My mind reels at the mention of a name I’ve never heard, a lifeline thrown in the midst of my despair. Who is Axton Moreau? And what does he know about all this? “I love you, Verena,” my mother says, her voice a whisper of pain and love. “I’m so sorry.” The video ends with a click, leaving me in a
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, his voice laced with humor. “You didn’t,” I reply, more curtly than I intend. “It’s just been a long day.” He nods, a gesture that conveys understanding. “Well, if you need an ear to bend or just someone to distract you from the long hours ahead, I’m here. Ca
Verena The plane touched down just after midnight, but luckily I planned my trip even though I was completely shattered. Now I’m pacing the length of my motel room, wondering how the hell I’m going to do this. My mother told me to find Axton Moreau in the French Quarter; does that fucking mean I h
My mother’s warning, her instructions to find him, it all seems like a sick joke now. How could she send me to a vampire? What was she thinking? “Not in any danger?” I echo, incredulous. “You had someone drug me and bring me here! And you’re a vampire!” Each word feels surreal, like I’m speaking li
Niklaus I look at my brother after he’s just dropped a fucking bombshell on me, but I reign in my temper because it’s not going to solve anything. “New Orleans? What the fuck is she doing in New Orleans?” Laz shrugs at my question. “Her mother had ties to Salem and New Orleans, perhaps she figur
Verena As I walk down the staircase, I can’t help but roll my eyes at the sheer opulence of the place. Everything looks like it was dipped in gold, then sprinkled with bits of red and black for drama. Even without scrutinizing the room I woke up in, I’m sure it screamed luxury in the same over-the-
Verena I’m back in the room I woke up in, and surprisingly everything I brought to the motel is here with me. Including my cell phone which I have been staring at for the last hour and the disk he gave me should I be in trouble. I know I shouldn’t, but I am dying to call Niklaus. He’s probably wor
His sincerity wraps around me like a warm embrace, and for a moment, I let myself lean into it. “That’s sweet, Niklaus. Really. I’ll keep that in mind.” There's no way in hell I'm admitting that I miss him, too. “Good,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “Because you might not realize