The Voinico's Daughter

By Sallie Cochren and Elsie Marie Cochren

"What a brilliant start to what looks to be an awesome new series! The Voinico's Daughter has everything you need to hook you into this cracking world of vampires, mystery and family dynamics. . . . This is definitely a box of chocolates worthy, add in comfy pajamas and you'll be transported to Romania in luxury" -Charlotte Butler, Archaeolibrarian

"If you are looking for a really good book with a supernatural thriller type feel to it, absolutely give this book a try." -Jesse Presgraves, Infinite Pages Book Reviews
"Forget almost everything you have read or seen (about vampires) as you read through The Voinico's Daughter and you will be just as immersed in this novel as I was. As the first book in what will be a series the scene, story, and major cast of characters have been expertly set with a story that is fresh and imaginative." -Jennifer Tooker, Jennly Reads

"This was a fun and fast paced twist on the vampire legend." -Julie Eman, Julie's Bookshelf Adventures

Watch out, vampires! There's a new hunter in town!

Nicoleta has never taken a life before, but she will have to make her first kill soon. Typical of girls her age, she spends a lot of time thinking about boys and college. But when she takes a trip to Romania with several of her former classmates to celebrate graduating from high school, Nicoleta is going to discover who she really is. When Nicoleta learns that she is adopted and that her biological parents live in Romania, it's just the tip of the iceberg. Finding out that her birthright is hunting and killing vampires, Nicoleta has to decide whether to remain in Romania and fulfill her destiny or go back home to America and try to forget about the nightmare of a world that she has been thrown into.

Adding to Nicoleta's problems, one of the most powerful vampires has been waiting for her arrival. Varujan is anxious to meet Nicoleta since her parents are voinicos (people who have survived being bitten by a vampire.) By birth, a voinico's child becomes a vânător (someone who hunts vampires.) Varujan knows that the voinico’s daughter can't outrun her destiny and has anticipated that she would eventually come to Romania. He has been looking forward to killing her. With his vampire companion, Antanasia, Varujan seems unstoppable.

Is Nicoleta ready to face Varujan and Antanasia? The other vânătors have been training to kill vampires since they were children. Will Nicoleta be able to catch up on her missed training and be ready for the battle that is inevitably coming? Can she keep herself and her friends safe, or will they become the vampires' victims before their trip is over? Whatever happens, one thing is for sure. Nicoleta's life is never going to be the same again!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sallie Cochren
• Release date: Apr 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005126698

Sallie Cochren

Sallie Cochren has always loved a good story and enjoys stories in a variety of genres. She started writing short stories and skits as a child, thinking it was a great way to spend her free time. She always wanted to write a book of her own, but her teaching career kept her so busy that there was no time to write. When she resigned from her teaching job, she finally had time to start writing and fulfill her lifelong dream.Sallie is drawn to many genres. Her stories encompass a range of writing. She has written horror novels, science fiction, psychological thrillers and even Christian fantasy. She has also written a lighter read with her Alien Cats trilogy. She is currently working on a dystopian series as well as continuing her vampire hunter series.When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading and watching movies. She also loves animals and enjoys spending time with her cat.

Book preview

Glossary of Vampire-Related Words

(Note: Don’t worry about remembering these definitions. They are explained throughout the novel. If you want to know what they mean ahead of time, you can find the definitions here.)

Voinico – A voinico is someone who has survived being bitten by a vampire. After three days without feeding, the person develops special abilities. They also are immune from ever turning into a vampire. Voinico is one of the Romanian words for strong.

Vânător – The child of a voinico. A vânător inherits strength and special abilities to help them fight and kill vampires. Like voinicos, vânătors cannot be turned into vampires. Vânător is the Romanian word for hunter.

Paznic – A paznic is a person who is a vampire’s servant. Paznic is the Romanian word for guard or watchman.

Mijloc – A mijloc is a young vampire who is in the first stage of transitioning from human to vampire. They still retain some of their humanity. Victims may be able to plead with them and appeal to their conscience. Mijloc is the Romanian word for middle. Mijlocs are in the middle of their transition from human to full vampire.

Vârcolac – A vârcolac is the worst kind of vampire. They have passed the mijloc stage and have no conscience. They only do what pleases them or what helps them survive. You cannot reason with or expect any mercy from a vârcolac. Vârcolac is one of the Romanian words for vampire, but it is also the word for werewolf.

Chapter 1

As she walked along the abandoned pathway, Nicoleta had an overwhelming feeling that she belonged here, that the road she was traversing on somehow linked her to her destiny. But what destiny? It didn’t make sense. She was a seventeen-year-old girl who was getting ready to graduate from a small private high school in Arizona. It was obvious that this road wasn’t anywhere near her home in Tucson. The dense trees that ran along the side of the road were unlike the desert saguaros and palo verde trees that she was used to seeing.

These trees were tall and green. Some of them seemed to spring up over a hundred feet. Their treetops spread out about forty feet. The trees were dense in the area she was in, unlike the sparse trees she was familiar with. It seemed like there were more cacti than trees in Tucson.

But it wasn’t the trees that bothered Nicoleta. It wasn’t even the sense of belonging she felt as she walked along the path. Instead, it was the intense ominous presence she could feel pressing down on her. She could sense that she wasn’t alone. There was someone watching her, someone within the trees who was purposely staying hidden. Every hair on Nicoleta’s arms stood on edge as she could feel their eyes on her.

This is crazy, Nicoleta said to herself, speaking low so that only she could hear the words that came out of her mouth.

