Arundia Returns

By Aya Walksfar

Civil war has erupted between two vampire factions. When Baskell Arundia stealthily returns to North America he is prepared to do anything it takes to defeat Serena Longer, First Councilwoman of North America. Vampires should be lords over the human cattle; not hiding in the shadows.
Everyone thought Serena followed Goddess Artemis in defending humans. That is until she begins acting strange and then the bodies start to pile up. Is Serena using Pale Blood Magic, an evil magic that drains its victims of blood and power?
Sexy Alexis Night Runner, Captain of Artemis’ Warriors and Serena’s lover, is shocked by Serena’s behavior and determined to find the cause of it. Unfortunately, the war with Arundia waits for no one.
How can Alexis save a woman who is trying to kill her? But it’s not only Serena’s life at stake; twelve-year-old Ariel Morningstar-Longer, Serena’s blood daughter and heir, is being stalked by her mother. Alexis is torn between defending Ariel and saving Serena.
A vampire society unlike any you’ve read about where magic rules the night and turns lovers to enemies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aya Walksfar
• Release date: Jul 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310271427

Aya Walksfar

Born on the wrong side of life,I learned to make myself invisible, to be so quiet that no one noticed me in the shadows. My illiterate grandfather, and nearly illiterate grandmother valued books and education; consequently, they coaxed a Carnegie Librarian to teach me to read and write by age six.When I was nine years old, my grandfather was murdered; the killer never apprehended. Writing allowed me to deal with my anger and grief by changing the ending of that particular reality: I wrote murder stories.I published my first poem and my first journalistic articles around the age of fourteen. It was a time of countrywide unrest and riots.After that, I never stopped writing--poems, articles, short stories, novels.Good Intentions (first edition), a literary novel, received the Alice B. Reader Award for Excellence in 2002.Sketch of a Murder and Street Harvest have made Amazon's Top 100 Bestseller's Lists several times.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Baskell Arundia

Head bowed toward the hardwood floor upon which I knelt naked, I stole upward glances from the corners of my eyes. When Lady Helena Outterridge, Matriarch of the English Region, strolled behind me, I dared not risk turning my head even slightly. I had already been punished for that impertinence once and had no wish to feel the lash across my face again.

You have failed me, Baskell. Matriarch Helena stalked a circle around me. Her stilettos clicked against the floor. Each click stabbed fear through my chest. The riding crop in her right hand tapped against the palm of her other hand in synchronous rhythm to her steps. She stopped in front of me. The toes of her black leather, high-heeled boots gleamed in the soft light. Speak!

Eyes closed, I lifted my face.

Open your eyes and face me, she snapped.

Eyes wide, I knew no words would satisfy her, still I tried. I didn’t know he was a Magic User, Lady Outterridge.

Magic User? That is your excuse? Her lips tightened into a thin slash across her classically beautiful face. I gave you permission to drink down huvams and Magic Users and witches. I even gave you permission to drink the sweet blood of Weres and still you could not defeat a mere human Magic User? I daresay I wasted such precious gifts on one so weak, she snarled as she crossed the room toward him.

The riding crop bit into my cheek. The metal tip flicked against bone. Eyes narrowed and flashed as my nostrils flared. Jaw clamped, I barely suppressed the roar of anger even as the blood on my cheek dried to gray ash and the wound closed.

A true vampire does not fail his Mistress, nor does he find the killing of a human so impossible.

Rage ran like hot lava beneath my skin. She would hear the grinding of my teeth as I fought to hold back the anger, but I couldn’t help it.

She stopped and bent close to me. Gently, she reached out and stroked my hard jaw with one fingernail. The blood red talon left a welt on my skin. Angry, Baskell? she cooed. With a long fingered hand, she cupped my chin and lifted my face toward her. Tsk, tsk. Don’t want to chip any of those fine white teeth even though they will reform, if the roots aren’t removed. Should I remove the roots of this one? A fingernail tapped lightly against a front tooth. Hmm. I think not. It would so mar a face of such perfection.

I barely saw her hand before the back of it struck and snapped my head around. I spun on my knees and collapsed to the floor.

I lay perfectly still in a crumpled heap. I dare not rise. Through half-lidded eyes, I watched as she strolled past to partially recline on the black leather couch a few feet away. She lifted the silver bell from the ebony occasional table. With a slight wrist movement, the bell tinkled. Within moments the door behind me opened. Matriarch Helena’s fangs glistened in the dull illumination as footsteps crossed the room. Human footsteps. The measured, plodding gait of a thrall.

