Goddess of Night

AMARANTHINE:

Goddess of Night

Joleene Naylor

www.joleenenaylor.com

Joleene@joleenenaylor.com

First Edition 2017

Copyright 2017 by Joleene Naylor

License Notes

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Cover by Joleene Naylor - All rights reserved

Cover images courtesy of Joleene Naylor, Shakzu, John North, & Canstockphoto

Interior images by Joleene Naylor & Zanatlija

This book is available in print

Find Joleene Naylor on Smashwords at: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/joleenenaylor

Ramblings from the Darkness at www.joleenenaylor.com

You never know what you’ll find in the shadows…..

Other books by Joleene Naylor:

Amaranthine:

0: Brothers of Darkness

1: Shades of Gray

2: Legacy of Ghosts

3: Ties of Blood

4: Ashes of Deceit

5: Heart of the Raven

6: Children of Shadows

7. Clash of Legends

8. Masque of the Vampire

9: Goddess of Night

Also:

Vampire Morsels Collection: 17 Short Stories

Heart of the Raven Mini Prologue Collection

Tales from the Island: Six Short Stories

Thirteen Guests: A Masque of the Vampire companion

Road to Darkness: A short story companion to Brothers of Darkness

COMING SOON:

Tales of the Executioners

Goddess of Night: The final in the Amaranthine Series

A war four-thousand years in the making.

In the mists of time, Lilith sealed her immortal lover away. Awakened, Samael has only one plan: revenge.

Linked to Samael and caught in the middle, Katelina watched as Lilith took both her best friend Sarah and a child vampire hostage. Now, it’s up to her and Jorick to get them back. Joined by a group more foe than friend, they search for the ancient vampiress, never dreaming the fight will come to them.

A horrific attack leaves Katelina’s hometown in ruins. Sightings say Sarah may have escaped, but with her mother in a coma, should Katelina go? Or should she stay? Will more destruction follow when Samael catches Lilith’s scent?

The final installment of the Amaranthine series raises the stakes. No longer the cringing, terrified woman she was, Katelina will have to step up or lose everything she’s ever cared about.

To Christine Connolly for all she’s done, for her friendship, and for being so amazingly supportive.

To Maegan Provan and Tricia Drammeh for their friendship, support, and encouragement. Y’all rock.

Prologue

The memory of the Canadian ball was seared in Katelina’s mind. When she closed her eyes she could see it again; live it again.

The decorations had been lavish. A fairytale castle, an island for the orchestra, even a fake magic forest. Servants fluttered and guests danced. Sarah had been dressed as a warrioress, with a cursed short sword on her hip. She was supposed to be Katelina’s best friend but, after their fight, she wouldn’t even look at her. She attended the ball with Kali, an ancient vampiress whose presence filled Katelina with dread.

Verchiel had been kind enough to go as Katelina’s date, though he wasn’t her boyfriend. Jorick was; Jorick who was busy. He and Jamie had been sent by The Guild, the vampires’ government, to provide security for Andrei and Annabelle’s two-week long party: a party that culminated in the masquerade ball.

Only, the ball didn’t go the way they planned.

The double doors had exploded in a shower of wood shards, revealing a figure in the gaping doorway. Dressed in black, long dark hair flowed over his shoulders. Topaz eyes burned like stars.

It was Samael, an ancient vampire. He sought to destroy Lilith, his ex-lover who had imprisoned him for more than four-thousand years.

He’d stepped inside and shouted, Come forth!

Kali had answered, So it’s true. It has been so long I scarcely recall your face, but I would know that anger anywhere. Have you no greeting for me, after years uncounted?

The fight followed. Kali—or Lilith, as she was once called—used Sarah as a shield. The memories were a jumble of blood, screams, and exploding plaster in Katelina’s mind. But she remembered what happened when she met Lilith’s eyes. The chaos of the room disappeared, replaced with a dark shining prison.

Though Samael had forced Lilith to let go, she warned, Next time, I’ll keep her.

Then the ceiling collapsed. Lilith had stood among the rubble, holding Sarah in one arm, her attention at her feet. As the dust settled, Katelina had seen a tattered purple fairy wing.

Estrilda. Annabelle’s daughter, adopted by Andrei. A child vampire, dressed for a ball she wasn’t allowed to attend.

