenwedon’tknowifthey
couldbegood.”

“Theywon’tbe.”Julianplacedheronthegroundandracedovertothetruck.Hethrewbackthe

canvasbeforeyankingsuppliesfromtheback.Pullingouttwocrossbows,hetossedonetoChrisandthe
othertoMelissa.

“Youcan’tknowthat!”sheprotested.
Heglancedatherbeforetugginganothercrossbowfreeandrisingtohisfeet.Hepressedtheweapon

againstherchest.Hiseyesburnedintohersashespoke,“Avampirecankeepcontrolofthemindofthe
onestheychange.Theycanwarpthemandbendthemtotheirwill.Witheverythingyouknowaboutthis
vamp,doyouthinkhewouldrelinquishthatkindofpoweroverhisoffspring?”

“Oh,”shebreathed,hermindspinningathiswords.Thatwasafateworsethandeath;onethatcould

havebeenhersifthevampwhohadattackedherhadn’tbelievedshewasdeadaftertheirfirstencounter.
“No,hewouldn’t,buthecouldn’thavekilledallofthesepeopleonhisown.”

“Hecouldhavegiventhemallhisbloodtoturnthemthough.Wecan’trisklettingevenoneofthem

rise,iftheyaregoingtodohisbidding.”

“Dusty,”shewhispered.
Julian’seyessoftened,buthisfaceremainedinflexibleinitsresolve.“StoppedbeingDustythe

secondhedied.Don’tlethimbesentencedtoamindlessexistencenow.”

Sheclosedhereyesbeforegivingabriefnod.“You’reright.”
“Ifreakinghatethisguy,”Chrismutteredasheloadedhiscrossbow.
“GetintheBronco,”ClintorderedHawtieandshooedherbackwithhishands.
“Let’sgetthisoverwith,”Juliansaidcrisply.
Amuscleinhischeektwitched,buthestrodeforward.Shedidn’tmissthathemadehiswaydirectly

toDustyashisfeetkickedontheground.Quinnturnedaway.

Peoplebegantowritheandmoanmoreloudlyontheground.Duringherchange,she’dfeltlikeevery

boneinherbodywasbreaking,asifhermusclesweretryingtochokethelifefromherandwere
constrictinguntiltheywouldsnap.She’dbeggedfordeath,butherbodywouldn’tletherdie.

Someonescreamed;anothershookherheadbackandforthsoforcefullythatspittleflewfromher

lips.Takingaim,Quinnfiredanarrowstraightthroughthewoman’sheart,puttingheroutofhermisery.
Sheshutherminddown,refusingtoacknowledgethefacesofthosesherecognizedasshemadeherway
forward.

Alreadydead,shetoldherself.
Shespuntoputanarrowintoayoungmanwhensomethinglurchedatherfromtheside.Quinnswung

thepalmofherhandup,drivingitupandintothenoseofthemanlungingather.Bloodsprayedoverher,
butstarvinganddisorientedfromthechange,herblowdidn’tslowthenewvampire.Hishandswrapped
aroundherarmsashepropelledherbackwardtowardthefire.

CHAPTER18

Quinnswungthecrossbowup,cavingtheman’scheekbonewiththeforceofherblow.Hisfangs

continuedtosnapather,slicingintohislowerlipandshreddinghisflesh.Spittleandbloodsprayedover
herfaceashisfingersdugintoherfleshandhetoreatherarms.

“Quinn!”Julianyelled.
Shefelttheheatoftheflamesatherback,andthefireburnedagainstherneck.Themantriedtodraw

hercloserashismomentumcontinuedtopushhertowardtheflames.Ashouttorefromher.Eversince
Zach,she’dkeptherpowerrestrained,unwillingtoriskusingitagainforanything.

Now,itburstfromher,latchingontothemansofastshedidn’thavetimetoprocessitbeforeshewas

drawinghislifeforceintoheringreedygulps.Electric-bluesparksoflightcrackledfromherfingertips,
illuminatingthedeathcreepingovertheman.Hischeekshollowedoutashisskinbecamesallowand
shrunken.

Shetriedtopullawayfromhim,butherpowerwouldn’tbesateduntilithadfeastedanddrainedhim

entirely.Quinnstartedtoshakeandhermusclesquivered,butsomehowshemanagedtogetherhand
aroundherstakeandjerkitfromitsholster.Thepowerflowingintoherandtheenjoymentshetookin
draininghimwassotempting,shehesitatedwiththestakepointedathisheart.

“No!”shescreamedatherself.Sheforcedherselftolungeforward.Sheslammedherstakeintothe

man’schestandtwisteditintohisheart.

Withtheconnectionbetweenthemabruptlybroken,herpowershotintohersoviolentlythatshetook

astepbackasshegaspedforair.Hislifeforcekickedaroundherinsidesasitsoughtsomesortof
release,buttherewasnoonetopouritintorightnow,andherbodygreedilyabsorbeditsstrength.

Fromthecornerofhereye,anothernewlyturnedvampirelaunchedather.Herhandshotouttowrap

aroundthewoman’sbrutalizedthroat.Quinnmetthevamp’sreddenedeyesassheliftedhereasilyoffthe
ground.Thewoman’sfeetkickedintheair,andherhandstoreatQuinn’s.Sheswungthestakeout,
drivingitintothevamp’sheartbeforedroppinghertotheground.

Turning,shespottedJulianbyherside.Together,theycarvedtheirwaymethodicallythroughtherest

ofthevampiresuntiltheystoodnearthevolleyballnet,surveyingthebloodbathsurroundingthem.The
othersmovedclosertothem.Chrishadagashonthesideofhishead,Melissawasholdingherarm,andit
lookedlikeLouhadabrokenfinger,buttherewerenomajorinjuries.

TearsburnedQuinn’seyesagainasshewipedbloodoffhercheeksandflungitontotheredsand.

Sherefusedtoshedthem.Thesepeopledeservedtears,andsomuchmore,butshewouldn’tgiveher
stalkerthesatisfactionofseeinghercryifhewasanywherenearby.

“Hedidn’texpectustocomeheretonight,”Juliansaid.“Theseweresupposedtobenewrecruitsfor

hisgrowingarmy.”

“Whatdowedowiththebodies?”Hawtie’slowerliptrembledasshespoke.“Mostofthesepeople

havefamiliesintown.”

“Wetakethemsomewhereuntilthesuncancomeupandgetridofthemforus,”Julianreplied.
“Iftheydidn’tcompletethechange,willtheyburnup?”Daniasked.
Julianrubbedatthestubblelininghisjaw.“Idon’tknow,”headmitted.
“Peoplewithheartbeatswillhavetostayoutheretomakesure,”Luthersaid.Bloodsplatteredhis

face.HetookthetowelMelissahandedhimandremovedhisglassestowipethemclean.“Andifthey
don’tburn,we’llburythem.”

“Whatabouttheirfamilies?”Hawtiedemanded.
Clintrestedhishandonherarm.“There’snothingwecandoaboutthat.”
“Can’tweleavethemhere?Atleastthentheirfamilieswillhavethem,andthey’llhavesomesortof

closureabouttheirdeaths.”

“Notwiththeclearevidenceofavampireattackonthem,”Luthersaid.“Andevenifwedid

somethingtocoverthemarksup,theycouldburstintoflamestheminutethesunhitsthem.Idon’tthink
thatwillgoovertoowellwiththehumansifthey’reheretoseeit.”

“No,itwon’t,”Julianreplied.
Hawtielookedaroundthecircleatallofthem.Quinnfoundshecouldn’tmeetherheartbrokengaze.

“They’llneverknowwhathappenedtotheirlovedones,”Hawtiemurmured.

“Thebloodwillstillbehere.Theymayneverknowwheretheirbodiesare,butthey’llknowthey

werekilled,”Luthersaidquietly.“Itmaysoundawful,butthat’smoreinformationthansomepeoplehave
abouttheirlostlovedones.”

Hawtieshookherheadandpulledahandkerchieffromherpocket.
“Wehavetogatherthebodiesnow,”Juliansaid.“Therecouldstillbeotherscomingtotheparty.”
Quinn’seyesshottowardthetrail.Shescannedthenightforanyhintofanothervehicleapproaching

thefire.Theywouldbescrewedifsomeonehappenedtostumbleacrossthemnow.

“Let’sgettowork,”Clintsaid.
Quinnkeptherheadbowedasshehelpedtogatherthebodiesandbodyparts.Theyhadtousea

coupleofthetrucksgatheredaroundthefireinordertocarrythemall,buttheywereabletoget
everythingcleanedupfarfasterthanshe’dexpected.

Theymovedthebodiesamileawayanddroppedthemoffbeforereturningthetwoborrowedtrucks

tothefire.Quinnrefusedtoacknowledgethepicturesonthesunvisoraboveherhead,ortheVirginMary
dollgluedtothedashboardasshedrovetheborrowedtruck.ItsmelledofbeerandOldSpice,a
combinationmorepleasingthanshewouldhaveexpected.

Julianstoppedtheotherborrowedtruckdirectlybeforeherinthesand.Shecouldseehimsearching

thefiretomakesurenoonenewhadarrivedwhilethey’dbeengone.Heeasedhisfootoffthebrakeand
approachedthefire.Quinnslidthetruckbackintoitsspotandclamberedoutasfastasshecould.

Walkingover,Julianwrappedhisarmsaroundherwaistandpulledhercloseagainsthim.Quinn

savoredhisscentasshepressedcloser,buryingherfaceinhisneck.“We’realmostdone,”hewhispered
andkissedhertemple.

Shereluctantlysteppedawayfromhimandwatchedashewalkedovertoripthelidsofftwo

coolers.“Yourfingerprintsmaynotbeonfile,butiftheydecidetofingerprintyouatsomepoint,they’ll
matchwiththeonesonthosecoolers,”shepointedout.

“Noone’sgoingtocatchme,otherthanyou,Dewdrop.”Still,hepickedupthecoolersandheaved

themintothefire.“Weshouldburnanythinganyofuscouldhavetouched.”

Together,theymovedaboutthefire,tossinganythingthatmightcontainsomekindofevidenceintothe

flames.Quinnwipeddowntheinsideofbothtrucks.Whenshewasdone,sheacceptedthecoolerlid
Julianhandedher.Together,theyworkedtoerasethetiretracksleadingawayfromthefireandtowardthe
makeshiftburialplacethey’dpicked.Whendrivingouttotheburialspot,they’dmadesuretokeepall
threetrucksonthesamepath.Thetracksdeviatedinsomeareas,butforthemostpart,theyonlyhadthe
onesettocover.

Whentheyreachedwherethey’dleftthebodiesandtheothers,theydiscoveredChrisandLou

alreadydiggingagravewiththetwostolenshovels.Theytookturnsdigginguntilthegravewasbig
enoughtoholdallofthebodiesincasetheydidn’tburnup.

Clint,Hawtie,Lou,andLuthertookupapositionontherockstoseewhatwouldhappenwhenthe

suncameup.

***

“Allofthemburnedup,”Luthersaidwhenheenteredtheapartmenthourslater.
Julianstretchedhislegsoutbeforehimasheleanedbackinthericketychair.Thesubtlesnoresofthe

othersinthelivingroomdriftedtohim.Quinnhadpassedoutalmostassoonasthey’dgottenhome.He’d
waitedtospeakwithLutherbeforegoingtosleep.

“Whathe’sdoingnowisreckless.Herisksexposureforallofus,andheriskscreatingabunchof

monsterswhowillslaughterwithouthesitation.Thisvampireisinsane.”

Julianfoldedhishandsandrestedthemonhisstomach.“Iknow.”
“Nomatterwhatittakes,hehastobestopped.”
Liftinghiseyes,hestaredatLutherashepulledoutachairandsettledacrossfromhim.Hemaybe

human,butinhisownway,Lutherwasasruthlessasanyvampire.“YouwanttouseQuinnasbait,”Julian
stated.

“Ithinkwehaveto.”
Julianhadbeenthinkingthesamething;hejustcouldn’tadmitittohimself,oranyoneelse.“And

whatifsomethinggoeswrong?”heinquired.“Whatifshe’staken,andIcan’tgetherback,orshegets
killed?Whowillbetheonetodestroyme?”

“YouknowIwillifImust,butwe’llmakesurethatdoesn’thappen.”
Julian’sfingersdrummedonthetable.“Whatthismanhasdonetoher…”Hisvoicetrailedoff,and

hisfangstingledashecontemplatedwhathewoulddotoherkillerwhenhegotthechance.

“Whathewilldotocountlessothers.Ifthosepeoplehadturnedtonightandcomeintotown,itwould

havebeendevastating.Thatmayhavebeenexactlywhathehadplannedforthemtoo.”

“Iknow,buttheideaofusingher—”
“Iwanttodoit.”Quinnhadmovedsoquietlyhehadn’theardherapproach.Shestoodinthe

doorway,sofragilelookinginheroversizedt-shirtwiththesleevehangingoffherslendershoulder.
“Thishastostop.I’velivedinfearofthisman,I’vehuntedhim,I’veplannedtodestroyhimforsixyears
now,andithastoend.Ineedtobeoutintheopenforhim,bymyself.”

“No,”Juliansaidtersely.“Notbyyourself.”
“Iwon’triskanyoneelse’slife.Notforthis.I’llturnthetrackingapponmyphoneon—”
“Andifhetakesyousomewherewithnoreception?”Juliandemanded.“Thedesertisn’texactlycell

servicecentral.”

Shethrusthershouldersbackasshegazedathim.“Youwillbeabletofindme.Ihavecompletefaith

inthat.”

“Quinn—”
“Weeitherdothistogether,orIdoitalone.I’vemademychoice,Julian,getonboardwithit.”
Hisfangslengthenedashispalmslammedagainstthetable.Lutherleanedslowlyawayfromhim.

“Getonboardwithit?”hebitout.

“Yes.Iwillgointothedesertandallowhimtocatchme.IfIdon’tkillhim,thenyoucancomeand

findme.ButIhaveeveryintentionofkillinghimbeforethatbecomesnecessary.”

Juliankepthishandpressedagainstthetable;hewashalf-afraidhe’dthrottleherifhemovedit.“Do

younow?”hemurmured.“Andwhatifhekillsyoubeforeanyofthatcanbegintohappen?”

“Hewon’t,”Quinnsaid.
“You’resosure?”
“I’mhisprize.Hewon’tkillme.”
“Whatifherapesyou?”
Shewavedherfingersathim.“He’llgettoknowthetruemeaningofshrinkageifhetries.”
Despitehisexasperationwithher,hecouldn’thelpbutsmileatthat.Hehadnodoubtshe’dtryto

makeitso,butthereweresomanythingsthatcouldgowrong,andshewashislightinaworldofdeath.If
helostherbecauseofthis,orifsomethinghappenedtoher,he’dneverforgivehimself.

Theideaofthatman’shandsonhermadehisfingersdigintothetable.“Don’truinmyfurniture,”she

scolded.

Hebitbackacommentabouthowhecouldn’tdoanymoredamagetoit.Shetendedtogetalittletesty

whenhecommentedonherawfulassortmentofhand-me-downssheconsideredfurniture.

“Icandothis,”shesaid.
“Iknowyoucan,butIcan’tstandtheideaofpurposelyputtingyouinharm’sway.”
“We’reallinharm’swaywhilehe’sstillwalkingaround.Noneofuscansleepcomfortablyknowing

oneofuscouldbetheenemyindisguise.Ifhedies,thenallofthatends.Wemaygetalittlepeacefora
change,”shesaidwithawansmile.

Herosetohisfeetandclosedtheshortdistancebetweenthem.Wrappingherinhisarms,hepulled

heragainsthischestandcradledherthere.Overhershoulder,hesawthattheothershadwokenandwere
watchingthemexpectantly.Closinghiseyes,hebowedhisheadandpressedhislipsagainstherneck.

“I’dfindyouanywhere,”hemurmured.
Sherestedherhandsonhischestandtiltedherheadbacktolookathim.“Iknowyouwould.”
Brushingthehairbackfromherface,hememorizedeveryoneofherproudfeaturesashisfingers

trailedoverherskin.“Okay,we’lldoit,”herelented.

CHAPTER19

Quinnstaredattheshiftingsandofthedesertasshetossedthetrashbagintothedumpsterbehindthe

bar.Shedidn’tsenseanyoneouttherewatchingher,butsomehowsheknewhewas.Nowthatshe’d
finallypersuadedJuliantouseherasbait,theyhadtofigureoutawaytolureherstalkeroutintothe
open.Shedidn’tthinkthevampwouldbuyherwanderingaroundaloneinthedesertallhelpless.

Shedidn’tdohelplesswell,andJulianhadbeensteadfastlybyhersidethisentiretime.Noone

wouldbelievehe’dlefthertoherowndevices.Thebreezeblewherhairbackfromherface,thestrands
ofitticklinghercheeks.

Shecouldwalkoutintothedesertrightnow.Glancingbehindher,shestaredattheopenkitchendoor

beforeshakingherheadandturningaway.Ifshetookoffnow,Julianwouldhaveherhead.He’dagreedto
letherbethebait,butitwassupposedtobeundercontrolledcircumstances,oratleastascontrolledas
theycouldbe.

Sheclimbedthebackstepsandreturnedtothekitchen.Wipingthesweatfromherbrow,shenodded

tothetwocooksandwashedherhandsatthesinkbeforeenteringthecrowdedbar.Julianstoodattheend
ofthebar,hiselbowleaningcasuallyagainstit,butshesensedthetensioninhisrigidmuscles.

Pausingbesidehim,sheroseonhertoestogivehimakissonthecheek.“Don’tworrysomuch.”
“Ithinkthat’simpossiblenottodorightnow.”
Quinntiedherapronaroundherwaistbeforepattinghischeek.“I’llbefine.”
Beforehecouldrespond,shewalkeddownthebackofthebartotaketheordersofthecustomers

there.Thehourspassedinabluroforders,drinks,andgossipaboutthepeoplewhohadneverreturned
fromthebonfirelastnight.Talkofwhatthepoliceweredoing,atwhatwasnowacrimescene,ran
rampantamongstthepatrons.

Somewhisperedthatthemissingpeoplehadbeentakingpartinsomesortofsatanicritualthathad

gonewrong.Othersbelievedapackofrabidcoyoteshadtakenthemall,buttheoneswhobelievedthat
didn’thaveanexplanationforhowsomanyoftheirthingshadendedupinthefire.Still,othersthought
thepartyhadbeenattackedbyagangasaninitiationrequirement.Veryfewassumedanyofthemwere
stillalive.

Missingflierswerealreadygoingupallovertown;afewofthemdecoratedClint’sfrontwindow.

Thesmilingpeopleinthosephotosonlyservedtoreinforceherdeterminationtostopthisvampnomatter
whatittook.

Abouthalfwaythroughthenight,Jeb,Ross,andErniecameinagainwithafewotherranchhands.

“WhatcanIgetyou?”Quinnaskedthem.

“Beerplease,”Jebrepliedbeforetheothersmadetheirrequests.
Quinnfilledtheirordersandplacedthemonthebar.“Ithoughtyouweren’tgoingbacktotheranch?”
“Juststoppedbytocheckonsomethingstoday,”Jebreplied.
“Youstillhavingtroubleoutthere?”
Jebshookhisheadandtookaswallowofhisbeer.“Checkedthevideobutnothingnewhasbeen

recordedinafewdays.Whateveritwasseemstohavemovedon.”

“Probablycoyotes,”Erniesaid.
“Onspeed,”Rossmuttered.
“Idon’tknowwhatitwas,butI’mgladthey’vemovedon,”Jebsaidandpushedatenacrossthebar

towardQuinn.“Canwegetsomequartersforpool?”

Quinngrabbedthemoneyandwenttomakechangeforthem.“Thanks,”Jebsaidwhenshereturned

andhandedhimhisquarters.Shewatchedastheywalkedawaybeforereturningtowork.

Whenthebarfinallyclosed,shecouldn’thelpbutthinkthateventhoughshewastired,nowwasthe

perfecttimetotemptherstalker.“MaybeifyouleavewhileIcloseup,he’llcomearound,”shesuggested

toJulianwhenheremainedsittingatthebarafterthelastpersonhadleft.

Hisjawlocked,aredringencircledhispupil.“Idon’tthinkhe’llbuythat,”hemuttered.
“Wedon’tknowwhathe’llbuy,”shereplied.
Julianrosestifflyandwalkedovertograspherarms.“Turnyourtrackingappon,now.”
Shepulledherphonefromherpocketandturnedtheappon.Hestaredatherphonebeforebendingto

kissherforehead.ShewatchedashewalkedoutofthebarwithChris,Lou,Luther,andMelissa.She
lookedoveratDani,Hawtie,andClint,whowerecollectingthelastoftheglassesfromthepoolroom.It
wouldn’tlooksoobviouslyliketheyweretryingtotrapherstalkerifshehadsomeotherpeoplewithher.
Shehoped,anyway.

Shefinishedcleaningthebarandplacedtherestoftheglassesinthedishwasher.Hergaze

repeatedlywenttothewindow,buteverythingbeyondremainedhushed.Thenormalsoundsoftheticking
clockandthehumofthecoolershadheronedge.Everynoisemadeherfeelasifsheweregoingtojump
outofherskin,butastimewenton,nothinghappened.

“ItmaytakehimawhiletobelieveJulianisn’taround,”Danisaid.
“Maybe,”Quinnreplied,butshecouldn’ttearhergazeawayfromthewindow.

CHAPTER20

Forthenextthreenights,wheneverQuinnwouldclosethebar,hewouldgoouttothedesertand

pace.Theotherswouldremaininthetruck,watchinghimasheranthroughthesand,tryingtokeep
himselffromgoingbacktoQuinn.

HewouldwaitwithhissensesasattunedtoQuinnashecouldgetthem.Hecheckedthetrackingon

hisphonealmosteveryminutetomakesureshewasstillatthebar.Attheendofthenight,Quinnwould
callhimtolethimknowshehadreturnedhomewithoutincident.She’dbegunmakingcommentsabout
ditchingDani,Hawtie,andClinttoo,oratleastDani,buthe’dadamantlyrefused.

Onthefourthnight,hecouldn’ttaketheideaofreturningtothedesertandtheendlesspacing

anymore.“We’regoingtotheranch,”hesaidbrusquelytoLutherwhowassittingbehindthewheelofthe
truck.

“Whatranch?”Lutherasked.
“TheonewhereJebandhiscrewwerehavingtrouble.”
“Doyouknowwhereitis?”
“Clinttoldmeit’saboutfivemilesthatway,”hepointeddowntheroadpastHawtie’sandinthe

oppositedirectionoftheghosttownwhereheandQuinnhadkilledtheothervampires.“Hesaidit’s
calledTheRisingMoonRanch.We’llseethesignforit.”

“You’rewillingtogothatfarawayfromher?”
Julian’steethgroundtogether;heglancedthroughthewindowofClint’sBar.HecouldseeDani,

Clint,andQuinncleaningup.Hawtiesatattheendofthebardoingthebooksforherstripclub.Quinn
laughedatsomethingDanisaidandthrewherragather.Thesmileonherfacemadehisheartclench.

“Wehavetodosomething,”hegrated.
Luthershiftedthetruckintodrive.Juliangrabbedholdofthesideandlaunchedhimselfoverandinto

thetruckbed.HelandedsilentlybesideMelissaandChris.Restinghishandontheroof,hekepthimself
bracedasLutherpulledoutoftheparkinglotanddrovethroughthemainroadofthesmalltown.Hisgaze
remainedlatchedonQuinnthroughthewindowofthebaruntilshefadedfromview.

Thecoolwindblewagainsthisskinasheturnedtofaceforwardinthetruck.Heshiveredagainstthe

cold.Whenthiswasover,hewastakingQuinnsomewhereneartheequatorforarelaxingvacationof
endlessnightsanddayswithonlyeachother.

Henarrowedhiseyesagainstthestingingwindashewatchedthedarkribbonofroadunfolding

beforethem.Inlessthanamile,thebusinessesandhomescomprisingthemainstretchoftownfaded
away,andtheywereleftwithonlythemoon,stars,andheadlightstoguidethem.Theendlessriseandfall
ofthedunesspreadoutallaround.Thestarkbeautyofitwasn’tlostuponhim,buttheclawingsensation
toreturntoQuinnmadeitdifficultforhimtofocusonanythingotherthangettingtotheranch.

Afterafewmoreminutes,JulianspottedawoodensignonthesideoftheroadwithTheRising

MoonRanch,writtenonit.Kneeling,heknockedonthebackwindowandpointedtoit.“Stopattheedge
ofthedrive!”hecalledtoLuther.

Lutherpulledontothedirtdriveandparkedthetruck.
“IknowJebsaidtheyweren’thavinganymoretrouble,butIthinkitwouldbebetterifwegoonfoot

fromhere,”Juliansaidasheleaptoutofthebackofthetruck.“Don’tneedtoannounceourpresencewith
anengine,ifwedon’thaveto.”

Theothersclimbedoutofthetrucktojoinhim.“I’llgoahead.IfIseeanythingthreatening,I’llcome

backandletyouknow.I’llalsotakecareofthecamerasasIgo.Movethetruckdowntheroadandfinda
placetoparkitoutofsight.”

Beforetheycouldrespond,heturnedandlopeddownthedrive,pouringonthespeedasheraced

towardtheranch.He’dremainundetectedbythecamerashesawamongsttheJoshuatreesplantedbeside

thedrive,buttheotherswouldn’t.Movingbehindeachcamera,heleaptuporclimbedthetreesuntilhe
washighenoughtotearthecamerasfromthem.Hegroundeachonebeneathhisbootbeforeracingtothe
nextone.

Helistenedforthesmall,tingingnoiseeachcameramadeashemoved.Nohumanwouldhearthe

noise,butitalertedhimtoafewwell-hiddencamerashemighthavemissedifhehadn’tbeensearching
forit.

Towardtheendofthedrive,anothersignstretchedfromtwowoodenbeamsovertheroad.Thename

oftheranchwassprawledacrossthelargeboardinthemiddle.Julianslowedwhenthemassivemain
housecameintoview.Ithadbeenbuilttoresemblealogcabinthatcouldrivalsomeoftheskilodges
he’dseeninhislengthylife.

Cactusesandcolorfulrocksdecoratedthemainlandscapesurroundingthewraparoundporch.Lights

shoneinthelowerwindows,buthedidn’tdetectanyheartbeats,nordidhescentanylifeinsidethehome.

Totherightofthehousewasasmallerbuildingwithglasswindowsallaroundit.Ashenearedit,he

detectedthescentofsawdustfromrecentconstructionworkonthebuilding.Glancinginoneofthe
windows,hespottedarollingchairsetupbeforealargedeskwithTVmonitors.TheblackTVscreens
shoneinthelightoverhead.

HepulledhisphoneouttomakesureQuinnwasstillatthebarbeforeliftinghisheadtoscanfor

morecamerasinthefewtreesaroundhim.Movingrapidlyaroundtheproperty,hetoredowntherestof
thecamerasheheardandsawaroundtheperimeteroftheproperty.Hesmashedthemallbeforereturning
tothesecurityshack.