From where I lay, I could easily see the couch, the male human, and Helena. It was as she desired--a part of my torment.

The male stopped in front of Helena. Her fathomless black eyes found my hot stare and locked on. Service me, she commanded and the thrall dropped to his knees in front of the couch.

Hunger stirred my loins as the human untied the silk robe and laid the black material open. Helena’s alabaster skin shone in the shadowy room. The honey blond triangle between her spread legs caused saliva to fill my mouth at the remembered sweetness I had found there in the weeks before the World Centennial Conference. As the human lowered his head, my fangs elongated and a growl vibrated low in my chest. Between my legs, my manhood stiffened and twitched with desire.

Her cruel smile stretched plump red lips as she kept her eyes locked on me. Do you ache, Baskell?

The purr of her voice increased my lust, as she knew it would. Yes, My Lady, I croaked from a throat suddenly as parched as desert sands.

She moaned as she watched me. Her tongue traced a wet path along her lower lip. She thrust her slender hips against the human’s face. Three days in the dungeon without feeding can make one hunger desperately. Do you hunger desperately, Baskell?

Yes, My Lady. Drool seeped around my fangs and trickled down one cheek.

Crawl here, Baskell. She patted the corner of the couch cushion near her thigh.

I crawled to her. The stiffness of my member caused it to jerk upwards against my belly. The musky smell of her arousal wrapped around me.

Sit back on your heels, Baskell, and present yourself. Let me see what you have to offer.

Squatted back on naked heels, I cradled my throbbing testicles in my cupped hand. My cock twitched with every lapping sound from the human feasting on Helena’s sex.

Casually, she reached over and flicked a hard, sharp nail against the tender head of my cock. I groaned at the sharp spear of pain that bordered on pleasure.

Her heartbeat sped up as she threw her head against the back of the couch and panted. From beneath lush lashes she watched me.

In the grip of lust, my body trembled.

I have taught him well, Baskell. She moaned as she palmed the back of the human’s head and pressed him tighter to her sex.

With a gasp, her body shivered and jerked beneath the waves of her climax. The aroma hit me and I groaned. Hand clutched tightly around the base of my stiff cock, I squeezed hard to deny myself the relief that lay within a stroke of my hand even as she continued to jerk in the throes of her lust. I dare not come without her permission!

Still shivering from her release, Helena reached lazy hands down and lifted the human to her. As her dark eyes locked on my lighter ones, she sank her fangs into the thrall’s throat.

Unable to keep my hunger silent, I threw back my head and screamed with need.

Shoving the corpse to the floor, Helena flowed to her feet. Do not pleasure yourself, Baskell. You do not deserve to have your lusts fed.

When she finally turned away, the silk robe flowing behind her, I closed my eyes. My breath heaved in and out of my lungs, ragged with desire. The burning blood lust slowly abated. It took my cock longer to deflate from its unquenched hunger.

A ghoul arrived and carted off its dinner. Now and then, I heard a whisper of silk that told me my mistress lingered close by. I don’t know how long I knelt there next to that couch reeking with blood and sex before she spoke.

Arise, Baskell.

I stood.

You may turn and face me.

I turned almost human slow. She lounged in a black leather chair that matched the couch. She had changed into skin tight, black leather pants that blended seamlessly with the cushion of the chair. A tight, blood red bustier showcased her heavy breasts. A cut crystal glass of amber liquid filled one hand while the other hand lay quietly on the chair arm. You may go to your quarters, Baskell. You will find a bag of blood in the mini-fridge. Drink it.

I bowed my head in acknowledgement and walked to the door. My now-flaccid member flopped against my thigh.

Baskell, her voice stayed his hand on the door knob. Do not disappoint me again.

Without turning, I replied, I won’t, Lady Outterridge. I pulled the door open and stepped into the dimly lit hall. As I stormed to my quarters, my hands fisted at my sides. Barely above a whisper, I spoke aloud, I won’t disappoint you, Helena, but this time when I return from America I will be powerful. Too powerful for any female to toy with me.

Chapter 2

Serena Longer

I awoke to deep blackness and soft whispers that floated in through the partially open bedroom door. Freezing in place, hardly daring to breathe, I listened intently. A fog seemed to hover around my mind, slowing all of my reflexes. My muscles tensed. What was happening? My heart sped, thundering in my ears. Breathing deeply, I held the air in my lungs then released it in a silent stream. My heart dropped back to a steady, normal pace.