Lilith had hauled the girl up by the back of her dress. With a shriek, Annabelle had lunged, but was knocked aside. Splattered with the gore of battle, Andrei had roared, Release her.

I don’t think so. The blood of children is the sweetest, and what would be sweeter than one who has been a child for centuries? William!

A vampire had appeared at Lilith’s feet. She’d tossed Estrilda into his arms. Jorick and Andrei had sprung in unison, but William was gone before they reached him.

Samael readied to attack. Now you die, foul demon! As he’d raised his hands, Lilith used Sarah as a shield. Samael had sworn not to hurt anyone Katelina cared for. She’d felt his indecision. When he’d reached a conclusion, her heart stopped.

"I am sorry."

Sarah’s death had been written on his face. With a cry, Katelina had grabbed a fallen shield and flung it at him. The force of impact sent his shot wide. With a laugh, Lilith had evaporated.

That was when Samael met Katelina’s eyes. She’d felt the spark of his disappointment before he also disappeared.

And that was it. No matter how many times Katelina went through the memories, looking for a way to fix things, she couldn’t find one. She couldn’t change what had happened, any more than she could change the chaos of the next day.

Lilith had taken one of her new recruits’ planes. No one could find it. Canadian Executioners, the vampires’ version of police, arrived and locked down the scene. Dead were examined and carted out to be burned in a pyre of choking black smoke. Damage was measured and cataloged. Staff and guests alike were trapped until the Executioners dismissed them.

While interviews were conducted with party guests, Annabelle called Katelina to her secret rooms; the rooms where Estrilda had been concealed for so long. Through the hidden panel in the wall and up the stairs, Katelina’s heart sunk the closer she got. She could feel Annabelle’s pain and misery.

The sitting room was empty, but the door in the back wall was open. Katelina hesitated and tried to push down the hurt. Not mine, she told herself. Not mine. But it was. She was as distraught as Annabelle.

She forced herself through the door and into the pink bedroom. Annabelle was curled up on the floor among her daughter’s abandoned toys. Her long auburn hair fell over her face, hiding her tears and her half mask. Her shoulders shook with heavy, gulping sobs.

My baby. My poor baby.

Katelina’s eyes prickled with tears that weren’t hers. Her chest ached. I’m-I’m sure she’s all right.

It was useless; they both knew she was lying. Lilith’s words echoed in her memory: The blood of children is the sweetest, and what would be sweeter than one who has been a child for centuries? Honestly, Katelina wasn’t sure Estrilda was still alive.

Why would she take her? Annabelle whispered. She’s only a child. Why would Kali take her?

It was a question Katelina couldn’t answer; didn’t want to answer, so she tried to steer the conversation away. She’s not Kali, but Lilith.

You said that last night, but…Lilith, from the legends? The vampires’ mother, the oldest of our kind? How can that be?

Katelina shifted uncomfortably. She isn’t the oldest. Samael—

I know the legends, how he stole her heart, and left her body hidden.

Katelina shook her head. Those were just stories. Lilith drained Samael and imprisoned him for four thousand years. I…I woke him. Not on purpose. Sorino tricked me into it. He planned to command Samael, but it doesn’t work that way. Now Samael is hunting Lilith, to kill her for what she did to him.

So he came here? Annabelle cried. Kali—or Lilith—we’ve known her so long. She’d been our guest, party after party, welcomed into our home. To fight Samael, I understand this, but to take my child…Estrilda, she’s innocent, full of love and life… Annabelle’s voice took on a hysterical pitch. What will we do? We can’t report her kidnapping! And Andrei can’t go, can’t make The Guild suspicious. If the Executioners find out she exists, they’ll…they’ll kill her.

And they would, because children vampires were illegal. The penalty was death for the child and its master.

I don’t know what to do, Annabelle whispered. I wanted to go myself. Andrei said that would seem peculiar, especially while the Executioners are here. But who knows when they’ll leave? There will be days of paperwork, and interviews, and questions. Every day that passes…

Though she left it hanging, Katelina knew the rest: Every day that passed was another that Estrilda could be murdered.

Katelina repeated the promise she’d already made herself, We’ll find her.

