We had just wrapped up another training session but John's house teemed with the vampires who were reluctant to leave. There was a sense of community here, not to mention a supply of free blood that Andrew Larsen had donated out of his reserves. Still, even that wouldn't last forever.

"Something's gotta to give," I said.

John swept a pile of empty blood bags from the table into the plastic garbage sack in his hand. "What do you mean?"

"If we continue what we're doing—meeting here in secret and practicing compulsion resistance—Mr. Abernathy will find out."

Our numbers had grown significantly in a short amount of time. I suspected there was at least one vampire in our midst who was more concerned about getting free blood than actually rallying to the cause of saving our town from becoming a feeding free-for-all.

"She's right," Hannah said, overhearing our conversation. "With Margaret and Josiah on his side, Conrad Abernathy has the power to retaliate quickly if he even suspects he's losing control of the vampires in his jurisdiction."

"Margaret could compel all of us," Olivia added, joining our group. "I speak from experience when I say you don't want that to happen. I still can't get the taste of waffles out of my mouth." She made a face and shuddered. "Empty carbs. Gross."

I recalled how easily Margaret had compelled Zach, and how completely unaware he'd been when it happened. What if she did the same to us, turning us into some brainless army with no knowledge of what we were doing or who we were hurting?

"Mr. Abernathy may have that power," I agreed. "But he's not completely reckless. He won't be so outwardly bold. At least not yet."

"He's walking a thin line," John said, picking up at once on my train of thought. "Whatever he's hoping to accomplish, he's doing it in secret. He can't afford to draw unwanted attention from the Regional. We have the advantage right now."

"Conrad Abernathy is most certainly operating under the assumption that others are ignorant of his motives," Andrew Larsen chimed in. "As Blake cautioned, however, he's bound to find out. I would bet sooner rather than later."

"He can't find out," Hannah said, her eyes scanning the room of vampires. "We're not ready. There are many here who are still too weak to resist even the most basic compulsion. They'll be easy prey."

"We have to work harder to get them ready," I said.

"And by we," Hannah said, "you mean me." Her mouth hardened, and I could tell she was thinking what an impossible task it was.

"Maybe I can buy us some time," I said.

Andrew's shrewd gaze met mine. "How?"

"Well, ever since Margaret took Zach, I've been thinking . . ."

"I'm skeptical already," Hannah muttered.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Would you shut up already and listen to what she has to say without being a total snot?"

Hannah folded her arms over her chest. "You're ordering me to shut up?"

I opened my mouth to join the argument, but John grabbed my arm and squeezed, silently urging me to keep quiet.

"Ladies," Andrew cautioned. "This is neither the time nor the place." When Hannah and Olivia contented themselves with simply glaring at each other, Andrew gestured to me. "Go on, Blake."

I took a deep breath. "If I can convince Mr. Abernathy that I am truly aligned with his family, I think I can—"

"No way," John said immediately, cutting me off. "I don't like it. Think of something else."

"You didn't even let me finish."

But he only shook his head more emphatically. "You're not going to intentionally endanger yourself for this town, Blake. We'll leave before I let you do that."

"Leave?" I stared at him, my mouth hanging open. "Unless you compel me, you can't dictate what I do. Besides, haven't I already put myself in danger for the sake of others?"

John realized that I was talking about him specifically. It was a cheap shot, but it was the only weapon I had that I could use against a boyfriend who could be stubborn and overprotective.

"We'll think of another way," he insisted.

"I appreciate your concern," I replied, "but I think my plan will work."

"I agree with John," Hannah said.

"Big surprise," I said.

"If we're casting votes," Olivia said, "my vote is with Blake."

"You do not know what Conrad and Margaret Abernathy are capable of," John said, striving for patience. "Hannah, Andrew, and I have all worked under him. Please, for your sake, you have to listen."

Now I was just angry. They wanted me to act, to do something, to lead with them, and yet they didn't trust me. "Look, I may be a new vampire, but you can't treat me like a kid. I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions and taking care of myself."

