Revenant

Janet Elizabeth Jones

Revenant She pressed her mouth against his ear. "Drink from me." He groaned against her, nuzzled her throat hard, and lapped at it with his tongue until she pleaded. The pierce of his fangs and the rush of her life-giving blood pouring into him cast her over the edge into pure joy. For sacred seconds, their souls danced like their bodies did. One forever. Inseparable for all time. She heard his soundless declaration of love in her mind, felt it in every move of his body. You are my wide, warm ocean of mystery. My safe harbor. My copper-coin moon rising to light my way, brighter than a thousand suns. Your love is my sustenance, stronger than a river of blood, all that my light-deprived soul thirsts for. I haven't the words to tell you how much I treasure what you've given me tonight.

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Revenant Revenant © 2008 by Janet Elizabeth Jones

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. This book is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

An Eternal Press Production Eternal Press 206 - 6059 Pandora St. Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5B 1M4

To order additional copies of this book, contact: www.eternalpress.ca

Cover Art © 2008 by Dawne' Dominique Edited by Stephanie Parent Copyedited by Valerie Coffey Layout and Book Production by Ally Robertson eBook ISBN: 978-1-897559-74-1 Print ISBN: First Edition * November 2008

Production by Eternal Press Printed in Canada and The United States of America.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones

Revenant Janet Elizabeth Jones

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Revenant

Dedication: This book is dedicated to my loving family, without whose support and encouragement I would not be the person I am today, and to my fellow writers who inspire me when my muse wanders off and forgets her way home.

Acknowledgements: I'd like to thank the people of Camden, Maine, who were kind enough to send me wonderful things to help me write authentically about their beautiful town. Special thanks to the Camden Chamber of Commerce for their gorgeous visitor package.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones

Chapter One Camden, Maine

Talisen kicked the truck door shut and stood with her eyes closed, breathing hard in the darkness and trying to gulp down as much of the damp, chilly air and the sweet green fragrance of the woods as she could. The gathering fog almost shut out the lanterns of other campers up and down the hill, creating the sense of solitude she needed. If she was lucky, she wouldn't run into another soul, unless she walked up to the visitor center. She just needed time to think. The park had always cleared her head before. But her anger rose up and closed like a fist in her chest. Jerking the tailgate of the truck down, she dragged her lantern and matches out. The first two matches she struck snapped in her fingers. She drew a deep breath and struck a third, more gently, and watched the soothing blue-white light of her lantern come to life. Hanging the lantern from the low limb of a familiar sapling, she dragged her tent bag and mallet out of the back of the truck. She dumped them on the ground and ripped her tent out of its bag. She'd start over if she had to. She'd go over every irrelevant scrap of information Grandma had saved. She'd go back to the Benedikt Inn and pester the Gerards with her questions, and she wouldn't take no for an answer this time. Her cell phone vibrated in the back pocket of her jeans. That would be Mrs. Emerson, checking on her. She slipped the phone out and 5

Revenant flipped it open, squeezing it between her shoulder and cheek to free up her hands, and went on unfolding her tent. "Hey." "Tallie, you know I have a perfectly good studio apartment above the store. It's just going to waste. I'm starting another session of art classes for the kids next week. I could sure use your help. I'll pay you overtime." "I remember how much those classes meant to me when I was little." Talisen threaded a cross pole through the loops of the tent. "But right now, I need to be somewhere I didn't share with Grandma, or I'll never be able to get this done for her." "Well, be sure to drop by the store tomorrow. I've got a wad of money to give you. I sold all your paintings today." "That's great!" The second pole was always stubborn. She gave it a shove and it slid through the loops. She began tossing the pegs closer to each side and corner of the tent. "Thanks. Thanks for everything." Mrs. Emerson hesitated and then added, "I went over there today. I took some more flowers." Talisen's anger growled inside her again. She slung the last peg into the ground like a knife. "I can't tell you what that means to me." "Once the grass grows over, it's going to be pretty. Let me know when you want to go, and I'll go with you." "I appreciate that. I'm going to wait until I've finished this thing for her. I don't want to go empty-handed." "You know she'd understand if you have to let it go." "No way. It was her life's work. I'm going to finish it. It's just one chapter. And if I can get the Gerards up at the Benedikt Inn to stop being so overprotective of their boss's whereabouts, I'll contact him and maybe get the information Grandma never could." "You might not have to go to that trouble. Someone has moved into the old summer house up the hill from the inn. Maybe Mr. Benedikt has finally come home." Talisen closed her eyes, clenched her fingers around the peg she held, and smiled. "Fantastic! When I see you tomorrow, maybe I'll have some new information." "Good. I'll see you then." She hung up and put her phone back in her pocket. "Yes, yes, yes, yes!” Maybe she'd get lucky and the Benedikt heir himself had taken the summer house. If not, the people leasing it might tell her where she 6

Janet Elizabeth Jones could get in touch with him. One way or another, she’d find out if he had the information that had eluded her grandmother for so long. It burned her up to think of the precious hours she and Grandma had wasted trying to solve a mystery nobody had cared about since the eighteenth century. Their "quest" would never mean anything to her again except frustration and disappointment. She would walk away from it if she could, but she couldn't turn her back on Grandma's memory. Talisen ground her teeth together and raised the tent, forcing the poles into the soft ground. She'd finish that damn family history if it was the last thing she did, because it should have been the last thing Grandma got to do. Plucking up her mallet, she pounded each tent peg in with more force than she needed to. She tossed the mallet into the back of her truck and moved her box of supplies into the tent, where she unfolded her table, chairs and cot and set her Coleman stove on its crate. Finally, she brought Grandma's briefcase inside and opened it on the table. A lifetime of scraps, anecdotes, facts, and fiction greeted her gaze: familiar, dog-eared, paper-clipped oddities that had meant the world to Grandma. They were her treasure trove. Atop the pile lay a large envelope that had arrived for Grandma yesterday, from one of the Rudyard cousins she'd corresponded with since the last family reunion. Talisen hadn't had the heart to open it, for fear it contained just more of the same useless tidbits that filled the briefcase. She slammed the briefcase shut and shoved it under the cot, out of sight. If she didn't get hold of her emotions, she'd never make heads or tails of Grandma's information. Grabbing her flashlight, she flicked it on and slipped out of her tent and down the trail, following the sound of the waves ahead of her. She could walk this path in her sleep. The fog shielded her like a friend as she passed a tent here or there. When she reached the beach, she paused on the edge of the misty expanse, bracing herself for the familiar ache. It had happened over two hundred years before she was born. It shouldn't make her feel like this. Wistfulness she could understand—but this longing? Dragging in a deep breath, Talisen wandered down to the water's edge. 7

Revenant Captain Arthur Ellory Benedikt had vanished on a beach somewhere here in Camden. Maybe this very one. If she could, she'd blame this sense of loss on Grandma's death—but it had always been like this. The sight of the water tumbling to shore and the caress of the briny sea wind on her face made her feel his disappearance as though she'd known him forever. Well, what the hell did she expect? Grandma had raised her on a steady diet of "the Captain." To Talisen, he'd been Santa Claus, Mother Goose, Merlin and Sir Galahad combined. He'd been her first crush, the paragon of manly virtue she compared every "real" boy to—and until his story eluded Grandma in the backwaters of history and he became the disappointment of a lifetime, he'd been her ideal man. No more. Talisen rushed at an icy wave and kicked it as hard as she could. "Damn you, Benedikt! What happened to you?" **** Ellory bared his fangs and growled softly. Her presence throbbed on the periphery of his awareness, just out of reach, teasing, taunting and luring him, giving him no peace. He'd end it tonight. How long had he felt that ball and chain in his soul? A quarter of a century, at least. This week it had consumed him; tonight it had become a voice in his head. Damn you, Benedikt! What happened to you? Whoever she was, her signature vibration made her shine like a beacon. She was strong, this one. He cast a glance behind him at his tall blond companion. "She's definitely here. And close." Meical Grabian shook his head. "If you'd been monitoring our perimeter, you'd know the only vampires in our domain tonight are you, me and your fledgling ragamuffins." Ellory honed in on his nemesis. She was pure light, not darkness. Not vampire. "Meical, she's human." His friend became motionless. That was Meical. All stone in the face of the incredulous. "How can she call to you? How was she able to bring you back here, Ellory?" 8

Janet Elizabeth Jones "That's what I'm going to find out. And then I'm going to be sure it doesn't happen again. The only human I'm picking up on—" "—is that one down there," Meical finished. Ellory joined his friend on the other edge of the overhang and took a look. Down on the beach, a lone woman meandered closer to the water's edge. "I'll bet my last drop she's Dylan's idea of a homecoming gift," Meical whispered. "Probably full of bloodbane. One sip of her and your guts will rot." Ellory probed the woman's subconscious. No trance. No hint of a vampire's possession. "No, she's unmarked." "I don't believe it. Turn her inside out." Sifting through the thousands of fragrances the night breeze brought him, Ellory breathed in the woman's scent, a heady mixture of roses, blood and feminine flesh. Her rage danced along his spine like a caress. He could feel her unsteady breathing, taste the salty tears on her cheek and hear her soul's cry of anger. Grief. A fresh wound. The silence of death shrouded everything inside of her. Thoughts of his human life emanated from her like a whirlpool waiting to drag him under. The compulsion to go to her gripped him so hard he gasped. She wasn't just curious about him; she was obsessed. Who was she? His passage from human life had long ago ceased to have meaning for anyone, and that was the way he must keep it. Not that she would believe the truth if she looked it in the face, let alone survive it. "Simple solution," Meical murmured. "Dispose of her." "Not until I understand how she formed this bond with me." "Is that wise? The longer she's alive, the more of a threat she'll become. Your reputation allowed you to reclaim this domain without challenge, but our neighbors are watching you. Any sign of weakness, and they'll be on you and your flock of sucklings in a heartbeat. Just get rid of her." Ellory shook his head and launched himself off the cliff, hovering in the breeze. "Leave her to me." Meical scowled, but vanished without another protest. Sweeping soundlessly down to the ground, Ellory dematerialized and followed the woman. The wind dallied with her hip-length hair. Strawberry blonde. Perhaps more red than gold in the sunlight? He tried to imagine it. 9

Revenant He opened himself to her anger, felt it rock against him like a boat come loose from its mooring—or home to its harbor. She was angry at him. Ellory ran a hand through his hair and growled again. What the hell was going on? Well, my lamb, you've found your Captain Benedikt, but I'm afraid he isn't what you expect. He materialized slowly. **** "Damn fog." At the sound of the deep, resonant voice, Talisen turned to see a man stride out of the mist. She hopped out of his way to avoid being walked on. "Sorry," he said quickly. "I didn't see you." She pointed her flashlight skyward so it cast a wash of light around them. She told herself not to stare, but she couldn't help it. She regarded him with an artist's appreciation for the physical beauty of a wellendowed male. His gold-flecked mahogany hair curled around the collar of his dark green turtleneck, and his black corduroys hugged him in all the right places. His oak-brown eyes exuded a mixture of reassurance and absolute power. He looked behind him, to the left and the right, and then gave her a smile a dentist would die for. "Fog does weird things to your sense of direction when you're not used to it, doesn't it?" Mr. Immaculate didn't seem like the type to get lost anywhere. Talisen pointed at the tree line behind them. "If you're staying at the campgrounds, you want to go that way." "I'm parked at the visitor’s center, actually." "You can get there from my campsite. Come this way." She started toward the trees, and the man fell in beside her. He was well over six feet tall and looked capable of snapping trees in two. Talisen firmed her grip on her heavy utility flashlight as they ducked into the darkness of the forest. "You must visit the park a lot," he said. "You know your way so well." "It's my getaway place. So, how long are you visiting?" "Actually, I used to live here a long time ago, and I've just moved back." His voice dropped to a gravelly murmur that held more meaning than small talk could account for. "A lot has changed." 10

Janet Elizabeth Jones Talisen felt like seconding that statement. The anger seethed inside her again, and she focused on following the beam of her flashlight ahead of them. When they arrived at her campsite, she turned up her lantern and pointed into the gloom beyond its glow. "Just follow that road. It'll take you right to the parking lot at the visitor’s center." "Thanks." He held out his hand. Talisen thought she'd lose herself in his oak-brown eyes. "I'm Ellory Benedikt. If there's ever anything I can do for you, you can reach me through the Gerards up at the Benedikt Inn." Talisen blinked and stared at him. It couldn't be. It was just too perfect. "You're Ellory Benedikt?" **** Snared. Caught. His. Ellory heard her heart leap in response to his name. The answering rush of her blood was almost more than he could bear. Her lips parted, shell-pink lips, perfect for kissing…. She laughed and caught his hand in hers. He loved her firm grip. "You're not going to believe this, but I've been trying to get hold of you." If only she knew how well she'd succeeded. "Really? What did you need to talk to me about, Ms…? "Talisen Davies." An edge crept into her tone, latent with anger. "I have some questions about your ancestor, the one you're named after. Captain Arthur Ellory Benedikt. I'm descended from his wife's line, and I'm trying to finish our family history, but I'm stuck on the story of his disappearance." Ellory silenced a groan. It was dangerous enough to find a clueless human at the other end of this psychic leash he wore, but Maddie's kinswoman? A flesh-and-blood bridge to his human life? How had this happened? Their shared familial connection and Talisen's intense focus on him could account for the strength of her hold over him, but it had taken something truly powerful to create it. Meical was right about one thing. With the neighbors sizing Ellory up to see if he was enclave material or an easy kill, the way he handled this situation could make or break his family's survival here. To his knowledge, there were only two ways he could sever Talisen's hold on him. She wouldn't survive the first; she wouldn't want to survive the second. 11

Revenant He smiled down at her with a sting of remorse he could scarcely believe. He, who regretted nothing. "I've always been interested in my namesake. It's a hobby of mine. Would you like to talk about it now?" "Are you sure? I don't want to impose." "I have no plans this evening." Ellory picked up Talisen's two lawn chairs and followed her into her tent. Setting the chairs beside her small table, he sat down while she fetched a briefcase from under her cot, opened it on the table and pulled out a notebook and a pen. "I have all of my grandmother's notes," she said. "She finished our genealogy, except for the chapter about Madeline and the Captain. I have a couple of family stories about how turbulent their marriage was, and of course I know about Madeline from my side of the family. But there seems to be very little information about Benedikt, except that he went missing and his body was never found. The consensus seems to be that he left her." Ellory had heard the stories about his "disappearance" for months after his turning. But he and Maddie had been estranged long before that. They were ill-matched from the beginning. Only their honor had held them together. When he’d left his human life behind, Maddie had had his wealth to console her, but not his love. His love he’d left with another, unspoken though it was. "How about Benedikt's birth date?" Talisen asked. "I only have an approximate date." Ellory leaned closer. He didn't miss the soft catch in Talisen's breath. "March 12, 1761." Whipping her notebook open, she wrote it down. When she met his gaze, her dark green eyes swallowed him whole. "Can you verify that? What's your source?" "One of his logbooks from The Swan. That was his favorite clipper. The prettiest four-masted lady that ever sailed out of New England." He grinned. "Or so he wrote." She looked up with a skeptical half-smile. "Your logbook's for real?" "Yes, and as far as I know, it's the only one that survived. He scribbled personal notes in the margins of some of the logbook's pages. On March 2, 1789, he made an entry about turning twenty-eight that day."

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Janet Elizabeth Jones Her skepticism faded to excitement that made her eyes gleam. "That's wonderful. So, he was about thirty-two when he married Madeline. And he disappeared in August the same year." "I have a box of Benedikt's stuff, actually. It's not much, but you might like to see it." "I would. Very much." He didn't know why he'd kept any of it. On one of his few return visits to Camden, he'd found a few of his belongings at an estate sale Madeline's executor arranged to settle her debts after her death. He hadn't found the item he hoped to recover, but it was just as well. He'd rather it be lost forever than end up with Maddie. If there was any mercy in the world, its rightful owner took that cherished relic of his human life to her grave, along with what it had meant to both of them. Talisen looked up from her notes. "When would be convenient for me to see Benedikt's things?" "Why not tonight?" She looked away and pulled her notebook closer, as if for safety. Ellory kept his voice low and gentle. "Unless, of course, you have other plans." She shook her head. "No, it's just that…." "What, Talisen? What's wrong?" "My grandmother raised me, so I know how much all of this would have meant to her. All my life, I watched her struggle to find out what happened to Benedikt. I think she'd have given my bronzed baby shoes to see something that actually belonged to him." Her teeth grated for a moment. "It should be her sitting here talking to you." She shoved herself out of her chair and went to the stove to pour some coffee. Ellory watched her shoulders droop, but her voice was clear and even. "She couldn't let it go, even when it stopped being research and turned into souvenir-collecting. It didn't matter how unfounded, conflicting or ridiculous a story was. If it had to do with him, she went after it. She kept hoping to find something to prove his disappearance wasn't his fault. She refused to believe he deserted Madeline." "The Rudyards are proud people. Proving Captain Benedikt was a man of honor was your grandmother's way to save face." "The way she talked about him, you'd have thought he was our damned guardian angel.” He could see her shaking now. Her anger filled the tent. 13

Revenant "How the hell does someone have a freak blow-out in her car and die half a block from her front door?" "And the guardian angel wasn't there to save her." "I know it's illogical and stupid, but at one time I actually believed he could have saved her somehow, like magic." She returned to the table, eyes glinting with rage and pain. "That's how real Grandma made him seem to me." Ellory let the silence fall between them. Part of him wished he had been there to save her grandmother, to be their hero; part of him wished he could walk away from this woman and never look back. But that would be like signing Talisen's death warrant. When a vampire relinquished his responsibility for the behavior of the humans living in his domain, it was the same as relinquishing his claim on them. They became fair game for the rest of the vampire community. As things stood now, Talisen had yet to discover anything about him that made her a security risk to the Enclave, but that wouldn't matter to his neighbors. Humans who dug around in a vampire's past were living on borrowed time. Moving Talisen as close as possible to the summer house would send a message to the Enclave that he had the situation in hand and Talisen was his. Not even Dylan would violate a sanctum boundary. The inn was the perfect choice. Close enough to keep her safe—and safely his—but not so close that it broke his primary rule of survival: never—ever—bring your prey home. "Talisen," he said, "considering what you're going through right now, I think you need to be somewhere more comfortable. Let me get you a room at the Benedikt." "Thank you, but that's not what I need. Grandma and I had brunch there every Sunday." She added wistfully, "We never spent the night. They never have vacancies." "The room is already paid for. I put the Gerards to the trouble of having it ready for me, but I don't need it." He read the swift refusal in her eyes and added, "Can you think of a better place than the inn to discuss family history?" Her gaze softened, and Ellory followed her thoughts as they came and went. She had decided to put aside her defenses. Just like that? Remarkable. Rudyards seldom trusted so easily. It had to be the bond they shared that had done it. She surely felt the connection between them, though she would naturally chalk it up to 14

Janet Elizabeth Jones their shared interest in family history. Whatever. The important thing was that she had let him in. He might be able to take it easy on her. Just when Ellory thought coercion wouldn't be necessary, Talisen surprised him. "Thanks, Ellory, but since I can't pay you back for the room, I'd rather not take you up on it." Ah. That was her pride talking. Fixing his gaze on hers, Ellory built a first-class vampiric compulsion thread by thread and wrapped it around Talisen like a blanket. She yawned until her jaw popped, and her face flushed with embarrassment. "I really can't go there. I just can't." He'd never encountered a human as strong as she was. He gave her another mental shove toward oblivion. When her eyes glazed over, he whispered, "I promise you, the memories you encounter at the inn will be happy for you, not sad. You'll feel safe and content there. Come along. Let's collect your things." She blinked sleepily and, like a marionette, began to gather her belongings. He didn't like deceiving her. It galled him. Why? The use of deception was a mercy to one's prey. And it wasn't as if she meant anything to him. Or ever could. Nothing could be more impossible.

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Chapter Two Talisen lifted her head and squinted at the headlights passing in dizzy succession. What in the world? She looked around the leather front seat of Ellory's car. As they rolled through an intersection, the streetlights glinted off the Jaguar emblem on his steering wheel and gleamed in his eyes. He glanced at her and smiled, then shifted his gaze back to the road. "Feel better?" "I don't even remember nodding off." For that matter, she didn't remember leaving the park. A shudder went through her. Her whole body felt half-numb and half-awake. Ellory leaned forward and turned up the heat. "I let Mrs. Gerard know we're on our way." Talisen leaned back in the seat with a weary sigh. She'd missed a lot of sleep this week. Maybe it was catching up with her. Ellory was quiet, the car hushed and warm. She fought off a yawn and made an effort not to fall back asleep. "What do you do, Ellory?" Without taking his eyes off the road, he reached into the glove compartment, pulled out a CD, and handed it to her. "My latest." Talisen read the title aloud. "Midnight Sun. Nocturnes by…." She jerked her head up to look at him. "E.B. Arthur?" Ellory made a gesture reminiscent of doffing a hat. "Now that you know my secret identity, you have to swear never to divulge it to another soul." "Okay. I swear on your new CD that I won't tell anyone you're E.B. Arthur." 16

Janet Elizabeth Jones "Not good enough." "What should I swear on, then?" "Your life, of course. We'll make it a blood pact." The sudden heat in his voice sent another shiver up Talisen's spine. His electric eyes lent his face a sexy, lethal look. She shivered again. She skimmed the titles on the CD case. Some were already familiar to her from hearing them on the radio. "Your music hurts," she murmured. "Care to expound on that?" "No." "Oh, come on. Tell me." "All right. It's the soul mate thing." "And that hurts you?" "Yes, and by the sound of your music, it hurts you too. Don't lie.” He laughed. "So you don't like soul mate songs?" "I didn't say that. I crave them. That's what it is about your music. It makes me hungry for something I don't have a name for. Or someone. It hurts, but…it hurts really good." Ellory looked at her for so long she wondered how the car hugged the road like it did. "Thank you." He looked ahead again, and Talisen put the CD in the player. His music filled the car's interior with haunting sound, despair mingled with desire and devotion. He composed most of his pieces for piano and electric violin. Like the choir voices that lent his music an ethereal quality, the sensual backbeat was created on a synthesizer. It was a blend of the primitive and the angelic. She couldn't help wondering if Ellory was like that when he loved someone. How else could he provoke those feelings in others? If he loved like that…if he made love like that…what must he be like to love? "Hey, Ellory?" "Yes?" "Will you play for me sometime?" He smiled without looking at her. "I'd love to. In fact, maybe you can help me with my current piece. It hasn't told me what it wants to be called yet, and I think it's my favorite." When they pulled up at the Benedikt, Ellory pointed at a nest of twinkling lights, dense foliage and trees further up the hill. "That's the summer house." "Yes, the place with the jungle." 17

Revenant "It's a mess, isn't it? I don't know what my son Sean can do with it, but give teenagers time and they can do anything." "You have a son?" Affection and pride pervaded Ellory's voice. "Three sons, four daughters, all adopted. Actually, Sean works for me, but he and his little sister Shelby are as much my own as the rest. Being a single parent isn't easy, but we all help each other, and they get along pretty well, so it's mostly a joy." Being rich didn't hurt, either. Talisen grinned. "You're doing a great job if you can raise seven children by yourself and still have time to write such beautiful music." When they pulled up at the Benedikt and entered the warm, fragrant parlor, Talisen braced herself for a barrage of memories to set in. It had only been a couple of weeks since her last brunch with Grandma. The smell of spices from the kitchen and the sight of the familiar tavern-style furnishings around her brought back all the fun she'd had growing up with Grandma. But her grief remained distant, as though it belonged outside of her. It was as if the inn had morphed into a safety zone with Ellory's name on it. She didn't want to question it. She just wanted to feel it. Ellory put a hand under her elbow. "Okay so far?" She nodded, amazed. "I don't know how, but yes, I'm fine." That seemed to please him. He looked downright self-satisfied, in fact. Maybe it was a matter of family pride to him for her to feel secure here. Mrs. Gerard came out of the office with a beaming smile for Ellory. When she saw Talisen, her face flushed red, and she shook her head at her. "I thought your grandmother was persistent, but you take the cake. I don't know how found Mr. Benedikt, but I hope you didn't give him the idea that I helped you." Before Talisen could respond, Ellory wrapped his arm around her and gave her a hearty squeeze. "I was just about to thank you for sending Talisen my way. Did you know one of her ancestors married into my family back in the Captain's day? We should treat her like family. What do you say?" Of course, Mrs. Gerard had to capitulate. "Certainly, sir." Talisen gave her a disarming smile. "Thanks for giving me a room on such short notice." 18

Janet Elizabeth Jones The lady winked at Ellory. "We're always ready for Mr. Benedikt, just in case he ever decides to actually take us up on our hospitality." "I'll only be here for one night," Talisen asserted. Ellory shot her a chiding grin. "Says who?" "Says me." His response was a devilish laugh that loosed a swarm of butterflies inside her. Mrs. Gerard led them up the creaking stairs. When they bypassed the second story and continued to the top of the house, Talisen's heart leaped. She knew which room was up here. She and Grandma had never actually seen it, only the picture on the inn's web site. And, of course, the Gerards would naturally reserve the best in the inn for Ellory. Mrs. Gerard pushed a door open and flipped on a light. Talisen followed her in. Turning in a slow circle, she eyed the room around her, speechless with appreciation. They called it the Captain's Suite in the brochures. These had been his rooms. **** When Talisen turned and smiled at him, Ellory drew a sharp breath. Mother-of-pearl teeth. Sun-bright, dancing green eyes. She turned him inside out. Before he could help it, he smiled back at her, then cleared his throat and looked away. He'd done the right thing to bring her here. The chance to stay in this room would take the sting out of her embarrassment over not being able to pay for it. It had been the only stipulation he'd made in his contract with the Gerards: these rooms were not to be offered to the clientele. It didn't matter that he hadn't set foot in them in over two hundred years—and wouldn't for a thousand more. He couldn't tolerate the thought of strangers sleeping here. "I'll get Jeff to bring up the rest of her things," Mrs. Gerard said to him. He handed his key to her. "Ms. Davies travels light. Just the cardboard box in the trunk." She cast a dubious smile at Talisen and left. Leaning in the doorway, Ellory watched Talisen kneel over a chest at the end of the big four poster, presenting him with an enticing view of her backside. He swallowed hard, going slowly mad at the sight of her 19

Revenant beautiful, bobbing behind. She was round and supple in all his favorite places. She stood, holding up a blue and white quilt she'd found in the chest, and laid it over the rocker by the fireplace before exploring the objects on the mantle. A piece of scrimshaw. A long-stemmed pipe. A pewter tankard. Props. That was all they were. The pipe was the only thing that moved him. He still missed his tobacco, the pleasant simplicity of enjoying a good smoke and a pint of ale after a day of hard work. The night wind swept in through an open window. He knew Talisen smelled only the salty sea and the green of the forest. He, however, smelled the blood of potential prey and could hear every heartbeat in the inn. Only hers called to him. But he still didn't want to set foot in this room. Talisen wasn't the only one who could be haunted by memories of this old place. Though a thousand of his mortal days hadn't burned as brightly as one of his immortal nights, sometimes he longed for his lost humanity. When a vampire fed on a human, he tasted the mortal heart and experienced mortality again. And though few would admit it, that vicarious glimpse of a life they'd never know again was as important to them as the sustenance they took from human blood. Talisen turned to him with disbelief and delight written on her face. "If Grandma could see this…." "What would she say?" he asked. "That she expects the Captain himself to come walking in." "What would you do if he did?" She laughed, but dodged his question. "This is a dream come true. How can I thank you?" "That depends. What's a dream come true worth to you?" Talisen treated him to a devil-may-care smile and looked as if she had a ready reply for him, but the arrival of the Gerards's son preempted her remark. While the boy brought up the rest of her things and lit a fire in the hearth, Talisen pulled a heavy woolen nightgown out of her cardboard box and shook it out, filling the room with her scent. She disappeared into the bathroom, which had once been his dressing room. By the time she emerged, they were alone again. Ellory watched her put away the rest of her belongings, his gaze captured by her every move. The chaste garment made her seem as 20

Janet Elizabeth Jones though she belonged in this room. She stood at the fire for a moment and brushed her hair. The tendrils fell in cinnamon spirals down her back. The firelight silhouetted her curves, and what he couldn't see made him want her more. He winced. If he didn't get hold of himself, the bulge in his fly would make it obvious to her exactly how he'd like to be thanked. She put the last of her things away in the wardrobe and joined him in the doorway. "You can come in, if you want to. I don't bite." Ellory winced again. "Actually, I'd best be going. I have work to do, and you need to sleep." "You write your music at night?" He couldn't resist. "I seem to be at my best after dark." He didn't miss her blush. She bent hastily to slip off her sneakers. One of her socks had a hole in it. He stared at the pink toe peeking out at him and touched his tongue to his upper lip. He was actually salivating. Time to go. Now. He pushed himself away from the wall and turned to leave. "Sleep tight, Talisen." "Ellory?" Halting, he beat down his hunger and hoped it didn't show when he looked back at her. He watched her bite her lip and struggle with her pride. She finally managed to spit it out, though he lost her gaze to the floor again. "Do you have to go right now?" Willpower be damned. He stepped across the threshold. His soulful sprite retreated to the hearth, pushed a chair closer to the fire for him and patted its seat. Sitting down in the rocker close by, Talisen drew her knees up to her chin and watched him with a patient smile as he sat down. "Meet me for breakfast in the morning?" she asked. The firelight played with the highlights in her hair. It mesmerized him. He closed his fingers around the arms of his chair until he felt the wood dint and softened his voice, making it irresistible. He knew the honey the human heart craved, the spell of comfort and safety. "You'll sleep late tomorrow. I'll come by in the evening." She rested her cheek on one knee and looked at him through drooping eyelids. "I never sleep late." "Tomorrow you will." He added a mental nudge to ease her into slumber. "You should go to bed, now." 21

Revenant "Well…alright…but don't get the idea this is my usual protocol with someone I've only just met." She yawned and sighed contentedly, unaware of how beautiful she was, how much he wanted to…. "You're family, so it's okay." A point to bear in mind. Ellory turned his gaze on the fire. "Go on to bed. I'll stay for a bit." "That's really sweet of you, Ellory." Yes, Ellory, that's oh so sweet. The sarcasm in Meical's thought-voice stung in every nerve. Congratulations on your newfound contraband. She's the choicest of prey, innocence wrapped in the body of a goddess, and with a life force like hers—now that you've singled her out—she'll have our kind flocking to her door the minute you turn your back. With any luck, you'll actually survive that kind of notoriety, though it's doubtful she will. Or did you think of that before you reverted to a brainless whelp? Ellory caught back a growl. Stop bellyaching. I'll mark her as mine. They won't touch her. They won't dare. And then what? Erase it all from her mind? Replace it with a cock-and-bull story about your mortal demise? Oh, but then you'd have to hang around for the rest of her days, just to be sure no one enlightens her about the truth—like Dylan, for instance. In case you've forgotten, he doesn't give a damn about the Law of the Mark. Seeing as how he's entrenched in the good graces of our new neighbors, and we aren't, I'd say you'd better be making long-term plans for your new morsel. Point taken, Meical. I'll keep a close eye on Talisen. She'll be safe here at the inn. She's well within my sanctum boundary, and not even Dylan will poach that far. Ellory, think about what you're doing. I know you'll see reason. Meical withdrew from their thought-path. See reason? All Ellory could see at the moment was Talisen climbing into the four poster and being swallowed by covers. All he could think about was climbing in after her. He'd done all that was needed for the moment. He didn't need to linger. Not here, of all places. If he didn't leave now, he wouldn't. The minute her head touched the pillow, he pushed at her mind with the drugging comfort he could give. Her eyes closed, but he knew she wasn't asleep yet. "Thank you for everything, Ellory," she murmured. "Promise you'll let me pay you back for this."

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Janet Elizabeth Jones It would be so easy. He was practiced at laying humans bare. To feed on her would be exquisite. To feel her respond, as humans couldn't help but do, to the Kiss…. He rose and walked slowly to the end of the bed. "What if I asked you for something precious to you, something difficult to give up?" She opened her eyes, bright green and glistening from the enthrallment he'd cast over her. A drowsy smile tugged at her soft mouth. "Try me." His fangs unsheathed completely, and he turned his head aside to hide them. What was the truth worth to Talisen? It was a fool's question. She wouldn't believe what had really become of her precious captain. And if she did, she'd wish him a stake through his heart. Just like any other human. He squelched a growl, trying to exhale his lust and hunger. He would mark Talisen when it became necessary. Not before. But he would see an end to her curiosity about him, here and now. Ellory opened his eyes to find Talisen's face inches away. Her mouth closed over his, soft and insistent. He let it happen, just let go, and wrapped his arms around her, even though he knew she didn't know what was happening. She mouthed her way over his jaw and down his throat, moving against him until he felt every curve of her through the woolen nightgown. He savored her kiss, dancing in the light of her soul and soaking up the warmth in her. Ellory Benedikt, what the devil are you doing to yourself? Ellory tore his mouth from Talisen's and dragged in a breath. Damn it, Meical, what are you tonight? A jack-in-the-box? Just thought you'd like to know that fledgling you asked me to look after is attracting too much attention. You'd best tend to her soon. Ellory closed his eyes and concentrated on breathing. I'm just leaving. I rejoice to hear it. Shut up, Meical. Meical's laugh faded into the darkness. Ellory swept around the side of the bed and eased Talisen down into the covers, shushing her softly when she tried to keep kissing him. "You're going to sleep, Talisen. Right now. And you won't remember this. Understand?" 23

Revenant She shook her head. "No. I need you. I need you so bad." He wrapped her in a drowsy compulsion so inescapable it made her gasp. "You will forget this happened. You will sleep. When you wake up, you'll realize you've found out what you wanted to know about Captain Benedikt. He…he…." Ellory blanched with the effort to say the words, to dispel her curiosity about him forever. No more questions to make his neighbors nervous and threaten his fledglings's safety. But he couldn't. For the first time in two hundred and fifteen years, a human cared about what had become of him. Where was the harm in indulging her a while longer? She'd know the truth soon enough—and then she'd wish she didn't. Talisen rolled away from him, curled into a tight ball, and started sniffling. He knew that wasn't her true nature. She was a Rudyard, through and through, a lioness who hid her fears from predators like him. If not for his hypnotic enthrallment, she'd never show her tears like this. Ellory said gently, "Talisen, if you go to sleep now, you'll dream. You'll dream about your Captain all night long." Her sniffling stopped. She was listening. He knelt by the bed and tucked the covers more securely around her, lowering his voice to a lulling whisper. "He'll take you out to sea with him and show you beautiful places you've never dreamed of. You'll live a lifetime in your dreams tonight. With him. He'll be everything you need him to be. And when you wake in the morning, you'll feel safe, and you'll know…this night of dreams was as precious to him as it was to you." He watched her body relax and probed her mind. The sweet world of her dreams beckoned him. He could make it so real for her. She'd feel the soft touch of the sea wind on her face, hear the lap of every moonlit wave, enjoy the smell of polished wood, red wine, and leather in his candlelit cabin…take comfort in the warmth and softness of his bed…. But that was an indulgence that would only make things more difficult for both of them. Ellory rose, and with one last look at her, let himself out quietly, locking the door behind him. Even though no locks could keep her safe from him. **** 24

Janet Elizabeth Jones Ellory let the night wind carry him over the wooded hills, caught a gust that took him higher, and then descended to a weathered overhang atop Mount Battie. He stood in the drizzle, filling his lungs with the wet night air and listening to the preternatural heartbeats of his kind. The night wind sang to him of their goings and comings, deeds and misdeeds. It was time to check on his fledglings. Closing his eyes, he scanned their favorite hunting grounds and detected their presence at a movie theater in town. He grinned. They'd stuffed themselves and were lounging in the back row, as absorbed in the movie as the humans around them, some of whom were sleeping off the effects of his children's voracious appetites. Reassured that they were safe, he turned his attention to the task at hand. The trespasser. It took him only a moment to find her. Hers was the erratic heartbeat of the newborn vampire, and she was sick with hunger. He snatched at her frenzied thoughts. In human terms, she was about sixteen. Not a local. He could glean no description of her creator from her memory. She'd been set upon by a vampire up north last night, brought here by another, and tonight, passed off to a third. No choice. No explanation. Only brutality, then abandonment. Ellory dilated his pupils until the woodland area below him could conceal nothing from him. There. A staggering blur of yellow hair and pink sneakers on the edge of a clearing. He launched himself into the night sky and landed flat-footed in the wet grass to intercept her. He waited until she saw him, gave her a second to realize the inevitable, and with a silent command, stopped her in her tracks. She screamed when her legs buckled beneath her. She rolled into a sobbing, shuddering heap. He circled her slowly. How far into her transformation was she? Her soiled clothing smelled of human offal and death. Her body had rid itself of all that was human and now quickened with all that was vampire. She stared at him, wide-eyed with terror, until a hard pain wracked her body, and she screamed. Ellory went to her and held her, enveloping her in a mind-drugging daze until the spasm passed. If she didn't feed soon, she'd die. But she deserved a choice. "Don't hurt me!" she moaned. 25

Revenant He smoothed her matted hair out of her eyes. "Do you remember what your name is?" "Jenny. I think." "All right, Jenny, this is what we're going to do. I'm going to help you, but you have to decide how I'm going to do that." He filled her mind with an image of the choice he was offering her. He made it very clear what she was, what she would always be, if she chose to live on. The powers that were hers. The limitations. The darkness. The loss of the sun. Ellory tried to give her an image of the light that waited for her if she chose death, but it was difficult for him to envision it himself. The best he could do was describe it as a warm, safe haven that was within her reach, where she would never be hurt or frightened again. He waited for her to make her decision, ready to take her life painlessly or open a vein in his wrist and finish what her creator had started. She shuddered and gasped, "I want to stay." "Then you will. These hard few hours will run their course, and you won't have to face them alone.” Ellory sat against a tree, drew her back against him, rolled up his sleeve and bit his wrist. Letting the blood flow for a moment, he pressed the wound to her mouth and whispered to her. She found the flow with her tongue, lapped once, twice, and moaned. A second later she found the vein and clung to him, suckling hard. Caressing her head, he exhaled a soundless sigh. "Look around you, Jenny. See how beautiful nighttime is. You can be part of it in a way you never could as a human." She nuzzled his wrist, biting harder. Her thought-voice was barely a sigh in his mind. Nothing's as good as this. I'll never get enough. He laughed softly and laid his head back against the tree, savoring the contentment of the moment. Presently he felt her mouth slow, pucker, and loosen. He smiled. She was sound asleep, with her fledgling canines already in evidence and still nipping into his flesh. What she needed now was a safe place to weather the night. Her stupor wouldn't last long. She'd wake up just as famished and terrified as she'd been a moment ago, but she wouldn't be alone. Running his hand under Jenny's chin, he freed his wrist from her fangs, licked his wound until it healed and called to his children. 26

Janet Elizabeth Jones They were there in seconds, supple shades stepping out of the darkness, crowding close, their faces tender with concern. "This is Jenny," he said. "She's had a hard coming-over. Her creator abandoned her." Ellory's little Brit, Georgina, a golden-haired vampiress with the body of a ten-year-old, reached down and touched Jenny's face gently. She filled her high, nasally voice with all the clout of her one hundred and fifty years of survival. "Right then. First thing she needs is a bath. Let's go, girls." Adrienne and Delfina took Jenny from Ellory and supported her between them. When Ellory stood up, the world tilted away from him, and he swayed on his feet. Christophe reached to steady him. "You gave her too much." "No more than I'd give you. I'll replenish myself and come home to feed her again shortly. She has a grueling night ahead." "We've fed well. Let us nurse her." "It's too dangerous. She won't be herself tonight." He watched his children examine their new sister. He was so proud of them. They had compassion that was rare among his kind. Even Meinrad, just in his sixth year as a vampire, was capable of clemency toward his prey. He took too many risks and had to work at self-control, but even now, he was— Nowhere to be seen. Ellory growled. "As usual, we seem to be missing someone. How many times have I told you? Stay together!" Christophe sighed. "He was with us earlier, but—" "Not Sartori's club again? He knows I've forbidden you to go there." Adrienne shrugged. "It's neutral ground. We aren't trespassing. Where's the harm?" Ellory dismissed her remark with a wave of his hand. "Sartori isn't careful about his clientele, human or vampire." Georgina's ethereal laugh interrupted his rant. "Oh, get over it, Ellory. He's a novelty, that's all. A human who knows what we are and caters to our needs? What fledgling wouldn't want to see that?" "Sartori can't be trusted," Ellory warned. "That's how accidents happen to pigheaded, snaggle-toothed fledglings like Meinrad who think they're invincible!" "I'll go get him," offered Christophe. 27

Revenant Ellory shook his head. "I want all of you safe at home for the rest of the night. Just because Jenny's creator abandoned her doesn't mean he won't want her back when he realizes she's run away." The fledglings nodded and, holding Jenny close, they shimmered out of sight, taking her with them. Ellory scented prey close at hand and moved swiftly in that direction, calling on Meical as he did so. Meical's laughter resounded in his mind. I'm on my way to Sartori's now. I'll bring the rascal home. If he's not dead already. You can't save them all. Ellory snarled in response. He spotted his quarry ahead of him on the path, a jogger out for a late-night run, and caught up with him in a single lunge.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones

Chapter Three Talisen stretched languidly and rolled onto her stomach, nestling into her pillow as though it were the man himself. Her Captain. What a dream. Miles of moonlight and ocean around them. Not another soul in the world. A huge gale caught up with them, but they weathered it together. She could still hear the storm. Talisen blinked, opened her eyes in the shadowy room and listened. Yes, she could hear it all right. Rain and wind assailed her windows as though they weren't content to stay outside. She squinted at the bright red numbers of the alarm clock on her bedside table and gasped. Sitting up, she snatched up the clock, stared at it, and set it down with a thump. Four o'clock in the afternoon? She reached for the phone on the bedside table and rang the desk. Jeff Gerard answered. "Good morning, Jeff. This is Talisen Davies in the Captain's Suite. Has Ellory Benedikt left a message for me?" "He left a note for you just before sunup," the boy replied, "but asked us not to give it to you till you woke up." "So, he hasn't called or come by?" "No. Mom's coming up with your note." "Thanks." No sooner had Talisen hung up than she heard a knock at her door. She put on her robe, gave herself a quick look-over in the full-length mirror and opened the door.