Circlingtowardthebackofthemainhouse,hesliddownasmallhillandstoppedtotakeinthebarns

andpasturestuckedbehindthehome.Acresofgreenlandsprawledoutasfarashecouldsee.Inthe
centerofalltherollingpastures,fences,andwoodensheltersfortheanimals,alakeshimmeredinthe
moonlight.Hedidn’tknowifthelakewasnaturalorifithadbeendugtocollectthescarcerainwaterand
morewaterwaspipedintotheranchfromsomewhereelse.

Hisgazescannedthehorizon.Hisnostrilsflaredashetriedtodetectanyodorbesidethatofthe

animalsandbloodontheair.Thestringentaromaofbleachmadehislipcurl.Thehumansmusthaveused
ittocleanupaftertheanimalswereslaughtered.

Hecontinuedaroundthemainhouse,hisgazerakingoverthehorizon,butnothingstirredinthenight.

Thereweren’tevenanydesertanimalscreepingintostealsomewater.Thevampireshavedecimatedthe
wildanimalsinthisareatoo,herealized.Hisbloodfeltcolderthanthenightairblowingaroundhim.

Howmanyofthemareoutthere?
Hishandtwitchedtowardhisphone;hefoughttheimpulsetocallDevonandtellhimtobringan

armyhere.Cassiecan’tbehere,heremindedhimself.He’ddieforQuinnwithoutthinkingtwiceaboutit,
butifCassieeverfellintothewronghands,itwouldbeevenmoredisastrousthanhavingQuinnfallinto
thehandsofsomeonewhoknewabouttheprophecy.

Overtheyears,he’dconsideredhimselfoneofthemostselfishbastardsontheplanet.Atonetime,

hewouldn’thavecaredaboutwhattheconsequenceswouldbeforothers,butnotanymore.Hecouldn’t
riskthelivesofeveryonehecaredaboutandmanyotherinnocentsbyinvolvingCassieinthis.Hishand
fellbacktohisside.Heclosedhiseyesagainsttheangerandfrustrationwarringwithinhim.

ThesmellofChrisandMelissaalertedhimtotheirpresencebeforeheheardtheirfootstepsonthe

hillbehindhim.

“Wow,”Chrisbreathed,hiseyesfixedonthelakeandrollinggreenpastures.“It’slikeanoasisback

here.”

“Beautiful,”Melissamurmuredbeforeturningtohim.“Doyousenseanything?”
Julianshookhishead,hisgazerakingthehorizonagain.“Isensenolifeouthere.”
“Thatjustmademyskincrawl,”Chrismuttered.“Whatdoesthatmean?”

“Ibelievethere’salotofvampires,”Julianmurmuredandranhishandthroughhishair.“Morethan

I’danticipated,andthey’refeasting.”

“Butifhe’schangingvampsandturningthemtohiswill,therewouldbemoredeathsreportedinthe

area,notonlytheKemps,”Melissasaid.

“TheKempswereamessagetoQuinn,toallofus,”Julianmuttered.“Thisisn’tamessage.Thisisa

mission.”

“ThevampsthatkilledAngiewereslaughteringillegalaliensinordertogoundetectedbylaw

enforcement.Couldhebedoingthesame,butturningtheminstead?”Chrisasked.

“Hecould,”Julianreplied,“butI’mnotsurehe’screatedthevampireswhoarehere.Ithinkhemay

havebroughttheminorperhapssomeoneelsehas,andthey’reallworkingtogethertotryandgetat
Quinn.Whenhegoestoturnvampsagain,he’llgoafterpeopleQuinnwillnoticemissing,liketheonesat
thebonfire.He’stryingtomakeapoint.”

“Thathe’sbatshitcrazy?”Chrisasked.
“Yes,andhecangetatpeopleclosetoher,nomatterwhatwedo.”
Turningawayfromthem,Julianwalkedtherestofthewayaroundthehouse.Ontheothersideofthe

buildingwerefivesmallerlogcabins.Behindthecabinswasanotherlargerbuilding.Fortheranch
hands,herealized.Thefull-timehelphadtheirownlittlehomesinthesesmallercabins,butwhenmore
helpwasrequired,thebiggerbuildingwasalsoutilized.

Hecautiouslyapproachedthesmallercabinstopeerintooneofthewindows.Shadowsdanced

acrossthewallsofthesmallkitchenandlivingroom,buttheorderlyhomelookeduntouched.Heclimbed
backdownthestairsandaroundtothelargerbuildingasLutherandLoudescendedthehilltowardthem.

“Thisplacegivescreepyawholenewmeaning,”Lousaidashejoinedthem.
Julianpulledhisphoneout;Quinnwasstillatthebar.Hehithernumberashewalkedupthestepsof

theporch.Shepickeduponthefirstring.

“StillatClint’s.Everythingokay?”
Hisshouldersrelaxedatthesoundofhervoice.“Justcheckingin.”
“Shouldbehomeinhalfanhour.”
“Callmewhenyougetthere.”
“Willdo.Loveyou.”
“Loveyoutoo.”
He’dexpectedsomewiseasscommentfromoneoftheothersabouthisfinalwordstoherwhenhe

hungup,buttheywereallfocusedonthelargebuildingbeforethem.Melissa’sheadfellbacktopeerat
theroofabovetheirheads.“Idon’tknowwhy,butIdon’tlikethisplace.”

Julianslidhisphoneintohispocketandscentedtheair.Liketheother,non-residentialbuildingson

theproperty,itsmelledstronglyofbleachwithanundercurrentofblood.Juliancouldn’tthinkofagood
reasonwhytheranchhandswouldhavescrubbedthisplacewithbleach,orwhyitwouldstinksomuchof
blood.

HegrabbedholdofChris’sarmwhenhegrabbedfortheknob.“Something’snotrightinthere.”
Chrisglancedbetweenhimandthedoorbeforepullingthecrossbowoffhisbackandraisingit

beforehim.Theothersallpulledtheirstakesandweaponsfreeandbracedthemselves.

“Whatifthere’sanalarm?”Melissainquired.
“Ifthereis,we’llbeoutofherebeforethepolicearrive,”Julianreplied.
“Willyoubeabletoenter?”Louaskedhim.
“Thisplacemayhaveresidentsoccasionally,butnoonecallsithome.”
JuliannoddedtowardLutherthenthedoor.LuthermovedinbetweenChrisandthebuilding.

Grabbingthedoorhandle,heshovedthedooropen.Aseriesofsmallbeepssounded,butnoalarmblared
asJuliansweptinside.

“Whywasn’tthedoorlockedandthealarmon?”Louasked.
“Whateverisinhere,someonewantsustoseeit,”Julianrepliedashemovedfurtherintothe

building.

Thescentofbloodwasmorepotentinside;ittickledhisnostrilsandprickedhisfangs.Beneaththe

blood,hedetectedthestringentaromaofcleaningchemicalsandsweatymen.Thefaintsmelloflivestock
fromtheworker’sclothingalsolingered.

“Stayclosetome,”hecommandedtheothers.
Hewalkedthroughthekitchenandintowhatheassumedwasthediningroombecauseofthehutch

andbreakfastbar,buttherewasnotableorchairsintheroom.Instead,twotwinbedsweresetupwithin.
Achillsliddownhisbackashestaredattheneatlymadebeds.Hedidn’tthinkthebedshadbeenplaced
herebecausethehandshadrequiredmoresleepingspace.Hedidn’tknowwhytheywereinthisroom,
buthewascertainthey’dfindoutbeforetheyleft.

“Whatisgoingonhere?”Melissawhispered.
“Thisisthepartinthehorrormoviewhenyoustartscreamingatthepeopleinittorun,”Chris

replied.“Andthencallthemidiotsforstaying.”

“Ithinkyou’reright,”shesaid.
SodidJulian,buthecontinuedpastthediningroomandintothelivingroom.Ittookuphalfofthe

building.ThreelargeTVs,apooltable,foosballtable,andabarweresetupwithintheroomforthe
workers.Hisgazesweptoverthepaneledwallsandwoodenfloorsashemovedthroughthespace,buthe
sawnoevidenceofbloodanywhere.

Comingbackaroundtothefrontdoor,hepeeredupthestairstothesecondfloorbeforejerkinghis

headtowardit.Hekepthisbackpressedagainstthewallashecreptupthestairs.Hisearsstrainedto
hearanynoiseotherthanthesolidthumpsoftheheartsbehindhim.Thewallacrossfromhimblockedhis
viewofwhatlaybeyonduntilhewasnearlytothetopofthestairs.

Thescentofbloodbecamemorecloyinghere,buthestillsawnosignofit.Twotwinbedsinthehall

upstairscameintoview.Hishandwrappedaroundthebanisterashecontinuedupward.Chris’sbreath
waswarmagainsthisneck,hisbreathingsilentfromallofhisyearsoftrainingtobealethalkillerof
vampires.Melissawasjustasquiet,andLutherandLouwouldn’thavebeendetectedbyanythingother
thantheirheartbeatstoavampire.

Julianroundedthecornerupstairsandwalkeddownthehalltowardtheroomattheend.Turningthe

knob,heshovedthedooropenwiththetoeofhisboot.Thepotentscentofbloodhithimlikeapunchto
theface.Stayinglow,hemovedswiftlyintotheroom,searchingforathreatthathestillcouldn’tsee.

Risingtohisfullheight,hiseyeslatchedontothemacabresceneinthecorneroftheroom.He

assumedthishadbeenabedroom,buttherewerenobedswithin.Instead,therewasonlytwodressers
andthemissingdiningroomtableandchairs.Proppedintothechairssurroundingthetable,afamilysat
staringatthefoodbeforethem.

Movingcloser,Julianrealizedthemotherandfatherhadsilverwareclaspedwithintheirhands.The

ducttapewrappedaroundthemkepttheirfistsclosedaroundtheforksandknives.Thetwoyounggirls
hadtheirheadsbenttowardeachother,buthecouldn’tseetheirfacesastheirbacksweretohim.The
youngboyacrossthetablehadhisheadproppedupandturnedtowardthedoorway.

“OneminuteBarrywasopeningthefrontdoor,andthenextthingIknewtheywereonus,”he

rememberedQuinnoncesayingtohim.Hisgazeslidbacktowardthedoorthroughwhichhe’dentered,
pasttheothersgawkingatthescenebeforehim.

HerealizedthatBarryhadbeenwatchingthedoorbeforethevampireshadknockedonit.He’dbeen

waitingforthemtoarrive,hadknowntheywerecoming.

Quinnprobablywouldn’thavenoticedsuchadetailatthetime,butifherstalkerhadbeenwatching

themfromoutside,hewouldhaveseenBarrywaiting.Disgustanduneasetwistedthroughhimashe

walkedaroundthetabletoseethetwogirls.Hiseyesweredrawntotheyounggirlwearingagolden
locketthatlookedfartoomuchliketheoneQuinnwore.Herecalledthatshehadn’twornthelocketuntil
afterBetsydied;ithadbeenhercousin’sbeforethen.

SothatgirlwassupposedtobeBetsy,hededuced,andtheonenexttoherwassupposedtobeQuinn.

Hebracedhimselfbeforeheturnedhisgazetowardtheothergirl.Facialstructurewise,shelookeda
littlelikeQuinnwithherhighcheekbonesandfulllips,buthernosewaslargerandhercloudyeyeswere
blue.Shehadajaggedslicefromhertempleacrosstoherrighteyebrow;anotheroneranfromherlipto
underherchin.Thewellofbloodfromthegasheslethimknowthey’dbeeninflictedwhilethegirlwas
stillalive.

Bothofthegirlsappearedtobeintheirteensandlookedasiftheyweretalkinginconspiring

whispersastheyleanedtowardeachother.Bothofthemweresmiling.However,thesmilesweren’treal.
They’dbeencarvedintotheirfaces,Jokerstyle,torevealthecheekmuscle.Goosebumpsbrokeouton
hisarms;hecouldn’tbringhimselftotearhisgazeawayfromtheonewhowassupposedtobeQuinn.

Theotherscreptcloserashestudiedthescene.“Istheirhairdyed?”Melissaaskedinaharsh

whisper.

Julianglancedattheheadbeforehim.Theboy’sbodyhadbeentiedintothechairwitharope,ashad

alltheothers,butanailhadbeendriventhroughthebackofhisskull.Apieceofroperanfromthenailto
thechairinordertokeeptheheadtiltedback.Judgingbytheamountofblooditwasanotherwound
receivedwhilestillalive.

Throughallofthedarkhair,hesawsplotchesofdyeagainsttheboy’sskullandstrandsofgoldthat

hadn’ttakentothedye.Hewalkedtothefatherandspottedthesamethingamongsthishair.“Itis,”he
confirmed.

Melissarubbedherhandsoverherarms.“Whydoesthatmakethissomehowworse?”
Juliandidn’tknowtheanswer,buttheexquisiteattentiontodetailthatmonsterhadpaidtothisscene

wassomethingheunderstood.He’donceenjoyedtauntingandtorturingpeopletoo.Minusthechildren,
thiswassomethinghewouldhavedoneinthepastinordertoplaywithandtormentsomeone.

Nothingdroveapersonmadderthanthelossoftheirlovedonesinanatrociousway,andifhe’d

fixatedonsomeonegoodandpure,hewoulddoeverythinginhispowertodrivethemmadbefore
destroyingthem.He’dplayedthegameoftenoverthecenturies.

ThisscenehadbeensetupforQuinn,tounnerveherandupsether,butthankfully,shehadn’tbeen

hereforit.Ithadbeensetforhimtoo.Hemaynotknowwhothisvampirewas,butthemanwasawareof
whohewas,andthevampwaslettinghimknowthatandremindinghimofhispastwiththisdisplay.
Julian’snailsdugintohispalms;theytorethroughhisfleshtospillhisblood.

He’dneverfeltsorryorguiltyabouthispast;hecouldn’tchangeit,butforthefirsttime,hewished

he’dbeensomeonebetter,someonegood.He’dhelpedtobringthislevelofmaliciousnessandlunacy
againstthembythedeedshe’doncecommitted.IfthisprickknewhalfofwhatJulianhaddoneoverthe
centuriesandplannedtouseittotaunthim,thentherewerealotmorefuntimesahead.

Whattheassholedidn’tknowwashe’dpickedthewrongvampiretoscrewwiththistime.Hemay

haveheardsomeofthethingsJulianhaddoneovertheyears,butthatwasonlythetipoftheiceberg.This
vampirewouldseetherestofthaticebergbeforeJulianwasdonewithhim.

“Whywouldheputtheminabedroomandnotinthediningroom?”Melissainquired.
“Tobuildthesuspense,”Julianreplied.
“Thecreepybedsinthediningroom,”Lousaid.
“Exactly.”
“Aretheygoingtoturn?”Louaskednervouslyashewalkedaroundtoinspectthegirls.“That’s

awful.”Hisskinturnedapaleshadeofgreenashishandwenttohismouth,buthemanagedtokeep
himselffromvomiting.

“Theywon’tturn,”Julianreplied.“Judgingbythesmell,they’vebeenhereforatleastaday.”
“Howdidheknowwewouldfindthem?”Chrisaskedashewalkedaroundthetable.“Wow,he

turnedthemintotheJoker.ThisguyiswarpedinawayI’veneverknownbefore.”

“Ifyou’dknownmeahundredyearsago,youwouldn’tsaythat,”Julianreplied.“Ortenyearsago,or

ifyou’dknownwhatIreallyplannedtodowithCassie.”Theirheadsturnedslowlytowardhim.He
detectedtheincreasedbeatsoftheirheartsandtheheightenedsmellofsweatontheirbodies.“Thisisa
messagetometoo.HeknowswhoIam,andhe’snotafraid,butheshouldbe.Heshouldbeveryfucking
afraid.”

Melissagulped.Besidehim,Loutookasmallstepaway.
“Youdidsomethinglikethisbefore?”Chrisinquired.
“Minusthechildren,yes,I’vedonesomethingexactlylikethis,andworse.”
“Howcoulditbeanyworse?”Melissawhispered.
Julianmetandheldherfrightenedgaze.“Itcanalwaysgetworse,ifyourmindistwistedenoughand

youhavenocareforanythingelse.”

Anuncomfortablesilencefilledtheroomastheyshiftednervouslyaroundhim.Julianpulledhis

phonefromhispocketandcheckedtomakesureQuinnwasstillatthebar.Lutherclearedhisthroat
beforespeaking.“Doyouthinkyoucouldfigureouthisnextmove?”

“Ifitwasme,andIstillwasn’treadyforQuinn,I’dgoforoneofyounext,orsomeoneelsecloseto

her.”

“Crap.”Chris’sheadfellintohishand.“Andallthewhilehe’llbegrowinganarmyofvamps.”
“Hemayhavepawns,buthe’llbetheonecallingtheshots,”Juliansaid.“Wehavetogetbackto

town,now.”

“Whataboutthebodies?”Louinquired.
“Leavethem,”Julianrepliedbriskly.“You’vetouchednothingandItookcareofthecameras.We

havetogo.”

“Butwhowerethey?”Loudemanded.
“Thepolicewillfigurethatoutwhenthey’rediscovered,orwe’lldiscoveritourselvesifwehearof

amissingfamilyfromtown.Thereisnothingwecandoaboutitnow.”

Hewenttowalkaroundthetable,butfrozewhenhespottedsomethingclaspedwithinthefaux

Quinn’shand.Frowning,hegrabbedholdofhercoldhandandpriedopenherfingers.

“Whatareyoudoing?”MelissagaspedwhileLougroanedloudly.
Juliantuggedthepieceofpaperfreeandopenedit.Hisbloodrancoldwhenhereadthewords

scrawledonit.

CHAPTER21

Quinnfinishedwipingthebaroffandtossedherragintothelaundrybagatherfeet.Ithadbeena

goodnighttip-wise,butshecouldn’twaittogohomeandsleep.Thislimboofnotknowingwhoorwhat
wasgoingtocomeafterhernexthadmadehertwitchyandshehatedit.

“Allset?”Clintaskedashespunthekeysaroundhisindexfinger.
“Allset,”sherepliedassheuntiedthestringsofherapronandtosseditintothelaundrybag.C.J.

wouldpickitupinthemorningandtakeitovertothelaundromattobecleaned.Sheturnedoffthebar
lightsasshemovedtowardtheothersstandingbythedoor.Clintopenedthedoorforthem.Theyall
hurrieddownthestairsandintothebrisknight.

Clintlockedthedoorbehindthemjustasasetofheadlightsilluminatedtheroad.Quinnshieldedher

sensitiveeyesagainstthesetofbrightscomingatthemfarfasterthantheyshouldbe.Shetookastepback
asthetruckskiddedintotheparkinglotsideways.Atfirst,shethoughtitwasJulianandtheothers
returningearly,butthensherealizedthetruckwasred,insteadofblack.

“IsthatJeb?”Clintasked.
“Itis,”sheconfirmed.
Jebjumpedfromthepickupandstartedacrossthelottowardthem.Hisnormalcowboyhatwasn’tin

place.Hisblondcurlshungintangleddisarrayaroundhisfaceashelimpedtowardthem.Bloodsmeared
therightsideofhisface,andhishandkeptholdofhisrightthighashedraggedhisfootbehindhimonthe
ground.

“Jeb!MyGod,whathappened?”HawtiedemandedassheandClintrushedtowardhim.
Quinn’seyesshotaroundthedesertedparkinglotandthenightbeyond.Nothingmovedoutthere,but

thehaironhernaperose.“Someoneattackedme!”Jebcried.“IwasheadingbacknorthwhenIcameona
broken-downcar.Ipulledovertoseeiftheguyneededhelp.Hejumpedme,beatme,andstolemy
wallet.WhenIwokehewasgone.”

“Here,Quinn.”Clintheldthekeysouttoher.“Openthedoor.We’llgethiminsideandcallthe

police.”

ShesnatchedthekeysfromClint’shandbeforeclimbingthestairs.Unlockingthedoor,sheflungit

openandsteppedasidefortheotherstoenter.Sheshutandlockedthedoorbehindthem.Hawtiesettled
Jebontooneofthechairsatthebar.Hewincedandgrabbedhisthigh,hisfacetwistinginpainashe
rubbedatit.

“I’msosorry,Jeb,”Quinnsaid.
“Youknowtheoldsaying,‘Nogooddeedgoesunpunished,’”hereplied.
Somethingaboutthosewordsmadeheradrenalinekickintohyper-drive;shespunbacktowardthe

windowtokeepwatch.Shehalf-expectedtoseeahordeofvampiresliningupacrossthestreet,but
nothingstirred.

Shetriedtoridherselfofthesenseofimpendingdoomasshelookedattheothers.Clintliftedthe

phonefromthecradleandpunchedinnumbers.He’djustputittohisearwhenthefirstgunshotrangout.
Quinnjumped,andastartledcrytorefromher.Abulletcouldn’tkillher,butshealmostthrewherselfto
theflooroutofreflex.

Hereyesshotaroundtheroomasthecopperyscentofbloodfilledtheair.Astrangledcryescaped

herwhenshespottedtheredseepingacrossthefrontofHawtie’sbody-huggingwhiteshirt.Hawtie’sred,
fullmouthpartedasshegawkedatthebloodstaingrowingacrossherchest.Hereyesflickeredtoward
Jebbeforetheyrolledupinherheadandsheslumpedtotheside.

“Chelsea!”Clintbellowedandleaptacrossthebarather.
Breakingfreeofherparalysis,QuinnlurchedtowardHawtie.Herarmswrappedaroundherfriend,

catchingherbeforeshecouldhitthefloor.

Whathappened?Idon’tunderstand!
ShefelltothegroundwithHawtie.BloodseepedthroughQuinn’sfingers,poolingbeneathher.

MemoriesofholdingJulianlikethisandfeelinghisbloodassailedherasshestruggledtocomprehend
whathadhappened.Herheadfellbackwhensherealizedwhohadfiredtheshot.Shestaredindismayat
Jeb’shazeleyes—sounseeing,sounawareofwhathe’ddone.

“Chelsea!”Clintfelltothegroundontheothersideofher.“No!Ohno,no,no,”hegroanedashe

grabbedholdofherchinandturnedherheadtowardhim.Tearsrolledfreelydownhisfacetofallon
Hawtie’scheek.“Don’tyouleaveme!”

Quinndidn’tknowifshewantedtoscreaminrageorcryassheheldherfriendinherlap.Shehad

savedJulian.PerhapsshecouldsaveHawtietoo,withoutkillingJeb.Hawtiewasstillalive,andshewas
human.Shewouldn’tneedtheamountoflifeforceJulianhadrequired.Shehadtodosomethingsoon.
WitheveryslowingbeatofHawtie’sheart,shepumpedmorebloodontotheflooraroundthem.

QuinnlurchedforJeb,attemptingtograbhimsoshecouldyankhimfromthestoolasheturnedthe

guntowardhisowntemple.Hawtie’sbodyinherlapcausedhertomisshisleg.“No!”sheshrieked.

Beneathherknees,shefeltastrangeswellingwithintheearth.ThejoltofelectricityDaniunleashed

shotJebstraightoutofhischairandontohisass.Knockedfromhishand,thegunclatteredontothe
groundandrattledasitspunacrossthefloor.QuinnwrappedherarmsprotectivelyaroundHawtieincase
itwentoff.

DanileaptatJeb,grabbingholdofhislegswhenhebegantocrawlacrossthefloortowardhisgun.

QuinnshiftedHawtieontoClint’slapandjumpedtoherfeetasJeb’shandencircledthegun.Hespun
aroundandaimedtheweapondirectlyatDani’shead.

Shethrewherselftothefloorandscreamedasthebulletslicedacrossherface,tearingawayflesh

andapieceofherearbeforesmashingintoQuinn’sshoulder.TheforceofthebulletknockedQuinnoff
herfeet.Agruntescapedherwhenshecrashedontothefloor.Sheheardacrackasoneofherribsgave
way,butshecouldn’tbesureovertheagonyofthebulletsearingintoherarm.

Anothergunshotcausedhertoflinch.Sherolledtotheside,determinedtogettoJebbeforehecould

inflictanymoredamage,butwhensherose,sherealizedshewastoolate.TherewasnothingleftofJebto
stop.Tearsburnedhereyesatthesightofhisbloodyandmutilatedbody,butshehadnotimetogrievethe
loss.Shehadanotherfriendwhoneededhernow.

FallingbesideHawtieoncemore,shetrembledassherestedherhandsonHawtie’schest.Theonly

lifeshehadtofeedintoHawtiewasherown.Itwouldhavetobeenough.Liftinghergoodarmtoher
mouth,shebitdeepintoherwristandpresseditagainstHawtie’smouth.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Clintdemanded.
“Keepingheralive,Ihope.”
ShepressedthebloodtoHawtie’smouthasDanikneltbesideherwithunusedragsfrombehindthe

bar.DanipressedthetowelsagainstthebulletwoundtostaunchthebloodflowingfromHawtie’schest.

“Usemetohealher,”Clintsaidtoher.
“IkilledZach.Iwon’ttakethatchancewithyou,”Quinnmurmured.
“YouweregoingtouseJeb,don’tdenyit.”
“ThatwasbeforeIwasinjuredtoo,andnowI’mhungryinmorewaysthanyoucanimagine.”
Clint’seyeswereunwaveringastheyheldhers.“I’dratherbedeadthanlivewithouther.”
“Iwon’tchoseoneofyourlivesovertheother,andshealreadyhasmybloodinher.Thatwillat

leasthelpherhealfasterandkeepheralivelonger.Now,letmedowhatIhavetodo.”

Tearsglistenedinhiseyesashehoveredanxiouslybyherside.Sheforcedherselftotunehimoutas

shefocusedonthepulseoflifeshefeltemanatingfromHawtie,callingtoher.Quinnremovedherwrist
fromHawtie’smouth;shecouldn’triskchangingherifthisdidn’twork.

HerhandsshookwhensheplacedthemoverHawtie’swound.Focusingherattentiononherfriend,

shelettheflowofherlifeentwinewithHawtie’s.Theoctopustentaclesshealwaysimaginedherpower
beinglikelatchedontoHawtie,butinsteadofpullingthelifefromher,Quinnpushedherownlifeintoher
friend.

Herbodyshookasthelifeflowedoutward;theskinonherhandwrinkledandshriveledbeforeher

eyes.Thebonesinthebacksofherhandsstoodoutasherskinbecamesowhiteshecouldhavegiven
Casperarunforhismoney.Herforearmsthinnedtothepointwheretheboneswereevident,butshekept
herhandspressedagainstHawtie’schest.She’dgiveeverydropoflifeshecouldifitmeantsavingher
friend.

HerkneeshadbeguntodiguncomfortablyintothegroundwhenHawtiegaspedandhereyesflew

open.ThewarmbrownofhereyeslatchedontoQuinn.HerhandsgraspedholdofQuinn’s;hergripwas
strongerthanshe’dhadexpectedittobe,orperhapsshe’djustbecomethatweak.