John put a hand on my shoulder. "Blake—"

I shrugged it off, refusing to let him condescend to me. "If you are so concerned for my safety, Thomas can watch out for me. No one will suspect him of playing both sides, least of all his father."

John pursed his lips. "Let's say we go along with your plan. What if Mr. Abernathy—or Margaret for that matter—starts to suspect you? They assume Thomas is on their side because he is their son and brother, their own blood, and he could never possibly betray them. If he were suddenly put in a position of having to protect you, he would have no choice but to stand by as they punish you, or risk blowing his cover."

"Are you saying Thomas would choose them over me? Do you think he's not committed to our side?"

"No!" John said. "I'm just . . ." He ran his hand through his hair. "You're not listening!"

"I think what John is trying to say," explained Andrew, "is that Thomas can in no way show you preferential treatment over his family. If his father suspects that either you or Thomas is not closely aligned with him . . ."

He let his words trail off, leaving me to imagine exactly what might happen if Mr. Abernathy or Margaret discovered we were playing them.

"Nothing will happen," I insisted, looking pointedly at John. "You have to trust me."

"I trust her," Olivia said. "She's not nearly as helpless as she looks."

I gave her a narrow look but took the compliment for what it was worth. "Thank you, Libby. At least someone here thinks I'm competent."

John massaged his forehead, looking pallid with exhaustion. The lack of adequate blood intake and the stress of sneaking around behind Mr. Abernathy's back was getting to him, which was all the more reason I had to do whatever I could to help fix this situation.

He met my eyes. "I'm not going to talk you out of this, am I?"

"Not a chance."

Andrew snorted his amusement. "Just know it will be your head first, Miss Ehlert. If you fail, do not expect me to explain your sudden disappearance to your grieving parents."

Hannah simply shook her head, muttering "whipped" in both John's and Andrew's direction.

"All right," John said. "What do you propose?"

After we cleared the remaining vampires from the house, our group—now including Thomas and Bridget—crowded into the kitchen. While Andrew passed around fresh bags of blood, I began to hash out my plan.

"Mr. Abernathy insists that I am part of his family, right?" I said. "He's always inviting me over, so why not take advantage of his hospitality?" There was a moment of quiet as the rest of the vampires in the room mulled over my words.

"Please tell me that is not the extent of your plan," Andrew said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I would not have supported you otherwise. What do you hope to accomplish by being a mere guest in their home?"

"It's a simple plan," Hannah said. "But I think getting closer to the family could work." She turned to John. "There might be some hope for your girlfriend yet."

Olivia wiped a drop of blood from the corner of her mouth. "Oh, yeah. For being such a goodie-goodie, Blake has a devious streak."

"I've been watching Blake for years," John said. "She doesn't have a devious bone in her body." He was still clearly uncomfortable with the idea of me getting any closer to the Abernathys than I already was, but there was no going back now.

"If you do not have a devious bone in your body," Andrew said ominously, "I suggest you grow one, and soon. You're going to need it if you plan to fool the Abernathys."

"I agree," Thomas said. "My father and sister are not easily deceived, Blake. I hate to say it, but you don't lie very well."

"Might I suggest subtlety instead of trickery?" Bridget put in. "That has always worked well for me. Kill them with kindness, as the saying goes."

Glancing at the small vampire, I was inclined to agree with her. No doubt she was a pro at using a subtle touch to get what she wanted.

"I want to go with you," Olivia said.

"No," the rest of us replied in unison.

Olivia's mouth popped open. "Why not? I've always wanted to see the inside of the Abernathy mansion. This is the perfect opportunity."

"You've been there before," I reminded her. "You don't need to go back."

"Except I was terrified for my life and writhing in pain from a vampire bite. That doesn't count." Olivia turned to Thomas, a pleading look in her eyes. "You're my sire. If anyone has a right to be there, it's me. Why haven't you invited me over?"

"He's trying to keep you safe," John answered for him, directing a look at me. "Because keeping you safe is what the people who care about you do, and inviting you to his house goes against his instincts of protecting you."

"Also," Bridget added, "I believe Thomas is being courteous of the human's feelings."

"What human?" Olivia asked.