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Revenant Mrs. Gerard's eyes twinkled as she shifted her stack of folded linens to her other arm and held up a gray parchment envelope. "I'm supposed to give this to you myself.” Talisen smiled, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "Thanks. May I have Ellory's phone number, too?" "According to Mr. Benedikt, you're supposed to have whatever you ask for. Here, hold these for me, would you?" She handed the linens to Talisen, whipped a pen from behind her ear and scribbled the number on the back of Ellory's envelope. "But his number's unlisted, so don't give it to anyone else, or we'll both be in trouble. Hungry?" "No, but I could sure use some coffee." "I'm supposed to feed you, sweetie. I'll have Jeff bring up a tray for you." Talisen thanked her again, handed the sheets back to her and took the note. Closing her door, she opened the envelope slowly. It smelled like him. Sand, shore grass, wet rocks and miles of ocean. Or was that her dream coming back to her? She slipped out the folded sheet of linen stationery. It had his monogram at the top. Naturally. He seemed like the monogram type. His handwriting was elegant and outrageously old-fashioned, just as unique as he was. Talisen, I hope you feel rested today. I'm afraid I may be detained this evening. I'll try very hard to meet you downstairs by eight. If I'm not there by then, please give me a rain check. And don't hesitate to ask the Gerards for anything you want. With much affection, Ellory Talisen's spirits sank like a paper boat. Was he really having a busy day—or second thoughts? She had spilled her guts to him last night. And for all their talk about being family, they hardly knew each other. He probably thought she was pathetic. How embarrassing. There was no way she was going to spend another night here as his guest. Not after making herself look like a basket-case. She needed to go back to the park. She could come back to the inn later this evening to see if he showed. Tucking Ellory's note back in its envelope, she put it away in Grandma's briefcase and began to dress. ****

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Janet Elizabeth Jones "Whining won't get you Aloisia's old domain, Dylan, and you know it." Dylan returned the silver-haired leech's jibe with a tolerant shrug. Blazek didn't equal him in power, but he was too influential at the moment to anger. "I only want what's rightfully mine." Blazek narrowed his eyes. "Those are the words of treason. If Freya hasn't challenged Benedikt's return-rights by now, then she's not going to. There's an end to it." Dylan took a seat on the sofa in front of Blazek's fire and fixed his gaze on the bevy of vampiresses at the piano in the corner of the den. It was a spacious room, elegantly appointed to match Blazek's ambitions in the enclave—ambitions that were constantly held in check by their queen. Blazek endured her unearned disfavor with the loyalty of a dog. Dylan knew how that felt. Freya had the same temperament her sister Aloisia had had—including a witless affection for Benedikt. Blazek dropped himself in an armchair across from Dylan. "Stop ogling my girls. They're not on loan. I know your appetite too well. Besides, you like them young and human. I heard about your fiasco last night with that runaway human. Sloppy." Dylan squelched the urge to rip Blazek's head off. The night would come when Blazek would offer him his choice of his brood and pray that was all he took. He smiled blandly. "That was business. I mean to make it easy for Benedikt's weakness for fledglings to lead him down the wrong path." "Don't tell me you've put her in as a spy. Benedikt has probably already spotted your mark." "Not the way I did it." Dylan curled his lip. "Well, I'll give you that. You're good at covering your tracks inside a human's mind. But Benedikt will be on to you eventually." "I'm sure he will, but perhaps by then he'll have shown himself for the liability he is." Blazek snorted. "Freya turns a blind eye." "Precisely—so Benedikt's miserable weaklings cross a boundary twice a night, if they like, and no one touches them." Dylan watched Blazek's pale face flush red. He'd struck the right chord, but Blazek had to grapple with his better judgment, of course, or he'd never fall in with Dylan's plans. 31

Revenant Blazek scowled and turned a sullen gaze on the fire. "Even queens have their weaknesses. Benedikt is one of hers." "A weakness she shared with her sister. That I can vouch for." "Don't throw your bitterness in my face. Aloisia chose Benedikt as her favorite and her heir. Nothing you do will ever change that." "But who was with her in her last moments, Blazek?" Dylan countered. "Who stood with her before she walked into the sun? Freya knows, even though she won't admit it, that I deserve the domain Aloisia left to Benedikt." Blazek smirked. "I heard all about Aloisia's last night from one who needn't lie to get what he wants." He would naturally bring up that old viper. The Alchemist knew more than anyone should about the dealings in the enclave. Dylan dismissed Blazek's challenge with a wave of his hand. "You aren't going to believe the ravings of that maniac, are you? The Alchemist has lost his sanity to hunger, like every Ancient will. They have their night. We will have ours, Blazek. Aloisia was wise enough to take her leave before she destroyed everything she created." Blazek shook his head. "Aloisia walked into the sun so her sister wouldn't have to end her existence for her, but she never worried about her legacy. She saw to that—by letting Benedikt take her place. And I am not one for questioning the Ancients." "Yes, as you've shown everyone only too well." Dylan sneered. "Do you know what Benedikt is up to now?" Blazek stood and paced to the fire. "It doesn't matter until Freya says it does." "Freya needn't state the obvious for you, I hope. She'd never condone the keeping of human concubines. You call yourself a vanguard of the enclave, the first to form up a death squad when needed. What good are you to our queen, if you can't see what's about to happen beyond your boundaries?" Dylan waited. He watched Blazek turn slowly. There on Blazek's face was the expression he'd waited for. All he had to do was goad a little. "Benedikt's taken a human?" whispered Blazek. "He's working up to it. Let's just say, if he doesn't go through with it, he has placed himself—and the enclave—in a dangerous position. If he does go through with it, Freya will almost certainly wash her hands of him. Imagine her relief, if we take care of the problem before it becomes one." 32

Janet Elizabeth Jones Blazek's eyes glinted with a simpleton's fury. He crept back to his chair, wiping his mouth with a scented handkerchief before meeting Dylan's gaze. "I'll bring this to the queen's attention and see what she says." Dylan curled his hands into fists. "She'll give Benedikt a chance to explain himself and let it go with a slap on the wrist, Blazek. Is that what we want?" "She must have time to deal with this as she pleases, you fool, before we make a move on Benedikt—or we're dead." Dylan feigned consideration. He nodded slowly. "You know her mind better than anyone else." "Except the Alchemist." "Which isn't saying much, is it?" Dylan laughed. "She has entirely underestimated you, Blazek. I know how frustrating that is. Aloisia underestimated me." And that had been her fatal mistake. Of course, no one in this enclave had the guts to conceive of what he'd done. They were too staid and complacent, and their queen too tolerant and attached to the old ways. Only the Alchemist could suspect how he'd done it, and he'd played his own part in Aloisia's demise. With his potions, chants and experiments, he'd left too many dead vampires in his wake to be a credible witness against anyone. "We'll have to move carefully on this," Blazek murmured. "Freya won't hear a bad word against Benedikt." "That's only because he does things the old-fashioned way," Dylan said in a reasonable tone. "Freya likes that. It's a wonder you haven't tried it yourself, since you're so hard-up for her approval." His jibe almost wrung a growl out of Blazek. "There's a limit to what I'll do to keep on her good side. Everyone knows we've survived because we've let go of peripheral niceties. That's all Benedikt's fledglings are— that, and a drain on the Enclave. They couldn't survive on their own as humans, and they can't as vampires." "Precisely my point. Have you ever heard of rearing a houseful of fledglings under the same roof with humans? Freya protects Benedikt from the rest of us. Just like Aloisia did." He saw sympathy in Blazek's gaze, now. Excellent. The silver-haired vampire gave a prosaic nod. "Aloisia created Benedikt for mere pleasure. 33

Revenant And Meical Grabian? He was a whim. She never could see beyond her appetites. But she created you to be her servant." "Therefore, Benedikt has no real right to Aloisia's domain. I'm not afraid to cross his boundaries. He's the trespasser." "But you're not thinking of approaching his prey, I hope." "I intend to see if Benedikt has marked her yet." "Good thinking. If he has marked the woman, we've nothing to accuse him of." "And if I mark her first, I've alleviated the danger to the Enclave. Freya will have to condemn Benedikt's lack of wisdom or lose the respect of the Enclave. She doesn't want a civil war. If I push Benedikt a little, he'll explode." "And God help you." "But Freya will have to take sides, you see. Solidarity or her favorite. You know which one she has to choose." Blazek smiled slowly. "She'll be forced to deny Benedikt her protection." "Exactly. And there will be nowhere for him to go, then." **** Even in the downpour, Talisen's tent looked cozy and familiar. After Jeff dropped her off at her campsite, she changed into her black sweats, used the last of her butane to fire up her stove and made coffee. Settling down on a pillow near the open doorway, she drank her coffee and watched afternoon wane to twilight. Someone moved on the edge of the clearing, then vanished. Talisen rose and peered through the rain and darkness. Probably just a camper making a dash for his tent. She turned to set her cup aside and then looked again—right into a long, angular face as cold as the rain. The man grinned. "You didn't hear me knock?" **** Ellory's heart stuttered to life, wrenching him awake. After two centuries, one would think he'd be used to the agonies of reviving. He focused on accepting the pain. The ice-burn of still, cold blood pumping through his veins. The crawling skin. The cramping muscles. The quivering organs that woke to thirst. The hunger in every cell. 34

Janet Elizabeth Jones The hunger in his soul. His lungs expanded. His first breath came like the shuddering gasp of a drowning man. Not that he needed oxygen. But it was the nature of a vampire's body to cast off the shackles of the day-death like a person shaking a fist at mortality. Once again, the relentless thrust of life in his chest pulsed, pounded and settled into its normal rhythm, warming his body. Talisen. He reached for her mind. And found she wasn't where she was supposed to be. Ellory scowled. Why was she back at the park? After dropping off his note to her at the inn, he'd set a relay of squirrels on-guard at the Benedikt and ordered them to pass the word among their kind to keep her in sight throughout the day. Now came their reports, silent pictures in his mind, replaying her day's events. He sifted through the park squirrels's squeaky thought-voices. Too many pictures. One at a time, please. An aging gray squirrel silenced his clan and distilled their information. He sent a stark black-and-white image of the forest, the tent far below, the smell of sodden leaves and bark, the soft, warm bodies of his pups pressed close to him. His vantage point was a knothole about the size of Ellory's fist, high in an old oak that stood ten yards from Talisen's tent. It wasn't what the squirrel saw that made its tiny heart race. It was what he sensed and couldn't see, what should be there, plain to his busy, black eyes, keen nose and sensitive ears. An ominous emptiness radiated from within Talisen's tent. No scent. No sound. No visual sign of it. It was pure energy, a pulsation that disturbed nature's rhythm. Another vampire. Ellory hissed, bared his fangs in the darkness, and shot out of his four-poster bed, dissolving into mist before he passed through the wall and emerged outside in the night. No one would touch Talisen and live. **** Why couldn't she scream? Talisen gasped as the man clutched her wrist and yanked her close. His fingers were icy. There was a fleshy, sweet odor on his breath. 35

Revenant Talisen felt evil in him as tangibly as the wet wind blowing in behind him. "Someone's being careless with you," he whispered. "That's a pity. For you." He tangled his free hand in her hair, and Talisen felt his long fingers close over the back of her neck. He lowered his head. She felt his putrid breath on her throat and gagged, but she couldn't turn her head away. A clap of thunder and a blazing bolt of lightning blinded her and left her ears ringing. She heard the man keen like an animal caught in a trap. When he let go of her, he staggered out of the tent with his hands clasped to his face. A second later, the ringing in her ears exploded, and she tumbled into nothingness. **** Ellory caught Talisen before she hit the floor of the tent and lifted her onto her cot. He hated having to use such heavy-handed tactics, but there'd been no time for finesse. Few vampires could bear a bolt of lightning in the face. It would be a few nights before Dylan grew his nose and eyes back. A quick plundering of Talisen's mind relieved Ellory's fear that he'd reached her too late. Dylan had only managed to frighten her. This time. He put a hand on her white face and reached deep into her memory, obliterating everything that had happened in the last few minutes and replacing it with the notion that she'd nodded off to sleep on her cot. She came awake with a gasp but grinned when she saw it was him. "What are you doing here?" "I was just about to ask you that." He smiled and helped her sit up. "We had a date, remember? You want to rummage around in the Captain's whatnots." She gave him a teasing grin that told him the whatnots she'd like to rummage in weren't in his attic, but when she glanced at the open door of the tent, a look of confusion crossed her face. "That's weird." "What?" he prodded. "I slept all day long." "Good." "But why in the world did I fall asleep just now? I don't even remember falling asleep." "You must be exhausted." Ellory held his breath. 36

Janet Elizabeth Jones Talisen stared into the darkness beyond the tent. She was really reaching for it. "There was a guy." "You were having a hell of a dream when I got here," he said smoothly. "I thought you were going to jump out of your skin when I woke you up." She met his gaze, and he took the opportunity to back up his suggestion that she'd had a nightmare. She wasn't entirely convinced, but she shrugged and let it go. "It figures. I haven't slept well. Anyway, I left the inn because—" "Never mind. I heard all about it from the Gerards. You checked out. You and your Rudyard pride." She smiled ruefully. "I'm sorry." "How sorry?" She laughed. "Hmmm. Maybe I won't answer that. Let's go have a look at your Benedikt stuff. Are you parked at the visitor’s center?" "No, I had Sean drop me off there and I walked." "In the rain? Without an umbrella? A rich dude like you, and you don't even carry an umbrella? Maybe you'd better call Sean and have him come pick us up. On nights like this, I have trouble getting my engine going." Ellory gave her a wicked grin. "We don't need Sean's help for that. Pop your hood and let me have a look." She rolled her eyes. "It's my truck that needs fixing." Ellory followed her out into the rain to her old Toyota. While she got behind the wheel and pulled the hood release, he stepped around to the front of the vehicle and lifted the hood, idly wondering how mad she'd be if he bought her a new car. It was so tempting to total this one. But that was no way to handle a Rudyard. Concealed from her view by the hood, he held his hand over the engine. "Stop giving her grief, you bucket of bolts." He felt the tingle of power leave him and pour into the choked car parts. Satisfied, he closed it up and joined her, shaking the rain out of his hair. "Try it." Talisen turned the key again, and the truck started. "How'd you do that?" He tried to look smug. "It's a secret." "You seem to have a lot of those." "You have no idea." 37

Revenant She shifted the gear into place and revved the engine until explosion seemed imminent. Easing the clutch back, she let the vehicle jerk its way in a forward direction through the dark. "Transmission's going," she explained. "Transmission's gone," he retorted. She patted the dashboard. "It'll last me. It has to." He stretched his arm across the back of the seat and rested his hand behind her shoulder. "How was your day?" Was she going to tell him the truth? A cursory examination of her thoughts told him she'd spent the day thinking of him. He smiled at her cool shrug. "I can't wait to see what you've got on the Captain. I feel like I'm finally getting closer to the truth about him." Ellory grimaced. She had no idea how right she was. "I hope he's worth the effort you've gone to." He sensed the heat of Talisen's ongoing struggle with the same question. He felt as if a piece of him hung in the balance. Then a new burst of determination rose inside of her, flooding out of her and into him, before he heard it in her voice. "I used to say that to Grandma. She'd tell me, 'If Madeline Rudyard didn't give up on him, I'm not going to.' I guess I feel the same way." Poor Maddie. Out of pride, she'd faced down the rumors and called them lies, even when people reported seeing him in Europe with Aloisia on his arm, only weeks after his disappearance. Ellory ripped through a backlog of memories, times when he was too hungry to be careful. He hadn't a thought in those days for avoiding people who might recognize him. Dimly-lit salons, glittering ballrooms, blood-scented alleyways, thousands of nights, thousands of faces, from one end of the Continent to the other—all he could remember was quenching his thirst for blood and sating Aloisia. That had been his world. "In spite of all the stories people tell about how hard Madeline was to get along with," Talisen murmured, "she must have loved Benedikt a lot. I'm glad they at least had a few months together before he disappeared." Ellory clenched his mouth shut. It was useless to regret the precious time he'd spent with Maddie. He'd bent over backwards to keep her happy, to please her and to help her see the goodness in others. But like her father, she'd been opinionated, suspicious and cruel. Unlike her gentle, overshadowed cousin. 38

Janet Elizabeth Jones It should have been Sarah he’d married. It would have been, if not for his honor and hers. But now he was glad he hadn't. He had spared Sarah the tragedy Maddie faced. Honor had served him in the end. That made it worth keeping. "What's wrong, Ellory?" His voice rasped in his throat. "Based on my information, the stories about Madeline and Benedikt's disastrous marriage are entirely true. They weren't meant for each other. I wouldn't be surprised if Benedikt placed his affections elsewhere." "So you think he did leave Madeline?" "No, he didn't condone faithlessness. He made his choice and was true to it." "You agree with me, then? That his disappearance was not his fault?" He turned his gaze on her, unwavering, demanding. "You're saying you believe in him, then?" She shut him out in a breath of a moment. "It's a hard habit to break." Ellory drew a deep breath and turned his gaze on the rainy night beyond. If she could stay disenchanted with him, even hate him, it would be easier to do what he had to do. But her continued admiration made it hard to stomach the inevitable. He could, of course, go on feeding her love for the man he'd been three hundred years ago. He could take control of her mind, take control of her life, move her into the summer house, wrap her in a fantasy and bring that man to life, just for her. For awhile, people would wonder what had become of her. Nothing he couldn't remedy. It was amazing how easy it was for a vampire to make a human disappear. Eventually people would stop asking about her, stop looking for her and forget she had ever existed. He could keep Talisen blind to reality for the rest of her days. She'd be happily oblivious to what he took from her, until the night came when he took it all and released her from this life. That was how the enclave would expect him to handle Talisen. That was how his queen would expect him to handle her. That was the vampire way. But not his. He wouldn't bring Talisen into his household under the shame of a lie. Her integrity demanded honesty, and honesty was what he'd give her. Even if she hated him for it. 39

Revenant

Chapter Four The rain had calmed to a cozy drizzle by the time Talisen turned in at the summer house. The main gate swung silently open to admit them. Standard equipment for a reclusive musician? But no security lighting for the grounds. Odd. It was pitch dark beyond the fragile headlights of the camper. Ellory directed her along a winding gravel driveway that ended at an old carriage house. She pulled up outside of it and cut the engine. Gosh, it was quiet here. He came around and opened her door for her and led her up a path that ended in yet another wall, which enclosed the garden and house itself. This gate as well opened ahead of them before they reached it. They stepped inside the walled garden, and Talisen peered around in the near pitch-dark, breathing the fragrances of wet, leafy things. Ahead, a porch light illuminated a patch of the old three-story house's white clapboard siding and green shutters. All the windows were dark except for one on the ground floor. When Ellory reached for her hand to guide her up the hedge-lined walk, she felt a swarm of butterflies in her stomach and nearly laughed at herself. Opening the front door, Ellory stood aside and gestured for her to enter. His eyes gleamed in the fragile red-gold of the porch light. "Welcome to our home, Talisen." Talisen hesitated, nibbling her lower lip, returning Ellory's gaze with the feeling that the step that would take her into his house would also

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Janet Elizabeth Jones take her into his world. Into his life. A shivery chill like a hundred caterpillars crawled over her. She had to cut this nonsense out and get a grip. He was just a guy. A nice man. Still, her heartbeat vibrated in her jugular as she stepped across the threshold. The warmth of the house stole her breath away. She sucked at the air, only to catch Ellory's woody scent as he stepped inside behind her and closed the door. He motioned her toward a den to her left. The room was lit only by the fire, which made it seem large and intimate at the same time. It was paneled in wood the color of Ellory's hair, and its rugs and drapery were all muted golds and reds. In one corner stood a black baby grand; in the other, a stereo, TV, and a desk with a PC. The scent of leather upholstery and thick carpet made it smell expensive; the scent of its many books made it smell like home. Talisen spied a single cardboard box on a long table in front of the hearth. "Your attic treasures?" He winced. "Hope you won't be disappointed." Setting her briefcase on the table, Ellory glided across the room to the stereo. Talisen turned to the box on the table and sat down. The first thing she reached for was a withered letterbox. Its pewter hinges hung awry like loose teeth. Placing it on the table before her, she ran a finger along the top of it. His hands had touched this. Her Captain. Over two hundred years of life and death, all that separated them, bridged by a remnant of wood. The bittersweet strains of one of Rachmaninoff's piano concertos called Talisen out of her reverie. She looked around at Ellory and smiled in surprise and appreciation. "That's his second concerto. It's my favorite." "Then I hope I did it justice." "Oh, wow. That's you playing?" He nodded. "This is what I did for a living before I began composing my own music." A concert pianist. Talisen eyed his graceful profile, the tensing of his sensitive mouth as he listened to the music, the rhythmic drumming of his long, muscled fingers. She could see him in a tuxedo, playing before an audience in a cavernous symphony hall somewhere in Europe. "Beautiful." He gave her a gracious smile. "Thank you." 41

Revenant She turned back to the letterbox to hide the blush that set her face on fire. "Are all these his letters?" Ellory answered her from the kitchen, though she hadn't heard him leave the room. "Not all of them." "I have a letter, too," she said. He returned with a glass of red wine, which he set on the table before her. "Hope you like Merlot." Was he a mind-reader? "That's my favorite wine." He grinned. "Really? Splendid. May I see your letter?" Talisen opened her briefcase and handed him the clear-plastic archival slipcover that housed the mangled piece of parchment. "It's from Madeline to her cousin Sarah. Maybe she's the same cousin Benedikt mentions in your letter." She watched Ellory seat himself on the edge of the table to study the letter. Her gaze followed the movement of his hand when he tunneled his fingers through his mahogany hair. Her fingers itched to do the same. How could she be so fickle? Here she sat, holding a letter by the Captain himself, untold secrets in the palm of her hand, and all she could think of was how good Ellory looked in jeans, how he filled out his red flannel shirt, how good he smelled. He looked down at her suddenly, his eyes crinkling with humor. "Pleased?" She caught her breath. "W-what?" "The wine. Do you like it?" She took a sip. "Mmmmm. Not having any?" "Alcohol doesn't agree with me." She snapped her gaze away from him, clearing her throat as Rachmaninoff and the rest of the world eluded her for the space of two breaths, and then focused her concentration on the letterbox. **** Ellory watched Talisen reach for her glass again and take a sip. The way she savored its taste before swallowing made him want to savor her the same way. Amazing. He found Madeline's letter, a remnant of his human life, less fascinating than the way the firelight touched off the sunrise-red in Talisen's hair. She was so beautiful, so innocent. She needed the kind of 42

Janet Elizabeth Jones love that unfolded, rather than overwhelmed. Slow and tender. He nearly groaned. Focus, fool. He emitted a soundless sigh. The letter. Maddie had written to Sarah to apologize for not attending her sixteenth birthday party. Skimming the paragraphs, he came across something peculiar, indeed. Regarding that matter, dear cousin, which you recently confided in me, please rest assured that all is forgiven. It is as nothing to me. Ellory was a fine and beautiful man. It would be difficult for any woman not to be taken with him. Knowing now how you cared for him, the occasion of our introduction to him must have seemed heartless. There you were, looking like a shade, barely recovered from having nursed your aunt through a fever. And to think, I danced with Ellory all evening, while you could only sit and watch. Rest assured, had I but known then that you harbored tender feelings for him, I'd have confided all to him—yes, and heeded no argument from you on the matter. He would have been on his honor, as ever he was, to dance with none but you. It is I who should apologize to you, dear Sarah. Placate my poor heart and tell me your fondness for him was just a little girl's fancy. Otherwise, I shall be lost in my shame for having usurped something you might have treasured as much as I myself have done. Ellory cast his mind back to that evening, the sweet summer night that would be forever painted in his mind, his first glimpse of Madeline, their first dance. In his eyes, fool that he was, she had eclipsed everyone else in the room—including her reed-thin, knock-kneed little cousin from Braintree. It was not until later that he'd gotten to know Sarah. Too late. Talisen tapped the letter in his hand. "Isn't it great that we each have a letter mentioning that first meeting between Madeline and the Captain? It confirms our facts." Actually, what interested him more was that they each had a letter that mentioned Sarah. He handed the letter back to Talisen. "What happened to Sarah?" Talisen bent over her notebook. "All we know is she never married, and she lived with Madeline after the Captain's disappearance. In fact, Madeline was with her when she died." "How did she die?" he asked, though he didn't want to know. "Pneumonia, I think." 43

Revenant Sweet, loyal Sarah. "I'm glad she and Maddie had each other to rely on, so they wouldn't have to be alone." Talisen looked up at him. "Maddie? You mean Madeline?" That was careless of him. "Yes. She went by Maddie.” Ellory went to stand at the fire. How many of his fledgling nights had he spent fantasizing about returning to Sarah in secret and confessing his love for her? He'd imagined she would accept him as he was, because her love was so pure. But that had been a dream to keep him sane. In reality, he'd have been a danger to her. A momentary loss of control, and he'd have reduced her to bloodless pulp. Could he trust himself any more with Talisen? She drew at his heart and soul even more than Sarah had. He gripped the hardwood mantel, leaving ten dents in it. Lord's mercy, he didn't want to hurt her. But he needed her so. "Do you know what Madeline looked like?" Talisen asked. "Yes." He closed his eyes, remembering. "A gorgeous girl, by all accounts. Eyes the color of forget-me-nots. Rose-pink cheeks. Her smile was a summer's kiss." No. That was Sarah. As she had looked on the night of the party. He and Madeline were standing at a front window between dances. Maddie was talking to someone. He looked out the window and saw Sarah standing under a lantern outside, waiting for her carriage to be brought around. She chanced to look back. Her face was full of hurt. All for want of a dance with him? It had baffled him then—but now? He turned to look at Talisen and, as on that night long ago, found himself looking into pensive forest-green eyes surrounded by a halo of strawberry blonde hair. The fragile thread of time that spanned the ages between that night and this vibrated and connected with a new meaning. Another CD began to play, one of his own compositions this time. The first track was a piece he was especially proud of, a perfect blend of love and lust. He watched it weave its spell on Talisen, caressing her the way he ached to do. She wasn't even conscious of how her body sought the rhythm of the music, a rhythm born from all that lay within him. Her voice was soft and husky. "That's 'Midnight Sun.' It's my favorite of all your songs." Ellory held out his hand. "Talisen, will you honor me with a dance?"

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Janet Elizabeth Jones She looked bemused, but nodded. He drew her up from her chair and led her into the center of the room. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he took her hand in his and pulled her close. He wanted her to feel him, relish his closeness, his music, the frank desire he allowed to show in his eyes. While he swayed her gently in an aimless circle, he sought to make it all conspire to enthrall her—but it was really the other way around. He never wanted to be free of her enchantment. She drew back. Overwhelmed? Doubtless. He checked her retreat with a gentle squeeze and shook his head. "Just a dance. Okay?" She nodded and let him pull her still closer. He breathed in the fragrance of her hair, and with it, the scent of her fear. He could hear her heart catapulting inside her chest, her thoughts running in circles, her blood glutting every vein. He knew it was the unknown she feared. Talisen had enshrined her grandmother's safe and familiar image of the perfect man—her precious Captain—and added her own imaginings. Sweet secrets and dreams she kept all to herself. Ellory ground his teeth. Before he was done, she would whisper them to him, yield them up to him, one by one. If it was the last thing he did, he would fulfill each and every one. He felt her go still, then shake against him with a soft laugh. "Uhm, I think it's time for some introductions." Ellory glanced over his shoulder to find his children standing in the door of the den. Sean grinned. The fledglings, in various stages of apoplexy, stared. Georgina giggled. That seemed to speed everyone's recovery. He turned Talisen loose, but held her hand. Smiling, he rubbed the bridge of his nose, outwardly at ease. Inwardly, he issued a flood of directives indicating that he was not to be toyed with. Her name is Talisen Davies. You'll probably be seeing a lot of her—so stop gawking at her like a lot of harpies. She is not edible goods. Be very sure you understand that. For now, this is all you need to know. Aloud, he said, "As soon as you've remembered yourselves, you may say hello." Georgina came forward first, hand outstretched as though it were a garden tea, her Teddy Bear pajamas notwithstanding. "I'm Georgina. And you are?" 45

Revenant "Talisen Davies. Nice to meet you." "Charmed." His petite daughter pushed between him and Talisen, into the shelter of his arms. So, is she an appetizer, dessert, doggie-bag, or do you intend to keep her for a pet? Ellory fought down a growl. Behave, or I'll spank you. While his children made Talisen feel at home, Sean gave him a report on how Jenny was faring. "And Shelby's waiting for you to tuck her in." Ellory nodded and turned to Talisen. "I need to say goodnight to my youngest. I'll just be a minute." Talisen smiled at him. "Sure. Go ahead." Ellory paused in the doorway to look back, thinking he'd relish this image in his mind for the rest of his existence. Talisen, surrounded by his fledglings, everyone smiling and at their ease with one another. Of course, it was all based on her false-floor assumption that they were human. But she looked so happy. She was positively glowing. So beautiful. Porcelain on the outside, fire within. The fledglings were knee-deep in their at-risk-youth-rescued-by-thewealthy-philanthropist routine. Courteous and interested, they silently dissected Talisen's every word. He grimaced. When vampires were nosy, they were meticulously so. Nothing escaped them. Ah, well, their curiosity was understandable. After he'd preached at them about not bringing their quarry into the house, he owed them a detailed explanation. But that would come later. He turned and headed upstairs to Shelby's room. Ellory. Meical rarely sounded so grave. What's Meinrad done, now? Oh, he's fine. We're "hanging out." I've introduced him to a few extracurricular activities to give him a chance to get some of that defiance out of his system. Ellory rolled his eyes. Meical, bear in mind, this isn't the eighteenth century, and he's definitely not cut out for the sort of vagabonding you and I indulged in. You haven't scanned our domain tonight, have you? No. Why? I haven't scented him out yet, but…. Who, Meical? I came across some news at Sartori's last night when I was rescuing Meinrad from himself. I got a description of the vampire who turned your new fledgling. Coal-black hair with a little gray. Blue eyes. The face of an undertaker 46

Janet Elizabeth Jones with a terminal grin. Made from old blood, very powerful. The thing that sets him apart from our humble familiars is that when he kills his prey, he makes it a long,-drawn-out affair, according to the boasts that are being propagated on his behalf. Now who does that make you think of? Ellory leaned heavily against the wall of the stairwell and rubbed his eyes. Poor Jenny. It's Dylan alright. He has already approached Talisen. Then he's found her. Not good. Meical's thought-voice gentled. If Dylan gets hold of your little human morsel, he'll make her end a piteous thing, just for old time's sake. Better make a decision about her soon. I will see to her silence, but I will not deceive her. I will have her know what I am. What good can come of that, my friend? It's heartless. Meical, I will not lie to her, not even to make it easier for her. Ellory broke off contact and pounded down the urge to blaze a trail of blood from one domain to the next. He had survived conflicts before. Such could not be said for those who had crossed him. Except for Dylan. Dylan’s arrival changed everything. Hopefully, bringing Talisen into the household would be enough to keep her safe without the full protection of his mark. He wanted time to make her understand she was more to him than the blood in her veins. But she wouldn't be truly safe until she was his. **** Talisen found herself talking to the Benedikt children as though she'd known them for years. If not for the fact that they hailed from different parts of the world, she could've believed they shared a blood relation with Ellory. They had his grace and physical beauty, his piercing look in their eyes, his wit—and his prowess at conversation. Except for Sean Mackleroy. He seemed somehow more ordinary than the rest of them, perhaps because he looked like a local. She told them her life story before she realized she'd done it. They told her just enough about themselves for her to know that Ellory had rescued them from horrible circumstances, though they were vague with details. Presently, they ceased to be talkative. It was as though, having found out what they wanted to know about her, they had nothing more to say.

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Revenant Talisen was relieved when Ellory reappeared. He gave his kids a chiding look and shooed them off to their homework. He turned to Talisen with a rueful grin. "Feel like a bug in a jar?" "As a matter of fact…." "Don't worry. They haven't barbecued anyone lately." Talisen followed him back into the den. Silence fell between them, punctuated by one after another of Ellory's sensual songs on the CD that was still playing. The music found its way into her body again, rendering her hot and breathless. The dance they'd shared a moment ago was to blame. She'd been as transparent as glass the whole time, and they both knew it. How embarrassing. Ellory was just being kind to her. That was what she'd seen in his eyes, not the passion she'd imagined. "Talisen, I enjoyed the dance." The butterflies took flight in her middle again, and she managed to squeeze the words out. "Me too." "We'll have to do it again." Talisen turned her attention to the cardboard box with a smile and a shrug. The CD finished, and the room became quiet but for the crackling fire. Talisen's awareness narrowed to nothing but the weight of Ellory's gaze, until she turned with a frown. "What is it?" He pursed his lips. "You asked me to tell you if there was something you could do for me in return for my information." "Yes, and I meant it." "I'd like to commission a series of paintings from you." She blinked. Paintings? "Okay. Paintings of…?" "My beautiful children." "I'd be honored." "Good. Then you'll stay here? It's less time-consuming." Talisen burst out laughing. "Ohhhhh, you're smooth." He laughed too, but his eyes were deadly serious. "I'm being practical. I have a guestroom going to waste, and you have nowhere to hang your hat. Unless you want to go home." Her amusement fled. No. Not that. She shook her head. "Or back to the Benedikt?" She shook her head again. He grinned slowly. "Granted, we can be pretty dangerous around here. On any given night, the upstairs rooms are apt to become a war zone for pillow-fighting guerrillas. But if you agree to stay, we'll let you 48

Janet Elizabeth Jones bring your own pillow to fight with." He bent closer, and she watched his eyes grow more fervent. "Let me take care of you. Just a little. Please." There was nothing but compassion in his smile. And refuge. Refuge she needed. Talisen sighed. "Your days are numbered, bud. I swing a mean pillow." "That means you have to fight on my side.” They laughed again, but deep inside, Talisen was conscious of leaving behind something safe and familiar. Excitement ran amuck with apprehension and left her both exhilarated and squeamish. Like the first time she stepped off a diving board at the deep end of the pool. **** Warmth. In every muscle and bone. Seeping in through every pore. Safety and warmth. Talisen heard the familiar sound of the TV blaring, smelled bacon frying and coffee brewing. It had to be Saturday morning, and Grandma was letting her sleep late. She smiled and opened her eyes. The unfamiliar surroundings of Ellory's guestroom jarred her back to reality, and she remembered. Grandma was dead. She covered her face with her hands and tried not to cry. A soft murmur at her elbow drew her attention. Rolling onto her side, she looked at a little girl with big blue eyes and a mop of curly black hair. The child held a chocolate donut in one hand and dangled a purple, flop-eared rabbit in the other. Her resemblance to Sean Mackleroy was enough to tell Talisen that she had to be Shelby. Chewing her donut thoughtfully, the child asked, "Are you my new sister?" Talisen managed a smile and rose up on one elbow. "No, but if I were, I'd be real glad." Shelby's face blossomed with a dimpled grin. "How come?" "Because I like purple bunnies." Sitting up, Talisen reached for her robe at the foot of the bed and put it on. Shelby held her rabbit out to her. "She's losing her ear." Talisen examined the torn ear and pulled out the needle and thread that had been parked in the seam and forgotten. "You're right. It looks pretty awful." "But it doesn't hurt. Ellory knocked her out last night so she won't feel it." She hugged the bunny hard. 49

Revenant "Ellory must be a good bunny doctor." By the fervent nod Shelby gave her, Talisen inferred that in Shelby's eyes, Ellory was a good everything. "Sean's going to try to sew her up after breakfast." Shelby gave her a hopeful look. "Can you do ears?" "I've done buttons," she offered. Shelby laid the toy in Talisen's lap. "Will you do it?" "Should I? Your bunny doesn't know me." "Okay. Who are you?" "I'm Talisen. I'm a friend of Ellory's. I'm going to paint everybody's picture." "Mine, too?" Talisen smiled. "Everybody's." "Shelby, breakfast is ready." Sean Mackleroy stood in the doorway, looking too serious for sewing on bunny ears and placating a four-year-old's anxieties. Talisen's heart went out to him. He had a world-sized responsibility on his shoulders for one so young. She was glad he had Ellory to help him. "Talisen's going to sew on Fiona's ear, Sean," Shelby said. "Shelby, honey, I told you not to touch Fiona. She has a needle in her." Talisen held up the needle. "Here it is. I'll operate while Shelby eats her breakfast." Sean met her gaze, his face closed, but courteous. After his little sister gave the toy a kiss and handed it to Talisen, he inclined his head in a brief nod and guided Shelby out. Talisen tweaked the bunny's nose, sat down in a chair under the window and sewed the ragged ear in place. When she’d finished, she put on her clothes and dragged a brush through her hair. After washing the sleep out of her eyes in the bathroom across the hall, she foraged for a Band-Aid for Fiona's wound and went downstairs to give her back to Shelby. She found the child in the den watching TV while she ate breakfast. When Talisen handed her Fiona, she smiled like a little angel. After peeking under the Band-Aid to inspect the ear, she showed Sean, who made a to-do over it for her sake and set a place for Talisen at the kitchen table. Though Sean made polite conversation while they ate, his dark blue eyes remained brooding. Over what, she wondered? 50

Janet Elizabeth Jones "I didn't have a chance to hear much about you two last night. Did Ellory rescue you like he did the other kids?" Sean rose to pour himself a cup of coffee and added milk and a heaping spoonful of sugar. "Definitely. We grew up in a foster home. That was really good, until someone wanted to adopt Shelby. I took off with her so we could stay together." "How in the world did you manage?" He grinned and returned to the table. "I stole hubcaps to keep Shelby fed. We spent our days in public places and slept at a homeless shelter. At night, we made the rounds in parking lots I liked. That's how we met Ellory. He caught me peeling the hubcaps off the Jag. Anyone else would've called the cops, and then who knows what would've happened to Shelby?" Sean shook his head. "He's the best thing that ever happened to us." She smiled. "He's a good man." "The best," he said. He gathered their dishes and took them to the dishwasher. "Hey, Shelby. Time to go. Go potty and brush your teeth." "Where are you two off to?" asked Talisen. "Shelby's got preschool, and I've got errands for Ellory." "Is Ellory home this morning?" Sean hesitated. "Yeah, but he's sleeping." "Oh. When does he usually wake up?" "Not until evening." Talisen breathed a sigh of disappointment. Still, she had the children's portraits to plan. She needed new supplies, and she ought to check her post office box. It must be fit to burst by now. "I've got some stuff to do, too.” "Uhmmm, Ellory said, if you need to go out, will you wait for him to go with you?" She pushed herself away from the table. "I'll be okay.” His gaze fell. "Well, when you get hungry, there are sandwiches in the fridge. If the phone rings, let the machine get it. If somebody comes to the door, don't answer it. Okay?" Ooooo, so serious. What did he think, that she planned to give away E.B. Arthur's true identity? "House rules, huh?" He nodded gravely. "No phone calls while we're gone. No visitors while Ellory's asleep." She mimed a salute. "Got it." 51

Revenant After Sean and Shelby left, she opened the big windows in the den and let fresh air into the room before digging Captain Benedikt's logbook out of the cardboard box on the table. Amidst manifests, charting notes, and a record of disciplinary actions, she found the birthday entry Ellory had mentioned. It was as if her Captain were speaking to her over the vast abyss of time. By God's grace, I have reached twenty-eight years of age today. I am possessed of a clipper the likes of no other, a crew of nine good men, and a means by which to make my living. When I rose this morning, I was thinking myself blessed beyond measure. Then the sun came up, and I watched it, undisturbed by the demands of my day. A solitary moment with my sun, my sea, and my God. In that moment, I believe I knew the meaning of the words, 'my cup runneth over.’ Sunrise at sea is a beauty unequalled by any other of Nature's delights. I know of only one other that can best it: a pretty girl's blush. He sounded just how Talisen imagined him. It was as though she had known him forever. Even his handwriting, faint as it was, seemed familiar to her. Familiar? Talisen stared at the scrawling, ornamental script. Where had she seen it before? Grandma's journal? No, she'd memorized every oddment pressed between its pages. If she had ever found anything there written by the Captain himself, it would've been her favorite keepsake. Her scalp prickled. She set the logbook away from her and rested her chin on her folded hands. A vague uneasiness curled up at the heart of her thoughts and refused to be reasoned away. She couldn't put her finger on the source of it. Yet.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones

Chapter Five He woke to the sound of her laughter. She and Shelby were upstairs banging out "Chopsticks" on the piano. Their pounding made him wince for his baby grand, but he rose with joyous anticipation—and bittersweet longing. What had he missed out on today? Hours of her company. Hours of her life. Time had meaning for him again. He hastened through his evening ablutions and emerged from his bedroom showered and clean-shaven to find his fledgling milling around outside his door. Sean stood a few steps away from them all, leaning against the wall and looking petulant. Ellory took in the diversity of emotions on their faces and sighed. "What's up?" They all answered at once. He lifted a hand. "Georgina?" "Jenny wants to hunt with us tonight," she replied, "but Sean is against the idea. He's afraid for her safety." Jenny clutched at Ellory's arm. "I'm so hungry." Georgina squeezed herself between the two of them, nudged Jenny aside, and wrapped her arms around Ellory's waist. "We'll take care of the little moppet. Just call on Meical to watch our backs for us." Ellory scratched his chin and considered. Dylan was close by, watching his household like a gossip at a keyhole. The last thing any of them needed was for Jenny to be caught beyond Ellory's protection. But if Meical stood guard, they would be all right. He would call to Ellory if there were an attack. But Jenny shouldn't go on her first hunt when she

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Revenant was so hungry she couldn't see straight. She'd have little enough control as it was taking her first prey. That was how accidents happened. He nodded slowly. "Very well, Jenny, you may go with them, but not before you've fed. That way, when you hunt tonight, you won't be apt to lose your control. Come along. I'll take the edge off your appetite." He waved her into his room, rolling up his sleeve, and the rest of the fledglings bounded out the cellar door to wait for Jenny outside. Just before Ellory closed the door, Sean cleared his throat and stepped closer. "Uhm…wait." The boy shifted from one foot to the other, his gaze locked on Jenny. "Let me give her what she needs." Ellory searched Sean's fervent eyes. Humans never ceased to amaze him. Sean took a considerable amount of teasing from his vampire siblings, but none of the fledglings would ever expect him to provide for them. Georgina's pestering for tidbits was all for sport. Ellory had made it clear—the Mackleroy children were not part of the food chain. He'd taken Sean's blood only once, to bring the Mackleroys under his protection and dominion. Ellory cast a glance at Jenny, who returned Sean's gaze, then looked Sean up and down. Slowly. The boy's face flushed a deep crimson in response. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he smiled back at her. She touched the tip of her tongue to her upper lip. Ellory saw the color flee Sean's face momentarily. He'd doubtless seen the hunger in her eyes. The sight was not for the faint-hearted. Still, Sean turned to Ellory, waiting, unafraid. Ellory nodded. "Jenny, I will allow Sean to provide for you in my place, but heed. You do so only with his permission. Understood? I am his protector, as I am yours." Jenny nodded without taking her gaze off of Sean. Her blue eyes became violet, and her expression deepened and warmed. It was raw instinct, an unconscious effort to beckon her prey. Closing the door, Ellory stood behind Sean. You realize, of course, she's apt to develop a taste for you. Sean grinned. Like that's a problem? Ellory smiled and motioned Jenny closer. She approached the boy with a shy smile—the first smile Ellory had seen on her face. "I'll try not to hurt you." Sean's eyes twinkled. "I'll live." He rolled up his sleeve and held out his wrist. "Welcome to the family." 54

Janet Elizabeth Jones The instant Jenny's fangs pierced him, he swayed a little. "Oh, wow…." Ellory put an arm around him. "Okay, son?" A smile touched Sean's face. "She says she likes my eyes." **** Having put Sean to bed and seen Jenny and the rest of the fledglings off on their nightly hunt, Ellory headed upstairs to the living room, taking the steps three at a time. His insides knotted with hunger, but he had to see Talisen, talk to her, hear her voice. Talisen and Shelby were still at the piano, playing and laughing so loudly they didn't notice him. When Talisen looked up and saw him, her beautiful smile held him captive. He couldn't breathe. Desire set him on fire, glutting his loins until his jeans were sweet torture. Shelby broke the spell. She leaped up from the piano bench and ran to him. Scooping her up in one arm, he kissed her cheek, inhaling her baby-sweet scent to temper his response to Talisen. Slowly his body cooled, though the thundering heart across the room called to his hunger. "Shelby, tell me about your day.” He sat down with her in an armchair and cradled her close. Straightening her slipping socks, he cupped both her feet in one hand. "How was school?" "Well…." "Uh-oh. What happened?" "Miss Bullwright put me in time-out for calling Joey Pilter an eye booger." Talisen laughed. Ellory resisted the urge. "I guess you'd better tell me about it, Shelby." "When Miss Bullwright wasn't looking, Joey—he sits next to me—he grabbed my pencil out of my hand. It's the one with fuzzy purple bats on it. Georgina gave it to me at Halloween." Ellory blew her bangs out of her eyes. "Did you ask Joey to give it back?" "Yeah, but he wouldn't. So, I called him an eye booger, and he tried to hit me, but he hit my chair instead. He cried all over the place. I told Miss Bullwright he started it, but she put me in time-out for tattling and calling him names." "Did you ever get your pencil back?" 55

Revenant Shelby shook her head and played with the button on his shirt pocket. "Will you get it back for me?" "I'll see what I can do." "Will you punch Joey in the nose for me?" Talisen laughed again. Ellory winced. "I think I'll just get your pencil back. But tell me if you have any more trouble with Joey." "Okay. Hey, look at the stuff Talisen gave me." She slid out of his lap and filled her arms with the coloring books, crayons and sketchbook that lay in the floor. She opened the sketchbook. "See my picture, Ellory? Everybody's in it. I drew you bigger than anybody, 'cause you take care of us." A row of colorful blobs with smiling faces stood in the background of the picture. No fangs. No red, glowing eyes. Was this truly how she saw them? "Thank you, Shelby." She nestled closer. "I missed everybody today, and now they're all gone. How come I never get to go with them?" "Because my heart would break if I woke up and you weren't here. Your brothers and sisters have to go do big-kid stuff." "Georgina's not that big." "Georgina's not my honey-bunny." Ellory emitted a maniacal laugh and ran tickling fingers up and down her ribs. With a shrill giggle, Shelby wiggled out of his arms and galloped out the door with Fiona and Missy under one arm. She sounded like a small stampede on the stairs. And he and Talisen were suddenly, deliciously, alone. **** Talisen met his gaze, feeling quivery inside. He was impossibly goodlooking. The dark green flannel shirt he wore made his eyes gleam. How could anyone be so perfect? "My turn?" He grinned and patted his lap. "Please." No way, you gorgeous thing. Too dangerous. She smiled but remained where she was and let her fingers roam over the keys. "Sean says you went into town today. I wish you'd have waited for me to go with you." 56

Janet Elizabeth Jones She shook her head without looking up. "Sean seems to think I needed protecting. That wouldn't be your idea, would it?" "I tend to be overprotective of those I care about. Where you're concerned, I doubt I could change to save my soul." Stillness blanketed the room. Slowly, Talisen raised her gaze to his. Her heart pounded as it had moments ago when he'd come through the door, when he'd looked at her like a starving man looks at a feast before him. What did he expect from her? How far did she want this to go? She ducked her head and stared at the piano keys, letting her hands fall into her lap. "Come play for me." He joined her, turning the bench so he could straddle it behind her, while she squealed and laughed and caught his arm to keep from falling off. He scooted close and placed his arms on either side of her to reach for the keys. Talisen sighed. It was amazing how content she felt around him. The scent and warmth of Ellory created a comfort zone. His big, beautiful hands glided over the keys. Slow and hungry in the bass, relentless and pleasing in the melody. He caressed his music from the piano with a touch Talisen longed to feel all over her body. "Like this piece?" he asked. "It's my new one." "The one you don't have a title for? It's gorgeous." "It makes me think of you." She felt his warm breath on the nape of her neck. "And how you make me feel." His tone carried no expectations. She knew it was up to her to take it as an invitation. She turned it over in her mind, awash in the demands of her heart and body, but left her response unspoken. Instead, she leaned back against him, rested her head on his shoulder and enjoyed the feel of his soft, thick hair against her cheek. He nuzzled her temple. "I've got it. The perfect title." She sighed and closed her eyes. "Tell me." "Talisen." "Yes, Ellory?" He laughed softly. "No, that's what I'm going to call this nocturne. Talisen. Is that all right with you?" "Ooooo, you'll make me immortal." His hands halted mid-measure, and his voice dropped to a grave whisper. "Would that please you?"