“Quinn?”Hawtieasked.
Quinnfellback,wincingashertailbonemadecontactwiththefloor.Shesatasherbodyshookand

jerkedonthefloor.Shetrieddesperatelytogetcontrolofherself,butshefeltlikeafishoutofwaterright
then.Hungerburnedthroughherbody,searingherveinsasherfangsslidfree.Butmorethanblood,she
neededtodevour,tofeelthelifeofanotherflowingintoher.

ShethrewherhandsuptostopClintfromgrabbingherarms.“No,don’t.Idon’tknowifIcancontrol

myselfrightnow.Dani,wehavetogetoutofhere.”Inthedistance,sheheardthefirstwailsofasiren
echoingacrossthedesert.“Ineedhelp,”shemurmuredandheldherarmup.

Danirushedtohersideandgraspedholdofher.Quinnwincedasthemotioncausedherbonesto

gratetogether.Don’tfeed.Don’tfeed.ShetoldherselfasshefeltherpowerseekingoutDani.“Letgoof
me,”shesaidtoDaniwhoreleasedherinstantly.

Julian’sbloodandsomecoyote’sbloodandI’llbeasgoodasnew.I’llgetsomelifefromJulian;I

won’tkillhim.

Asshethoughtit,somethingbashedintothefrontdoor.Woodsplintersflewinwardandthedoor

crashedintothewallwithenoughforcetoshakethebuilding.Quinn’sheadshotupasthemonsterwho
hadbeendestroyingtheirtown,andwhohadhelpedmurderherfamily,strodeintothebar.

Asmilecurvedhismouthwhenhiseyeslatchedontoher.“Notyourbestlook,butjustthewayI

wantedyou.”

Quinn’smouthfellopen.Danisuckedinaloudbreathbesideher,andClintlurchedtowardoneofthe

stools.Itclatteredtothefloorashejerkedonitanddraggedittowardhim.Takinghisforearm,he
smasheditononeofthelegs.Thelegbrokeoff,andhesnatchedituptouseitasastakebeforehe
positionedthestoolprotectivelyinfrontofHawtie.

Themonster’sturquoiseeyes,theonlythingremotelyattractiveabouthim,slidtowardHawtie,and

hereleasedasnortoflaughter.“Thatwon’tstopme,oldman.”HiseyescamebacktoQuinn.“Butyour
womandiddrainhersome.”

HorrorpooledthroughQuinnassherealizedthey’dbeensetup.Theminutehe’dsentJebinhere,

he’dintendedforallofthistohappen,oratleastmostofit.Shewasdrained;shedidn’tknowhowDani’s
powerworked,butsheknewalargeblastoftenleftHuntersandvampiresdepleted.

HiseyesfixatedonQuinn.Thehideouslyawfulhaircurlingoutfromthemoleatthecornerofhisleft

eyeactuallyseemedtowaveortobelaughingather.Quinnfoughtbackatremorasthemanapproached.
HewasasrailthinassherecalledandtallerthanJulian,perhapssixfootthreeorfour.Hisarched
cheekbones,flaringnostrils,andthinlipsgavehimarat-likeappearance.

Behindhim,adozenmorevampiresenteredthebar.Theyfannedoutaroundhimtofilltheroom.

“Thepolicearecoming,”Quinnsaid.

“Andwe’lleitherslaughterthemwhentheydo,oryou’llleavewillingly,”hereplied.
“I’llnevergoanywherewithyou.”

Hiseyesrakedoverherdisdainfully.“Youdon’thaveachoice.Eithereveryoneinheredies,plus

whoeverelseiscoming,oryouwalkoutthedoorwithusnow.”

Quinntriedtofeelthepulseofsomethingwithinher,butmostofherlifeforcehadflowedinto

Hawtie.Ifshecouldgetherhandsonsomeone…

Hereyeslatchedontohim,andshelickedherlipsasshefeltthewashofpoweremanatingfromhim.

Besideher,shefeltthepulseintheearthshe’dexperiencedbeforeDanihadreleasedherblastof
electricity.

“Bitch,”Rat-Facesneered,hiseyesshootingtoDani.
Helungedforward.HishandwrappedaroundDani’sthroatasheliftedherofftheground.Quinnfelt

theelectricitythatshotoutofDaniandtowardhim,buthe’dinterruptedherbeforeshecouldgetabig
buildupgoing,andhe’dbeenpreparedforherjolt.Hislipcurledtorevealhisfangsashisfingersdug
intoDani’sthroat.

Beforehecouldtearitout,Quinnlungedforwardandgrabbedholdofhisarm.Alowmoanescaped

heraslifeflowedbackintoherveins.Rat-FacethrewDanioverthebarandintotheshelvesliningthe
backsideofit.Bottlesandshelvestoppledoverandbroke.AlcoholpouredoverDaniassheslumpedto
thefloor.

ThemanspunonQuinn.Shetriedtoduckoutofthewayofthefistheswungtowardher,buteven

withhislifefillingher,shewassluggishandawkward.Hispunchsmashedintohertemple,staggeringher
sideways.Whitestarsburstbeforehereyes,andhergrasponhisarmloosenedenoughthathewasableto
jerkitawayfromher.

Herhandflewtooneofthestakesstrappedatherside,andherfangslengthenedasahissescaped

her.Thewailofthesirensgrewcloser.Clintjumpedtohisfeetandchargedatanothervampirecoming
towardher.Heusedthebrokenstoolleglikeastake,butmissedhisintendedtarget’sheartwhentheman
ducked.Heplungedthestakeintothevamp’sshoulderinstead.

QuinnmanagedtoavoidRat-Face’sgrasp,butthearmsofanotherwrappedaroundherwaistand

hauledherupagainstamassivechest.

“Gother!”amanshoutedtriumphantly,thengroanedinanguishwhenQuinnthrewherheadbackand

smasheditintohisnosewithaloudthwack.

ThefreshscentofcopperybloodfilledtheairasanothervampirebackhandedClintandsenthim

flyingacrosstheroomintothewall.Hawtiecriedoutwhenheslumpedtotheground.Quinndrewonthe
lifeforceofthevampireholdingherasshethrashedtobreakfreeofhishold.Hemadestrange,gurgling
noisesashislifeforcefilledhercellswithvitalityoncemore.

Insteadofgrowingtiredfromtherepeateduseofherability,shefeltinvigoratedasitgreedilysought

toreplenishwhatithadlost.ShesuspectedJulian’sbloodhadhelpedtomakeherstronger,orperhapsher
powerwasgrowingandchanging.She’donlytakenlifeorzappedpeopleawayfromherbefore,butnow
she’dgivenlife,twice—asignherpowerhadalreadybeguntoexpand.

Shebaredherfangs,snappingasRat-Facecameclosertoher.Shejerkedawayfromthevampwho

hadgrabbedherandlungedtowardRat-Faceagain.Swingingherstakeoutward,sheslicedopenhisshirt
andchest.Thesmellofhisbloodfillingtheaircausedbloodlusttosurgewithinher.

She’dtearhisthroatopen,sinkherfangsdeepintohisvein,anddrainhimuntilhecouldbarely

move.Thenshewouldtakehertimewithhim.Sheswungathimagain,butthoughshe’dmanagedtorefill
someofherlifeforce,shewasstillunderweightandmovingataslowerpacethannormal.

Hemanagedtoavoidablowthatwouldhavespilledhisintestinesbyjumpingbackatthelast

second.Quinnsnarledanddoveathim.Herhandsgrabbedholdofhischestwhensomethinghitherfrom
behindwithenoughforcetocrackherskull.Shecriedoutaspainexplodedthroughherhead.Thestake
clatteredtothegroundwhenherhandsinstinctivelyflewtothebackofhercavedinskull.Itfeltasifher
brainwascompressing,andshesupposeditactuallywascompressed.

Theworldaroundherlurched,andshetookastumblingsteptothesideasthewoodenfloorofthe

barbecamethesandydesert.Wassheinsidestill?Wassheoutside?Shecouldn’tbringanythingintofocus
asthesynapsesinhersquishedbrainmisfired.Fallingtotheside,shehitsomethinghardenoughtobreak
it.Theworldwentdark.

CHAPTER22

Julianshoveddarksunglassesontocovereyesheknewwereredashepushedhiswaythroughthe

crowdgatheredoutsidethebar.Apudgymantriedtoblockhim,butJulianshovedhimoutofthewayas
heclimbedthesteps.

“I’llarrestyouforassaultingapoliceofficer!”themanshoutedathim.
Julianspunonhim.“I’lltearyourthroatoutifyoutry!”
Themantookanawkwardstepbackandbumpedintothedoorwayofthebuilding.Clinthurried

forward;hishandwrappedaroundJulian’sarmashepulledhimaway.Alargebruiseintheshapeofa
handcoveredtherightsideofClint’sface.

“Sorryaboutthat,Ed,”Clintapologized.“ThisisQuinn’sboyfriend.Hemusthaveassumedshewas

stillhere.Youknowhowitistoworry‘boutsomeone,I’msure.”

“Oh,”Edreplied,buthishandstillrestedonthebuttofhisgunashegaveJulianascathingglance.

“You’dthinkhe’dknowwherehisgirlfriendis.”

Juliansnarledatthereminderthathehadabsolutelynoideawhereshewas,andthatwashisfault.

Thetrackingappsaidshewasstillhere,butClinthadjustsaidshewasn’t.Hedidn’tseeheranywhere
amongstthecrowd,norcouldhefeelhercloseby.

“Easy,”Clintmurmuredtohim.“Killinghimwon’tgetusanywhere.Justwalkaway.It’sthebest

thingyoucandoforQuinnrightnow.”

“Whereisshe?”hehissedbetweenhisteeth.
Clintshookhishead,drawinghimasideasparamedicsliftedastretcherwithHawtiestrappedtoit.

HerhandreachedouttoClint,andhehurriedtoherside.HebentlowsoHawtiecouldwhisperinhisear.
Clintnoddedbrisklyandgaveherabriefkissbeforesteppingaway.Julian’seyesscannedtheblood
splatteringthebarfloor,thebrokenshelves,andmirrorbehindthebar.

“Whatdidshesay?”hedemandedofClint.
“TostaywithyouuntilwefindQuinn.It’sallshecaresaboutrightnow.”
Julian’seyeslandedontheblackbodybagonthefloor.Itwasn’tQuinn.Hewouldknowifitwas.A

pieceofhimwouldalreadybebroken.Hewouldbeamonster,unstoppableinhisdeterminationto
destroyanythingthatgotinhisway.WasitDani?

Walkingover,hegrabbedthezipperandjerkeditbacktorevealtheruinedremainsofJeb’shead.
“Hey!”Edshoutedathim.“Idon’tcarewhoyouare!Youtouchonemorethinginthisroom,andI’m

throwingyourassinjail.”

“Whatiswrongwithyou?”Clintdemandedashepulledhimaway.
“Whereisshe,Clint?”
“Nothere.Theytookher.”Theentirebarbecameenshroudedinahazeofredsothickheimaginedit

wasmuchlikewhatHelllookedlike.Andthatwasexactlywhathewasinrightnow,Hell.They’dtaken
her,hehadnoideawhere,andthesunwasabouttorise.“Thepolicedon’tknowthat.ItoldthemI’dsent
herhomeearly,andweneedtokeepupthatappearance.”

JulianbarelyheardClint’swordsthroughthethrummingpulseoffurypoundinginhishead.“Her

phone?”

“Itfelloutofherpocketwhentheycarriedherout.”
Hisgazeslidoverthebaragainashesniffedatthebloodintheroom.SomeofitwasQuinn’s.The

restwashumanand…

Hisheadturnedashecaughtadifferentscent.Hurryingover,hepeeredbehindthebartowheretwo

maleparamedicskneltoneithersideofDani.Theyweretakingherpulseandbloodpressure.She
grabbedholdofoneoftheirhandswhentheytriedtoputaneckbraceonherandshovedthemaway.

“Itoldyou,I’mfine,”shesaidtestily.

“Youcouldhaveaconcussionandyoushouldbecheckedout,”theotheroneargued.
“I’mfine,”sheinsisted.“I’mnotgoingtothehospital.Nowleavemebe.”
“Youhavetosignpaperworksayingyourefuse.”
“Yeah,whatever,justgetawayfrommewiththatthing.”
Theotheroneshookhisheadandrolledhiseyes.“Idiot,”hemuttered,earninghimawrathfulglare

fromDani.

Sensinghispresence,Dani’sheadtiltedbackandhereyeswidenedonhim.Hecouldalmostseeher

rethinkingthehospitaloption,butintheend,shetookadeepbreathandpushedherselftoherfeet.She
wobbledunsteadilyforaminute,butmanagedtoregainherbalancebeforeoneoftheparamedicsgrabbed
holdofherarm.

“Miss,youreallyshouldbecheckedout.Aconcussionisnothingtomessaroundwith,”themantold

her.

“Notthefirst,won’tbethelast,”shemuttered.“Nosleepforthisgirl,Ipromise.”
Finallygivingup,theparamedicsputawaythelastoftheirmedicalsuppliesandwalkedaroundthe

endofthebar.Danirestedherhandsonthebarbeforehim,herheadbowed,butshefinallyforceditup.
Alonggougehaddugacrosshercheektowardherear.Theupperpartofherrightearwasajaggedmess
aspartofithadbeentornaway.Thebloodhadbeencleanedfromthewoundsandnolongerflowedforth.

“I’msorry.Itried.”Sheshookherhead,thenwincedandgrabbedholdofit.“We’llfindher,Iswear

it.Ijustdon’tremember…”

Juliancouldonlystandandstareatherashervoicetrailedoff.Hewasscaredifhemovedevena

millimeter,hewouldkilleveryoneandanyonestandingnearby.He’dleaveatrailofdestructionwherever
hewentuntilhefoundheragain.

Whenhedidfinallyfindher,wouldsheevenknowwhohewas?
Thepossibilityshewouldn’tknowhimoncehefoundhermadetheredhazeintensify.Hercaptor

couldcontrolminds;whatwouldhedotoher?Whatwouldhemakeherdo?Hisfingerstoreintothebar
top,shreddingthewoodashisshouldershunchedup.Hisfangsslicedintohisbottomlip.

“Everyonehastogetoutofhere,”Edcalledfromthefrontofthebar.“Evenyou,Clint.Hawtie’sout

now,youneedtobetoo.”

“We’regoing,”Clintsaid.
JulianfeltthemanstandingbesidehimbeforeClint’shandrestedagainsthisforearm.“You’rea

braveman,”Juliangrated.

“Perhaps,butwehavetoleavenow.Youhavetogetittogetherenoughtogetpastthecrowdout

there.”

Splintersdugbeneathhisfingernails.“He’llwarphermind—”
“Don’tthinkofit.Keepittogether.You’llfindher,butifyouspiraloutofcontrolnow,itwillnever

happen.”

Julianreluctantlyreleasedhisdeathgriponthebarandturnedawayfromit.Hekepthisheaddown

sohewouldn’tbetemptedbythepulsingheartbeatsofthosehepassedashemadehiswayoutside.Luther
andtheothersfellinaroundhimastheymadetheirwaytoQuinn’sapartment.

Thefirstraysofthesunbarelytouchedthehorizonwhenhesteppedinsidethebuilding.Hestaredat

therisingballoffire,despisingitandhisweaknesstoit.

“WeneedtheRV,”hesaidtoLuther.
Luthernoddedandhurriedbackoutthefrontdoor.Julianremainedunmoving,hisgazefocusingon

thesunasitcrepthigherintotheskytospillacrosshisskin.Hisfleshbegantosizzleandsmokecurled
aroundhim.Hewelcomedthepain;hedeserveditandmoreforallowingQuinntobetaken.

No,shehadneededtodrawherstalkerout,andheunderstoodherreasonsforthat.He’dwantedher

farfromhere,butiftheirroleshadbeenreversed,hewouldn’thavelefteither,andhewouldhavedone

everythinghecouldtofindandkillthatbastard.Thevamphaddestroyedherfamily.Nowhewas
tormentingherandmenacinghertown;she’dlongedtomakehimpay.

“Julian,please,”Melissawhispered.Sherestedherhandonhisarm,tryingtopullhimbackas

blistersformedandburstonhisflesh.“Someonecouldsee,andyouhavetobeatyourstrongesttolook
forher.”

Hehadn’tfeltthesearingofthesun’swarmth,andhedidn’tfeelthecoolnessoftheshadowswhenhe

steppedbackintothem.Heleanedagainstthewall,hiseyesfixedoutsideashewatchedtheRVapproach.
Lutherhadn’tcometoacompletestopwhenJulianshovedopenthedoorandstrodeovertothevehicle.
HebarelynoticedtheflamesleapingtolifeonhisfingertipsasLuthershovedthedoortotheRVopen.

HestrodeintotheRV,theshadowssmotheringtheflamesfromhisbody.“Hopefullynoonesaw

that,”Clintmutteredasheclimbedinsideandsettledatthetable.

“Headtowardtheranch,”JuliancommandedLutherastheotherssettledinaroundhim.“The

vampireswerefeedingtherealot.Theymayhaveahideoutnearby.”Lutherclimbedintothedriver’sseat
andshiftedtheengineintodrive.JulianbracedhishandagainsttheceilingashefocusedonDaniand
Clint.“Tellmeexactlywhathappened.”

Dani’sheadfellintoherhands.“It’skindofablur.Irememberbeingoutsideandsomeonewas

attacked.Thenwewereinsideandsomeonewasshooting.Quinn,shebecamethinner?”Thelast
statementwasmoreofaquestionassheturnedtowardClint.

Clintrestedhishandonherarm.“That’stheextremelyshortenedversion.I’lltellthem,”heassured

her.

JulianremainedmuteashelistenedtoClint’sretellingofeverythingthathadoccurred.
“Hewaiteduntilyouwerebothweakerbeforemakinghismove,”ChrissaidandpushedagainstLou

sohecouldslideintooneofthebenchseatsaroundthetable.Loushothimadisgruntledlook,but
eventuallyslidover.“HepurposelywentforsomeoneheknewQuinnwouldsave.”

“Yes,”Julianrasped.Histhroatwasparchedfromthefireandsmokethathaddriftedfromhim.His

bodyhadalreadybeguntohealbuthungerlickedacrosshisveinslikelightning.“Ineedblood.”

“There’ssomebagsinthefridge,”Lutherrepliedandglancedathimintherearview.
“Ibarelyrememberanyofit,”Danimuttered.
“Itwillcomebacktoyou,”Melissasaid.Sheopenedthefridgeandpulledoutahalfadozenbagsof

bloodbeforeclosingitagain.“OnegoodthingaboutbeingaHunter,wehealfast.Whathappenedtoyour
ear?”

“Myear?”Danireacheduptotouchherears.Shewincedwhenherrighthandmadecontactwiththe

jaggedwound.“Whathappened?”

“Youwereshot,”Clintsaid.“Butyou’refine.”
“Justmissingapiece,”shesaid.
“Yeah,”Chrissaid.
“Quinnwasshottoo,inhershoulder,”Danirecalled.
Asoundhedidn’trecognizecamefromhimatherwords.Melissakeptherlegsbracedagainstthe

rockingoftheRVasshemadeherwaytowardhim.Shehandedthebloodbagstohimandrestedherhand
againstthecabinetsasherippedthetopoffthefirstoneanddrainedthecontentsinoneswallow.

Hetoreintothenextbagwiththesameenthusiasm,thenthenextuntiltheywereallgone.Itdid

nothingtoeasethebloodlustpulsatingwithinhim,butbythetimehewasfinished,hisskinhad
completelyhealedandhefeltstronger.

SlidingpastMelissa,hetossedthebagsintothetrashnexttothesinkandwalkedtowardthefrontof

theRV.LutherglancedathimasherestedhishandagainstthebedoverLuther’sheadtobracehimself.
Tuningallofhissensestotheworldaroundhim,hestrainedtocatchanyhintofQuinn’ssmellor
presenceamongsttheendlessdesert.

CHAPTER23

Quinnwokeslowly.Herheadthrobbedlikesomeonewasbeatingonitwithahammerandher

shoulderfeltlikeahotpokerwasdiggingintoit.Herarms…whydidtheyhurtsobadly?Theywere
aboveherhead?Whathadhappened?

Hereyesflutteredopenbeforeinstantlyclosingagain.Thepaincausedbyjusttryingtolookaround

wasexcruciating.Shedimlyrecalledthelasttimeshe’dseenanything.Ithadfeltlikeabadacidtripas
shehadn’tbeenunabletofigureoutifshewasinsideoroutside,andeverythinghadseemedwrong.
Someonehadhitherwithenoughforcetocaveherskullin.Shetriedtomoveherhandssoshecouldfeel
thebackofherskull,butherfingerswerenumbandswollen.

Think.Feelyoursurroundingsifyoucan’tseethem.
Takingacoupleofsecondstogatherherspinningmind,shegraduallytookstockofherbody.She

wasstanding,oratleastitfeltlikeshewasinanuprightpositionasshecouldfeelairmovingallaround
herbody.Therewasnobreeze;itwasthesimpleebbandflowofaircurrentsastheytraveledfromone
placetoanother.

Herarmswereaboveherhead.Therewassomethingcoolandsolidclaspedaroundherwrists.

Chains,sherealized.Shewaschainedwithherhandsaboveherheadand…Yep,herankleswere
chainedtoo;shecouldfeeltheweightofthechainsdraggingagainstherlegswhenshetriedtomovethem
forward.

Themetalclinkedagainstsomethinghard,concretemostlikely.Liftingherhead,shetriedtoopenher

eyesagain.Blacknesssurroundedher,butforallsheknew,itcouldbebrightasdayaroundherandher
eyesstillweren’tworkingrightfromtheblowshe’dtaken.Sheclosedthemagainastherestofthedetails
ofwhathadhappenedslowlycamebacktoher.

They’dbeensetup,attacked,ambushed,andoutmaneuvered.Ithadbeenageniusmovetoweaken

herandDanibeforecomingforthem.Shewouldn’tunderestimateheropponentagain.She’dalsobeen
shot.Theburninginhershoulderwasfromthebulletmakingitswayoutofherbody.Shemovedherfeet,
tryingtoturnonthechainsshehungfrom.Shewasbroughtupshortwhentheytightenedtothepointshe
couldn’tmoveanymore.

Ifshewereatfullstrength,orevenathalfherusualstrength,shecould’veeasilybrokenthem.Right

then,hermuscleswerecramped,herbonesgratedtogetherinhershoulderblades,andshecouldfeelher
ribcagepressingagainstherskin.

Whenshe’dbeenyoungerandstillhadpets,she’donceheldherrabbitasitdiedafterbeingattacked

bytheneighbor’scat.Beneathherhand,itscoathadstillbeenthickandfatstilllineditsbody.However,
acoldnessshehadn’tbeenabletounderstandatthetimeencompassedtheanimal.Somethinghadbeen
brokenwithinit,butherauntandunclehadn’tbeenhometohelphergetittothevet.Soshe’dheldit,
feelingthelifefadingfromitstinybodyuntilallthatremainedwasthelimp,lifelessshell.

Shefeltlikethatnow,coldwhensheshouldn’tbe.Drainedandfading.Shewouldn’tdie,butifshe

didn’tgetbloodandfeedonsomeone’slifeforcesoon,shewouldbeashelplessandweakasthatrabbit
againstthesevamps.

Acreakingsoundfromherrightcausedhertogocompletelystill.Shekeptherheadbowedand

unmovingasshelistenedtofootstepsenteringherplaceofimprisonment.Therewereatleastthreeof
them,sherealized.

“Skinnything.Ican’tseeherbeingamenacetoanyone,”awoman’svoicesaid.
“She’sweakenedrightnow,andwe’llkeepherthatwayuntilIcantakecontrolofhermind.”That

voicesherecognizedasRat-Face.Ittookallshehadtoremainimmobileandnotfightagainstherchains
untilshetorefreeandbeathimtodeath.

“I’mstillnotsureaboutthatplan,”thewomanmurmured.

“It’stheonlywaywe’llbeabletokeepherundercontrolandmakeherdowhatweask,”Rat-Face

replied.

“Hmm,”thewomanmurmured.Oneofthefootstepsapproachedherandbegantocircle.“Butyou

couldalsomakeherdowhateveryoucommandagainstanyofus.”

“Comenow,Helena,wemusthavetrustbetweenus.”
“Itrustnoone,”Helenareplied,“especiallynotaman.”
Quinncouldfeelthewomanstandingbeforeher,staringather.SonotallofthevampireswithRat-

Facewerepartofhisburgeoningtribe.JudgingbythevibeofpowerradiatingfromHelena,shewasold.
OlderthanRat-Face,andQuinncravedherlifeforcelikeasmokercravednicotine.

“ImustagreewithHelenaonthis,”anothermalesaid.“Howarewetoknowyouwon’tturnher

againstus?”

“Ivowit,”Rat-Facereplied.
Helenareleasedabarkoflaughter.“Igivemoreworthtofool’sgoldthanyourvow.”
“Watchit,”Rat-Facewarned.
“Oryou’llwhat,takecontrolofmymind?Theneveryoneherewouldknowyou’renottobetrusted.”
“Theywouldn’tknowifIdid,andneitherwouldyou.”
“Don’tthreatenme.I’dknow,andI’dshredyoubeforeyoucouldevertryandtakecontrolofme.”
Theothermansnickered;Quinncouldfeelthetensionintheroomratchetingup.Shehopedthetwoof

themtoreeachothertopiecesandsolvedpartofherproblem,butneitherofthemmadeamovetoward
theother.

“WhataboutJulian?”theothermanasked.
“Whatabouthim?”Helenainquired.
“He’llcomeforher.”
“Ofcoursehewill,”Rat-Facereplied.“Andwhenhediscovershislittlegirlfriendisundermy

control,we’llalsohavecontrolofhim.He’lldoanythingwesayinordertoensurewedon’thurther.”

“Arewesureshemeanssomuchtohim?”Helenasnorted.“Mentendtobefickleaboutwomen.He

maymoveon;it’snotlikeshe’sanythingtolookat.”

Helenahasahugeproblemwithmen,Quinndecided.
“Maybeshe’snobeauty,butshe’sprettierwhenshe’sgotsomeweightonher,andhe’llcomeforher.

I’veseenthewayhewatchesher,thewayhetreatsher.She’sspecialtohim,”Rat-Facereplied.

“Ifthey’rematedwe’llhavehimatourmercy,”theothermansaid.“Didyoucheckherneckforbite

marks?”

“Anymarkswouldhavehealedbynow,”Rat-Facereplied.
“Perhaps,butifhe’sfedfromherrecently,theycouldstillbeonherbodysomewhere.”
Quinn’sstomachclenched.Julianhadfedfromherbeforeshe’dgonetowork,butthebitemarkwas

onherinnerthigh.Iftheydecidedtostripherinordertolook…

Don’tmove!Shebarkedtheorderatherself,butitwastakingeverythingshehadnottosquirm

againstthechainsbindingherwhensomeonegrabbedholdofherchinandturnedherheadbackandforth.