"June," Thomas replied. "She won't be a problem, though. She left town to be with her sister, who is ill."

I cleared my throat. "I suppose Olivia does have a point. If Thomas invites the two of us over to just, you know, hang out, I could casually approach Mr. Abernathy."

"Wait a minute," Hannah said. "Do you mean to tell me you don't have an actual plan beyond going over there and, quote, hanging out?"

"It's as good a plan as any," I said defensively.

Hannah laughed. "I take back what I said before about there being any hope for your girlfriend," she said in an undertone to John.

Andrew shook his head, his shoulders rising as he took in a deep lungful of air. "Like I said, I do not want to explain your sudden disappearance to your parents should Conrad Abernathy or his daughter catch wind of what you are up to. I also do not want to die. I've grown quite attached to my life."

"You won't have to explain anything to my parents," I said. "If something goes wrong, John can just compel my parents to forget all about me."

"That's not going to happen," John said.

"Take it easy," I said with a grin. "I was only joking."

John leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. "I love you, Blake, but you're going to send me to an early grave."

Olivia patted him consolingly on the shoulder. "Well, John. The great thing about us being vampires is that we get to live forever."

"Provided no one kills us first," Andrew said.

**********

My car skidded to a stop on the slick pavement of the wide, circular drive in front of the Abernathy mansion the next afternoon after school. Cutting the engine, I turned to Olivia. "Best behavior. You promised."

She gave me a look. "Honestly, Blake. Your lack of faith is insulting."

"All I'm saying is don't do anything stupid. And for God's sake, don't say anything!"

Olivia opened her mouth to respond, but no sound came out. I clutched her arm, my heart racing with excitement. "Did I actually compel you not to talk?"

But Olivia just shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose, holding up a finger on her other hand in the classic sign to wait a minute. "No. My sneeze is downloading." She opened her mouth even wider, squeezed her eyes shut, and let out an explosive sneeze. I was surprised it didn't blow out the windows.

She gave me a sheepish grin. "Sorry. No compulsion. Do you think vampires can get sick?"

"I doubt it," I said with a disappointed sigh.

Gazing out of the fogged window at the looming house in front of us, Olivia said, "Thomas is expecting us, right?" Despite her adamancy the night before about coming with me, there was no mistaking the nervous twinge in her voice now that we were here.

"You're not bailing on me, are you?"

"No!" she said with more bravado than I think she felt. I saw her throat move when she swallowed. "I guess it's time to officially meet Mr. Abernathy once and for all."

With no lingering hesitation, Olivia shoved open the car door and stepped out into the failing afternoon light. It had started to snow again—lightly—and the falling snowflakes swirled around her head and collected on her shoulders.

"There's no reason to freak out," I said as I came to stand next to her.

"Who said I'm freaking out?"

"It's just that Conrad Abernathy can be a little intimidating," I said.

Olivia grabbed my hand, her fingers twining painfully with mine. "Let's get this over with."

As I raised my hand to ring the bell, the massive front door swung open. "Greetings," Thomas said, a broad grin stretching across his face. He stepped to the side, sweeping his arm in a grand gesture for us to enter. "Welcome to my humble abode."

"Humble my ass," Olivia said, taking in the surroundings as we stepped into the brightly lit foyer.

Thomas stooped to kiss Olivia on the cheek. "Hello, my little fledgling."

She smiled demurely, her pale cheek dimpling. "Hello, my sire."

"You guys are gross," I said, stomping my boots on the rug to dislodge the snow, but more so because I felt like the third wheel.

Olivia shed her coat and passed it to Thomas, turning in a complete circle to take in the lavish furnishings and richly colored paintings adorning the plaster walls. "Don't be like that, Blake," she said in an offhanded tone. "You're just jealous my sire is better than yours."

"I am definitely jealous, Libby."

"Can I get either of you anything?" Thomas asked. I thought I noticed a tell-tale reddening of his cheeks.

"Nothing for me," I replied. Gesturing toward Olivia, I added, "But you'd better get something for her. I'm not sure how much she's had today and she's looking a little . . . off."