This whole scene didn’t make sense. Just yesterday, she was hanging out at her favorite coffee shop with her best friend, Tatiana, after school. They were talking about the plans they had made for after they graduated in two short months. Nicoleta planned on going to college, but she had applied to a college in northern Arizona. She was ready for a change, having tired of living in the same place her whole life.

Now, she was suddenly here. It was obvious this wasn’t Arizona. How did she get here, and who was stalking her? What did they want?

Nicoleta’s heart rate was increasing. She picked up her stride, but it didn’t help. She could now hear a whoosh coming from the trees above her. She knew the sound was her pursuer. What frightened Nicoleta even more was knowing that the sound had been of someone moving through the trees. Whoever was after her was making no attempt to travel by ground.

Then, it must be an animal, right? That was what Nicoleta tried to tell herself, but she knew in her heart that it was no animal that she had ever heard of. Whoever was after her looked as human as her. She knew that much even though she hadn’t seen her pursuer.

Nicoleta couldn’t take it anymore. She didn’t want to show weakness or fear, instinctively knowing that was the worst thing she could do. This pursuer would feed off her fear and would use her weakness as an opportunity to prey on her.

Still, Nicoleta couldn’t control herself. She started running for all she was worth, faster than she thought she had ever run in her life. Even so, she could hear her stalker keeping up with her, moving only in the trees. How could they move so quickly from tree to tree? She didn’t understand it, but she was terrified.

Nicoleta ran faster, praying that she could somehow outrun her stalker, but she lost her footing and went tumbling to the ground, falling off the path and landing face-down in a deep ditch.

She could feel the tears start to come. She knew she had lost. Still, she wouldn’t go down without a fight. She rolled over to face her attacker, but he was on her so quickly that she didn’t even get a glimpse of him. All Nicoleta felt was a sharp stabbing pain in her neck as her assailant sank his teeth deep into her skin. Nicoleta could feel the blood trickling down her back. She knew that she was going to die soon. Despite her fear, one thought kept coming to her.

Remember and learn from your mistake. Remember and learn from your mistake. Remember and learn from your mistake.

Then, she fell into a darkness and lost consciousness.

*****

Were you really so foolish? the voice was deep and ominous. I thought that of all the voinicos, you were one of the wisest. You are the great Andrei, after all, aren’t you?

Andrei lay on the ground bleeding, a mere ten feet from Varujan. His adversary had picked him up and thrown him to the ground, and Andrei had cut his calf on a sharp rock. The wound wasn’t lethal, but a steady stream of blood oozed down his leg.

The vârcolac’s words stung. Andrei would rarely want to admit that a vârcolac was right about anything. But in this case, Varujan was right. He shouldn’t have come alone.

Normally, Andrei wouldn’t have been so careless. But when he had caught wind of Varujan, he had to see where he was going.

Vârcolacs, being fully-turned vampires, were natural enemies to the voinicos. Andrei knew that the vârcolacs despised voinicos more than any other human. It was their defiance that made the vârcolacs the angriest. A voinico was a human who had been bitten by a vampire, but they had resisted the urge to feed on human blood for three long days and nights after having been bitten. In doing so, they had been spared the fate of becoming a vampire. It wasn’t often that a vârcolac chose to turn a human instead of feed on them. It would obviously be the ultimate insult for someone to decline that gift and keep themselves from turning. The voinicos would always be a reminder that there were humans who would defy the vârcolacs even after they had been spared of having their blood drained.

When Andrei had followed Varujan, he hadn’t planned on getting close enough for Varujan to see him. He had only planned on following the vârcolac and then reporting back to his friends. It would give the vânătors the intel they needed to be able to track Varujan and fight him. That was the vânătors’ job. Hunt vârcolacs and extinguish them.

If the vânătors were lucky, they would find other vârcolacs and destroy them also although Andrei had hoped there wouldn’t be too many. Even though they had quite a number of vânătors ready and willing to fight, the vârcolacs were still stronger than them. If there were too many vârcolacs and not enough vânătors, it would be a bloodbath. Literally.

I’m surprised to hear you call me great, Andrei said weakly. You know I’m no match for you.

That was an understatement. When a voinico encountered a vârcolac, they became weak. Most even became paralyzed in the presence of a vârcolac. No one really knew why, but everyone believed it had something to do with the fact that they had been bitten by a vampire but hadn’t allowed themselves to turn. Being too close to a vârcolac was more than their bodies could handle. Andrei was definitely too close to Varujan now. There would be no chance of getting up and trying to run away. Not that it would do much good anyway. Vârcolacs were much faster than any voinico.

Upon hearing Andrei’s feeble reply, Varujan laughed, but there was nothing light-hearted about it. It was a cruel and taunting laugh.

No, you are no match for me, Varujan said. And yet, you still followed me. I suppose you thought you were far enough behind me that I wouldn’t sense you. It’s true that I wouldn’t sense a voinico as quickly as I would sense any ordinary human. Your blood did change after I bit you. If only you had fed within those first three days, you would now be nearly as strong as me.

Vampires gained strength as they aged, at least until they reached full maturity which usually didn’t happen until around a hundred years. Some continued to get even stronger over the next few centuries. Indeed, if Andrei would have fed, he would be much stronger by now and would be close to matching Varujan in strength. But he would also be as evil.

Andrei still remembered the night more than twenty years ago when he had first encountered Varujan. He had been naïve back then, not knowing anything about the dark creatures who lived in the outskirts of his world. Of course, he had heard of vampires. But like most other people, he had thought they were nothing more than fantasies meant to be a part of scary stories. He found out differently when he was bitten, and his life would never be the same again.