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Revenant Talisen turned and looked up at him. Why was he so serious? His eyes burned her. She struggled for something to say. "My name on everyone's lips. What's not to like?" He didn't even blink. "That's not what I mean." "You mean really immortal, as in living forever? I believe in that. Don't you?" His mouth twitched in a bitter smirk. "Most definitely. But the key is to spend forever with the right person. Otherwise, immortality is highly overrated." She flexed her shoulders and looked down at her lap, letting her gaze wander over his muscular thighs on either side of her hips. "Just now, the present is enough for me." His arms closed around her, and she shivered with thoughts of kissing him. No. More than just kissing him. Thoughts of exploring Ellory Benedikt made her ache. His warm whisper tickled her ear and turned her thrumming insides upside down. "But if you found the person you're meant for and knew you could be together forever…." She turned and looked up at him again. How could he set her on fire with just a look? "Maybe you'd better just say what's on your mind." "Excellent idea." His mouth descended, and the world fragmented into a thousand pockets of silence. His kiss was the barest caress, its gentleness more consuming than if he'd devoured her. She wanted more. She opened her mouth, and his tongue made deft overtures she couldn't resist. Their breaths mingled in gasps. "Ellory," she murmured, "I'm not sure this is a good idea." "Without further research, Ms. Davies, I must dismiss that remark as pure conjecture." She smiled against his mouth. "Tell me when you come to a valid conclusion." He nibbled aside the neckline of her sweatshirt. "I may have to delve deeper." Talisen flinched as the throb between her legs became a miserable tease, and she lay back against Ellory. This moment, this man, this rollercoaster ride of emotion—it all seemed suddenly precious. Hallowed ground. Ellory was the bridge to something she wanted desperately to get to. 58

Janet Elizabeth Jones A breath of danger, inebriating and captivating, hovered over her for a moment and then covered her completely. She felt his teeth and tongue dance along the cradle of her throat and shoulder. A flicker of pain startled her, and she flinched away with a laugh. "Ellory!" He turned his head aside. "Forgive me." He sounded so tense. Talisen looked over her shoulder at him, but she couldn't see his face. She ran her palm over the place he had nipped her. It felt like a bee-sting. "No big deal. I'm sure you've had your shots." He grunted as if she'd just elbowed him in the ribs, eased off the piano bench and was halfway to the door before she had moved. "I need to go out for awhile." Go out? After kissing her like that? "Hey, hold on." He halted in the door of the living room but didn't turn around. "I won't be long." Talisen caught up with him and reached for his hand to turn him around. He faced her slowly. His face was pale, but his eyes were big and dark and beautiful and—stern. She dropped his hand. What was wrong? He'd just gotten a little carried away. Maybe he'd gone further with all of this than he wanted. Yes. Maybe he was having second thoughts. Maybe he thought she wasn't up to it. A lump swelled in her throat. "Look, I don't know where this is headed, but I want to find out. It's not like someone's waiting up for me to come home. I'm my own person." His gaze softened, and he lifted his hand to her face and touched his forehead to hers. She had no other word for what she saw in his eyes but reverence. "Then…there are things you need to know." "So start talking." "When I come back.” He kissed her again and stepped into the front hall. The sound of the front door closing brought Talisen back to earth like an iron kite. The strangling quiet in the room was utterly at odds with her screaming nerves. She blew out a sigh. The pleasing throb inside her turned to a stab. Geeze, she had it bad. Shelby came down the stairs. "Where'd Ellory go?" "I don't know, baby." Talisen picked her up. "He just had to go out." The little girl stared disconsolately at the front door. "Oh, that." 59

Revenant "Hey, would you help me with something?" Talisen set her down and took her hand. "I picked up my mail today at the post office, but I haven't opened any of it, yet. There's a lot." That got a shrug out of Shelby. "I don't read good, yet." "You open envelopes, and I'll read. Okay?" Shelby nodded and scooted upstairs ahead of her. They sat crosslegged on Talisen's bed and piled the mail between them. Shelby opened most of it with minimal damage to the contents. "Hey, here's a big one." She ripped the end off the small padded envelope. Talisen took the brown envelope from her and read the name of the sender. Her Great Uncle Bill Rudyard. She peeled the envelope open, blew into it, and extracted a wad of papers and— "One of Ellory's programs!" exclaimed Shelby. She seized the yellowed, brittle slip of paper and pointed to a symbol at the top of it. "See, it's got his thingy on it." "Logo," supplied Talisen. "A black swan?" "Yeah, just like on his CDs. Georgina has tons of them, one from every concert Ellory ever gave. I wonder if she has this one. Look. He signed it. Isn't that Ellory's name?" Talisen stared. It was definitely Ellory's handwriting. She recognized it from the note he'd written to her when she'd been staying at the Benedikt. But he'd signed it "Art Benedikt." When she read the date on the program, she did a double-take. "No, honey, this isn't one of Ellory's. It can't be. It's dated April 3, 1928. That's before Ellory was born." Shelby's bewilderment silenced her initial exuberance. Suddenly, she wiggled off the bed and headed out the door. Talisen gave her a distracted glance and read Great Uncle Bill's letter. He'd meant to send his notes to Grandma months ago. Now he wanted Talisen to have them. She put a hand to her mouth, unfolding the neatly typed notes in her lap. Great Uncle Bill was a retired music teacher, and he'd spent his lifetime following the musical heritage of the Rudyards down through the ages. Grandma had wanted copies of his findings to corroborate two centuries of alleged posthumous sightings of Ellory Arthur Benedikt. Great Uncle Bill chalked it all up to reincarnation. The bed dipped, and Shelby landed with a kerplop. She shoved a large scrapbook into Talisen's lap. "Georgina says these are a secret, but I 60

Janet Elizabeth Jones know I can show you without asking her first, since you're Ellory's friend." Talisen thumbed through the scrapbook until swans swam before her eyes. Decades of them. The name on the programs varied—Art Benedikt, Ben Arthur, E.B Arthur, Art Benedikt again, and on and on. The variations of his name repeated like a litany. The dates of the concerts also varied. The earliest one was October 17, 1942. A benefit for the war effort. The war in question, of course, was WWII. "Wanna see the rest?" asked Shelby. Talisen met her gaze. "There are more?" "Just the old ones." Naturally, Ellory would be interested in ancestors who shared his name and his passion for music. This collection indicated that, and Shelby was confused and thought all these programs were Ellory's. "Shelby, most of these are older than Ellory is. They can't all be his." "But Georgina says they are." "Maybe you got it wrong, baby?" Shelby's brown eyes flashed. "Did not! She took me to her bedroom in the cellar and showed them to me. All of them." Talisen gave the little girl a chiding smile. "You're pulling my leg, now. Georgina doesn't sleep in the cellar.” Shelby's face turned beet red. Crocodile tears filled her eyes, and she squirmed off the bed and dashed out. Her bedroom door slammed before Talisen could catch up with her. At Shelby's door, she knocked softly. "Honey, I'm sorry I hurt your feelings." There was silence and then, "I wasn't supposed to tell about the cellar. Not anybody. It's real important." She sighed. "I'm sure it's okay. I'm going to be here for awhile, and…well, it's really all right for me to know." The door opened slowly. Shelby wiped the tears out of her eyes, her face blotchy and her mouth crinkling. "Baby, don't cry." Talisen knelt and pulled her into her arms. "No one would ever be mad at you. Mistakes are how we learn, and this is such a little one." "It's not little." Shelby sobbed so hard she wheezed. "He said never— ever—tell anyone about the cellar. If he finds out I told you, I'll be in big trouble!" "If who finds out, baby?" 61

Revenant The child drew back to meet her gaze. Her lip trembled and she squeaked, "Ellory." Talisen didn't even bother trying to hide her surprise. She'd seen how Ellory was with Shelby. His tenderness was one of the things she found irresistible about him. She gave the child a reassuring smile. "We'll just keep this whole thing to ourselves." Shelby wiped her nose with her sleeve. "He knows everything. What we're thinking, where we are, what we're doing. That's so nothing bad happens to us." Talisen tried not to smile. As awesome as Ellory was, it was no wonder he seemed larger-than-life to a four-year-old who idolized him. Shelby probably thought he could work miracles. She smoothed the little girl's hand out on her own palm. Cocking her head to one side, she eyed the tiny fingernails with lavender chips of polish. "Nice color." "Delfina did them for me." Shelby sniffed. "My toes, too." "You know, everyone loves you so much. Maybe the cellar's not safe for you, and that's why you can't go down there." Shelby shook her head. "No, it's real nice. That's where everybody sleeps, except me and Sean and you." Talisen took one look at the little girl's sincere face and swallowed her next remark. Shelby had to be making this up. "Maybe you should put Georgina's scrapbook back. Then we'll forget about this and do some more coloring." Shelby retrieved the scrapbook from Talisen's room and headed for the stairs without another word. But what if there was something down there that really could hurt her? Talisen caught up with her at the landing. "I'm coming with you. It won't make a difference if I see the place, now that I know about it." Shelby looked unconvinced, but she didn't argue. Talisen followed her downstairs. On the ground floor, they opened a door in the stairwell. Fond memories of Nancy Drew flashed through Talisen's mind. The light from the hall behind them revealed a short flight of stairs that bottomed-out at yet another door. To the left of the door, in the wall, the ghostly red light of an electronic security lock blinked at them in the darkness. 62

Janet Elizabeth Jones Talisen's nonchalance slipped away. What in the world did Ellory keep in the cellar that required such precautions? She watched Shelby step gingerly down the steps. The child stood on tiptoes at the lock and punched in a succession of numbers with nimble fingers. The security light blinked green, and a soft beep sounded. Shelby turned the doorknob with both hands, and the door opened with the grating sound of wood on metal. They stepped inside, and she closed it behind them. It was dark, the air cool and damp. Goosebumps rippled across Talisen's skin from her scalp to her heels. Despite the carpet underfoot, it felt just like a crypt. She almost caught Shelby's hand and walked right out again. She heard the child groping along a wall to their right, and suddenly light flooded her eyes. She blinked at a long corridor ahead of them. A series of doors stood open on the right side. There was one door on the left. It was closed. The corridor ended in a larger room that she could see part of from where they stood. For some reason, she felt like keeping her voice low. "I take back everything I said." She followed Shelby to the last door on the right, but left her there to peek at the big room at the end of the hall. It looked like another den. There was a large fridge in one corner. It was wrapped in a three-inchthick chain and padlocked. That was bound to be for Shelby's safety. Why else would they lock a spare refrigerator? The couches and chairs were the overstuffed kind, all of the same indeterminable shade of brown. There were a few tables cluttered with candles. No TV. No stereo. No computer. No books or magazines. No posters or pictures on the walls. The pinball machine in the corner stood dark and silent. There was only one exit, a nondescript wooden door. She tried the knob. A fiery tingle licked up her arm all the way to her teeth. "Ouch!" She snatched her hand back and shook it hard. Out of the blue, the mark on her neck came alive. Its prickling woke a deeper vibration in her loins, and she flinched against it. "Ouch again," she muttered, her heartbeat filling her head. Frustration nibbled at her. She reached for the knob again and got another nasty little jolt. This time she stuck her hand in her mouth and sucked on it, waiting for the fire to go away. It was just painful enough to dissuade her from trying again. 63

Revenant She rubbed the mark on her neck and cleared her throat hard. "Shelby, what's with this stupid doorknob?" Shelby came out of Georgina's room. "It's something Ellory did to it to keep out burglars. We're not supposed to touch it when we're home alone." Talisen flexed her hand to get rid of the numbness. No wonder they didn't want Shelby coming down here. "Where does this door lead?" "Outside to the pond and the bikes and the grill." That sounded normal enough. "Bicycles?" "Motorcycles." Shelby made a face. "I have to ride in Sean's sidecar. But my helmet's got purple bunnies on it. They're stickers. Sean put them on it when I was little." "So, is that what you guys do for fun? Go biking?" "Yeah, at night. Wanna see the game room? It used to be the attic. We've got a pool table. That's where Ellory's studio is, too." "Sure. In a minute." Talisen pointed at the chained fridge. "Anything kept in there?" "Medicine. They all have to take it sometimes." Did they have a common illness, then? Talisen followed Shelby back up the corridor, glancing into the rooms. More candles. They each had the same furnishings, except for the beds. The bathroom was little more than a closet. She paused at the lone door across from the others. "That's Ellory's room," said Shelby. Talisen was beset by a fit of curiosity—curiosity mixed with desire. Ellory's room. She had to look. She twisted the doorknob slowly, pushed the door open and went in. His woody, musky scent filled the cool air within. The light from the corridor revealed some of its furnishings. The fireplace was big. The chair beside it was big. The wardrobe was big. The bookcase that lined one wall was big. The bed was an ancient-looking oaken monstrosity with burgundy covers, dark finish and massive posts a head taller than Talisen. She felt like Goldilocks invading Papa Bear's inner sanctum. Ellory had a shower of his own in one corner and a small lamp on a table beside the chair. There were candles in wall sconces. Besides the books, the only personal item in the room was the old brass sextant on the bedside table.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones She crossed the room to look at a seascape hanging over the fireplace. The lighting didn't allow for discerning details, but she could make out the rolling sea and the sleek clipper riding the waves. Shelby let out a sudden squeal. Talisen spun to look at her. The little girl stood in the hallway with her hands clapped over her mouth, staring at the back door and bouncing on the balls of her feet. "What is it?" Talisen asked, joining her in the corridor. Then she heard it too. The back door groaned and rattled. Good grief, burglars wouldn't be that loud. It had to be— The back door of the cellar slammed open, and the Benedikt teens strode in, all talking at once, their gazes intent on a commotion behind them. A tall blond man swept in after them, carrying a girl Talisen hadn't met. A gangly youngster in black leather stomped in after him. Talisen got the impression of a ferocious scowl beneath the boy's mane of neon blue hair. Ellory brought up the rear, effectively silencing all their talk by slamming the door behind him. He and the boy with blue hair were the only ones still in Talisen's line of vision. "Why the devil didn't any of you stop her?" Ellory roared. "One minute she was with us, and the next, she was gone," the bluehaired boy replied with a thick German accent. "By the time we found her in Mr. Big's Burgers, she had wolfed down a combo. She's such a little thing. Where did she put it all?" Ellory opened his mouth to answer, but his words never came. He went as still as stone. Talisen's heart all but stopped as he turned slowly and fixed his gaze first on her, then on Shelby, then on her again.

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Chapter Six Like a flock of ravens, the rest of the Benedikts gathered around Ellory. They recovered their collective composure and treated Talisen to a glare that made them look far older than their tender years. In the silence, the sound of the security door opening behind her sounded like a volcano erupting. Sean slid to a halt before he plowed over her and gaped at his little sister. "Shelby! What have you done?" Shelby burst into tears. That sent Talisen over the edge. She rounded on Sean. "Get hold of yourself and leave her alone. I wanted to see what's down here." Sean blinked, took a step back, and met Ellory's dark gaze with a rueful look. "I'm sorry. I should've been keeping my eye on them. Where's Jenny? She called to me. She said she's hurt or sick or something." Ellory gestured behind him. Sean rushed down the corridor and disappeared from sight. Talisen scowled back at Ellory, picked Shelby up and carried her to him, handing her over like a sack of sugar. "You fix this before you say one word to me. Understand?" His eyes softened, and for an instant, she thought she saw a flicker of amusement. He hugged inconsolable Shelby close, murmuring something in her ear. She cried harder. Talisen caught the gaze of the blond stranger, who was leaning against a wall and keeping clear of the hullabaloo. A gorgeous guy, but

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Janet Elizabeth Jones he looked faintly murderous. He inclined his head in a mockery of a bow. Now, what was that about? She turned her attention to the girl on the couch. Sean was leaning over her, holding her hand. The rest of the teens formed a protective throng around her. Talisen pushed her way through. "Well, let's not all stand here with our fingers in our mouths. Georgina, go fetch a wet washcloth. Delfina, you bring a blanket. Adrienne, you get a wastebasket, because I think she's going to be sick." The girls glanced at Ellory. He nodded, still murmuring to the sobbing Shelby. They broke formation, as swift as cats, and returned with what Talisen had asked for. Talisen sat down on the edge of the sofa and smoothed Jenny's hair out of her eyes with a smile. "Honey, if your tummy hurts really bad, we need to take you to the hospital." She said over her shoulder, "You guys have any antacids?” When no one responded, she looked up at the teens. Like peas in a pod, they sought Ellory's gaze. Talisen looked at him, too. Why was he hesitating? They surely had something in the house that would help the child. The look in Ellory's eyes said in no uncertain terms that her assistance was neither wanted nor needed. "That won't be necessary. We'll take care of Jenny." Putting Shelby down, he kissed her cheek and turned her to look at him. He didn't say a word. She gave him a sleepy nod and, like a little marionette, walked out of the room and down the corridor. Talisen heard the security door open and close. Ellory turned a silent, bulldozing gaze on her and nodded for her to follow Shelby. Why was he acting this way? Just because she'd poked around in his cellar? Jenny's panicky moan arrested everyone's attention. Talisen slid the wastebasket into place just as the girl rolled over and vomited. A sickly sweet odor pervaded the room, and something solid hit the bottom of the wastebasket with a thump. Everyone but Talisen sighed with relief. She ran the washcloth over the girl's mouth. It came away bloody. "Oh, Jenny…." Jenny snatched the cloth out of her hand with astonishing energy. Wiping her mouth, she lay back on the couch. Her eyes were clear and 67

Revenant her face gaining color. "Whew! That's better! But I think I bit my tongue. See?" She poked the tip of her bloody tongue out to show Talisen. Unconvinced, Talisen steeled her stomach and reached for the wastebasket. Christophe planted his leg in front of it and scooted it backward into Georgina's waiting hands, like a short pass in the third quarter. Georgina marched away to the bathroom with it. Talisen felt a large, warm hand close over her arm. She looked up into Ellory's eyes, eyes that pleaded for patience and cooperation. "I need you to go. Please. Shelby shouldn't be alone." She followed him to the security door, her mind whirling to make sense of too many weird things. What kind of people slept in a cellar? But when Ellory turned to look at her, her questions scattered. So much heat in his eyes, but no anger. The little mark on her neck tingled suddenly, and Talisen couldn't keep from rubbing it. His gaze followed the movement of her hand. His voice was breathy. "I'll be up in a bit. We'll talk." He opened the door for her and held it. She gave a reluctant nod, but before she'd taken a step, he braced an arm against the doorjamb and kissed her. She felt a big, red ocean of need and hunger and unconditional love. His. Hers. Theirs. She couldn't tell. She didn't care. She just wanted more. Please. More and more and more. When he parted his mouth from hers, she couldn't hold back a whimper of protest. She opened her eyes to find herself clinging to his arm. Her head was actually spinning. Lethal man. Lethal kiss. Ellory's head was down, his face hidden. His chest rose and fell as though he'd been running, and he gestured with a nod of his head for her to leave. Talisen scooted out the door and lit up the stairs with every inch of her screaming that she was going the wrong way. **** Ellory closed the door and leaned back against it, eyes shut, heart racing. Nothing inside of him but Talisen. Nothing behind or ahead of him but her. It had to be soon. "Ellory?" 68

Janet Elizabeth Jones He opened his eyes to find Meical beside him, wearing a you-poorstupid-fool smirk. He pushed himself away from the door, rubbing his jaw to coax his canines back into his gums. As for the other part of him, there was no hope for that but a cold shower. Ducking inside his room, he tried to readjust himself inside his jeans before he put a fist through the wall. Meical laughed. Come to think of it, maybe he'd just put a fist through Meical. "Shut up, Meical." Meical laughed again. Ellory shoved past him with a warning growl and rejoined his children. Jenny was sitting up beside Sean, who'd wrapped an arm around her like a human octopus. Ellory bent and kissed her crown. "Never again, my girl." She shook her head. "I just wanted to see if I could do something normal, you know?" "You were lucky this time," said Delfina. "Usually it takes days to get that stuff up, because we can't digest it anymore, and it just sits there and rots in your stomach and—" "Delfina!" they all said in unison. Delfina winced. "Sorry." Ellory ran a hand over Jenny's clammy brow. "Since you've just undone the better part of a night's feed—" "Oh, leave that to me," Sean said with a grin. Jenny rested her head on his shoulder, and the two of them exchanged smiles. Ellory cleared his throat and waited until he had Jenny's attention. "You'd better avail yourself of the medicine cabinet before you devour our Sean. I need him hale and hearty, or else the rest of you are going to be doing the housework and errands around here." With groans and protests, his youngsters hoisted Jenny up from the couch and pushed her in the direction of the fridge. Ellory tossed Christophe the key to the padlock, laughing when Sean argued that it was inhumane to feed cold cream to a kitten. A bout of rough-housing ensued, while Christophe doled out two pints of blood to Jenny from their emergency stores. She made a face, but drank it down. Meical strode past Ellory to the backdoor. "Thank you for a scintillating evening. And I'd keep a short leash on Meinrad, if I were 69

Revenant you. He's got your charisma with the women—poor misguided fool— especially one in particular. Think jasmine." Ellory's smile vanished. "No. Not Freya." "Freya, indeed," murmured his friend. "But Meinrad isn't the sole reason she's interested in your household. Ms. Davies's presence under your roof has caused such unease in the Enclave that our queen feels duty-bound to pay us a visit. I did warn you there'd be trouble." Ellory closed his eyes and grappled for control of his temper. Bad, bad timing. Freya had zero toleration for disputes between houses within her demesne. If he had provoked her anger, none of them would survive. "I'll plead an audience with her." "It won't do much good where Meinrad's concerned. She has a deathgrip on his thought-path already. I understand she hasn't taken a mate in ages, and you know, she doesn't have to take no for an answer." Meical opened the door. The two of them froze. The silver sparks that filled the moon-bathed backyard distilled into a shapely form, setting off an unearthly hum in the air. Dread and exhilaration fractured Ellory's thoughts. It was a marvel to him how her one thousand years of existence never showed. She looked like a girl of sixteen with alabaster skin, eyes of silver, and ebony tresses that glowed with a radiance of their own. Placing a hand on his heart, Ellory inclined his head. "Madam, you honor me." "And yet you train your eyes on me like a hare ready to spring for its burrow." Her contralto voice reverberated through his body. "Peace, Ellory. I have not come with chastisements. This time." She dismissed Meical with a glance. He bowed low, and with an encouraging smile for Ellory, vanished. Freya crooked a finger at Ellory. "Walk with me. We needn't disturb your household." Ellory joined her with a grimace. They ambled across the lawn toward the fenced-in pond. Freya waved her hand, and the locked gate gave way with a compliant beep, allowing her access. In spite of her assurance that he was safe, Ellory's nerves quivered with caution. He watched her body language. A flick of the wrist, the blink of an eye, and he could be her next meal or a pile of smoking ash. "I am little comforted by your current course of action," she said. "Of all the things that can cause strife among our kind, the fate of a trifling 70

Janet Elizabeth Jones piece of human flesh should not be one of them. A simple gesture would go far toward reassuring your neighbors. You know of what I speak." Rebellion clawed for release inside of Ellory. He curbed it, put his hands behind his back and smoothed his voice to fluid acquiescence. "I mean only to give Talisen more time." "You cannot hope for my tolerance as long as you shirk the barest essentials of this sort of arrangement." She halted on the fragrant path and gave him a withering gaze. "Mark her for your own and be done with it. Tonight." Ellory looked up at the swaying tree limbs overhead. If he could win Freya's approval…. "I want her to accept me for what I am. I know it's never been done before, but—" Freya's laughter cut him off. "Don't overestimate your creativity. It's all been done before, much of it so long ago you cannot even conceive the passage of time." His heart skipped a beat. "Vampires have cultivated relationships with humans before? Without using deception?" She didn't answer right away, but knelt by the pond to cup the water in her small hands. "Once it was a common custom, governed by a code we all understood." Then perhaps his plans for Talisen weren't as mercenary as he thought. Ellory knelt beside Freya, daring to touch her sleeve. "Tell me more. Please." She looked out across the water with a sad, dreamy look on her face. "There was a time when fledglings hunted together without fear for their lives. We were all known to one another by the great houses we served, and none were left without protection. No one hurt the little ones then, Ellory. The atrocity your house suffered at Dylan's hand would never have been tolerated. I am watching him. I am not without justice." Ellory bowed his head, unable to speak. It meant so much to him to know the murder of his first children hadn't gone unnoticed by her. He felt her hand on the top of his head. Her touch held a magnetism that both frightened and soothed him. "I commend you for your compassion on those who are weak and vulnerable among us, Ellory. That is one of two reasons why I offer you this chance to get your house in order, including this human you desire, before I allow your brothers and sisters to make your life more difficult than it has to be." He looked up to search her eyes. "One of two reasons?" 71

Revenant "And there you will leave it. For now." "But—" She put a finger to his lips. "In the meantime, reassure me that you can control those under your protection, whether human or vampire. See to the girl tonight." She dipped her hand once more into the pond and tasted a glistening droplet that clung to her fingers. He offered his hand to help her stand, and she wiped her dripping hand on his shirt. "There is a member of your house by the name of Meinrad." Ellory's heart went cold. He couldn't keep the sorrow from his voice when he answered. "Please, Freya, he is my youngest." Her eyes glinted with reproof. "I am no harpy come to devour the child." "He thinks he's invincible. He has no self-control. He's pure appetite. You'll probably kill him before you've had him a week. Half the time, I want to kill him myself." "Would you deny your queen this simple comfort?" Ellory ran his tongue over his dry lips. The wrong answer could cost him everything. She laughed. A night bird answered her. "Be at your ease. Let us discuss Meinrad's future as though I were any other come to petition you for the honor of his affections." He sighed in relief. This meant he could speak without fear of offending her. "Thank you." His gaze fell at her feet. "He needs me, yet." "I will court him slowly. In the interim, I will merge my mind with his as I please.” "Not that you haven't already." "And you will give him leave to hunt with me." "When he wants to, and only then." She paused, shrugged, and nodded. "Do you accept my suit?” Ellory regarded the moon and considered Freya's terms. In her care, Meinrad's survival was certain. He would become powerful, by virtue of his alliance with her. Ellory knew from personal experience the benefits of such a match, though Aloisia had given him no choice in the matter. But he was determined Meinrad would decide for himself. "If he's unhappy, you'll send him home to me. On this point, Freya, I will not negotiate." She smiled slowly. "You're a good protector, Ellory." He bowed. "I still say you'd prefer an older mate." 72

Janet Elizabeth Jones Her gaze slid over him with a gleam of appreciation. Ellory went weak in the middle. "But not me." She laughed again. "No, that wouldn't be fair. You've been drawn off your path twice already, first lured by your own misconceptions and then snatched like a ripe peach by Aloisia." Her smile faded. "Truly, she did you a grievance. So, dear Odysseus, I won't blow you off-course. You're nearly home now." Ellory's breath caught in his throat, and he took a step toward her. "W-what? Home? Freya, what do you—" She was gone. Just like that. No explanations. But she'd proclaimed it. Truly, she did you a grievance. Ellory blinked at the empty darkness, his body chilling in the night air. His legs buckled, and he slipped to his knees. Freya herself had acknowledged Aloisia's crime against him, and therefore, so must all who lived under her dominion. Finally, after two centuries, vindication! He rocketed into the night sky and sounded a roar of victory meant for Dylan. He listened to his challenge fade into the distance until his jubilation ebbed in the face of the narrow escape his house had suffered tonight. Freya did not offer second chances lightly. Sobered, he floated to the ground. The very earth beneath his feet whispered to him of the task at hand. Talisen. He strode inside, bade his children goodnight, and went upstairs with a bellyful of determination that choked him. Moving soundlessly through the house, he followed the soft staccato of Talisen's heart to Shelby's room. Talisen lay curled up in a beanbag chair, eyes closed, her body bathed in soft gold from the nightlight. He knew she was far from sleep. Heartless. Heartless to deny her the common mercy of deception. He had accorded that much to thousands who meant nothing to him. He could spare her the truth and ease her into his world. Or he could spare her nothing and seek false absolution in the fact that he hadn't lied to her. Either way, how could she not hate him? His mirthless laugh startled her and woke Shelby. He stepped to the child's bedside, whispered a command for her not to wake until morning, and drew the covers over her. When he turned, he caught the scent of Talisen's arousal. She was watching him. His body's swift response was checked only by the 73

Revenant questions she unknowingly projected, questions she deserved to have answered. "Thank you for your patience," he murmured. She nodded, stood up and stretched. "Is Jenny all right?" He let his gaze slip over her and his groin tightened. "Up and around already." Talisen didn't look convinced, but she said no more. He followed her out into the hall and closed Shelby's door. Her feelings crossed her face like clouds over a field of flowers. Confusion. Anxiety. Disappointment. Confusion again. She crossed her arms. "You said we'd talk." Rudyard that she was, she wasn't going to dodge anything. He held out his hands, palms up. "Ask me anything." And God help her, he meant it. "I will." "Why don't we go up to the studio? It's quiet and private. And I want you to see it. I thought you might use it for your workspace, perhaps do some of your painting there in the evenings with me, while I work." She gave him a pert nod and strode up the hall to the stairway. The sight of her swaying hips as she ascended ahead of him sent a quiver through Ellory. She said over her shoulder, "Shelby says you guys have a pool table. Do you play?" "I haven't the aptitude for it." He tapped the banister, trying not to think of how badly he wanted to kiss her. "Shelby and I knock a few balls around from time to time." "I could teach you, if you want." The blood rushed into his groin. "I'd like that, Talisen." "Okay. We'll talk and play." He bit back a groan. **** Talisen smiled to herself. But not for long. She was determined to put her objectivity first for once. She could be an absolute brick—as long as Ellory didn't stand too close to her. She blew out a breath. Don't think of his charms, just his answers.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones The game room/studio ran the length and breadth of the house. It was warm and a little musty, much as any attic would be after a day of full sun and no fresh air. Talisen crossed to a window and opened it, letting in the night wind. Below her, the treetops swayed, giving her the disorienting feeling that the world below was in constant motion. A thread of lightning lit up the sea and sky. She turned away, uneasy, and cast a glance around the attic. One end comprised a second family area, much like the den downstairs, except that it had the billiard table. The studio took up the rest of the room, inhabited by another piano. An assortment of guitars, an electric violin, and an ancient-looking concertina lay strewn across a long table. In the corner opposite the piano stood a monster of a synthesizer. When she heard Ellory close the door, she swallowed hard from both anticipation and uncertainty. She glanced around at him. He was leaning on the doorknob, just watching her. Unable to stand his unblinking gaze, she went to the pool table and racked the balls. She chose a cue stick from the wall rack and set the cue ball in place. Chalking the tip of her stick, she bent, aimed, and poured all her frustration into a thrust that sent the balls scattering. Several plopped into pockets. She fixed her gaze on the shots open to her, acutely aware of Ellory at the rack, picking out a cue stick. She took a shot. The nine-ball sank into the corner. She felt him maneuver to stand behind her, and the scent of rain and forest on his clothes teased her nose. She missed her next shot. "Okay, Ellory, you're solids." He eyed the table, his face a mask of concentration, and bent to take his aim. Talisen held her breath while her gaze traveled the line of his generous shoulders, his strong back, his muscular hips and taut behind. His button fly. She closed her eyes and opened them again, focusing on the table. Ellory clobbered the cue-ball and the six into a corner pocket and straightened with a grin. "Ah! Two at once." She tried to be gentle. "You're not supposed to sink the white one. That's called scratching." "I thought I was solids." "Solid or no, the cue-ball doesn't belong to either of us." He shrugged amiably. "What happens now?” 75

Revenant She dug the white ball and the six out of the pocket. "We have to put your ball back on the table, and I get to put the cue ball where I want to and take my turn." "No fair," he said, but his brown eyes were twinkling. "Don't I get a handicap for being a beginner?" She couldn't resist. She looked him over with a mean grin. "You don't look particularly handicapped to me." He gave a low, appreciative laugh that ended in "Hmmm." She bent over the table, lining up for her shot. "Come here and let me show you how to do it." His half-laugh, half-groan made her smile. When he leaned over her from behind, the heat of his body wrapped around her. She felt his stubbly cheek brush the side of her face as he bent close to look over her shoulder. But he wasn't looking down the end of her cue stick where he was supposed to be looking. He was looking at her with an oh-soinnocent smile. She jerked her gaze away and eyed the ball she was aiming for. The orange-and-white sphere blurred into the green plane of the table. "Lesson One. Jabbing at your target makes it harder to control your aim." A low, gravelly laugh sounded in his throat. She went bravely on, fighting off a grin. "If you use an easy, smooth stroke with a good follow-through, that'll keep your line of fire straight." Ellory buried his head in the crook of his arm and shook with laughter. She slapped the top of his head, wanting to leave her hand where it fell and run it through his hair. "Will you pay attention, please, and keep your mind where it belongs?" He lifted his head, his eyes shining. "I'm all attention. I don't want to miss. Not with you." She fixed her gaze on her thirteen ball. "I was saying, you're less likely to miss your shot if you use a…a…." She felt his warm breath on her neck, and she squeezed the words out, feeling hot all over. "…a gentle, coordinated stroke." His mouth brushed her shoulder. Her skin was so alive she felt his caress through her shirt as though she wasn't wearing one. "A gentle, coordinated stroke," he echoed. "N-no jabbing." His arms closed around her. "Wouldn't think of it." 76

Janet Elizabeth Jones His hands closed over hers on the cue stick and gave a subtle squeeze. Her voice stuck in her throat and came out as a moan. "Of course…there are times when strength can be useful…." "And when is that?" he whispered. "Please, tell me." His mouth closed over her right earlobe, and for a moment, she couldn't put two words together to save her life. "When you break the balls." He recoiled with a painful chuckle. "There's bound to be another way to put that." "Serves you right." She gave him a shove with her shoulder. "Stand over there out of the way so I can ask you some questions." He retreated to the periphery of her vision with a grin. Talisen aimed again. "What's in the cellar fridge?" "Twenty-eight units of whole blood." The tip of her stick skimmed the top of the cue ball and skidded along the felt of the tabletop. She jerked around and stared at him. "Blood? For what?" "To treat a condition I have.” Talisen clenched her cue stick until her fingers ached. Okay, this was when he was going to tell her he was dying of an incurable disease and had a month and a half to live. Her throat ached. "It must be pretty serious." Ellory took his turn and sank the five-ball. "Can be." But he looked so robust. "I didn't know you could just get blood and keep it around like that." "It's not that hard, really. I visit the local blood-bank every month, and a very nice man named Roger gives it to me." He added with an edge in his voice that made her realize he wasn't kidding, "Because I want it." She swallowed. "What kind of condition is it?" "The same kind my children have." He bent to take aim. "Except for Shelby and Sean. They're…like you." How could they all have the same disease? Was that why Ellory had adopted these particular children? It sounded like a late-night tearjerker. "Is it contagious?" He gave a harsh laugh, stalking to the other side of the table to study his shot. "Only if we choose to make it so." 77

Revenant Weirdness again. It reared its spiny head and left her feeling prickly all over. She watched Ellory's three-ball creep slowly toward a side pocket, tremble on the edge, and fall still at the very mouth of the abyss. When he looked at her, his eyes were a shade darker than a moment ago. No humor whatsoever. "Your turn." She looked down at the table, but hardly saw it. She chose her shot randomly, didn't aim, and missed. "So, you're sick?" "No." He sent his two-ball slicking across the table into the side pocket. "We're never sick." Talisen caught her lower lip in her teeth. They eyed each other across the pool table. "Then what's the blood for?" Ellory laid aside his cue stick, came around to her, took hers from her hands and set it on the pool table. He pulled her into his embrace, his voice gentle and reasonable, as though she were Shelby's age. "When I tell you, you'll wish I hadn't. And the last thing in the world you'll want to give me is the one thing I have to have from you. Right now." Talisen's mouth was parched, the rest of her clammy. "What do you need from me?" "Your absolute trust. I haven't been honest with you." Here it comes. He's going to tell me he's married. Of course. He is married, but his wife is on vacation and— "I told you I didn't know much about Benedikt," he went on. "In truth, I can tell you everything you want to know about him. Everything he loved, everything he dreamed, everything he wanted in life, even his simplest pleasures, down to his favorite time of the day." His face flushed a deep crimson, and his eyes blazed. "Morning." She blinked, holding her breath. How could he possibly know that? Her skin prickled with goose bumps all the way to her curling toes. And then she realized what he was trying to say. It took a second for relief to flood her body for having hit on the only logical explanation for why Ellory would know such personal details about the Captain. She grinned up at him. "Oh, I get it. You've got more logbooks, right? But you didn't want to tell me until you knew you could trust me with them? No problem. You're forgiven. Now, let me get my notebook." He shook his head. "No, this is between you and me. I'm going to give you my darkest secret, and you're going to give me something equally precious in return. A bargain. Understand? You can't share it with others. You won't want to. It'll challenge everything you believe in." 78

Janet Elizabeth Jones "I hate to burst your bubble, Ellory, but if you're going to tell me the Captain was abducted by aliens, there are two aunts and five cousins who are way ahead of you on that one." "He was abducted, to be sure." Abducted? Really and truly abducted? Talisen's heart thudded hard. She knew without doubt, felt it in her soul, that Ellory was telling the truth. Her curiosity grew teeth and wouldn't let go. Finally. The fate of her Captain. Was she ready to know? It was like knowing the end of a story she had hoped would somehow never end. No end to his story. No end to him. Pressing her face into Ellory's flannel shirt, she breathed in the scent of earth and sea, of clean, warm flesh beneath the softness. "And I can't write about it? What about the family history? That's for Grandma." Ellory rested his chin on top of her head. "I think she's privy to greater truths now than the fate of a single sea captain, don't you? However, you may write that…Captain Arthur Ellory Benedikt was killed by an unknown attacker on his wedding night." Killed by an unknown attacker? Murdered. The force of Talisen's sorrow took her by surprise. It went deeper than the grief she'd felt for Grandma. This encompassed her soul. Tears stung her eyes, tears for the injustice of it. "Talisen, please don't cry. I'm sorry I can't let you write about it." She shook her head. How could she explain? Her Captain had never seemed a mere mortal man. Till now. "Why did it happen like that? He didn't deserve it." Ellory tightened his embrace. She felt his heart pounding against her own. She looked up to find him—smiling? "Ellory Benedikt, how can you stand there grinning at me when I'm— " "Can't say. Not yet. Tell me what you've decided." "First tell me what you get out of this bargain of yours." His eyes gleamed with such tenderness that it hurt to look at him. "You.” She smiled slowly. "You have a wicked line, buster." He shook his head. "You'll find my demands unusual." "And that's supposed to scare me?" His smile faded. "Oh, yes." "Out with it, then." 79

Revenant He pulled her close again. She felt his arms tremble. The world seemed to stand still. Ellory breathed the words, as though shedding a burden he had carried forever. "Captain Benedikt was attacked on his wedding night…by a vampiress. He died, and yet, he didn't. He still exists, Talisen. You've found him." The jumble of nonsense penetrated the scalding fog of Talisen's frustration, leaving stark disappointment in its wake. She was so angry, no words would come. She planted both her hands against him and backed out of his embrace. The pool table halted her retreat. "That doesn't even dignify a response from me. I expected better of you, Ellory." He gave her a bitter, despairing smile. "You haven't seen my evidence, yet." She raised her hands. "Oh, by all means, prove it to me. You're Captain Arthur Ellory Benedikt, a man who's been dead for nearly three hundred years, formerly one of the best people who ever walked the earth, now a vampire. Yeah, right! I—" Ellory caught her wrists and brought her fisted hands to his mouth. His tongue stroked across her knuckles. There was power in the touch of his mouth and the gleam in his eyes. Talisen's body flushed hot, pulsing to life, and she shuddered before she could help it. "Don't…." "But I promised you proof of what I am." Ellory relinquished one hand to concentrate on the other. His mouth coaxed her to unfold her clenched fingers, creating bedlam inside of her. "Besides, we haven't finished our game yet. Is it my turn or yours? No matter. Let's see. Two in the side." She felt the force of the ball's movement vibrating through her spine as it skidded across the table and slammed into the pocket. He'd done that without looking. He ran his tongue up the inside of her left arm. When he nipped the inside of her elbow, she moaned. "Your nine ball," he whispered, "left corner. Oh, bother that, let's just get rid of them all, shall we?" They catapulted in all directions. She heard them hit the pockets like bullets. "S-stop," she murmured. "But there's the eight-ball left. Would you like to call the pocket, or shall I?" 80

Janet Elizabeth Jones "This is crazy." "I know. I'm not playing by the rules of the game, but there's no harm in being demonstrative to make a point. Eight in the side pocket." She heard the click of the cue ball strike its target gently and felt the eight-ball nestle into the pocket directly behind her backside. "I win," Ellory whispered. His mouth hovered over the tender vein in the crook of her arm, sucking and stroking. He put an arm around her waist to pull her closer. She felt his need in the slow grind of his hips against hers. She was lost. Hopelessly, utterly lost in the erotic images that raced through her mind. She didn't want him to stop, even when she felt his fangs emerge. Instead of cold fear, desire jolted her body into a response she wasn't prepared for, and she shook against him. He couldn't be human. Nothing human could make someone's body feel like hers did right now. Ellory lifted his head and gave her a deliberate, brilliant smile. Her breath caught in her throat. His fangs were easily half an inch long. Sharp. White. Glistening. She stared in horrified fascination and lifted a finger to trace his perfect mouth. His fangs unsheathed another quarter-inch at her touch. He groaned softly, closing his eyes, trapping her finger between his tongue and the warm, moist roof of his mouth. Her breath rushed out of her. "Ellory…please…tell me you're just a harmless pervert with great dental implants." He released her wrist, planting a kiss on her palm, his eyes twinkling and glinting by turns. "Sorry." For a space of a breath, Talisen's eyes went blotchy, and she swayed against him. When she felt her head clear, she was sitting on the pool table, resting her head on his shoulder, and the floor seemed a million miles below her. All the things that didn't add up began to fall into place with shocking ease. She refused to think about any of it. She distilled it all into a grain of nothingness and chunked it into the void inside of her, where moments ago, the world had been a sane place. One thought refused to be banished. It turned her voice to a croak. "Unusual demands, Ellory?" She felt his hand caress the back of her head. "I wanted to give you more time." 81

Revenant A tremor invaded her that wouldn't stop. Her emotions ran together in a searing pool. Too many feelings to bear. "You had this planned from the start?" "From the moment I felt your presence on the beach. I can't explain it. I was called there, in that place, at that moment, to be with you. That much I'm sure of. You fill me with a warmth and solace I've never experienced with anyone. I haven't seen the sun in over two hundred years, Talisen, but being with you is like feeling the sun rise in my soul." His hand cupped her face and tipped her head back, so that her gaze met the balmy brown of his eyes. "You are so beautiful inside. All the admiration and love you've harbored for the man I was in my human life is too sweet and powerful for me to resist. Perhaps it has to do with your ancestry, our shared connection through Maddie's family. I only know that I can't let you walk out of my life and leave me in the dark again." She drew a ragged half-breath. "You can't…let me?" He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "This is when you have to trust me the most, Talisen. Doubt will cost you." Adrenaline poured into Talisen's body, pushing a weakness ahead of it through every muscle and joint. She let go of him and leaned back on the pool table, covering her face with her hands before looking up at him again. "I can't believe any of this, Ellory." His expression grew soulful. "You will. Something has happened that makes it imperative that I don't dawdle. After tonight, we'll be at our leisure again, and I promise you, I will make every effort to make you comfortable with me." "Comfortable?" she squeaked. She made to ease herself off the pool table. "I've had all I can take for one night." Ellory didn't move. His expression told her what he didn't need to put into words. He said it anyway. "Talisen, I have no choice. I've told you what I am. That could compromise others of my kind. They're within their right to bring a grievance against me, and they have. I have only tonight to make up for my neglect. If I don't show them I have you under my control, they will attack us to get to you. My children won't survive that." Her heart thundered in her head as they stared at each other. "Control?" He pushed a tendril of her hair away from her face, his eyes full of apology. "I have to drink from you. If any other vampire comes within ten feet of you, he will know I've marked you for my own." 82

Janet Elizabeth Jones Her hand went instinctively to her throat, to the place where he'd nipped her earlier in the evening. He shook his head. "Not that kind of a mark. Actually, I shouldn't have left that." She narrowed her eyes. "You wanted to do it then, didn't you? But you practically ran out of the room. Why?" He hung his head. "I was too hungry. I was afraid I would hurt you. I've fed well tonight. It will be safe for you now." Talisen blew out a harsh sigh that fetched his gaze to hers again. "Ellory, I think you'd better get yourself another girl to play this game with. It's just too weird for me." "Talisen, I swear, you can trust me. After we've done this, I'll be able to protect you and be near you in a way I can't right now. Your life depends on that." She glared at him. "Get out of my way." Like a door swinging shut, his face became impassive, but for the plea in his eyes. "If you leave this house, they'll find you. You'll be dead before morning." Icy fear unwound in her middle. She ignored it. "Move." He took a step back from her. "When you've had enough, speak my name inside your mind. I won't come for you, until you call me." Talisen sensed the cool assurance in his words that her life was in danger. She felt it to her soul. But she wouldn't believe it. Hopping down from the pool table, she strode to the door. "I'll come back for my things tomorrow. I don't know about doing the portraits. I'll have to think about that." She was out of the room in seconds, barreling down the stairs. She darted into her room to get her keys and purse and hurried downstairs. She could hear Ellory descending slowly behind her. She had to get out of this house. She slid to a halt at the front door when the Benedikt children padded out of the den. She rounded on her heel to look at them, refusing to think of them as anything but teenagers. Human beings. But they returned her gaze with glistening, knowing eyes. Their beautiful, unblemished, expressionless faces, their exquisite grace, so like Ellory's, made too much sense to her now. Ellory came down and paused at the foot of the stairs, his eyes pleading. 83

Revenant Sean was the only one who looked puzzled. Then he just looked sad. For the first time, she saw the physical differences between Sean and his "siblings," but she just couldn't, wouldn't believe. With one more look at Ellory, feeling as though she were leaving her heart behind, she turned and yanked open the door. Ahead of her lay night, fresh air, and freedom. She resisted the urge to slam the door behind her. She didn't want to wake Shelby. **** Ellory was shimmering out of sight before the door closed. Georgina sprang to his side. "Wait, Ellory, there's something Jenny and I must tell you." He materialized. "What is it? Quickly." Georgina's porcelain face went a shade whiter. She held out a hand to Jenny, who joined her. "I've felt him. It's Dylan. He's close. I remember how his presence felt before, when he killed our first family. If you go out there, he'll find you. I should've told you before now. I'm sorry. Jenny feels him, too." Jenny nodded. "He's tried to speak to me. I recognize his voice. I didn't know he was an old enemy of yours. I've jeopardized you all by being here." Ellory hugged them close, shaking his head. "I know he's near. Have known. But, Jenny, you must not answer him. Use the strength of your brothers and sisters to stay centered, or he'll use you to get to us." Jenny put her hand to her head and moaned. "But he's so strong inside my mind." "Ellory," said Christophe, "if he takes control of her, our safeguards will be useless. It will be as though Dylan is among us, here in our very house. He knows we'd never risk hurting her to fight him." Ellory nodded. He ran a hand over Jenny's silken head. "We need to put you to sleep, so far under that Dylan can't reach you. But I am too connected to Dylan by my hate to do it. He'll eventually trace my compulsion and break through it. We need someone who is as powerful as I am, but not as connected to Dylan emotionally. Meical is skilled at this, Jenny." Jenny recoiled. "No." 84