"Hmm," Thomas said thoughtfully, watching her closely. "She does seem a bit unsettled, spinning in circles like that."

Olivia continued to gape. "I'm not unsettled," she insisted. "I'm impressed. I can't believe you live here, Thomas. The entire first floor of my house could fit in this foyer."

She cast a cold glance over her shoulder in my direction. "And stop talking about me like I'm not in control of myself."

Most vampires had O negative blood and required a steady supply of the same type to thrive. There were some, however, including Olivia, who had a blood type technically incompatible with vampirism. Because of that, they required more O negative than the typical vampire. Without it, their bodies would eventually regenerate their original blood type, causing them to be mentally scattered and unpredictable.

"Bagged or fresh?" Thomas asked Olivia, leading the way to the kitchen. "Sharon's unavailable this evening, but we have a new Donor on staff. Vincent is his name. There is a subtle spicy aftertaste to his blood that I find quite appealing."

"Sounds yummy," Olivia answered, brightening at the mention of fresh Donor blood.

"Better make it bagged," I cautioned. "John has this thing about drinking fresh blood."

"Oh, right," Olivia said, scrunching her nose. "I forgot how boring and uptight your boyfriend can be."

"John isn't boring," I said. "He's looking out for us."

Still, I'd tasted fresh Donor blood before. While bagged wasn't bad, fresh was better. It was like eating take-out when you could have gourmet. John was right to be cautious, though. I could see how drinking fresh Donor blood regularly might lead to more illicit behavior for some vampires. If I was being honest, I had liked it just a little too much myself.

"Bagged it is," Thomas said, removing a pint from the stainless steel refrigerator. From what I understood, he drank almost exclusively from June. I wondered what he was doing now that she was away. Perhaps she'd left him a few pints on reserve.

"Warm or cold?"

"I prefer it warm," Olivia replied.

Thomas smiled. "I'll catalog that for future reference."

As he emptied the bag of blood into a mug and placed it in the microwave to warm, he nodded to the door, brows raised. His voice rose fractionally as he said, "I'm glad you stopped by. I've been meaning to have Olivia over."

That was my cue. "Oh, um . . . thanks for having us. While you two do your thing, I'd like to speak to your father if he's not too busy."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Don't try out for the spring play," she whispered. I threw my finger to my lips, widening my eyes severely with the hope she'd take the hint to be quiet.

Our conversation was strictly for form's sake, of course. Mr. Abernathy, who was undoubtedly across the foyer in his office, as he always seemed to be, would be able to hear our conversation if he cared to listen at all.

"I'm sure he will find time for you," Thomas said with a wink. He pressed a button on the intercom recessed in the wall. "Father, Blake Ehlert and Olivia Martin are here to see you. Do you have time for them?"

"Certainly," came Mr. Abernathy's quick reply. "Send them in at your convenience."

"Thank you, Father."

The microwave dinged and Thomas's smile widened. "Ready?"

**********

Rapping the back of his knuckles against Mr. Abernathy's office door to announce our arrival, Thomas pushed it open at his father's invitation to enter. "When does June plan on returning to us," Mr. Abernathy asked his son.

"Her sister is very ill," Thomas said, a reprimand in his voice.

Mr. Abernathy's brow wrinkled as he tapped his pen against the blotter on his desk. "Even so, I need her here."

Thomas shook his head, giving his father a rueful look. "You are entirely too dependent on her."

"I suppose I am," he replied. "I do hope her sister recovers."

"It's unlikely," Thomas said. "From what I understand, she is nearing the end. Cancer. They are spending their last days together."

"A terrible shame," Mr. Abernathy said with a somber shake of his head. "I had the pleasure of meeting the woman once when she was young and vibrant. Such a tragic loss. Please give June my condolences the next time you speak to her."

Thomas bowed slightly in acknowledgment, but there was a hardening to his mouth that didn't escape my attention. "You're very kind. Thank you, Father."

Standing, Mr. Abernathy skirted his desk and took my hand in his, his smile turning at once jovial. "It is always a great pleasure seeing you, Miss Ehlert. Tell me, how is your family?"

"My parents are well," I said politely. "Thank you for asking."