I regret nothing, Andrei said. Kill me if you must. But know that if you do, you will have ten or more vânătors hunting you down.

As if that wasn’t the case already!

Anyone I know? Varujan’s voice sounded sarcastic.

Andrei knew that Varujan was trying to anger him. Andrei had heard a rumor that Varujan and Antanasia knew about the girl. He had encountered one of Varujan’s servants, a human who was referred to as a paznic. Andrei had been forced to kill the young man when he was attacked by him. He still remembered the paznic trying to choke the life out of him. As they struggled, the paznic admitted that his plan was to take Andrei to Varujan. He told Andrei that Varujan was angry with him because he hadn’t allowed himself to turn and that Varujan wanted him alive. So, Varujan wanted him alive, did he? Andrei knew that at least guaranteed his safety for the moment. The paznic wouldn’t dare to kill him. The repercussions for that mistake would likely be fatal for the paznic.

Andrei was strong, provided there were no vampires around. He was stronger than the paznic. Had he not been taken by surprise, the paznic wouldn’t have gotten him into a dangerous position in the first place. Andrei was able to push the paznic off him. The paznic wouldn’t give up, though. However, his determination wasn’t enough to save him. As the fight continued, Andrei laid a blow to him that ended the paznic’s life.

Before the paznic died, Andrei had gathered a little information. Nothing about Varujan’s and Antanasia’s whereabouts, unfortunately, but the girl’s name had come up. It had been a great distress for Andrei. How did the vârcolacs know about her? It frightened Andrei. And now, to hear Varujan’s tone, Andrei knew who he was talking about.

No! Andrei shouted. Not her! She will never fight you!

Varujan laughed.

Maybe you’re right. But then again, maybe you’re not, he said. Do you really think she can stay hidden forever?

You and I both know that you will never leave the safety of your woods to track her down, Andrei pointed out.

Okay. So maybe Varujan would leave the woods on occasion to hunt in Cluj-Napoca. That was a city in the region of Transylvania. Like most locals, Varujan just called it Cluj. But Andrei knew that Varujan would never go beyond Cluj, and the girl was hidden much further away than that.

That much is true, Varujan said.

He looked down at Andrei, toying with him.

My, oh my! Varujan spoke as he inhaled deeply, smelling the blood still oozing from Andrei’s leg. You’d better get that tended to, or you may get a nasty infection. You might be stronger than you once were before I bit you, but like me, you are not immortal.

Even though vârcolacs were vampires, it was a myth that they were immortal. They did enjoy much longer life spans, however, often reaching a thousand years of age or more. Because they lived so long and aged so slowly, the myth had risen that vârcolacs were immortal. Of course, few people believed in vampires anyway, not until it was too late. Usually, once they met one, their life was about to end.

Only the voinicos and vânătors knew that their enemies were mortal. They could be killed, but it wasn’t easy. It wasn’t like a voinico would do the killing, though. While they were significantly stronger than the average human, that strength faded whenever they came near a vârcolac. That would leave the fighting and killing to the vânătors who were the children of the voinicos. Depending on whether or not a vânător had one or both parents who were voinicos, they could be up to three times as strong as an ordinary human.

Even so, a vârcolac was still stronger than even the strongest vânător, so the vânătors rarely hunted vârcolacs alone. On those rare occasions, it would be an unexpected hunt. Any organized hunting party would include several vânătors since no one knew how many vampires they might encounter. Still, plenty of vânătors stayed out of the hunt. They couldn’t send everyone out at once. If a hunting expedition went wrong, then there would be no one left to fight the remaining vârcolacs.

What do you care about my injury? Andrei asked. You and I both know you will end this here. I won’t live to see my wound tended to!

Varujan got down on the ground so quickly that Andrei didn’t even see the movement. It was as if Varujan was standing one moment and was on the ground beside him the next. Varujan held Andrei down. Andrei struggled to move, but with the vârcolac so close to him, his whole body was paralyzed. Varujan leaned his mouth down to Andrei’s neck and let it hover about two inches above it. Andrei could feel Varujan’s breath on his skin.

This does bring back memories, Varujan said. That night when I bit you seems so long ago, doesn’t it? Funny, I didn’t think it would be a repeat performance. I thought you would be joining me and that we would be ruling the woods together by now.

Never! Andrei spat out the word.

Tears spilled out of his eyes. He didn’t want to be afraid, but he was. He didn’t want to die at the hands of a vârcolac, let alone the one who had changed his life so long ago.

Varujan lowered his teeth to Andrei’s neck. He exposed his fangs and felt the blood pulsing under Andrei’s skin. A strong desire came over him. Bite! Even though a voinico’s blood wouldn’t taste good like a normal person’s blood would, it had been a while since Varujan had fed. He was hungry. Biting Andrei would be so easy.

Of course, it wouldn’t do much for him. Once someone became a voinico, their blood changed. It didn’t nourish vampires, not like human blood. It would only take their mind off their hunger for a few minutes. Then, they would still be looking for someone to feed on. Vânător blood was even worse. It made them slightly nauseated. The only reason to bite a vânător was if they were doing so in an attempt to kill them. Fortunately, there were much quicker ways to kill someone, so they rarely bit a vânător. Voinicos, on the other hand, could at least take their minds off their hunger for a short time.