The voices had fallen silent. Oh, Goddess! Had they heard my heartbeat fluctuating? I waited, breath bated as I strained to hear. Somewhere beyond the immediate vicinity of my door, cloth rustled.

A deep male voice rumbled. I could only make out snatches of what he said. ...scared. She needed...Challenge.

A second, not quite as deep voice answered. ...not strong enough...

I knew these voices but, with my mind wrapped in cotton batting, I couldn’t place them. Silently, I slid my feet from beneath the bedding. Cool hardwood met my bare skin as I crept toward the door. The voices wafted on a warm breeze up the stairs, clearer now. The heavy male voice angrily said, ...she’s not fit to lead. It’s time someone took her out and set up a reasonable government over her region.

Finally, I identified the voice. Gregory. Gregory Trueson, Captain of the Guardians. The other voice answered and my heart plunged. Alexis Night Runner, Captain of Artemis’ Warriors, my friend, my lover. You are preaching to the choir as my mother used to say. It’s time to take over the region, no doubt. This has gone on long enough. She’s been given every opportunity to change, but she isn’t going to.

Treason! They plotted treason against me. My hand swept down to the short sword strapped to my side. They would pay!

It wasn’t there! Panic filled my chest like hot gold puddling between my ribs, burning. Scalding. Pain. Unbearable pain. I clutched my fist in my nightgown between my breasts and sucked in short, panting breaths. Darkness edged my sight. A roaring grew in my ears. Dimly, I saw my sword and sheath still hanging on the bed’s post. I stumbled toward it. My weak legs trembled. Almost there, I staggered and fell onto the bed. Struggling to rise to my feet, I floundered like a fish desperate to return to its watery home.

What had they—my closest friend and my beloved--done to me? A spell? A potion in the tea Gregory made for me right before bedtime? Poison in the supper that Alexis had prepared? I fought to regain my feet but darkness closed over my mind. The last thing I heard was Alexis saying, I’m ready to get the region under control. A few loyal Families; maybe even a few Clans, won’t like it and we might have to subdue them with our fighters, but between the two of us, I don’t see anything to stop us.

****

Alexis strolled into the kitchen and over to where I sat at the table sipping coffee. As she bent over my shoulder, my hand dropped to the dagger hidden in my lap. Fingers tight on the hilt, I stiffened as her lips touched my cheek. How dare she!

She brushed her lips across my cheek then moved across the kitchen to help herself to the fresh pot of coffee. Did you sleep well last night, Serena?

My nostrils flared then I wrestled my emotions into neutrality. In a careful voice, I said, Well enough. And yourself?

She slouched into the chair across from me. Like you said. Well enough though I did wake up and come downstairs briefly. Got a cup of chamomile tea and stared out the window for a while before I came back to bed.

I see. Abruptly, I changed the topic. What do you intend to do today?

A slight lifting of her shoulders sufficed for a shrug. Check out how the newest Warriors are getting along with their training. Gregory mentioned something about going over to the mainland later today to meet with some of the nearby Families, check on their defenses. I thought I might accompany him. What’s your plan?

Eyes steady on her face, I said, I’m sending a formal Challenge to Helena.

Alexis leapt to her feet, coffee spewed across the table. What!

I am sending a formal Challenge to Helena. It is time to end this cat-and-mouse game she plays. My jaw hardened.

You can’t!

I drew myself up rigidly and stared at her with blazing eyes. You forget yourself, Alexis. I am First Councilwoman of the North America Region. I do not ask permission of you.

She quickly waved a hand as if attempting to blot out her earlier words. That’s not what I meant and you know it, Serena. She pinched the bridge of her nose and inhaled. As she blew out her breath, she said, What I meant was you aren’t ready to challenge Helena. Give yourself some time to....

I sunk into vampire stillness, my eyes locked on hers. Do not presume to tell me of what I am capable.

She whirled. Though I could see her struggling to contain her anger, the cup broke as she slammed it into the stainless steel sink. Hands braced on the edge of the marble sink counter, her head drooped between her shoulders. After a long moment, she turned. I would never presume to evaluate what you are capable of doing. I just want you to think about this. Don’t jump into it. If you took some time, time to get stronger, to get more organized.... She lifted and spread her hands as her words ran out.