Annabelle clutched Katelina’s hands and turned her face up, desperation in her eyes. Please. Please save her. Please bring my baby home. She’s survived so much, for so long that this… Annabelle let go to sink among the toys again.

Katelina nudged a stuffed bear with her toe. His embroidered smile seemed wrong at a time like this, but it was better than looking at Annabelle, than seeing the broken heart of a mother shining in her eyes.

Estrilda…she’s strong. She survived her childhood, despite being… Annabelle touched her head. Katelina knew what she meant. At ten, Estrilda had the mind of a five-year-old and a diminutive body.

Annabelle’s voice grew stronger. She survived. And when her father…that monster…when he tried to kill her, she survived the fire, the burns and, thanks to Andrei, the horrible infection, the fever, the sickness. Since then, she has survived all these centuries… Annabelle broke off and swept a doll into her arms. Hidden, safe, protected, loved. Now Kali—Lilith…

Yes, Katelina murmured. Estrilda is a survivor.

But is she strong enough for this? Annabelle cried. Lilith means to kill her, doesn’t she? That’s why she took her.

Katelina cringed. They were back to this again. Maybe she took her as a hostage, like Sarah.

Annabelle set the doll carefully in a chair and smoothed its skirt. Was that the reason she took Sarah, or was it that cursed sword she bore?

The cursed sword. The blade of Nu-Gua, a legendary weapon. Prophecy foretold that it would kill either Lilith or Samael. Whether Andrei knew that when it came into his possession was debatable, but he knew enough— knew that the blade’s owners were rumored to die early deaths —and shove it off on Sarah as part of a bizarre business deal. When Lilith took Sarah, she’d also taken the dagger.

Katelina chose her words carefully. I don’t know for sure. Samael swore he wouldn’t hurt anyone I care about. That’s why Lilith used Sarah as a shield. Lilith might have taken her so she could keep doing that.

Perhaps. Annabelle didn’t look convinced. I’m sorry Andrei forced that weapon on her. When I found out he had it, I told him to get rid of it, to pass the curse on. She stopped to wipe her eyes and take a shuddering breath. It was selfish to demand the curse go to someone else.

Anyone would have done the same thing. Katelina had told Sarah to pass it on as well, only her friend had refused.

Would they? Annabelle asked, though Katelina knew she wasn’t looking for an answer. It will be you and your mate, yes? And the redhead?

It took Katelina a moment to switch topics. You mean who will look for Sarah and Estrilda? Verchiel went back to The Guild today.

So only you and your mate?

I’m not sure yet, she admitted.

Sarah is your sister?

Katelina didn’t understand the leap of logic. Not by blood. We’ve been friends since grade school. She’s like a sister, but...

I meant that you share a master, Annabelle said.

No.

Annabelle deflated. I see. I had hoped that your master might be trustworthy enough to help. Perhaps, her master?

Katelina tried to quash the bitterness. Her master isn’t fit for anything. Sarah… She broke off and took a breath around the knot of guilt. I met Jorick because a coven of vampires was hunting me. After I left with him, they mistook Sarah for me, and kidnapped her. When they figured out she was the wrong woman, they killed her.

Annabelle’s hand fluttered to her throat. Killed her? I don’t understand.

That’s what everyone thought, even Jorick and I. But the one in charge of killing her didn’t finish the job. He tortured her almost to death, then took her to a secret place and turned her. He was planning to raise an army and take over his coven. He never got the chance because we killed him, but we didn’t know about Sarah or the others.

Katelina swallowed down the memories. She’d read Sarah’s mind more than once, connected with the dark recesses. She’d seen Sarah and her fellows locked in the cage, watched as Kurt, the alpha of the group, raped and molested her. She’d seen their master throw two teen girls inside, enough blood to keep them alive but not enough to give them strength. When he’d never come back, they’d been left with no food and the rotting bodies of their victims.

Sarah’s memories flickered in Katelina’s mind.

Across from her, one of her cell mates drank from his own arm. His skin was pockmarked with scabs from previous attempts, some by him, some by the others. Just like her legs. But it did no good. The blood was cold and dead, and did nothing to quench the burning in their throats.