Andrei braced himself. He knew it would be quick. Once the vârcolac bit him, the blood wouldn’t remain in his body much longer. Within seconds, he would lose consciousness.

Like many animals, vampires could sense fear. Andrei had plenty of fear for Varujan to feed off of now. He had no doubt it was giving Varujan a rush of adrenaline. That feeling would be almost as satisfying to the vârcolac as if he were to take his victim’s blood. Varujan let his fangs stay on Andrei’s neck for several moments. Andrei knew that Varujan was enjoying himself immensely.

Finally, enough time had passed. Varujan slowly pulled his mouth away from Andrei’s neck and pulled himself back up into a squatting position, looking down at his victim.

Andrei was confused. Why hadn’t Varujan killed him? He knew it was what the vârcolac wanted to do more than anything.

I don’t understand, Andrei muttered, still overwhelmed by what had just happened.

Again, Varujan laughed.

No, I suppose you don’t, he said. But it’s not you I want. You know who it is that I’m after.

No! Why?! Andrei’s voice grew louder, his body pumping so much adrenaline that he felt slightly stronger.

Why? Varujan asked bitterly.

Yes, why? Andrei asked again.

Varujan sighed.

It’s simple really, Varujan said. No one gets to escape their destiny.

I’ll never tell you where she is, and you will never leave the woods to go find her, Andrei reminded him. You might as well kill me now. You’ll get nothing out of me!

I don’t need to get anything out of you. And yes, I could kill you now, Varujan said. But then, you wouldn’t be around when I do find her, or rather, when she finds me. You and I both know that it’s in a vânător’s blood to hunt vârcolacs. It doesn’t matter how far away you sent her. She will eventually fulfill her destiny. And when she does, I do want you to be around to enjoy the show.

Never! Andrei shouted. I will kill you first myself!

It was an idle threat. He and Varujan both knew it. He was in no position to fight Varujan, let alone kill him. His body could barely move. He was at the vârcolac’s mercy.

Varujan reached his finger down to Andrei’s leg. He scraped up the line of blood that was still slowly oozing out. He put it to his mouth and licked the blood off his finger.

Just as I expected. It’s kind of like eating stale food, if I remember right, Varujan said, and then he laughed. Still, stale or not, I am hungry.

You and I both know that feeding on me would hardly nourish you at all, Andrei reminded him.

Yes, that’s true. Probably no more than if you were to eat a couple of potato chips, Varujan agreed. But it might alleviate my boredom and take my mind off my hunger for a while. It might buy me enough time to go get a real meal in Cluj! It would be rather blissful to drain your body, wouldn’t it?

Then, what’s stopping you? Andrei asked bitterly. It’s certainly not me.

Varujan laughed.

No, it’s certainly not you, he replied.

He stood up and stared down at Andrei for a few moments, looking like he was lost in thought. Neither of them said anything more. Then, Varujan left at lightning speed, so quickly that it was all a blur to Andrei.

After Varujan had been gone for a few minutes, Andrei’s strength slowly came back to him. He carefully pulled himself up and started hobbling back to the village to warn the others about what had just happened. They needed to know that he had found Varujan. Andrei knew that he would see the vârcolac again soon. He and the others needed to be prepared. Of course, he couldn’t tell them everything about his encounter with Varujan. There were certain details that he was going to have to leave out.

*****

Nicoleta awoke with a start. She was hyperventilating and was sitting up in bed. The nightmare had been so real. She could clearly remember how it felt to be chased through the woods. She still felt the fangs sinking into her neck. The memory was so fresh that she almost thought there was a vampire in the room with her. It was as if she could sense him there with her now. But that was crazy. Vampires didn’t exist. It was just a nightmare and nothing more. Even so, Nicoleta knew it was going to shake her up for the rest of the day. Thankfully, it was Saturday. She wouldn’t have to worry about concentrating in school. Maybe her best friend would want to get together and take in a movie or go hang out at the mall. Due to all of the internet companies taking business from local merchants, there were only a few mall stores still open. Still, it was a good place to hang out and walk around while they gossiped about their classmates.

Nicoleta picked up her cell phone and quickly went to the contact she was looking for, Tatiana Vargelez. When her phone rang, Tatiana checked to see who was calling. The caller ID said Nikki Jonston. That was Nicoleta’s nickname that a few of her close friends used, including Tatiana.

Hey, you! What’s up? Tatiana asked enthusiastically.

Nothing, just boredom, Nicoleta replied.

Her voice didn’t sound so convincing.

Uh-oh. What’s wrong? Tatiana inquired.

Nothing, just a bad dream, Nicoleta assured her. I guess I’m having a hard time shaking it.

That sounds more like a nightmare than a dream, Tatiana said. You need to get your mind on something else.

Hence the phone call, Nicoleta replied.

Oh, so now your best friend is just a distraction from your thoughts? Tatiana teased. It’s good to know where I stand!

No, it’s nothing like that, Nicoleta insisted. It’s just that you were the first person I wanted to talk to. I knew you would cheer me up. You always do.

I know what you meant. I was just teasing, Tatiana said.

So, do you want to hang out today? Nicoleta asked. I could really use the company.

I wish I could, Tatiana said. But my mom is cleaning out the attic and is insisting that Will and I help her.

Will was Tatiana’s brother.

Oh, that’s too bad, Nicoleta replied. Maybe I could come over and help.

As much as I’d like to have you do that, I’m going to have to say no, Tatiana said. Mom’s in a bad mood. She’s still freaked out that Zach brought me home late last night. She’s convinced we’re out doing drugs or something.