This discussion is closed.

At least, talk to Gregory about your decision.

I hardened my heart against the pleading of her dark eyes. What a fool I had been. Hiding my weariness, I brushed past Alexis. At the arch between kitchen and living room, I twisted my head around to face her. This decision does not concern him nor does it concern you. I will not allow my People to be picked off by hostile vampires as happened during the Time of Hunting.

****

Heartsick, I wandered over to where the cliff fell sharply to a small cove below. Waves slapped black-gray boulders that raised their sturdy heads above the foaming waters. The clash and clang of swords split the air as Warriors and Guardians practiced. Who could I trust? Which Warriors, which Guardians?

Shoulders bowed, I let my feet carry me to the door of the newly built House of Females. I needed sustenance, though I had no appetite. How long had it been since I drank from the source? Too long. Ever since Alexis returned to me.

Though a straight diet of bagged blood compromised a vampire’s power, Alexis had insisted that I feed my hungers only with her. Afraid to feed both lust and blood from her for fear of enthralling my lover, I had opted to feed my lust and give her time to come to terms with my needs.

I snorted, a very unladylike sound for which both my mother and Belora would have chided me had they lived. How stupid of me not to see through such flimsy excuses as Alexis offered. She wanted our relationship to be exclusive, monogamous. Oh so very human. I wanted to please her.

I shook my head at my own gullibility. How many times had I fed my lusts with Bettina and Alexis together? And suddenly Alexis couldn’t handle it?

Blinded. Blinded by an illusion. By a dream. True Love. No such thing existed. Bitterness twisted a fist inside my guts. I rubbed the ache but knew I could never rub it away.

Soft green grass shushed against my slacks as I crossed the front yard. I jerked open the unlocked front door and strode in. As the heavy wood door closed out the brightening sunlight, I scanned the open space of the first floor. A breakfast counter separated kitchen/dining area from living room.

A slender blonde human lounged on a chair watching a movie on the big screen television across from her, her short skirt showing off long legs. Forgetting to slow my vampiric speed and to make noise as I approached, I darted over to the woman.

She startled then smiled. I didn’t hear you come in, First Councilwoman.

Shame flooded my face. To forget such ordinary courtesy was not like me. My apologies. What is your name?

With exaggerated movements that displayed her ample cleavage, she smiled. Iona.

Very well. Iona, I seek a blood donor.

She wet her lips and tilted her head to one side. It is my honor to provide, First Councilwoman.

Not here. Your room…where is it?

The woman pushed to her feet. This way. Doors lined each side of the short hall. At the end of the corridor, she swung open a door that looked like any of the others then stood to one side. My room.

As I walked into the small room, the strong odor of lavender assaulted my nostrils and nearly brought tears to my eyes. Alexis never used strong scents. Ruthlessly, I shoved away thoughts of her.

Iona edged around me and led the way across to a king-size bed. Nimble fingers skated over the buttons on her blouse until my hand shot out and stopped her. Only blood.

A disappointed look flashed across her face. With a shy smile, she ducked her head. With a wistful sigh, she reached out a tentative hand, and stroked my arm.

I wanted to grab her and sink my fangs into the pulse beating in her throat.

Coyly, she looked up from beneath her brows. I would be honored to answer all of your needs, First Councilwoman.

I shot a frown at her. Enough! I only require blood.

She dropped her hand to her side. My apologies, First Councilwoman. I merely wished to let you know.... she briefly lifted her eyes to my face. To let you know that I stand willing to do whatever you wish.

What I wish, I emphasized the word as I held her gaze, is that you prepare yourself for the taking of blood.

She hastened to button her blouse. Where do you prefer to feed, First Councilwoman?

I gave an abrupt wave toward her bed. That will suffice.

As you wish. She tossed her head. Her long hair swirled around her face as she swayed across the room. Spread out on the bed, she ran her tongue over her plump lower lip as she shot a heated look at me. Does this position please you, First Councilwoman? She pressed her shoulders against the mattress, pushing her full breasts upward. Braless nipples peaked through the lightweight material.

I sat on the edge of the mattress. She scooted over to give me more room. Taking her chin between thumb and forefinger, I turned her face to one side, exposing the long white column of throat. Her pulse pounded a fast rhythm beneath her pale skin.

Bracing a hand on the far side of her, I leaned across her and lapped at her pulse. My fangs elongated as I tongued the delicious thrumming vibration. The woman moaned and her arms lifted around my shoulders.