Janet Elizabeth Jones An aberration glimmered at Ellory's side, and Meical appeared. "Ellory, an execution party has been dispatched. They're tracking her, even as we speak." Ellory looked down at Jenny, begging for her trust. She shook her head, her eyes wide. "Only you." Meical took a step toward Jenny, but halted when she glided into Sean's arms. Ellory had to admire his friend's adroitness. Meical's strong suit was a smooth and elegant breed of coercion that none could resist. He did nothing but stand there, returning Jenny's gaze, as though no communication passed between them. But Jenny relaxed. A moment went by, and Meical quirked a brow. He held out his hand. That was all. Jenny reached for him, let him pull her closer, sighed once, and let her eyes close. Seconds before she slumped against him, he bent and caught her up in his arms. "And sleep sweetly," he drawled. He handed her over to Sean. "There you are, boy. Your Sleeping Beauty will need plenty of blankets when you wake her." Sean's mouth gaped. "When I wake her? I thought since you're the one who put her under, you have to wake her up." Meical shrugged. "After she trusted me enough to let me pack her off to the sandman, it hardly seems considerate to let her wake to see me ogling her." He added with a scurrilous grin, "She'll wake to you and you alone.” Ellory gave Meical an appreciative smile. They vanished together, binding the door closed behind them with a spell that would strike a stranger dead. Ellory heard Talisen's frantic heartbeat in the night. Her thoughts were chaos. Disbelief had driven her into defiance. Even now, she refused to speak his name. He picked up the sound of six other heartbeats close behind her. Dark hearts. The execution party. He knew each of them. The borders of their domains touched his own. He launched himself into the air, with Meical following like a shadow, and skimmed over the countryside, tracking the sound of Talisen's heart. Picking up speed, he willed himself to become mere particles that moved through the damp air like a cyclone. He had felt this same pall of panic long ago, rushing to save his loved ones, those who could not be saved. But no one would take Talisen from him. 85

Revenant He roared, clenched his teeth, and became a streak in the night sky. Thunder broke the stillness that blanketed the forest. A storm at sea swept inland. Lightning lit the world in sporadic silver-white, and then died, leaving only darkness again. The rain hit just as he heard Talisen's frantic thoughts scream through his mind, then scatter. The death squad had found her. **** Talisen floored the accelerator. The camper groaned and growled. She ignored it. The windshield wipers worked like mad to peel the sheets of rain away. Splat, screech, splat, screech, splat, screech. Her mind dulled. The steering wheel felt like rubber. She just drove. Moments later, she blinked and looked around her. What road was she on? She cast a glance out the window. Woods and more woods. No headlights ahead or behind her. There was bound to be a place to turn around. She locked her gaze on the road, peering through the slobbery windshield. A buzz in her ears bit at her concentration. An image filled her mind. A quiet place in the forest. Remote. Still. Its peace beckoned, even as it repelled her. Terrified her. She shook her head. No, turn back. Back to town. Back to people. Go back. She let up on the accelerator. Pain splintered through her head, causing her to jerk the wheel hard. The camper's tires screeched and fishtailed on the wet pavement. She screamed, slamming both feet on the brake and clawing at the steering wheel. The forest yawned in front of her, stunning white in the lightning. The thunder rumbled just as she threw her arms up to brace herself for collision. The camper stopped. Her body kept going. The seatbelt bit into her and slung her back into her seat. Seconds passed. She hadn't run into anything. She'd just stopped. She exhaled and opened her eyes. The camper was dead. The lightning creased the dark. Talisen looked up. Movement. Someone was out there. The rivulets of rain on the windshield made the figures dance and vacillate like monsters. And they were approaching her. Darkness again. 86

Janet Elizabeth Jones Talisen slapped the lock down on both doors and twisted the key in the ignition. The engine gurgled, choked. "Come on, come on. You can't do this to me. Not now!" The sky brightened again, silver-white. They were there, six of them, closing around the camper. One sidled around to her side. Talisen jerked the key hard, bruising her fingers. Gurgle. Choke. Darkness. The door on the driver's side exploded off its hinges. Talisen's scream was lost in the rumble of thunder that followed. The lightning flashed. A long, pale hand closed over the seatbelt. It snapped like thread. She threw herself to the other side of the seat and kicked at the thing, crying. He caught her flying heels and slid her out of the camper, setting her on her feet before she slithered into the wet road. She pushed her soppy hair out of her eyes and looked around at them, stunned. Death dressed in jeans, windbreakers and sneakers. Their faces shone with pallid brightness. Beautiful faces. Glittering eyes. Hungry eyes. The one who held her shoved a lock of rain-drenched gray hair out of his face. When he flashed his fangs in a sudden smile, she knew what he was, knew he was real. She leaped away. The wrench to her hair made her neck pop. She saw her feet fly up in the air ahead of her and clenched her teeth. Still she struggled. The vampire shook her until her eyes bulged, then caught her close. His mouth moved against her ear. "Escape is impossible. You do yourself harm with this senseless wiggling." "We should take her farther out of town, Blazek." She couldn't tell which one of them spoke. All she could see was a blotchy version of trees and sky. "That won't be necessary," answered the vampire who held her. "We'll go deeper into the forest." The world fell away from her feet. Talisen squirmed against the sickening weightlessness, while the night wind caught her breath away and the woodland around her flew past her at a dizzying speed. She was dropped into a puddle in a clearing and caught before she could run. The gray-haired vampire, the one they called Blazek, shoved her backward against a pine. The bark bit into her back, and she yelped. 87

Revenant He was on her in an instant, saying over his shoulder, "When we're finished here, we'll return her to her car. She had an accident. Agreed?" Murmurs of assent echoed around her. An accident? Her gorge rose. Perfect, deadly face above her. She opened her mouth to scream again. His hand closed around her trachea just enough to silence her, turning her cry to a cough. His voice mesmerized, the sound of pure reason. "Benedikt has revealed our nature to you, and that is something humans cannot be made privy to, unless they be guided most carefully. In his effort to protect you from what he is, he has killed you. Take that knowledge with you, where you go." Grandma…are you waiting for me? Please, be waiting for me. I can't do this by myself. "I can make this unbelievably difficult for you. You have no idea. Yield, and I will send you gently from this life. It's your choice." She clawed at his arm, but couldn't feel it. Her hands were numb, her legs shaking. She buckled against him. Hot breath fanned her cheek, reeking of a familiar fleshy odor. She'd smelled it tonight, when Jenny was ill. Blood. His mouth brushed her forehead. Death-cold lips, not warm like Ellory's. He ran a hand through her drenched hair and pulled her head back to bare her throat. Benedikt has revealed our nature to you…. Why hadn't she listened to Ellory? In his effort to protect you from what he is…. She believed now, but too late. She was far from safety. No way could he find her. She couldn't see through her tears. Please…not like this…not when I can't see…. The demonic face above her swirled and spun into a hundred dancing death masks. His head dipped. She felt his mouth open luxuriously against her throat. Her silent scream exploded from her soul. ELLORY! A bolt of lightning slammed the earth less than a hundred paces away, blinding her. Its loud companion bellowed and crawled inside her roaring head. She looked around her, seeing through spots. The vampires clasped their hands to their eyes and wailed, but then closed ranks around her again.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones Blazek's body pressed the air out of her, and she ground her shoulder blades against the pine in an effort to squirm away. Bile gurgled up from her stomach when his icy, soft lips touched her throat again. A cry of pain stunned her. Hers? No. Blazek leaped away, gray hair flying, clasping his mouth with both hands, his eyes wide as he stared at her. When he dropped his hands, his mouth was blistered and bleeding. The bowing, bucking trees glowed golden-red. Two tongues of fire erupted from opposite sides of the clearing, splitting into six tributaries of death. The six vampires leaped heavenward. Two exploded like Roman Candles, raining burning flesh that sizzled when it hit the wet earth. Talisen felt herself scream, but the roar in her head, the wind, and the thunder made the sound seem far away. Her attackers gnashed their teeth and growled, hovering a foot off the ground, poised for flight. Blazek spun in a circle. "Benedikt! Show yourself!" "Look, Meical, it's a neighborhood block party, and we weren't invited. We're part of the neighborhood, aren't we? And here they are, using my prey for their entertainment." The relief Talisen felt at the sound of his voice stole away the last of her strength. Her knees buckled, and she sobbed his name aloud. Blazek slung her into an icy puddle. She lifted her head to look for Ellory. Two figures approached. She recognized the set of Ellory's shoulders, his stealthy pace. She drank him in. Then she saw his eyes glow feral red, ablaze with killing rage. He glided closer. The air heated, turning the rain steamy. The storm intensified. Trees bent and whipped like dancers. Lightning speared the earth again a few yards away, setting a spruce on fire. It lit the clearing like a giant torch. Her mouth went dry. Ellory curled his lips and bared his fangs at Blazek like a demon. Blazek's voice shook. "Fraternizing with humans without taking the necessary precautions carries a cost." Ellory's voice purred with menace. "Impetuous me.” He and his blond companion halted twelve feet away from Talisen. Why didn't he look at her? Why didn't he speak to her? Just one glance from him was all she wanted—something to make him seem himself. Blazek roared his defiance, and she clapped her hands to her ears. "We are in my domain, Benedikt. I decide matters of law here. Not even 89

Revenant Freya will interfere. She solicited our tolerance for this night only. You shouldn't have allowed this human to leave your protection, once you told her what you are." There was no mercy in Ellory's voice. Only retribution. "You're somewhat premature, I think. Sunrise is still four hours away. Obviously, none of you have a taste for aesthetics. Have you never played with your prey before you run her to ground? It's the most unforgivable fun. Eh, Meical?" Ellory's companion snorted. "They have no idea of the joys they're missing." "It's a fault of my nature that I delight in such games." Ellory took a step closer. "It's beneath me, I know, but I can't resist the look in their eyes when they realize escape is impossible. And, after all, I had plenty of time before Freya's dispensation ran out. Still do." Was this what Ellory really was? A monster? She hid her face in her hands and cried. A fleeting caress of her left ear arrested her breath. A hand brushed the top of her head. She jerked her head up to look. No. She'd only imagined it. Ellory was too far away from her to touch her, had not even glanced her way. And yet…. Her heart pounded in her head. The wind blew warm and dry against her skin. The rain above her parted like the Red Sea to fall without touching her. Another bolt of lightning slammed the forest floor, shaking her out of her daze. Ellory's voice reverberated through the clearing, bounced off the trees, plummeted to the earth with the rain, swept through her brain like a fever. "Relinquish what is mine, Blazek." One of Blazek's companions drew nearer. He sounded uneasy. "He does have until sunrise. Dylan will understand if we let her go." Ellory laughed. "I'd be very careful about the advice Dylan gives you where I'm concerned." Blazek floated backward, loomed over Talisen, turned and looked down at her with a smile that made her queasy. He dipped to run his knuckles over her cheek. There was dried blood under his fingernails. His hand stank like his breath did. Her stomach rolled and pitched at the thought of smelling blood on Ellory's breath, his hands, his clothes. The thought of it was the last straw. Her mind closed down. She felt it happening and embraced it. She didn't want to feel anymore. Didn't want to think. 90

Janet Elizabeth Jones Ellory growled a warning at Blazek. The white-haired vampire backed off, his companions in tow. Ellory filled her vision. The burning tree illuminated him in golden red. He was so beautiful. So wild. His wet shirt displayed every inch of his muscled torso. Wind-whipped hair clung to his inscrutable face. He was here. Just as he’d promised her. When he held out his hand, she crawled into his embrace as though he had the power to move heaven and earth.

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Chapter Seven Ellory picked her up and rose into the air, straight up like an elevator that moved too fast. Talisen's stomach lurched to see the ground fall away, and she clutched at him, but she was shaking too hard to cry out. They were…flying…. She was flying. Nestling into the shelter of his big body, she hid her face in his shirt. She didn't look up until he landed on the ground. It felt like jumping out of a tree. Ahead of them the front door of the summer house swung open, and they seemed to glide up the walk. Ellory sounded weary. "My thanks, Meical." "You're welcome. And don't worry. I'll watch your back tonight." Talisen squeezed his arm, her eyes fixed on the fourth button of his shirt. "Wait. I should thank your friend, too." He turned so that she faced his companion. She held out her hand. The man came just near enough to catch her fingertips in his. There was no mockery in his face now. He bowed over her hand like someone out of a Jane Austen novel. "Ms. Davies, I find it scandalous that we haven't been properly introduced. Meical Grabian." She squeezed Grabian's cool, strong fingers. "Thank you for helping Ellory tonight." His gaze met Ellory's and slanted away. "The pleasure was entirely mine, madam. I owe him much." He dropped her hand and strode into the shadowy garden. The house was dark and deserted inside. Had the others gone down into the cellar? 92

Janet Elizabeth Jones Ellory carried her up the stairs. His voice was calm, as though they'd been out for a stroll and gotten caught in the rain. "A bath would warm you up." She still couldn't look at him, but she felt his gaze on her. She drew a deep breath and exhaled with a tremble, shaking her head. "I just want to get it over with." In her room, he set her down in the chair by the fireplace. One minute the room was dark and chilly; the next, it was lit and warmed by a blaze in her hearth. Not like the fire he'd wielded against Blazek. Maybe he was a demon. She stared at the flame, dazed and shivering. Ellory ran a hand over the crown of her head. "Get ready for bed, Talisen." He scarcely made a sound as he left her room, only the soft click of the door closing. She sat in the golden glow of the fire and stared at the wall. She knew without asking that what he was going to do to her would change her. She tried not to think about that while she undressed. Her fingers shook as she put on the sleep-shirt and socks she'd laid on her bed earlier. She clutched at her ring on the chain around her neck, grasping at thoughts of Grandma. The ring had made her feel safe in her darkest hour. Not this time. Because it had once belonged to Captain Ellory Benedikt. It had come from him. Talisen teetered between disbelief and hysteria at the thought of it. It drove the strength from her limbs and doused her in numbing apathy. In one way or another, Ellory had always been there in her life, in the back of her heart and mind. Maybe she did belong to him, in a sense. She slipped the chain off and watched the firelight glint off the silver band, the last link to her childhood. She wanted it safe and secret and uncontaminated by all of this, like the memories of her life with Grandma. Crossing the room to the dresser, she opened her jewelry box and laid the ring inside. When she closed the lid, it made a soft thumping sound that echoed all the way to her soul. Like a door closing on a part of her she would never see again. She turned from the dresser. The darkest corner of her room beckoned to her. She padded into the shadows and sank into the floor, pulling her knees up close to her chin. The cold wall made her wince. Stupid scratches from the pine Blazek had shoved her against. Miserable, Talisen settled back against the wall, unable to sit up without support. 93

Revenant She could run away again, but the thought of being caught once more by those ghouls terrified her as nothing had ever done. If not for Ellory, she'd be dead. The apathy deepened. She let it come. Nothing mattered. She could dissolve and feel nothing. Absolutely nothing. A soft footfall made her look up. Ellory slipped into the room and pulled the door closed, slinging a towel over his shoulder. The firelight etched his face in warm orange and hugged the contours of his powerful body. He took her hairbrush from the dresser and tapped the back of the chair at the fire. His voice was so companionable, as though it were perfectly normal to find her huddling in a corner. "Come to the fire. I'll dry your hair for you." When she hesitated, his eyes sparked at her, and she found herself blanketed in his gentleness, felt it close over her, squeezing past the apathy she was clinging to so desperately. He exuded comfort she couldn't resist. She found herself on her feet, approaching him, sinking into the chair. Caught without a sound. Ellory draped the towel around her head and massaged her hair with firm, tousling strokes. She closed her eyes, but the apathy had deserted her. She felt every gentling move of his hands. More vampire magic. Moments passed that she measured in breaths. The towel was laid aside. She felt him pull her brush through her hair with long, slow strokes. The warmth of the fire at her feet stole into her flesh and bones. Her breath came a little easier. Her trembling lessened. But all her senses were acutely awake. "When I was a boy, my most memorable summer was the one I spent at my aunt and uncle's dairy in Massachusetts." He gave a leisurely laugh. "I had thirteen cousins, most of them boys. The girls were all petticoats and pure mystery." Images rose and fell in her mind of a ruddy-faced, brown-eyed boy tumbling in a pile of grubby arms and legs. He emerged with a black eye and bloodied nose, fists flying. Talisen closed her eyes, stunned. The vision went on. It burst to life and drew her in. She smelled the hay and cattle, heard the shouts of the young wrestlers, felt the soil under her feet. If Ellory was capable of this, what couldn't he do? The power of it overwhelmed and calmed her at the same time. It brought her face to 94

Janet Elizabeth Jones face with the fact that his eyes had seen three hundred years of history come and go. Her Captain. Ellory laughed again. "At milking time, my cousins took mean delight in leaving me the honor of milking the lead heifer, a formidable girl by the name of Old Sally. Meanest creature on God's green earth. Not a welcome sight at four in the morning, I can tell you. She'd stand there bawling to be milked, but the minute I'd get close enough with my pail and stool, she'd kick me hard enough to jar my teeth." She saw it happen, like a video playing on the back of her eyelids. A brawny boy picked himself up from the hay, cursing as he approached the brown-and-white cow again. She recognized the formidable frown on his face, his fiery black-brown eyes. She heard the laughter of his cousins as they paused at their milking to watch. She smiled before she could help it. That was when she realized what Ellory was doing. These were the memories of his human life, the life of her Captain. He was trying to quell her fears by touching the human element they shared, separated though it was by the tide of time. He chuckled again. "I have Old Sal to thank for my decision to become a sailor, instead of a farmer." Talisen couldn't resist asking. "Did you ever manage to milk her?” "Yes. I hobbled her until she daren't so much as switch her tail at me." He ran the brush over the back of her scalp slowly. His free hand followed in its wake. "She found I had a gentle touch, and that ended our misunderstanding." She heard the click of the brush being set aside on the dresser. Ellory bent over her chair and wrapped his arms around her. It shouldn't feel this good to be held by him. Not now, not when she knew what he was and what he was about to do to her. Talisen stiffened. "I have some questions." He straightened to massage her shoulders. "Sure." His hands were firm. He found every achy-shaky place where her muscles were tensing. She sighed. "I understand about the blood in the fridge now, and the fact that I've never seen you eat. And you all sleep in the cellar because of sunlight?" "Yes." The pads of his thumbs rubbed up and down the base of her neck, and she put her head forward, feeling lethargy steal over her. "And 95

Revenant Jenny got sick on a hamburger, because hamburgers aren't part of the food chain." "Right." "So, she's not your foster child at all." "Actually, she is. She was a human runaway. She wound up in the company of my worst enemy. He turned her into one of us. I rescued and adopted her." She looked up at him. "Why do you do that?" "Adopt fledglings? I don't know. I always have. I had another family before this one." "What happened to them?" His voice deepened, razor-sharp. "Dylan happened to them." Talisen winced when Ellory's fingers brushed over the scratches on her shoulder blades. He lifted her shirt. "Why didn't you tell me about this?" She scowled. "Seeing as how you're going to bite my neck and drink my blood, a few scratches kind of pale in comparison." With a sad sigh, he brought her to her feet and turned her so that her back was to the fire. When he lifted her shirt higher, she grabbed at it. "Ellory, what are you doing?" "Be still." A second passed. No more. She felt his warm, wet tongue against her tender skin. Her heart catapulted into her throat. Her knees shook. A subtle vibration rose along the path his tongue made, darting lower. "Hey, what's going on?" She heard him drop to his knees behind her, felt his hands on her waist. "Our saliva heals. Better than antiseptics and a lot more fun." It didn't make sense. She didn't care. It felt divine. The tension in her body gravitated to her pelvic muscles. She felt like an ice cream cone. Double Dutch chocolate with vanilla swirls. "Hold the chocolate," he murmured against her skin. "Make mine Very Berry Red." "You are a wicked man, but I'm going to make a fortune selling your spit." He laughed, his tongue lingering on the last of the scratches with long, lazy lapping motions. She was almost sorry when he drew her shirt down to cover her again. Her body tingled, like after a long, hot shower.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones Ellory came around to face her, his eyes glinting in the soft light. There was as much tenderness in them as resolve, but it was the resolve that left her weak all over. He didn't have to say it. It was time. She shuddered like a leaf clinging to its stem in a gale and suddenly felt a need to stare at the floor. She'd had dog bites. How much worse than that could it be? Maybe if she didn't look. She closed her eyes hard. She felt him slip around her to sit down in the chair, felt his hand curl around her arm. He drew her down into his lap, pulling her legs up close to her, and nuzzled her face. "We can do this one of three ways. I can put you to sleep first, and you'll feel nothing. I can put you into a trance, and you'll feel very little. Or I can leave you aware of what's happening, and I promise you, it will be different from what you're expecting. I leave it to you to decide." It had to be a vampire thing, this propensity for sounding utterly rational while contemplating hurting someone. Options? She hadn't expected that. A bitter laugh bubbled beneath the surface of her trepidation, but the sound that actually emerged from her mouth was a moan of desperation. Ellory pulled her closer. Option one offered oblivion, but it seemed more frightening not to know what was happening to her in her sleep. What if she never woke up? Option two sounded like something she'd felt tonight already. She didn't want to be half-aware, expecting the blow, but not knowing when it would come. Option three. There'd be no surprises, but nothing to ease her fears, either. Don't count on that, he whispered inside her mind. She rubbed her temples with shaky hands. "Stop reading my mind. It feels weird." "Now you're not being honest." Talisen steeled herself. "I don't want to be asleep or dazed-out and not know what's going on." His mouth feathered along her cheek. "Do you have any idea how much I care for you?" She turned and stared at him. "You're telling me this now? Bad timing, buster." "I don't think so." She looked away. He cared for her? Tears stung her eyes. A few hours ago she'd have thrown her arms around him and covered him with 97

Revenant kisses to hear it. She forced the wobble out of her voice. "Let's just stick to one thing at a time, shall we? What's this going to do to me?" "You'll be able to speak to me inside your mind, the way I speak to you." She pushed her hair out of her eyes. "How?" "When I drink from you, it will create a bond between us." She met his gaze. "A bond or a chain?" He flashed her a smile. The firelight glinted on his long, sharp canines. "A mutual understanding. I will know where you are, who you're with and what you're doing. You will know that I know. You will find it—uhmmm—difficult not to see things my way. And you will need to be near me." She glowered at him. "Where's the mutual part in that? It's not like that with everyone you bite, is it?" "Why? Jealous?" She jabbed his chest with her elbow. "You wish." "When I feed, I erase the memory of the experience from the mind of my prey. No memory, no bond. And the bond I have with my fledglings is different also. Between you and me, it will be—almost—a oneness." "Almost?" She concentrated on breathing before uttering her next words. "Then you're not planning for us to…uhm…." He shook his head. "One 'first' at a time. I expect only sustenance from you. For now.” Talisen allowed herself to think about what he meant only long enough to feel relieved. Contrary to a few hours ago, she couldn't begin to contemplate making love with him now. She'd seen enough tonight to convince her of two things: she was powerless, and Ellory was capable of dispensing with the laws of physics. What sort of challenge would her protests present to him? No, she'd have to rely on her wits. He'd have what he wanted from her this once, but never again. She was going to get herself out of this. Somehow. She felt a sigh leave his body, and he cupped her chin and tipped her face back so that her head rested on his arm. The instant his mouth met hers, her desire locked arms with her fear until it took her breath away. His hand slipped down to her neck. His thumb rode her pulse for a moment. She felt his sudden response underneath her, hard and hot through his jeans, and lost herself in the feel of his mouth as it meandered down her throat. Try as she might to cling to her defiance, it 98

Janet Elizabeth Jones ebbed away in the onslaught of sheer pleasure. Just his kiss could do that. The feel of his mouth on her flesh…magic in his mouth…. The roar in her head was too loud for her to hear her own gasping breaths. She closed her eyes. Red-black darkness swallowed her. When had the room gotten so hot? She broke out in a sweat that left her chilly and weak. "Ohhhh, I feel like I'm falling." "Don't be afraid, Talisen. I've got you." "Th-that's what I'm a-afraid of, y-you jerk." Even the sound of his soft laugh turned her on. She felt his hand slip down to her stomach to make soothing circles there. Warmth and relaxation emanated from his touch. Her quivering middle relaxed to a familiar throb. He traced her ear with his tongue while he slid his hand under her shirt to span her bare abdomen. His teeth teased her throat. His hand glided lower. She arched into his caress even as she drew her legs up to block it. "Jjust bite me and let that be it, okay?" He kneaded her belly. "I want this to be perfect for you. Let me show you. Just a taste. No more." She couldn't catch her breath long enough to answer him. His voice whispered through her mind, urging her to unfold. Where was her will? Gone. Evaporated in the heat somewhere. The moment she let her legs go slack, he slipped an arm under her knee so her leg dangled over the crook of his elbow, parting her. He passed his hand over her abdomen again, caressing his way beneath the waistband of her panties. When he touched her, their gasps mingled. Talisen's body clenched and quivered as his hand settled into a slow, enticing rhythm. She turned her head away, but he shouldered her face toward his and nipped along the base of her throat. "Relax for me, Talisen." Relax? With her body screaming? She let herself go limp and felt the pleasure melt her right into his hand, turning her slick and warm. He groaned softly, his fingers gliding now. "Oh, yes…." He opened his mouth on her throat. The delicious spasm mounted inside of her. A low moan whooshed out of her. He wouldn't leave her aching this time.

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Revenant She caught his murmur in her mind, something about a dance for him alone. The pleasure intensified until she wanted to squirm, but the only movement she seemed capable of was to follow his hand with her hips. His fangs slid over her jugular, followed by his tongue, and then his fangs again. She teetered closer to the edge. Light and dark, red and black. She rode an icy flame. The gathering sensation transcended anything she'd ever experienced. Until she felt his canines pierce her. Monstrous pleasure. Unbearable. Soft cries sprang from her mouth with every breath she took, cries she could scarcely believe were her own. His nuzzling mouth fed the sensation that ripened in the bead of flesh beneath his fingers. She felt her life's blood flow into him, her light and warmth spread through his darkness, and saw herself through his eyes. The devotion in him was her undoing. He slowed his caress, drinking her down. She whimpered, dancing around a ring of light just out of her reach. His hand slowed to a tantalizing circle that eased her toward the blinding precipice. Vampire. The word rang through her mind. How could she trust him? She shook her head, backpedaling against the current that rushed her forward. There can be no walls between us, Talisen. Let me in. "N-no!" His caress became a slow-motion flexing of one finger. She gasped as he dangled her just within reach of sheer madness. Trust me. Accept me. Vampire. She shook her head furiously, clinging to the last of her selfpreservation. She felt a pull at her throat, followed by the firm caress of his tongue, and gasped. The pain was gone. He nudged her head back and took her mouth in a long kiss, moving his hand with a deft rhythm. No more teasing. Come for me. Just let go. You're all right…my sweet, sweet girl…. Tears of need streamed down her face as he eased her over the edge into free-fall. The pleasure rippled, spreading weakness, pure joy. Her body convulsed, devoured by it. Yessss, Talisen…let it take you…. His name erupted in her soul, from her mouth, barely silenced by his kiss. She sobbed in the throes of rewarding release while he whispered to her. 100

Janet Elizabeth Jones The world rocked. Slowed to an undulation. To a vibration. Then fell still. The roar in her head became the hush in the room. Resting against him, she rose and fell with each breath he took, languid and warm and quivering at his touch while he palmed her gently. She opened her eyes to see his hand emerge from her panties, gleaming wet in the firelight. She stared, awed by the experience, until she couldn't hold her head up anymore and had to lie back against him again. So dizzy and weak…. Just like she felt sometimes after giving blood. He laughed softly, evidently having read her thoughts again, and rotated his hips underneath her so she felt how hard he was. "I'll help you muddle through somehow." She groaned at the feel of him, tantalized by thoughts of what they could have together. What he could give her. Each time you reach for me, he whispered to her heart. It is nothing compared to what you give to me. She shook her head. "I won't do this again." There was a hint of benevolent mockery in his voice. "It will definitely be different for you next time, that's for sure." There wouldn't be a next time. She couldn't let there be, or she might really lose herself. There’d be time enough to think about what she was going to do when the sun rose. When it was day again. She just couldn't think about escaping right now. The very thought of it hurt. She was too tired. Just wanted to sleep and sleep and sleep. He gathered her in his arms and stood. The world fell and glided away. She floated into the delicious coolness of her sheets. Her body hummed, hungry for more. The warmth of Ellory's parting kiss followed her into the drifting drowse that beckoned. **** Ellory stood in the icy rain, head back, eyes closed, savoring the sting of it on his enflamed body. Slinging the water from his hair, he listened with his soul. His neighbors had disbanded and left him in peace. He had felt their presence, their watching eyes turned on him, every moment he'd held Talisen in his arms. It was done. She was his. He could control her thoughts and actions at will. They had no quarrel with him, now. 101

Revenant Yet one remained. Ellory quieted his pounding heart and felt for the presence. A smoldering promise of retribution snapped back at him. Familiar. Everpresent. No words. None were needed. He sent a roar of challenge along the thought-path that separated them. Dylan's presence burned hotter for a moment and then faded, leaving only the sound of laughter. **** Talisen felt the difference the instant she woke. The compulsion to be with Ellory rode her like the need to breathe, and for six terrifying seconds, she thought her world was coming to an end because he wasn't beside her. She swallowed, trying to work her parched tongue lose from the roof of her mouth. The long, empty day loomed ahead of her. Separation. Darkness. Death. No. She'd escape. She'd find a place where he couldn't get to her. The day belonged to her kind. If she left Camden, maybe the other vampires wouldn't feel threatened by her. She'd be long gone by the time Ellory woke. But no sooner had the thought taken shape in her head than it became a hollow thing inside of her. A desolate thing. What was wrong with her? What had he done to her? She groaned and drew the covers over her head, groping for her pillow. Her fingers found soft petals instead. Peeking out from under the blanket, she tried to focus her bleary eyes. Eight inches away from her nose lay two fragrant roses—one red, the other white. Resisting the urge to touch them, she picked up the note he'd left and snorted. No wonder the handwriting in the Swan's logbook had seemed so familiar to her. He'd written simply, "Thank you." A hiccup of bitter laughter made her head pound. She wadded up the note and hurled it away from her. Did he actually expect her to be placated by gratitude? No. I just want you to know what it meant to me. Talisen held her breath. His voice was as clear as if he were in the room with her, but he spoke to her from inside her head. Had he heard 102

Janet Elizabeth Jones her thoughts of escape too? She clutched both hands to her temples and rubbed them hard. She was losing her mind. And who wouldn't, after a near-death experience at the hands of vampires and a night of cosmic heavy petting? Talk to me, Talisen. In your mind. Refusing didn't seem to be an option. She responded before she could stop herself. Go away and leave me alone. His gentle laughter went right through her, and she ground her teeth together, shocked to find how good it felt to hear it, to know he was amused. To know he was pleased. Insane. That's what she was. Aren't vampires supposed to sleep in the daytime? Yes, but it's just my body that's dead to the world. She shuddered. Not funny. His amusement was as tangible as the sunlight. Physically speaking, I'm somewhat subdued at the moment, but I have a little time before "lights out." How do you feel this morning? She didn't answer him. Didn't want to. She couldn't be sure which terrified her the most—that he'd drunk her blood, or that she'd enjoyed it. No, no, no. Talisen. He whispered it, a tender plea for acceptance. She shook her head, seeing flaming bodies light up the sky and Ellory's snapping fangs. You're too much. Too dangerous. Never to you. Warmth licked along the inside of her thighs, reawakening her need. She gasped and fidgeted. Stop it. She felt the brush of his warm palm on her cheek. I said…s-stop. Warm knuckles stroked her chin, and the brush of his voice in her mind was like a feather duster going after cobwebs. Sean has breakfast ready. Eat every bite. Lots of fluids. She sensed a smug grin lurking in his voice. Captain's orders. Don't be cute, or I might bite you back. Promises, promises. The silence closed in. Insidious. Empty. Where had he gone? Talisen's heart pounded, and the worst anxiety attack she'd ever had erupted inside her. She tried to reason with herself. She tried to fight it, but she just couldn't. She wanted to know he was there. Needed to know. With an exasperated whimper, she covered her face with her hands. What was happening to her? She felt scared that he wasn't there. 103

Revenant Her thought voice broke from the swell of her confusion before she could stop herself. You were kidding about the dead-to-the-world thing, right? Did he sigh? That's not something you need to think about. Can you really see us, like Shelby says you can? She needed to know. Even as she rebuked herself for it, a sense of loss squeezed the air out of her lungs. We remain aware of what's happening around us before we succumb completely. I can still sense things, while my body—well—cools. As the sun gets higher, it becomes increasingly difficult. I usually stay awake until ten, and I come out of it around four in the afternoon, though my body won't respond for me until the sun goes down. But I'm here, Talisen. Right here. She glanced at the clock on the dresser. Nine forty-eight. Are you saying you…you die every night? We shut our bodies down before we get to that point. Waking up, on the other hand…. There's no painless way to get through that. She swallowed against a slimy gurgle in her stomach. Do you ever wonder if you won't wake up? Have you ever heard of a vampire dying in his sleep? Not counting a wooden stake through the heart, of course. She clamped a hand over her mouth. The thought of Ellory with a stake in his heart drove her into a near mindless panic. "I don't feel right. I feel like something's wrong." That's because you're up there, and I'm down here. She sucked in her breath. "When you said I'd need to be near you, you weren't speaking literally, were you?" Relax. I can feel your heart going like a piston. Speak to me in your mind. The focus it requires will calm you. She scrunched the pillows around her and pulled the words together inside her head. I can't handle this. Fix it. It'll get easier. Compartmentalize me. She shook her head. He was everywhere inside of her, pressed into the grains of her soul. His thoughts, his presence, his warmth vibrated alongside the beat of her heart. Was this his "mark"? The sound of her door creaking open made Talisen lift her head and look. Shelby stood in the doorway, looking miserable, clutching her bunny in her arms. Talisen pushed herself up in bed and smiled. "Hey, pumpkin. What's wrong?"

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Janet Elizabeth Jones The child ran and climbed up in bed with her, snuggling close. "I don't feel good, so Sean's letting me stay home from school." There was no mistaking the concern in Ellory's voice. She doesn't feel good? Why? She's had her boosters. I had Sean see to that. Talisen held Shelby close and wrapped her up in the covers. She doesn't have a fever. Maybe she's just tired. The concern in his voice edged closer to alarm. If I were at full strength, I could tell. At full strength I can deduce a human's state of health down to the molecular level. Talisen couldn't help but grin. Let's not overreact, shall we? To Shelby, she said, "Do you hurt somewhere, baby?" Shelby shook her head. "It's 'cause I had a bad dream." "Ohhhh, I get it. You don't feel good on the inside where your feelings are." The little girl nodded. She had a bad dream? Why should she have a bad dream? I tucked her in myself. Talisen rolled her eyes. I can't imagine why she'd have nightmares, being tucked in at night by a vampire. It's a psychic attack. I'll find out who's doing it. I'll tear him apart. I'll— Chill, okay? Children have bad dreams all the time. There was a silence, and then, Oh. Talisen ran her hand over Shelby's silky head. "Did you tell your big brother you had a bad dream?" "He told me to go watch TV to get my mind off of it." Talisen sighed. When she'd had bad dreams, Grandma had always held her and talked to her. Maybe Sean wasn't capable of knowing when Shelby needed that. Well, go figure. He probably needed to be held himself sometimes. Who would be Shelby's big sister? A vampiress? Whoa. She wasn't responsible for that. She couldn't let herself be. But Shelby's cuddly warmth, her vulnerability, and her willingness to trust melted Talisen's reservations. The little girl was doing without something Talisen knew how to give. It didn't seem right. Shelby needs you, Ellory whispered in her mind. Very much. Talisen sighed again. "What was your bad dream about, honey?" "Can't remember," said Shelby. She burrowed closer and saw the two roses on Talisen's pillow. "Ooooo, pretty. Those are from Sean's garden, aren't they?" 105

Revenant "I don't know. Ellory gave them to me." Talisen picked them up and handed them to Shelby. "But now they belong to you and your bunny." Shelby took them and grinned. Thank you, Talisen. Look, it has nothing to do with me. She just needs to be held, all right? If Sean can't, and there's nobody else around, as long as I'm around, why wouldn't she come to me? If I'm the only one she can find, naturally she would. Talisen bit her lip. As long as she was around…. And after she wasn't, what then? Well, the little girl had survived just fine so far. But what about as Shelby grew up? What about all those things girls needed to know about themselves, all the questions they needed to ask? She had had Grandma. Who would Shelby confide in? Talisen frowned. Sean? Ellory? One of the vampiresses? Could they be counted on to remember what it was like to be human and female? Ellory cleared his throat. One would hope so. What do you plan to do, wait until Shelby starts asking questions and hope you have the right answer for her? What else can any parent do? He had a point. Nobody had a monopoly on child-rearing skills— unless it was Grandma. She smiled at the thought. It was the first time she'd been able to smile over a memory of her grandmother and not cry. "Hey, Shelby, you might feel more like watching some cartoons now, hmm?" Shelby perked up a little and wiggled out of bed. "Yep." She was out of the room in six bunny hops, taking the roses with her. Talisen rose with a soft laugh and closed the door after her. You could be a blessing to her, Talisen. She sank down on her bed and rested her chin in her hands. Don't start with me, okay? Just don't. Silence. The silence gored her until she thumped the side of the bed with both fists. I can't take this. Can't you just make it go away? Get your mind on your day, sweet. Go and look out the window and tell me what the weather's like. Sunny, right? A gorgeous day to be alive. I want to think of you enjoying it, in the sunlight where you belong. No sunlight for Ellory—not in over two hundred years. His voice became distant and impatient. Tell me what the sea looks like this morning.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones She went to the window and opened it. Kneeling there, she breathed the cool, briny air. Contentment wedged its way between her fears. You're right. It's very pretty today. Must be a million birds in the garden. The sea's sort of choppy, but it's a gorgeous shade of blue. No answer. She glanced at the clock. Ten o'clock exactly. **** She tried again. It was hopeless. For a solid hour, Talisen tried to get her escape plan together. It was as if her brain closed down when her thoughts turned in that direction. What kind of trick had he played on her? By the time she hobbled into the cheery kitchen, she'd just about given up. Maybe after she ate something, she'd feel more energized and could think straight. After her head had cleared, her appetite had kicked in stronger than she could ever remember. Sean greeted her with a yawn and a grin. He looked as weary as she did. His lips were practically colorless. He sat at the table with a pen in his hand and a legal pad parked on his lap. He'd already begun eating. Nodding at a covered plate across from him, he said without looking up, "Eat every bite.” Talisen sank into her chair. "So I've been told." She lifted the cover from her plate and gaped at piles of eggs, sausage, and wheat toast. Sean pushed a big, brown bottle closer. "We get to share these." Talisen read the label. Vitamins. With extra C and iron. "Oh, goody." She cut a glance at his legal pad. She had to at least act interested if she were going to keep them all from getting suspicious. "What's that?" "Our menu. Ellory doesn't want us getting iron-deficiency anemia. How do you feel about liver?" Talisen curled her lip at him. He shrugged. "It's not bad with onions." "I'll eat dirt first." "Okay." He scribbled on the legal pad. "No liver. Maybe if you're really good about taking your vitamins, he won't push it." She gave him a sugary smile. "And if I eat all my din-din, can we go to the zoo?" Sean cocked his head to one side and frowned at her. "Look, don't kid yourself. He's serious about this. He's not going to cut me any slack.” 107

Revenant Talisen stared at him. "What do you mean, he's not going to cut you any slack?" He shrugged. "I'm in charge while he's sleeping. I have to be sure all his directions are followed to the letter, so do me a favor and don't gripe, okay?" "You mean, if I don't comply, he'll take it out on you?" He looked up, face pinkening. "No, it's…it's not like that. Ellory's fair. He really is. It's just that when he tells us to do something, he expects it to be done, and that seems to go double for anything concerning you. I don't want to disappoint him, Talisen. I owe him too much." Talisen sighed. None of this was Sean's fault. She gave the boy an apologetic smile. "Vitamins—but no liver." She stared out the window, feeling despondent. What would Sean say to Ellory after she had managed to escape? She couldn't let that matter to her, just like she couldn't let it matter to her that Shelby was going to grow up in a household of vampires with an older brother who didn't have an inkling what a little girl needed. Beyond the window, the sunlight filtered through the trees. The grass trembled in a fresh wind. Birds and insects flew and flitted about their business. How could a day as pretty as this harbor anything as deadly as the creatures she had faced last night? The thought of it made the serenity of the sunlight seem like an illusion. Would she ever feel safe again? Yes. Far away from Ellory. As for the truth about the Captain, she…she'd have to let that go. Her throat ached for a moment with grief that had nothing to do with Grandma. "Uhm, I have to talk to you about this." She disengaged her thoughts long enough to look at Sean. "More instructions?" He nodded, consulting the legal pad and talking around the sausage in his mouth. "Two things. First, Ellory said to tell you he's sorry about your car. Blazek kind of incinerated it as a cheap shot before high-tailing it out of Ellory's sight. We couldn't leave it burning on the road, so Meical went back last night and cleaned up the mess. No camper. No questions." Talisen leaned her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her palms. How was she going to get away without a car? Maybe she could 108

Janet Elizabeth Jones pretend she was going for a walk in the garden and go to the Benedikt and get a ride from Jeff and…. Sean grinned. "So, now he owes you a set of wheels. Make him pay. What's your dream car? It's a materialistic world we're living in, girl. Which brings us to the second thing. Don't hit me, okay? Ellory wants to help you out with your bills." Talisen clenched her teeth. A nerve twitched in her eye. "I pay my own bills." Sean looked at the notebook in his lap. "He has that underlined three times. If you've got a problem with it, spare me, okay? Take it up with him." Ellory probably controlled anyone who came in contact with his life. A servant everywhere he needed one and no paper trails. If he thought she'd hand her life over to him like that, he was mistaken. She ate what she could of her breakfast and waited until Sean's chores took him upstairs. By that time it was late morning. Slipping outside, she walked down the front path to the gate. Her hands shook when she reached for the latch. Would it open for her? She half-expected it to remain closed in spite of her efforts. But it opened. She stepped out and closed it behind her. Fixing her gaze on the inn below her on the hill, she struck off at a pace that didn't make her look as frantic as she felt inside. The frantic feeling grew the further away from the summer house she went. By the time she got close to the inn, tears sprang to her eyes, and she turned to stare up at the summer house as if it could explain why. Her ball and chain wasn't the house itself; it was the presence sleeping deep in the earth below it. Ellory. She'd lost herself overnight. She couldn't fathom the depth of her need for him, couldn't begin to understand it, and yet she burned all the same. Burned and dreaded. His words came to her in a rush. You will need to be near me. She fisted both her hands, spun on her heel, and strode the rest of the way to the inn, all the while feeling like her soul was being torn in two. Her feet moved like lead weights. Her mind was in chaos. Her heart wouldn't slow down. There was a death-like pall over everything inside her. No. It was the presence of death. It was as if she were dying. Go back. Go back. She had to go back. She had to. No. She wouldn't. She'd get the Gerards to take her into Camden. She'd go to the bank, take out every dime she had and close her account. She'd buy a bus ticket to somewhere, anywhere, far away. And tonight, when darkness fell, she'd be sure she was with lots of people. 109

Revenant She pushed herself up onto the porch and went inside the inn, feeling as though a horrible fate loomed closer to her with every step.