“Nomarks,”Rat-Facereplied.
“Hmm.Itwouldbeahugebonusforusiftheyweremates,”theothermansaid.“We’dnotonlyhave

controlofthevampireoftheprophecy,butalsooneoftheremainingtwoElders.”

“Julianwon’tbowtoourwill,nomatterwhosemindwehaveunderourcontrol,”Helenareplied.
“Howdoyouknow?”Rat-Facedemanded.
“I’vemethim,Iknow,”Helenarepliedabsently.
“Weshouldstripherandseeifthereareanyofhismarksonher,”theothermalesaid.Theeagerness

ofhisvoicemadeheralreadyqueasystomachpitchandroll.

“Andifthereare,whatwouldthatprove?Haveyouneverfedfromanothervampireinthethroesof

passion?”Helenaasked.

“Perhaps,butI’veneverallowedanothertofeedfromme.”
“Well,aren’tyouspecial,”Helenadrawled.“Ihave.”Anotherhandclaspedholdofherchin.The

tipsofHelena’spointedfingernailsdugintoherskinasHelenaliftedherchinandtookalong,deepsniff
ofherneck.Seemingtofindwhatshewaslookingfor,HelenaabruptlyreleasedQuinn.Herchinslumped
backtoherchest.“Thereisanother’sbloodinher,andit’spowerful.”

“Julian’s?”Rat-Faceasked.
“Icanthinkofnooneelse’sitwouldbe,”Helenareplied.
“It’sbestifyouletmeathermind,”Rat-Facesaid.“Ifshe’sours,we’llcontrolthemboth.”
“You’reveryeagerforthis,Earl,”Helenareplied.“Maybetooeager.”
Earl!Quinnalmostlaughedattheinnocuousname.Overtheyears,she’dimaginedwhathisname

wouldbe,butcouldnevercomeupwithanamemonstrousenoughforthemanwhohadlaughedashe’d
pinnedhertothefloorwithhisknivesbeforedrainingherdry.Earlhadneverbeenoneofthenamesto
crosshermind.SatanorLuciferhadbeenhertoptwo.

“I’monlyeagertoseeusreclaimourrightfulplace,Helena.Shecouldleadwithme,”Earlreplied.
“Doyoureallythinkwewouldallowyoutobeourleader,”theothermanreplied.“You’reyounger

thaneitherofus.”

“I’malmosttwocenturiesold,”Earlreplied.
“Andwearenearingthreehundred.Youarestillateenincomparison.”
“Fine,”Earlrelented,“butshecouldbemybride.”
“Ifweagreetoyoutakingcontrolofhermind,Iwillnotallowyoutoabuseherinsuchaway,”

Helenareplied.“Sheisnottobetouchedbyanymanshedoesnotgiveherwillingconsentto.”

Amanhadoncehurther,Quinnrealizedandactuallyfeltastabofsorrowforthepowerfulwoman

standingnexttoher.ThelastthingHelenadeservedwasherpity,butsheknewwellwhatitwasliketobe
atthemercyofothers.

QuinncouldpracticallyfeelEarlseething,buthedidn’targuewithHelena.“Fine,shewillsimplydo

whatsheistoldtodo,whensheistoldtodoit,”herelented.

Quinndidn’tbuythatforonesecond,shedoubtedHelenadideither,butthethreeofthemfinally

stoppedbickering.“Whenshewakes,we’llhaveherreadiedtobebroughtbeforetheothers.Perhapswe
shouldgetsomeweightbackonhertoo,”Helenamurmured.

“Ifyou’renotgoingtoletmecontrolher,thenkeepherweak.She’lldestroyanyoneshegetsher

handsonotherwise.”

“Aweakvampireofprophecyisnogoodtous,”theothermansaid.“Ifwe’renotabletouseherto

destroyourenemies,wemightaswellkillhernow,sonooneelsecangettheirhandsonher.”

ApprehensionsliddownQuinn’sspine.Helena’ssharptippedfingernailspinchedherskinasshe

grabbedQuinn’schinonceagain.“Youareright,whatgoodisthispatheticcreaturetous?Earl,whenshe
awakestakecontrolofhermind.”

No!ThescreamechoedwithinQuinn’shead.Herhearttwistedattheideaofthismonsterhaving

controlofherinsuchaway.IfHelenathoughtEarlwouldn’tuseherineverywaypossiblebeforeturning
heragainstanyonehedeemedathreattohim,shewassadlymistaken.

“Ihaveafeelingthatwon’tbemuchlonger,”Earlreplied.
Quinnheardasinglefootstepbeforeahandgraspedherbreast,twistingitcruellyashefondledit.

Instinctbroughtherinstantlytolife;shecameupspittingathimashelaughedinherface.Quinn’sfangs
burstfreeofhermouth;ragepouredthroughherbody,replacingherphysicalweakness.

Sheswungherlegsforward,jerkingandtwistingviolentlyagainstthechainsbindingherwristsand

anklesinanattempttobreakfree.Earlreleasedherbreastandsteppedaway.Quinnlungedforward
again,herfangsonlyinchesfromhisface.

Somethingbehindhergaveagroaningcreak.Metalbentandtwistedassheswungherlegsforward

again.Therewasalesseninginthetightnessofthechainsassomethinggaveway.Shemaynotbeather
strongest,butwithherheritageandJulian’sblood,shewasstillstrongerthananynormalvampireofher
agewouldbe.

“Guards!”Helenashouted.
ThreevampiresrushedintotheroomasQuinnswungherlegsforward,draggingtheheavyweightof

thechainwithher.Shecaughtthefirstguardunderthechinwiththeendofthechain.Bloodburstfromhis
mouthashestaggeredintothewall.Twistingtotheside,shesmashedherfeetintothechestofthenext
onewholungedather.Theforceofherkickknockedhimintothevampirebehindhim.

Swingingherselfup,herfeethittheceilingbeforeshepushedherselfdownagain.Shelandedonthe

shouldersofthethirdguard,causinghimtogruntfromtheforceofherweight.Herthighsclampedagainst
thesidesoftheman’shead.Hehowledandgrabbedatherthighsasshebegantocompresshisskull.
Tentaclesofpowerslitheredoutandlatchedontotheman’sface.Agroanofpleasureescapedheras
moreofhislifeseepedintoherbody,replenishingherstrength.

Beforeshecouldfeedfromhimtoomuch,thechainsclaspedtoherankleswerejerkeddownwith

enoughforcetoknockhervictim’sfeetoutfromunderhim.Theytoppledtowardthegroundtogether.A
screamtorefromQuinnwhenthechainsbindingherwristsabruptlystoppedherfall.Hershoulders
poppedoutoftheirjointswitharesoundingcrackthatreverberatedwithinthesmallconfinesoftheroom.

Helenaandtheothermanhadscurriedawayfromher,butEarlstoodbeforeherwithasmugsmileon

hislips.Heheldupthechainhe’dgrabbedforhertoseebeforeslippingitoveroneofthemassivemetal
hooksjuttingfromthewall.HeturnedtogiveapointedlookatHelena.

“Doyouseewhyshemustbekeptundercontrol?”heinquired.
“Yes,”Helenamurmured,hereyesfilledwithadmirationanddreadastheyranoverQuinn.
Despitetheexcruciatingpainitcausedinhershoulders,QuinnstrainedagainstherbondswhenEarl

cameatherwithamaliciousgleaminhiseyes.

CHAPTER24

JulianwouldhavegivenanythingtobeabletogetoutofthisRVandrunthroughthedesertinsearch

ofher.Beingconfinedtothisrollingtincanwasmakinghimedgierbythesecond.Turningawayfrom
wherehestoodbyLuther,hepacedtothebackofthevehicleandthroughthedoorwaytothebedroom
beyond.Hecaughtaglimpseofhisblazingredeyesandstrainedfacewhenhewalkedpastthebathroom.
Thethinthreadholdingthelastofhiscontroltogetherfeltabouttofray.

Louwatchedhimwarilywhenhewalkedbackthrough,buttheotherskepttheirgazesfocused

outside.ChristurnedtowardhimasLutherparkedatthesideoftheroadjustpastthedrivewayofThe
RisingMoonRanch.

“Pullinthere,”Juliancommanded.
“Whatifthey’vegotthesecuritysystemrunningagainorifsomeonehasshownuptowatchthe

ranch?”Louinquired.

“Thenyou’dbettercomeupwithsomeexcuseforthem,”Juliansaid,“beforeIkillthem.”
MelissarestedherhandonJulian’sarm,drawinghisattentiontoher.Shesubtlyshookherheadas

Lounervouslyglancedawayfromhim.Julian’steethclampedtogether;hedidn’thavetimetocoddlea
teenageGuardianrightnow.EverypassingsecondwasonemoreQuinnwasinthehandsofsomeonewho
woulddestroyher.

Iftheyevergotoutofthismess,hedidn’tcarehowbadlyithurt,hewouldmakehisbodyableto

withstandthesun.Neverwouldhebethishelplessagain.Neverwouldhebehinderedinanywayfrom
gettingtoher.

LutherputtheRVindriveanddidatwentypointturninthemiddleoftheroadway.He’dfinally

gottentheRVturnedaroundwhenablackcarmaterializedonthehorizon.Itspedtowardthem,its
illegallytintedwindowsmakingitimpossibleforhimtoseeanyoneinsideit.Julianrestedhishandonthe
backofthepassengerseatwhereClintsat.

JustasLutherwasabouttoturnintothedriveway,thecarslidtoasidewaysstopbeforethem,

blockingtheirentrancetotheroad.“Whoisthat?”Clintmuttered.

“Idon’tknow,buttheyjustsignedtheirdeathcertificate,”Julianvowed.
Danirosetoherfeetbesidehim.Anewscentfilledtheairwhenthedriver’ssidedoorofthecar

opened.Julian’sdeadenedheartleapthopefullyinhischestatthesametimehebreathed,“No.”

“Devon,”Melissawhispered.
DevonslidfrombehindthewheelofthesleeknewChallenger.Darksunglassesshadowedhis

emeraldeyes;hiswavyblackhairfellaroundhisface.Heturnedbacktowardthecarandsaidsomething
beforeclosingthedoorandwalkingtowardtheRV.Hedidn’tgetfarbeforethepassengersidedoorofthe
caropened.

“Getthedooropen!”JulianbarkedatChris,butChriswasalreadyscramblingtowardthedoor.
DevonjumpedoverthehoodofthecargrabbingholdofCassieasshesteppedfromthevehicle.

Withinseconds,theblanketcoveringherbegantosmokefromherburningskin.Devonpulledheragainst
hischestandranwithhertowardthem.HetossedherthroughthedooroftheRV.Hestormedupthestairs
behindher,hiseyesredbehindhisglasses.

DespitetheturmoilrollingthroughhimatlosingQuinnandhavingCassiehere,Julianhadtofightthe

urgetolaugh.HeunderstoodDevon’sfrustrationalltoowellnowthatQuinnhadwalkedintohislife.
However,hestillfounditamusingtowatchthenormallycomposedDevonunravelinaninstant.

Cassietossedtheblanketoffherhead.Shescowledasshesmoothedbackherlong,goldenhairnow

standinginamilliondifferentdirectionsfromstaticelectricity.Herviolet-blueeyesflashedtoDevon,
andshefrownedathim.Aredburnonhercheekmarredherotherwiseperfectfeaturesandporcelain
skin.Shewasasbeautifulasherecalled,butlookingathernow,hefeltnothingotherthanfriendship

towardherasQuinn’sstriking,honeyedeyesfloatedacrosshismind.

“Istillhadsometime,”CassieprotestedtoDevon.“Youdidn’thavetotossmeinside.”
“Seconds,”heshotback.Devonshowednoilleffectfromthesun.Afteryearsofworkingto

withstanditsrays,Devonwastheonlyvampireinexistencewhocouldtolerateit.“Itoldyoutowaitin
thecar.”

“Idon’tliketowait.”
Julianrestedhishandonthecabinetoverhisheadasshefinallylookedathim.“Iseeyou’vestillgot

adeathwish,Solar.”

Herhaughtyexpressionsoftenedtooneofsorrow.Hiseyeswidenedatthatlook;hishandclamped

onthecabinetdoorsoforcefullyhetoreitfromitshinges.Hadshereceivedavisionandknewsomething
aboutQuinnhedidn’t?

“Julian,I’msosorry,”shesaid.
“Whatdidyousee?”hegrowled.
Devonsteppedforward;herestedhishandagainstJulian’schest.“Easy,”heurged.
Cassieshookoffthelastoftheblanketandrosetoherfeet.“It’sokay,Devon.”Sherestedherhand

onhisarm,pullinghimawayasshefocusedonJulianagain.“Ionlysawwhatshewouldbecomeifshe
fallsintothewronghands.IconvincedDevontocomehereafterhetoldmeoneofourownhadstaked
you.Melissafilledusinontheeventsoflastnight.”

JulianshotMelissaalook,butsheshruggednegligently.“Theywerealreadyontheirwayhere,”she

repliednonchalantly.“Theyhadtoknowwhattheywerewalkinginto.”

“Youcouldhavetoldmetheywerecoming,”hegrated.
“Itwouldn’thavemadeadifference.Weneedtheirhelp,andIwasn’tgoingtoturnitdown.”
“Isthatreallytheonlyvisionyou’vehadofQuinn?”hedemandedofCassie.
“Yes.”Shelookedawayguiltilybeforefocusingonhimagain.“Ifwecan’tsaveher,shehastobe

destroyed.I’veseentheamountofgoodshewillbecapableof,butI’vealsoseentheamountof
destructionshecouldcreate,ifshefallsintothewronghands.”

Thecabinetdoorsnappedinhalfinhisgrasp.Devonsteppedforwardagain,butthistimehedidn’t

bothertotouchJulian;heonlynudgedCassiebackwithhisshoulder.Suchafoolishgesture,Julian
thoughtinanely.IfCassiedecidedtounleashthefullforceofherpower,shewasstrongerthanheand
Devoncombined.

Julianspunaway,hisshouldersheaving.Hehadtodestroysomething,hadtosinkhisfangsintoitand

tearittopieces.HisgazeswungovertheoccupantsoftheRVasthebeatoftheirheartsbecameasloudas
drumsinhishead.Hehadtogetoutofherebeforehekilledsomeone.

“Meetmeattheranch,”heshotoverhisshoulderandleaptoutoftheRVandintothesun.
“Stophim!”Cassieshouted.
Hebarelyfelttheburningraysofthesunasheracedacrossthesandinmassiveleapsandbounds

thatateawayatthedistance.Therundidn’teaseanyofhishostility,buthewasoutoftheRV,awayfrom
allthetemptingheartbeatsandpulsingblood.

HismindspunwiththeimplicationsofwhatCassiehadtoldhim.Itdidn’tmatterwhatQuinndid,he

realizedasflamesdancedfromthetipsofhisfingersanduphisarms.He’dlovehernomatterwhatshe
became.Nomatterwhattheydidtoherwhiletheyhadher,shewouldalwaysbetheonlywomanhe’d
evertrulylove.Shewouldalwaysbehis.

Ifshehadtobedestroyedbeforeshecouldbeusedforevil,hewoulddoit.Thenhewouldwalkinto

thesunandwelcometheraysthatwouldsearawayhisfleshandbones.Nomatterhowmuchheloved
andneededher,hewouldneverallowhertobeusedtohurtanddestroyothers.Shewouldratherbedead
beforethateverhappened,ratherbedeadthanhavehermindcontrolledbysomeoneelse;she’dsaidso
herself.

HeheardtheloudrevofanengineandglimpsedtheChallengerinthedistanceasDevonracedthe

cardownthedrive,almostkeepingpacewithhim.“Getin!”Devonshoutedathim,butJulianignoredhim
asheleaptoveralargecactus.Hedartedtothesideasflamesbegantoconsumehisclothesandbody.

Withstandit!heshoutedtohimself,evenashefelttheskinmeltingfromhisbones.
Theranchcameintoview.Turningtotheleft,heracedtowardthemassivebuildingusedtohousethe

temporaryworkers.Hesliddownthehillashisskinpeeledawayandhismusclesstartedtofeedthe
flames.Thepainofthefireeatingathisfleshhadnothingonthepaintwistinghisheartandtearingathis
soul.

Heslammedintothedoorofthebuilding,tearingitfromitshingesashestaggeredintotheshadows.

Fallingtohisknees,herolledacrossthefloorassomethingfelloverthetopofhim.Handsrapidlyran
overhim,smotheringtheflamesbeneaththeirblanketingtouch.Withtheflamessmothered,Devonpulled
whateverhe’ddrapedoverhimaway.Hedidn’tscowlatJulian,didn’ttellhimhewasanidiot;hesimply
tossedtheruinedblanketasideandsteppedaway.

ThecharredmusclesofhisfleshcrackedwhenJulianshovedhimselftohisfeet.Freshbloodspilled

fromopenwounds,butatleasttheflameshadbeendoused.Hisclotheswerenothingmorethantatters
stickingtohisfleshashemovedthroughthebuilding.Wordlessly,heledthewayupstairstothebedroom
he’ddiscoveredearlier.

Thebottomsofhisfeetstucktothefloorashewalked.Charredbitsofflakingmuscleandskinfellon

thegroundbehindhim,buthecouldalreadyseefreshveinsandfleshbeginningtoform.Hethrewthe
dooropentorevealthesickeningdisplayofthefamilygatheredaroundthetableandsteppedbacktolet
Devonenterfirst.IthadonlybeenafewhourssinceJulianwaslasthere,butthestenchoftherotting
bodieswasmorepotentthanithadbeenbefore.

AlowhissescapedDevonwhenhetookinthescenebeforethem.Devon’sshouldersthrustbackas

hecircledthebodiessurroundingthetable.JulianknewDevonwouldn’trecognizethissceneforwhatit
trulywas,buthewouldrecognizethedriveofthetwistedmindwhohadcreatedit.Hewouldrecognizeit
assomethinghetoomayhavedoneinthepast,justasJulianhad.

“Whatisthis?”Devondemanded.
BeforeJuliancouldanswer,heheardasetofnimblefootstepsrunningupthestairsandturnedas

Cassiestalkeddownthehalltowardhim.“Whatwereyouthinking?”sheshouted.“Youcouldhavegotten
yourselfkilled,youstupid,foolish,idiot!Lookatyou!Youlooklikeacrispfriedcorpse!Whatgoodisa
crispfriedcorpsetoanyone?Iknewyouwerereckless,butthis…”

Herscoldingtiradebrokeoffwhenshespottedthedecayingbodiespositionedwithintheroom.Her

handflewtohermouthasshetookastepawayfromthescene.Devonstoppedwalkingontheotherside
ofthetable.Hiseyesnarrowedonthetwogirls.

Attheendofthehall,theothersappearedatthetopofthestairs;theydidn’tcomeanycloser.Seeing

itoncehadbeenenoughforthem.Clintmaynothaveseenitfirsthand,buthe’dbeeninformedaboutit
andremainedwherehewas.Theyprobablydidn’twanttogetanywherenearhimrighttheneither.He
didn’tblamethemforthat.

“Idon’tunderstand,”Cassiewhispered.“Whywouldsomeonedothis?”
“Notsomeone,”hisvoiceactuallysoundedlikeacrispfriedcorpsetoo,herealized.Onewhohad

beenchewingonfire.“ThemanwhotookQuinndidthis.Itwasamessagetoher,tome,toallofus.”

“What’sthemessage?”Devondemanded.
Julian’skneescrackedandpoppedashewalked.Thenewcartilageformingmadeitdifficulttoget

themtobendthewaytheyweresupposedto.Cassiefollowedbehindhim,stayingasfarfromthetableas
shecould.

“ThisissupposedtobeQuinn’sfamily,”hecroakedout.“Theirhairhasevenbeendyedtomatch

them.IimaginethisisexactlywhattheylookedlikebeforeBarry,”hegesturedtotheyoungboyhestood

behind,“gotupandletintheirkillers.Quinndidn’thaveanyscarsbeforethatnight,butwhathedidto
thatcorpsematchesthescarsshehasnow.”

“It’smeanttounnerveher,”Devonsaidasherestedhishandsonthetabletopeermorecloselyatthe

scene.

“Toletherknow,toletmeknow,he’sbeenwatchingherforawhile,”Juliansaid.“Toletherknow

heisstillwatchingher,orwas,ashehashernow.Hemaynothaveknownsheturnedintoavampire
whenshedid,butwhenhefoundheragain,heremainedintheshadows,bidinghistimebeforelettinghis
presencebeknownhere.”

DevonsteppedawayfromthetableandslidapointedlooktowardJulian.“Healsoknowswhoyou

are.”

“Yes.”
“Howdoyouknowthat?”Cassieaskedinaharshwhisper.
“Becausethiscouldhavebeensomeofmyownhandiworknottoolongago.”
Cassie’salreadyfairskinpaledmore.Hergazeshottohimbeforehereyesrakedoverthemboth.

Shewasn’tnaïveoronetoliveindenial;sherealizeditwassomethingDevonwouldhavedonetoo.“I
see.”

Devonsteppedbackandstretchedhishandouttoher;shedidn’thesitatebeforetakingholdofit.“Do

youthinkhesuspectsshe’sthevampireoftheprophecy?”Devoninquired.

“Iknowhedoes.”Hereachedforthepocketofhisjeansbeforerecallinghisclothinghadburnedup.

Hishandfellbacktohisside.“HeleftanoteinthehandofthegirlmeanttobeQuinn.”

“Whatdiditsay?”Cassieinquired.
Julian’steethgratedtogetherasherecalledthewordshewouldneverforget.“Youmaynothave

beenbornofmyblood,butIcreatedyousomehow,andIkeepwhatismine.P.S.Anotheroneofyour
friendsalreadybelongstome.”

Cassieglancedattheothersstillwatchingfromtheendofthehall.“Doyouthinkit’soneofthem?”
“Quinn’sacquaintance,Jeb,istheonewhohelpedleadtohercapture,”Julianreplied.“Ithinkitwas

referringtohim,butitcouldstillbeoneofthemtoo.”

Devontiltedhisheadtothesideashestudiedtheirfriends.“We’llhavetokillthisassholetomake

surethey’reallsafe.”

“I’mgoingto,”Juliangrowled.
Devon’sgazeslidoverhim.“Notifyouturnyourselfintoashfirst.”Juliangavehimthebestscowl

hecouldmusterwithhisbarelytherelipsandcheekmusclesjustbeginningtorepairthemselves.Devon
gaveCassieanudgetowardthedoor.“Whydon’tyougodownstairswiththeotherswhilewetrytofind
someclothesforJulian?”

CassienoddedandglancedbackatJulian.“We’llgetherback.”
“Youcan’tpromisethat.”
“No,butIcanpromisewe’lldoeverythingwecantogetherback,andIcanmaketheirlivesvery

unhappy.”

“Iknowyoucan,Solar.”
“Ihatewhenyoucallmethat,”shemutteredasshewalkedtowardtheothers.Heknewthat,butwith

herabilitytoabsorbpowersfromothers,shewaslikeasolarpanelandhe’dalwaysenjoyedneedling
her.

“Youshouldn’thavebroughtherhere,notintothis,”hesaidtoDevon.“Therearealotofvampires

here.”

DevonwaiteduntilCassiewasoutofhearingbeforeturningtohim.“DoyouthinkIcouldhave

stoppedherfromcoming?Sheknewyouneededus.Nothingwasgoingtostopher.Shewouldhavecome
withoutme.”

“Whataboutthechildren?”
Devonranahandthroughhishair.“ShetrustsLiamandAnnabelletoprotectthemifsomethingwere

tohappentotherestofus.”

“Shehastobekeptoutofthisasmuchaspossible.”
“Believeme,Iintendtotryandmakethathappen.”Devon’semeraldeyesfocusedonhim.“I,more

thananyone,knowwhatyou’regoingthrough.Remember,shewastakenfrommeoncetoo.”

“Icouldneverforget,”Julianreplied.“Butthisbastardhasmindcontrol,Devon.Quinncould

alreadybelosttome,andthethingshecouldmakeherdo…”

Juliantrailedoffwhenfreshangercausedhisshouldermusclestobulgeandhishealingbodyto

crackandbleed.

“Mymindcontrolisalotstronger.Icantakeholdofhismindandmakehimreleaseher.Asofright

now,hethinkshehasonlyyouandpossiblysomeHunterstodealwith,buthe’sinforarudeawakening.
We’llmakesureyougettheopportunitytokillhim,butdrainingyourselfunnecessarilyisn’tgoingtohelp.
Iknowhowdifficultitistomaintaincontrolrightnow,butyouhaveto.”

“IhadtogetoutofthatRVbeforeIkilledoneofthem.”
“Iknow.Comeon,let’sgetyousomethingtocoveryourselfwithsoyoucanfillusinontherestof

whatisgoingon.Iknowyouprobablydon’tcare,butIthinktheotherswouldprefernottolookatyour
burntkibblesandbits.It’smakingmehurt.”

“You’rejustjealous.”
Devonreleasedasmallsnort.“Notlikely.”
Julianclosedthedooronthedisplaybehindhim.Beforetheylefthere,hewouldburnthisbuildingto

theground.

CHAPTER25

No!No!No!Quinn’sheadwhippedbackandforthasshefoughtagainsttheprobingtendrilsshefelt

tryingtopiercehermind.Shejerkedherlegsfrantically,attemptingtotearthemfreeofthewall,butthe
motiononlycausedhershoulderstotwistandgrindtogether.Ascreamofragetorefromherthroatas
sweatpoureddownherfacetodriponthecementfloorbeneathher.

Hereyesflewopenandlatchedontothewomanacrossfromher.“Don’tlethimdothis!”
Helena’shazeleyesremainedunsympatheticasQuinnjerkedherfeetagain.Somethingclampedonto

hermind.Herheadjerkedbackasthesensationoffingerscurlingintoherbrainencompassedher.The
fingersdugindeeper,holdingherwithintheirgraspastheyslitheredthroughhermind.

“Relax,”Earlsaid.
Herbodywentlimpwithinthechainsathisword;shehungwithherheaddanglingandherfeet

beforeher.Fight!Shecouldn’tmovethough.Herbodywasnolongerherown.Hermindwasn’therown.
Tearsburnedinhereyesandthroat.

Earlwalkedovertostandbeforeher.“Don’tmove.Don’tspeak.”
Thistimewhenhegrabbedherbreast,sheremainedunmoving.Asingletearslidfreeandtrailed

downhercheek.“Don’tcry.It’sbeneathyouandsounattractive.”

Thetearsdriedinhereyes,butontheinside,sobswrackedherbody.Inhermind,shescreamed

endlessdenialsandcursesathim;shetoreathisfacewithhernailsandfangsassheshreddedhimto
pieceswithherbarehands.Shewouldn’tuseherpoweronthisman;itwouldbetooquick.No,whatshe
woulddotohimwouldmaketheworstthingavampirehadeverdonetoanotherlooklikechild’splay.