Sarah squinted through the bars. Most of the girls’ remains were scattered from the cage to the stairs. Back when they still had strength, they’d tossed them out. Even the busted skulls had been chucked, globs of meat hanging from them…

She felt the tickle of hair on her arm, but she didn’t have the strength to shake it off. It did no good, anyway. The girls’ hair was everywhere, stuck to them, scattered on the floor, balled in the corner. It clung like guilt with nothing to wash it away. Except Sarah’s guilt was long gone. She was too numb to care.

The constant slow banging echoed in her ears and she looked to Kurt. He sat hunched on the floor, his face like a skull, hammering at the metal bars with a chunk of bone. They’d gotten part of it loose weeks ago, and they’d all taken turns working on the rest for a while. One by one they fell away, either too weak or hopeless to bother. But not Kurt. Chisel, chisel, chisel.

Kurt had gotten it open. They’d crawled out, and eventually gone to a farm house where they’d glutted on the family. Afterwards, in the barn, Kurt attacked Sarah while the others pretended not to see, as they always had. Full of blood, she was strong. She’d killed Kurt and the rest of them, then set out for home, for her boyfriend, and her best friend, the people who would love her and help her…

Annabelle’s voice brought Katelina out of Sarah’s memories and back to the bedroom. How did you find out she was alive?

Katelina drew a cleansing breath, as if air could wash the visions away. After they got free, she came home, but I was gone with Jorick and her boyfriend had moved on. She stopped from saying, moved on with my mother.

That’s why you brought her here, Annabelle said softly.

Katelina nodded. I wanted to show her that being a vampire wasn’t all cages and suffering and murder, but…

Annabelle laid a hand on Katelina. You wanted to help her. I sensed that when I first met the two of you. It’s the reason Estrilda was drawn to you. She swallowed a sob. Estrilda also wanted to help Sarah. She felt her loneliness, her fear, and she wanted to be her friend.

I know. And we’ll get them back. Both of them.

With a nod, Anabelle picked up the smiling teddy bear and stroked its fur. Rodney. He was a present two birthdays ago because the last Rodney had fallen to pieces. I don’t know where she got the name, but she always calls them that. And they dance together. She hugged the bear to her. Have you seen them dance?

No, I didn’t get the chance.

You should. Once she’s home. It’s her favorite thing to do. She spins and sways like an angel. My poor, beautiful angel. When we’re in the cottage in England, and it’s just us, she gets to go out in the garden and dance in the moonlight. She loves that, especially in the summer when the lilacs bloom. And the roses. She chases the fireflies and dances to music only she can hear.

Katelina wasn’t sure what to say. She felt the pain of the memories, but also the warmth. Should she try to steer Annabelle away from them, or indulge her?

She chose the latter, and spent two hours listening to stories about Estrilda; things she’d done, her favorite toys. Then someone came to fetch Anabelle to be interviewed.

The Executioners demanded it. Andrei’s furious.

It’s all right. Annabelle stood and wiped her eyes. If I don’t it might look suspicious. She took Katelina’s hands. Thank you.

Katelina only hoped the gratitude would be earned.

Alone, and with nothing else to do, she went to Sarah’s room. Her friend hadn’t packed before she was kidnapped, so someone else would have to do it.

She dragged out the empty luggage. Sarah had put things away. In the dresser were rolled socks and folded underwear, dresses hung in the wardrobe. Neat, organized. Katelina took them out one by one and filled the matching suitcases. With each piece, her guilt grew heavier. She shouldn’t have brought Sarah to Canada. She should have known she wasn’t dead. She should have looked for her, found her, saved her. Hell, she shouldn’t have let her get taken in the first place.

Jorick’s voice came from the doorway, How? You had no idea they’d come for you, or that Sarah would stumble into it.

Katelina wiped tears from her eyes and turned to her boyfriend. But if we’d done something differently…

He moved to slip his arms around her. She folded against him, inhaling his warm, comforting scent.

He stroked her hair. You can look back, or you can look forward, little one. Mooning over what you should have done wastes energy you could use to save her.

If she’s alive, Katelina said bitterly.

Why wouldn’t she be? No doubt Lilith plans to use her against us.

Katelina scoffed. People only keep a bargaining chip if they’re afraid. Lilith doesn’t fear us.

Not us, but Samael. You stopped him to save Sarah once.

I suppose. At least it would mean she’d keep her alive. I just hope the same holds true for Estrilda.

Except, even if it did, they didn’t know where to look for them.