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Chapter Eight Talisen's entire body shook as she locked the door of her hotel room. It was an old motor lodge kind of place just over the border of New Hampshire. She hadn't noticed the name of the town. The bus stopped here, and she was too sleepy to go any further. A day of fighting her compulsion to return to Ellory had worn her down until she couldn't hold her head up anymore. Switching the light on, she tossed her bag in the floor and halfstaggered toward the bathroom. A hot shower and a soft bed—that was all she needed. She peeled out of her grimy clothes, turned on the water and stepped into the warm cascade with a sigh. There was no way Ellory could know where she was. Not this soon after leaving him. He couldn't possibly wake up and automatically know where she was. He'd have to discern it, or deduce it, or sense it, or whatever a vampire did to find someone. She refused to think about that. No sense in making too much out of his power. She was safe for now. She shampooed and rinsed her hair, standing under the water for a few minutes to work the stiffness out of her muscles. It felt so good to wash the bus off of her. Too weary to do more, she turned the water off and pushed aside the curtain, eyes closed to keep the water out of them. She felt for the towel on the wall rack outside the shower. It wasn't there. How long did it take a vampire to find someone they were hunting? She groped at thin air. Her hand lit on the soft terry cloth of her towel—and a warm hand. 111

Revenant "Not that long, actually." Talisen snatched up the towel, dragged the curtain half-closed to cover herself and dried her face. When she met Ellory's gaze, she saw no threat of the reproof she’d expected in his eyes. Only laughter and undeniable relief. More shocking than finding him there was the way the mere sight of him eased the ache of separation she'd dealt with all day. Were her own heart and body betraying her? "Jerk," she grumbled. But it lacked the force she wanted to give it. His smile widened, and his gaze slipped over her. Talisen had the distinct impression the old shower curtain wasn't much cover. He turned abruptly and opened the door, letting in a chilly draft. "I'll wait for you out here. Good thing you didn't bother to unpack." How far could she push him without regretting it? She didn't care anymore. Somehow, she had to break out of this weird compulsion he had over her. "I'm not going back, Ellory," she said as the bathroom door closed behind him. She raised her voice. "Forget it." No answer. She stepped out of the tub and dried off, shivering, and wiggled into her pajamas. "I mean it." Nothing. It was like the silence she'd struggled with when she knew he'd gone to sleep that day, the desolation of not feeling his presence. Talisen crept to the door and listened. Not a sound. She opened the door a crack and peeked out. The room looked empty, but…. She came out and looked around her, wary of the silence. It felt wrong to her, like it had all day. She was alone. Ellory was gone. Just like that? A drop of liquid, warm and wet, hit the top of her head. What in the world? Leaky roof? It wasn't raining. She reached up and touched the top of her head, smeared the liquid, and looked at her fingers. Blood. Talisen's breath evaporated. She looked up. Above her, floating inches below the ceiling, was Ellory, eyes closed, bleeding from a gash in his throat and caught in the grasp of— A man? A human? Ellory's attacker looked scarcely older than Sean. He fixed his murderous gaze on her and grinned. No fangs. He was human. How could he do this? 112

Janet Elizabeth Jones Her gaze lit on the young man's claws. He laughed, wiggled them at her, and then slowly ripped Ellory's jugular from ear to ear. He opened his arms, and Ellory hit the floor with a thud. His blood pooled on the dark green carpet. The boy floated to his feet, grinning at Talisen. His sweaty hair clung to his face. His eyes burned red-black. He wiggled his claws at her now, laughing like a demon. He wasn't human. No human could do this. Talisen scarcely felt her feet move. Leaping over the bed, she rolled into the floor, grabbing her tote bag as she moved. The creature bounded after her. She dodged him, screaming, while she fumbled inside her tote. Where was it? She always kept it there. Just as the boy rounded and lunged again, her hands closed over the cold can. She rolled onto her back, lifted the can of mace, covered her eyes, and sprayed it at him. The creature screamed. When she looked again, he was clawing at his eyes and bumping along the wall about a half-foot above the floor. He toppled over the lamp table, and the lamp went out. In the darkness, Talisen struggled to breathe and listened, clinching the can of mace. She glanced in the direction of Ellory's still form. The silence coming from him tortured her. No matter how dead he seemed, she refused to believe it. The creature's moans turned to angry growls. He was still blinded, but her eyes were adjusting to the darkness. She could make him out well enough to know where he was. His breath came in quick, thick snorts, like an animal's. Hadn't anyone heard all this noise? Someone would come to see what was happening. Someone would come. The creature took a step or two toward her. She didn't wait for him to get close, but crept around the bed as quietly as she could. She watched him turn his head, following her movement like a robot with radar. She dashed past him in the darkness, spraying the mace into his face again. He bellowed and slung his arms out at her. Talisen backed away, eyes watering. She'd forgotten to cover them this time. She dropped to the floor and crept closer to Ellory. The creature stumbled after her, feeling its way to get to her. She let it get closer, then sprayed the mace at it again. The can spewed, spit, sputtered, and then all that came out was air. It was empty. And the creature was close enough not to need his eyes. She swallowed another scream when his hands closed over her throat and squeezed. Blotches of red, black, and gray exploded in her eyes, and 113

Revenant she clutched at his arms, clawed at them, struggled for breath, while her lungs neared the bursting point. Suddenly the creature's eyes widened in surprise, and though he growled and spat, he eased her down onto the floor as gently as if she were a made of glass. With her vision dimming and her head spinning, she watched in horror as the creature turned and headed for Ellory's still form. Rolling onto her hands and knees, Talisen tried to crawl after him, coughing for air and rubbing her swelling throat. The scent of blood filled the room. But not Ellory's blood. The creature had sliced his own throat. With every muscle rigid with rebellion, he held itself poised over Ellory and bled into his mouth. Talisen's head spun again, and nausea pushed her toward oblivion. The last thing she saw before passing out was Ellory reviving enough to grasp the creature and drag him closer. **** Talisen. His voice roused her a little, just enough to know she wouldn't be awake and aware for long. She tried to open her eyes but couldn't. No, sweet. I don't want you to wake up until I bid you to do so. We're on our way home, but you won't like the way we're getting there, so I want you to sleep. Home. Back to the summer house. Her escape had failed. She tried hard to focus, to clear her head and fight him. No, my lamb. You will sleep. His words wrapped her in a dose of bliss that permeated her body, mind and spirit. Sleep and sleep and sleep. That was all she wanted. **** She woke beneath a blanket, feeling as refreshed as though she'd slept for hours. She was in her bed in the guestroom at the summer house. She peered through the darkness at the illuminated digits of the clock on the dresser. Six-thirty p.m.? No wonder she felt rested. Ellory had found her at the hotel last night. She'd slept the rest of the night and all of today. Ellory. The thought of him filled her mind, stirred her blood and ground every sleepy muscle into action. 114

Janet Elizabeth Jones Ellory. She was out of her room and halfway down the stairs when she heard the clang of pots and pans in the kitchen. It sounded like Sean was cleaning up the kitchen. The rich aroma of beef stew made her stomach growl. Ellory. She swooped into the den. Empty. But the table in front of the fireplace was set. For one. A candle burned low in the center of the table, vying with the firelight. She turned, crossed the hall to the kitchen and stopped in the doorway, fixed to the spot by a rush of contentment she could scarcely believe, let alone allow herself to accept. Ellory danced in place at the stove, wearing headphones, listening to music from a CD player clipped to his belt. He was obviously fine. Had she dreamed the whole thing? No, she couldn't have. He was chopping carrots and celery into the stew and had a dishtowel slung over one shoulder. She watched his graceful gyrations with everything in her body trying to respond to him at once, as though she'd been too long away from a drug her body needed. He had moves the human body wasn't built for. Yet he seemed utterly human. Painter pants and a plain white tee had never looked so good. Of course, he knew she was there. She had no doubt when he turned, flung his dishtowel aside, and pranced in her direction. She threw her hands up and backed away. Too late. He closed the distance between them, caught her up and levitated, singing in a flawless baritone voice, "Baby, be gooooood to meeeeeee." Talisen squealed as they bobbed a few feet off the floor. Clutching at Ellory, she chucked his headphones off his ears. "You seem to have survived our scrape with whatever that thing was. What was he, by the way? A mutant vampire?" "No." He pirouetted with her to the ceiling, humming. "But it won't be bothering anyone again." It? She couldn't bring herself to think of anything that was—or had been—human as an it. Ellory grinned. "I'm very proud of you, Talisen." She pushed aside the rush of gratitude that emanated from him. She shouldn't be able to feel his feelings like that. "So how did you make that guy let me go without laying a hand on him? How did you make him…." She swallowed against a flip-flop in her stomach. "…you know…." "Revive me? That was the easy part, once I took hold of its mind. But there was a moment when Dylan and I were waging an all-out war for 115

Revenant the poor cretin. I was closer to it than Dylan, so I gained the upper hand, and Dylan had to let go." "And after you…." "Fed?" "Yes. What did you do to him?" Ellory's smile hardened. "What do you think? That I patted him on his head and sent him back to the one who made him? I put him out of his misery and then cleaned up the mess so the motel housekeeping staff wouldn't get a nasty shock." Talisen's appetite left her. "What was he? Really." The unexpected vehemence of his answer made her skin crawl. "The most despicable thing that exists in my world. A revenant." Talisen would've laughed, but for the fact that the thing had nearly killed them both. "A revenant? Like the zombies in vampire movies?" "Dylan sent the little henchman to kill you and cloaked its presence, so I didn't realize it was nearby until it attacked me. It's a good thing it didn't get to you during the daytime, or I wouldn't have been there, and it would have killed you." "You mean a revenant can handle daylight?" "Just like you can. That makes them effective assassins for a vampire to use against other vampires." It was unbelievable to think that anyone could catch Ellory by surprise, but it was terrifying to think there things that could attack her during the day when Ellory couldn't protect her. Ellory was looking at her with a soulful smile on his face. "You stayed and defended me. That was the bond, of course. You realize that, don't you?" She looked away. "Was not." "Don't lie." "It wasn't." "Then why did you do it?" No way was she going to tell him. She fidgeted in his arms. "I'm getting motion-sick. Would you please put me down?" He lowered her almost to the floor but stopped. "Answer my question first." She frowned at him. "Okay, I'll tell you. Vampire or not, you're the only dad Shelby has, and she needs you. All right? I didn't do it for you. I did it for Shelby. That's all." He smiled slowly. "Hmm." 116

Janet Elizabeth Jones She fidgeted again. "Where is everybody?" "Gone below, madam. The quarterdeck is ours." He gave her a hard, fast kiss. "Have a good nap?" "Nap? I slept a whole damn day. Don't do that to me again." "Oh, but I'm afraid I will, and without as much as a by-your-leave." Talisen's indignation hit the roof of her head like a rocket. She stared at him, speechless. He looked completely unabashed. "I'll give you two minutes to stop looking at me like a guppy and say something caustic in retaliation." "I—you—" "Time's up. Think of all the late hours you'll be keeping in my company. Fatigue will lower your resistance; rest will fortify you. After that scrape with Dylan's assassin, you needed rest. And now what you need is food." He gave her a little squeeze, as though for emphasis. "How's your appetite this evening? I hope you like beef stew." She opened her mouth to tell him what to do with his stew, but the flicker in his eyes and the telltale taut lines around his mouth silenced her. She wasn't the only one who was hungry. By now, whatever he'd gained from that revenant must have worn off. She felt for the floor with her toes and inched her way out of his arms. "I was just about to ask you the same thing." His eyes twinkled, chiding and warm. "I asked you first." "I'm starving." She sidled away to the stove, picked up the ladle beside the pot, and gave its bubbling contents a stir. Her mouth watered. "I'm impressed." "Kindly note, it isn't liver and onions." She smiled with her back to him. "Glad you got my memo." "Sean also told me you object to my taking over your financial wherewithal." "Good." She banged the ladle clean on the lip of the pan. "Just so we understand each other—leave my bills alone." One heartbeat. Two. She felt his warm breath raise the hairs on the back of her neck and froze, ladle in hand. Did he have to keep doing that? Creeping around like a cat? He reached around her for the salt and sprinkled some into the stewpot. Her gaze fixed on the fine black hairs on the back of his hands and along his forearms. Big hands. Warm hands. She closed her eyes and willed away thoughts of his caress, of the pleasure he had given her the night before last. 117

Revenant "Just so we understand each other," he mocked softly, "I don't recognize boundaries when it comes to protecting those in my care. What's mine is yours, whether you want it or not." She turned and frowned up at him, ignoring the fact that she was sandwiched between him and a hot stove, ignoring how good it felt to be close to him, ignoring the insane mix of anticipation and terror over what the evening held in store. The fear of losing her autonomy overshadowed all else. "You're not going to turn me into some kind of shut-in." "Shut-in?" His voice was smooth and implacable. "Hardly that. In fact, I have an outing planned for us all tonight." It didn't sound like he was in a hurry to be fed. Talisen relaxed a little. "We're going somewhere? All of us?" "The family who plays together stays together." He grinned. No fangs in sight. "Ever ride a motorcycle?" She squeezed around him and found safer ground in the kitchen doorway. "No.” Would there be another chance to escape? "You're in for a treat, then." He put a lid on the stew pot and turned down the heat. "First you'll eat and ask your questions. Then I'll give you a proper introduction to the family. After that, we'll all head for the beach. There's a full moon tonight. Very pretty." Don't ask. The warning rumbled in her head like thunder, but she couldn't stand not knowing. At some point tonight, he was going to do it again. She wanted to be prepared, not find him springing on her unawares. "Leave it be, Talisen," he murmured. He half-turned his head in her direction, but didn't look at her. "And for the sake of avoiding unnecessary apprehension on your part, I don't 'spring on' people. I don't have to." She fixed her gaze on him and made herself say the words without flinching. "I don't want to dread it all night." He cursed and turned to look at her. "Was it so terrible?" A flash-fire of desire made her face burn. She couldn't lie and say she'd hated it. He took a step towards her. She took a step back. His hand rose in a reassuring gesture, and she let him come close enough to reach for her. All that held her to the spot was the gentleness in his eyes. 118

Janet Elizabeth Jones He turned her palm up to his mouth and kissed it, sending a shock of arousal to her core. "Our moment will find us whenever it must tonight. Lay your fears on me. I vow I'll see you well requited."

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Chapter Nine She smelled warm and sleepy. Ellory resisted the urge to bury his face in Talisen's hair when he pushed her chair closer to the table in the den. Nonchalance was what she needed. Certainly she didn't need him gawking at her while she ate. Having set her dinner before her, he returned to the kitchen to put the leftovers away and let her eat in peace. Twice he reached for her thoughts to see what she was thinking. Twice he backed off, determined to let her speak for herself. Tonight the first move was hers to make. He returned to find her sitting slump-shouldered in her chair, her gaze fixed on empty space. But her bowl was empty. He smiled, satisfied and relieved, and dropped himself into the chair across from her. How long would it take for her to emerge from behind the veil of apprehension he saw in her eyes? Her gaze flicked at him, and her face turned cherry-red. He leaned forward and locked gazes with her. "Presumably this is when you're going to ask me to wax nostalgic about the lost years of my human life." She shook her head. "How did you become a vampire?" Ellory turned in his chair and looked at the fire until he knew his disappointment didn't show on his face. He'd hoped Talisen would want to hear about his days as a human, his life as the sea captain she treasured. But now that she knew the truth, perhaps in her eyes, the man he'd been was truly dead. He hid his painful bitterness behind a broad grin. "Well, we must be making progress. You said the v-word without hissing at me."

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Janet Elizabeth Jones She crossed her arms over her chest. "Maybe I'm saving my hissing for the end of the story." Despair filled his heart. She disdained him, and after she'd heard what he had to say about his dark beginnings, she'd disdain him more. Best to spit it out and be done with it. "Maddie and I had just gone to bed. Our nuptials were interrupted before they began. Aloisia chose that moment to come and collect me. She'd had her eye on me for awhile." He waited. He didn't look at her, afraid of what he'd see in her eyes. Pity. Loathing, surely. He braced himself. But when she spoke, her voice held only sorrow. "What about Maddie? What did she do when Aloisia showed up?" "What could she do?" The memory clawed his heart open and left it bleeding. "Aloisia would've killed her, except…I begged for her life. She put Maddie in a trance and sent her back to our bed. Maddie didn't know a thing until she woke that morning. Hence, her amnesia concerning the details of my 'disappearance.'" He rubbed his eyes hard. "Aloisia took me from my home, turned me on the beach, and from that moment until the night of her self-destruction, I was her creature in every sense of the word. That's all." "Her creature? I don't understand." He put his hands in his lap under the table and curled them into fists until they were numb. On pain of starvation, he'd labored over Aloisia like a stud and bared his throat for her whenever she demanded it. Anything for a sip of her, just to ease the all-consuming hunger that had racked his body. Later, she allowed him to hunt, but only after she'd broken him. "She created me. I belonged to her. I kept her fed and pleased, and she kept me alive." "You fed her and…." There was still no pity in her voice. Incredible. "She didn't give you a choice?" Shame and anger scalded Ellory, and his fangs thrust from his gums so suddenly he winced and rubbed his jaw. He would never let another Ancient to get close to him. Ancients were not to be trusted. "Aloisia had rather precipitate views regarding the purpose of fledglings." He felt a raw, hot wave of terror gush from Talisen and glanced at her. What had frightened her? There was no color in her face. Her words were little more than puffs of air. "You're no different from her. What you're doing to me is no different." 121

Revenant The realization struck him like a bullet between the eyes. Yes, to Talisen, it must seem like that. He'd seduced her. He'd fed on her. And he was keeping her safe from the rest of the predators like a miser guards his horde. Ellory's denial strangled him before he got it out of his mouth, so he shook his head emphatically and shot out of his chair so fast that his feet cleared the floor by six inches. He paced the room. Halting mid-stride at the baby grand, he stroked the glossy, ebony wood. Slick and cool and familiar. It resonated at his touch, sounding a single, perfect note that hung in the air, comforting him. Drawing a long, even breath, he closed his eyes. No. He was not like Aloisia. There had to be a difference. He'd felt it on the beach the moment Talisen's presence had touched him. He'd felt it in her thoughts of him, thoughts of a dead man with a forgotten name. How he longed to be that man again, happy and safe with the woman he loved. He turned to face her. No apologies. Just the truth. "Talisen, I care for you. Aloisia cared only for power. I am not like her. I'm not…a monster." Her chin trembled, but she just looked at him. Had she even heard what he said? Squaring his shoulders, he glared at the floor and cursed the moment he'd seen her on the beach, cursed the compulsion that had dragged him there, cursed the very breath in his ill-gotten body. He zeroed in on every sound she made. The drum of her fingers on the table again. The swish of her sock-clad feet on the floor. The rush of air in and out of her lungs. Her heartbeat—his lullaby. Her soft laughter stunned him. He looked at her. No bitterness. She shook her head at him, while her laughter mellowed to something indescribably sweet that wreaked havoc along his ribcage. He returned to her slowly, finding his chair without taking his gaze off of her. "Whatever you are, Ellory, you aren't cruel. I've seen how you are with Shelby. That kind of affection can't be faked." Fear shook him. What if he disappointed her? He cleared his throat. "I don't think you should credit me with kindness just because I took in a couple of human orphans." "No?" Her eyes narrowed, and she gave him a probing look. "If it's not kindness, then what is it that makes you treat them the way you do? I'm all ears.” He'd never hear the end of it. He could remember a time when indulging in this sort of softhearted nonsense at sea would've gotten him sliced from nose to gullet. He winced. "Chocolate cupcakes." 122

Janet Elizabeth Jones "Beg your pardon?" "You know, those chocolate cakes with creamy centers. They always smell like cardboard to me, but—" "I know what they are. What do they have to do with the way you treat Shelby and Sean?" Fool. He felt so exposed now he may as well go all out and gut himself good. "The first time I watched Sean and Shelby eat chocolate cupcakes, I couldn't look at them the same way that I look at other humans. Or maybe…I just couldn't look at humans the same way. I don't know." She didn't even try to stifle her laughter. He mustered his defense. "Shelby tried to shove the whole thing sideways into her mouth like Sean did, and then she grinned at me with chocolate teeth…and these little crumbs were clinging to her milk moustache…." Words left him. He smiled and shrugged, his face hot with embarrassment and his throat achy. His gaze clung to hers like a moth dancing round a flame. Where did she get a smile like that? It made him feel as though it were mid-morning on a summer's day. But he didn't dare make himself out to be some kind of a hero in her eyes. That was criminal. "Talisen, your admiration means more to me than I can say, but it would be unforgivable of me not to make you understand what I am and what I am not. For the most part, I have supped off of humanity with as little compunction as you showed that bowl of stew." She recoiled a little. "I'm trying really hard here, okay? I'm grateful for my life, and I'm trying to reconcile the person you seem to be right now with the thing you were last night, and the thing you were when you rescued me from Blazek and those other vampires." He leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands behind his head. "Regarding the revenant, I make no apologies. They're abominations. If one crosses my path, I kill it. As for my neighbors who formed up that death squad, they'll be all right eventually. Assuming Blazek was courteous enough to bury their remains for them, they'll reconstitute in about thirty years." Her jaw gaped. "You mean, they aren't dead?" "Talisen, we can't be killed, except by the sun, or a wooden stake through the heart—that much Hollywood got right—or by very old vampires." 123

Revenant While Talisen was getting over the shock of what he'd just said, Ellory put some distance between them. He carried her bowl to the kitchen and took the opportunity to rein in his emotions before they overwhelmed him. Resting his head against the cool wooden cabinet next to the sink, he breathed in the familiar kitchen aromas, separating each one until he latched onto a favorite. Shelby's breakfast cereal. Little marshmallow ghosts and sugar-coated, toasted-oat goblins. Georgina insisted on buying it for her; Sean argued that it would rot her teeth. It was their ongoing debate, and he loved them for it. He longed to hear Talisen chiming in with them. She might come to love him. It could happen. But how many years did they have together? One mortal lifetime. He shook from head to toe. Not enough. Not nearly enough to begin to love her the way he wanted to. Desolation devoured him at the thought of giving her up. Oh, it would be so easy to turn her. A night never to be forgotten, feasting on one another, and he'd have her forever. No. He was a monster, if he could consider dragging her down into the darkness with him. She was his sun. He would be her moon. That was enough for him. He would make it be enough. And when he had to let her go, he'd walk into the morning and simply cease to be. By then, his fledglings would be old enough to survive without him. Come what may, he would have order in his house, if not peace. The fledglings would accept Talisen, human or not. And Talisen would accept whatever was necessary to keep her safe. They'd all learn to live together, or they'd fragment into easy prey for the likes of Dylan. Beginning tonight. None of them would like what he had to do, least of all Talisen. But if he couldn't depend on her following his orders, he'd have to shorten her leash a little. She'd probably hate him all the more for it, but at least she would be safe. Right now what she needed from him was honesty. He reached into the refrigerator for a bottle of mineral water, opened it, and took it to her. Setting it on the table, he crouched by her chair and seized on the uppermost question that hovered in her mind. She wouldn't be human if she didn't wonder. "Though you're probably not going to ask—yes, I have killed humans." She sipped the water slowly. "Why did you kill them?" 124

Janet Elizabeth Jones "Does it matter?" "Does to me." "Necessity demanded it." He returned to his chair with a heavy sigh. "I am motivated by two things: feeding and protecting my domain. That is my world. That is what I am. You can't measure my behavior by human standards. Among vampires, there is only the common law of the mark—what I make mine will remain mine, and I'll kill to keep it that way." He folded his hands in front of him on the table and watched her beautiful face for signs of contempt. Her eyes glistened like green glass. He watched a tear roll down her cheek and could hardly keep from touching it. She wiped it away less gently than he would have done. "I'm sorry." He blinked. "W-what?" "I figure I'm the first human who's had the chance to tell you that, so I'm saying it. I'm sorry it happened to you. And I'm sorry you have to live like this." Her face crinkled, and she put a hand on her chest. "I'm not saying I can handle it, but I know if it happened to me, the first thing I'd want somebody to say to me is, 'I'm so sorry.'“ Disbelief trembled in Ellory's sternum. He couldn't make a sound, so he just stared at her. Over two hundred years of estrangement from humanity, and she'd just made an effort to erase it. With sympathy. The last thing he’d expected. He reached across the table and took her hand in both of his, bending over her palm to kiss it. "If I live a thousand years, Talisen Davies, I shall never deserve you." She laid her other hand on his head with a butterfly touch. "You're nothing like Blazek and those others." He breathed against her damp, salty palm. She was trying so hard. To accept him? Love him? Mother of God, please let it be so, if only a little. But love meant there could be no lies between them. "Talisen, I share their nature." She tugged at his hair, at his hand, sounding desperate. "How can you say that? You don't even smell like them." He rested his chin on their entwined hands and looked up at her. "I live with humans. I can't afford to let myself go. If anything, you'll probably get bored with the sameness of my appearance. Haircuts, beards, moustaches, tattoos, rings in my ear, nose, or navel—none will 125

Revenant last longer than a night. I wake each evening looking precisely as I did the night I was made." The corners of Talisen's mouth twitched into a near smile before she frowned and rolled her eyes. "All your good looks are probably just an illusion." He nipped her palm just to hear her squeal. "You'll regret that remark before the night's over, madam." The tension eased between them, softened by their fragile truce and the quiet in the room. "Any more questions, Talisen?" "How different are you now, compared to how you were when you were human?" She looked away. "The way you would've been if I'd known you then." He'd never had a reason to explain this before. "Contrary to popular fiction, we're not soulless dead things walking around like animated sacks of blood. We're more like cars whose engines have been converted to accept a different kind of fuel. Our bodily functions are mostly the same, except for a few aesthetic alterations and some obvious differences. There's an increase in muscularity, for example, and of course, we don't age. We're not bound by the laws of nature. I can become a blade of grass under your feet, or the breeze in your hair, or rain, or moonlight. I feel things more intensely, physically and emotionally. And the longer I exist, the more powerful I'll become." Talisen looked pale again. He paused to give her a chance to respond, or recuperate, whichever she needed to do first. By her choice of questions, she taught him what was most important to her. Of all the secrets he had just disclosed to her, she latched onto one. "You control people." "But I don't enjoy it. I'm not power-hungry." Like Dylan. Dylan would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. By attacking Talisen at the park, by sending his minion to kill her, he had sounded his declaration of war. Ellory stretched his booted foot under the table and tapped her ankle. "On to the next order of business. Tonight, you join the family." **** Talisen didn't have to ask to know that Ellory had issued a silent summons. She'd felt it seconds ago, like a wind in a hallway through an 126

Janet Elizabeth Jones open door. It stunned her to feel so much, as though a raw nerve connected her body to his. She retreated to a leather armchair, curled into its slick, cool softness, and hugged a corduroy pillow to her chest. Ellory's every move drew at her senses. Nothing helped the edginess inside of her. She tracked him with her gaze from the table to the window. He looked so burdened. What did he expect them all to do? Live happily ever after? Ever after. Her past, present and future was standing fifteen feet away from her, brooding at a window. Nightfall personified. But where in that preternatural being was her newfound friend or girlhood hero? Fractured perceptions of Arthur Ellory Benedikt pricked at the back of her mind like a bed of knives. Move in the wrong direction, and she'd cut her heart to ribbons. Could she come to terms with all of them somehow? No. She was going to get away and that was that. Yet her craving for him palpitated inside of her like a second heart. Even now, the small distance that separated them physically was enough to put her teeth on edge. Just to see what happened, Talisen closed her eyes and made an effort to resist her need for him. Ellory's soft intake of breath whooshed through her as though it were her own. She opened her eyes and met his gaze. He grimaced. "That doesn't work, but I'll understand if you keep trying." Her response was preempted by the arrival of the rest of the clan. Christophe and Adrienne ambled in and sat down on one of the sofas. They went on talking to one another in soft-spoken French and didn't give her a single glance. Delfina and Georgina meandered in and joined them. Delfina was quiet and serene, Georgina cold and aloof. They whispered to one another. Jenny glided into the room and plopped herself down on the loveseat across from Talisen, but said nothing to her. Talisen burrowed deeper into her chair and felt like a fly in the windowsill. It figured. They didn't need any gooey facades with her now, did they? Now that she knew. Ellory's voice silenced everyone. "I assume Meinrad knows we're ready to begin." Begin what? Talisen hunkered even deeper into her chair. 127

Revenant Christophe grunted. "He's piercing his ear again and trying to find a shirt that isn't stained. I've never known him to worry about that before." Georgina gave a dismissing sniff. "He asked me three times if I think he looks all right. He actually blushed." Talisen felt, rather than heard, Ellory's sigh. Meinrad came in, holding a tissue to his ear. Impressive. He'd gone from a leather-clad hotshot to a little Adonis. His damp, yellow hair hung close to his neck and shoulders. Peach fuzz glistened on his chin. Even though his billowing white dress shirt didn't look like it belonged to him, his fresh-pressed blue jeans fit him like a second skin. He dropped his tissue, cursed, picked it up, and straightened to look into Ellory's eyes. Talisen felt a rush of loss bleed from Ellory. He circled Meinrad, eyeing him up and down, his face composed. After a moment, he clapped a hand on the young vampire's back. "Pick of the litter, boy. Now sit. Don't dwell on it." Meinrad grinned and sat down beside Jenny, who wrung a laugh out of him when she pulled him closer and gave his earlobe a swipe with her tongue to stop the bleeding. Everyone looked at Ellory with expectation. He scowled and began to pace. He couldn't have looked more like a formidable sea captain about to address his crew if he'd been marching the deck of the Swan. Stormy weather ahead. He'd thrown his heart into whatever he had to say. With a sweep of his hand, he gestured toward Talisen, but his words were meant for the rest of them. "I'll spare us all the obvious. I include you in my decision as a courtesy." He halted and looked at each of them. "All comments are welcome, if offered with due respect for my chosen consort." Consort? Talisen flinched, blinked, and went into a slow burn. She'd gone from favorite snack to paramour at Ellory's whim. Nice career move. But he had another thought coming. "No. Absolutely not. No way." Six pairs of glittering eyes speared her to her chair. Ellory looked dishearteningly unmoved by her protest. He turned to Christophe as though Talisen hadn't even spoken. "You first." The young vampire's mild frown was the only indication on his angelic face that he was discomforted. "There is no bond between her and us, nor can there be." "And there's not going to be, either," Talisen said. "Do you hear me?" 128

Janet Elizabeth Jones Ellory rubbed his chin and looked at Adrienne. "And you?" She sighed, her voice gentle. "She isn't one of us." "Duh," Talisen interjected. Her anger began to turn to panic. What was he doing? "Ellory, would you listen to me?" His jaw tightened, but rather than respond to her, he fixed his gaze on Delfina. "You?" "I just want you to be happy," replied Delfina. "Me too," Jenny murmured. "And I couldn't care less," Talisen groused. Ellory gave the two vampiresses a dignified nod and turned to face Georgina. She sat back in her chair, hands poised on the arms of the chair, a miniature marble lady. Talisen studied the little ice queen's body language, the way she looked at Ellory. There was so much possessiveness in those crystal-clear blue eyes. That look was as old as time. Talisen didn't need a lesson in vampiric family dynamics to see that Georgina had issues with sharing Ellory. Didn't he see it? Georgina—an adult vampiress locked for eternity in the body of a ten-year-old. She wanted what she could never, ever have with him. With anyone. Talisen felt a brush of pity for the little vampiress, and then pushed it away. She didn't care whether the fledglings accepted her or not. What she did want was their respect, whether she was going to be here another day or a thousand—which she didn't intend to. Without respect, she may as well be dead. Georgina's voice was low and sweet. "Ellory, do you want us to forget what you've taught us? 'Family first. Family always. One vein. One heart. One blood.' Those are the words you've exemplified for us since our infancy, and we say them to each other in blood. Your mate must be someone we can trust. Not a human. Humans are for pleasure. For feeding. That's all they're capable of." Talisen shoved herself out of her chair, hardly able to push the words out of her mouth fast enough. "Let's get one thing straight right now. Don't make the mistake of thinking my one aspiration is to be Ellory's human milk cow. All I'm thinking of is getting out of here, come hell or high water, and nothing he can do is going to stop me." They just stared. Cold, timeless faces that didn't change. Except for Ellory. He watched her, eyes agleam with wonder—and a hint of remorse that made her uneasy. 129

Revenant Georgina laughed. Talisen turned to glare at her and found herself ignored. The little vixen smiled suavely at Ellory. "Look here, old boy, if you want to play with your food, you don't need our permission for that, but—" Talisen bent over her, grabbed a fistful of seersucker jumper and hauled her up from her chair. Nose to nose, she whispered, "If you're going to insult me, you asinine little snob, the least you can do is look me in the eye. I'd be happy to get you a chair to stand on." Georgina hissed and sprouted fangs. "Ellory, if you mean for her to keep her hands…." "The offense was yours," he replied deftly. Talisen felt a warning prickle in her fingertips and let go. Georgina remained suspended in the air like an electrified balloon. Tugging her sleeves and straightening her clothes, she returned Talisen's gaze with unexpected dignity. Talisen didn't wait for her to speak. "I don't want your place in Ellory's life. I'm sorry you can't love him the way you want to, but there's nothing to be gained by hating me." Tears sprang into Georgina's eyes and spilled down her cheeks like red mascara. Aghast, Talisen looked away. When she glanced at Georgina again, the vampiress had drifted to the floor on soundless feet. Christophe offered his little sister a handkerchief, but she'd already stained her palms wiping the tears away. Christophe turned to Ellory and shook his head. "You're asking us to trust her without the benefit of a blood exchange?" Ellory shook his head. "No. We will do this the proper way." Talisen didn't like the resolve she saw in his eyes. She crossed her arms and squared her chin, inwardly trembling. Whatever he had in mind, there was no way she was going along with it. Not willingly, anyway. He looked at her, seeming completely implacable. "There are three purposes for establishing a blood bond, Talisen: To make you a part of our family. To reassure my children that you cannot become a weapon against them. And to protect you. If something should happen to me, and you were taken from us, one of my children would still be able to find you by tracing you through the bond they'll have with you."

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Janet Elizabeth Jones She swallowed hard. If she were taken? He meant by other vampires. Like Dylan or Blazek. Or if she were attacked by a revenant again. "You mean it's like a tracking device?" "In a way. And I don't mind telling you, I would welcome the additional security." "But it must be a mutual exchange," Adrienne said. Talisen stared at the mulberry braided rug at her feet. "Doesn't matter. I'm not doing it." "Yes," Ellory said, "you are." Escape would be hopeless if there were a whole clan of vampires able to chase her down and bring her back. She shook her head. "No.” Silence descended. She heard his indrawn breath, felt the warmth of his hands on her shoulders right through her sleeves, as he turned her to look at him. Resolve, mixed with an unspoken plea, made him look so beautiful. No, no, no. That was his enthrallment over her at work again. The bond. The chain. "Talisen," he murmured, "without our protection, you can measure your life-expectancy with an egg timer." Talisen looked away. "I said no." Evidently, Ellory's words registered with his youngsters. She heard them stand and felt them gather around her. When Ellory drew her closer and turned her to face them, she felt a mantel of mindless contentment envelop her and swayed on her feet. His thought-voice soothed her. A few swallows only. That is all it will take. Talisen snatched her next breath, unable to move in his arms. And to think I felt sorry for you. I should have let that revenant kill you. Look at them, Talisen. They are only children. He nuzzled her throat, and as though she were a puppet on strings, she turned her gaze on the fledgling vampires. In their own way, they did look as wary of her as she was of them. Ellory's voice was feather-soft in her mind. Your place in my life puts them at great risk. They need this reassurance. I owe it to them. Reassurance? Meaning…they'll be able to control me? He grinned down at her. Why? Do you plan to be a menace to us? Just answer me. Talisen, controlling humans is a skill innate to all vampires. But mine wouldn't dare treat you that way, because they would answer to me. I'm 131

Revenant referring to the fact that by drinking your blood, they will be reassured that you cannot deceive us. Where did that leave her plans to run away? He squeezed her. I thought you got that out of your system last night. Talisen let the horrible enormity of his power wash over her and ducked her head, willing herself not to cry. What do I look like? A den mother? He kissed her forehead. I'm sorry. Please…trust me. She looked up at him and let all her disappointment show in her face. You've lost your honor, Captain Benedikt. You would never have taken advantage of someone's powerlessness like this when you were human. His face seemed suddenly made of stone. He took her arm in one hand and pulled the sleeve up with the other, baring her wrist. I would have done—and will do—anything I must to keep you safe. Cold sweat beaded under Talisen's clothing. She looked around at the waiting faces. "Well, get it over with." Ellory pulled her back against him, wrapped one arm around her waist and braced the other under her left arm, lifting it, palm upward. He laced his fingers through hers, and when she trembled, gave her a reassuring squeeze. He motioned Georgina forward with a nod. The little vampiress' hauteur slipped. She tightened her arms around herself, and her eyes trickled red tears again. Her pain was nearly tangible. "Come along," Ellory murmured to her. "It's all right." Georgina stepped closer and wrapped her dainty fingers around Ellory and Talisen's hands. She looked up at Talisen with her mouth poised over Talisen's wrist. Talisen held her breath and turned her head away. "Family first," said Georgina in her child's voice. "Family always. One vein. One blood. One heart." The prick of the tiny fangs made Talisen gasp, but she felt Ellory's hand close more tightly on her own. He drew her closer against him, and she lay her head back against his shoulder. His breath was warm and calming against her cheek. She closed her eyes, awed by the painlessness of it. That's why I told Georgina to go first. She has the smallest fangs. The rest of them will merely drink from you. He was doing her a kindness? Talisen didn't know whether to laugh or cry. If he really cared, he wouldn't make her go through this. 132

Janet Elizabeth Jones You're wrong, Talisen. It's because I care for you that I am doing this. She ground her teeth in her effort not to let the tears show. They slipped down her face anyway. Keep your patriarchal bullshit to yourself. Talisen felt the bond open between Georgina and herself, like a cosmic corridor that fit neatly alongside the one that hummed from Ellory to her. It took her breath away. It was distinct and separate, yet unrestricted. She'd expected something like a party-line. One by one, they recited the ancient words and lapped at her wrist. Slightly woozy, she fought to focus her concentration while her mind filled with the thought-voices of the Benedikts. It was a dizzy, ticklish sensation that left her disoriented but ever more content. When the contentment bordered on serenity, she began to fight it for all she was worth. At last, Ellory lifted her wrist to his mouth and laved it with his tongue to close the tiny bite Georgina had left. He held Talisen's arm close, his brown eyes dancing. "Welcome to the family. If you behave yourself, I may let you have your own motorcycle." Talisen looked up at him and said as succinctly as she could, "Keep it. I'll crawl out of here if I have to. Until I do, you're going to think I'm the baddest black sheep your family has ever known." Ellory's eyes glinted with dark amusement that almost made her regret her challenge. "Ah, well…every ewe needs her ram."

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Chapter Ten It was surreal, weaving in and out of the nighttime traffic on the back of Ellory's Harley, with a chorus of vampire voices in her head. Talisen discovered they used a common, family thought-path to converse with one another, separate from their individual channels to one another. With a little practice, she found she could tune them out, like turning down a TV in the corner of a room so that it became background noise. She'd resigned herself to one more night. Tomorrow, when the sun was high in the sky, she'd…. She caught back her thoughts and focused on the nighttime. If she thought about her plans right now, Ellory would pick them right out of her brain. Wildness whipped through her, an exhilaration she'd never known before. What was it? Her survival instincts kicking in with a vengeance? An overdose of adrenaline? Or was it the purr of the engine under her and the warmth of Ellory between her thighs? No. In that direction lay the deathblow to all her plans. The bond he'd saddled her with made it more difficult to resist him. Ellory's laugh filled her soul, warm with lazy humor. I'd hardly be worth my salt if it didn't, sweet. She decided not to dignify that with a response. In fact, she considered not talking to him at all. But being sullen would only make him suspicious. So tell me, how do you handle special occasions where Shelby's concerned? Like her birthday. She's bound to expect everyone in the family to have some of her cake. And all the holiday munching, too. How do you guys get around that? 134

Janet Elizabeth Jones He seemed to consider the question as though he hadn't thought about it before. Well, Shelby's only had two birthdays since she's been with us, and both times, she was more interested in her presents than her cake. As for holidays, we've managed fairly well, so far. It's like a big pretend. Naturally, we're at our best at Halloween. Last year, a local skating rink hosted a costume contest, and Georgina and Delfina dressed Shelby up as— Let me guess. A vampire? No, an intergalactic princess who's come to earth to save our world. Georgina and Delfina went as vampiresses. You should have seen what they did for Shelby's—ahem—costume. It was a judicious use of a little harmless illusion. They turned her a pretty shade of periwinkle and gave her ears like a bat. That was the only thing they had to adjust. Shelby complained of the noise. But she liked the antennae so much that she begged me to let her keep them for a few days. Talisen laughed. Antennae? Sean says we never had better television reception. Of course, Shelby won first place in the contest. I was very proud. The three of them would've stayed all night, except people kept tweaking Shelby's antennae to see if they were real. The girls are thinking about doing it again this year. Shelby would make a good pixie, don't you think? I think that's great while Shelby's little, but how will you handle these things when she gets older? He shrugged. We'll fake it. It wasn't a happy thought, that Ellory could make humans think whatever he wanted to. I don't like the sound of that. It's deceitful. He turned his head a bit in her direction, but all she could see was a skewed reflection of the traffic in the tinted visor of his helmet. I swear on the grave I've never had, I will never deceive you, Talisen Davies. Nothing tricky? He shook his head. Nothing tricky. She could almost believe him, he sounded so sincere. But could you really trust a vampire? A few traffic lights later, she noticed an edge in the fledglings' thought-voices. What was eating at them? It went deep, scalding the periphery of her thoughts and emotions as though she were standing a few paces from a bonfire. What was it? Ellory answered her unspoken question, his voice hot with disdain as though he were murmuring the name of an old enemy. Hunger. They need to feed. 135

Revenant That brought her face-to-face with the inevitable. Ellory would need to feed too, at some point. A chill crawled up her spine. Maybe he'd go off and get his sustenance elsewhere. They turned down a narrow, tree-lined road where the only lights were their headlights. Ellory motioned for the others to go on without them, pulled to a stop and let the engine idle for a moment. Talisen sat utterly still. What was he up to now? "Why are we stopping?" He put the visor up on his helmet but didn't look at her. "You have an unanswered question, and I fear it'll plague your wits all evening if I don't answer it." She withdrew her arms from around his waist, now that they'd stopped. "I wasn't thinking anything." "Liar." He sighed. "You were wondering when I'm going to drink from you. Since you cannot leave it be, I'll tell you. You'll know when I need you. It's a natural response. A sort of hunger you'll feel." So the minute she got hungry, she'd know to run. "You mean for food?" He turned his head toward her slightly. "For me." Talisen's heart pounded as she let it sink in, the full meaning of what he was saying. "That's despicable." "That's how it works." Ellory swiped his visor down again, put the Harley in gear and started forward, gathering speed. "That's how everything about us works." "Not me." He didn't say anything to that. They caught up with the others just as they converged on the moonlit beach. Sean and Jenny settled Shelby on a blanket and made a fire. Ellory and Talisen joined them. The others became shadows in the darkness on the beach, beyond the light of the flames. They'd formed teamsfor an impromptu soccer game. Talisen could scarcely follow them with her eyes, they glided so swiftly. Meinrad let out a ghoulish war-cry and sent the ball flying out of sight with a butt of his head. Shouts of "no fair" and "foul" echoed up and down the beach, and his siblings flew at him from different directions and tackled him. "We need more wood," Jenny murmured. Talisen glanced at the vampiress. The flames danced in her dark violet eyes as she looked at Sean. 136

Janet Elizabeth Jones He rose and reached for her hand. "We can fix that." "Don't get lost," Ellory called after them. They looked back with broad grins and meandered out of sight into the forest. Ellory wrapped his arms around Talisen, leaned back against a boulder, and drew her back against him. They watched Shelby play, responding every now and then to her chatter, soaking up the moonlight, waves and wind. Talisen began to relax. She knew it was Ellory's doing, but it was irresistible. Contentment filled her up—except for the hum of heat she sensed in him. Ellory tangled his fingers in her hair, and a red-black chord of need underscored the raw current that connected them. Was that his hunger waking up? A jolt of desire caught her completely unaware. Talisen closed her eyes, aghast at her soul's response to his. She found herself bobbing on a sea of anticipation in spite of herself. She needed him. He pressed a kiss on her temple and threaded his fingers through hers. He knew what she was feeling. It half-humiliated and half-excited her. And of the two, excitement began to disarm her self-preservation. He wrapped his arms around her and held her silently, and his embrace filled her with a sense of well-being. Trickery. Vampire magic. But gradually, against her will, Talisen sank into a heady mixture of acceptance, lust, warmth and serenity that left her pliant in his arms, even as her mind grasped at defiance. His arms felt too good, too strong and sure—too human—for her to resist the peace, protection and pleasure he promised. It couldn't be real. He couldn't be real. A group of teenagers walked past. The fledglings halted their game and stood as still as stone. An intensity enveloped them. Alertness quivered along their thought-paths. They followed the humans with their gazes until the young people receded into the darkness. No smiles. No words. Just dark, staring eyes. Raw excitement blanketed their faces. En masse, they turned to look at Ellory. Talisen's heart raced. They wouldn't do it. Not in front of Shelby. She swallowed, thinking of the young people, their carefree laughter. They didn't have a clue what was about to happen to them. They wouldn't even remember it. So vulnerable. Easy prey. She swallowed again. The earth shifted under her as Ellory set her aside. He knelt behind Shelby and whispered to her. Her eyes drooped, and her gaze became 137

Revenant utterly focused on her toys. Ellory stood and wiped the sand from his hands slowly. And nodded. The fledglings sprang away, murmuring challenges to one another like children playing tag. Before they'd gotten ten feet from the fire, they disappeared. Just vanished. Talisen held her breath, blinked once, and exhaled. She listened. Would there be a scream? A cry for help? She stood and trotted a few paces in the direction they'd taken and listened harder. Nothing. No sound at all in the distant dark, not the slightest indication that a band of humans had just been attacked by vampires. She should have warned the youngsters. She could still warn them. Heedless, she cupped her hands to her mouth, filled her lungs with a breath, and—did nothing. Her warning died unspoken. She exhaled, confused and angry, and turned to glare at Ellory. "Did you just do what I think you did?" He cleared his throat softly. She could hear both apprehension and resolve in his voice. "I know that was difficult for you. But there is no need for us to pretend around you anymore, and I would as well you didn't deprive my children of their nourishment." She let her gaze fall to the sand and grass at her feet. So he'd made her a traitor to her own kind now? When she looked up again, Ellory was standing within arm's reach of her. His eyes were hot-black, rich with reward and devotion she couldn't deny, with promises she knew he'd keep. He whispered the words, "One vein. One heart. One blood. You cannot live with one foot in your world and one in mine, Talisen." He held out his hand. She lifted a foot to step backward and found herself in his arms instead, filling her hands with his mahogany hair, and turned her face up to his for his kiss. "This isn't fair." He kissed her softly on the mouth. "No, it isn't, but at least you're safe. If you'll listen to what's going on inside you, you'll realize you're changing. You're yielding to your need for me, to your need to be happy and safe. It's your soul's response to our bond. Just trust it. Trust me." As though his very verbalization of it made it true, her need for him ignited inside of her until she could scarcely stand it. Just before she lost herself in his kiss, she spied Jenny and Sean out of the corner of her eye, walking their way. She turned her head aside and slipped away. "We've got company." 138

Janet Elizabeth Jones Ellory gave a painful laugh and reached for her anyway. "Please, come here and kiss me again before I die." She shook her head and returned to Shelby, just as Sean staggered into the ring of firelight behind Jenny. He plopped down, breathing hard, mouth parted and eyes aglow. Jenny paused to tuck her shirttails in before crouching to watch him. She caught her lower lip in her teeth. Her fangs had scarcely receded. Ellory looked from one to the other and laughed softly. He pushed Sean's head down until it rested between the boy's trembling knees. "Incredible how demanding it is to find firewood these days." Sean gave a breathless laugh and lifted his head, lurching onto all fours to crawl in Jenny's direction. Ellory caught him and sat him down again. "Give it a rest, boy. The night's scarcely half gone." Sean settled back and cast a sheepish glance at his little sister. "Hey, Shelby, nice horse condos." She didn't answer him, didn't even look up. His smile faded, and he scowled at Ellory. "You know, I really hate it when you do that to her." Talisen felt Ellory flinch inwardly, but it didn't show on his face. He looked out to sea with a shrug of one shoulder. "Bear in mind, I do it this way out of deference to your wishes. I can change that." What were they talking about? Sean looked at him with pleas visible enough in his eyes to put a lump in Talisen's throat. He shook his head. "No." Ellory looked down at him, his face inscrutable. "She is the most vulnerable among us, and yet I leave her utterly unprotected. Because that's the way you want it." Sean ducked his head. "I know." "Keep your recriminations to yourself, then. I will have no more of them. Understood?" Sean nodded and turned his gaze on the fire, his eyes glistening. The hurt on his face was enough to show how unusual it was for Ellory to reprimand him like that. Talisen eyed Ellory's broad back. Remind me to add bully to my list of reasons why I don't like you. He bowed his head and dug his heel into the grass under his boot. Her jibe didn't get a rise out of him. His response was soft and devoid of emotion, as though he'd shut down. I'm sure I seem like that to you. What's this problem about Shelby? 139