“Stoptouchingher,Earl,”Helenasaidbriskly.“Wegetthepoint.”
DisappointmentslidoverEarl’sface,buthewinkedatherashemouthedthewordlater.Revulsion

curdledwithinQuinn’sbody.Anendlessscreamsoundedinherhead.Inwardly,shecontinuedtofight,but
herbodyremaineduseless.IsthiswhatZachandJebhadfeltlike?Weretheyawareoftheiractionsand
fightingthemeverystepoftheway?Haditsomehowbeendifferentforthem?

Whywouldithavebeendifferentforthemandnotyou?SheshudderedattherealizationZachand

Jebmostlikelyhadbeenfightingthemselvestheentiretime,butunabletostoptheiractions.

Guiltateather,madnessclawedattheedgesofhermind.Shehadtokeepittogether,butallshe

wantedwastosinkintooblivion,togetasfarfromthisimpossiblesituationandthesemonstersasshe
could.

Areyousodifferentfromthem?Hermindtauntinglywhisperedather.Shewasdifferent;shehad

killedforlove,notpleasureorpower.However,she’dstilltakenalife.She’dstillplayedGod.Whenher
timeonthisearthwasover,she’dwelcomeHell.Shewoulddeserveit,butshewasdifferentfromthem.
Shehadtobelievethat.

Julianwillfindme.Sheknewitineveryfiberofherbeing.Iftheirroleswerereversed,shewould

findhim.Therehadtobesomewaytomakeitaloteasierforhimtofindher;shejustdidn’tknowhowto
dothatwhenshehadnocontroloverherself.

Shefelllikeasackofpotatoestothefloorwhensomeonereleasedthechainsholdingherup.Agroan

ofblissandanguishsoundedinherhead,butsheremainedmute,asshe’dbeencommandedtodo.The
bulletinhershouldersucceededinworkingitswayoutandclatteredontotheconcretefloor.

“Wehavetogethercleanedandfattenedupbeforeshowinghertotheothers.”Helena’sblackboots

stoppedinchesfromQuinn’snose.Quinnliftedherheadtolookather.Helenahadhairthecolorof
midnightandnarrow,aristocraticfeatures.Herthigh-highbootsclungtohershapelylegs.Thedeep-red
dresssheworematchedthecolorofhernailsandendedrightbelowherass.Ifshebentover,therewould
benoquestionsaboutwhatthedressbarelycovered.

Helenabenttoplaceahandonhershoulder,butEarlshouted,“Don’ttouchher!”

HelenarecoiledasifQuinnwereacrocodilereadytostrike.YouhavenoideawhatIplanforyou.

Quinnwatchedasthebootssteppedback.Herchainwasjerkeduntilshewasliftedintoaseatedposition.
Hergazeslidaroundthespace,notingthethickpipesrunningacrosstheceiling.Itlookedlikeshewasin
thesmallworkroomofabasement.

Earlkneltbeforeher,asmilecurvinghismouth.“IcanmakeyoudoanythingIcommand,butIcan’t

takethefirefromyoureyes.Interestingmixofcolorsbytheway,veryfascinating.Ican’twaittolearn
howyoucametobe.Now,dear,you’regoingtokeepyourpowerleashed.You’renottouseitonanyone,
unlessIgiveyoupermissionto.”

Earl’shandwrappedaroundherbicep,andhehauledhertoherfeet,jerkingonherdislocated

shoulder.Arumblesoundedinherchestashereyesslidpartiallyclosed.Thatwastheonlyreactionshe
revealedtothefieryneedlesstabbingdeepintoherflesh.

“Weshouldlearnhowshewascreatedbeforewetakeherbeforetheothers,”theothermaninthe

roomsaid.“Wecan’ttakeanychancesshemaynotbewhowe’relookingfor.”

“It’sher,”Earlinsisted.
“Mostlikely,butthelastthingweneedistoberippedtoshredsbyanangrymobbecausewedidn’t

deliveronourpromises.”

Mob?Quinn’sstomachplummeted.
Earlsteppedbeforeherandgrabbedholdofherchin.“WhateverIaskofyou,youmustanswer,and

youmustanswerithonestly.Doyouunderstand?”

Quinntriedtokeephermouthclosed,butshefeltthewordslidingoutfrombetweenherteeth.“Yes.”
“Good.”Releasingherchin,hesteppedawayfromher.Hiseyesrakedherfromhead-to-toeandback

again.“Inevergaveyouanybloodsotellmehowwereyouabletochange?”Quinn’smindscrambledto
comeupwithsomeanswerthatwouldn’tbealie,butnotentirelythetruth.“Answerrightnow.”

“IwasaHunter,”sheblurted.“Ialreadyhadvampirebloodinme.”
Acruelsmilecurvedhismouth.“IknowthatbutI’vekilledHuntersbeforeandnoneofthemever

camebacktolife.”

“Didyoustickaroundaftertofindout?”sheretorted.
Aflashofredslidaroundhiseyes.Hesteppedsocloseshecouldsmellhisrancidbreathasit

washedoverher.Shecouldn’tstophernosefromwrinkling.“Theynevercomeback.Whatelsedidyou
dothathelpedyoustayalive?Answertruthfully,now.”

Sheneverhadachancetothinkofaliebeforethewordswelledupinsideherthroat.Shestruggledto

keepthemback,buttheyburnedwithinher.

“Answernow!”Earlcommanded.Ascreamoffrustrationandsufferingtorefromherasthefingersin

herheadpeeledthroughthelayersofherbrain.“Itwillonlygetworseuntilyouanswer.”

“Vampire!”shegasped.“Iwasbornpartvampire.”
Thehandimmediatelyretreated,leavinghershakenandweakonthefloor.
“Howisthatpossible?”Helenainquired.
“Answerherquestion,”Earlordered.
Thecrushinggripboredownonhermindagain.Itfeltlikeathousandwaspswerestingingherbrain

overandoveragain.“MymotherwasaHunterwhowaschangedwhilepregnantwithme.Shegavebirth
tomeandkilledherself,”sheblurted.

Thegriponhermindeased.Beforeshecouldstopherself,shevomitedforthefirsttimeinherlife.

Shehadnoideawhatcameoutofher—bile,blood,orsomecombinationofboth.Herbodyjerkedasshe
heavedrepeatedly.

“Whatiswrongwithher?”Helenademanded.
“She’sfine.Herbody’sreactingtomydiggingthroughherbrain,”Earlanswered.“I’vebeentoldit’s

farfromapleasantexperience.She’lllearnwhatresistancewillearnher,andthenshe’llbreak.”

Theendlessheavingfinallystopped,leavingherwithabittertasteinhermouth.“Whathappenedto

myfriendZach?”Earlinquired.

Quinnliftedherheadandtiltedherchinup.“Ikilledhim.”
Earlgrinnedather.“Wonderfulnews!Simplywonderful.”Quinndidn’tagree,butsheremained

unmovingbeforehim.Heclappedhishandseagerly.“Timetogetcleanedup.”

Allofherpowerfocusedontheplacewherehishandwrappedaroundherarmasshefoughttogetit

tolatchontohim,butthetentaclesremainedleashed.Herteethclampedsotightlytogether,shewassure
theywouldshatterbythetimethiswasdone,ifherminddidn’tshatterfirst.Earljerkedherforward,
leadinghertowardthedoor.Helenasteppedinfrontofhimbeforetheycouldexit.

“Iwillseetoherbathinganddressing,”shesaidinacrisptone.
Earl’shanddugintoQuinn’sflesh.Thebloodvesselsbeneathherskinburstunderhispunishinggrip.
“Helenawilltakeher,”theothermansaid.
Reluctantly,EarlreleasedhertoHelena.“TellhertotruthfullyansweranyquestionsIhaveforher,”

Helenasaid.

EarlgrabbedholdofQuinn’schin,hisnailsdiggingintoherskinasheturnedherheadtowardhim.

“Answeranythingsheaskswiththetruth.Youcannottellalie,andyouwilldoeverythingshecommands
youtodo.Youarenottohurtherinanyway.”

Earlreleasedherandtookastepaway.Helenaclaspedholdofherarmandledheroutoftheroom,

upasetofstairs,andintoawhitehallway.QuinnwasunsureifshecouldonlyspeakwhenHelenatold
hershecould.ButthenallshereallyhadtosaytoherwashowmuchshewouldenjoywatchingHelena
screambeforeshedied.

Shewasledthroughacoupleofhallwaysbeforetheyenteredintoalargeroomcontainingasmall

poolwithbeautifulgreenandgoldtileliningthewalls.Aboveher,theentireceilingwasmadeofarching
glass.Thesunbeatupontheglass,butitwasn’tunpleasantlywarmintheroom,andthethicktintoverthe
windowskepttheraysofthesunfromcausingallofthemtoburstintoflames.Fiveothervampiresstood
intheroomwiththeirhandsfoldeddemurelybeforethem.

She’dneverseenanythingthiselegantbeforeinhertown.Hadtheytakenherhundredsofmiles

away?Howlonghadshebeenunconscious?Hermindspunatthehideouspossibilityofbeinginan
entirelydifferentstate.

“We’vehadthewaterrecentlybroughtin.”Helena’shazeleyesrakedoverQuinn;herupperlip

curledinasneer.“Hopefully,itwillbeenoughtowashyou.”

Quinnsmiledsweetlyatherinresponse.Hopefully,Iwillbefeelingyourheartinmyhandsoon.
“Unchainher,”Helenacommanded.Oneofthevampireshurriedforwardtodoasshebid.“Youwill

notmove,”HelenasaidtoQuinn.

Quinn’seyesslidtoher,butitwastheonlymotionshecouldmake.“Youreyestrulyarefascinating,”

Helenamurmured.

RelieffilledQuinnwhenthechainsfellawayfromherbruisedandchafedwrists.Driedblood

crackedagainstherabusedfleshasherhandsfellbeforeher.

“Allofthemen,out!”Helenacommandedandwavedtowardthemassivedoubledoorsthey’d

enteredthroughonlymomentsbefore.“Andclosethedoorsbehindyou.”

ThreewomenandHelenaremainedbehindasthedoorsclosedwithathud.“Stripher,”Helena

ordered.

Quinn’sinsidestwistedatthecommand,butsheremainedunmovingastheycutherfilthyclothing

awayfromherbodyratherthantryingtoremoveitintheusualway.Whenshewasfullyexposed,goose
bumpsbrokeoutonherskin.Sheachedtobeabletocoverherself,butherhandsremainedunmoving,her
bodytrappedinthecementofEarl’smindcontrol.

“Soskinny,”Helenamutteredandgaveadisgustedshakeofherhead.Aneyebrowquirkedwhenher

eyeslatchedontothefadingbiteJulianhadleftonherthigh.

Quinn’seyesslidoverherravagedbody.Herribsandhipsstoodoutinstarkcontrasttoherpale

skin.Herkneeslookedasiftheywerestickingoutofherflesh.Shefeltlikeaskeletonasshestoodthere,
butshewouldn’thaveitanyotherway.ItwasworthittosaveHawtie’slife.

“Getinthepool,”Helenacommandedher.
Turningtotheothers,Helenaorderedshampooandsoaptobebroughtforth,alongwithclothing,as

Quinnstifflymadeherwaydownthestepsandintothesmallpool.Shestoodchest-deepinthewater
whileshewaitedforhernextcommand.Theothervampiresstrippedbeforejoiningher.Theyscrubbedat
herfleshwithalookthatmadeitcleartheythoughtherlessthanadog.Theywereeitherunawareor
uncaringofthefactthathershoulderswerestilldislocatedastheyjerkedandpulledonherarms.

Thebulletwoundhadnearlyhealed,butJulian’smarkwasstillonherflesh.Shehadtohaveonly

beenunconsciousforonenight,sherealized.Thebulletwouldhaveworkeditswayoutsoonerifithad
beenacoupleofdaysandJulian’sbitewouldhavehealed,whichmeantshewasmostlikelystillin
Arizona.ThatwouldmakeitalittleeasierforJuliantofindher.Shehoped.

“IsJulianyourmate?”HelenainquiredasQuinnwasledfromthewaterandwrappedinaplush,

whitetowel.Hermouthremainedclosed,butshecouldfeeltheanswerpressingagainstherlips,fighting
tobreakfree.“Answerme.”

“Yes!”Thewordwaspainfulasittorefromherthroat.
AsmilecurvedtheedgesofHelena’sfullmouth.“Thatmeanshe’llcomeforyou,andthenwe’ll

haveanEldertoo.”ShestrolledaroundQuinn,herhandtrailingoverhershouldersbeforemovinginto
herhair.“Amatewilldoanythingfortheother.”Helenastoppedbeforeheragain.“Andwhileyouare
likethis,hewillhavenochoicebuttofallinlineandreturntothevampireheoncewas.Ourkindwill
ruleagain.Therewillbenohiding,nofearoftheHuntersorGuardians.Nomoredisarrayandfighting
eachother.”

QuinnwoulddoeverythingshecouldtokeepJulianfrombecomingakilleragain,especiallynot

becauseofher.Anothervampirearrivedwithagobletfullofblood.Helenatookitfromherandheldit
outtoQuinn.“Takeitanddrink.”

Quinn’shandsroseandclaspedholdofthegoldengoblet.Liftingittohermouth,hernosewrinkled

whensherealizeditwashumanblood.Warmhumanblood.Herlipsclampedshutagainstit.Herbody
burnedwithhunger,butshehadafeelingthishadn’tcomefromawillingvictim.

“Openyourmouthanddrinkit,”Helenacommanded.
Quinn’shandsshookasshetriedtokeepherlipsclosedagainsttheenticingliquid,buttheyskimmed

backoftheirownaccordandthebloodspilledacrosshertongue.Evenashermindscreamedagainstit,
herbodygreedilygulpedtheempoweringliquid.Somuchbetterthananimalblood,sweeterandmore
tantalizing.

Inwardly,sobswrackedherbody.Outwardly,shehandedthegobletbacktoHelena,hungryformore,

asshewipedthebackofherhandacrosshermouth.Helenagaveheraknowingsmileandturnedto
acceptanothergobletofbloodfromoneofthevampires.“You’vebeendenyingyourselfthenectaroflife,
child.Drink,”shecommanded.

Thistime,Quinndidn’ttrytofightit;sheneededthestrengththebloodgaveher.Shecouldn’tstop

whatwashappeningtoher,butHelenahadjustsecuredherspotatnumbertwoonthelistofvampiresshe
wasgoingtoteartoshredsassoonasshehadthechance.ShesmiledatHelenaoverthetopofthegoblet
asshehandeditback.Mistakingthepurposeofhersmile,Helenasmiledbackandtookthegobletaway.

“You’realreadylookingmuchbetter.Theothersmayactuallybelieveyou’reathreatnow.”
YouhavenoideawhatkindofathreatIcanbe,butyou’llfindout.Quinnwipedthebloodaway

fromhermouthagainandflickedtheremainingdropsontothewhitemarblebeneathherfeet.

“Dressher,”Helenacommandedtheothers.

Thetowelwastornawayfromher,leavingherbarebodyexposedtoHelena’sassessinggazeonce

more.Oneofherfulllipscurledwhentheyfelluponthescarinthecenterofhersternum.Quinnturned
herpalmsoutwardsoHelenawouldbeabletoseetheslicesacrossbothofthem.Sheturnedherhandsto
revealidenticalscarsrunningacrossthebacksofherhandstoo.

“Disgusting,”Helenamurmured.Quinnliftedherchinatthewoman;shedidn’tcarewhatothers

thoughtofherscars.Theywereherstobare,andshewoulddosoforaneternity.“Itmustbeyourpower
thatattractedJuliantoyou.”

“Earlleftthesescarsonme.ThisiswhathedidtomeonthenightIturned.”Apparently,shecould

talktoHelenawithoutbeingcommandedtodoso,butthatwasallshehadtosaytotherepulsivewoman.

Helena’seyeswidenedbrieflybeforenarrowingonher.Withoutwarning,Helenagrabbedholdof

herwristsandjerkedherarmsforward.Hershouldersslidbackintoplacewithanechoingcrack.
Helena’seyeswereremorselesswhentheymethers.

“Youwillreceivenopityfromme,”Helenasaidandsteppedaway.
“Iwantnopityfromanyone,”QuinnrepliedassheunflinchinglymetHelena’sgaze.
“Donotspeakagain.”
QuinngloweredatHelenaasherlipscompressed.Havingredressedthemselves,theothervampires

broughtforthasmallblackdressandpulleditoverherhead.Helena’s,sherealizedwhenthedresswas
snuggedintoplace.Shewantedtopullituptocovertheampleamountofcleavagethetopofthedress
exposed,butshewasafraidshewouldbareherassifshedid.

Thankfully,theybroughtoutapairofunderwearandtuggeditupherlegs.Pleaseletitbeanewpair.

However,shedidn’tgettheimpressionHelenabotheredwithunderwear,ever.

Theslinky,skin-huggingmaterialofthedressfeltoutofplaceonherbody.Shewouldgiveanything

forherpantsandstakes.Herhoodiesandtees.Thisdresswasn’ther.Theyweretryingtotakeeverything
shewasawayfromher,andshedespisedthemforit.

Theycouldtakeherclothesandforcehertodothingsshedidn’twantto,buttheycouldn’ttakewho

shetrulywasfromher,sheremindedherself.She’dneverforgetwhoshewas,nomatterwhattheydidto
herormadeherdo.Earlwouldn’tbeabletobreakher,notevenifhewassuccessfulinthepromisehe’d
mouthedtoherearlier.

Oneofthevampiresbrushedherhairroughlyoutandleftittotumblearoundhershoulders.Helena

graspedherchinasshesteppedbacktosurveyheragain.“Ithinkthat’sthebestwe’regoingtogetwith
you,”shemuttered.“Bringher.”

QuinnglaredatHelena’sbackasshewasledforwardbytwovampireswhowereholdingherarms.

Thebloodhadhelpedtoreplenishherstrength,butshestillfelthollowandhungryforsomethingmore
thanblood.Sheattemptedtolatchontothevampiresholdingherwithherability.Herpowerswelled
againsttheirhandsbutremainedascagedasabird.

CHAPTER26

“WhereareJeb’sfriends,Rossandwhatwastheotherone’sname?”JuliandemandedofClintwhen

hehungupthephonewithHawtieinthehospital.

Clintrubbedathisbloodshoteyesandslidhisphoneintohispocket.“Ernie.Idon’tknowwherethey

are,upnorthattheirboss’sotherranch,I‘spose.”

Julianfoldedhisarmsoverhischest,mostofhisfleshhadhealedbynow,buthisskinwasstill

reddenedandtherewereafewblisterscoveringhisarmsandface.Cassiehadfoundasetofclippersand
carefullybuzzedhischarredhairoff,buthisskullfeltrawfromthemscrapingagainsttheburns.Stubble
linedhisheadnow,butacoupleofburntspotsonhisskullremained.

“Howfarawayisthat?”heasked.
“Three,fourhours,Iguess.Why?”
Julianspatoutacurseasheturnedonhisheel.Hestormedacrossthefloortothepooltablebefore

turningback.“Theymayhaveseensomethinghelpful,orsomehowknowwherethevampsarehiding.”

He’dalreadygonethroughallofthebuildingshewasabletogetintoaroundtheranchandtouchedas

manythingsashecould.Theothersbroughtoutobjectsforhimtotouchfromthefewbuildingshewasn’t
abletoenter.Allhe’dlearnedwasthatsomeofthepeoplewhoworkedfortheranchheldsomesecret
addictionsandoddfetishes.He’ddiscoverednothingsinisterorusefultohelphimfindQuinn.

“IknowwhereRosslives.He’llhavegonehomein-betweenstayingatthisranchandtheotheroneto

seehiswifeandkids.Ifhedoesknowsomething,wouldyoubeabletopickitupfromhisfamilyorthe
thingsinhishome?”Clintinquired.

“Maybe,”Juliansaid.“Let’sgo.”
Itwasthefirstleadthey’dhadtogoon;hedidn’tintendtowait.
“I’llgetthecar,”Devonsaid.“Bothofyouwaithere.”DevonshothimandCassieapointedlook

beforerunningdownthestepsandintothesundippingtowardthehorizon.

“I’llgettheRV,”Luthervolunteered.
“Therestofyoushouldgowithhim,”Juliansaid.“Idon’tplantoleavethisbuildingstanding.”
Hewatchedastheothershurrieddowntheporchstepstowardthedrive.Turningaway,Julian

walkedintothediningroom,liftedthehutch,andsmasheditontothefloor.Hegatheredthepiecesand
builtasmallpileonthefloorofthekitchenbeforewalkingovertothegasstove.Turningiton,hehelda
smallpieceofthewoodoverthetopoftheflamesuntilitcaughtfire.

HetosseditontothepileofkindlingandwalkedovertorejoinCassiebythefrontdoor.“Whatabout

thebodiesupstairs,theirfamilies?”Cassieinquired.

“They’llstillfindtheirbodies,butnooneshoulddiscovertheirlovedoneslikethat,”hereplied.
“You’reright.”
Devonbroughtthecardownthegraveldriveandparkeditbeforethehouse.JulianturnedtoCassie,

makingsuretheblanketcoveredallofherflesh.Onlyhereyescouldbeseenbeneaththeswaddlingof
materialcoveringher.

“Comeon.”HewrappedhishandaroundherheadasDevonleaptoutofthecarandhurriedaround

togetthedooropenandthepassengerseatleaningforwardsoshecouldduckintothebackseat.

SmokedriftedoutthetopoftheblanketwhenCassiedoveintothecar.Devonpushedtheseatinto

placeandclosedthedoorafterJulianclimbedinside.Cassietossedtheblanketasideandsatupinthe
seat.Julian’sstillhealingfleshhadreddenedandblisteredagain,butitwasnothingcomparedtowhat
he’denduredearlierintheday.

Devonclimbedintothedriver’sseat.“Youokay?”heaskedCassie.
“Fine.”
DevonshiftedintofirstbeforefollowingtheRVdowntheroad.Smokefromtheburningbuilding

billowedintotheairbythetimetheywerehalfwaybacktotown.Thishadtowork;hehadtodiscover
somethingthatwouldleadhimtoQuinn.Julian’shandgrippedthearmrestbesidehimashefoughtthe
urgetotearitfromthecarinfrustration.

Enteringthetownagain,theymadearightontooneofthebackroadsoffthemainstreet.Thesunhad

slippedoverthehorizonbeforetheRVstoppedinfrontofayellowhousewithafarmer’sporchand
cactusesliningtherails.Aprettyblondewomaninherthirtieswassittingonaporchswing,readinga
bookassheidlyswungherfeetbackandforth.

ShelookedupwhenClintemergedfromtheRVandwavedtoher.JulianopenedhisdoorasClint

calledoutagreeting,“Hey,Cathy!”

Cathy’sbrowfurrowedassheplacedherbookdownandrosetoherfeet.“Clint?Whatareyoudoing

here?”

“IwaslookingforRoss,”hesaidasheclimbedtheporchsteps.
HergazedriftedtoJulianashestrodedowntheflagstonewalkwaytostandbehindClint.“What

for?”sheaskedsuspiciously.“HehadnothingtodowithwhatJebdid.”

“Iknowthat,”Clintassuredher.“Myfriendhere,”hegesturedbackatJulian,“islookingforajob.I

didn’tknowiftheywerehiringoutattheranch.”

“Oh,”shesaidandglancedatthescreendoor.“Probably.Icangethisnumberforyou.He’sbeen

spendingmoretimeupnorthlately.”

“Thatwouldbegreat,”Clintreplied.
“Comeonin,”shesaidandnoddedtowardthedoor.“I’llgetyoubothsomeicedtea.”
ClintfollowedherthroughthedoorwithJuliantrailingbehind.Heslidhishandsoverthedoorframe,

pickinguppleasantmemoriesoflaughterandchildrenrunninginandoutwhileplayingcopsandrobbers.
Hefeltthetopofatable,pickingupmorelaughterandsomefightsaswastypicalforanyfamily.

“WhatareyoudoinginaRV?”sheaskedClint.
“Aftereverythingthat’sbeengoingonatthebarandintown,I’vebeenthinkingaboutbuyingone.

Someoldfriendsagreedtoletmetest-drivetheirs.Thishere’stheirson.He’scomeintotownwithsome
ofhisfriends.”

“I’msosorryaboutwhathappenedlastnight.Ican’tbelieveJebwoulddosuchathing.Hewas

alwayssostable,sotenderhearted.”

“Hewas,”Clintagreed,“butIguessweneverknowwhatgoesoninaperson’smind.IsRoss

comingbackforthefuneral?”

“Idon’tknow.HewasreallyupsetwhenItalkedtohimearlier.He’spissedatJeb.Ithinkhe’smad

attheworldrightnow.”

“Understandable,”Clintreplied.
“Youmustbefurious.”Theyfollowedherintoasmallkitchenwhereshepouredtwoglassesoficed

teaandpushedthemacrossthetable.“HowisHawtiedoing?”

“She’sgoingtopullthrough,”Clintsaidandtookasipofhisdrink.Julianwrappedhishandaround

theglassbutdidn’tliftit.

“I’msurprisedyou’renotwithher.”
“YouknowhowHawtieis;shewon’tletanyonefussoverher,andshehatesbeingcoddled.”
Cathyreleasedasnortoflaughter.“Thatshedoes.”Shewalkedovertothecounterandgrabbeda

penandpieceofpaper.“Here’shiscell,”shesaidasshescribbledonthepaper.Sheflippedthrough
somepapersinaphonebookbeforetappingherfingeragainstone.“Andhere’sthenumberwherehe’s
stayingnow.”

Walkingover,shehandedJulianthepieceofpaper.“Youshouldprobablywaitacoupleofdays

beforecalling.Ifthey’relookingforhelp,it’sgoingtobetoreplaceJeb.”

Reachingforthepaper,Julianslidhisfingersoverhers.Imagesfromherlifeunfoldedlikeaflipbook

throughhismind.Hesawherasalittlegirlwithherpuppy,ateenwithacigaretteandleatherjacket,a
collegestudentwithherboyfriend,herweddingday,andthejoyofthedayshegavebirthtohertwin
boys.

Atangledwebofpicturesfromherlifeandthelivesofthoseshe’dencounteredfloodedhim.

Centuriesofpracticeatdealingwiththebarrageofinsightthatcamewithhisabilityallowedhimtosort
throughthemrapidly.

Oneofherlastmemoriescaughthisattentionthemost.Theimagewasfromwhenherhusbandhad

beenhomeacoupleofdaysago.Itdidn’tfitintowhathe’dlearnedofthelivesofthecoupleinthishome.
Itdidn’tfitwithwhathe’dcometoknowofthesurroundingareaeither.Rosscouldhavepickedtheimage
upfromJebandtransferredittohiswife,butjustincase,Rosswouldbeavoideduntilhesucceededin
killingQuinn’scaptor.

JulianslidhishandawayfromCathy’s.“Thanksfortheadviceandthenumbers.”
“Bestoflucktoyou.”SheturnedtoClint.“SendmylovetoHawtie,andtellherI’llbebakinga

peachcobblerforher.”