The following day, Andrei called them into his study. Though he still swore he hadn’t known Kali’s true identity, he’d called in some favors and found the location of her secret Canadian den.

He handed them a piece of paper with scrawled directions. Annabelle informs me you’re going to look for her?

Jorick glanced over the note and nodded.

May I ask who you’re taking with you? Given the sensitive nature of your quest…?

He meant given the fact Estrilda was illegal.

Brandle has volunteered to go. Jorick stuffed the paper in his pocket. And Des.

Andrei drew up. Both are trustworthy?

Jorick cocked an eyebrow. Brandle is your friend. You tell me.

Andrei made an unhappy noise. I’ve filed a complaint with The Guild and demanded the Executioners release my guests. I believe all the interviews have been conducted?

Jorick nodded. Most of them. They have some of the entertainers left.

Then there’s no reason for the guests to be held hostage. This has been traumatic enough. He eyed Jorick. I see you’re no longer wearing your Executioner medallion?

No. My time as an Executioner is over. Working security at this function was my final assignment.

And what an assignment, Andrei said bitterly.

Jorick shot him a look that said most of it was his own fault. He was the one who’d invited Lilith and had the cursed sword under his roof. Regardless, with your complaint filed, I imagine they’ll release everyone tonight or tomorrow.

I hope so. Andrei studied them. If you’re no longer an Executioner, what do you plan to do for transportation? I can’t be seen to help you or the Executioners will want to know why.

It was a good question, one Katelina had wondered when Jamie and Verchiel left.

Jorick nodded his understanding. It’s fine. Someone has offered a plane.

Katelina looked at him with the same surprise as Andrei. Who?

Sorino.

Katelina ground her teeth. Sorino was a treasure hunting vampire they’d traveled with before. That he had resources and connections was obvious. What wasn’t, was why he’d want to help them.

He is trustworthy? Andrei demanded.

Jorick crossed his arms and studied the vampire. When you ask someone else to do your job for you, you don’t get a say in how they do it.

Andrei glared. I haven’t asked you to do anything.

Your wife has. Jorick held up a hand to stop further conversation. "I understand why you can’t go yourself, but my point still stands. If you don’t trust us to choose companions, how can you trust us to bring your daughter back?’

Andrei rolled the answer around his mouth before he replied, Because I have no choice.

Katelina bit her lip to stop from saying that none of them did.

Chapter One

Katelina stared into the motel’s bathroom mirror. Blue eyes held prism colors she wasn’t used to. Long blond hair fell past her shoulders in salon perfect waves. Her pale skin looked airbrushed. She was like a magazine version of herself.

That’s what vampirism will do for you.

Vampire. That’s what she was now, thanks to a near death experience that forced her friend Micah to turn her. Two months later, she’d almost reconciled to the idea of it all.

At least I’m finally pretty.

Jorick would argue, but that was what a boyfriend was supposed to do. Even one with fangs and five hundred years on the clock.

A knock came on the door, followed by the vampire himself. Long black hair hung down his back, and warm dark eyes looked her over. Jorick smiled, then pressed a kiss to her forehead. Taking another bath?

She cocked an eyebrow. What’s that supposed to mean? You shower a lot.

Not every day. He chucked her chin affectionately. Never mind. Go ahead. I’ll get the luggage gathered up.

When he’d slipped out the door, she disrobed and climbed in the shower. She knew it was pointless; vampires didn’t sweat, didn’t produce the thousand and one oils that made daily bathing important for humanity. She continued the ritual out of habit, or maybe some kind of determination to pretend.

As the water ran over her, she thought about everything that had happened since she’d met Jorick; from fighting Claudius to killing Malick, Jorick’s megalomaniac master. When she met Jorick she was a different person; a saner person by the world’s standards. She didn’t believe in vampires, or monsters. She’d never killed anyone, never had her life threatened, never tasted blood or watched immortal children burn in a bonfire. Less than a year later, she was one of the monsters she thought were fictional. She’d seen more than she wanted to remember, done more than she wanted to think about but, thanks to Jorick and her friends, she’d grown as a person. She was no longer the terrified, cringing woman screaming from behind Jorick. Now she could grab a bookcase and beat their enemies to death.

If only Sarah had been as lucky.