Revenant I have yet to establish a blood bond with her, because Sean cannot bear the idea. Understandably. But that leaves Shelby unprotected from others of our kind. Talisen ran a hand through Shelby's hair. The thought of the little girl at the hands of monsters like Blazek turned her stomach. It also brought with it a realization she'd rather have ignored. But honesty wouldn't allow her to. Ellory didn't have to give Sean a choice in the matter, but he had. That wasn't the act of an evil creature. Ellory? Shelby won't know what's happening when you do it, will she? He growled. Of course not. What do you take me for? Talisen looked seaward, so she didn't have to look at him. Well…you've done the right thing to let Sean decide. She felt him turn toward her, felt it as though she'd seen him do it. This bond between them…it was growing stronger…pulling her closer to him with every minute. How long could she hold out? She met his gaze because she couldn't bear not to. He regarded her with uncertainty in his eyes that made him seem human. Truly? I've done the right thing by the boy? She nodded up at him. He turned to eye the darkness. Ah. Here they are. He let Shelby surface from her trance as the fledglings ambled out of the darkness, laughing and talking as though they'd been for a moonlight stroll. Talisen couldn't get over the change in them. Their faces were flushed and vibrant. They sat down in a circle around the fire, eyes heavy, bodies still and pliant. They even yawned. Ellory hovered on the periphery of their camaraderie. She watched his gaze flit between Meinrad and the darkness beyond their campfire and sensed an undercurrent of apprehension in him. He was waiting. For what? Conversation around the campfire died in mid-sentence. Heads turned. Mouths gaped. The fledglings were on their feet before Talisen was aware that they had moved. The next thing she knew, they had her, Sean, and Shelby surrounded. The six young vampires trained their gazes on the shadowy beach beyond the light of their fire. Ellory moved to stand between them and the unseen object of their attention. Talisen stared until her eyes burned, trying to see over Christophe or between Delfina and Meinrad. She reached for their silent channels and gasped at the wash of fear that enveloped them. Who could they possibly be afraid of? 140

Janet Elizabeth Jones She felt Sean's hands rest on her shoulders with a light squeeze. His whisper tickled her cheek. "Look. There." A tall, graceful man with ebony skin materialized from out of the shadows. He wore a white robe, and as he approached, he pushed back his cowl and smiled serenely, holding out his hands in a gesture of supplication. A prince? An angel? He was the closest thing to either Talisen had ever seen. Whatever he was, she knew he wasn't a vampire, though she wasn't sure how she could tell. His robust, infectious laugh made him seem harmless. "On behalf of your queen and mine, Ellory Benedict, I wish peace on your house. Be at your ease." Talisen blinked. Queen? They had royalty? Ellory crossed his arms, his tone anything but welcoming. "I know your errand, Master Suvee." The dark one folded his hands together in front of him. His twinkling eyes lit on Meinrad. Meinrad, standing in front of Talisen, shifted on his feet. She felt his fear seep through his trembling shoulder blades. Christophe, Talisen whispered along their thought-path, there's something weird about this guy. What is it? Christophe spat into the grass. His words reverberated through their shared thoughts so hot and swift that everyone winced. He's a revenant— a human enslaved and immortalized by a vampire. They live on the blood of their creator. Revenants are impervious to the sun and possess some of our powers. That makes them good at finding and exterminating us. That was a revenant, too? He was nothing like the one who had attacked her and Ellory last night. They feed on vampires? Talisen snorted. That sort of puts the shoe on the other foot, doesn't it? No one smiled at her attempted humor. Christophe spat again. Adrienne shushed him. Meinrad shook. The rest of them squeezed closer to one another for comfort. Shelby squirmed until Sean picked her up so she could see better. "Sean?" the little girl murmured. "What, honey?" "I don't think we brought enough marshmallows for that man to have any." "It's all right. He won't want any." 141

Revenant Talisen watched Ellory stab his hands into his pockets. There was defiance in his voice, tempered with cold civility. "Where is your mate, Master Suvee?” "Growing a new jugular." The revenant shrugged. "She crossed paths with the Alchemist a fortnight past. But she's mending, through Freya's generosity." "The Alchemist is back?" Ellory knuckled his chin and stared at the ground. "We'd best get the warning out." Talisen leaned closer to Georgina. Who's the Alchemist? For once, there wasn't a trace of sarcasm in her voice. The devil himself. The vampire of vampires. He fancies himself a scientist. Experiments on his own kind. Mostly fledglings, because they're easily captured. Talisen shuddered. Experiments? What's he after? As if it matters. He's quite mad. Is he stronger than Ellory? He's stronger than everyone. He's been around forever. Some say he still has the floorplan of the Library of Alexandria memorized. Talisen whistled softly. And he's still walking around? Georgina tugged Meinrad's sleeve. What's all this about? Meinrad stared wide-eyed into the darkness beyond Suvee. "I…I have to go…." They broke the stillness with their protests and questions, but Ellory silenced them with a glance and caught Meinrad in a hard hug. Talisen felt drenched in his pain. What was going on? Meinrad clung to him. "Papa, I'm frightened." Ellory closed his eyes and held him. "I know." "But I want to go to her." "I know." "She's been inside my mind…soft, like a dove…. I should have told you. I'm sorry." "No need." He held Meinrad out at arm's length and gave him a little shake. "If you are ever unhappy, you are to come straight home to me, boy. Understand?" Meinrad nodded, and Ellory waved him away toward Suvee. The revenant brushed the sand from Meinrad's shirt, straightened his collar, and attempted to smooth his errant bangs. The fledgling hissed and ducked and bared his fangs, but Suvee caught him by the scruff of the neck and went on with his ministrations. "Master Benedikt, Freya wants to see your woman. An hour and a half from now. Sartori's." 142

Janet Elizabeth Jones Talisen frowned. His woman? She pushed past the fledglings to stand beside Ellory, now less enchanted with the angel/prince/revenant/whatever. "That's consort, buster." Ellory pulled her back. "I will not take Talisen into that place." "It isn't an invitation. Do not come late." He turned and ushered Meinrad toward the forest. Shelby darted past Talisen. "Meinrad? Hey, where you going? We haven't done the marshmallows yet." Meinrad turned and caught her up in his arms. "I'll be home tomorrow night, Strudel Face." "But where are you going?" "I'm going to visit a beautiful queen. She doesn't have any family. She's lonely and needs me to be her friend." "But we need you, too." "Yes, but we have each other, Shelby. That's for always." He turned his gaze on his siblings, his voice unsteady. "No one can take your places in my heart." When he set Shelby down, the little girl stood back and rubbed her eyes with her fists. He turned her around and sent her back to Sean. With one more glance at his brothers and sisters, at Talisen, and finally, at Ellory, he turned and followed Suvee into the night. The beach became quiet and deserted again. "I've lost him," Ellory whispered. "He must look to Freya now for everything he has left to learn." He looked in that moment like any other father might when he'd just let go of one of his children. Talisen could feel him fighting for control. He was a burning, seething mass of sorrow, as though Meinrad's departure had opened an old wound. Was he still grieving for his lost children, the ones Dylan had killed? Try as she might, she couldn't just turn her back on his feelings. She tugged his arm. "Walk with me, Ellory." He hesitated, casting a glance at the fledglings. She squeezed his hand. "We won't go far. You can still keep an eye on them." He nodded and let her lead him a short distance up the beach. She didn't say anything. When he reached for her, she let him wrap his arms around her The waves rolled in with a sigh. The salty wind whipped at their hair and faces. Moments passed, and Talisen perceived that Ellory's emotions 143

Revenant took a different direction—toward comfort. Toward her. In response, she became more aware of his embrace, his need for her to hold him. His need for her. His hunger. It caught her up in its current, throbbing and hot, sweet and beguiling, utterly inescapable. Ellory had said she would recognize it when it happened, and she did, because her entire being answered, ready and willing and as needy as he was. In spite of herself. He lifted his head and met her gaze. His pupils were already dilated. They flickered from dull red to black to brown to dull red again. To crimson. To fire. In seconds, nothing inside of her survived that inferno but her need to give him whatever he needed, and to take from him what only he could give. Ellory kissed her throat. "Talisen." "I can't." Yet she turned her mouth up to his, then pressed her face into his shirt. "I…I want to…but I shouldn't…." He held her close enough for her to feel every inch of him. "Sartori's is the last place I should take you when I have an appetite. Not exactly what I had planned for us this evening, but I swear I'll make it up to you." Her loins throbbed at the thought of it, and she flinched against him. He tilted her head back so she looked at him. "Don't be afraid. You know what it is, now, that I need from you. You know what I want to give you." Her legs shook. She forced herself to think of practicalities. "If I've got to meet your queen, I want a bath and a change of clothes first. What are we waiting for?" "The babysitter. Meical's on his way." He mouthed her neck again, and an achy urgency burned inside her. The pulsation between her legs hit a teasing little crescendo. "Ohhhhh, I don't think I can take this every time your stomach growls." He grinned, canines gleaming. Deeper than the keening in his soul, Talisen sensed his elation, his desire to please her. That was the thing that finally pushed her over the edge. Her own mindless need, the preternatural bond that molded them together, finished off her resistance. She shoved aside his jacket and pulled the neckline of his tee shirt down to taste as much of him as she could reach. Her pleasure mounted. His hunger spiked. She wanted his hands on her. His gaze. His mouth. 144

Janet Elizabeth Jones His body. She wanted to unleash the tidal wave inside of him, ride it, hold it…in the palm of her hand…. "Evening, all." A vibration in the air followed Meical's bland salutation, and, embarrassed, Talisen darted out of Ellory's arms. Grabian materialized in a burst of silver confetti about six paces away and grinned at her. "My pardon, madam.” Ellory tossed him the keys to the Harley. "Take care, Meical. The Alchemist is back. Call me if you have need." "If you'd been paying attention, my man, you'd have noted the heavy guard we have tonight, compliments of Her Majesty." Grabian headed toward the fire. "Run along, you craven nit. And do try not to make the old bat angry at us all, won't you?" Ellory picked Talisen up and backed into the shadow of a stand of spruces. "Close your eyes and say something magical." "Uhm…abracadabra?" She never felt a thing. Quiet and warmth took the place of wild sea sounds and the chill of night. The familiar fragrance of her bath soap reached her, and she opened her eyes. She blinked in the soft light of the bathroom across from her room. The tub was already full. Her robe hung on the hook on the back of the door, and a clean towel and washcloth lay on the side of the tub. He'd even remembered to add a hair clip so she could put her hair up. Her feet wobbled like rubber when he put her down, and she stared at him with a shiver of awe. "How did you do this?" He picked up her soap and sniffed it with his eyes closed. "You're the one who said abracadabra." "Too bad I didn't think of something more original. I might've had bubbles." When she glanced around at the tub again, there were bubbles. Mountains of them. She laughed. "Okay, hand over my soap, or your rubber ducky gets it." He smiled and handed it to her. "I'll be in your room trying not to salivate over the fact that you're wet and naked and less than twenty feet away from me." When he left her, Talisen undressed and eased into the warm bath. After a few minutes, the silence made her feel like Ellory had dropped off the planet. She had to reach for him. So tell me, is your queen pretty? 145

Revenant Gorgeous. But the fact that she can turn someone into charcoal takes the enjoyment out of looking at her. Why don't any of you vampires ever turn out ugly? The better to entice our prey, m'dear. Mean irony, isn't it? His voice sharpened a little. Almost done? At the sound of the hunger in his tone, her arousal woke again. She tugged the plug out of the drain and stood up. No will of her own. That was what was wrong with her. Had he won? I'm on my way. He sighed inside her mind. It was a sigh of nearly painful relief. Talisen could actually feel him weakening. She dried herself off and, grabbing her robe, wrapped it around her on the way to her room. Even in the dim light, she could see the difference in him. He looked like he'd dropped ten pounds while she'd been bathing. The deathly pallor of his skin made his drugging, red eyes look enormous. She touched his face. "Ellory, you're burning up." He caught her hand with a catlike reflex that made her jump and ran his tongue between each of her fingers. "Well, at least you won't catch a chill after your bath." He was in terrible pain, yet he was making jokes. She told herself she shouldn't let it matter to her, but she couldn't fight the tide of feelings that rose inside her. "You look awful." "You look beautiful." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her up on top of him, shoving her loose robe away from her so that she felt him against her bare skin. Her legs dangled away on either side of him, shaky and weak. The bulge in his jeans took her breath away. A slow smile softened the hard planes of his face, and he moved beneath her as though his body were one long, sleek, involuntary muscle. "I thought you were hungry," she gasped in his face. His smile widened. "I am." "Well, we should watch our time, shouldn't we? Hadn't you better…you know?" But he rolled her over and continued moving, smoothing her damp hair away from her face. "I thought you said you weren't to be mistaken for a human milk cow." She moaned when he drew her knees up around him to improve their contact. If he felt this good to her with his clothes on, what would he feel like naked? She shuddered with need and felt his appetite snarl inside of 146

Janet Elizabeth Jones him in response. "Yeah, and I also…I also said I…I'm not going to let this sort of thing happen anymore, and I'm serious." His head fell forward, and he groaned against her breast. His mouth closed on her nipple, and she jackknifed under him. "Yes, I can tell how serious you are." Torture. Her senses exploded to encompass everything in the dark— and everything was Ellory. He was in the air that touched her skin, the softness of the bedcovers she clenched in her fingers, the warmth of the fire, the chill of her excitement. He lifted his head and smiled at her as though he had a secret. Slowly, meticulously, he reached for the pillows, tucking first one underneath her shoulders, then the other. Her blood rushed to her temples when he sat back and let his gaze wander over her. She closed her eyes, heart pounding, while his hunger raged inside them both. A warm, wet rush of air touched her stomach. His breath? She opened her eyes to find him crouched between her knees. "Ellory, if you're hungry, you're a little south of where you're supposed to be. Aren't you?" "I have time for an appetizer, if I don't dawdle." He blew lightly across her abdomen. "Look at me, love." Utterly lost, she stared into his eyes while he eased her shaking legs apart until she was completely open to him. She reached for something to hold onto. Her fingers closed over his thick, soft hair. His voice was hushed, yet it reverberated around the room and went right through her. Never had she been so aware of his otherworldly nature. "I call myself a composer, but in truth, nothing can equal the perfect orchestration of a woman's body. Like coordinated cannon fire off the portside of a war brig. Just beautiful." He feathered kisses from her navel down to her ebony curls, nipping with his lips, and eased his hands under her bottom to lift her. The stroke of his tongue inside of her wrung a long, low moan from her. It was too intense. She fell into a red-hot sea of pleasure. In his eyes. In his touch. I'm so thirsty for you, Talisen. Quench my thirst. Pleas poured out of her. Don't let me go…please…. His gaze held hers, as devouring as his mouth. The word flooded her mind with pure white light. Never. He hardened his grip on her backside and moved her against his mouth. She couldn't look away, could hardly hold on. Her breath hung 147

Revenant in her throat, and she held it, waiting, suspended at the height of the inevitable plunge. It loomed closer. A breath away. She threw her head back. No, look at me, Talisen. His voice was deep and husky inside her mind. I want you to watch it happen. I want you to help me make it happen. Reach for it, love. You're so close. Just reach out and take it. This is a part of you. It belongs to you. As do I. She met his gaze again, halfway between heaven and hell. The devotion in his eyes rocked her to her soul. How could he look at her like that if he were really and truly a danger to her? How could the bond they shared feel so right and be harmful to her? He had said it. She couldn't live with one foot in her world and one foot in his, and that was true. She'd tried to run, she'd tried so hard. But she couldn't. Her heart and soul longed for him. It was her pride and fear that kept her from accepting him. She had to let it go. She just had to. This was her Captain who held her, the man she'd longed for all her life, the one whose touch she'd dreamed of in her most private fantasies. He was real. He was alive. And he cared for her. The last of Talisen's resistance—all her elaborate schemes of escape, her hard-fought battle to ignore her response to him—washed away in the rush of her need. Flesh and muscles rippled between her thighs, up her legs, running ahead of the tidal wave. Her pleasure gushed out of her, and she rocked beneath the torment of his lapping tongue. For a moment, as she spiraled back to earth, the only sound in her world was the beat of their hearts. They pulsed together, then in counterpoint, then together again, twirling, dancing, entwining, on and on. They sounded so strong and steady together, so indomitable. Endless. She stirred slightly when she felt him turn his head to nuzzle the inside of her left thigh. The gentle probe of his fingers inside of her brought her wide awake again. He found the slick, swollen pallet of flesh that waited, began a rhythmic massage, and her body began again. Seconds before her pleasure swallowed her, she felt an icy-hot pleasure-pain tunnel up her leg and into her core. She arched against Ellory's hand, and he eased her back down into the bedcovers even as she cried. He didn't stop, didn't release her, until she surrendered to a third climax that left her sated and drifting off to sleep. 148

Janet Elizabeth Jones **** Ellory set Talisen on her feet in the packed parking lot of Sartori's and held her until she stopped shaking. Teleporting was something she'd have to get used to. While waiting for her to rub the spots out of her eyes and catch her breath, he scanned their surroundings. Two figures in white robes guarded the dimly lit, two-story brick nightclub. He curled his lip. More of Freya's subhuman minions. He waved a hand around at their surroundings. "Welcome to the armpit of Camden, love." Talisen glanced around at the packed parking lot. "Sartori's sure draws a crowd." He smiled at her in the darkness. She didn't realize, of course, that no human walked through those doors of their own volition. They'd all been drawn here by the vampires who waited within—waited to feast on them. He steered her away from the front entrance and led her around to the shadowy side yard. "This side-stair leads up to Sartori's office. That's where Freya is. Meinrad, too." Talisen caught his hand. "Yes, I can feel Meinrad's presence, but it's kind of fuzzy." "You may have difficulty sensing others at a distance through barriers. He seems to have closed himself in the office bathroom and won't come out. Something about the way Freya wants him to dress. And so it begins. Who knows? Maybe she'll give him back to me. Hopefully in one piece." "You can feel Freya's presence like you feel Meinrad's?" "Not quite, because I have no blood bond with Freya." He shrugged. "Without blood bonds, we detect others by fragrance and vibration. Each of us has a signature vibration and a signature scent. Our souls make a cosmic snapshot of our surroundings in the moment we're taken, and the memory manifests itself in a supernatural scent that's unique to each individual. Freya's is jasmine, because she was turned in the upstairs storeroom of a medieval fragrance shop. That's all anyone knows about her beginnings." "And you smell like the sea and sand and coastal trees because you were turned on the beach." 149

Revenant He nodded and caught her close for a kiss. "Humans are usually incapable of scenting us out. You can smell me because I allow it. That's because I am yours and you are mine." "Where exactly on the beach were you turned, Ellory?" "About 150 feet from the spot where I met you." Talisen pushed her bangs out of her eyes and stared at him. "You didn't tell me that." He shrugged. "It seems irrelevant." "No. It's not. Not at all. See, I…." He watched her run her hands up and down her arms. "Why the goosebumps? What is it?" She turned toward the stairway. "I've never been able to stay away from that stretch of the beach." "Really?" "Yeah." "I like that, Talisen." She reminded him of a nimble-footed sprite picking her way through a field of amethysts instead of broken liquor bottles glinting beneath the purple beam of light. She was warming to him, little by little, learning to accept him. Did she have any idea how grateful he was for her? He would convince her, if it took the rest of her life. But he must go slowly and let the bond do its work. "What do you do," she asked, "if you get turned into a vampire in a really stinky place?" He followed her with a chuckle. "In fact, that's what happened to Dylan. I don't know what Aloisia was thinking. It was cruel, even by her standards. She took him right out of a drunken stupor. I think he'd passed out in a rubbish heap behind the village slaughterhouse. It's a fortuitous thing for him that his prey can't smell him coming. He could gag a maggot off a gut-wagon." At the foot of the side-stair, Talisen halted, turned and frowned at him. "Hold on. This feels like we're sneaking in." He sighed, trying to decide how to explain without giving her the sordid details. "This is a feeding ground. There are things going on inside there that I don't want you to see." She cocked her head to one side. "What are you afraid of?" He hated the answer to that question. The scent of blood and arousal would be like a fog inside, ready to draw him in and drench him. The 150

Janet Elizabeth Jones taste of Talisen still lingered in his mouth, predisposing him toward a second helping of her. But to feed on her in that place was madness. "Sartori's brings out the worst in us. I am not immune." She touched his cheek. Her satin-soft fingers carried the power of a blessing. "You should try trusting yourself more." He opened his mouth to respond, but a dizzy tingle between his eyes cut off his words. Freya's voice filled Ellory's mind. I am impressed with her. She will prove valuable to you, I think. Ellory squeezed Talisen's hand. "It's Freya…but I don't know how I can hear her…." Insolent child. I needn't resort to a blood bond to speak to my own. Stop dallying. Come in through the front door. I want everyone to see you. Your neighbors think you're a snob, and I want you to do something to show them how wrong they are. For the time being, I have enabled you all to speak to one another without blood bonds. Sow the seeds of family solidarity. Ellory felt Talisen's reaching arms wrap around him but couldn't respond to her. How the devil am I to do that, Freya? I'll leave that to you. Show Dylan that you are no longer at odds with your neighbors. He used your isolation against you once, Ellory, by currying favor with others and capitalizing on their suspicious nature. Don't let him do it again. There was wisdom in her words. Perhaps he had kept to his own too much, kept his family apart from the others. He hadn't trusted his fellow creatures any more than they had trusted him. Dylan had used that to his own advantage. Ellory bowed his ringing head, and Freya released him. "Ellory?" Talisen murmured. "Will you please tell me what's going on?" He opened his eyes and looked down at her with a half-smile. "Freya wants us to make a social coup with the neighbors, and I have no idea how to do that, since everyone inside would very happily dispatch me and drain you dry." He expected Talisen to turn tail and run, but she took him by the hand and led him back the way they'd come. "You're an entertainer. So, entertain them." "Are you serious? Perform for them?" "They're your people, aren't they? They should understand your music better than anyone. Don't be such a snob." 151

Revenant He flinched. "I predict you and Freya are going to get along splendidly. I find that terrifying." The two hooded revenants at the front the door let them in with a nod. A strobe light hung over the dance floor, turning everything to a dizzy, stained-glass swirl. The all-vampire band played softly enough not to jar their own ears, but not nearly loud enough to drown out the moans coming from the shadowy periphery of the room. The rest of the room was as dark as pitch for the sake of the clientele's sensitive eyes. Just as well. By the time Talisen's eyes adjusted, she'd be able to see the blood-flecked walls and floors where some of them had gotten overeager. The smell of the feast smacked Ellory in the face and went straight to his gut, and thence, to his groin. His fangs pricked their way out of his gums, and he swallowed. Suddenly there was silence. No music. No voices. No moans. Everyone stared at him. Burning, hungry, challenging eyes shone like stars around him. Blazek and his entourage drifted out of the crowd, their gazes full of menace. Ellory swept Talisen behind him and sounded a guttural growl of warning. It was Blazek's voice that Ellory heard, but the others took up the call in euphoric whispers. If you are truly one of us—brother—join in the feast. Let us see you sate yourself. Ellory tried to mask his hesitation. Surely this wasn't what Freya had in mind. But she wasn't exactly stepping in to commandeer the situation. Blazek gave him an ugly smile. He will not feed in our presence. He is not one of us. They hissed their disapproval. Drink. Do it. Show us. Ellory turned and looked behind him at Talisen. Just a breath away, the crimson fountain he longed for, the embrace he would die for. Drink. Yes, why not? She was his. He would show them it was so. Drink. He felt the call of his mark on her soul. It pulsed with her need for him. All for him. Drink! Oh, yes. Ellory's fangs filled his mouth. His engorged flesh filled his jeans. Wrapping his arms around Talisen, he dragged her against him. 152

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Chapter Eleven Above the chant, a sound pierced Ellory's blood-haze. It was Talisen's thought-voice, like milk and honey. It stroked him from the inside out. Ellory, if you can hear me, read my mind. Do it now. He froze with his fangs poised above her jugular, his soul on the threshold of madness, and closed his eyes, clutching at the image she offered. He saw himself in the armchair in the den at home. Shelby sat in his lap. He saw the love and absolute trust in her eyes as she looked at him. Talisen's voice poured into his mind like a warm waterfall, washing away the hunger. That's who you are. Not this. He opened his eyes and looked down at her blister-red cheeks. "Thank you." She reached for his hand. "Get a grip, Captain. There's a human eighteen-wheeler headed our way, and with a grin like his, he doesn't look safe." Ellory followed Talisen's gaze. Sartori was on the approach, all threehundred leather-clad pounds of him. The creature got close enough to saturate the air with his combined bouquet of stale cologne, garlic and body odor, but he stopped when he saw Talisen and flung his fat hands out dramatically. "Whoa! I see it's B.Y.O.D. with you, boy, all the way. Sweet!" Ellory halted him with a glare. "Put your eyes elsewhere, you slimy sycophant, before I turn them into meatballs and feed them to this crowd."

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Revenant There were catcalls and encouragement on all sides from their onlookers. Ah, so they liked that, did they? Ellory began to feel more in control of the situation. A number of his brethren pressed a little too close to Talisen. He swept her behind him again and backed her into the wall, baring his fangs. They responded in kind. A muffled wheeze came from Talisen. "Suggestion." He turned his head a little, his gaze fixed on the wall of teeth in front of them. "Yes, my love?" "Stop beating your chest and say something civil to them. And just out of curiosity, what does B.Y.O.D. mean?" He winced. "Bring Your Own Donor. Sorry." "I'll forgive you if you'll stop squishing me." He felt Talisen nuzzle his side while she peeked around from behind him. The vampires pressed closer, their eyes taunting—and curious. Ellory studied their faces. It was Talisen they were staring at. Of course. She was the only human in the place who wasn't under a vampiric enthrallment. She'd accompanied him here by choice. They were looking at a miracle, one they had probably never expected to see. Sartori belched, breaking the stalemate. His voice slipped into a whiny contralto. "Hey, Benedikt, come outta the corner. Nobody's gonna hurt your little chow bag. Freya says you're supposed to do somethin' real nice for us." Freya says? Ellory collared Sartori and dragged him closer. There was Freya's mark on the cretin's fleshy, reeking neck. Ellory squinted and sneezed when Sartori's garlic necklace brought tears to his eyes. Superstitious fool. Freya must have taken over the place, beginning with Sartori himself. Better and better. He slung Sartori aside and, very slowly, reached behind him for Talisen. "Sorry for being so rough." She frowned up at him, ruffled and red-faced. "I'm thinking of changing your name to Tarzan." He couldn't let down his guard enough to smile at her jibe. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her, hauled her close with her back to him, and fixed a stony gaze on his watching kin. The old words came to him with difficulty, yet they felt right. "I wish you peace, a long night, and good hunting."

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Janet Elizabeth Jones The others exchanged narrow-eyed glances with one another. They relaxed a little and returned the ancient salutation in a chorus of hesitant murmurs, fondling their prey as they did so. Power. Ellory felt it resonate inside of him, horrible and beautiful. He bent his head to nuzzle and nip Talisen's throat in an open declaration of possession. "This one bears my mark. You will not touch her." The vampires nodded in acquiescence. Even Blazek and his friends seemed mollified for the moment. Freya whispered inside his mind. Well done, Ellory. He turned and eyed the wall of windows above them that gave Sartori's office a view of the dance floor. There she was, clad in a long gown of cream and sapphire. A midnight angel. Tell me, madam, is this a temporary state of affairs? Will all our golden coaches turn back into pumpkins when you move on? Freya lifted her chin. That depends on you. Give them back their pride, and they will answer to you forever. Pride? His gut wrenched, and he shook his head. No, Freya. All I can do is touch what we all share. The night. She inclined her head. Good enough. Ellory turned to Sartori. "Is your band up to a command performance? On behalf of our queen—and family solidarity." Sartori nodded, setting his triple chin to jiggling. "At your service. They know all your songs." Talisen beamed at Ellory. He gave her a long, hard kiss, reveling in the unabashed encouragement that erupted among their onlookers. When he turned and strode toward the stage, the crowd made way for him. Whistles and exclamations shook the walls, and the vampires released their human companions and converged on the dance floor. Ellory bounded onto the stage, and one of the band members handed him a cordless electric violin. The strobe was doused, and a spotlight cut through the darkness, framing him in a halo of red that warmed his skin. He touched the minds of each of the musicians behind him and found them totally immersed in the moment, a key ingredient for making his music work. Already the song was singing in his blood. He tucked the violin under his arm and leaned into the microphone. "The piece I have in mind is not nearly old enough to do homage to our queen. Let us amend it with a dance that will suit her tastes. Some of you 155

Revenant may remember it from a millennium ago. Glavyn's Estampie for our gracious lady, and make it your sweetest effort." Applause and more cheering reverberated from floor to ceiling. His heart soared. He glanced up to see Freya clasp a hand over her mouth. Her head jerked in a nod of approval. All formed a circle and struck the ancient pose, hands clasped, heads held high. A tall blond vampiress called out, "What is the song?" Ellory fixed his gaze on Talisen. She stood at the edge of the circle, half in darkness, half in light. Like his existence. Like his dreams. "Midnight Sun." He cradled the violin under his chin, positioned his bow, and nodded to the drummer. The staccato of a lone heartbeat thumped and pulsated through the dark. He struck the strings hard, sounding out the first long, woeful warble. It was joined by the soulful voices of guitar, cello and piano. He watched his people dance, their feasting forgotten. They rotated clockwise, hands clapping in syncopation, voices raised and ringing in an ethereal chorus no synthesizer could match. He gave them all of himself, poured his soul into his offering, his celebration of their shared immortality. He watched Talisen dance, reveled in the way her body caught the rhythm of the dance and smiled as she edged closer into the circle. They opened for her and let her in. He tapped his foot, keeping time with her sensual undulations. So lovely. So strong. Any other woman would have run from all of this. Her laughter throbbed in his head, in his heart, touching him everywhere. She smiled at him through the crowd. Do you know how good you look right now? His bow bit into the strings, and the violin sounded out a highpitched trill of raw desire. He closed his eyes, feeling the vibration trace along his heated inseam like a kiss. As long as you're pleased with what you see. I'd be more pleased if you were dancing with me. That can be arranged. He flew from the stage without missing a beat and landed in the midst of the circle. He continued playing, while Talisen did a little pirouette around him that tied his heartstrings in knots and made him 156

Janet Elizabeth Jones laugh. She looked at him with admiring eyes. No reservations. No fear. No regret. She really was his. He gloried in the look of awe and appreciation in the eyes of his fellow creatures as they watched her dance for him. This moment would last him forever. Ellory emitted a triumphant, wicked laugh at the look of incredulity on her face when she saw how the rest of the vampires had stopped dancing to watch her. Didn't she realize how priceless she was to them? The willing human. A vampire fairytale come to life. She was hope personified. His hope. He ended the song with a soaring wail that jolted the rafters. The room exploded in applause. He had just enough time to set the violin and bow aside on a table and pull Talisen into his arms before their audience swarmed like a wave over them both. They were hoisted onto shoulders and carried up the stairs, where Suvee admitted them into the hush of the office and sent the rest away. Still laughing, Ellory caught Talisen's hand and kissed it, turning to eye Freya's back. "Well, madam? Will we do?" She turned from the window with pink tears gleaming in her eyes and gave him a smile that, he knew, few of his kind had lived long enough to earn. He put his hands behind his back and smiled back at her, almost as proud of himself as the first time he'd shimmied up the mainmast without losing his breakfast. One of the seven hooded revenants in the room hurried to Freya's side and offered his sleeve so that she could dry her eyes. When she had, her gaze settled on Talisen, and Ellory's ease was unseated in a heartbeat. He felt Freya gather her power. She stoked it, brandished it—like a spear. **** She was conscious, but she wasn't. Talisen tried to break free, but a vise closed over her body, as powerful as the one that held her mind. Ellory? Where are you? Echoes of his voice taunted her. I'm sorry. Freya is looking for something in your memories, something long ago. She won't explain. I had no idea. Just try to hold on. Stay with me. 157

Revenant A scalpel Talisen couldn't see cleaved her mind in two, and she screamed. Why was Ellory allowing this? His voice sounded like a bazooka in her burning head. Freya, she doesn't deserve this. Talisen writhed and tried to fight off the hand that peeled away her memories like an onion. Deeper. Deeper. Though she twisted and kicked, the vise held. The fingers tugged, and she screamed again, falling into nothingness. On the way down into the pitch black miles below her, the scent of jasmine filled her senses, and she felt Freya all around her. The vampiress was there in her mind, her carving hands still for the moment. Peace, Talisen. Open your eyes. You're safe here. At the sound of Freya's voice, Talisen opened her eyes and found herself standing upright in a dark place. Nothing here to see, just a long corridor ahead of her, lit by a soft golden glow that seemed to come from nowhere. There were doors, too many to count, running its length on both sides. Fear cut her next breath in half. She was too scared to be angry. "What is this place?" she asked. Freya's voice added a blue-green sheen to the shadows. "A peace offering. I have seen what I need to see and am satisfied. But I know it was difficult for you." Talisen rounded on the darkness, searching for a glimpse of Freya, but she was nowhere. And everywhere. "Why did you do that to me?" "I had a hunch. I wanted to know if I was right. I would now like to share with you what I discovered about you, let you see for yourself what I have found. It would be a simple matter merely to show you, but I think that would be unfair, and though what I have seen confirmed my thoughts about you, your choice here in this place will be far more revealing. Open any one of these doors, and you'll be drawn into all that lies behind it." Talisen dug her toes into the soles of her sneakers and stared down the hall. "You mean…these are my memories?" "Everything your soul remembers from your long journey." Instinct sent a warning rippling through Talisen. Self-enlightenment wasn't the only thing waiting for her in the gold-black shadows of the corridor. She took a step backward, trembling. "I don't want to do this." "You won't reconsider?" 158

Janet Elizabeth Jones As Freya said it, a blue light shone under a door far away down the corridor. It captured Talisen's gaze. She swallowed hard, drawn to that light as though her life depended on it. "As long as you don't open a door," Freya reassured her, "nothing will happen." Talisen ran her sweaty palms over her jeans. "I'm not sure I even believe in reincarnation." "Really, Talisen? Or shall I call you Jessie, or Eva, or Leslie—or Sarah?" Heart pounding, Talisen spun to look for Freya again. "Did you just call me Sarah?" "No, I just called you Jessie/Eva/Leslie/Sarah/Talisen." She turned and eyed the corridor again, wishing Ellory was there with her. "You mean John/Richard/Anthony/Ellory." Talisen rubbed her eyes, focused on the blue light far ahead of her and started down the hallway. The air was balmy here, like a warm bath. Sounds halted her at nearly every doorway. Tempting sounds. Grandma's laughter. A room full of it, separated from Talisen by a piece of imaginary wood. Across the hall she heard Grandma reading "The Three Billy Goats Gruff," her favorite bedtime story. She almost stopped long enough to listen. One or two doors down, there was the lunchroom chatter at her high school, and she recognized every single voice, because those were some of the best friends she'd ever had. The blue light beckoned, but it seemed so far away. She walked on until another door brought her up short. Her mother, singing a lullaby. Talisen leaned against the door to listen, her eyes blurring with tears, and wrapped her fingers around the doorknob. "Mama?" A soft hum sounded in the hallway, yards in the distance. Talisen wiped her eyes and looked. The blue light shone even brighter. She drew a shaky breath and went on. When the conversations she heard behind the doors seemed less and less familiar to her, she broke into a trot. She knew the people who were talking in the rooms she passed, but she didn't know how she knew them—or when. And the one voice she really wanted to hear seemed never to be among them. 159

Revenant Where was Ellory in this long hall of her memories? It would only be a tiny spot, the few moments she'd known him in her present lifetime. "You're in for a surprise," murmured Freya, "if you have the courage to look." Talisen began to run, keeping her eyes fixed on the door with the blue light spilling out from beneath it. It was on the left side of the hall. Ten doors to go. Eight doors. Five. She came to a shuddering halt and nearly skidded past it. The blue halo lit up the entire corridor, eclipsing everything behind and ahead of her. Behind the door, she heard the plink of a harpsichord and people laughing. A small chamber orchestra began a minuet. The blue dissipated to a soft gold, like candlelight. He was there. Ellory. Somewhere behind this door. She felt his presence to the depth of her being. Panting, she pressed her ear to the door and listened, closing her eyes. "Captain Benedikt, you are too gallant to refuse, surely." She held her breath. At last she heard him speak. His voice rolled over her senses like rich, warm cream. "Mistress Rudyard, your cousin looks rather indisposed toward the Virginia Reel. Perhaps I may hope for the honor on another occasion." Cousin? Whose cousin? "Then dance with me, sir. Poor Sarah will understand." Sarah? Sarah. Talisen grabbed the doorknob and gave it a twist, but froze before she opened it. "Hold on. This is some kind of a mistake. Or a trick. This isn't one of my memories. It can't be. I wasn't born yet." "Really?" Freya murmured, seeming to be right behind her. "This is one of Ellory's memories. It's the night he met Madeline. Right?" "You tell me…Sarah." Talisen uncurled her fingers and let her hand fall away from the doorknob. It couldn't be. She shook her head. "I'm not supposed to be anywhere on the other side of that door. I don't belong there." "That sentiment would seem to reflect the way you felt that night, to be sure. 'Poor Sarah' didn't understand at all. She felt rejected and betrayed, but said nothing." Talisen sank into the floor and drew herself up in a ball across from the door, leaning back against the door behind her. The blue light bathed her feet. She pulled away from its touch. 160

Janet Elizabeth Jones "I wasn't Sarah!" she choked out. "Sarah was the one he ignored. He ended up with Madeline." "Yes. And if he had danced with Sarah instead, it would have changed something, which would have changed something else, and so on." "What the hell are you getting at?" "Sarah did not live in Camden. She was from—" "Massachusetts, yes. But what difference does it make?" "Perhaps," Freya said dryly, "it has to do with the fact that Aloisia's domain ended two and a quarter miles south of Camden. If Ellory had gone to live in Massachusetts with Sarah, Aloisia would have had no right to him, and he would not have been turned." Talisen bit her lip, not daring to believe. "But he had family in Camden. He'd have chosen to stay there, regardless. "His mother's people were from Massachusetts, I believe." That was right. Ellory had told her the story of the summers he'd spent at his aunt's farm. "Yes," Freya went on, "his mother's property wasn't far from Braintree, in fact. And it needed repairs. It was very much on Ellory's mind to go there and refurbish it, but one whimper from Madeline over leaving her family, and he gave it up." Talisen rested her head against the door behind her and closed her eyes. "He could've been spared all of this?" "And lived the rest of his life with the woman he was meant for—the woman he has been with, lifetime after lifetime." Talisen's tears turned the corridor around her into a watercolor wash of black and blue. She shook her head again, crying for Ellory and Sarah…for Ellory and her. Talisen clenched her teeth together. "I'm not going into that room, and that's final." "I should hope not, because I can only offer you one of these memories, and that's not the one you should choose." Talisen exhaled slowly. "It's not? Then why—" She heard the sound of voices in the room behind her. One of them was the woman who had been talking to Ellory in the room across from her, just moments ago. "Is there no hope for my cousin, doctor?" "I am afraid not, Mrs. Benedikt. I've bled her as much as I dare. Best make her comfortable and prepare yourself." 161

Revenant Mrs. Benedikt? Talisen turned at the sound of footsteps on the other side of the door. It opened, and before she could scramble out of the way, a man in a swirling black cape, carrying a physician's bag, walked right through her and vanished down the hall. In the doorway stood a woman with the red hair and keen eyes of so many of her kinswomen. "Madeline Rudyard?" Talisen whispered. "Yes," Freya returned. Madeline turned and went back into the room, closing the door before Talisen could peek inside. The blue light from the room across the hall was gone. The corridor was dark. She stood up and stared at the door she'd been leaning against. Already a memory was forming in her mind, hazy and indistinct. "Thank you, Freya." She reached for the doorknob, turned it slowly, opened the door and went in. The chamber was lit only by the fire, but it was so sweltering in here she didn't know why they wanted a fire in the first place. She broke out in a sweat, then shivered. Ellory seemed far away from her in this room. Maybe that was why she didn't want to be here. Yes. She wanted to leave. She would, too, in just a little while. But first— "We have to talk, Madeline." The small, wasted form on the bed in the corner coughed and gasped out a whisper Talisen could feel in her chest and taste in her mouth. "I've tried to say it before. You would not listen." Talisen moved closer to the bed. She and Sarah had the same hair and eyes. Their facial features were different in ways that time and culture had wrought upon them both, but the resemblance was stunning. Sarah coughed again, and Talisen's head spun. She reached for the arm of a chair and shivered until her teeth chattered. A fit of coughing sluiced through Sarah. Talisen coughed too. Hard. What was going on? Her head felt so heavy and hot, like it was on fire, but her body felt icy. Madeline sat by the bedside. She leaned closer, tears glittering on her face in the firelight. "Why torture us both, Sarah? He is gone. I accepted it long ago. I would have done so sooner, if you hadn't demanded I keep looking for him. You would not let him go." "Never…." Sarah opened her eyes wide, and her mouth gaped while she struggled to breathe. "My jewelry box. There is a ring. A silver poesy ring." 162

Janet Elizabeth Jones Madeline went to the dresser, opened the jewelry box, and began rooting through its contents. "I am looking, cousin." "I want you to know," Sarah choked out, "I have always loved Ellory, and I always will." Madeline paused in her rummaging and bent her head, closed her eyes, and shook. Talisen watched her wipe her tears away before drawing a deep breath and going on with her search. A moment later, she took out a ring and held it up to the light. Talisen hobbled closer. The silver band with forget-me-nots engraved around it was as familiar to her as though she'd placed it in that jewelry box herself yesterday. It was her ring, the one Grandma had given to her. But Grandma always said Ellory had given Madeline that ring. But Sarah…Sarah had had it first. The roar in Talisen's head nearly drowned out Madeline's words. "I've found it, cousin." She returned to Sarah's side. "It's lovely. Sweet and simple. Perfect for you. Where did you get it?" Sarah grasped Madeline's hand. Her eyes filled with tears. "From him." Talisen closed her eyes and exhaled. Ellory had given Sarah the ring. Ellory had loved Sarah. Ellory had loved her. Madeline's mouth parted. "He…you…." Sarah shook her head. "He would not dishonor you, or me, or himself in such a way, Maddie. He bought it for you, but he feared you wouldn't like it, because 'tis so plain. But I loved it. So he gave it to me instead, as a token of…of our friendship. I want you to wear it. For us." Madeline's shoulders shook. "Forgive me, Sarah. Before Ellory and I wed, I tried to make light of your affection for him. But there were times when he would look at you, and you knew naught of it, and I would see it in his eyes. He loved you." She covered her face with her hands. "I cannot wear this ring." Sarah's eyes closed, and her breath slowed to a wheeze. But on her face was a sweet, triumphant, serene smile. "Do keep it. I do not need it now. I am off to find him. Wherever he is, and wherever I must go, I will call him to me. We will never be parted again. I will see to it." Talisen brushed the tears out of her eyes. Joy and sorrow choked her, and she coughed with Sarah one more time. Then she felt nothing holding her here. Raising her hands, she felt her way through descending darkness, stumbled through the floor and kept falling, right into a sea of light. 163

Revenant But she wasn't afraid. Everything was all right. Her ring had come back to her. And so had Ellory.