You? Doing drugs? Nicoleta asked. Now that, I’d like to see!

Really? Tatiana asked. I thought you hated drugs. You don’t even drink.

And neither do you. At least not enough to count, Nicoleta replied.

They had both had a small amount of alcohol at parties, but it wasn’t enough to hardly count. Of course, those times had been few and far between, seeing how they and their friends were minors. Alcohol wasn’t always easy to get if there wasn’t someone willing to help them or their friends. Not that it mattered much to Tatiana and Nicoleta anyway. They didn’t go to the parties to drink. They went to be with their friends and to enjoy the music and dancing.

That was my whole point, Nicoleta continued. "Doing drugs would be so out of character for you. I seriously do not want you to start taking them! Why would your mom even think something like that anyway?"

Okay, so maybe she didn’t exactly say that. I just guessed that was what she was thinking, Tatiana elaborated. We got into a big fight last night when I came home past curfew. She said that she couldn’t trust me anymore and that she didn’t trust Zach either. She said he was a bad influence on me. She doesn’t like him.

Why not? Zach’s a good guy, Nicoleta replied.

Yeah, but after she caught us kissing in my bedroom, she’s been all freaked out, especially when she caught a whiff of alcohol on Zach’s breath when he was leaving, Tatiana said. The funny thing was that it wasn’t even from drinking that time. He was getting over a cold and had taken some cold medicine, but she didn’t believe me when I told her the truth. She thinks I’m lying to her, and she acts like I’m still a little girl.

You’re going to be graduating soon, Nicoleta pointed out. She’s going to have to accept that you’re an adult soon enough.

I seriously don’t think I’m going to have any freedom until I move out, Tatiana lamented. I still say the two of us should ditch our college plans and go get an apartment together.

And pay the bills with what? Nicoleta asked. Rent is expensive.

So is college. I’m just saying, Tatiana replied.

Yeah, but you forget that my mom and dad are paying for my tuition and my room and board, Nicoleta reminded her. I don’t think they would feel the same need to help me out financially if I bailed on going to college. Besides, I want a college education. Don’t you?

Eventually, Tatiana conceded. I just thought it would be fun to be out on my own for a while first. My brain needs a break from all of the studying. I’m young. I have plenty of time for college later. Besides, it would have been nice if we could have at least gone to the same college, or at least stayed in the same city. Why can’t you go to the university here?

You know I’m tired of living in the desert, Nicoleta answered. You could come with me. Even if you don’t go to college right away, you could get a job. Maybe we could share an apartment.

Maybe, Tatiana replied. It’s not like I have anything lined up here. It’s just that I’m not sure I want to live away from my family. I mean, in another city. I can’t wait to get a place of my own!

Tatiana! Get off that phone and come help. Now! her mother called to her so loudly that Nicoleta heard it also.

Sorry. Gotta go, Tatiana said.

Have fun, Nicoleta replied and ended the call.

So, hanging out with her best friend wasn’t going to happen today. The sheer boredom of a day without her bestie was bad enough, but Nicoleta still couldn’t shake the nightmare from her thoughts. She yawned and crawled out of bed. She went to the bathroom to brush her hair and teeth. Then, she pulled on a pair of denim jeans and a black tank top. She looked in the mirror. Her long, red hair hung down about a foot below her shoulders. She sometimes liked to wear it curly, but today, it hung straight and was parted on the side. Her light blue eyes had a natural sparkle to them.

Nicoleta sighed.

You’re too good for all of them, she spoke softly.

She was referring to the boys in her class. It had only been a month since her boyfriend, Alfonso, had dumped her for a stuck-up girl named Brenda. Nicoleta wasn’t conceited, but she knew that she was attractive. It would be hard to not notice as she stared at her reflection. She was also a lot kinder than Brenda, a girl who rarely acted like she thought of anyone but herself.

Nicoleta had really liked Alfonso. She still wasn’t completely over him, but there was no point in moping around. She needed a distraction from several things, so she went downstairs to the kitchen. When she got there, her mom was sitting at the table.

Good morning, her mom, Soreana, said.

Morning, Nicoleta replied. You’re eating breakfast late.

I was tired this morning, so I slept in, Soreana said.

It was nine o’clock. She had only been up for about fifteen minutes. She was usually up by seven.

Here. Pour yourself a bowl of cereal and join me, Soreana said.

Nicoleta did just that. She was starving, and the cereal looked really good. After she had poured a large bowl of flakes, she added some milk. For a few minutes, the two of them ate in silence.

Any plans for today? Soreana asked.

Not much. Just hanging out here, I guess, Nicoleta answered.

Is Tatiana busy today? Soreana inquired.

Yeah. Her mom has her cleaning the attic, Nicoleta replied.

I could use some help in the garden, Soreana suggested. If you don’t mind helping your mom plant some tomatoes, I would appreciate it.

Sure, whatever you need, Nicoleta replied.

So, have you thought any more about the trip? Soreana asked.

Yeah, a lot, Nicoleta answered. It’s hard to think of much else.

And have you made a decision? Soreana questioned.

I want to go, Nicoleta replied.

Soreana looked worried.

Are you sure? she asked. Romania is so far away. Your dad and I worry about you.

As if on cue, Nicoleta’s dad walked into the room. He had been in the garage giving the car a tune-up. His hands were greasy. He walked to the sink to wash his hands.

Why can’t you wash your hands outside? Soreana asked in a disapproving voice. You’re going to get the sink all greasy.