I scraped fangs lightly down her neck. She twisted this way and that, rubbing her breasts against my chest. I shifted onto the bed, shoved her skirt up to her waist, nudged her legs apart with my knee and settled my sex against her thigh. Braced on the arm behind her head, I stroked my hand down her chest as I sucked the thin skin hiding her vein into my mouth and bit down just enough to pinch without breaking the skin.

Her hips undulated as my hand stroked over the thin material of her panties. Heat flared in my groin. I pressed hard against her thigh. She reached a groping hand and cupped the back of my head, pulling my mouth more firmly against her throat.

I nipped at her neck again. Her fingers scraped down my back, fingernails catching in the silky fabric of my shirt. The hard pebbles of her nipples rubbed against my breasts and my nipples peaked in response.

Hunger clenched my belly. I slipped my hand beneath the elastic of her panties and over her womanly mound; slid one then two then three fingers into her hot wetness. She bucked against my hand.

My hips rocked against her leg.

I lifted my face. Breathed deeply. The musky odor of sex filled the air of the tiny room. Saliva pooled in my mouth. I swallowed it down then struck.

She cried out, Yeesss. Her fingers fisted in the back of my shirt as she pressed upward, trying to get even closer. Please, please.

Lust rode me hard. My body throbbed. The scent of her arousal thickened, filled my head like a sweet wine. I slid my hand from between her legs as her sweet blood ran down my throat. Crazed with lust, I withdrew my fangs. Vampire-quick, I ripped her clothes from her and tossed the remnants to the floor.

I whirled at the squeak of the door. A slender brunette, mouth gaped with desire, one arm braced on the doorjamb as she stared at the scene. Waves of lust rolled off her. Eyes glazed, she wet her lips. I...I heard... Her fingers toyed with the buttons of her shirt.

I stalked toward her. Pinning her with my gaze, I demanded, What is your name?

Babette, she breathed out.

With one quick move, I torn the shirt from her and dropped it. Small, proud breasts with dark areola and hard nipples beckoned to me. I scraped my fangs over first one nipple then the other, leaving shallow lines that seeped blood. Eyes locked on hers, I leaned down and lapped the blood from her breasts. Her eyes slid closed as she hummed her desire. Mmmmm.

Finger hooked in the waistband of her slacks, I tugged her into the room. This time I locked the door. Roughly, I shoved her onto the mattress. Iona, her fingers rolling and pinching her own nipples, wiggled over to accommodate the new addition.

I jerked her pants from her body. She wore no undergarments. My clothes rapidly joined the piles on the floor.

Pleasure Iona with your mouth, I hoarsely commanded Babette.

Iona’s tongue flicked out and wet her lips as she watched Babette crawl up between her spread legs.

With a moan, Babette nosed the blonde curls then curled her arms around Iona’s thighs. Her tongue flicked Iona’s swollen clit. Iona thrust her head back as she gave a gasp of pleasure.

Babette thrust her fingers into Iona’s wet sex as her tongue licked and flicked and lashed.

Iona thrashed beneath the onslaught. Her hands gripped the duvet as she bucked beneath the ministrations of Babette’s tongue. Her climax tore through her and ripped a scream from her mouth. She shuddered a few more times and then lay still.

Babette’s arousal, a heady womanly smell, wafted from her body like the finest of perfumes. Her heart thundered with lust and desire darkened her gaze. My sex throbbing painfully, I dragged her onto the floor and mounted her.

My clit rubbed on Babette’s swollen clit as I rode her hard. Iona’s groans drifted down from the bed and blended with Babette’s as she fingered her own sex. Babette’s muscles tighten as she rode the building wave of her climax. I gripped her hips, my nails digging in until a warm stream of blood trickled over my fingers.

Babette’s hands clawed gouges in my back. Delicious pain heightened my lust. My body clenched as my climax crashed over me. I pounded hard against the bucking woman beneath me as I rode the wave up and up again. From far away, I heard Iona’s voice blend with ours as we came.

Spent, I rolled off her sweat-slicked body. Both women stared at me through half-closed lids. As their hearts slowed to a normal beat, they drifted off to sleep.

I showered in the tiny closet that served as an attached bath for Iona’s room. Using Iona’s brush, I rubbed the round mirror clean and detangled my mass of mahogany hair. I stared into eyes just bleeding from the emerald green of arousal to their natural spring green.