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Chapter Twelve Ellory sat down on the sofa with Talisen in his lap and freshened his grip on her jerking body, trying not to hurt her in the process. He reached for Meinrad's thought-path. Quit your sulking, boy, and fetch me something to bathe Talisen's face with. Be quick about it. Meinrad emerged immediately from the restroom with a handful of damp paper towels. If Ellory hadn't been so worried about Talisen, he'd have been fighting off a grin at the sight of his fledgling. The white hooded cloak and linen tunic of Freya's Guard were a far cry from leather jackets and jeans. "Is Talisen all right?" the young vampire murmured. "We'll know when she comes to.” Ellory washed Talisen's face and smoothed her damp hair out of her eyes. Closing his eyes, he put a hand on her brow. He found her crumpled up in the darkest corner of her mind. Come awake, love. That was rough, I know, but it's all over now. You're safe. She surfaced, slapping and kicking at anything she could reach, and then threw her arms around him as if she'd never let go. "It's all right," he whispered in her ear. Her breath tickled his cheek. "Just hold me." He cradled her close. Freya, she's still shaking. What did you do to her? When she wants to tell you, she will. Talisen opened her eyes and looked at Freya. "Thank you." The queen nodded. Ellory cursed. What were they talking about? 165

Revenant Talisen brushed his face with her palm and looked at him as though she couldn't get enough of him. Freya stirred with a hiss of impatience. "I suggest we get on with the discussion at hand, if your woman has recovered." Ellory carried Talisen to a chair at the table and kissed her before seating himself beside her. Suvee drifted closer to stand behind Freya's chair, but Freya waved him away. A look from her fetched Meinrad to her side like a yo-yo. "Nice duds, Meinrad," Talisen said. "You look…uhm…." The fledgling grunted. "Like the choirboy from hell." Freya leveled her gaze on Ellory. "Why did you come back here to Camden?" That wasn't the question he’d expected. He rubbed the back of his head, searching for words. "I felt a pull on my soul, drawing me back here. I'd been feeling it for years, but it finally got strong enough to be maddening. So I came back to face whoever it was who had hold of me." Talisen asked the next question. "When did it start?" He could remember when he had first felt it take hold of him. Almost the exact hour. "Twenty-four years ago." Talisen's mouth parted, and she glanced at Freya. The queen's eyes sparkled with laughter. "I would call that a confirmation, wouldn't you?" Ellory felt Talisen's fingers close over his so tightly that her arm shook. Was she crying? She was, by heaven. "What's wrong? Tell me, my lamb. I'll make it all right." But she merely threw her arms around him and clung to him, halfway between laughter and sobs. It drove him mad. She'd obviously broken under the strain of Freya's probe. He gave his queen a scathing scowl, but she smiled broadly at him, rose and sauntered to the window. Meinrad drifted into a corner, wincing over Talisen's display. Suvee took up his post at the door, his demeanor appropriately disinterested. The vibration in the floor was the only warning they had. **** Talisen thought she felt Ellory shudder just before he jettisoned her through the air. Then all she could hear was the explosion, and fire swallowed everything. She screamed only once. The scorching air closed 166

Janet Elizabeth Jones her throat before she could scream a second time. Down she fell through the airless heat. A wiry little coil of arms and legs wrapped itself around her and brought her up short before she hit the parking lot with a splat. "Steady, Talisen. I've got you." "Georgina? Ellory…." "Right. Got the call about three and half seconds ago. The others are coming. Meical's making sure Sean and Shelby are safe first.” "Whoa…you got here fast…." "Of course I did. I'm the fastest. Chin up, dearie. I think you're in shock. Just hold tight to me for a moment. Everything's going to be all right." Talisen floated between what seemed real and what didn't, coughing out smoke and the stench of burning flesh. Her vision cleared enough for her to see the inferno where Sartori's nightclub had been a moment ago. Arcs of fire shot out of the sky, trailing in all directions to strike down those who made it out of the flames. Whether they were human or vampire, she couldn't tell. They didn't sound human, but it was hard to tell by their screams. Georgina rocked her silently while they watched the blue fire drop out of the sky with deadly precision. Bodies exploded in mid-flight. It registered like a blow to her stomach. "ELLORY!" All she could think of was his beautiful body going up in flames, his tortured soul cast to the winds…without her. She pushed herself to her feet and fell right down again. Georgina grabbed her up and dragged her further into the cover of the trees that skirted the parking lot. "He's in there!" she screamed. "We've got to get him out!" Georgina shook her. "Reach inside yourself. If anything had happened to him, we'd feel it. He's all right." Talisen shut everything out and reached for him. No answer. She tried again, holding her breath. Nothing. But his presence was there. She felt him like a hum of pain, distant, erratic, and angry. He was searching. She and Georgina said it simultaneously, just as the rest of the fledglings and Meical appeared. "Meinrad!" There came a roar from inside the fire. It shook the ground beneath them, and like a match snuffed out, the fire died. In the black crater that was left, a lone figure turned around and around on his feet, staring at the ground. He threw back his head and roared again, shaking his fists at the sky. 167

Revenant Talisen crawled out of Georgina's embrace and stumbled into the scorched earth and rubble. He needed her. Her knees buckled, but this time it was Meical who caught her. He swung her up in his arms and covered the distance that separated them from Ellory in one smooth glide. "Fan out, everyone. Look for your brother. Quickly. We must all be gone before we're inundated by firefighters and police." Talisen kept her eyes on Ellory. She could feel his pain now. Grief. Guilt. Rage. Wave after wave. "Put me down, Meical. He needs me." Grabian put her down slowly. She watched him kneel among the piles of rubble and remains, eyes closed, face utterly composed. The rest of them did the same. She fixed her gaze on Ellory, trying to ignore what she was picking her way through. Bits of hair and clothing flapped in the wind. Some of the bodies were reduced to powder, others to ashes. Some were still whole, but charred beyond recognition. When she reached Ellory, he held up a hand for her to stand back. "Meical, get her out of here." Heartbroken, Talisen sidestepped Grabian. "I can help." The blond vampire eyed Ellory, then sighed. "And just where the devil do you think she'll be safe, if she's not with you? Stop bellowing like an idiot and calm yourself. If you want to find Meinrad, you need to be quiet and concentrate. You've got the strongest bond with him. We can help, but it's you who will have to find him." Ellory rubbed his face with his blackened hand. "I didn't have time to protect him. I had to think of Talisen." His words sliced her heart in two. Meinrad would still be here, if not for her. "But…you said you can't be killed." When Ellory made no effort to answer her, Meical did. "The ones who were destroyed here won't be coming back." He looked around them. "Strange. All fledglings. The older ones may have survived. They'll go into hiding, likely as not. The rest of these poor wretches are the humans." "And revenants," Christophe called from where he stood beside a pile of scorched linen. Ellory spun on his heel and leaped across the refuse to where Christophe stood. He stared at the pile of what remained of Freya's Guard. "Stand back, Christophe.” 168

Janet Elizabeth Jones Rising into the sky, Ellory jackknifed and dove straight into the heap, sending clods of earth and flesh in all directions. Talisen moved closer, along with the fledglings, who spread out in a semi-circle around the crater Ellory had made. Meical shoved his hands into his pockets. "Revenants are somewhat overrated. They couldn't protect her in the end, more's the pity." Georgina shook her head. "They needn't have. She should have survived this." What were they talking about? Talisen wrapped her arms around herself and bit back another onslaught of tears. The words drummed in her head. Please, please, please let Meinrad be okay. If he were dead, she'd never be able to look Ellory in the eye again. Delfina pointed at the hole Ellory had made in the pile. "But look at the way they were piled up." "Yes," Meical whispered. "Almost as though they were protecting someone." Talisen felt the excitement chase through them. Meical rose and paced the outside edge of the hole. "Suppose Freya fetched her revenants to shield Meinrad." Adrienne gasped. "But they weren't enough to protect him." "So, she added her life energy to theirs," murmured Meical. Talisen eyed their stunned faces. What did that mean? Georgina whispered, "That's why she didn't survive it." Meical nodded. "But Meinrad may have. Thanks to her." They locked their gazes on the place where Ellory had disappeared. Talisen lifted her head to listen to the sirens in the distance, but they seemed to be going round in circles. Meical gave her a sidelong grin. "I'm holding 'em off." The minutes slid past her, taking little bits and pieces of her sanity with them. Suddenly the ground vibrated like a small earthquake, and a geyser of dirt, smoke, and fire spewed up from the hole, forcing them backward. Ellory emerged with Meinrad in his arms. The fledgling looked utterly unmarked. He also looked dead. Ellory swept over them to the clearing beyond the parking lot. The rest of them flew after him. By the time Talisen reached them, they were all in a circle around Ellory and Meinrad. Ellory held Meinrad clasped against him with his hand on the young vampire's chest.

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Revenant What was he doing? Anyone could see Meinrad was gone. Talisen staggered backward, shaking her head. She half-turned away, but Georgina caught her arm and turned her back around. "Hold on," said the little vampiress. "Freya shut his body down before she and the revenants shielded him. That's all." Talisen felt her stomach twist. "But that means he's—" "No, no, it's not the same thing at all. She did it so he couldn't be detected, in case there was a second attack on stragglers. Any sign of life would've given him away. Ellory's just got to get him to come back to us." Awe quivered along Talisen's spine. Could Ellory really call someone back from death? She watched him bend over Meinrad with his eyes closed. He was utterly still, like a man made of stone. Suddenly Meinrad came awake with a jolt and a cough. The first sound out of his mouth was a scream. "Papa!" Ellory wrapped him in his arms and held him tight. "I'm here, Meinrad. I'm here. You're safe, my boy. Safe." Meinrad sobbed and clutched at Ellory while the others gathered around them, holding each other and caressing Meinrad's wispy blond hair. Relief drove away what was left of Talisen's strength. Meical caught her again before she sat down hard. "Deep breaths, Ms. Davies." "If not for me," she choked out, "Ellory could've protected Meinrad, maybe even Freya." "But you, madam, are his sanity." She met his gaze, surprised by his sincerity. He looked at the others again and said nothing. She wiped her eyes. "What about Freya? Shouldn't we at least look for her body or something? I mean—" Meical flinched beside her, and before she could cry out, he grabbed her up and backed closer to the others. Silence filled the grove. Even Meinrad was quiet. From behind her, Talisen heard whispered exclamations. Meical eased her into Ellory's arms, and Ellory put her behind him. "Everyone, stay close," he murmured. "Ellory, what is it?" Talisen whispered. He pointed into the dark. "There." Meical nodded, eyes agleam like sapphires. "He's alone." 170

Janet Elizabeth Jones "He's always alone," hissed Ellory. "Who?" Talisen asked. Ellory replied in a hushed voice, "The Alchemist.” "The crazy vampire?" "Talisen, my sweet, he can hear you." "He wants something," Meical murmured, "or we'd be dead." "Exactly my thought." "Does he have a name?" asked Talisen. "As I said, the Alchemist." Talisen rolled her eyes. "That's not a name, that's a handle. What's his name?" They looked down at her with perfectly clueless looks on their perfectly gorgeous faces. Meical said, "I think it's Benemerut Neshi, but—" She pushed past them, dodged Ellory's grab for her and addressed the dark. "Benemerut Neshi? Only cowards hide." A hot-red wave of light distorted the air ten feet away from them. The fledglings keened and snarled. Talisen watched, fascinated, as the shape of a man took form in the light. When the vampire completely materialized, she took a step backward into Ellory's arms. She had expected a maniacal ogre with flaming red eyes. In his billowing black shirt and tight-fitting jeans, the Alchemist looked so young and beautiful and dangerous that Talisen could only stare. His shoulder-length, glistening black hair curled around his ears, and his black eyes shone with ancient intelligence. He stood at his ease, with a slender, limp form swaddled in white linen hoisted on his shoulder. It looked like a mummy. The power that emanated from him snapped in the air like raw electricity, vibrant with outrage and a demand for vindication. None of that showed in his voice. It was so deep and melodious that Talisen could have floated to him on the breeze. "That was one of the most articulate invitations I've had in some time." She smiled. "So you're the crazy vampire they're all afraid of?" He made a slight bow that didn't look stupid in the least, coming from him, and turned his gaze on the others. "Your queen is somewhat ruined. She needs my healing." "Your healing?" Ellory snarled. "Do you take me for a fool? You're the only one powerful enough to cause this devastation." "You wrong me, Benedikt. This is Dylan's handiwork." 171

Revenant The fledglings gasped and whispered among themselves. Ellory shook his head. "Impossible. Dylan would have to be as strong as an Ancient to do this." The elegant vampire gave him a facetious grin. "By Ra, your intellect stuns me." "But…how? He isn't strong enough to cannibalize an Ancient. How could he do it?" "Find the answer to that question and you'll know what you're up against." Ellory's face darkened. "Maybe he had help from someone practiced at rendering vampires helpless." Meical caught Ellory's arm. "Ease up, lad." Ellory shook him off and took a step closer to Neshi. "Perhaps it was some of that 'medicine' you give your specimens before you torture them. All in the name of science, of course. You're just so damned merciful!" There was no humor in the Alchemist's voice now. "Heed me. Dylan will be too spent to attack again tonight, but he will strike again when you least expect it." Talisen eyed the Alchemist more closely. Maybe she just couldn't sense his evil. Maybe he was too beautiful for her to tell the difference. But he didn't seem crazy in the least. His warnings seemed sound. ...he will strike again when you least expect it.... Ellory took a menacing step toward the Alchemist. "If you think I will allow you to desecrate our queen's body with your madman's folly, you are mistaken. Put her down. Now." Madman's folly? Talisen traced the shape of the thing on Neshi's shoulder, and her stomach knotted. Freya? Or rather, what was left of her. Neshi fondled the silken sack with the tenderness of a lover. "While you have the chance," he said to Ellory, "accept my protection. Let me shelter you." The fledglings growled like banshees. The sound split through Talisen's skull until she covered her ears with her hands. "That would be so easy for you, wouldn't it?" Ellory spat. "You'd glean a whole brood of young vampires for your experiments." "I will not offer you asylum twice, Benedikt." "We'll take our chances." "I fear you will not see another twilight. Freya will be grieved to hear of your demise when I revive her." 172

Janet Elizabeth Jones When the Alchemist vanished, Talisen let go of the death-grip she had on the back of Ellory's shirt. "I think he was telling the truth. If he's the one who did all this, why would he spare us, much less offer us protection?" "Talisen, I will not hand my children over to that beast." Talisen glanced at Meical and implored him with her gaze. The big blonde vampire shoved his hands into the pockets of his trousers and eyed Ellory with a contemplative frown. "Ms. Davies is quite right. If the old fiend wanted us dead, he could've killed us here and now. Ask yourself—why didn't he?" Ellory growled and shrugged. "Who can say? He's mad." He turned to the fledglings. "Straight home. No lollygagging." The fledglings bore Meinrad away with them. "I'll stay here for a bit," said Meical, "and see that the authorities don't find anything they shouldn't.” Ellory nodded, swept Talisen into his arms and bolted into sky so fast she gasped. One glimpse at the furnace of emotion inside of him cured her of wanting to try to reason with him about the Alchemist. They arrived at the summer house to find Sean curled up with Shelby in her little bed. She was asleep; he was chewing his fingernails. He slid out of the bed when they entered the room and gaped at Talisen. "What happened to you?" She gave him a reassuring smile. "Everyone's on their way home. They'll tell you everything when they get here." "I heard the police and fire trucks and—" He touched her chapped cheek. "That must hurt. Should I run you a bath?" Ellory answered before Talisen could, in a sharp voice that Sean didn't deserve. "She is my responsibility, boy. I will tend to her. Make up the sofa beds in the cellar. Then gather up whatever you think you, Shelby, and Talisen will need for spending a day down there. Be sure Shelby has some of her toys. Put some food in the cellar fridge. Here's the key. Move all the units of blood into the meat drawer and tell Shelby I said if she opens the fridge, I'll spank her." Sean's eyes widened. "Really?" Ellory hugged him hard enough to make him wince. "Go.” The boy raided Shelby's toy box until he couldn't carry anything else and went out with a troubled glance at them.

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Revenant Talisen closed the door softly and leaned back against it. A responsibility, was she? But not a source of comfort? Yeah, right. She knew better, thanks to Freya. She needed to tell him everything. She watched Ellory wipe his hands clean on his jeans, kneel by Shelby, and touch her forehead. Talisen smiled. What else would a father want at a moment like this but to see that his littlest was safe? Seeming satisfied, he rose and settled his gaze on her. She felt the sting of his emotions like a dagger and almost backed out the door. He closed the distance between them, planted his hands on either side of her head and kissed her long and hard and deep. Finally. Talisen pressed against him, even when his arms squeezed the breath out of her. He pulled the door open behind her, and without breaking their kiss, took her straight down the hallway to her room, closed the door of her bedroom with his heel and flung them both down on the bed. "I thought I'd lost you," he whispered between kisses. "Same here," she whispered. "I'll triple the safeguards for tonight. But tomorrow night Dylan will be at full strength, and we must prepare for anything. I don't know when or where or how he'll attack." She tightened her embrace on him. "We'll worry about that tomorrow. We have tonight." He was silent for a moment. Dread lived in that silence. "Talisen, we may not make it." Her throat closed up on an achy lump of grief. "I know." He found her ear with his mouth. "Ellory." She felt him shake his head, caught him by the hair, and pulled his head up so he had to look at her. "I need to show you something. And then I need to tell you something. And then I want you to make love to me until I can't get out of bed. But not here in my room." He blinked, and his red-black eyes narrowed. Then he smiled tenderly. "I'd planned for our first time to be at the inn, in my old room. But under the circumstances…." She rose up and kissed him. "That's not where you live anymore, Captain Benedikt." He buried his face in her hair. "Where then, my love?"

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Janet Elizabeth Jones Didn't it even occur to him? It was the only place she wanted to be. And if death was coming to them, the only place she wanted to die. "Your room." He lifted his head, his eyes soft brown again like a teddy bear's, and kissed her palm. She smiled. "First, we'll talk. I need my jewelry box. It's on the dresser." He rose to get it, and she sat up and turned on the bedside lamp, grateful that she had enough time to set things right. And for once, she was the one with the surprises up her sleeve. Ellory returned to her and sat down on the bed with the jewelry box in his lap. Talisen opened it up and took out the ring. Her ring. From Ellory. She held it up in the light and watched his eyes narrow, then widen with recognition. He lifted one large finger to touch the dainty band. The shock and confusion on his face gave way to pain. "How did you get this?" She rested her head on his shoulder. "I want to tell you, but…I don't want to hurt you." He caressed her cheek. "Let me see for myself." He lay back on the bed and drew her down beside him, holding her close. "Relax. Let me empty your thoughts." Talisen closed her eyes and let the nothingness swallow her. Ellory's probe was so smooth and gentle that she scarcely felt him thumbing through the backwaters of her recollections. She sensed his breathless hesitation and knew he'd found what he was looking for. Suddenly she was in the long corridor again, but the grip of emotion she had felt the first time held no power over her. It was as though Ellory had shut off the valve to all her feelings. The only time she felt a quiver of pain get through to her was when he heard Freya's assertion that, had things been different, he might have been spared the agony of what he had become. But his pain over this was nothing compared to what he felt in Sarah's sickroom. He couldn't bear to stay and watch it. Talisen felt him jerk her close, and in seconds the corridor fell away from them and disappeared in a tiny pinpoint of light. When she opened her eyes, she lay on the bed, and Ellory was standing at her fireplace with his back to her. She pushed herself to her feet and went to hold him. "I wish I could go back and change it all." 175

Revenant He turned his head slightly, his voice unsteady. "What could you have done? It was my misfortune to have the stupidity to dance with the wrong girl. To swear my heart to her…." "It can't be that simple. Just a dance. It's not fair. You were so close to avoiding Aloisia. If you'd married me instead of Madeline, we'd have moved to Massachusetts, beyond Aloisia's domain." He turned and traced her cheek with a finger. "You were always there at Madeline's home, hovering in the background of her life. That's where she kept you. She made your feelings for me sound like a little girl's crush. By the time I got to know you better, and discovered in you a kindred spirit, we could do no more than be the best of friends. I'm so sorry." Talisen wiped her eyes, heartbroken to see the loss and regret in his eyes. "It's not your fault. You had to honor your commitment to Madeline." "Now I know why your life force fetched me back here. We belong to each other." "Tonight, you told Freya that you first felt the compulsion to return to Camden twenty-four years ago. I'm twenty-four, Ellory. You must have felt me calling you back here from the moment I was born. But according to what Freya showed me tonight, I've been calling to you for a lot longer than that. When I was Sarah...when I was dying...I told Madeline I wouldn't rest till I found you again. I kept my promise to myself. I got you back." He picked her up and kissed her hungrily. "This I swear. Whatever happens, we will never be separated again." Talisen held onto him, grateful for every moment they'd had together. Time suddenly seemed immense, and yet so scarce and precious. No matter. There was time enough to love him. Now. All she had to do was say his name inside her mind. His kiss gentled, and he lifted his head long enough to whisper, "Take a deep breath." Her heart raced. "What? Why?" When she opened her eyes, they were standing in his room.

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Chapter Thirteen His big bed loomed ahead of them out of the dark. The logs in the fireplace exploded into a blaze, as hot and golden-red as Ellory's eyes. Never mind how he'd done it. She didn't care. If he didn't touch her, she'd die. He carried her to the bed, teasing her mouth with his. She wanted to scream. "Maybe you will," he whispered. "Let's find out." She blushed and shook her head. "You just entered a no-scream zone. No giggling either. I do have my pride." He laid her down with a diabolical laugh and followed her onto the softness of his bed. "But I want you giggling, wiggling, crying, writhing, screaming—on the bed, under the table, against the wall, even on the—" His gaze rose to the ceiling, and he laughed again. "Oh, yes. Perfect." Talisen felt gravity release her, and she gasped. She was halfway to the ceiling when he floated upwards ahead of her. He settled with his back against the ceiling, eased her into his arms with her back against him, and anchored her body with his. Their first time to make love—perhaps their last. Leave it to Ellory to make it feel like a celebration. His mounting hunger, playful though it was, became her own. She bobbed against him, bumping him in all the right places. "Ellory, I can't do it like this." "How do you know? You've never done it." His hands roved downward, and he pulled her upward against him. "Where's your sense of adventure?" 177

Revenant "Down there on terra firma." "Down there?" "Ye—" The snap of his fingers turned gravity back on. She fell like a stone onto the bed and flopped onto her back in time to see him dropping out of the dark. "Yikes, Ellory!" she squealed, hiding her eyes. When she didn't find herself squashed, she peeked through her fingers to see him hovering inches above her, grinning. All fangs. His red-black eyes flickered as his gaze swept over her. That gaze left her dry-mouthed and shaking. She wanted to be devoured by him, and to do some devouring of her own. She reached for the buttons on his shirt, but his shirt vanished at her touch. She laughed. "How accommodating.” "Well, I aim to please." She ran her hands through his chest hair, over his stomach, his muscular arms, his shoulders, shoulders that carried such a burden. Beautiful, beautiful man. Hers, every inch of him. Hers? It went straight to her head, like wine. He hung suspended above her, motionless but for the little tremor that shook him when her hands hesitated on the buttons of his fly. Hovering closer, he kissed her and covered her hand with his own where her fingers rested on the bulging crotch of his jeans. "Please, Talisen. I've waited so long for you to touch me like this. Please." His mouth closed over her ear, and she writhed, working his fly open with shaking fingers. She heard him groan when his burgeoning erection broke free—a rod of iron beneath velvet smooth skin. The feel of him in her hand turned the vibration between her legs to a jackhammer. She moaned. "You weren't kidding when you told me becoming a vampire increases your…uhm…what did you call it? Musculature?" Talisen snorted. "I thought you were just talking about biceps and sixpacks. You're really…wow…." He laughed softly and drew her arms above her head, caught her wrists in one hand and ran his other down her body. Her clothes seemed to dissolve at his touch, yet she plainly saw him tossing them into the dark, and they were still in one piece. His were gone as well. She looked down the long, powerful length of his body, feasting her eyes. When he dipped to trace her breast with his mouth, she closed her eyes and caught him close. His tongue felt like a flame on her skin. There 178

Janet Elizabeth Jones was only one thing that could make it more perfect. His mark on her throat came alive at the thought and throbbed like the rest of her. Ohhhhh, Ellory…feed…. Your pleasure comes first. Always. He drifted down on her like a feather, as though he were in no hurry at all. His weight settled over her so gradually that is was like a tease. The heavier he felt, the more she wanted him. She whimpered at the feel of his cool, moist tongue lapping along the curve of her pelvis. Oh, yes…. "I'll never forget my first storm at sea," he murmured in the warm dark. "I thought the captain would let me stay below, since I'd barely got my sea legs yet, but it was 'aloft and furl' for all of us, so up the mainmast I went." The memory erupted inside of her. From atop the wagging, wild mast, she looked down on the fall of rain and waves and lightning. She was dizzy and wet. So wet…. But not cold. She was burning. The rhythm of the bucking sea beneath the brig matched the throbbing in her loins. "When I got up there," Ellory whispered, "and looked down at the sea, I knew I'd never seen a more beautiful sight in my life. She seemed to be in agony, wrapping herself around our ship for all she was worth…her arms reaching…. It was all I could do not to turn loose of the mast and give myself to her." His mouth found the inside of her thigh, where he tarried to heal the bite he'd left there, while she'd died for want of him. All she could do was cling to handfuls of his hair and mouth his name silently over and over again. "Well, afterward," he went on, "I was feeling rather cocky for having survived my lady's fit. I wagered half my pay that no man aboard could name a sweeter sight. Francis, our old cook, who took me under his wing and kept me out of the brothels my first time out, boxed my ears and put me to work over a pile of potatoes. 'Arthur,' said he, 'as fine as the sea is when her wind's up, there is nothing sweeter to the sight than a woman in the throes of passion.' I was poorer in purse for my wager, but richer for the knowledge." His mouth closed on her aching, open body, and she jerked beneath him. She came so hard, she cried. But it wasn't enough. She needed more. She wanted everything. His breath brushed her stomach, ragged and warm. "Are you quite sure this is what you want, my love?" 179

Revenant Nearly too moved to speak, she gave him a weak punch in the shoulder. Tears spilled down her face. "What's that supposed to be, a joke?" "No. Just the gentleman's preliminary to deflowering the girl of his dreams. It seems only right to ask you." His hot, red eyes glinted at her. "So I'm asking." How many times had time found them in exactly this moment? She touched his cheek. "Please." He slipped his fingers inside of her gently, and her world disintegrated into pleasure and pressure and rhythm. But even that wasn't enough. She arched against his hand. "Ellory, now. Please." "I want you ready for me, love." He probed her a little harder, stretching her deliciously. "Very, very ready." Words twisted in and out of her mind, slipping out of her mouth in little gasps. She felt his cool cheek against her stomach. It seemed as though he opened his soul, and all his feeling for her covered her like a blanket until she writhed in the hot, dry desire that consumed him. His whispered words urged her on. "One more time." Her climax went soul-deep and left her motionless. But still she wanted him. If anything, she wanted him more. Ellory drew himself up her length and licked away her tears. Her breath left her when he drew her legs up around him and she felt him ease himself into her just a little. Heat filled her. He was so hard and big and perfect. She managed to get out two words between crying and trying to breathe. "Don't stop…." She felt a shudder pass through his powerful body. He framed her face with his hands and kissed her gently. "I know I promised nothing tricky. But I've caused you enough pain." "W-what are you t-talking about?" "I love you, Talisen." He kissed her again. Mindless oblivion followed. When she came to, she woke in a world of equally mindless ecstasy. The universe exploded with it. She was sure it was because nothing was big enough to contain the love that sang between them. No pain. Ellory had seen to it that she would feel only pleasure. His mahogany hair glinted in the firelight. His breath rushed out of him in soft sighs, while he moved inside of her with long, steady strokes. 180

Janet Elizabeth Jones He shook against her, muscles cording as though he were trying to control himself. "Ellory," she whispered. "You're so beautiful." A look of disbelief and gratitude washed over his soulful face, and he shook his head, blood-red tears welling up in his eyes. He turned his head away. She caught his chin and made him look at her. "No, no. You are beautiful." She wrapped her body around his and gave herself up to him, heart and soul, past, present, and future. She wanted to give him all of herself. Now. She pressed her mouth against his ear. "Drink from me." He groaned against her, nuzzled her throat hard, and lapped at it with his tongue until she pleaded. The pierce of his fangs and the rush of her life-giving blood pouring into him cast her over the edge into pure joy. For sacred seconds, their souls danced like their bodies did. One forever. Inseparable for all time. She heard his soundless declaration of love in her mind, felt it in every move of his body. You are my wide, warm ocean of mystery. My safe harbor. My copper-coin moon rising to light my way, brighter than a thousand suns. Your love is my sustenance, stronger than a river of blood, all that my light-deprived soul thirsts for. I haven't the words to tell you how much I treasure what you've given me tonight. He lifted his mouth from her throat and washed the bite with long, hard strokes of his tongue. When he drew her legs wider apart and deepened his thrusts, Talisen clung to him in the hazy half-daze of utter completion. The world spun away into the distance, leaving them alone and dangling from a thread of light that bound them together. Ellory rasped out her name and moved harder, shoving her deeper into the velvet crimson heat building around them. So hot. So deep. Impossibly hard. Her body reawakened to the feel of him, the sound and smell of him, the taste of his kiss in her mouth. The taste of her blood on his tongue. A low, growling groan escaped him, and his shuddering body filled her with a rush of liquid heat that turned his movements so slick and wet that she sobbed and slid into the chasm again. When next Talisen became aware of anything outside the oneness that hummed between them, she felt the warmth and quiet gather 181

Revenant around their joined bodies like old flannel. For a moment she pretended that she and Ellory were just like any other couple, that they'd wake up to sunshine and breakfast and the children's voices echoing through the house, that they had the whole day together. And tomorrow. And the next day. And all the nights, too. Dawn couldn't cheat them again. The sound of the security door opening and closing beyond the bedroom door broke the spell. She'd never dreaded the morning before now. There had to be someone who could help. Only one person came to mind. If she could just make Ellory see…. She kissed his cheek. "Hey." He looked at her with eyes that still held embers. "Are you all right?" "I feel wonderful. Except…there's something I want you to do for me. For all of us." "Anything." "Take the Alchemist up on his offer." The embers in his eyes became sparks, and the relaxation left him, replaced by irritation that filled her with remorse. His hoarse voice snagged at the last of her contentment. "I think not. And I would as well you didn't mention it again." Pigheaded eighteenth-century moron. He snorted. "I heard that." "I don't care." She covered her eyes with the palms of her hands. "If we live through this, remind me to slap a knot on your head for being a stubborn jerk." "My love, if we live through this, you can do whatever you please to me.” She couldn't help smiling at the purr in his voice. He drew her hands away from her eyes and set her heart to pounding with a long, deep kiss, while he oh-so-slowly eased himself out of her body. Talisen let her breath out on a hiss through her teeth, feeling swollen and warm and very ready to begin again. Catching him around the neck, she kissed him back, hoping. But their time had gone. He sat up on the side of the bed and looked over his shoulder at her with so much love and regret it broke her heart. "Believe me, Talisen, if this night were all our own, I'd still be making love to you right now." The children. Of course. This might be their last night together, too. So horrible. So senseless. 182

Janet Elizabeth Jones She rolled into a ball and cried, little comforted by the feel of Ellory's big, warm hand on her head. She didn't realize what he was doing until oblivion melted the edge of her anguish and drove her into a haven of warmth, safety, and sleep. **** Talisen stared at the two pristine, double-barreled shotguns in the gun cabinet and felt her stomach boil. She'd never held a gun, much less fired one. Sean unlocked and opened a drawer full of boxes of shells. He cast a glance over his shoulder at Shelby, who was sprawled in front of his portable TV, absorbed in cartoons. Even so, he lowered his voice. "Guns won't stop a vampire, but…well, Ellory wanted me to show you these anyway." Talisen took in his unspoken meaning and promptly ignored it. How else could she get through this day? Ellory and the others would wake up by four o'clock. They wouldn't rise until nightfall, but they could still give them some protection once they were awake. Four o'clock. They could make it until then. Right now the sun was up, and nothing could hurt them. She glanced around the cellar storage room and hugged her arms around herself. She hadn't noticed this little room before because Ellory had parked a couch in front of the door, and she'd overlooked it. In one corner she spied a portable potty, the item Sean was looking for. The shelves and floor were littered with gardening tools and automotive supplies, broken terra cotta pots and overflowing boxes of baby toys in various shades of pink. She nodded toward a huge sink and an oversized washbasin across from her. "This place hasn't always been a storage area." "Used to be the laundry room a long time ago. There's even a laundry chute that goes all the way to the attic." He pointed behind him at the arcade game out in the living room area. "We put that thing in front of the door of the chute to keep Shelby from playing in there." Talisen eyed the rifles again and sighed. "I've never used one of these before. Maybe you'd better show me how." Sean spent the next twenty minutes talking her through the rudiments of loading and shooting. She didn't worry about her aim. At close range, she figured she'd hit what she was pointing at. When they 183

Revenant finished, Sean replaced the guns, locked the cabinet, and put the key on a shelf under a can of motor oil, high enough to be out of Shelby's reach. Rummaging through the closest pile of gardening supplies, Talisen picked up a green vinyl crocodile by his tail and ran a finger over his cheesy grin. "Bath toy?" Sean smiled. "Shelby's watering can." Tucking the croc under her arm, Talisen eyed the guns again. If she were all that stood between Shelby and danger, she would shoot to kill. In fact, she'd do the same for Sean, any of the fledglings, and certainly for Ellory. Just like she would've done for Grandma. Sean retrieved the portable toilet in the corner and set it close to the door. He straightened, his gaze shifting aimlessly. "What's it feel like, Talisen, to be able to talk to all of them? To really belong in the family." She met his awed gaze with a pang. "You and Shelby were here before I was." "It's not the same thing, and you know it. They accept us because we're his. Since I met Jenny…." He shrugged. "I've changed my mind about a lot of things. I feel like I'm on the outside of everything that's important to her." Talisen shook her head. "You are what's important to her." That made him smile and square his shoulders like a little boy trying to be grown up. It made her hurt inside. Even though she knew Ellory couldn't hear her, she said it anyway. I wish you were here. I need your strength. The silence yawned in her mind, and a hot flash of panic rose. She shoved it down and went to sit beside Shelby. "Hey, look who we found in that room over there." With a squeak of surprise, Shelby grabbed the croc and hugged it hard. "Mort!" The day became a balancing act between trying to keep Shelby occupied without answering her constant questions. She wanted to go out and play, naturally. She wanted to go up to her room and bring down more toys. Talisen wondered if they'd have to level with her at some point, but Sean was so good at staying one step ahead of his little sister that she began to think it wouldn't be necessary. By three o'clock, Shelby was yawning, and Talisen intimated that Sean should switch tactics.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones He dumped his sleepy sister in Talisen's lap and fetched her favorite book of fairy tales. Shelby was asleep before Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on the spindle. After moving Shelby to a couch bed and depositing Fiona and Missy next to her, Sean watched her with a thoughtful look on his face. "Funny. She never takes naps." "Maybe it's all the playtime." Talisen glanced at Ellory's door, and her heart pounded. "One hour to go until they're awake. Looks like we made it, huh?" Sean's reply was preempted by the phone ringing on the counter across the room. They'd brought it down and plugged it in, just in case of emergency. It rang a second time, sounding loud in the hushed room. She and Sean looked at each other, then stared at it, waiting for the answering machine to pick up the call. The voice on the other end wrung a half-squelched laugh from Talisen. Her relief almost brought tears to her eyes. "That's Mrs. Emerson." "Hey, Tallie, the folks over at the Benedikt said I could find you here. If you're home, I'm standing on your front porch right now, and I'd love to see you. Got a box of supplies you'd like to have. Are you all right, honey?" Talisen was halfway to the phone before Sean caught her by the hand. "She's lying. Ellory told the Gerards not to give our number to anyone. No exceptions." The suspicion in Sean's eyes was the last straw. Mrs. Emerson offered familiarity Talisen could hold onto, and she wanted it. "For crying out loud, she's my friend.” "Then the very best thing you can do for her is not answer that phone. Let her get out of here." Talisen jerked her hand out of Sean's, strode to the closest chair, and threw herself down on it. Mrs. Emerson reresented everything that was sane and normal to her. It would have been so good to talk to her, even for five minutes. Her old friend sounded hesitant now. "Well, I'll leave this stuff here for you. Call me when you can." She hung up. "I know it's hard," Sean murmured. She shook her head. "Just let's be quiet, okay?” 185

Revenant She eyed the four walls she was sick of looking at, the trampoline/couch beds with their covers strewn all over the place, the dim lamp in the corner that Sean had dragged out of the storage, and…. She stared at the beds again. Empty. "Where's Shelby?" The sound of the security door opening and closing at the end of the hall answered her question. She was on her feet and down the hall before Sean spoke. She didn't even feel her feet touch the stairs on the way up and into the house. The daylight blinded her. She lifted a hand to shield her face, squinting at the open front door. Hearing Sean scramble up the stairs behind her, she rushed forward. He darted around her, grabbed Shelby and nudged the child away from the door. Talisen took it all in in seconds. There was a vacant, staring look on Shelby's face, as though she were still asleep. There was Mrs. Emerson— no box of supplies in sight. She wore a big smile and looked better than she'd looked in years. No bags under hers eyes. No wrinkles on her face. No glasses slipping down her nose. No scruffy cardigan. When had Mrs. Emerson ever worn a turtleneck? "What kept you, kiddo? Did you think I didn't know you were in there?” Mrs. Emerson raised and aimed a revolver at Talisen's head. Talisen caught Sean's movement on the periphery of her vision just before an explosion made her head ring and her body throb. Another followed. The wall slammed into her, and the impact robbed her of breath. Someone fell on her. Ears ringing, Talisen clawed out from under the warm, wet torso on top of her and staggered to her feet. Blood everywhere. On the wall, the tile floor, her. But not her blood. She blinked and looked around her. No sign of Shelby. Had she made it to the cellar? Where was Sean? Where was Mrs. Emerson? She forced her eyes to focus. Mrs. Emerson was kneeling in the doorway with her back to Talisen. She dragged herself to her feet using the doorjamb to pull herself up. When she half-turned toward Talisen, Talisen gagged. One side of her face was gone. She should be dead. Why wasn't she dead? Mrs. Emerson hadn't seen her yet, didn't even seem to be looking for her, but she was still smiling with what was left of her mouth, and her one eye, bright with pain, was as alert as ever. She made a gurgling, raspy noise that sounded like she was laughing through a straw while 186

Janet Elizabeth Jones she turned this way and that with her gaze fixed on the porch. She tottered away onto the porch, dragging her left leg along behind her. Her left arm dangled from her shoulder like an elephant's trunk. "Now, where's my gun? Blast it all, where did it go? He's not going to like this at all.” Revenant. The realization burst through Talisen's confusion, clearing her head. Dylan had done this. To her friend. Talisen staggered backward until the heels of her sneakers bumped into something. She turned to look. Sean lay face-down in a widening red puddle beside one of the shotguns. He must have shot Mrs. Emerson and thrown himself on top of Talisen to save her from a bullet. The scream she had held back until now beat at her insides, at the back of her throat, but she clamped both hands over her mouth before it broke free. She thought her chest would cave in. Crouching over Sean, she touched his shoulder, unable to speak his name. Mrs. Emerson's voice cracked. "There you are." Talisen spun around to see the revenant stooping to retrieve her gun from the edge of the porch. Shelby. Find Shelby. Talisen lurched to her feet. Shelby could be hiding anywhere. Mrs. Emerson was coming, dragging herself closer to the doorway. She walked like a drunk. What kept her moving? Talisen tripped over the shotgun, grabbed it as she rolled into the kitchen and dove out of sight beside the refrigerator. The kitchen phone on the wall, just a few feet away, was too tempting. Revenant or no revenant, she was calling for help. Leaping to her feet, she plucked up the receiver. No dial tone, and then, "Hello. This is a recording. By the time I wake tonight, you will all be dead. Leave a message after the tone—probably your last." Dylan laughed, then the recording ended and the phone went silent again. Talisen dropped the receiver. Damn him! She would survive this. She would. She'd do it just to spite that maniacal bloodsucker. And for Sean's sake. At the sound of Mrs. Emerson's shuffling steps in the foyer, she cocked the shotgun and swiped her tears away. Shoot Mrs. Emerson. Find Shelby. Get to the cellar. Ellory had said the safeguards were strongest there. 187

Revenant She heard Mrs. Emerson pause beside the kitchen door and peeked around the fridge. But the old lady wasn't looking her way. Her gaze was fixed on something above her on the stairway. "Come on down here, little thing. I won't hurt you." Shelby. "That's right. Just a few more steps. You still feel sleepy, don't you? Good. You can go back to sleep and have pretty dreams forever. You won't feel a thing." When Mrs. Emerson raised her gun, Talisen fired hers. The kickback of the gun knocked her against the wall, but she glimpsed Mrs. Emerson tumbling into the den and over the coffee table. Talisen lit out of the kitchen and bounded up the stairs. Shelby was still standing halfway up, eyes fixed on nothing, mouth hanging open. Talisen shook her. "Wake up, baby. Come on, wake up." The coffee table flew out of the den and crashed against the wall, splintering a foot away from where Sean lay. The thing that used to be Mrs. Emerson let out a long, growling howl. "I expected better than this from you, Tallie. No sense in making this harder than it has to be." Talisen threw down her spent shotgun, grabbed Shelby's hand, and leaned over the banister to eye the drop to the floor. No way could they make it. No way to get past Mrs. Emerson. Up was the only way they could go now. The wrong direction.

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Chapter Fourteen They topped the landing ahead of a gunshot. The banister exploded into fragments around them. Talisen dropped, pulling Shelby beneath her till the debris quit falling, then leaped to her feet and drove Shelby on. The stairs shook with Mrs. Emerson's dragging steps. Her injury proved enough of an obstacle to give them time to get up a few more steps. On the second floor Talisen darted into her room, grabbed her cell phone off the dresser and ran on, half-carrying, half-dragging Shelby as she dialed 911. When she heard it ring, she gasped in relief. But it was Dylan again. "I'm sorry. Your number cannot be completed as dialed. Oh, well. It wouldn't do you any good anyway. Humans are no match for my new friend Mrs. Emerson. I've prepared her for anything. Nice try." Click. The dial tone was gone. Her phone was dead. Talisen flung it down. Lungs heaving, she toted Shelby up to the third floor, dodging Mrs. Emerson's bullets. At the top of the house, she collapsed against the wall across from the linen closet in the hall. Nowhere left to go but the studio. And from there? The roof? Not with a catatonic four-year-old. Panting and clutching Shelby close, she lost her battle against panic. Mrs. Emerson was just on the landing below them, calling to her in a wheedling, choked voice. Talisen's gaze lit on the linen closet door. Linen closet. Laundry. Laundry room.

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Revenant Laundry chute! Yes! Sean said it went from the top of the house to the cellar. Where else would she find it but a linen closet? It had to be there. Mrs. Emerson was close enough for Talisen to smell her goresplattered clothing. Talisen carried Shelby across the hall, eased the closet door open, slipped inside and closed the door as quietly as she could. It was pitch dark after the bright house. She crawled around its perimeter, feeling for the door to the chute. Please, be here. Please, oh please, oh please…. She found it at the back of the closet. With a shuddering sigh of relief, she curled her fingers around the handle and pulled. Stuck fast. She jerked as hard as she could. Not a budge. Shelby made a whimpering noise in the dark. Was she coming out of it? Maybe that meant Mrs. Emerson was weakening. "It's all right, baby," Talisen said over her shoulder, almost clawing at the handle. "Follow the sound of my voice." Somewhere down the hall, looming closer, the revenant called to Talisen again. For as long as she lived, she'd never forget the sound of her name on that monster's lips. Shelby's cool little fingers clutched her arm. The child's voice wobbled. "Where's Sean?" "Just stay close, baby. We're going to be all right." Mrs. Emerson couldn't be more than ten feet away from the closet now. Her words were slurred, her voice guttural. Shelby shrank closer to her. "Who's out there?" Talisen was too panic-stricken to answer. She heaved at the door of the chute with sweaty hands. The sound of the doorknob turning made Shelby scream, and in that instant, the chute gave way. The closet door flew open. Mrs. Emerson half-crouched in the doorway, silhouetted against the light behind her. She lifted the gun and fired. Nothing happened. Out of bullets. Talisen grabbed Shelby, ignoring her cry, and tumbled into the darkness. She felt Mrs. Emerson's grimy hand close over her heel. Dangling in the dark, she and Shelby screamed, while she kicked the revenant's bloody face. Just when she thought her ankle would break, she wiggled out of her sneaker. They slid into the dark through a net of cobwebs. She managed to right herself and brace her back and feet against the sides of the chute to 190

Janet Elizabeth Jones slow their descent. Shelby's sobs echoed downward into shadow; the revenant's snarls rained down from above. Talisen let herself drop a little, skidding downward, picking up splinters where the wood had rotted away. Suddenly the creature was quiet. Not good. She was probably reloading. "Where's Sean?" Shelby sobbed. "Why doesn't everybody wake up? Is everybody gone?" Talisen clenched her mouth shut and let herself drop onto the floor below, trying to cushion the fall for Shelby as best she could. She sat Shelby down in front of her to shelter her from Mrs. Emerson and bent to try the door of the chute. It raised a half-inch. Not as stuck as the other one? She pulled and yanked, nearly at the end of her strength. The door rose a little more, and then with one big pull, slid up. She reached through and felt cold metal. The back of the arcade console. Leaning back, she braced herself against the back of the chute for leverage, planted her feet against the console and pushed. It didn't move. It was too heavy. A bullet whined past her shoulder, and she and Shelby screamed again. Another bullet struck the wall, inches above them. The chute must have an angle to it, just enough to put them out of a direct line of fire. Talisen drew her legs up and kicked as hard as she could, wincing when they hit the metal arcade console. It moved a little. "Shelby, the minute I've got this thing moved enough for you to squeeze through, you get out." Shelby nodded, her sobs like hiccups. Several more shots rang out, and then the echo of the click, click of Emerson's gun, once more empty. A foul scream filled the chute. Talisen kept kicking. There was a six-inch opening now. She could feel the fresh air from the den. The light from the overhead cut through the darkness of the chute. She could see Shelby huddled beside her with her hands over her ears. Just a few more inches, and Shelby could get through. The chute vibrated and creaked. There came a scuffling noise high above them. Mrs. Emerson had climbed in and was making a laborious descent.