It’ll come clean, her husband, Wadim, said. It’s not easy for an old man like me to bend down to use the outside faucet.

Old man? Yeah, right! Soreana said. If you’re old, then I’m old also, and I refuse to think that way. I’m only in my mid-forties, just like you. We are far from old!

Even so, the kitchen sink is easier to use, Wadim insisted. So, tell me. What is it that you and I are worrying about today?

Nicoleta has decided to go on the trip with her friends to Romania when she graduates, Soreana informed him.

Wadim stopped washing his hands and turned to look at his family.

Nicoleta, are you sure? he asked, sounding concerned.

I don’t know why you two are so worried, Nicoleta replied. I’m almost an adult. I’ll be eighteen years old a week before graduation. I can take care of myself.

Eighteen? Soreana asked. You’re still a baby! Eighteen is still a teen year. You can hear it right there in the word.

Eighteen is old enough to go on a trip with my friends, Nicoleta insisted. I never do anything exciting. I want to do this. Besides, I thought you would be happy about it. I’m going to be seeing where you grew up. Don’t you want me to share your heritage?

Soreana had been born in Romania and had lived there until she fell in love with Wadim and moved to the States in her early twenties. Wadim was an American citizen, but his maternal grandparents were originally from Romania. Since his father had no Romanian roots like his mother had, he had been given the middle name of Jeffrey. Wadim had always wanted to see where his grandparents had lived, so he had taken a trip to their homeland. When he met Soreana, it was love at first sight. They got married a couple of years later. Eventually, Soreana got her U.S. citizenship.

Wadim and Soreana exchanged concerned looks. Wadim grabbed a paper towel and wiped as much of the grease off his hands as he could. He came to the table and pulled out a chair. He sat down across from Nicoleta.

You do share our heritage, he said. More than you know.

Well, maybe more of Andrei’s and Daciana’s heritage…

Of course, we’d love for you to be able to see Romania, but now isn’t the time, he continued. Wait until we can all go together someday.

Nicoleta tried to understand where he was coming from. She loved her parents and didn’t want to upset either of them, but this trip was something she had to do. She couldn’t explain why. She wasn’t even really sure why it was so important, except that she was bored living in Tucson and wanted to get out and see the world.

I promise I’ll go to Romania again with you someday, she said. I know it would have been nice if I could have gone with the two of you on my first trip to Romania, but this is something I have to do. If I don’t, I know I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. Besides, I was the one who suggested Romania to my friends. How would it look if I bailed on them?

Soreana sighed.

Why did you do that anyway? she asked. Don’t most young people want to go hang out at the beach? You could have gone to Oahu and spent time with Josh.

Josh was Nicoleta’s older brother. He was a year older than her. Josh had moved to Hawaii to attend the university there. He had been there two years, having graduated from high school a year early. He was planning to fly home to attend Nicoleta’s graduation before heading back to Hawaii to take summer classes.

I didn’t mean to, Nicoleta admitted. We had been talking about going to Hawaii. I would have liked to have been able to spend some time with Josh. But when I was talking to my friends, it came up that you were from Romania. My friends started asking me what Romania was like. I told them that I didn’t really know. You never told me much about it, and I’ve never been there. Everyone started talking about how cool of a trip it would be. You know, some place that wouldn’t be most people’s first choice. Some place that we could all brag about having been there. They all decided that was where they wanted to go, and I agreed.

Well, I don’t like it, Soreana said. But I can see that neither of us will be able to change your mind.

Nicoleta leaned over and gave her mom a kiss on the cheek.

I’ll be fine, she insisted. Besides, we scheduled an official tour. It’s not like we’re going to be out there running around all by ourselves and getting lost.

I suppose, Soreana said unenthusiastically. Well, you’d better go grab the gloves and gardening supplies. I’ll be out in a minute to get the planting started.

Sure, Nicoleta replied.

She got up and returned her bowl and spoon to the sink. After she left the room, Soreana and Wadim sat at the table for a few more minutes, discussing the problem.

We can’t talk her out of it, Soreana said.

I knew if she decided to go, we wouldn’t be able to. She’s a strong-willed girl, Wadim replied.

Yes, she is. She gets it from her mother, Soreana said.

If we could just tell her the truth, Wadim lamented. But you and I both know that would be the worst thing we could do. Once she knows who she really is, there will be no stopping her from fulfilling her destiny. That was the last thing that Andrei and Daciana ever wanted. That’s why they made us promise to keep their secret.

They would have never given her up if they thought we couldn’t keep her safe, Soreana said. I don’t know how we are ever going to explain to them that their daughter is coming to Romania!

Nicoleta’s real parents were Andrei and his wife, Daciana. Soreana and Wadim had never told Nicoleta the truth, everyone agreeing that it was best if she believed they were her parents. They avoided saying much about Romania, fearing that if they talked about Soreana’s homeland, it might spark Nicoleta’s interest and make her want to travel to their birthplace. But apparently, their cautiousness hadn’t made any difference. Nicoleta was getting ready to do the very thing that they had been trying to keep her from doing. If only they hadn’t told her anything about their Romanian roots. It should have all been kept a secret.

We’re going to have to tell them, Wadim stated. They have a right to know. Maybe they can find some way to keep her safe.

Soreana nodded, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

I love her so much, as much as if she was my own true biological daughter, Soreana said. I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to her.

Maybe it’ll just be a vacation and nothing more, Wadim tried to comfort her.

You don’t believe that any more than I do, Soreana said. We both know that once Nicoleta gets to Romania, her instincts will lead her to them.