"Very good. Very good." He patted my hand and released it. "Give them my regards, and please tell them how very much I am looking forward to the party."

"The party?" My heart lurched in my chest. He could only be talking about the upcoming holiday party.

"Your mother has graciously extended an invitation to my entire family. Didn't Thomas tell you?"

"I wasn't aware," Thomas replied, raising his shoulders to my questioning gaze.

My mother hadn't said anything about it to me, either. Then again, I'd been spending most of my free time at John's in the company of other vampires, and it's not like she was obligated to run her guest list by me beforehand. If she wanted to invite the Abernathy family, who was I to say no? Still, that didn't mean I liked it.

At long last, Mr. Abernathy turned his attention to Olivia. "Ah! Am I to assume this lovely creature is the family's newest member?"

"Olivia Martin," she said with a deep, dramatic curtsy.

Mr. Abernathy tossed his head back, his tenor laugh filling the room. "I am not a king, my dear," he said, once he had regained his composure. "There is no need to curtsy. A simple handshake will suffice."

Thomas drew Olivia to his side, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Olivia is my progeny."

"Yes, I am aware. I have been very much looking forward to meeting you, Miss Martin. I never thought either of my children would sire a vampire of their own, so it is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome you to our family."

His expression turned sour and he seemed hesitant to go on. "I am dreadfully sorry, however, about the circumstances under which you came to us. I'm afraid I must apologize for my daughter's impulsive behavior."

"Apology accepted," Olivia said. "I really don't mind being a vampire, though. I asked Blake to turn me months ago, but she refused."

Mr. Abernathy turned a stern eye on me. "A very wise decision on her part. She is yet too young and weak to withstand the particular rigors of siring a vampire."

I didn't miss his emphasis on young and weak, and I had a sudden bone-chilling feeling he knew what I was up to and was sending me some veiled warning.

Gesturing to the twin chairs in front of his desk, Olivia and I promptly sat. Thomas stood behind Olivia, his hands resting protectively on the arched back. "Tell me," Mr. Abernathy said. "How has the adjustment been? Hopefully not too difficult."

"She's taken to vampirism amazingly well," Thomas replied.

Mr. Abernathy's eyes flicked to his son. "I asked Miss Martin. You might allow her to speak for herself. She is, after all, a woman of the times."

"It's not as bad as I thought it would be," Olivia said. "It's actually pretty cool."

"It's come to my attention," Mr. Abernathy said gravely, "that you are not O negative."

Olivia held her hands clenched tightly in her lap, but her voice was strong when she spoke. "No. I am not."

"Neither am I," he said, leaning forward in his desk and speaking in a conspiratorial whisper. He smiled, and Olivia mirrored the expression. "Has it been a problem for you?"

"Not especially," Olivia said. "Thomas has done a really good job of providing for me. I couldn't ask for a better sire."

Mr. Abernathy's smile deepened. "That is truly good to hear," he said. "Truly good. I would hate to think my son is neglecting his duties."

"So . . . should I call you Grandpa?"

I burst out laughing but quickly closed my mouth when Mr. Abernathy raised his hand, his steely gaze silencing me. To his credit, he didn't even bat an eye.

"You may call me Mr. Abernathy," he said to Olivia. "Thomas is not your biological father. He gave you a second chance at life, yes, but you will likely be a great many things to each other in your long life. Right now he is your protector, mentor, and friend. Over time he may be your lov—"

"She gets the picture," Thomas interrupted, a blush rising to his cheeks.

My thoughts naturally drifted to Josiah. It was difficult to imagine him as anything more than some disease of which I would never be cured. In no way would he become anything other than the vampire who turned me. He couldn't.

"Thomas," Mr. Abernathy said, disrupting my train of thought. "Please escort Miss Martin to the kitchen for refreshment."

"She's already taken blood."

"Then by all means show her around," Mr. Abernathy replied. "I believe Miss Ehlert and I have matters to discuss."

"Of course," Thomas said. He held out his arm to Olivia, which she took. Placing a hand on my shoulder, he instructed me to wait in the foyer when I was done.

