The guy whimpered as though he knew what I wanted. I allowed my fangs to grow. His eyes got wide with fear. I liked that - the horror in them. Bending down, I took in his scent before sinking my teeth into his tender flesh.His blood filled my mouth, and I swallowed the coppery warmth hungrily. Professor Pops' words strutted across my mind: "Promise me you won't drink from a human for more than ten seconds." Internally I counted to ten. But didn't stop. Eleven. Twelve. I finally released Kevin. He lay unconscious, his breathing weak but there. The bite marks would heal quickly. The venom I released with my bite was like a liquid cure. Only a bruise would remain. He tasted good, but I wanted more. Dissatisfaction sat on my tongue. Quickly I moved to Ashley. I lifted her into my arms, and she stirred."Kevin." Her eyes fluttered open and then widened momentarily."It's okay, Ashley." Her pupils dilated, and I knew she was mine to do with as I pleased. "Let me see your neck."

The vampire queen appraised me with scheming eyes and nodded her approval before heading out of the room. "Excellent. Let's go."I followed, curious about her plans and not caring that she probably had ulterior motives. Also, I was glad for the distraction from my heavy guilt over Gabe. The sooner she showed me whatever she wanted to show me, the sooner I would have to face the consequences of my actions. Sure, I accepted that I should but that didn't mean I would revel in it. Though I longed to see Pops and the guys, even if they hated me. I just needed the pain and the guilt to stop. Sharra and I passed through a sunroom, down a steep set of stairs, and through a large sitting room filled with extravagant chandeliers, furniture, thick draperies, and a red grand piano. Seated in some of the chairs were supernatural creatures. Vampires, I guessed. All of them were female, dressed in clothing from every century. Some wore dresses with tight bodices and large skirts, others were

"They told me you had her tortured and murdered," I said, equally angry, though I was sure there was no twinkling darkness coming off my hair. The vampire queen gasped and pressed a hand to her chest in mock sarcasm. "They what? I could never murder my sister." She was a big fat liar. I knew it. Sensed it. Pushing down my fears, I changed the subject. "Are you saying you were in the right? You deserve the power?" I didn't add that Kenmei and Professor Pops both told me they were her hunters at one time and that I knew they left her. Immediately a small flutter danced in my belly. Was that where Christopher went? Professor Pops and Kenmei never told me what they did to break free of her. Was it just a matter of walking away, or was more required? I thought about the bear Christopher carved and how excited he was when I gave it to him."Without a doubt, I deserve the power. I've ruled for thousands of years. That isn't going to change anytime soon." She walked back over to the th

"He opposes the vampire queen." He shook his head. "He's the leader of those who want you and all of the marked dead." He blew out his breath. "More than that, though, he is my father.""Like, your real father?" I was confused. We'd all believed his father was dead - that he'd died in a fire more than a decade ago. He nodded. "Yes. When we spoke, he explained that he needed to fake his own death." Gabe's eyes filled with wonder. "Apparently, he's been alive a long time."The make-believe pixilettes in my tummy were having a field day. But I could only focus on one thing at a time. "Why didn't he want you?" I was confused. The man faked his own death and left Gabe to go through life alone. Thank goodness for Professor Pops. Gabe pulled away. "It isn't that he didn't want me. He's just busy, and those who are loyal to the queen killed my mom. He believed Professor Pops would be able to care for me until I was old enough to understand. And Professor Pops did. I couldn't have asked fo

"No, I don't," I said, my body moving toward him on its own. When I was inches from him, I stopped. "Why can't you kill me, Gabe?" My voice was low, my breathing erratic as I studied him, trying to decide what the hell a chayot was. I had no clue. He'd said he wasn't a werewolf, so there was that. He pulled me so that our chests touched, his eyes boring into mine. My heart pounded, and I felt his pounding too. Beat for beat. I was furious, scared, and angry. Worst of all, I wanted him. I wanted his lips on mine again. And I wanted him to keep his promise to never leave me. His hurt and confusion vanished, replaced with his need for me. In answer, his mouth covered mine, his lips warm and urgent. Without hesitation, I responded, hungry for all of him. He seemed to need me the same way, and before I knew it, we were back on my bed, his body covering mine, his hands in my hair. I let my hands roam over his body, exploring the muscles on his back, shoulders, and chest. Our