Yes, to the vârcolacs, Wadim agreed. That’s all the more reason to call Andrei and Daciana. They must be told that she is coming. Nicoleta isn’t ready. She hasn’t been trained. They have to be ready to keep her from harm’s way. She’s going to be so close to them in Transylvania!

So, you’ll call them in the morning? Soreana asked.

Yes, I will, Wadim replied. It was our duty to protect their daughter, and I feel like I’ve failed them. But they’ll understand and will want to know.

You’re a good husband, and you’ve been a great father to Nicoleta, Soreana said. You haven’t failed anyone. We kept our word. We didn’t tell Nicoleta who she really was. We could have never foreseen that she would be doing this.

Wadim stood up. He leaned down and kissed his wife.

No, no one could have foreseen this, he agreed. Now, all we can hope for is that the strong girl we have raised will be strong enough to handle whatever comes her way once she gets to Romania.

Chapter 2

Why did he let you go? Daciana asked in a frightened voice.

It doesn’t matter why he let me go. The important thing is that he did, her husband tried to comfort her.

Andrei knew he couldn’t keep the encounter with Varujan away from his wife or from any of the other voinicos and vânătors in their village. It was his duty to inform them that a vârcolac was nearby. Still, there was no need to go into detail about why Varujan had let him escape without harm. It would only worry Daciana, and it wasn’t anyone else’s business.

Daciana was beside herself.

I came so close to losing you! she said.

A few tears spilled down her cheeks.

Please don’t cry, Andrei tried to console her. I’m here. I’m alive. Isn’t that all that matters?

You could have been killed! Daciana nearly shouted. What on earth provoked you to follow him all by yourself?

I thought I could keep my distance, Andrei said. I miscalculated. I wanted to know where he was going. Of all the vârcolacs, Varujan is the most elusive. If we could find where he goes, we could probably find his whole coven. Haven’t we all been looking for him and Antanasia?

A lot of good it would have done to find his lair if you would have been killed. You were lucky with Varujan. It makes no sense that he let you go. And what if there would have been more vârcolacs with him? There’s no way they would have let you go free! Daciana reprimanded him. You must promise me that you will never do anything so foolish again!

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Andrei went to open it.

Hello, Skender. Come on in, Andrei greeted their visitor.

A young twenty-three-year-old man walked in. He was muscular and stood about five-feet-ten inches tall. His dark, wavy hair contrasted severely with his mild complexion. His baby blue eyes were his best feature and drew people’s attention as soon as they saw him.

But no matter how many girls were attracted to Skender, he had only been on a few dates. He was much too busy with his life in the village. Hunting vampires was more important than having a girlfriend!

At least, he didn’t have to hunt vampires alone. Among the other vânătors he fought with, he had a close friend who was almost always by his side. Her name was Vanda. She was a beautiful girl with light blonde hair that was cut short. She had green eyes and was three years younger than Skender. They were both dedicated to their mission in life, hunting down vârcolacs and killing them. Each of them had only one parent who was a voinico, but they had still inherited great strength.

Skender nodded at Daciana.

Good afternoon, he said in a pleasant voice.

Good afternoon, Daciana returned his greeting, still looking upset after the near-killing of her husband.

What can we do for you today? Andrei asked.

I heard that you didn’t look too well when you got back to the village, Skender replied. I wanted to make sure nothing had happened on your walk.

You’d better sit down, Andrei said and pointed to a nearby chair.

Skender took a seat and looked worriedly at Andrei.

Then, something did happen? Skender questioned.

Yes, it did, Andrei answered, also taking a seat. I ran into Varujan when I was walking.

What do you mean, you ran into him? Skender asked. You mean to tell me that Varujan saw you?!

He not only saw him. He nearly killed him! Daciana didn’t give her husband a chance to answer.

Please, Daciana. Let me explain this to our guest, Andrei said.

Daciana let out a sigh.

As you wish, she said. I would like to get my mind on something else anyway. I think I’m going to go take a nap.

I think that would be good for you, Andrei replied.

Neither he nor Skender said anything as Daciana got up and left the room. When she was gone, Andrei returned to their conversation. He told Skender how he had seen Varujan and had decided to follow him and that he had thought he had stayed far enough away from Varujan to keep himself safe. He also told Skender how he had been spotted and how Varujan had come at him, nearly sinking his teeth into his neck. He pretended not to know why Varujan had let him get away.

It makes no sense, Skender said. By the moon and sun above us, you should be dead. Vârcolacs do not leave anyone alive when they spot them, and especially not Varujan. He lives for the kill. He doesn’t just hunt to feed. He hunts for sport. It would be hard enough for him to let an ordinary human go, but a voinico? You stand for everything he hates. The voinicos defy them when they refuse to turn, and you are not just any voinico. He, himself, was the one who bit you. The fact that you are not now a vârcolac is the greatest insult to him! Did he not vow to take vengeance on you years ago?

Yes, I remember that quite clearly, Andrei answered. And yet, I am still here. I’m sure he could have found me and killed me already if that was truly his plan. Perhaps it’s more fun for him to toy with me. If he killed me, he would no longer be able to try to frighten me. That must be why he let me get away today.

Skender thought about it.

Perhaps you’re right, he agreed. Regardless, I would say that you’re very lucky. You mustn’t go walking alone again anytime soon, though. Varujan may be on the lookout for you now more than ever. And for goodness’ sake, if you ever do spot him and are all alone, don’t go traipsing off after him! I know we’re all desperate to find him and Antanasia, but it won’t do any of us any good if you get yourself killed!