Clintgrinnedasheslidhisthumbsintohiswaistband.“Thatnewswillcheerherup.”
Cathysmiledandfollowedthemtowardthedoor.Clintpulledoutapieceofgumandstuckitinhis

mouthastheywalkedtowardthevehicles.“Didyoulearnanything?”heinquired.

“Therewasaresidualmemoryonherthatwasn’therownanddidn’tfitwiththerestofwhatIsaw,”

Julianreplied.“I’mnotsureifitwasRoss’smemory,orsomethinghemayhavepickedupfromtouching
Jebandthenleftonhiswife.Eitherway,telltheothersRossistobetakendownifheapproachesthem.”

“Willdo.Whatdidyousee?”
“Amassivebuilding,extremelyluxuriousinthefrontandsurroundedbydesert.Ithadalotof

windows,whichwouldn’tmakesenseforvamps,butthey’dallbeenblackedoutwithpaintorcovered
withthickdrapes.”

“Whichwouldmakesenseforvamps.”Clintchewedonhisgumashestoppedwalkingandhisgaze

focusedonthesideoftheRV.

“Doesitsoundlikeanythingyouknow?”Julianasked.
“Aboutfiveyearsback,somebusinessmengottogetherfromNewYorkorsomethinglikethatand

decidedtobuildaluxurioushotelinthemiddleofthedesert,turnitintoaspaorsomething.Figured
peoplewouldliketogetawaytoanoasisofsorts.Whattheydidn’tfigurewashowmuchitwouldcostto
keeptheirpoolsandgreenlandscapesgoing,orthattherewerealreadyplentyofspasnearwaterthat
peoplelikedtovisit.Theprojectwasshutdownbeforeitwascompleted.”

“Butthebuildingstillstands?”
“AsfarasIknowitdoes,andithadatonofwindows.It’saboutfifteenmilesbeyondtheranch.”
Julianclosedhiseyesashefoughtagainsttheexcitementandurgencypulsingthroughhim.“Takeus

there.”

ClintnoddedandclimbedintotheRV.Julianwalkedovertothedoorofthevehicleandpokedhis

headinside.“Isthereanymoreblood?”

“Thereis,”Melissaanswered.“Howmuchdoyouwant?”
“Allofit.”
Shecamebackwithfivemorebagsandhandedthemover.

CHAPTER27

Quinnfeltlikeashowdogasshewasparadedthroughhallwayspaintedindeserttonesoforangeand

yellow.Thelackofimaginationinthecoloringgratedonhernerves.Itwassuchanoddthingtobe
botheredby,butconsideringallshecoulddorightnowwaslookaroundandthink,noticingthecolors
wasunavoidable.Sheexpectedbullskullsandwagonwheelstomakeanappearanceatsomepoint,but
fornow,thewallsremainedbareofdécor.

Vampiresstoodinafewofthedoorwaysliningthehall.Theygazedathercuriously.Somelicked

theirlips,andothersgrinnedinawaythatmadeherwanttospitintheirfaces.She’dcountedtwentyof
themsofar,buttherewereatleastthirtyroomsalongthishall,andthere’dbeenanotherthirtyliningthe
onebeforeit.

Ithadtobesomesortofahotel,butoneshe’dneverseenbefore.Theroomwiththepoolhadbeen

opulent.Thehallsheldwhatlookedlikerealbrasssconces,andeachoneshe’dtraversedhadalarge
chandelierhangingfromthedomeceilingstretchingoverthehall.

Forallofitsgrandness,therewasstillanairofdisrepairandneglectaboutthebuilding.Dustkicked

upfromthethick,redcarpetbeneathherfeet.Theglassofthechandelierdidn’tshinebeneaththelayerof
dustcoatingit,andthebrasswasdingyandfadedfromlackofpolishing.Burninglanternshungfromthe
bottomoftheunlitsconces.Theirflickeringlightdancedoverthewallsandcarpet.

She’dneverseenanythinglikethisplacebefore.Howfarfromhomehadtheytakenher?

Apprehensionburnedlikeacidinherstomach.Ifshewashundredsofmilesfromhertown,itmaytake
Juliandaystospreadoutthatfarinhissearch.

Iwillnotpanic.Iwillnotpanic.
Nomatterhowmanytimesshetoldherselfthis,shecouldfeelthetideoffearrisingwithinher.

Closinghereyes—theonlymotionstillherown—shestruggledagainstthemadnessswirlingattheedges
ofhermind.Youcansurvivedays.Youcansurviveweeks,ifyoumust.

Steppingfromthehall,Quinnthrewhershouldersbackdeterminedlyandopenedhereyes.They

becamesaucersasshetookinmoreoftheyellowandorangetones,butalsothemassivewoodendesk
acrossfromher.Therewerenocomputerssetuponit,butsheknewimmediatelyitwasacheck-indesk.

Hergazeslidtothefrontwallofglass,whichhadbeenpaintedblacktoblockoutthesun.Through

somebreaksinthepaint,shecouldseethesprawlingdesertbeyond.Threechandeliershungaboveher,
allofthemwouldhavecastabeautifularrayofrainbowcolorsacrossthewhitemarblefloor,ifthey
wereclean.Nowcobwebscoveredthem.

Thewallsremainedclearofalldecoration,butbehindthereceptiondeskwasalargemuralofan

oasisinthedesert.Isthatwhatthisplacewassupposedtobe?

Ajerkonherarmfromoneofherguardsgothermovingacrossthemarble.Herbarefeetdidn’tmake

asound,buttheheelsofHelena’sbootsclickedagainstthefloor.Thesoundgratedonhernerves.She
longedtoclampherhandsoverherears,orbreakthewoman’slegsoff.Yes,thatwouldhavebeenfar
preferable.

Dustswirleduparoundthemastheywalkedpasttwoelevatorsandwhatsheassumedwasan

arboretum,butthetreeswithinweredead.Oneofthebencheshadbrokenandfallenontheground,and
theelaboratefountaininthemiddleofthespacehadnowaterinit.Thebrownfencingsurroundingithad
onepiecethathadfallenover,andotherswereleaningprecariouslytowardtheground.

Beforeher,thickwoodendoorswerepushedopen.Thevampiresledherthroughanothercarpeted

hallwithonlyafewdoorsoffthesideofit.Eachdoorwasspacedaboutfiftyfeetfromtheotherone.She
hadnoideawhatlaybeyondthem,buttheyhadtobemassiverooms.Theyemergedintoanotherhall,this
oneallmarble.Attheendofitwasasetofwoodendoorswithelaborateflower-etcheddesignsaround
theedges.

Shedidn’tknowwhy,butaweddingwaswhatcametomindwhenshelookedatthosedoors.Then

theyopenedtorevealamassiveballroombeyond,andsheknewexactlywhyshe’dbeenthinking
wedding.Hermouthpartedasshestaredupatthedome-shapedceilingwithoneofthelargest
chandeliersshe’deverseenhangingfromthecenterofit.Aroundtheedgeoftheentireroomranasecond
floorbalconywithdeep-redseatsliningit.

Weddingoropera,shethought.
Thefloorbeneathherfeetwouldhavebeensparklingwhitemarbleifithadbeencleanedand

polished.Attheendofthemassiveroomwasastagewithchairssetuponit.Earlandtheothermanfrom
earlierwerealreadysittinginthechairs.Theybothstoppedspeakingasshewasledacrossthemarble
towardthem.Earlandtheothermanrose.AlustfulgleamcameintoEarl’seyesastheyleisurelyranover
herbarelytheredress.

“Welldone,Helena.Sheismuchimproved,”Earlmurmured.Quinnforcedhereyesawayfromthe

obviousarousalpressingagainstthefrontofhisblackpants.“Muchimprovedandstillhelpless,Isee.”

Theurgetovomitfilledheragain,butshekepthermouthclampedagainstit.Nomoreweakness.
“Sheis,”Helenasaidandclimbedthestepstositinoneoftheplushredchairs.Turning,shegestured

toaspotbehindher.“Putheronthefloor.”

“No,”Earlsaid.“Bringheroverhere.”No!Quinnshoutedinhermind.“She’llbewhereitwillbe

easierformetocommandher.”

HelenashruggedandfoldedherhandsinherlapasQuinnwasledovertoEarl.Hishandsranover

thebarefleshofherarmsashisgazefelltoherexposedcleavage.Goosebumpsbrokeoutonherflesh.

“No!”shemanagedtoprotest.
“Silence,”hesaidashisfingerstrailedtowardhercollarbone.
I’llkillyou!shescreamedinhermind,butherlipshadbeensupergluedtogetherbyhiscommand.

Hisfingersdipped,andalowmoanescapedhimwhentheybrushedthetopofherbreast.

“Enough!”Helenacommanded.“Leaveherbe,Earl.”
Hepoutedlikeachilddeniedhistoy,butsteppedawayfromher.Hesettledintothechair,aspiteful

smirkcurvinghismouthashegesturedtothespacebetweenhisfeet.“Sit.”

Quinnfoughtagainstit,butherbodymovedtowardhimofitsownaccordandsatinthespace

betweenhisfeet.Hepattedherheadbeforesettlingbackintohisseat.Quinn’sheadbowed,herteeth
gratingtogetherasherhandsfisted.

“Aretheotherscoming?”theothermaninquired.
“Theywillbehereshortly,Marvin,”Helenareplied.
QuinnliftedherheadtotakeinMarvin.Heappearedtohavebeenturnedinhismid-fortiesashehad

linesaroundhiseyesandmouth.Theredhairofhissideburnshadturnedgray.Hisblueeyesslidtoher;
hestudiedherforaminutebeforeturningaway.Hewasn’twhatshewouldconsiderhandsomeorugly.
Shesupposedaveragewouldhavesuitedhimbest.Hewasonewhowouldhaveblendedintothecrowd
whilealiveandwouldonlydrawattentionnowbecauseofthepowerheemittedasavampire.

AmuffledsoundbythedoorsdrewQuinn’sattentionbacktothemasthefirstofthevampires

shuffledin.Curiousmurmurswentthroughthecrowdastheystudiedher.Judgingbythelackofpower
emanatingfromthem,shedidn’tgettheimpressionthatthesevampswereveryold.Acoupleofthem
stoodoutasolderthantheothers,buttheyweren’tasoldasthethreeonthestagewithher.Still,even
withtheiryouthfulages,shewouldguessmostofthevampires,exceptformaybesixorso,wereolder
thanshewas.

Inthebeginning,shetriedtokeeptrackoftheirnumbers,butshelostcountatahundredasthecrowd

continuedtoswell.Sheguessedtherewerenearlytwohundred,ifnotmore,intheroomwithherbythe
timetheystoppedcomingforward.

IfJuliandidsomehowmanagetofindher,he’dneverbeabletotakeonsuchavastnumber,andshe

wouldn’twanthimtotry.Hopelessnessswirledthroughher,butshefoughtitback.Nothingwashopeless
whileshestilllived.She’dfindherwayoutofthismess,somehow.

Ifshecoulduseherpower,she’ddestroyEarlandbreakhisgrasponher.Itwasjustfiguringouthow

todothat.She’dbeeninbadsituationsinherlife,andshe’dmanagedtosurvivethem.Thismaybethe
worstonesofar,butwheretherewasawill,therewasaway,andshewasdeterminedtohavethatman
dyinginherhands.

Sherealizedtheeldestofthevampires,abouttwentyofthem,stoodtheclosesttothestage.Their

powerradiatedfromthemandtheireyeswereassessingastheyranoverher.Behindthem,shepickedout
vampireswithglassy,sightlesseyesamongstthecrowd.Thereweremaybeadozenofthem,butsheknew
theywereunderEarl’scontrolorhe’dcreatedthemandkepttheirminds.Shewonderediftheothers
knewaboutthem.

“Doesn’tlooklikemuch,”abrunettewomannearthefrontcommented.
“That’sbecauseIhaveherleashed.”ThepridefultoneofEarl’svoicecausedherfingerstoclench

moreashepattedherheadagain.“She’ssuchanobedientlittlecreaturerightnow,butIassureyou,she’s
lethal.”

“Isshetheonewe’reseeking?”anotheroldervampinquired.
“Sheis,”Helenasaidandrosetoherfeet.“Thegirl’smotherwasaHunterwhowasturnedbya

vampirewhilepregnant.SheproducedahalfHunter,halfvampireoffspring.”Helena’sred-tippedfingers
brieflyflashedtowardher.“WhenEarlkilledher,thiscombinationallowedhertoberebornasoneofus,
withouthisblood.

“Asweallknow,theprophecystates,‘Avampire,notbornofvampireblood,willburnlikethesun

thelifefromanyoneshetouches.Ifusedcorrectly,shewillbecomeourgreatestally,oursavior.’Thisgirl
wasnotbornofvampireblood,notasweallwere.”

Allthoseeyesswungtowardheroncemore.“Isthistrue?”theoldervampaskedher.
Earlnudgedherintheback.“Youwillanswerallquestionstheyhavetruthfully,now.”
Quinncouldfeelthefireinhereyesburningbrighterasshefoughtagainstthecommand.Afewofthe

vampsclosesttohergaspedandpointedathereyes;othersnudgedeachotherexcitedly.“Hereyes.How
strange.Howfascinating.”Theagitatedmurmursracedthroughthecrowd.Theirchattergrew,butthe
oldervampsinthefrontremainedconcentratedonherastheyawaitedheranswer.

“Yes,”shefinallysaidfrombetweenherteeth.
“Whatabouttheburnlikethesunpart?Doesshewieldfire?Issheoursavior?”Thequestionswere

firedatherfromallaroundtheroom.

“Betterthanfire,”Earlsaidexcitedly.“Muchbetter.”
Withawaveofhishand,hegesturedtosomeonebeyondtheredcurtainsliningthestage.Quinn

frownedastwovampiresemerged.Theywereholdingthearmsofayounggirlastheydraggedher
forward.Quinnhadneverseenthehumanbefore,butwithherdarkhair,browneyes,andthegoldlocket
aroundherneck,thegirlremindedherofhercousin,Betsy.Somethingsheknewhadbeenintentionalon
Earl’spart.

“Bringthegirlhere,”Earlcommanded.Thegirl’seyesswungwildlyaroundtheroom;herfrantic

heartbeatpoundedagainstherribs.ThecriesescapingherremindedQuinnofacoyotewithitslegcaught
inatrap.“Seatherbesideourguest.”

AnuneasyfeelingturnedinQuinn’sstomachastheysatthegirlnexttoher.Earlcuppedtheyoung

girl’schinwithinhishandasheliftedit.“Thingsareabouttogetalotmorefun,dear.”Heturnedtoward
Quinn.“Youaretouseyourabilitytodrainher.Notyourfangs,justyourability.”

“No.”Quinnwincedagainstthepainthatlancedthroughherbrainatthedenial.
Earlleanedtowardher.“Yes.”
Quinntriedtomoveback,butherbodyremainedpinnedtothespotwhereEarlhadtoldhertosit.He

grabbedholdofherhands.“Openthem.”Hertraitorousfingerssprangopenathiscommand.Earlmoved
herhandstowardthegirlwhotriedtoshrinkawayfromQuinn,butthevampiresholdingherkeptherin
place.EarlrestedoneofQuinn’shandsoverthegirl’sheartandtheotheroverthelocketinthecenterof
herchestbone.“Sheistheonlyoneyoucanuseyourpoweron.Now,drainher.”

Quinnshookherhead,butshecouldfeelthosedeniedtentaclesslippingforward,seekingoutthelife

forcethey’dbeensodesperatelyseekingsinceHawtie.Ascreamechoedinherhead,despitehisearlier
command,tearssprangforthinhereyesandslidfreeasthosetentacleslatchedontothegirl.

“Pleaseno,”shewhimperedasshefeltthegirl’slifeflowingintoherhands.
She’dlostcontrolofherpowerbefore,butnowshehadabsolutelynocontroloveritasitfed.Nota

Hunterorvampire,thegirlwoulddrainfasterthananyotherQuinnhadtakenfrombefore.Thegirl’s
rosebudmouthparted,andherdeep-browneyeswerethesizeofanowl’sastheyrolledwithinherhead.

“I’msosorry,”Quinnwhispered.
Thegirl’scheekbonesstoodoutmoresharplyandthecolorleachedfromherskinasQuinnfeastedon

herlife.Theweightslippedawayfromhervictim’sbody.Morewhisperedwordsofexcitementand
distressracedthroughthemassivecrowd.TearsstreameddownQuinn’sfaceashermalnourishedcells
werefilled.

Thensherealizedsomething.Earlhadsaidtodrainher,buthehadn’tsaidtodrainhertothepointof

death,andhehadn’tsaidshecouldn’treturnthelifebacktoher.Thegirl’sheartgaveastutteringbeatas
herbreathrattledoutofherchest.Thewhitesofhereyeshadalreadyturnedayellowishhueandwere
leaningtowardbrownnow.

Grittingherteeth,Quinnforcedherbodytogiveupthelifeforceithadbeensodesperatelycraving.

Forcedherselftogiveupthestrengthsheneeded.She’dsurvivethisordeal,butshewouldn’tbecomelike
oneoftheminordertodoso.She’dratherdie.

Lifefloodedbackintothegirl.Likeaballoonrefilling,herfacefilledoutagain,andhereyesand

skinreturnedtotheirnormalhue.Herheartbeatmoresolidlyinherchestassheinhaledgulpingbreaths
ofair.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Earlsnarled.
Quinnthrewherselfbackward,tearingherhandsawayfromthegirl.Herbodyjerkedtoahaltwhen

itcameupagainstEarl’sknee.Airdidn’tfillherdeadenedlungs,butshepantedforit.Sheoftenhadthis
kindofareactionwhensheusedherability.Shefoughttoregainwhatlittlecontrolshestillhadover
herself.

Thegirlgazedatherinawe,hereyesfrightenedandrelievedastheymetQuinn’s.Shefeltalmosta

littleguiltyovertheadmirationinthegirl’sgaze.She’dkeptasmallpieceofthegirl’slifeforherself;
she’dneedthestrengthitwouldgivetoher.

Despiteherguilt,shefoundhermouthcurvingintoasmileatthegirl.Theireyesmetandheld.They

wereprisonerstogether,andtogethertheywouldescapethis.Quinnwouldmakesureofthat.

Beforesheknewwhatheplanned,Earlstretchedoverherandsnappedthegirl’sneck.Thesoundof

itechoedinthevastroom.

AscreameruptedfromQuinn.Shelurchedforwardasthegirl’sbodyslumpedtothestage.Pain

lancedthroughherbrainasshebrokefreeofherplaceonthefloor.Herhandsfelluponthegirl’schest;
shecouldfixher.Shecouldfixher…

EarlgrabbedholdofQuinn’sarms,yankingherawaybeforeshecoulddoanythingtohelp.Another

screamedescapedherasshethrashedagainsthishold.“Stopmoving.”

Herbodyinstantlywentlimp.Herpowersurgedtowardhim,buthiscommandfromearlierremained

strongenoughtokeepittrappedwithinherbodybeforeitcouldtakeholdofhim.“Stopcrying.”

Thetearsceasedtheirflow,andtheonesonhercheeksdriedagainstherskin.Miseryandfury

blendedwithinher.Allshecoulddowassittherestaringatthegirl.

“Nexttime,keepthelifeforyourself.I’mgoingtokillanyoneyouallowtoliveanyway,”Earltold

her.

Hegrabbedbothofherarmsandjerkedthemsotheywerehalfbehindherbackashespunhertoface

thecrowd.“Doesthatansweryourquestionaboutwhatshecando?”heinquired.

Thecuriosityinthesurroundingeyestoldherthedisplayhaddonemorethanthat.Ithadalsowet

theirappetite.

“She’syoung,andyouseewhatshecanalreadydo,”Earlcontinued.Quinn’sheadbowed,butshe

forcedherselftoliftitagaintodefiantlymeettheeyesofallthosegatheredwithintheroom.“Imagine
whatyearsoftrainingandpracticewillbringtoherability;tous!We’llhaveoneofthemostpowerful
vampiresontheplanetunderourcontrolandshe’lldowhateverwewanthertodo.Wewillneverhaveto
runorhidefromtheHunters,Elders,orhumansagain.”

“WhatoftheremainingElders?”anothervampbythestageinquired.“TheyworkwiththeHunters

nowandwillcomeafterherandus.”

“That’swhereitgetsevenbetter,”Helenasaid.Quinnitchedtoclawthesmilefromherface.“The

girlhasconfirmedtheElder,Julian,ishermate.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”someonefromthemiddleofthecrowdcalledout.
“Thatmeanshe’lldoanythingforher.”Earlranhishandoverherface,underherchin,andbackup

again.“Andrightnow,Ihavecompletecontroloverher.Icanmakeherdoanythingwecommand,andhe
willdoanythingtokeepherfrombeinghurtorabusedinanyway.”

Quinnbarelymanagedtosuppressawhimper;sheclosedhereyesagainsttheeagernessthosewords

causedtoglowinsomeoftheeyesinthecrowd.

“Notonlydowepossessthevampireoftheprophecy,butwewillalsopossessoneofthetwo

remainingElderswhenJuliancomesforher,andhewillcomeforher.”

Quinnopenedhereyestotakeintheseaoffaces.Theyallblurredbeforeher,butshecouldsee

uneasinessgrowingamongstsomeinthecrowdastheyshiftedandspokewitheachother.

“I’mnotsosureaboutthis,”oneoftheolderonesnearthestagesaidinaloud,clearvoice.
“Whatistheretobeunsureabout?”Marvindemanded.
“First,asshegrowsolderandherpowergrows,howcanyoubesosureyoucankeepher

restrained?”

“Icankeepherrestraineduntilwehavebrokenhertoourway,”Earlrepliedconfidently.
Theman’ssympatheticgazetraveledoverher.“Idon’tthinkshe’sgoingtobesoeasilybroken.”
“Everyonehastheirlimits,”Helenareplied.“She’smoreofavampirethananyofusbecauseofher

unnaturalbirth.Hernaturalinstinctstokillwilleventuallytakecontrolofher,andshewillstoptryingto
fightus.”

“Itseemssowrong,”anothermanstandingtoherrightmuttered.
“Doesit?”Earlspat.“Youknewwhatyouwereinforwhenyoucamehere.”
“No,wedidn’t,”awomanrepliedcrisply.“Yousaidyouhadthevampireoftheprophecy.Thatshe

wouldworkwithus.Yousaidnothingaboutkeepinghermentallychainedlikeadog,whichissomething
youareenjoyingfartoomuchformyliking.”

“Areyouvampiresorpussies?”Earlbarked.
“Earl!”Helenasnappedandliftedahandtosilencehim.Sheturnedtowardthecrowdandspreadher

handsoutbeforeher.“Wemustdowhatwemustinordertosurvive.TheHuntersandGuardiansare
growingstrongereveryday.OuronlytworemainingEldersworksidebysidewithourenemiestohelp
theirnumbersgrow.Theywouldslaughteranyoneofyouifgiventheopportunity.

“Sheistheonlyadvantagewehaveoverthem.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIenjoymylife,andIwill

dowhateverittakestopreserveit.Evenifitmeanshavingtokeeponevampireimprisoneduntilshe
realizeshertruenatureandhowimportantsheistothesurvivalofourkind.Julianwasakillerfor

centuries;itwon’ttakemuchforhimtorevertbacktohisoldnature.”

Headsbowedtowardeachotherastheydebatedherwords.EarlroughlythrewQuinntotheground

ashestrodetowardtheedgeofthestage.Quinnglaredathisbackasshedrewherbrutalizedarms
forward.ShereallyhopedHelenawaswrong,butsheknewJulianwascapableofanythingwhenitcame
toher.

“JulianiswithHuntersandGuardiansnow,”anothervampiresaid.“Whatdowedowiththemifthey

comeheretoo?”

“Killthem,”Earlsaidflatly.

CHAPTER28

Julianknewtheywereintherightplacethesecondhesawthehotel/spa.Hisfangssprangfree,they

pressedagainsthislowerlipashesurveyedthefrontdoors.“Thisisit.Let’sgo,”hesaidbriskly.

Devongrabbedhisarm,holdinghimback.“Wehavetogetintherewithoutthemknowing.”
Julian’slipcurledintoasnarl,butheknewDevonwasright.
“How?”Cassieasked.
“Doyouknowanythingmoreaboutthelayoutofthisplace?”JulianaskedClint.
“No,likeIsaid,theprojectwasabandonedyearsago.Inevercameoutheretoseeit.Thekidsdidn’t

evencomeoutheretoparty.Itwastoofarawayforthem.”

Julian’sgazeslidoverthebuilding.Hemovedbacktokneelbehindarockyoutcropping.Dropping

hisheadintohishands,herubbedathistemplesbeforeturningtoDevon.“We’llgoaroundtheback,see
whatwecanfindthere.Stayhere,”hesaidtoCassie.

“No.”
“Cassie—”Lutherstarted.
“Icanstayhiddenandstillbeofhelptoyou,andyouallknowit.Leavingyourstrongestassetbehind

isdumb,youmachobutts.”

“Butts?”Chrisinquiredwithalookthatsaidhedidn’tknowifhewantedtolaughatherorslapher.
Cassiegavehimasheepishsmile.“Tryingnottoswearasmuch,youknow,becauseofthekids.”
“Understandable,butpleasedon’teversaythatagain.I’mnotsurewecanstayfriendsifyoudo.”
“Ithinkwe’reallgoingonthisone,”Melissasaid.“Youforget,allofourlivescouldhanginthe

balance,andQuinnhasbecomeourfriend.”

Julianturnedaway;hedidn’thavetimetoarguewiththem.Themorehelptheyhad,thebetter,butif

theylostCassietoo,alloftheirliveswouldhanginthebalance.“Comeon,”hesaidandsprintedacross
thedarksandtowardthebackofthemassivehotel.

Onegoodthingaboutthepaintedwindowswasthevampireswouldn’tbeabletoseeoutofthem.

Julian,Devon,andCassiemaybeabletomovefasterthanthevampswouldbeabletosee,butChris,
Melissa,andDaniweren’tasfastandwouldeasilybedetected.Danistilllookedalittledazed,buther
eyeswereclearerthantheyhadbeenacoupleofhoursago.Luther,Lou,andClintwerealotslowerthan
theotherswereandwouldgeteveryonecaughtinamatterofseconds.Withhisbigbelly,Clintwas
pantingheavilybythetimetheymadetheirwayaroundtothebackofthebuilding.

Julian’seyesconstantlyscannedforsomesignofvulnerabilityinthebuilding.Hisgazesliduptoa

domedglassceiling.“There,”hesaidandpointedtotheceilingstickingoutofafirstfloorroom.

“Howdowegetupthere?”Daniasked.
“We’llfindaway,”hereplied.
Heranacrossthedesertandtowardabrokenpieceofwoodenfencing.Heduckedunderthewood

andintoanothergardenareawithmoredeadtreesandabrokenbench.Thefountaininthecenterwas
filledwithsand.Hisgazescannedoverthewallbeforelandingonawoodentrellisleaningagainstit.

“Youcanclimbupthere,”hesaidandpointedthetrellisouttotheothers.
“Shit,”Loumuttered,buthewasthefirstonetograbholdofoneoftherailingsandstepontothe

trellis.