After the doors closed behind them with a soft click, I returned my attention to Mr. Abernathy. "Tell me," he said, after a prolonged and somewhat uncomfortable silence. "Are you happy being a vampire?"

My mouth worked silently as I struggled to come up with an intelligent and meaningful response to such an unexpected question. "I think I am still too new to this world to adequately and honestly answer that, Mr. Abernathy."

He chuckled. "And here I thought it required a simple yes or no."

I shrugged. "There are certain aspects of my human life I miss, and yet my eyes have been opened to this new, eternal existence. I feel like I am seeing the world, and everything in it, for the first time. I am neither happy nor sad. I guess I feel a mixture of both . . ." I let my words trail off, hoping he'd accept that as answer enough.

"Delightfully eloquent," Mr. Abernathy said. "Your parents should be pleased for having raised such an intelligent young woman."

He took a deep breath, studying me with a shrewd eye that made me squirm uncomfortably in my chair. "Tell me, do you feel any different now that you are a vampire?"

I shook my head. "I still feel like myself."

"Let me rephrase that." Mr. Abernathy rested his elbows on his desk, clasping his hands and steepling his index fingers as he continued to regard me. "Are you able to do things you were once incapable of doing?"

I swallowed hard, pretty sure he was referring to my status as a Compeller, and yet Mr. Abernathy had never mentioned this supposed talent of mine to me.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about," I said with caution.

The fingers that had been tapping his lips as he waited for my reply stilled. "You are a Compeller. Did you know that?"

I laughed. "People don't listen to me, Mr. Abernathy."

He clucked his tongue. "Do not be so quick to underestimate yourself, Miss Ehlert. Many years ago, Mr. Larsen came to me. He believed there was something very special about you, even as a human."

"He was always telling me how good I smelled," I said, repressing a shudder.

"Compellers emit a unique scent. He believed you might be one of them."

"Really?" I said, feigning intrigue.

"Mr. Larsen confirmed your status as a Compeller the night you became a vampire. You are a very special vampire, in fact."

"I've never thought of myself as special."

"Come now, Miss Ehlert. I believe you are quite extraordinary." He rose to pace the perimeter of the room, hands clasped firmly behind his back. "Tell me, would you like to learn?"

"How to compel?" I asked, a sudden unease forming in the pit of my stomach.

He ran an index finger along the top edge of a landscape portrait, seemingly studying it for evidence of dust. Then lowering his voice unnecessarily, he said, "Vampires who possess the power of compulsion are rare, Miss Ehlert. Vampires like Mr. Kelly, my daughter . . . you. It is unusual to have one Compeller in one's employ, much less two. But to have three? It could be considered excessive and downright selfish. Do you understand what I am saying?"

The line of his shoulders was rigid as he waited for my reply, back still turned to me. "Not really," I said. "No."

"I feel I must protect you from those who might wish to steal you away for their own use. You see, you have the potential of becoming a very powerful weapon."

"A weapon?" I said, alarm bells ringing in my mind. "How could I be used as a weapon?" My heart was pounding in my chest like a caged bird. While I worried about how I might ingratiate myself to Mr. Abernathy to ferret out any useful information, it turned out that worry had been for nothing.

Mr. Abernathy paused dramatically, seeming to weigh his words carefully, before finally turning to face me once more. "Can I trust you, Miss Ehlert?" I nodded wordlessly. "You have heard about the recent string of murders, no?"

"Everyone has," I replied. "Your picture is in the paper."

He smiled. "You are an intelligent girl. No doubt you have since deduced those assaults were not the result of some satanic cult or gang, but of vampire attacks."

"I didn't want to believe it could be true," I said.

"And why is that?"

"Do you really want my opinion?"

He splayed his hands in front of him, a look of genuine interest on his face. "I wouldn't have asked otherwise."

"I've been a vampire for barely two months. I'm hardly qualified."

"You are a member of this family, Miss Ehlert. That is qualification enough."

I shifted in my chair, re-crossing my legs, and wondered what he would think if he knew what I was really up to. "I think the murders are a result of vampires reacting to the increased price of blood."