Yes, I believe I have learned my lesson, Andrei said. Believe me, I just received the same lecture from my wife.

Daciana needs you. You must make smarter decisions so she doesn’t have to learn what it’s like to grieve losing a husband, Skender replied. So, what do you want me to do about it? Were you able to acquire any leads at all to his whereabouts?

Whose whereabouts? a girl’s voice came from the open doorway.

Skender turned to see Vanda standing there. As usual, she had a radiance about her that made it a pleasure just to look at her.

Vanda walked in and stood beside Skender.

Who are we talking about today? she asked.

Varujan, Skender answered.

Varujan! Vanda said in a disgusted voice.

Yes, we all hate him as much as you do, Skender said.

What has he done now? Vanda asked. How many has he killed?

None, at least none that we know of, Skender answered. But he came close to killing Andrei.

Skender recounted the story of Andrei’s encounter with Varujan to Vanda.

Wow! Vanda said, looking at Andrei. I can’t believe he let you go, but I’m sure glad he did!

You and me both, Andrei agreed.

Do you know where he went? Vanda questioned.

That’s exactly what I was asking him right before you got here, Skender said.

Unfortunately, I don’t have anything to tell you, Andrei informed them. He spotted me close to here. I have no way of knowing where he was going, except that he was heading north.

That doesn’t mean anything, Skender said. He could have been going to hunt prey. He may have thought he could find a hiker or a camper out in the woods.

Fortunately, campers and hikers were rare in this part of the woods, but they occasionally came into the area.

Exactly, Andrei replied. We’re no closer to knowing where his coven is than we were before.

There’s something else about your encounter with him that bothers me, Skender noted.

What’s that? Andrei asked.

The fact that he was so close to our village, Skender answered. The vârcolacs have always gone out of their way to stay clear of us. They don’t want to fight the vânătors. They want to be able to hunt without any possible interference from us. If he came that close to our village, perhaps there are more of them than we thought. Perhaps they think they can come and wipe us all out in one great battle.

Andrei thought he knew what Varujan was doing. He had surely come to spy on the village, to see if Nicoleta had found her way to Romania yet. Varujan had told Andrei that he expected her to come to Romania. Andrei hoped that Nicoleta was far enough away that her destiny would never lead her to them. Still, he made no mention of this to Skender and Vanda. They knew nothing of his daughter’s existence. He didn’t want to have to give up his secret unless there was no other choice.

I wouldn’t worry about that, Andrei said. Even if that was the case, a vârcolac wouldn’t likely be willing to risk their own life. Even if they had the numbers, some of them would die. None that I’ve ever heard of would want to chance it. They are always and foremost worried about their own safety.

I suppose, Skender said. Still, it’s upsetting that he would come so close to the village.

It is upsetting, to say the least, Andrei agreed. You will alert the others?

Of course, Skender said. Come on, Vanda. There’s nothing more we can do here. We must let the others know that Varujan was in our territory.

Skender stood up. He and Vanda bid Andrei farewell and went on their way. Andrei was exhausted. Perhaps his wife had a good idea. A nap sounded good. He was headed to the bedroom when his cell phone rang. He looked down and saw that it was a long-distance call. America. Tucson, Arizona. It could only be Wadim or Soreana.

*****

Soreana was sitting at the kitchen table as Wadim placed the call to his brother-in-law. Both she and Wadim had agreed that it would be best if he was the one to deliver the news.

Andrei! It’s Wadim.

Wadim! Hello! Andrei replied. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you.

It wasn’t like they never spoke. But usually, they only called each other about twice a year.

Yes, I know it hasn’t been that long since we last spoke, only a couple of months if I recall right, Wadim said.

That sounds about right, Andrei agreed. But it’s still good to hear from you. I know we’re all busy, but we should speak more often. Family is important. Even though we aren’t related by blood, you are my brother-in-law. It’s good to hear your voice!

As it is to hear yours also, Wadim agreed. But I didn’t call for idle chit-chat. I’m afraid I have some bad news. It’s about your daughter.

Neither Wadim nor Soreana heard Nicoleta come into the adjoining living room. They couldn’t see her, but she could hear what Wadim was saying. Who was her father talking to? Whose daughter was in trouble? She stopped in her tracks and listened closely, knowing it was rude to eavesdrop but unable to keep her curiosity from getting the best of her.

Nicoleta? Andrei replied.

Yes, it’s about Nicoleta, Wadim said.

Nicoleta was confused. She couldn’t have heard right. She had just heard her father say to someone that their daughter was in trouble. Then, he said he was talking about Nicoleta. She didn’t know anyone else who had the same name. It wasn’t very common. He must be talking about her. But why would he tell the person that she was their daughter? Wadim and Soreana were her parents! Nicoleta found herself holding her breath, not wanting to make a noise, needing to hear every word that her father said.

What’s wrong with my daughter? Andrei asked in a worried tone.

She’s alright. Nothing has happened to her, Wadim assured him. But Soreana and I are worried. We’re afraid she may soon find trouble. She has made plans for a graduation trip with her friends. I’m not sure how to tell you this, so I guess I had better just spit it out. Nicoleta is coming to Romania.

So, there was no doubt about it. Her father was talking about her. But wait… If what he had said was true, then Wadim wasn’t her real father! She couldn’t stay hidden any longer. She walked into the room, and Wadim saw her. He immediately stopped talking, even as he could hear Andrei’s shocked reaction, asking how this could