Her best friend had been turned by a true monster, suffered untold horror, only to escape and find out that everyone had moved on without her. Though Katelina tried to help, it made things worse. Now Sarah was in the clutches of an ancient vampiress who was probably torturing her for the fun of it.

We’ll save you, Sarah. You and Estrilda.

A vampire child, Estrilda had been kidnapped at the same time as Sarah. Katelina had promised her parents that they’d find her, too. Hopefully she and Sarah were together, and still alive.

And hopefully we’ll get them back tonight. They were halfway through following a set of directions that would take them to Lilith’s secret Canadian den. Last night, they’d landed at the closest airport, then walked to the motel. Today it was a two hour drive to what Katelina imagined was a sprawling mansion, complete with chandeliers, towers, and a dungeon where Sarah and Estrilda were kept. They could charge in, kill Lilith’s minions, and rescue the two of them. Though Katelina doubted it would be that simple, she could hope.

Finished with her shower, she climbed out to dry and dress. If everything went according to plan, they’d be back at Andrei’s tonight. Tomorrow they could head for home, Sarah in tow. What happened after that was anyone’s guess.

Katelina gave the foggy mirror a last look, then headed into the room where Jorick paced by the door, the luggage packed. Chipped furniture was still stacked in front of the window—put there the night before to block the sun. Rumpled beds and stained carpet looked no better after a day of sleep. She was sure if she looked under the bed she’d see beer cans, empty cigarette packs, and maybe a dead hooker.

Jorick offered her a smile as she stuffed her pajamas in the suitcase. Feel better?

She shrugged. It wasn’t as if a shower could really take away all her worries, no matter how much she wished it could.

Someone knocked on the door. Jorick opened it to reveal Des, a dark vampire with close cropped hair and a goatee. He nodded a greeting. We got a van.

Katelina was grateful to hear that, but she looked away without comment. When she first met Des, he’d fought on Oren’s side in a coven war. He’d quickly decided Jorick was a traitor and left, throwing vague threats after him. Though he’d since admitted he was wrong, he’d never apologized to either of them. Katelina had a hard time believing he was on their side.

If he could read her mind, she was sure he’d say, "I’m not on your side. I just want to find Sarah." That attitude made things worse. She was pretty sure that, if it came to it, he’d happily sacrifice either of them to get what he wanted.

She and Jorick headed out the door where the van was waiting. Rental tags said it was legal. She wondered how, with no mental abilities, he’d rented a Canadian van without a Canadian driver’s license.

He didn’t go alone. A tall thin vampire stepped from behind the van. Long brown hair hung past his shoulders. His velvet suit, complete with frilled ruffles, looked as out of place as his jewel topped cane. It was Sorino. For reasons Katelina didn’t understand, he was determined to tag along.

You’re lucky I did, Sorino replied. Or you wouldn’t have a plane.

Katelina ignored his mental intrusion. There won’t be any relics. Nothing for you to collect.

Sorino sniffed disdainfully. How do you know? The den of Lilith. The so-called mother of the vampires. I imagine there’s something worth looking at. Besides, I’m not coming only for financial gain. One must be amused.

Des stepped toward them. Speaking of amused, Sorino, where’s your pet?

He has a name, Katelina snapped. It’s Kai.

Sorino chuckled. Still worried about human rights? An odd position for a vampire. Nonetheless, Kai will be along any moment— he broke off as one of the motel doors opened. There he is.

A boy of sixteen or seventeen appeared. Long blond bangs hid most of his face. Though he was bundled up against the chill, Katelina knew what was under the bulk; scars. Like a crisscrossing road map, the boy was marked everywhere, even his forehead. She was never sure if it was something Sorino had done, or the rogues Kai’d been saved from. Truthfully, she didn’t want to know.

With a nod of greeting, Kai hurried to the van with the luggage. Katelina caught the scent of his blood and her stomach growled. It smelled like roast beef, like spaghetti, like a sandwich slathered in mustard. All the things she’d craved when she was starving.

Just a taste, her instincts whispered. To get you by. Sorino does it all the time—

No!

She forced the desire down and saw Sorino smirk. A mind reader like Jorick, he’d probably heard her thoughts.

Des interrupted her internal struggle. Is that other guy coming?