"Oh?"

"Vampires are getting desperate. As long as prices keep rising, the killings will go on."

"Quite true," Mr. Abernathy said. "What do you propose I do about it?"

I was surprised by how calm and rational Mr. Abernathy was acting about the whole thing. Maybe I could end this now, without the risk of our two sides clashing. "I guess the logical thing would be to lower the price of blood. You can't have vampires going around arbitrarily killing innocent humans, right?"

"You are concerned with the preservation of human life."

It was a statement, and yet I answered as though he'd asked a question. "Aren't you?"

He turned away again, going to stand by the window. He pulled back the curtain to reveal oncoming evening. It was growing late. No doubt my mom was watching the clock, wondering when I'd be home for a dinner I wouldn't eat.

"Am I concerned with the preservation of human life at the expense of denying vampires their very nature? That is what you are asking me, is it not?"

I realized then that there would be no easy reconciliation between our two sides. John, Thomas, and I—not to mention dozens of other vampires trying to live by the established law—must tread carefully. Every word that came out of my mouth had the potential to reveal where our loyalties lay. Whatever the cost, I couldn't give Mr. Abernathy any reason to question my allegiance to his family.

"Before I became a vampire," I said, "I would have said it was a vampire's obligation to protect human life. If you think about it, where would vampires be if not for their human counterparts? They are our life force and the very reason why we exist."

"Ah. It is an age-old debate. But now?" he asked, dropping the curtain back in place. "From your tone, I sense your opinion has changed."

"I can appreciate the complexity of your position. On the one hand, you have sworn to protect the human populace. On the other hand, you must preserve your own kind."

He turned to me and gave me a sharp look. "Our kind, Miss Ehlert. I know you are young and still growing accustomed to this life, but you must never forget that you are one of us now."

"Our kind," I said, holding my hands between my knees so Mr. Abernathy couldn't see them shaking.

"Let me ask you this, do you think it is inherently wrong for a vampire to feed on a human?"

Sensing a trap, I took a deep breath and answered carefully. "I see nothing wrong in a system that ensures both our survival—human and vampire alike. Isn't that the reason for having verified Donors?"

The older vampire nodded but said no more on the subject. "The men who were found murdered, what did they have in common?"

I thought back to what I knew of them, which admittedly wasn't much, and yet there was one detail that had stood out in the news reports. "They were homeless."

"Yes, they were homeless. The dregs of society. Useless members of the human population. This town can and will be a mecca for vampires, but first, it must be cleaned up, rid of the riff-raff and undesirables."

I felt myself becoming outraged, hardly able to believe what he was saying. Still, I had to keep my temper under control. I couldn't let my personal views get in the way, not when he was voluntarily uncovering his motives to me. What he was doing was despicable, but I couldn't let him know I in any way disagreed with his methods.

"I will remake this town according to my vision," he went on, "and that vision has no room for these lowlifes. They must be exterminated."

"Hungry vampires are not exactly discriminatory, Mr. Abernathy. They will hunt both the so-called worthy and unworthy if given the chance."

"As you will recall, blood can be taken without the loss of human life. While accidental deaths among the upper crust will surely occur, that is of little concern to me. Soon I will outline my plan and the steps needed to put it in place to the vampires in this jurisdiction."

"I guess you have it all worked out," I said stupidly.

Mr. Abernathy's mouth turned up in a grin. "I have no disdain for the human species in general, Miss Ehlert. I enjoy living and working among many of them. There are some I would even consider friends, such as your parents."

I stiffened at the mention of my parents. "You're not going to hurt them, are you? My parents, I mean."

His eyes widened, a hand flying to his heart as though I'd personally offended him. "I assure you that your parents are perfectly safe with me."

I nodded. "Thank you."

"I simply see these periodic cleansings as a necessary evil. I'm sure this seems barbaric to you, but what you must understand is that this has been going on for as long as humans and vampires have existed in the same space. Occasionally the herd must be . . . thinned. Some might argue that ushering these poor souls into their forever sleep is a lot more humane than letting them freeze to death on the streets, which is what the humans are so good at doing."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you said our town will become the mecca for vampires. What you're attempting to do sounds different than some periodic cleansing."