Juliantookafewstepsbackbeforerunningatfullspeedandleapingatthebuilding.Hismomentum

carriedhimtenfeetintotheair.Hegrabbedholdoftheedgeoftheroofandeffortlesslypulledhimself
overthetop.DevonandCassiefollowedbehindhim.Cassiemovedtograbthetopofthetrelliswhile
Louswunghimselfover.

TheothersquicklyfollowedbehindLou.Clintwashuffingandpuffingwhenhefinallyswunghisleg

over.“GoodthingIquitsmoking,”hemuttered.

Juliandidn’tlookbackathimashekneltnexttothetintedglassceilingandnarrowedhiseyestotake

inthesmallpoolbeneaththem.

“What’sinthere?”Louasked,unabletoseebeyondthetint.
“Itlookslikeaspapoolorsomething,”Cassiereplied.
“Anyoneinthere?”Lutherasked.
“NotthatIcansee,”Juliananswered.
“Ifwebustoutthesewindows,thenoisecouldannounceourpresenceifanyoneisnear,”Devonsaid.
“Wouldyouprefertowalkthroughthefrontdoor?”Julianasked.
“No,butbepreparedtofightoncewe’reinthere.”
“I’mmorethanpreparedforthat.”
TheotherspulledtheircrossbowsfromtheirbacksandheldthembeforethemasJulianliftedhisfoot

overtheglass.“AssoonasIbreakthis,we’regoingin,”Juliansaid.“You’restayinghereuntilweknow
it’ssafe,”hesaidtoCassie.“We’llneedsomeoneontheoutsideifthisgoesbad.”

SherosetopressakissagainstDevon’scheek.“Becareful.”
“Always,”hereplied.
Julianliftedhisfootandsmasheditintotheglass.Thefirstpaneshatteredbeneathhisboot;the

secondpanefracturedinajaggedzigzagthatracedallthewaydownthedome.Julianliftedhisfootto
breakit,buttheremainingglassgavewaybeforehecouldkickitagain.Heleaptforward.

Theglassfellonthetiledfloorinatinklingwave,justashelandedinacrouch.Spinning,hiseyes

scannedtheshadowsforanyhintofdangerlurkingwithin.Theroomremainedempty,butQuinn’scrisp
scentfilledhisnostrils.

She’dbeeninthisroomrecently.
Excitementandbloodlustpulsedthroughhim.“Shewashere,”hesaidasherosetohisfeetand

stalkedaroundtheroom.“Icansmellher.”

“We’regettingcloser,”Devonsaid.
Julianspottedsomethingintheshadows.Racingtowardit,hesnatcheduptheblackshirtlyingonthe

ground.HelifteditandinhaleddeeplywhenherecognizedoneofQuinn’sworkshirts.Itsmelledofher
sweat,blood,andfear.

“Whatisthat?”Daniaskedfrombehindhim.
“Quinn’sshirt,”hegrowled.
Whatwasshewearingnow?Hadtheydecidedtoparadeheraroundnakedinordertohumiliateand

attempttobreakher?Thematerialtoreinhishands.

“She’shere.We’llfindher,”Devonsaid.
Cassiefellnoiselesslyintotheroombehindthemandrosetoherfeet.“What?”sheinquired

innocentlywhenDevonscowledather.“It’ssafe.”

Julianshookhishead,butshe’dstayedawayforlongerthanhe’dexpected.Cassie’sbrowfurrowed

whenhergazedriftedtotheshirtinhishand.“Haveyouseenanything?”Juliandemanded.

“NothingIhaven’ttoldyou,”Cassieanswered.
HelookedpointedlytowardMelissa.
“Ihaven’thadavisionsincetheoneaboutthebonfire,”shesaid.
Heforcedhimselftoreleasetheshirtashewalkedovertothethickdoors.Pressinghiseartoone,he

listenedforanythingbeyondthisroom,butheheardnofootstepsorvoices.Thebreakingglassmostlikely
wouldhavebroughttheminhereiftherewerevampiresintheareaanyway.

Openingthedoor,hepokedhisheadoutintoalong,red-carpetedhall.Hefollowedthefainttrailof

Quinn’sscentdownthehallbeforeenteringanotherone.Theywerealmosttotheendofthathallwhenhe
heardvoicesforthefirsttime.Thedrivetokillshotthroughhimashelistenedtowhomeveritwas
talkingquietly.

Therewerethreeofthemfromwhathecouldtell.HeflashedthreefingerstoDevonwhonoddedhis

agreement.Takingthem,hemouthed.

Hewalkedtotheendofthehallwayandflattenedhimselftothewall.Devonpressedhimselfagainst

thewallacrossfromhim.“Idon’tknowwhywe’restickingaroundhere,”amanmuttered.

“Theysayshe’sthevampirefromtheprophecy,”anothersaid.
“Whocaresabouttheprophecy?MostofthosevampsarestilllivingintheMiddleAgeswithall

thesestupidprophecies.Theymakehersoundlikeshe’sthevampire’smessiah.”

“Shemaybe.”
“Orshecouldbethedeathofusall.”
Quinnwouldn’tbethedeathofthem,buthewouldbe.Heburstoutoftheshadowsandseizedthe

firstmanbythethroat.Themanletoutasqueal,hishandsclawedathisthroatasJulianslammedhiminto
theground.Jerkingbackward,Juliantorehisthroatoutwithhishandandthrewitaway.Bloodshotup
aroundhim.Theman’sfeetkickedonthefloorbeforeJulianthrusthishandintohischestandtorehis
heartfree.

Hesquisheditinhishandbeforetossingitasideandrisingtohisfeet.Devonhadtakencareofthe

otherone,butChris,Melissa,andDanihadathirdpressedagainstawall.Julianstalkedtowardthem,
elbowinghiswaypastLutherashesteppedinfrontofthevampire.

“Whereisshe?”Juliandemanded.Thevamp’seyesflickeredtowardhimbeforenervouslyshooting

awayagain.Juliangrabbedholdofhischin,jerkinghisheadtowardhim.“Whereisshe?”

“Theballroom,”thevampblurted.“Don’tkillme.Ididn’twanttobehereinthefirstplace.”
“Butyouare,”Julianreplied.ThevampwhimperedandsquirmedwithinJulian’sgrasp.“Where’s

theballroom?”

Thevampliftedashakyarmandpointedtoanotherhall.“Downthere.Youcanalsoenterthebalcony

ifyougotothesecondfloor.I’llshowyouifyoulike.I’llhelpyou.”

“No.”Juliantwistedhisheadtotheside,breakinghisneckbeforehedroppedthevampontothe

ground.Danigavehimastakewhenheheldhishandouttoher.Hedroveitintothevamp’sbackand
twisteditdeep.Thevampirewentstillbeneathhim.

“Let’sgo,”hesaidtotheothers.
Hewalkedswiftly,passingbythegardenthey’drunthroughtogettothetrellisandtheroof.They

werealmosttotheendofthehallwhenheheardthetimberofvoices.Heheldhishandout,stopping
everyoneelseashecreptforwardandcranedhisheadtolookaroundthecornerofthehall.

Awallofvampirebacksgreetedhim.HepulledhimselfbackasDevonstoppedontheotherside.

Devonpokedhisheadoutbeforelookingoverathim.Hewouldhavetofightanddestroyallofthose
vampstogettoher.Hehadnoproblemwiththat,buttheotherscouldn’tcomewithhim.Theyhadtostay
freeincasesomethingwentwrong.

“Tsss,”thesmallhissingsounddrewhisattentiontotheothers.Cassiestoodbyanopendoor.Chris

slippedthroughitasshewavedeagerlytowardthem.

DevonandJulianmovedawayfromtheendofthehallandbacktowardher.Julianpeeredintothe

stairwelltheopendoorrevealedbeforeslippinginside.Cassiedidn’tmakeanoiseassheclosedthe
doorbehindthem.

“Wemaybeabletoseemorefromthebalcony,”shewhisperedandgesturedtowardthestairs.
Julianglancedbehindhim.Quinnwasinthatroomsomewhere,heknewit.Soclose,hewasso

close,yethefoundhimselfclimbingthestairswiththeothers.

Keepyourhead;proceedcautiously.It’stheonlychanceyou’vegottogetherout.
Arrivingatthenextfloor,Lutherpeeredthroughthewindowofthestairwelldoorbeforepushingit

openandstickinghisheadout.Hesteppedintothehallandtheothersfollowedbehindhim.Clintwentto
theleft,sweepingdownthehallwithhiscrossbowraised.DaniandLoufollowedhim.Lutherwenttothe

rightwithChrisandMelissa.

Julianlistenedforanyoneapproaching,butheheardnovoicesorfootsteps.Attheendofthehall,

Clintgavealowwhistleandwavedhisarmatthem.Julianrantowardhim,thenpeeredthroughthesmall
windowinthedoorClinthadindicated.Throughit,hespottedtheredseatsliningabalcony.

Juliancranedhisheadtoeachside,buthedidn’tseeanyvampsinthebalconyarea.Restinghishand

ontheknob,heturneditslowlyandcarefullypushedthedooropenbeforesteppingintothesmall
walkwayrunningbehindtherowsofseats.Hestayedlowashecreptthroughtheseatstokneelbehindthe
waist-highwallrunningaroundtheentiresecondfloor.

Placinghishandsagainsttheinsideofthewall,herosealittletolookbelowhim.Hisdeadened

heartleaptinhischestwhenhespottedQuinnonastage.Hereyesdancedwithfireasherchocolatehair
tumbledinwetwavesaroundhershoulders.Thedresssheworecouldbarelybecalledadress,andhe
knewithadbeenchosentomakeherfeelvulnerable.

Hedidn’trecognizethetwomenonthestagewithher,butthewomanattheendlookedvaguely

familiar.Hesearchedhismindforhowheknewher,andbrieflyrecollectedapartyonenightinLondon
yearsago.She’dbeentherewithanothervampirehebarelyrecalled.Ittookaminute,butheremembered
hernamewasHelena.They’dhadlittleinteractionthatnight,butshe’dbeenmoreinterestedinthewomen
atthepartythaninthemen.JudgingbyHelena’slackofattire,heassumeditwasherdressonQuinn.

AroundQuinnstoodaseaofvampires.Allofthemwatchedherasshekeptherhandspressedagainst

ayounggirlwhosefacefilledoutbeforehiseyes.Hisfangsslicedintohislowerlipwhenherealized
shewasbeingmadetoexhibitherpower.

“Whatareyoudoing?”thevampherecognizedasherstalkerdemanded.
Quinnthrewherselfawayfromthegirl,butshecametoanabrupthaltagainsthercaptor’sknee.Her

bodyshookonthefloor,andhershouldersheavedasshelaboredforcontrol.AnguishtwistedJulian’s
heartasherdistressradiatedoutfromher.Sheturnedherheadtowardthegirlandmethergaze.Despite
whatshewasenduring,asmallsmilecurvedthecornerofQuinn’smouth.

Quinn’scaptorreachedaroundherandbrokethegirl’sneck.Daniduckedback;herhandflewtoher

mouth.JulianshotDaniasilencinglookasascreameruptedfromQuinn.Shescrambledforwardasthe
girl’slifelessbodyfellonthestage.Acrossfromhim,Cassie’seyesbecameentirelyredasherfangs
extended.Devonplacedasoothinghandonhershoulder.

“Hehastodie,”Cassiewhispered.
“Hewill,”Julianvowed.
HekepthiseyesonQuinn,hischestachingwiththepressuregrowingwithinit.Ittookallhehadnot

tograbthewallandswinghimselfoverandintothecrowdbelow,buthecouldn’trevealthepresenceof
theothersuphere.HisfingerstoreintohispalmswhenQuinn’scaptorgrabbedholdofherarmsand
yankedherawayfromthegirlbeforeshecouldhelpher.

Quinnscreamedagainasshejerkedagainsthisholdonher.“Stopmoving,”themancommanded.
ArumbleoffuryslidupJulian’schestwhenherbodywentstill.Tearsstreakedherfaceasshestared

atthegirl.Thatbastardhadtakencontrolofhermind.HeglancedoveratDevonwhomethisgazebut
didn’tsayanything.

Julianmovedawayfromthewallandcrepttowardtheothers.Alloftheirheadsbentclosetogether

astheyhuddledaroundhim.“I’mgoingdownthere.Iwanttherestofyoutostayhere,”hesaidwitha
pointedlookatCassie.“Iftheydon’tknowanyofyouareuphere,we’llhavetheelementofsurpriseon
ourside.”

“Wecantryandgettoheratanothertime,”Lousuggested.“Whentherearen’tsomanyvampires

aroundher.”

Julianshookhishead.“No,we’llgivethemashowofpowerthey’llneversurvive,ifyou’reupfor

it,Solar?”

“YouknowIam.”
“Julian—”Devonstartedinwarning.
“She’llstayuphere,awayfromallofthem,”Julianassuredhim.“Nomatterwhat,”headdedsternly

toCassie.Itwasprobablyuseless,butmaybeshewouldlistentohimforonceinherlife.“Don’tletthem
knowyou’reuphere.Ifthisworksright,they’llhavenoideawhereanythingiscomingfrom.”

“Whenshouldwemakeamove?”Cassieasked.
“You’llknowwhen,andI’dpreferitifnoneofthemwalkedoutofthere.”
“We’llbefine,andI’llstayhidden,”shepromisedbeforeturningtoDevon.“Gowithhim.”
Devonhesitatedbeforeclaspingherfaceandkissingher.Julianturnedawayandcreptbackthrough

therows,determinedtogettoQuinnbeforetheycoulddoanymoredamagetoher.Devoncaughtupwith
himinthehallway.

“Ifyoucanfreeherfromhismindcontrol,doit,”Juliansaidastheysteppedbackintothestairwell.
“ShouldIkeephersuppresseduntilyou’rereadytomakeamove?”
“No.Ifanyofthemsomehowsurvivetowalkoutofhere,andtheythinkshe’sstrongenoughtobreak

hismindcontrol,theymaythinktwicebeforemessingwithheragain.I’dpreferthemalldead.”

“SowouldI.Thisisgoingtogetugly.”
“I’mcountingonit,”Juliansaid.
Hecrackedhisknucklesbeforeopeningthedooratthebottomofthehallandsteppingout.They

crepttotheendofthehallandpokedtheirheadsaroundthecorner.Julianstudiedthebacksofthevamps
foramomentashelistenedtotheconversationwithin.

“Areyouvampiresorpussies?”someonebarked;herecognizeditasthevoiceofQuinn’scaptor.
“Earl,”Helenasaid.
Sothatwastheprick’sname.Julian’smouthwateredattheideaofsinkinghisfangsintohisthroat

andtearingitout.Pullingback,hetiltedhisheadupandclosedhiseyesashefoughttokeephimself
undercontrol.Hewouldneedhisbloodlustinthatroom,buthewouldalsoneedtokeephishead.Quinn’s
lifedependedonit.

Acrossfromhim,Devonfrowned,hisemeraldeyesglintedwithamurderousrage.Julianleaned

backaroundthecornertolistentomoreoftheconversation.

“JulianiswithHuntersandGuardiansnow,”anothervampiresaid.“Whatdowedowiththemifthey

comeheretoo?”

“Killthem,”Earlsaidflatly.
Therewasmoreshufflingamongstthevamps.JuliannoddedatDevonbeforesteppingaroundthe

corner.HewasascontrolledashewasgoingtogetuntilhehadQuinninhisarmsagain.

“WearenotthedeadElders,”anothervampsaid.“TheirbattlewiththeHuntersandGuardiansisn’t

ours.Wewantnothingtodowithit.”

“Itwillbeyourbattlewhentheyslaughteryouwithouthesitation,”Helenareplied.
“WhatdowedowhenJuliancomeshere?”
“Itwillbeawhilebeforehefindsus.We’llbepreparedforhimwhenhedoes,”Helenaassured

them.“EvenifhecomeswiththeHuntersandGuardians,theywillbenomatchforournumbers.”

Idiot,Julianthought.
“Julianwon’tbesoeasytocontrol,”anothersaid.
Julian’smouthquirkedinasmileasheleanedagainstthedoorwayoftheroom.“You’vegotthat

fuckingright!”heannounced.

Startledsoundsaccompaniedhisstatementasvampiresspuntowardhim.Theypushedagainstthe

othersastheysteppedhurriedlyawayfromhim.Theireyesfilledwithfearastheygazedbetweenhim
andDevon.Juliancouldfeelthepowerwithinhimpouringforthwhenthecrowdpartedenoughtolethim
seeQuinnonthestageagain.Asmallnoiseescapedherandherfingerstwitchedonthefloorofthestage,

butshemadenoothermovementassheremainedmentallyrestrained.Julian’seyesneverlefthersasEarl
begantolaugh.

“Doyoureallythinkso?”Earlinquired.Quinn’seyesclosedasheranahandoverhercheekbefore

cuppingherchin.Hesqueezedhardenoughthathedrewbloodandcausedhertowince.

“Don’t!”Julianbarkedandtookastepforward.
“See,aslongaswecontrolher,wecontrolhim,”Earlannouncedproudlytotheroom.“Takehim,”

hecommanded.

“YoutouchmeandI’lltearyourarmsoffandfeedthemtoyou!”hesnarledatthevampirewho

steppedtowardhim.Themantookahastystepaway.

“Willyou?”EarlgrabbedholdofQuinn’sarms,jerkinghertoherfeet.Hebrushedthehairbackfrom

herfaceandnecktorevealherpalethroat.“FromwhatIunderstand,matesareextremelypossessiveof
whatistheirs.”

EarlranafingerdownthesideofQuinn’sneck.Hislipsskimmedbacktorevealhisfangs.Thefire

inQuinn’seyesblazedbrighter.Juliantookaninvoluntarysteptowardher,tornbetweentryingtokeephis
controlandracingacrosstheroomtoher.

“I’lltearherthroatoutifyoutakeanothersteptowardus.Itmaynotkillher,butitwillhurtlike

hell,”Earlsaid,hisfingerdippingtowardhercleavage.AbellowtorefromJulianwhenEarl’sfinger
trailedaroundtheupperswellofherbreast.“AndthenperhapsI’llleteverymaninthisroomtakeaturn
withher.Andyouwillwatch,helplessly,ifitmeanskeepingheralive.Butifyouplaynice,sowillwe.”

CHAPTER29

QuinnremainedimmobileinEarl’sgrasp,hergazelockedonJulian.Shesavoredthesightofhim,

butshealsowantedhimtoleaveandnevercomebacktothishideousplace.Thesevampirescouldn’t
havehimtoo.Hedeservedtobefreefromthisinsanity,butsheknewhewouldneverwalkawayfrom
here,notwithouther.

Lookingathim,shebelievedhemightbeabletotakeoneveryvampireinthisroom.Barelyleashed

poweroozedfromhispores;hiseyeswerethecolorofrubiesastheyshonehotlyinthetorchlightofthe
room.

Thejeansheworehuggedhispowerfulthighs.Theblackt-shirtwasalittlebiggeronhimthanshe

wasusedtoseeing.Shedidn’tknowwhathadhappened,buthishairwasnowshavedintoabuzzcutthat
emphasizedhischiseledfeatures.Theblackspotsamongsttheplatinumofhishairlookedlikeburn
marks.

Driedbloodclungtohisrighthandandstreakedhischeek.Themusclesinhisarmstoodoutsharply.

HisfangshungoverhislipashewatchedEarlwithalookthatwouldhavemanypissingthemselves.
She’dneverseenanyonelooksomercilessbefore.Ifhegothischance,shehadnodoubthe’dtear
everyoneinthisroomapart.

Notsotoughwhenyoudon’thavecontrolofsomeone,heyasshole?ShethoughtasEarl’shand

trembledagainstherthroat.

Moreofthevampiresfellback,eagertogetoutofthewayasJuliantookastepforward.Avampire

shedidn’trecognizestoodbyhisside.Thevampire’sblackhairglimmeredinthelight;hisemeraldeyes
surveyedthecrowdwithadismissiveairthatwouldhavemadeQuinnlaughatanyothertime.Thevamp
grabbedholdofJulian’sarm,holdinghimbackwhenJuliantookanotherstepforward.

Theman’seyesfocusedonherbeforeslidingtoEarl.Shedidn’tknowhowsheknew,butshewould

betmoneyonthevampholdinghimbeingDevon.Hergazeslidpasthim,butshesawnooneelseinthe
hallbeyond.She’dnevermetthem,butsheknewDevonwouldn’tbeherewithoutCassie,andwhere
weretheothers?Therewasnowaytheywouldhaveagreedtostayaway.Shemaynothaveknownthem
forlong,butsheknewtheywereloyalfriendswhodidn’tshyawayfromabattle.Theywouldn’thaveleft
JulianandDevontofacethisontheirown.Sheglancedatthesecondfloorbalcony,butnothingmovedup
there.

“Seizehim!”Earlordered.
Afewofthevampiresexchangednervousglances.Threeofthemsteppedforward.Beforeshecould

blink,Julianlungedtothesideandgrabbedthearmoftheonewhohadmadeamovetowardhimbefore.
Quinn’sstomachturnedasasicklywet,tearingsoundfilledtheair.Thevampirescreamedasblood
sprayedfromhisnowemptyshouldersocket.

Julianspunthearmhe’dtornfromthemanaround.Heshovedtheman’shandintohismouthand

downhisthroat,mufflinghisscreams.Withbarelyaglanceattheflounderingman,Julianplacedhisfoot
inhisstomachandshovedhimback.Thecrowdflowedawayfromhimasthevampirefelltothefloor,
writhinginagonyasbloodcontinuedtopulsefromhismissingarmsocket.

“Classy,”Devoncommenteddryly.
“Iwarnedhim,”Julianrepliedflippantly.
Julian’sfacewasaschillyasthearcticicehiseyesnormallymirroredwhenhisgazecamebackto

Earl.Bloodstreakedhisshort,white-blondhair.HetookanothersteptowardthembutstoppedwhenEarl
wrappedhishandaroundherthroatandliftedhersohertoesbarelytouchedtheground.Hisfingersdug
intoherthroat,drawingbloodashetoreintoherflesh.

“DidshetellyouhowIpinnedhertothegroundthefirsttimewemet?”Earlinquiredashisindex

fingerstrokedQuinn’sneck.“ThatwasjustthebeginningofwhatI’lldotoherifyoutakeanotherstep.”

Afewofthevampiresstartedtoedgetowardthedoors.“Shutthedoors!”Julianbellowed.
Shedidn’tknowwhomheyelledat,butthedoorsbangedclosed.Everyonewithintheroomjumped,

includingQuinn.Whispersofalarmwashedthroughthecrowd.Afewofthemtookamenacingstep
towardJulian.

“Youcan’ttakeusalldown,”oneofthemgrowledathim.
“Ifyoubehave,youmaywalkoutofthisalive,”Julianrepliedwithoutlookingattheman.“We’renot

hereforyou.”

“IsthatDevon?”HelenaaskedMarvininawhisperthatdidn’tcarrybeyondthestage.
Earl’shandsqueezedQuinn’sthroat.Asmallwhimperescapedherbeforeshecouldbiteitback.

Beneathhishand,herwindpipebegantocollapseashedugdeeperintoherflesh.Julian’snostrilsflared;
hetooktwomorestepstowardthem.Whenbloodspilledfreelydownherskin,hehaltedabruptly.

Devonwalkedforwardbehindhim,hiseyesturningcrimsonincolorashisgazeboredintoEarl.
“Earl,”Helenasaidasshespuntowardhim.“Youneedtotakeherandgetoutofhere,rightnow.”
Quinndidn’tunderstandthenoteofpanicinHelena’svoice,butEarltookastepbackwithher.Her

heelsdraggedacrossthestagewhenhetookthreemorestepsbeforestopping.

“Idon’trun,”Earlgrowled.“Theyaregreatlyoutnumbered.”
SomeofthevampiresclosedinonJulianandDevon.Othersmovedbackfurtherastheytriedtostay

outofthewayoftheimpendingbattle.ThepowerradiatingfromJulianandDevoncausedthehaironher
armstostandupastheyremainedstandingsidebyside.

Theylookedcompletelydifferentfromeachother,DevonsodarkandJuliansofair,butthey’d

hunted,killed,andfoughttogetherforcenturies,anditshowedinthewaytheymovedsimultaneously
withoutsayingawordtoeachother.

Devon’seyescontinuedtoboreintoEarl.
“Earl,takeheroutofherenow!”Helenasnapped.
Earlkeptherpinnedagainsthischestashereluctantlytookanotherstepback.Quinn’sfootbrushed

againstthegirl’sunmovingbodyonthestagewhenEarlcametoanabrupthalt.

“Earl!”Helenaspat.“Go!”
Theinvisiblegripthathadkeptrigidcontroloverhermindsuddenlyeasedandretreated.Stunned,

QuinnremainedunmovingasthepainofEarl’smentalholdonhervanished.Itcouldn’tbe,butwhenshe
commandedherfingerstomove,theydid.

Free!Shewasfree.Devonhadmindcontrol,sherecalleddazedly.NowonderHelenahadbeenso

adamantthatEarltakeheroutofhere,butitwastoolatenow.Devonhadsprungherfree,andnowhehad
aholdonEarl’smind.

Shealmostlaughedaloud,almostshoutedwithglee,buthermomentaryelationwasburiedbeneath

herfury.Shethrewupherarm,knockingEarl’sgriponherfreebeforeshesnatchedhimbythethroat.The
tentaclesofherpowerwhippedfreeandtoreintohim.Hebellowedandtriedtojerkawayfromher,but
shekeptastrongerholdonhimthananoctopusonafish.

She’dneverunleashedherabilitywithsuchwrathbefore,butyearsofpent-uphatredforthisman

burstfree.Shewouldmakehimfeelvulnerableinthesamewayhe’drepeatedlymadeherfeel
vulnerable.Theyfellontothestagetogether.Thefingersofherfreehandcurledintohisthroatasshe
pinnedhimbeneathher.

Shedugindeeplyandtorebackward,rippinghisthroatout.Shebarelyfeltthewarmbloodspraying

overherassheclawedandtoreathimwithherhands.Inplaceswhereherhandsdidn’ttouch,hisskin
slicedopenlikeshe’dtakenawhiptohimbeneaththelashingassaultofherability.He’ddestroyedher
family,he’dhadJuliankilled,he’dkilledherfriends,andhe’dusedherasifshewerenothingmorethan
garbage.Shewouldmakehimpayforeveryoneofthoseacts.

Bloodcoatedherandthestageasshecontinuedtopummelandtearathimwhilesavaginghisbody

withthefullforceofherpower.Thisreleasewasunlikeanythingshe’deverexperienced.Shelovedthe
feelingoffinallyallowingherpowertohavefreerein.Earl’sbodytookontheappearanceofayear-old
corpseasitshrankinward.Hisgrayingskinflakedandfelloffasshegorgedonhislifeforce.