When I re-entered the apartment, I found Alexis slouched in a chair by the window. Something dark and hot burned in her eyes as she pushed to her feet. What have you done, Serena? She didn’t wait for an answer before she turned and left. The front door closed softly behind her.

I walked to the window--the only one with the steel camouflage shutters open in the day—and watched as she walked across the clearing and into the woods.

****

Grandmother Moon had risen above the treetops while I sat staring out the window. The click of the front door opening dragged my attention away from the view. Alexis returning or one of the Warriors coming in the front door instead of their usual entrance through the side door? How many hours had passed since Alexis walked out? I shrugged and returned my gaze to the silver-drenched land outside.

Serena? Gregory’s deep voice held a note of hesitation.

Does he realize that I heard them conspiring last night? Is that why he hesitates to enter the room fully? Without facing him, I asked in a flat voice, What is it, Gregory?

I came to see if I might be of service. Alexis said you and she...had words.

There is nothing for you to do. Except return to the man I once knew and trusted, my heart screamed silently.

He eased over to the fireplace and, arms crossed over his broad chest, he leaned a shoulder against the stones. I understand that you intend to issue Challenge to Helena.

I already sent it.

A sharp intake of air signaled his disapproval. Why did you not discuss this with me?

I gave a languid wave as if shooing away a lazy fly. There was nothing to discuss. It is my decision to make.

He shoved off the fireplace and dropped his arms. From the corner of my eye, I saw his big hands fist at his sides. I see.

I’m sure you do. I didn’t turn even when I heard his soft footfalls drawing farther away.

Forehead propped against the cool glass, I closed my eyes. Oh, Belora, I am beset by enemies who live within my heart and I have such need of your counsel.

Of course, Belora did not answer from wherever the True Dead go. She would never again answer my call.

Grandmother Moon glided across the black sky. Sounds of the Warriors preparing to rest came from the lower levels of the house. Though I sat by the window until dawn tinged the sky a rosy pink, Alexis never returned.

Chapter 3

Alexis Night Runner

Lieutenant Nikki Howitter tracked me through the caves and to the hidden cove we normally used to land on the island. It was one of only two places that a boat could dock.

Hey, Captain, she hailed as she lowered herself to sit next to me on the rocky floor, feet dangling above the cove’s dark waters. What’s up? And don’t try to claim you’re only seeking a bit of solitude. Gossip races through this place faster than a grass fire on a dry, windy day.

I heaved a sigh and slanted a glance at her. To be real honest, I don’t know what’s up. I thought... The words dried up. How could I explain that I thought Serena and I would be together forever? Or, at least, as long of forever as a human like I had. And now? I felt cut adrift in a raging sea.

It might help to talk about it.

With a despairing shake of my head, I said, I don’t even know where to start.

Just start talking. It’ll all shake out, sooner or later. She found a stone and tossed it from hand to hand as she waited for me to speak.

One leg bent, I wrapped my arms around it and rested my chin on my knee. Growing up with an alcoholic mother and then, when she was murdered, hitting the streets young I’d never had time to develop friendships with women. Or men. Nikki had become a close friend, one I could trust enough to say anything to. Serena was acting funny this morning and then she announced that she was going to issue Challenge to Helena. We had a bit of a disagreement about that and she took off outta the house. Hurt welled up in me and clogged my throat.

And sooo? Nikki cocked her head.

I swallowed hard. She went over to the House of Females. I saw her come out. She smelled of blood and sex, Nikki.

Huh, she grunted. Sadness filled Nikki’s face. That sucks.

I turned away and ducked my eyes. I couldn’t stand to see pity in her gaze. Anguish lanced through my chest so sharp that it felt as if something broke inside.

She looked away from me and tossed a stone into the still waters of the cove. Ripples ran out from where the stone had disappeared beneath the water. I couldn’t help but feel—like the stone Nikki threw—that this day would send unforeseen ripples rolling out into our future.

I huffed out a bitter laugh. Yeah, guess you could say that.

We sat in companionable silence as time ticked past. Through the small slit that provided the only entrance to this cove, I watched as a brush of fire red swiped across the horizon, leaving a fiery trail behind. Finally, I spoke in a rusty voice. I love Serena. I thought she loved me, too.

Nikki’s shoulder bumped mine. I think the First Councilwoman does love you, Alexis, but you have to remember—vampires aren’t human. They don’t think or feel like a human.