Mr. Abernathy resumed his seat behind his desk. He leaned forward, peering intently at me. "It will be a revolution on a grand scale," he said, his words heated with excitement.

I stared at him. "Why are you telling me this?"

Mr. Abernathy sighed. "I have always had a fondness for Mr. Kelly, but he is a weak and narrow-minded individual. Although he is reasonably decent at what he does, he will never amount to more than that. But you, Miss Ehlert . . ."

"What about me?" I said, when his words trailed off. I'd uncovered much more than I'd expected, and my entire body vibrated with nervous energy.

"I had hoped Mr. McAvoy would prove useful to me, him being of similar mind and taste, but now I see how misplaced that hope was, given he cannot even be trusted to stay in one place. You, on the other hand, are entirely different. I have waited years for this precise moment."

"What do you mean?"

"With a little training, you will become a very powerful Compeller." His expression changed suddenly, from manic ambition to one of regret. "I had one in my midst once, you know. Sadly, I had to dismiss her. There was a . . . a conflict of interest that prevented her from fully committing herself to the family."

He was talking about Hannah.

"Tell me, will you swear your loyalty to my family?"

I nearly choked. "You want me to swear my loyalty?"

"I want you to work for me, Miss Ehlert. You will be handsomely compensated, of course. A steady supply of blood, as well as a monthly stipend. In other words, you would never want for anything."

While an unlimited supply of blood and a steady paycheck sounded like a pretty awesome deal, it wouldn't be an honest living. Still, I couldn't refuse him now. "Exactly what would I have to do?"

"You must train with Margaret to develop your skills." He answered this so quickly and with such ease that I could tell he'd been contemplating this scenario for a while. He was a lot sneakier than I'd initially given him credit for.

"Margaret doesn't like me," I pointed out. "She'll never agree to train me."

"I will handle my daughter."

I made a show of thinking over his proposition when what I was really doing was inwardly freaking out. "There are bound to be those who will disagree with your methods," I said.

"You're speaking of John," he replied with a soft chuckle. Before I could answer he said, "What those others fail to see is that I am doing this for the greater good."

"Who gave you the authority to determine one human's value over another?" I asked before I could stop myself.

Mr. Abernathy's gaze narrowed, and I realized all too soon I'd crossed the line. "No one gave it to me," he said, now forcing politeness. "I took it myself. There is a need for change, and I will be the start of that change."

"Forgive me, Mr. Abernathy, but it sounds like what you're doing is illegal. I'm not judging," I said quickly when his lips thinned. "I'm just trying to understand so I know what I'm getting myself into."

He sat back in his chair, the hinges creaking as he tested the limits of their flexibility. "No, it is you who must forgive me. To answer your concern, my views are in the minority. However, that will surely change."

"In other words, your particular views are not sanctioned by the queen."

His eyes narrowed even further. "Not yet, no. That is why I must insist on your discretion. In time, I am positive the queen will see things as I do. Until then . . . " He lifted his hands and shrugged.

"Until then," I echoed. "What will happen to those vampires in your jurisdiction who oppose you?"

His eyes met mine directly. "You don't need to worry about that."

It occurred to me that there was a major flaw in his way of thinking. Aside from rationalizing the killing of innocent people, he was not a man—or vampire, for that matter—who would be content to restrain himself. He would go on justifying killing those who didn't suit his criteria in the name of cleansing the town, and pretty soon there would be no humans left. In short, his way of life would not be sustainable.

I closed my eyes, picturing all too well the extrapolation of devastation. There was no question that we had to stop him, and the best way to do that was from within.

"Like I said, discretion is key," he repeated. "You must not speak of this to anyone, not even Mr. Kelly."

"You don't have to worry about me, Mr. Abernathy. I can be discreet. When do I start?"

Mr. Abernathy's answering smile sent a distinct chill down my spine. "I have to say, Miss Ehlert, this visit has proven to be most enlightening. You may start immediately."

*****

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this chapter, please vote, comment, and recommend Blood Stain to others.