As if in answer, Brandle stepped out of his room. Katelina could feel the years that hung on him, years that his youthful appearance belied. Long blonde hair, a beard and moustache, a scar down the right side of his face, and a milky white eye, made him look like some kind of TV Fantasy warrior, while the mischievous twinkle in his good eye said not to take anything for granted. He certainly didn’t look more than fifteen-hundred years old.

Des put one foot inside the vehicle. Finally. Can we go?

Sorino chuckled. Your sense of urgency is interesting. You’re desperate to charge in as the shining hero and save your damsel in distress. Last I looked, she was hardly yours. You’ve known the woman for two weeks.

Des spun back. It’s none of your business.

Perhaps not, but have you considered that, once she’s rescued, she may not want to go with you?

Des bared his fangs and growled low in his throat. Stay out of my head.

Brandle moved between them. Enough. We need to work together, right? He looked back and forth, settling at last on Sorino. Des fancies himself in love with the girl, and so what? Let him be. I find your motives more deeply in question than his.

Sorino chortled. Mine? Forgive me if I’ve forgotten why you’re here?

Brandle laughed and clapped the snobbish vampire on the back. I don’t believe I ever told you. He shot Katelina a wink. What is it they call the front seat? Rifle? No, shotgun. I call shotgun.

Des made an impatient noise. I don’t care where you sit, just get in.

Brandle did as instructed, but tossed back, I assume we’re going to feed soon?

Sorino slid into the back seat. I’ve been taken care of. He shot a meaningful look at Kai as the boy settled next to him.

Katelina bit back a disgusted comment. They’d only say what Sorino did with his human was none of her business, as if Kai was a pet, or a toy. That was the way they looked at humans, as little better than talking cows. She wondered how Jorick had made the distinction with her.

Who says I did? Jorick asked with a chuckle.

She rolled her eyes and settled into the middle bench seat next to him. Kai’s scent wafted up—roasted chicken and vegetables. She groaned. Could she condemn Sorino for doing something she wanted to do? Then again, there was a difference between them. She held back. He didn’t.

Why should he?

She glanced to the backseat, though she wasn’t sure which of the whisperers has sent the thought. Sorino? Jorick? Even Kai was capable of it, thanks to the vampiric blood he’d ingested over the years. Traveling with them, she needed to practice shielding her mind.

Are we ready? Des fired the van up. By Andrei’s calculations, there were only two hours left of the trip. She checked her neon pink fit watch and did the math. Assuming they didn’t take long to feed, they could be at Lilith’s den by eleven. She just needed to get through the car trip without killing one of them.

They stopped in a field outside of town and split up to hunt. Katelina scuffed through dead grass shot with green, until a rabbit dashed out. It made three hops before it froze, enchanted by Jorick’s mental abilities.

He scooped the creature up and handed it to her. The warmth of the rabbit’s body, and its blank hypnotized stare, bothered her — until she smelled the blood. When she came back to herself, her fangs were buried in its small throat.

She quickly handed the body to Jorick, and dabbed at her lips. He’d once asked her, "What’s the difference between drinking an animal’s blood and eating their muscles and skin?" but there was a big difference. When she ate a cheeseburger she didn’t have to look in the cow’s eyes.

Maybe you should. Jorick laid the bunny aside and wiped his hands. If you have the nerve to eat it, you should have the nerve to acknowledge what it is.

Right. Then humanity would starve to death.

Not starve, but perhaps you wouldn’t be as wasteful. If you made the food yourself, grew it, cultivated it, raised it, butchered it, then maybe you wouldn’t throw it around.

You say ‘you’ like I’m still one of them.

He ruffled her hair. It’s a habit, little one, like your daily showers, but eventually we’ll both get over them.

She wasn’t sure she wanted to.

The trip was uneventful. Brandle played with the radio and Sorino occasionally made irritating comments. Katelina watched the nighttime countryside slip past, punctuated by occasional bright lights and civilization. With her new eyes, the dark was no longer an impenetrable curtain. The world was now in perpetual twilight, painted in shades of gray like an old movie.

But they weren’t on the silver screen. The seemingly precise directions to Lilith’s den proved too vague. After an extra hour of driving in circles, they pulled into a gas station.

Brandle read over the paper again. …‘Follow for twelve miles, then turn’…Did we miss it?