I knew his words were true. The Old World Neratomay didn't trust American vampires. Yep, even in the vampire world America didn't always get respect. They thought we were young and troublesome with our high profile vampire wars and continuing battles. Wars like those between the Bloods and the Crips were actually two rival vampire factions. And of course there were those hits on notorious and high profile human blood donors who didn't die from their impossible wounds. One such case was where a famous rapper had been shot several times and still lived. That incident was heard by an Elder level tribunal, and the rapper was forced to give up his fame and live in the underground where he still turned out some pretty important music ... but wasn't allowed to share it with the world as punishment for failing to be inconspicuous.Alexis tee-peed his hands. "Even at the Elder level the snub exists for those of us who serve on New World Councils. Some care more than others. Malarias would be o

"Ran wants to know why other New World vampires have been tried and executed for crimes but ours haven't? After all, they want us dead, so …"Alexis gave me a look as if I was stupid to ask, and Paul was the one to answer."To guarantee that your Council would have no sympathizers," Paul said. "By doing this, your Elders have made you out to be the enemy to every other Neratomay.""Which is why no one has been sharing information with us …" Ran thought, finally focusing on our impending doom instead of the loss of his body.It was very late in the night, and my human family looked weary. "We can talk more tomorrow. Alexis, you can stay here. There are many comfortable rooms below ground. It might be best for you to retire below ground because Ran … Ran's body cannot withstand daylight. "Alexis' expression grew instantly dark. "I will not stay where you are not present.""Oh, fuck that!" Paul spat, obviously reaching the end of his limit. "You're not staying in our house!"Alexi

When I ended our connection, I saw that Paul watched me in curiosity. I wiped away my lost expression. "Tony is going to have everyone gather at the manor." I focused on Paul, knowing that my thoughts were chaotic upon finding out that Tony and Monica …I cleared my throat. "Tony and Monica … I guess they are …" My voice faded. Paul nodded in understanding, not requiring me to voice it.I did anyway. "I don't know why she didn't tell me that she and Tony were together."Sam listened but remained silent. BJ's world remained unaffected as she held her bottle in one hand ready to take a hit off of it when necessary, while her actual attention stayed on a dancing, mechanical stuffed animal that could do somersaults without ever losing its balance. Freaky.I stood. "I better get dressed and ready."I was in my walk-in closet staring at an array of clothing though not really seeing them when Paul walked in."Are you okay, babe?"I looked at him. He didn't seem angry at me at all any

I found myself wondering if their relationship had been apparent to all but me. I'm sure I was giving my thoughts away as I glanced at Kaniji, who stood impatiently by the fireplace. She seemed too calm to know about it. Tony was in a wingchair while Monica sat on the couch. Frank was on the other end of the same couch. Cyrene sat in the matching wingchair facing the cold fireplace and Kaniji. Paul had trailed into the room after me, his expression neutral. But the vampires in the room perked, ignoring me as they watched my husband. I took a moment to look back at him in a black T-shirt, a leather jacket, and jeans. Oh …His bloodied wounds hadn't completely healed. And even though they weren't visible beyond his clothes, the smell of his recent bloodletting was unmistakable. My nostrils caught the faint scent that I had become accustomed to; sex, blood, and werewolf. Shit, vampires were notorious for knowing when you've had sex and now they knew that we'd spilled each other's blood

I sucked in a sharp gasp as if I was drowning and then bolted straight up into a sitting position looking around me frantically. "It's okay, baby," Paul said. "You're okay." Paul placed his hand on my shoulder to keep me settled down. I weakly pushed his hand away as I tried to collect my thoughts, not sure why I didn't want his touch although not quite sure why. Oh yeah. Paul had goaded Alexis into a fight, and I had gone insane. I looked around quickly at the sight of everyone surrounding me as if nothing had happened."What the what?" I would have thought it was all a dream. The room was put back in order and everyone including me was dressed as if clothing had not been imploded on several of us less-than-human individuals.The human Ran, Mara, and Karen had joined us, and everyone was hovering around the lounger. I was half tempted to crack a joke and ask if I was still in Oz. Instead I scanned Paul's face for injuries. His lip was swollen and there were furrows running down