***

Julian’sheartleaptintohisthroatwhenQuinnspunandthrewherselfonEarl.Criesofrageemanated

fromherasshetoreathimwithasavageryJulianhadneverexpectedofher.He’dalwaysknownshewas
lethal,butEarlhadpushedhertoabreakingpoint,andnowshelookedlikeoneofthefuriesoflegendas
hisbloodsplatteredoverher.

“Quinn!”heshouted,butshedidn’thesitateinherattack.
Vampiresswelledaroundthem;theirfearmadethembraverthanthey’dbeenbefore.Julianpunched

oneinthenosebeforekickinganotherinthestomach.HekepthisbackpressedagainstDevon’sasthey
foughttomaketheirwaytowardQuinn.

Avampiregrabbedholdofhisarm,tryingtojerkhimbackasanothersanktheirfangsintohisarm.

Hesmashedhisfistsoviolentlyintotheman’sforeheadthatthevamp’sfangswerestillembeddedinhis
musclewhenthevampfellaway.Julianyankedthefangsfreeandthrewthemawayashegrabbedholdof
anothervampandtwistedherheadaround.

Foreveryvampiretheytookout,fivemorerosearoundthem.Someonelandedablowagainstthe

sideofhisheadthatcausedbloodtotrickleintohiseye.Helashedout,tearingtheman’sthroatawayand
flingingitacrosstheroom.Helurchedtowardanothervampire,butshewasflungacrosstheroombefore
Juliancouldgethishandsonher.

Cassie,herealizedasmorevampireswerethrownasidebyhertelekineticability.Someoftheother

vampiresscreamedastheyscrambledtogetawayfromtheirunseenfoe.Julianleaptforward,racing
towardthestagewhiletheywerebrieflydistracted.Avampseizedholdofhisankle,snatchinghimback
andnearlycausinghimtofallonthefloor.

Spinningaround,hedrewhisfootbackandsmasheditintothevamp’sfaceuntilitwasnothingbut

mushbeneathhisboot.Thevampreleasedhim,buttenmorejumpedontopofhim,buryinghimbeneath
thepigpileoftheirbodies.Hepunchedandkickedatthemastheyclawedathisfaceandbelly.The
weightofthemcausedhiskneestogiveout.

Onescrambledoverhischest,seekingtofindhisheartasitsfingerstoreintohisflesh.Hegrabbed

holdofthehand,snappingitback.Oneoftheothervampswasliftedoffhimandtossedaside.Through
theholethevampire’smissingbodycreated,hespottedDevonashepulledsomeoftheothervampires
away.OverDevon’sshoulder,JuliansawLutherrisingontheoppositesideofthebalconyfromwhere
they’dlefthim.Heliftedhiscrossbowandtookaimatthecrowd.ChrisroseuptenfeettoLuther’sleft
andDanitenfeettohisright.

Danididn’thaveanythinginherhands,buthefeltachangeinthepulseoftheearthasshedrew

electricityfromit.Shereleasedthewaveofelectricityinarushthatbowledoverthevampsatthebackof
theroom.FromtheothersideofChris,Melissaroseandfiredarrowsintothecrowd.Ontheopposite
sideofthebalcony,ClintandLouemergedaboutfiftyfeetawayfromwherethey’dleftthemwithCassie.

Cassie’sheadpoppedupabovethewallforasecondbeforeshedisappearedbehinditagain.Devon

grabbedforavamp;itwasliftedandthrownoutofthewaybeforehecouldtouchit.Devonblinkedatthe
emptyspacebeforeturningtowardthenextvampire.Julianliftedhiselbowandsmasheditintothecheek
ofanothervamp,finallyfreeinghimselffromthebottomofthepile.

Howlseruptedfromthevampsasarrowscontinuedtoraindownonthem.Someofthemleaptatthe

balconiesandgrabbedholdoftheredmaterialdanglingbeneaththeseats.Theyusedthematerialtoclimb
upward.Anotherdrawofpowershooktheearthbeneathhisfeet,butthisonewasn’tcomingfromDani.

“Watchout!”Danishoutedasanelectricalblasteruptedfromafemalevampclimbingoneofthe

thickreddrapes.

Daniremainedtheonlyonestandingastheforceoftheelectricalcurrentthrewtheothersback.

Cassie’shandshotup,apulseofpowereruptingfromher.Theworldseemedtotiltonitsaxis,becoming
distortedandblurryassheusedherSpinnerabilitytowarptheroom.

Thevampswhohadbeenclimbingtowardthebalconylosttheirgriponthematerial.Theyscreamed

astheytoppledtotheground.Cassiecouldhaveprobablyburntthemall,buttherewasachanceshe’dset
thewholeplaceonfireifshereleasedafireball,andhestillhadn’tseenanyoftheotherspopupagain
afterthatlastelectricalcurrent.

Juliangrabbedholdofanothervampandheavedhimaway.Themanflewacrosstheroomand

smashedagainstthebackwall.Vampiresscattered,runningtowardthedoorsthatremainedclosedby
Cassie’spower.Bangsresonatedthroughthehallasthevampiresbeatonthedoorsandhowledfor
release.SomeoftheotherscamebackathimandDevon;theirfangsexposedandtheireyesashining
crimsoncolor.

Julianrolledtothesideandshovedhimselftohisfeet.QuinnshoutedandreleasedEarl.Shesprinted

acrossthestagetowhereHelenawasheadingtowardthebackofit.Julianjumpedtowardthestage,but
theheavyweightofavampireslammingagainsthiswaistknockedhimtotheside.

CHAPTER30

Helenastumbledbackbeforeturningtorun.“No!”Quinnshouted.
SheleaptoffEarlandpouncedonthewomanbeforeshecouldescape.Helenatoppledbeneathher

weightwhenQuinnlandedonherback.Grabbingholdofherhair,Quinnsmashedherheadintothefloor.
Helena’smovementsslowed,andQuinndelvedintoherandlatchedontoherlifeforce.

AsighofpleasureescapedherwhenshefelttherushofHelena’spowerfillingher.Therewasso

muchofit.She’dbeendeniedfortoolong,andnowshehadtheopportunitytofeastonthosewhohad
imprisonedandhumiliatedher.Helena’shandsshriveledontheground;herskinturnedgrayandpeeled
backfromhermuscle.Herrednailssparkledinthelightasafewofthemfelloffherbrittlefingertips.

Aroundher,Quinncouldhearshoutsandthesmellofbloodintensified,butshecontinuedtodevour

thewomanbeneathher.UnlikeEarl,whosedeathsheplannedtosavorforhours,shedidn’tcareifHelena
diednow.

Helena’sbodyshriveleduntilnothingremainedofher.Thedressshe’dwornlayflatontheground

withherashesaroundit.QuinnflickedHelena’sashesoffthetipsofherfingersasshefellawayfromthe
remains.

Shestaggeredtoherfeetandnearlyfelloveraspowersurgedthroughherbodyandintoherhead.

ShestumbledtothesideandfellbesideEarl,whowastryingtodraghisuselesslegsacrossthestage
awayfromher.“No!”sheyelled.

Armswrappedaroundher,pullingheragainstasolidchest.Unabletocontrolit,shefeltthetentacles

slitheringoutagain,seekingthevastamountsofpowerandlifeshesensedinthearmsembracingher.

“I’vegotyou,Dewdrop,”Julianwhisperedagainstherear.“I’mhere.”
Sheshudderedagainsthim.Thetentaclesinstantlyretreatedasloveandwarmthfloodedherbody.

“It’sokay,”hewhispered,hislipsbrushingoverherforehead.“Feedfrommeifyoumust.Takewhatever
youneedfromme.”

HelenaandEarl’slifeforceflittedthroughherlikeaghosttrappedinahouse.Julian’slifeslippedin

andouttoo,flowingtominglewithinherasshereturnedwhatshe’dtakenfromhim,plussome.There
wastoomuchinher,shecouldn’thandleit,butJulianwasolderandstronger,hecould.Shehadusedhim
beforetofuelherpowerandasasourcetofunnelitinto.

“Quinn,”hebreathed.Hisarmsclenchedaroundherwhenshecontinuedtofeedlifeandpowerinto

him.

HelaunchedtohisfeetandspunheroutofthewaywhenMarvinleaptatthemwithhisfangs

snapping.OneofJulian’sarmsremainedlatchedaroundherwaist;hisotherhandshotouttotakeholdof
Marvin’sthroat.ThefloodoflifecontinuedtoflowfromQuinnandintoJulian.Atthesametime,shekept
hereyesnarrowedonMarvinasshebegantodrawfromhimagain.

“Shit,”JulianbreathedagainstherearwhenMarvinwitheredandshrankwithinhisgrasp.
Julian’sheartgaveamightykick.Itpumpedforfifteenbeatsbeforestoppingoncemore.Thosebeats

hadn’tgoneunnoticedbythevampireswithintheroom.They’dallfrozenattheboomingsoundoflife
pumpingwithinadeadman’schest.

QuinncontinuedtouseJulianasaconductortodrainMarvin.Shereliedonhisvaststrengthtocurb

therushofpowerandthefeelingofbeingoutofcontrolasherbodycravedmoreandmorelife.

Itwouldbesoeasyforhertogivein,toleaveatrailofdeathbehindher,butlockedwithinJulian’s

arms,sheknewshecouldwithstandthetemptation.Knewhewouldbetheretobringherbackwhenshe
felttheunravelingwithinher.Marvin’ssneakersfelltothefloorwithathudasthegrayhuskofthe
vampireshriveledfurtherwithinJulian’sgrasp.Hisashescrumpledtothefloorwithhisclothesfallingon
topofthem.

JulianshookhishandtofreeitoftherestoftheashbeforewrappinghishandaroundQuinnand

pressingheragainsthischest.Shecouldfeelthetremorinhismuscles,feeltheincreaseofhispoweras
Marvin’slifefueledhim.Hecradledhercloserwhenheturnedtofacetheunmoving,dumbfounded
crowd.

Devonstoodatthefrontofthecrowd,aneyebrowraisedashisgazeslidbetweenthetwoofthem.

Blooddrippedfromhisfaceandclothes;hisshirtwastornandgashesmarredhischest,butheappeared
otherwiseunharmed.Behindhim,QuinnsawthetrailofbodiesheandJulianhadleftintheroom.

“Burnlikethesun,”someonenearthefrontwhispered.
Theimpulsetoslaughteranyonewhosaidthathatedprophecyagainshotthroughher.
“No!”Juliansnarled.“Sheisnotyourstouse.Sheisnotyoursavior.Sheismymate,andIcan

assureyouthatwhatyoujustwitnessedisonlythebeginning.Youthinkabouttouchingher,andIwill
draineveryoneofyouinthisroom.Shemaykeepherpowerleashed;Iwillsetitfree.Standdown,or
facetheconsequences.”

Talkranthroughthecrowd.Devonclimbedthestepsofthestage,hisgazestillassessingonQuinnas

hesteppednexttoJulian.

“Canyoudrainthemwithouther?”heaskedinalowtoneofvoice.
“No,”Julianrepliedinawhisper.“Butthesesheepdon’tknowthat.Theyhavenoideawhatwe’re

capableof.”

Earlmoanedandroseupasheattemptedtocrawlawayagain.Withoutlookingathim,Julian

smashedhisfootintohisbackandsnappedhisspinewithaloudcrack.Earlcriedout,hisfingers
scrabbledatthewood,butallmotionstoppedwhenJuliandugthetoeofhisbootintohisback.

Nearthebackoftheroom,acoupleofvampiresranforthedoorsagain.Beforetheycouldreach

them,aballoffireshotfromthebalconytoencompassthem.Theyshriekedasflamesburstoverthem,
consumingtheirclothingandfleshastheyracedaroundtheroom.Theothervampiresrushedaway,cries
ofdistressandalarmradiatedfromthemastheytriedtoescapetheballsoffirerunningtowardthem.

Afterafewminutes,theflamingvampiresmercifullyfellsilentastheycollapsedbeneaththeweight

ofthefiredevouringthem.Quinngulped,butshetiltedherchinasshemetthehostileandfrightenedeyes
ofthevampiresintheroom.Juliangrinnedcockilybackatthem,andDevonrubbedatthebridgeofhis
nose.Quinnremainedimmobileasshewaitedtoseewhatwouldhappennow.

“Getthem!”someoneinthecrowdshouted.
Julianpushedherbehindhim.Asthefirstwaveofthecrowdrushedtowardthestage,anotherballof

fireswoopeddown,knockingthevampiresback.Theflamesformedawallbetweenthemandtheir
would-beattackers.

“I’mgoingtokillher,”Devonmuttered.
“Theydon’tknowit’sher,”Julianremindedhim.“Orwheresheis,andmostofthesevampsaren’t

makingitoutofherealive.”

Devon’sgazeslidtothebalcony,Quinnfollowedit,butshestilldidn’tseeanyoneupthere.“We

havetogetoutofhere,”Devonsaid.

“Iwantoneortwoofthem,”Julianreplied.
“Why?”
“Ihavemyreasons.”
JulianbenttograbEarlbytheneckandliftedhimeffortlesslyofftheground.Quinnbarelyglancedat

Earldanglingwithinhisgraspassheliftedhereyestoscanthevampiresblockedbythefireacrossfrom
them.“Whatwillhappentothem?”sheinquired.“Theydidn’tallapproveofwhatwasbeingdonehere.”

AmuscleinJulian’sjawtickedashesurveyedthem.“Wedon’tknowwhichonesdidn’t,anditwill

taketoomuchtimetofigureitout.They’regoingtodie.”

Quinnshuddered,butshecouldn’tfeeloverlybadwhenagoodchunkofthemhadbeenquitecontent

towatchherbeEarl’slapdog.

Julian’sgazeslidoverthecrowdagain.Itlandedontwovampiresofftotheside,clutchingeach

other.“Thosetwo,”hesaidtoDevonandpointedatthecouple.“Canyoubringthemhere?We’lltake
themwithus.”

Devonshothimaquestioninglook,butdidn’targueashefocusedhisattentiononthecouple.Quinn

watchedinamazementastheirheadsturnedtowardthem,theireyestakingonthatglassylookshe’dseen
inZachandJeb.ShewouldneverforgetthehelplessfeelingthathadassailedherwhenEarlhadtaken
controlofher.

“Don’t,”shewhispered.
Devonglancedatherasthecouplemovedtowardthem.“I’llletthemgosoon,”hepromised.
“Youdon’t…youcan’tknowwhatit’slike.”
Julian’sarmtightenedaroundher.Hepressedheragainsthischestasthecoupleclimbedthestepsof

thestage.“They’recomingwithus,”hesaid.“Butwehavetomakesurethey’renotathreat.Theywon’t
behurt.”

“Whyaretheycomingwithus?”sheinquired,unabletowatchasDevondirectedthemtotheedgeof

theflames.

Asmallbreakappearedinthewalloffire,allowingthecoupletostepthrough.Avamprushedatthe

openingandburstthroughitbeforethewallfloweduptoblockthegap.Thevampiredidn’trunatthem;
instead,hetriedtofleetowardthebackofthestage.JulianreleasedherandEarltochaseafterthevamp.
Hebroughtthemandownbeneathhimandbangedhisheadagainstthefloorbeforehetwisteditaround
andtoreitfromtheman’sshoulders.

Turningaway,hetooktheheadandcarelesslytosseditintothecrowd.Quinncouldn’tshakethe

imageofabouncingballfromherheadasitthuddedacrossthefloorbeforecomingtoahaltagainsta
woman’slegs.Thewomangawkedatthespectacleasshedidanodd,lurchingdanceawayfromit.Julian
wipedthebloodfromhisfacebeforereturningtoherandgrabbingholdofEarlagain.

“Let’sgo,”hesaid.
Hedrewheragainsthissideandkeptherlockedthereastheymadetheirwaybehindthecurtains.

“Hopethere’sabackdoor,”Devonsaid.

“Therewillbe,”Julianrepliedwiththeconfidenceonlyhecouldmuster.
Quinn’sgazefelltoEarl’sunmovingbodyasJuliandraggedhimacrosstheground.Hiscrazedeyes

spuninhishead,hisbootedtoesthuddedastheydescendedasetofstairsandmadetheirwayintothe
shadowsbehindthestage.Theroaroftheflamesgrewlargerastheygreedilyconsumedtheballroomand
thosewithin.Screamsresonatedaroundthemastheywalkedthroughsomebandequipmentbeforecoming
acrossanemergencydoor.

Devonpushedintothebar,shovingitopenandholdingitforthemastheysteppedintoanotherwhite

hall.Thecouplefollowedobedientlybehindthem.Quinnchancedaglancebackattheorangeglow
spreadingacrossthestage.Theacridscentofsmokeandburningwoodfilledtheairasthescreams
increasedinfervorandintensity.Smokecurledthroughtheshadows,itstendrilsstretchingtowardthem.

Juliannudgedherforwardthroughthestark,whitehallwithwhitetileflooring.Thedoorsalongthe

hallwereallopen,andastheyhurrieddownit,sherealizeditwasaservicehallwayasshespotteda
coupleoflaundrycartsandemptymetalshelvesthathadprobablyonceheldlinens.

Devonmovedfasterwhensmokeslidoutfrombeneaththedoor.Theywereallrunningbythetime

theymadeittothedoorsattheend.QuinnpressedherfaceagainstJulian’schest,savoringhisspicyscent
beneaththearomasofsmoke,blood,andsweat.Hisfingersslidoverherfaceastheyrandownanother
hallandtowardthemainentrance.

“Cassie!”Devonshouted.
Quinnliftedherheadasabeautifulblondewomanbrokeawayfromthegroupclusteredbythefront

doors.SheranacrossthemarblefloorandflungherselfintoDevon’sarms.Heembracedherbefore

turninghertowardthedoors.Cassie’sgazeslidcuriouslytowardher,butsheallowedDevontopushher
forward.

“Whatdowedoaboutthisplace?”Cassieasked.
“Burnitall,”Julianrepliedwhentheyreachedthemaindoors.
Cassienoddedandturnedbacktothehotel.Shereleasedawalloffirethatcausedthedesktoburst

intoflames.Ignoringthebloodcoatingher,ClintgrabbedholdofQuinnandgaveherabearhug.His
bushygrayhairstoodstrangelyonend,andtherewereburnmarksonthetipofhisnoseandcheeks.

Ittookheraminutetorealizeoneofthevampsmusthavesentoutanelectricaljoltasshenowsaw

alltheothershadtheirhairstandingonendtoo.QuinnhuggedClintback;atremorshookherasthey
stumbledoutsidetogether.

Theyranacrossthesandtowardarockyoutcropping.Whentheymadeittotherocks,Juliandropped

Earlandspuntowardher.Draggingheragainsthischest,hishandsnakedintoherhair,pullingherhead
backashetookpossessionofherlips.AfeelingofrightnessslidthroughQuinnashistongueswept
headilyintohermouth.

Alowmoansoundedinthebackofherthroatassheeagerlymeteachofhishungry,drivingthrusts.

Heheldherupwhenherkneesgaveout,buthedidn’trelentashislipsmovedgreedilyoverhers.Tears
ofloveburnedhereyes,butshekeptthemrestrainedwhenhisfangsscrapedoverherbottomlipbefore
bitingdown.

Quinnwhimperedatthewashofreliefandlovepouringoutofhim.Throughtheirbond,shecould

feeltheterrorandfurythathaddrivenhimsinceshe’dbeentaken.Nowhewasunravelingashishands
ranoverherback,drawinghercloser.Hecontinuedtofeedonher,drinkingherin,inarushthatmadeher
bodyquiver.

Hereleasedhisholdonherlip.Sheclampedontohis,needingtotasteandfeeltheconnection

betweenthemmorethananythingrightnow.Hisbloodflowedintoher,fillingandstrengtheningherasit
seepedintohercells.Releasingherholdonhim,herheadfellagainsthischestasshestruggledtocontrol
thedesireclamoringthroughherbody.

“MyDewdrop,”hewhisperedlovinglyagainstherear.Sheliftedherheadtolookathim;hegently

smoothedthehairbackfromherfaceashisice-blueeyessearchedherface.“It’sover.”

Sheclosedhereyes.She’dspentthepastsixyearsofherlifehuntingforEarlandlivingwithhim

hangingoverherhead.Hewasallshe’dthoughtaboutforsolongnow;herneedtogetrevengeonhim
hadconsumedherlife.Andnow,itwas…“Over,”shebreathed.“Free.”

Forthefirsttimeinyears,shefeltfree.Shedidn’thavetoworryaboutneverfindinghimandgetting

herrevenge,didn’thavetowakeupeverymorningwiththeknowledgehewasstilloutthere,mostlikely
destroyingotherfamilies.Hemaystillbealiverightnow,butitwouldn’tbeforlong,andhewasno
threattoheroranyoneelseanymore.Now,shewasfreetodowhatevershewanted,withJulian.

“You’llneverhavetofearhimagain,”hewhisperedinherear.
Herfingersdugintohisbackasshetriedtopullherselfcloser,butshe’dneverbeabletogetclose

enough.Heembracedherasherockedherbackandforth.Sheopenedhereyestolookattheothers,but
they’dslippedawayintothedesert,leavingherandJuliantoeachotherandtakingEarlandthecouple
withthem.

Quinnturnedherheadasflamesleapthighintothesky.Theircracklingnoisedrownedoutanyother

sounds.“Whatwasthisplace?”sheasked.

“Ahotel,oritwassupposedtobe,”Juliananswered.“Clintsaidtheprojectwasabandonedfive

yearsago.”

“BeforeIcametotown.”
Hepressedakissagainstthetopofherhead.“Areyouokay?”
Shetiltedherheadbacktolookathim.Theconcerninhiseyestuggedatherheart.Shesmiledathim

assheplacedahandagainsthisbeautifulface.“Yes,butI’dreallyliketogetoutofthishideousdress.”

Hisoverconfidentgrinspreadacrosshislipsashisgazerakedoverher.Thearrogantlookthatmade

herwanttokickhimintheshinsmostofthetimewasawelcomesight.“Idon’tknow,Ikindoflikeyouin
it,”hesaidashiseyeslingeredonherbarelycoveredbreasts.

“Ifthat’sthecase,maybeI’llwearittoworkfromnowon.Itwillprobablyhelpincreasemytips.”
Thesmileslippedfromhisface.“Notgonnahappen.”
Nowitwasherturntosmileathim.“Butifyoulikeitsomuch—”
Beforeshecouldfinishherstatement,hejerkedhisshirtoffandslippeditoverherhead.Hetuggedit

downtomid-thigh,whichwaslongerthanthedressitselfhadbeen.“Muchbetter.”

Quinnstaredathisbarechest,notsocertainsheagreed,butthankfully,rightthenshedidn’thaveto

worryaboutotherwomenlookingathervampire.Thesoundofenginesrumblingdrewherattentiontothe
RVandablacksportscardrivingtowardthem.

“Nowwhat?”sheasked.
“Now,weenjoyeachother,alot.”Thepromiseofhiswordsmadeherquiver.“Thenweputanend

tothevampiresclingingtothisprophecyandwemakesomechangeswiththevampires,Hunters,and
Guardians.”

“Andhowarewegoingtodothat?”
Hegrinnedatherashebenttoplaceakissagainsthernose.“Ihaveaplan.”
Oneofhereyebrowsshotup,butshecouldn’tresisthissmileorthewarmthofhislipsastheyslid

overherflesh.“Aplan?”

“Yes.”
Sheshiveredwhenhenibbledatherearlobe.“WhataboutEarl?”
“He’spartoftheplan.”
“Julian…”
“Wecandiscussitlater,”hesaidashebrushedbackastrandofherhair.“Justletmelookatyouand

feelyounow.”

Therewasnowayshecouldarguewiththatwhenitwasallshewantedtodotoo.Sheranherfingers

overhisshortenedhairandtheblackpatchesmarringtheplatinumcolor.“Whathappenedtoyourhair?”

“Ihadanincidentwiththesun.”
Hereyesnarrowedonhim.“Whatkindofanincident?”
“Thatcanalsowaitforlater,”hewhisperedagainstherear.
TheblackChallengerpulledupbesidethem.Beforesheknewwhatheintended,Julianbentand

swoopedherintohisarms.Shepressedherpalmflatagainsthischestandtuckedherheadbeneathhis
chinassherelishedthestrengthandloveradiatingfromhim.

Safe.Shewasfinallysafe,fornow.Theremaystillbeothervampiresouttherehuntingforthe

vampireoftheprophecy,butJulianhadaplanandshetrustedhimcompletely.

“Iloveyou,”shewhispered.
“You’remyeverything,”hetoldherashebrushedakissoverherforehead.“Fromnowuntil

eternity.”

“Thatwon’tbelongenough.”
“No,itwon’t.”
Headjustedhisholdonherasheopenedthepassengerdoorandslidinsidewithheragainsthis

chest.Quinn’sheadfellintothehollowofhisneckasshepressedherlipsagainsthisflesh.Shecouldn’t
waittohearwhathisplanwas,butfortonight,theonlyplanshehadwastostayinhisarms,tastingand
feelinghimuntillongafterthesunhadrisenandsetagain.

THEEND

Lookforthefinalbookintheseriescominglate2016!

YoucanalsoreadmoreaboutJulianinTheKindredSeries!

Wheretofindtheauthor

MailinglistforEricaStevensandBrendaK.DaviesUpdates:

http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?

llr=unrjpksab&p=oi&m=1119190566324&sit=4ixqcchjb&f=eb6260af-2711-4728-9722-9b3031d00681

Facebookpage:

www.facebook.com/-!/ericastevens679

Facebookfriendrequest:

www.facebook.com/erica.stevens.7543?fref=ts

BookClub:

www.facebook.com/groups/545587248917267/

Website:

https://ericastevensauthor.com/home.html

Blog:

http://ericasteven.blogspot.com/

Twitter:

@EricaStevensGCP

Abouttheauthor

MynameisnotreallyEricaStevens,itisapennamethatIchoseinmemoryoftwoamazingfriendslost

toosoon,IdohoweverliveinMasswithmywonderfulhusbandandourpuppyLoki.Ihavealargeand
crazyfamilythatIfitinwellwith.Iamthankfuleverydayfortheloveandlaughtertheyhavebroughtto
mylife.Ihavealwayslovedtowriteandamanavidreader.

Document Outline

Also from the author
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Where to find the author
About the author

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
Fire And Ice
Ars Magica Land of Fire and Ice The Icelandic Wars
Ice 05 Fire and Ice Anne Stuart
Secrets of Fire and Ice
Fire And Ice
05 Fire and Ice Adron & Livia (2nd Gen)
Kenyon, Sherrilyn League 04 Fire And Ice rtf
Tymber Dalton Fire and Ice CZ I (11)
Kenyon, Sherrilyn League 04 Fire And Ice
FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Fire and Sword Combat Tables
Cthulhu Dark Ages Fatigue, Exposure, Fire and More
Berengaria Brown Fire and Light
Able Team 17 Fire and Maneuver G H Frost v1 0
#0638 – Fire and Firefighters
Simon Brown Keys of Power 02 Fire and Sword
Berengaria Brown Fire and Light

więcej podobnych podstron

Arctic Fire Fire and Ice 2 Erica Stevens

Document Outline