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Revenant Talisen showered the console with kicks, tears blurring her eyes till she couldn't see, expecting the revenant to crash down on top of them any second. The arcade console moved again. "Out, Shelby.” The child slipped through like a monkey, and Talisen took up her kicking again. She could feel the jar of every blow all the way to her teeth, but the hissing voice above her drove her on. A wet drop of blood hit her shoulder, then another. She could hear Shelby wailing for Ellory to wake up. How long before Ellory could revive enough to help them? The console gave way, and she squeezed through, bruising herself from shoulders to hips. Her first thought was to push it back in place, but it was too late for that. She had a better idea. Jerking away the panel on the back of the console, she exposed a nest of red, blue, and black wires. She could hear Mrs. Emerson clearly now. She had less than a six-foot drop. She burst into the storage closet and grabbed the other shotgun, cocked it, and emptied both barrels into the exposed wires. It sparked and crackled, sending up smoke and a momentary flame. Holding her breath, she waited. The creature landed flat-footed on the other side of the opening and thrust her bloodied hand through. It groped for whatever it could find— and found the live wires. Talisen turned her head away and tried to block out the sound of its screams, the smell of its burning flesh. The lights short-circuited, leaving them in darkness except for the sparks dancing over the revenant's charred hand. When Talisen couldn't hear it convulsing inside the chute anymore, she let go of the shotgun. Numb from head to foot, she staggered down the hall to find Shelby crouched and squalling in front of Ellory's door. She knelt and gathered the little girl in her arms and rocked her, trying to soothe her. "He wouldn't wake up," Shelby cried. "I called and called. Why couldn't he hear me?" Talisen’s response died in her throat. She heard the arcade console move. It ripped through the carpet as it did. A low, breathy wheeze sounded from the living room, followed by scuffling on the floor— coming closer. 192

Janet Elizabeth Jones Shelby began to scream again. Talisen wrapped her arms around her so she wouldn't see. Where could they go now? Through the security door? Start all over again? Her breath lurched in her chest. The revenant rounded the corner on its hands and knees, but as it started toward them, it stood. None too steady on its feet, it kept coming, hissing and growling between garbled words she couldn't understand anymore. Talisen's gorge rose at the sight of it. How could anything so close to death still be moving? She held Shelby more tightly, would hold her till she couldn't hold her anymore. Ellory's door quivered behind her. She held her breath. The quiver grew to a vibration, and the vibration to a rattle. One by one, up and down the hall, the door of each bedroom began to shake against its hinges. A rush of heat seeped through the door behind them and wrapped around her, around Shelby, dimming the sound and sight of everything, as though they were caught in a bubble. A ball of flame flickered where the revenant was, and when Shelby went limp in her arms, Talisen opened her mouth to scream. No, no, it's me, Talisen. I've got you. You're safe. I've put Shelby in a trance. And see? The revenant is no more. Look for yourself. She peered through the translucent red shield. On the floor where Mrs. Emerson had been lay a smoldering pile of something she didn't want to look at for very long. It withered away even as she watched. Talisen let her head fall back against the door and cried. In her mind she reached out to Ellory, weak with relief, sick with sorrow. We lost Sean. Not quite. He's still with us, thanks to Jenny. She's holding him here. Talisen lifted her head. I'll call 911. Ellory's voice was laced with pain. No. Humans can do nothing for him now. If he were to be revived in his current state, he'd be a vegetable. She hid her face in her hands and wept. Sean wouldn't want to live like that. He saved my life. Can't you do something? We're going to try. The decision will be his. Decision? She hadn't the strength to follow his train of thought. The warmth sapped the last of her energy. That was Ellory's doing. She glided up from the floor, as light as a feather, with Shelby still curled up in her arms. His voice soothed her. I want you to sleep. 193

Revenant Sleep! What was he thinking? Ellory's last words reached her from a long way off. We're safe for now. Dylan will have to gather his strength before he strikes again. You have to rest, and so must I. I'll need all my strength when I wake. For Sean. For Sean? Why? She felt the softness of a couch bed beneath her, and Shelby cuddled closer without waking. Then the balmy warmth claimed her. **** Meical gritted his teeth against the burning as he emerged from beneath the forest floor into the twilight-blue-black of the new night. The shadows embraced him, cooling the fever and waking his hunger. First, his errand. Then he would feed. Rising into the air, he glided over the woods to the crater that had been Sartori's. He hovered for a moment, feeling for the one he was looking for. Nothing. Well, that was what came of imagining he could appeal to a madman. His nerves quivered. Dealing with fiends could cost him much more than he hoped to gain, but he saw no other way. He dropped down on the periphery of the ruin and crouched, unleashing his preternatural senses to catch the smallest disturbance in the fabric of night. There came a soft laugh a few feet behind him. Meical pirouetted ten feet into the air, poised for combat, and stared. The Alchemist leaned against a pine, smirking at him like a Cheshire cat. "You needn't feel embarrassed that I caught you unawares, young one—not that you couldn't do with a little training." He shook his ebony curls out of his eyes. "Come down here, and we will discuss your proposition. I've been in your mind for most of your waking this evening. By the way, get yourself a mantra, child, and you'll find the rigors of reviving less taxing. Cursing and blustering your way through it will get old. I know." Meical relaxed a bit and descended slowly until he stood before the Alchemist. It irked him for a vampire who looked scarcely twenty-five to call him a child, but he responded in a tone of respect. "Interested in my offer?" "The fact that you are this close to me and still in one piece should tell you that much." The Alchemist's eyes glinted. "But is it worth it?" 194

Janet Elizabeth Jones Ice-cold fear warred with hot conviction inside of Meical. He'd weighed the consequences a thousand times. His heart told him Ellory wouldn't understand. His head told him it was the only way. He nodded. "I am sure." "Come along, then." The Alchemist turned and strode toward the woods behind them. Meical joined him in the darkness. **** Talisen woke feeling weak all over. Familiar voices came in whispers from somewhere nearby, but the only one she wanted to hear was Ellory's. When he spoke, she relaxed and almost drifted back to sleep. "You'll have to hold him for awhile longer, Jenny. I don't want to wake Talisen until Meical arrives. Can you manage?" "If we all keep talking to him," Jenny replied, "he'll calm down. He's really scared. And mad, too. He's ready to go after Dylan." "That's our Sean." Their affectionate laughter lured Talisen out of her sleep. She sat up slowly. Where was she? Ellory's bed. It sounded like he and the fledglings were down the hall in the cellar den. She rose on shaky legs and went out into the softly lit hall. Her gaze lit on the scorch marks on the carpet in the hallway and the black-brown stains on the wall. That was all that was left of Mrs. Emerson. Her friend. She'd never harmed a soul. Talisen's throat ached with a suppressed sob. Dylan would pay for this. She continued down the hall but halted at Georgina's bedroom door. Candlelight cast a glow over Shelby's inert form in the pink canopy bed. Meinrad sat beside her with his long legs curled up and locked in his arms. He was looking down at Shelby as though she were an angel. To Talisen, they both looked like innocents. She went in and put an arm around him. "Are you okay?" "Just thinking about Freya. I was so busy resenting her expectations that I didn't realize how much she really cared for me. She needed me, Talisen. I sensed it, but I…I behaved like a spoiled child. She deserved better. And now it's too late to show her I can be what she needs me to be." He sighed and indicated Shelby with a nod of his head. "How does someone so small survive in a world like this?" 195

Revenant Talisen kissed his forehead. "By relying on protectors like you." He looked up at her, his crystalline blue eyes like sapphires in the darkness. "And you. You saved her." "And Sean saved me." She blinked back tears. "Is he…." "Don't worry. Jenny has a good hold on him." Meinrad unwound his long limbs and rose without making a sound. "Ellory wants to see you before we begin." "Begin what?" He gave her a soft grin. "Come and see." She wasn't sure she wanted to. Tucking the covers more closely around Shelby, she followed Meinrad out and pulled the door shut. She felt as though she were floating in a dream. Until she walked into the den. They'd lit all the candles in the room, stripped off Sean's shirt, and laid him in the floor on a pile of blankets. One look at him, and Talisen knew he was beyond human help. Utterly gone. Jenny sat with his head in her lap, her face a mask of serene resolve. The rest of them sat in a circle around Sean with their hands on his legs, arms, or shoulders. Ellory leaned over Sean with his hand pressed over the boy's heart, inches away from the hole left by the bullet. There was no blood. Sean didn't look like he had any left. Talisen put a hand over her mouth and sounded a single whimper of protest and outrage and hatred against Dylan. Ellory looked around and rose to embrace her, wrapping her in the haven she craved. "It's not as bad as it looks." He led her closer to Sean and knelt there with her, holding her hand. She stared at the boy's white face and pushed his bangs out of his eyes. His skin was like cold vinyl. Her throat closed up and turned her voice to a whisper. "Did you get the bullet out?" "Already taken care of," Ellory replied. "What are you waiting for?" "You." She met his gaze. "Why?" He put his arm around her and pulled her close, as though to steady her for something difficult. "Sean knows I can bring him back by turning him, but he needs to know someone will be with Shelby during the day. He'll be with her in the evenings, of course, and I'll plant the necessary memories in her mind to make it seem that it has always been that way. 196

Janet Elizabeth Jones But you're the only one he'll trust to look after her. He needs your reassurance that it's all right." As though she could go elsewhere. Who else would look after Shelby? She was the only logical choice. But that wasn't what Sean was asking for. Her agreement to take care of Shelby would be meaningless if it was just a default decision. What Sean wanted from her was a commitment to him and his little sister that would be uniquely theirs. She put a hand on Jenny's, where it rested on Sean's right temple. "Shelby and I will do fine together. Tell him." She felt the whispered accolades of the fledglings along their family thought-path and knew she was making the right decision. Beside her, Ellory's relief radiated through her. That was all the confirmation she needed. Jenny closed her eyes. A moment later, a smile broke across her face. She opened her eyes again. "Sean says, 'Thanks. Now get the show on the road. I'm not hanging out here much longer.'" A glimmering of sparks and a wave of raw energy announced Meical's arrival. "Damn. The boy looks bad." Ellory growled at him. "About time you got here.” Meical ignored him and knelt beside Jenny. Placing his hands on Sean's head, he closed his eyes, and a smile softened the look of concentration he wore. "Got him. All right, Jenny, take five." Jenny took her hands away from Sean's head and slumped back against the wall. Adrienne scooted closer and held her. "Is he ready?" Ellory asked. Meical nodded. "Most definitely." Then this was what Sean really wanted. Talisen took the boy's hand. He'd never see the sun again. He'd never watch Saturday morning cartoons with Shelby again. He was so young. Could she watch it happen? The moment Ellory gathered Sean into his arms, she felt riveted to the spot, not by horror, but by the tenderness and compassion in her mate. He smoothed Sean's matted hair away from his eyes, his face rigid with anger. He seemed to waver. "Ellory," Jenny whispered, "Shelby was his only concern. Now that he knows Talisen will look after her, he's free." Ellory looked sick with remorse. He just held Sean. 197

Revenant Talisen touched his shoulder. "Honey, you have to do this. It's the only way he can be with Shelby, and she needs him." He sighed. After another moment passed, he tilted Sean's head back, lifted him as though he were merely a child and fastened his mouth on his throat. Talisen held her breath. At first Sean was still. Then his body jerked. His chest rose and fell sporadically, and a cough of air that sounded like a moan escaped him. His fingers curled, and then he began to convulse. Ellory held him down and kept drinking. Talisen fought the compulsion to run. Sean had given his life for her. The least she could do was be here for him, no matter how hard it was. At last Ellory lifted his head, breathing hard. His face was flushed and his eyes red hot. "He'll need a lot." "I'm ready," murmured Meical. Ellory bit into his wrist, pressed his wrist against Sean's mouth and cradled his head in his free hand, while Jenny massaged Sean's throat. Talisen shook her head in disbelief. She didn't know what shocked her more—the sight of Ellory bleeding so profusely all over Sean's face, or the fact that Sean, who should be dead, started to make noises deep down in his throat. A moment passed, and his skin began to lose its dead-white color. It looked pink like a baby's, then red, as though he were feverish. Suddenly he groaned, flexed his hands weakly, and felt for Ellory's arm. When he found it, he crammed Ellory's wrist deeper into his mouth. Everyone expelled a collective sigh of relief, but Talisen could hardly breathe. Awe made her shiver. Sean curled his legs up and turned his whole body toward Ellory, then unerringly found Jenny's knee and tweaked it, making her squeal. Ellory lifted his glistening gaze to look at Talisen. His face was pale now, but in his eyes she saw joy. Meical reached for Sean. "Clear off, Ellory, and go feed your face. Here, Sean. I'm your back-up teat. Open up, boy." Ellory slipped his wrist out of Sean's mouth, and Meical replaced it with his own so quickly that their new creation scarcely missed a swallow. Ellory ran his tongue over his wrist to stop the bleeding, and Talisen helped him to his feet, drawing him away down the hallway. The instant they were out of sight, he backed her against the wall in the hallway and kissed her hard. The feel of Ellory alive and safe in her 198

Janet Elizabeth Jones arms where he belonged, and the taste of Sean's blood on his tongue, made Talisen throb all over. He was already nuzzling her throat. They made it as far as his room. He took her straight down to the rug in front of the fire, canines nipping along her collarbone, while she tried to fill her arms with as much of him as she could hold. **** Two hours later, Ellory lay listening to Talisen's steady breath while she dozed. It fanned the hair on his chest, warm and moist and sweet. He ran his hand over her round bottom and smiled when she moved against him with little aftershocks of what they had just shared. She'd unleashed herself on him like a summer squall, holding nothing back. He laughed contentedly, then soothed her back to sleep when she moaned in protest. Hate to be a bother at such a tender moment, but I thought you'd like to know, you're the proud father of a bouncing, baby vampire. Remarkable how fast he's changing. Sound asleep in his little vixen's arms, he looks quite harmless. Rather favors Michelangelo's David. I think he's very much improved. Ellory grinned. Has someone replenished you? Christophe offered, but I felt like dining out tonight. Your inn is most convenient. Remind me to get rid of you at the earliest opportunity. You're a bad influence on my children. Meical laughed, but his humor faded. Ellory, you know none of you will be safe until we bring Dylan down. Face it. You need the Alchemist's protection. Ellory nearly snarled. Easing Talisen onto their piled-up clothing, he floated to his feet, yanked a blanket off the bed and draped it over her. By all means, let's waltz right in on the beast and present him with my healthy, happy brood of guinea pigs for his experiments. Not a chance, Meical. But Sean needs a safe place to recuperate from his coming-over, and Meinrad's not up to full strength yet. Ellory stalked to his wardrobe but, lacking patience, waved his hand and clothed himself in jeans and a red flannel shirt. He hated it when Meical was right. Dylan would spend this night gorging and, before morning, would create a revenant that might succeed where Emerson had failed. Where had Dylan gotten his power? 199

Revenant Meical beseeched him. You can't put Ms. Davies and Shelby through another day like they had today and call yourself their protector. Go to the Alchemist. Accept his protection. As much as Ellory hated to admit it, there seemed no other way. He sighed harshly in the darkness. And just how do you propose we locate the Alchemist? "Actually, people rarely want to find me. I find it's better to spare them the trouble and show up when they're not expecting me."

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Chapter Fifteen At the sound of the Alchemist's voice, Talisen came awake with a yelp, wrapped the blanket around her up to her chin and clamored to her feet. He smiled and gave her a courtly bow, but there was as much appraisal in his gaze as apology. He looked way too dangerous in black Levis and a trench coat to be charming. "I do sincerely beg your pardon, madam." She backed closer to Ellory. "What do you want?" "I'm here to reiterate my offer of asylum. Nothing more." That meant they had a hope. Yes! Talisen turned and searched Ellory's face. "Please?" He rubbed his eyes and sighed again. Finally, he nodded. "Can you get Shelby ready? Sean won't be much help to you. He'll have his hands full trying to deal with himself. I regret that he won't have the luxury of sleeping through the rest of his transformation." Talisen smiled, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him. She turned and shared her smile with the Alchemist. His eyes glinted, and he looked away. "Meet me at least three hours before dawn where Fenston's lighthouse used to be." Talisen heard Ellory's soft intake of breath behind her. "Fenston's lighthouse? You must be joking." "You know the place?" "Like it was yesterday." "Feed your young ones first. My provisions are limited." Talisen could guess what he meant by "provisions.” A shiver ran through her. "Is it safe for them to be out?" 201

Revenant The Alchemist still didn't look at her. "For tonight.” He bowed like Old World nobility and vanished. Talisen turned and wrapped her arms around Ellory again, and they held each other in the quiet dark. "You've done the right thing." "Let us hope so. I've just placed all that is most precious to me in the hands of the devil's own son." **** Ellory's decision drew a mixed reaction from the children. No surprise there. But of course no one argued with him. When he and Meical took them out to feed, Talisen packed Shelby's backpack. Ellory had reworked the little girl's memories so she would accept Sean's new situation. He had also blurred her memory of their experience with Mrs. Emerson. Talisen went into Georgina's room and woke Shelby with a gentle kiss on the forehead. When the little girl opened her eyes, her familiar, impish smile made Talisen's heart soar. She lifted Shelby into her lap. "Hi, pumpkin." "Where's Sean?" "Hanging out with Jenny." "I had a bad dream about a lady chasing us." "Yeah, Ellory told me. But it was just a dream." Shelby yawned. "I gotta potty really bad." "Okay. Come on." Talisen took Shelby to the bathroom, then fixed her a late supper upstairs in the kitchen. With a full tummy, Shelby started yawning again. Talisen took her back down to the cellar and sat on the sofa with her. By the time the others returned, Shelby was asleep again. "I've got her packed up," Talisen whispered to Ellory. He nodded. "Then we'll fetch Jenny and Sean and be off." They gathered in the cellar living room and waited while Ellory sent a silent summons to the twosome. Talisen could still feel a lingering regret in him over Sean. Jenny led Sean out, holding his hand as though he were a little boy. Even in the dim light of the hallway, he squinted and shielded his eyes with his arm for a moment.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones Talisen couldn't help but smile. It was like looking at a more robust, more beautiful Sean Mackleroy. Was he even taller? Yes, by at least a couple of inches. No. He was floating! Jenny looked like she was trying not to laugh. "Uhm, we're having a little aerodynamics problem." Sean bobbed like a balloon and squinted at them. "Don't anybody run off screaming or anything. Do I look that bad?" His brothers and sisters laughed, gathered around him, and pulled him down so that his feet touched the floor. Talisen put a hand on his shoulder. "How do you feel?" He ran a hand over his middle. "Like I could blow away if the wind's right." Ellory circled him, rubbing his chin in thought. "Imagine you're wearing lead-lined shoes." Sean closed his eyes. "Okay, lemme go." The fledglings released him. His feet stayed on the floor. Ellory nodded. "Good boy. Just hold that thought." "Maybe you should tie a rope around me or something." Jenny wrapped an arm around him. "That's what I'm for." Sean smiled and bent to kiss her. The moment their lips met, he jerked back and clapped a hand over his mouth. "Owww!” Ellory moved Sean's hand out of the way and lifted the boy's upper lip. He whistled softly. "That kiss must've done it. Look, Meical." Grabian looked over Ellory's shoulder and grinned. "What can I say? We do good work." Sean fidgeted, trying to talk around Ellory's fingers. "Vis vit vy vangs? Vare vey vig?" "Big enough," murmured Ellory. Talisen took a look. "Yikes, Sean. You're very well endowed for a baby." The corners of Sean's mouth turned up. "Vanks." Meical nodded. "That's what comes from throwing your whole heart into your transformation." Ellory let Sean go, and the new-made vampire turned to show the others his canines. Suddenly he went motionless. Talisen followed his gaze. Shelby. Asleep on the couch. Ellory patted Sean's back. "Go wake her up, and we'll go." He shook his head. "What if she can tell?” "I've taken care of that already, just as I said I would." 203

Revenant Sean looked down at his hands, curling and uncurling his fingers. "I can feel how out of control my body is. Like it's not mine yet. What if I hurt her?" "There's nothing wrong with your instincts, boy. Hold her." Ellory lifted Shelby from the couch and placed her in her brother's arms. Sean looked down at her face with an expression of absolute wonder, as though he were seeing her for the first time. "She smells so good. Like cotton candy and Mr. Bubbles. But…I can hear her heart…it's so loud…." At the sound of Sean's voice, Shelby woke. She looked up at her brother with a frown. Talisen clasped her hands together, hopeful, fearful, spellbound. What if Shelby did sense the difference in him? But Shelby hugged him. "Where you been?" He held her close, eyes closed. "Right here, honey, the whole time you've been sleeping. Guess what? We're all going to go hang out with a friend of Ellory's. Wanna come?" She nodded and yawned again. Lifting her head, she reached out for Ellory. "I get to go with the big kids this time?" Ellory kissed her cheek. "Yes, and it's a sleepover." "Cool." She yawned again, laid her head back down on Sean's shoulder, and closed her eyes. "Can I sleep on the way there?" They all laughed. Ellory murmured something in her ear, and the child went limp. Everyone followed him out into the moonlit yard. "Stay together," he commanded. "Jenny, you'll have to get your supper on the way. Meical will stay with you and Sean." Sean gasped when Jenny shot into the sky, dragging him along like a dog on a leash. Meical laughed, bounced ten feet into the air, flipped like an acrobat, and flew after them. Ellory picked Talisen up and rose gently into the air, with the rest of the fledglings close behind. Talisen watched the sleepy town of Camden pass beneath her. She could have flown on like that for hours, straight out to sea, with the wind in her hair and Ellory's warmth wrapped around her. Moments later, Jenny, Sean and Meical dove into the shadowy yards of a trailer park on the outskirts of town. The rest of them went on, but by the time they descended, the threesome had rejoined them. Their destination was a little outcropping of beach. The full moon gave its soft, eerie glow to the place. They milled around, silent and 204

Janet Elizabeth Jones nervous. The wind changed directions, curling in on itself to create a gentle whirlwind in their midst. The Alchemist materialized before them in a pool of red and silver. On instinct, Talisen moved closer to Ellory. She studied the ancient vampire while he eyed them. Was he sizing them up? Her mouth went dry. Hopefully this wasn't a mistake. When the Alchemist's gaze lit on Shelby, his expression softened minutely. Talisen watched his eyes gleam as he stared at the little girl. Maybe it was her humanity that enabled her to see it for what it was, or maybe she was too softhearted for her own good. But she recognized that look. Pain. What was his story? A warning growl rumbled in the back of Sean's throat when he noticed the vampire's scrutiny of his little sister. The Alchemist smiled blandly at him and then said to all of them, "If you'll kindly focus on the image I'm placing in your minds, you'll see where we're going." Ellory nodded his approval, turned to Talisen without preface and picked her up again. "Talisen, close your eyes." "Why?" He put his hand over her mouth and nose. Before she could protest, they sank straight down into the ground. The prickle of her skin turned to a mind-numbing daze. For a moment, she couldn't get her breath. Then everything went black. She came to with his big, dark eyes filling her vision and coughed, gasped and squirmed against him. "What was that?” He gave her a rueful grin. "Not the scenic route, I'm afraid. We're about a half-mile underground. Are you okay?" She waited until she got her breath before answering. "I'll live. Put me down." He set her on her feet so she could take stock of where they'd ended up. They were in a cool, quiet, damp corridor. She could make out their surroundings by the light of torches jabbed into the rock walls around them. The fact that the torches were burning reassured her there was air to breathe. Rubbing her clammy hands on her sweatpants, she eyed the low ceiling of dirt and rock. At least Alice had a rabbit hole. As far as she could tell, they'd just teleported through solid rock. She shivered. 205

Revenant There was only one corridor ahead. The Alchemist motioned them to follow him. She and Ellory went first, the fledglings followed, and Meical brought up the rear. The corridor wormed its way ahead of them, a little smoother than the cavern they'd started in, as though a giant hand had stuck its fingers in and carved out spaces. The Alchemist had added a flagstone floor, which lent the whole place a bizarre half-finished look. Talisen noticed that she was the only one whose feet made a sound. It was a hollow, scuffling, forlorn sound that made her feel colder. The torches gave the air an acrid smell that stung her eyes and nose. For a moment, the corridor reminded her of another one she'd seen, because this one had doors on either side of it, too. But these doors, unlike those in the hallway Freya had shown her, all stood open. One, two, three, four smaller caves, all bare rock and dirt inside. Each housed a worn cot, smelled like an outdoor toilet, and made her very anxious, though she didn't know why. The last door on the left was closed, but as Talisen was passing it, she heard a sound from inside. She stopped in her tracks and listened. Moans, then a sob. The girl sounded young. "Ellory, someone's in there," she whispered. He caught her by the hand and pulled her onward. "I know. I'm sorry." She hung back. "Aren't you going to do something?" "I can't, love." "Well, I can, if you won't." "You really mustn't." "I'm going to." The Alchemist stopped and turned slowly to look at Talisen. His mouth twitched. He retraced his steps until he stood beside the door. Ellory's arms enveloped her in a protective embrace, but the Ancient ignored him. Talisen flinched under the Alchemist's gaze. If looks could kill, she'd be pea gravel. She managed to glower back at him and jerked her head at the sound of the crying woman. "Your provisions?" With unwavering eyes, the Alchemist lifted one hand and touched the door. In that instant, the moans ceased. "As we age, our hunger increases to a ravening that plagues us from hour to hour, rather than from night to night. I keep my sustenance close 206

Janet Elizabeth Jones at hand. I will free her eventually, and she will remember nothing of this experience." Talisen shrugged out of Ellory's arms and stepped closer to the Alchemist so she could look him in the eye. "Do you have to put her through hell in the meantime?" He gave her a harsh smile and lowered his voice to a confidante's purr. "But she isn't crying because of what I've done to her. It's because of what I haven't done." He pivoted, waved them forward and left Talisen staring at his retreating back. **** Ellory stood in the middle of the torch-lit, cavernous room provided by the Alchemist for his family. He looked it over from its cement floor to its dirt and rock ceiling. The walls contained fissures that were long and deep enough to furnish each of them with a place of rest. Just like a tomb. The thought made him shudder. The very air whispered of deception. He exchanged a glance with Talisen, who shook her head adamantly. She felt it, too. But what choice did they have? When Ellory turned to regard their host, he managed to keep his tone civil. "This will do for us, of course—" The fledglings began a chorus of "No way" and "Ohhhh, come on, Ellory,” and he silenced them with a stern glance. He turned to the Alchemist again. "But I'm not putting Talisen and Shelby in this…room." The Alchemist nodded. "I have other accommodations for them." They all followed him back into the corridor and up a narrow wooden stairway to a sort of loft. In the corner of the clean, plank floor, there was a twin-sized bed. One blanket. One pillow. There was a washstand, a lantern hanging from the beamed ceiling, a small table with two chairs, and a little wardrobe. Through another door, there was a rudimentary bathroom. Ellory scowled. When a vampire wanted to placate and tease, play and lure, he brought his quarry to a room like this. He knew what this room was usually used for, but Talisen and Shelby wouldn't. He strode to the bed and glowered at it. The sheets had better be clean. When he jerked the blanket aside, nothing but sun-sweetened freshness met his 207

Revenant nose. No blood stains. Either the room hadn't been in use recently, or the Alchemist was more fastidious than he gave him credit for. He folded his arms across his chest and sighed. At least Talisen and Shelby would be warm up here. He glanced over his shoulder at Talisen, who was plainly confused over his obsession with the bedding. He shrugged and cleared his throat. "Just want to be sure you'll be comfortable." "I think a lumpy mattress is the least of our worries, don't you?" She turned to the Alchemist. "This is fine." The Alchemist nodded without looking at her. Ellory followed his gaze and felt his canines rupture from his gums. The fiend was watching Shelby again. The child stirred in Sean's arms and wiggled for him to put her down. When he did, she looked around her with a yawn. Her gaze settled on Ellory, and she smiled sleepily and went to him with her arms held out. He picked her up and held her close. Shelby returned the Alchemist's gaze like the innocent she was, all big-eyed and wondering. "Go and play, sweet," Ellory said to her. He put her down, and she went to the bed, dug her toys out of her pack, and settled down at the wash cabinet to turn it into a house for her dolls. The Alchemist followed her with his gaze from one end of the room to the other. Talisen took the blanket from the mattress and wrapped it around Shelby. Ellory watched his mate look over her shoulder at the Alchemist. She had that contemplative look on her face, the sort she got when she figured something out that everyone else had missed completely. To his horror, she whispered something to Shelby, helped the little girl up, and led her to the Alchemist. Ellory moved in to flank them. Sean murmured something acidic under his breath and followed suit. Meical hovered nearer. The rest of the fledglings gravitated in a half-circle around Talisen and their tiny human sister. Shelby shifted Fiona to the other arm, stood on one foot, propped the other on her red Ked, and treated the Alchemist to her perfect, guileless smile. Talisen smiled, too. "This is Shelby. I don't think you two have been introduced. She's four. Isn't she beautiful?"

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Janet Elizabeth Jones The Alchemist's nostrils flared, as though he were taking in the child's scent. As though she were prey. Ellory moved even closer, but Talisen stopped him by putting her hand on his chest. Trust me. He seethed. What are you doing? I said trust me. Either you do, or you don't. He backed off but kept his gaze fixed on the Alchemist. The ancient vampire's jaw twitched, but when he spoke, his voice could have charmed a wild animal from its den, though it seemed it was Shelby who was doing the charming. "Very nice to meet you, Miss Shelby. I am Benemerut Neshi." Shelby, being Shelby, laughed. "I can't say that." "Ben will do." He eyed Fiona. "I see you like dolls. My little girl did, too. That was long ago. I had to leave her and her mother before she grew much older than you are now." Ellory blinked. Was this a ploy to garner sympathy? Or was it the truth? It didn't matter. Vampires concealed truth or divulged it as it suited their purposes. Shelby squeezed her rabbit. "How come?" "I used to be a doctor. One night, I was working late in my clinic, and a person came in to see me who was…very sick." The Alchemist's jaw twitched again. "He made me sick also, and I couldn't go home anymore, for fear I'd give my wife and daughter the same sickness. So I left my home and went far away from them." Ellory ran a hand over his chin. Centuries had come and gone, and the Alchemist had remained a closed book. Yet it had taken Talisen five minutes to unlock the mystery, and she'd done it with a simple act of kindness and a child's trust. Priceless things. Costly things. Did she actually expect her gesture to be requited with equal generosity? Shelby frowned in concentration while she thought it over. "Are you still sick?" Ellory snorted. The vampire nodded slowly. "Yes, but…." His gaze rose to Ellory's, burning with resolve that Ellory would've thought quite convincing if he didn't know the beast was a lunatic. "…you needn't be afraid. You won't catch it." "Don't worry," said Shelby. "I got all my boosters." The Alchemist's face gentled. "My daughter knew a little magic. She taught me a trick. Shall I show it to you?" 209

Revenant "Okay. Sure." He pointed at the wardrobe. "When you want something to eat or drink, knock on that." Shelby put a hand on her hip. "No way." He smiled. "Go see for yourself. Think of something you want to eat or drink, knock once, and open the doors." Ellory rolled his eyes. Child's play. He could do that. Shelby marched to the wardrobe and gave it a sound knock with her little fist and opened it just a bit. She squeaked with laughter, threw the doors wide and reached in with one hand for a double-dip hot fudge sundae in a silver server, complete with a sparkling silver spoon. And a cherry on top, of course. She turned with a broad smile. "Can it do roni cheese?" The Alchemist lifted a finger and twirled it in the air. "The kind with the noodles that look like seashells?" Did the leech have to be so charming? It made Ellory's heart ache to see Shelby's eyes light up at him like that. Shelby laughed again. "How about roni shaped like bunnies and teddy bears?" The Alchemist nodded. "Don't forget something to drink." "Will it work all the time?" "No. Around the middle of the day, the magic sleeps. It works best in the evening, at night and early in the morning." Shelby returned to the washstand to play and eat her ice cream. When Ellory turned to regard the Alchemist again, the creature was looking at Talisen. And she wasn't exactly showing signs of disdain. Had she actually been touched by that flamboyant display? Ellory's heart twisted a quarter-turn inside. Enough. He stepped between them. "Thank you for your hospitality." The Alchemist grinned, bowed and excused himself. The door had barely closed when Ellory was bombarded on all sides by his children's questions. He held up his hands to quiet them. "We have no choice. Tomorrow night, Meical and I will appeal to the Enclave for help against Dylan. We won't have to rely on the Alchemist's hospitality for long." Sullen nods. Reluctant agreement. Ellory gave them all a remorseful look and waved them closer for a hug. "We will get through this together." 210

Janet Elizabeth Jones Talisen came to his side and wrapped her arms around him. He held her close and rested his chin atop her head. He felt her fear of the unknown beating at her. It was so unlike her to be afraid. Her voice wasn't altogether steady. "You'll leave a little time for us before you sleep?" He nodded and bent to kiss her, then smiled, letting her see how her closeness coaxed his canines to unsheathe. "Let me get everyone settled, and I'll be back up in a minute." She smiled and nodded. Ellory led his silent brood down to the torch-lit sleeping chamber, with Meical trailing along behind. He watched the fledglings fan out and pick their spots. He'd tried so hard to provide them with comforts that would give normalcy to their existence. This crypt represented the very darkest things in their world, all the things he had tried to protect them from. Heavyhearted, he went around to each of them to be certain they were comfortable. He returned to Talisen and Shelby to find them curled up on the bed telling stories. The sight warmed his heart, but at the same time reminded him of how tenuous their time together was. Truth was, he had little hope that any of his neighbors would join him. But he would face Dylan tomorrow night, with or without help. Talisen was wearing a red flannel nightgown that made her look like a beguiling child. When she looked up at him, though, the glimmer in her eyes stirred him in a way that was most unchildlike. He smiled at her, overwhelmed with his need to be alone with her. "Time for bed, Shelby." "I'm not tired," the little girl protested. "And Sean hasn't kissed me goodnight yet." Ellory fixed his gaze on hers and deepened his tone to a lulling reverberation. "Tomorrow night he will. I promise." Shelby yawned and nestled into the pillow. Ellory held her gaze a moment longer, letting his enthrallment slip over her gently. When her eyes fluttered closed, Talisen covered her with the blanket. His mate looked up at him with a smile that sent his heart into a cartwheel. He kept his voice low. "Do you know how much I want you right now?" She rose and kissed him. "Seems like we're lacking in privacy at the moment, Captain." 211

Revenant They lay down in the floor. Ellory wrapped his leg over Talisen and drew her closer. For awhile they lay silently, alone at last. No words were needed. He knew by the sudden tension in her body that she had come upon an unpleasant thought. He sighed. "What is it, sweet?" "Will the Enclave help you?" He should be honest. He owed her that. "It's doubtful." "I'll bet the Alchemist could squash Dylan with a snap of his fingers. You've trusted him this much. Why don't you ask for his help?" Ellory swept his hand through her hair. "Because of what he would demand in return. The children." "Do you know that for sure? How can you fight Dylan alone?" "I can't. But…I can take him down with me." Shock made her face go white. Her tears made her eyes look so big and beautiful. Like jewels. "What are your saying? If you…what will we do…how will I live?" He drew her into his embrace and held her tight. "You will go on with your life, you and whoever survives with you. And you and I have the hope that in another lifetime, we'll be together again, as we have been before." Talisen's shoulders shook as she buried her face in his shirt. "No, Ellory. You can't. I can barely get through the day without you." "You won't be troubled by our bond if I'm destroyed." She drew back and gaped at him. "You don't get it, do you? We're one person. We've always been, and we always will be, and that would be true no matter if you were a vampire, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, or Santa Claus." He smiled and brushed the tears from her cheeks. "Then nothing can separate us." She lay her head down again, crying. "Please, Ellory, ask Neshi to help you." "Not for all I'm worth." She looked up at him, desperate. "Either you ask Neshi to help you or I will. I won't let you get yourself killed.” He didn't dare relent. She had to understand. They lived in his world, not hers. And things went on in his world that she couldn't begin to comprehend. She was too tempting to his kind for her to barter on their behalf. The thought of how her willing blood would placate that bilge rat's merciless appetite woke the beast in Ellory. 212

Janet Elizabeth Jones "As much as I hate to leave you with less than congenial thoughts of me this morning," he warned, "if I sense you straying in that direction, I will prevent you." Disbelief, shock, and then torment glittered in her eyes. She said nothing, just stared up at him in misery. He'd hurt her, after trying so hard to ease the pain she'd suffered. His heart shriveled inside of him, and he bounded up from the floor with a growl of frustration and dematerialized, leaving her crying.

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Chapter Sixteen He glided up the steps to the room where Benedikt's mate and child slept. Dissolving into a mist, he streamed under the door and materialized. He went no closer, but contented himself for the moment just watching Shelby sleep. He'd seen his fill of wonders. None could compare with this tiny feather from Horus's wing, borne back to him by the winds of life and death. After centuries of waiting, in his eleventh hour, when he'd almost lost hope, she was with him again. His beautiful Mehtah, his heart's song, the most wonderful woman a man could wish for. He'd been the happiest of husbands. When Shelby grew up, she would be the one soul who could prevent him from destroying everything in his path, the one salve for his hunger. She must survive. Benemerut Neshi pushed aside every sound but her heartbeat. One night, you will remember me. You will know me. You will know who I was to you, long ago. But for now, I wish only that you know what I am and what I have become. There will come a time when you will have to find me, Shelby. And save me. She murmured in her sleep and curled into the covers, but beneath the veil of slumber and childhood, her wakened soul watched him. Blood of jackals, what fearless curiosity she had. He'd almost forgotten. He neared her bedside, mouthing the spell that would keep her ever and always safe—and safely his. No one, human or vampire, would harm her. With another silent chant, he plucked a plaything from the air and set it on Shelby's pillow. The ruby eyes of the ebony teakwood cat 214

Janet Elizabeth Jones winked at him in the darkness. Bast, the great goddess of the home, had once been her protector. But now he must do. He'd keep his distance from her, but he would never be far away. Backing away, he dissolved into mist and left her. **** Talisen woke up feeling chilled all over. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and looked at her watch. Two in the afternoon. They'd slept the day away. Shelby was sitting up in bed with her elbows on her knees and her chin propped on her fists. Yawning, Talisen sat up and wrapped her arms around her. The little girl looked up with solemn eyes. It didn't take much to see that she was now completely awake from Ellory's enthrallment. Talisen tousled Shelby's hair. "Let's see if we can get any breakfast out of that magic wardrobe." "It won't work yet. We have to wait until he wakes up." The concentration in Shelby's voice made Talisen's nerves quiver. "He?" "Benemerut." "Ha. And you thought you couldn't say his name." "I want to see him when he wakes up. I have to thank him." "Thank him? For what?" Shelby held up a wooden cat. "He gave me this last night. I thought it was a dream, but when I woke up, here she was." Talisen's mouth went dry. How could the Alchemist get that close to Shelby without Ellory knowing it? The answer swept over her, rending her heart. There was no blood bond between Ellory and Shelby. Ellory had said himself that it left Shelby defenseless against other vampires. And the Alchemist was the most powerful of them all. He could do as he pleased. Was this how he had repaid her goodwill? She burned with rage until all she could feel was her hands wrapping around a wooden stake the size of her arm. If he had hurt Shelby…. Talisen put her arms around the little girl and tried to keep her voice steady. "What did you name your kitty?" "She already has a name. Bast. She's a goddess." 215

Revenant **** Ellory? No answer. Sundown was only minutes away. She should be able to talk to him by now. Ellory? Talisen paced, watching Shelby play with Bast. The little girl made a throne for the cat, using her empty ice-cream bowl, and set her other toys around it so they could pay homage to her new friend. A wave of heat and power set the door rattling on its hinges an instant before it splintered. The two of them squealed. Ellory strode into the room, his eyes blazing. He stared at Shelby until she whimpered and ran to Talisen. Talisen waved a hand at him. "You're scaring her." He turned his back to them and ran a hand over his face. His shoulders rose and fell with heaving breaths. A moment later, he turned to face them, composed. He regarded Talisen with the sick look of regret on his face. "I called you. You couldn't hear me." So he'd tried to speak to her and couldn't? What had the Alchemist done? Mindful of Shelby's listening ears, she said, "Me too. There must be a reason we couldn't hear each other." "I'm afraid so." His teeth grated for a moment, and he indicated Shelby with a nod of his head. "We all noticed the difference the moment we woke." Sean came into the room, white-faced. "Shelby?" The little girl ran to her brother. He knelt and looked her over as though searching for bruises. "Are you okay?" "You didn't kiss me goodnight last night. But it's okay. I understand. Bast told me all about it." "Bast?" "Yep." She retrieved the figurine and brought it to him. "Benemerut gave her to me. Isn't she cool? She knows everything. She protects families. Even families like ours." Sean stared at Shelby. "Families like ours?" "Yeah." Shelby lifted a hand and touched his teeth, giggling. "Can I see 'em?" "S-see what, honey?" She giggled again. "Your fangs." **** 216

Janet Elizabeth Jones Outrage devoured Talisen. What purpose could it possibly serve for the Alchemist to tell Shelby what her family was? "Of all the low, rotten, mean things to—" Ellory cut her off. "Shelby, come here." He knelt and held one hand out to her. The little girl went to him and fit herself into his embrace as though nothing had changed, as though the world was full of vampires. Talisen put an arm around Sean. He was shaking all over. "Ellory will make everything all right." Ellory held Shelby close, rested his hand on the crown of her head, and closed his eyes. Talisen watched his face. She had to hand it to him. At least on the surface he was cool and composed. Beneath, he was sheer desperation. She reached out to him. Is she all right? She is. The corner of his mouth twitched. And in full possession of her free will. But there will be no deceiving her from now on. She knows everything. No enthrallment will work, and I can't make her forget. Talisen gasped. Sean looked at her with questions in his eyes. She tightened her hug. What did he do to her, Ellory? He has made himself her protector. Ellory opened his eyes and met her gaze. His face was rigid with emotion, now. It's called a life-ward. It means he has singled her out. It means he will never be far away from her—or us. It means that even from one life to the next, wherever she is, he will be able to find her. But I don't understand how the Alchemist could do this. Even an Ancient as powerful as he is can't place a life-ward on a person unless there's a very old and deep connection between them already. Then…obviously…there is a connection somewhere. Sean gripped Talisen's wrist. "What the hell is going on? Tell me." She didn't have the heart to answer his question. "Ellory can explain it better than I can." Ellory kissed Shelby's cheek and stood. "You should show everyone your new toy." She put her thumb on the mouth of the Bast figurine and pressed hard. "Bast has fangs, but you can't see them." "She knows we can't show our fangs unless we need to use them. It's a rule." "Like when Sean tells me not to run with scissors?" Sean groaned.

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Revenant Ellory actually had the presence of mind to laugh, but it was a sad sound. "Exactly. Go show everyone your cat, and Sean will be downstairs in a minute." "Okay." Halfway to the door, she turned and trotted to the wardrobe. She gave it a rap, opened the door and pulled out a mug of hot cocoa and a gooey cheese sandwich. With a complacent smile, she left the room, dribbling a trail of cocoa behind her. Sean turned to Ellory. "What did he do to her?" Ellory hooked his hands in his back pockets and approached Sean slowly. Talisen didn't envy him. When he stood eye-to-eye with Sean, he put a steadying hand on his shoulder. "She's all right. In fact, no harm will ever come to her." Sean shook hard enough for Talisen to see him quivering. "Ellory, tell me he didn't drink from her." "No. Nor will any other of our kind. Ever." "But she's different. What did he do to her?" "It's a life-ward, a kind of bond, but something older and deeper than the kind of bonds we're used to. The good thing is its protection is more powerful than even I could give Shelby. She will always be safe, even from him. Its very existence will prevent any of our kind—even the Alchemist himself—from taking control of Shelby's mind." Sean shook his head, his voice a whisper. "Why did he do this? What does he want with Shelby?" "Evidently there is history between the two of them that only the Alchemist knows about." "But you can get rid of it, can't you? This life-ward thing? You can break it? I don't want him near my sister." Ellory drew a deep breath. "No, Sean. It can't be broken. As long as the Alchemist exists, so will the life-ward." Sean threw back his head and let out a roar. "THEN I'LL KILL HIM!" Ellory caught his face with both hands and shook him, even while Sean struggled and punched and snarled. "Sean, you'll be dead before you get close enough to touch him. And then what will Shelby do? You will leave this to me." "I'm so sorry," Sean choked out. "I should've let you make a blood bond with Shelby when you had the chance." "If anyone is to blame, it's me. The best thing you can do for Shelby now is answer her questions. And whatever you do, Sean, don't criticize 218

Janet Elizabeth Jones the Alchemist in front of her. Whether we like it or not, there is something between them, something they share, and whatever it is, the Alchemist has awakened it and made Shelby just aware enough of it that it will be impossible to drive a wedge between them. And if you try it, it'll confuse Shelby and make her doubt you, and she needs to know she can trust you, now more than ever." Sean hissed and strained to break free. "That bastard! I'll kill him! I'll kill him!" Ellory gave Sean a hard hug and released him. "Don't go down to her looking like this, or she'll see more fangs than she asked to. Calm yourself." Sean closed his eyes and nodded. His breath came in sharp gasps. He rubbed his mouth with both hands, trying to get his canines to recede. Turning, he paced the length and breadth of the room, flexing his fisted hands and drying his tears. In a moment, when he seemed calmer, he took his leave. Talisen went to Ellory and embraced him. "You can't retaliate, either. He'll kill you, too." "I know. And at least we can be sure of her survival, no matter what happens tonight." "What are you and Meical going to say to the Enclave to get them to help you against Dylan?" "I'm not sure yet, but I doubt a song will do, this time." He ran a hand down her back and hugged her close. For a moment, she thought she felt his arms shake. "While we're gone, if you need to talk to the children, you'll have to go down to them, because they can't come up here." She drew back. "Why not?" He turned away from her. She could feel him struggle to stay calm. "Neshi warded the room too. Only those who are important to Shelby's immediate well-being are allowed in here. Meical and I are the only ones who can go above-ground. Tidy, isn't it? If Dylan kills Meical and me, Neshi will keep the fledglings in return for his hospitality. But he'll keep you and Sean safe, because Shelby needs you." Talisen refused to let her fears take her down that road. She focused on necessity. "If he won't let the fledglings leave, how will they feed?" Ellory grimaced. "Neshi has seen to that. And don't ask me how, because you don't want to know." That meant there were people somewhere in this hell-hole being kept in cells like cattle, like the woman they’d heard crying on their arrival. 219

Revenant "Meical says Neshi hasn't resorted to using drugs on our food supply, so it looks like it will be safe to take him up on his hospitality." "Drugs? You said vampires aren't susceptible to drugs." "Talisen, we don't call Neshi 'the Alchemist' for nothing. He's our pharmacist. His concoctions aren't like human drugs. They're part magic, part ancient-world medicinal. How do you think he managed to restore Freya so swiftly?" Ellory shuddered and looked away, his voice soft with a combination of caution and surprise. "He has, in fact, thrown the full weight of his power behind his protection of us all—presumably for Shelby's sake." He cupped her chin with his hand and tilted her head back. Hunger gleamed in his eyes, and like a spark off an inferno, it caught her on fire. He picked her up and nuzzled her throat. His kiss was slow and deep, the kind that teased and promised at the same time. "I need your strength so badly tonight." She smiled, holding him close. "It's too bad we don't have time to do justice to our appetite. The sooner you go, the sooner you'll be back— hopefully with reinforcements." She quivered with anticipation as he carried her to the little bed in the corner. But he halted and looked down at her with his kissable lips still close and puckered in thought. What was he waiting for? "Ellory?" He set her down on her feet and slid a hand over her stomach. "You haven't eaten a thing since we came here, have you? As inquisitive as you are, I can't believe you haven't availed yourself of the besotted wardrobe yonder." She ducked her head and shrugged. "I started to once, but it seemed…I don't know…disloyal." He stroked her cheek with his index finger. When she met his gaze, he wore a rueful smile. "I am so sorry. I didn't think. I should have provided for you. What are you hungry for? Wait. Don't answer that." He bent and gave her a lingering kiss. "Ah. An order of manicotti, garlic bread, a salad on the side, and a glass of very dry red wine, coming up. And they say the Benedikt Inn doesn't do takeout? Ha." Ellory stepped aside, and she looked past him. Her meal waited, steaming hot, on the little table. It was even served on the Inn's tableware, right down to the same loden green tablecloth. "But what about you?" 220

Janet Elizabeth Jones He grinned and snapped his fangs at her. "It won't hurt to meet and greet my fellow creatures with a little edge to my appetite. Maybe they'll take me seriously." "If you can find any of them." She let him seat her at the table, laughing when he tucked her napkin in the collar of her shirt. She picked up her fork and knife and began eating. "I've got an idea I want to ask you about. Why don't you just drink from any vampires you come across and put them under your power and build yourself an army? That would scare the pee out of Dylan. I know what he did at Sartori's, but he can't kill everyone. You could maybe get to him before he managed to." Ellory laughed, low and raspy. "What have I done to you? You've grown mercenary in my company." "I'm serious. Just make them help you, Ellory." He poured her a glass of wine with a shake of his head. "It's taboo to steal blood from a vampire." She stabbed her fork into her salad with a frown. "Oh, sure it is. Don't tell me you don't do that." "I don't. Others do. Aloisia did, in fact. She nearly drained me dead on more than one occasion. Believe me when I say it's as reprehensible to me as the idea of creating revenants. It undermines the meaning of blood-bonding between family members. If I drink from another vampire, it's only to kill, and in that case, it's either a mercy killing or…." He grinned ruefully. "…because I'm angry." "Your sense of honor has very bad timing. Can't you be flexible and make an exception?" "I wouldn't be able to live with myself. I've taught the children to sustain one another when need be, but not to prey on their own kind." He gave her another kiss on the cheek and backed away. Wrapping himself in a spiraling golden light, he began to vanish. "Meical is waiting for me. We'll be back as soon as possible. And remember, Talisen, the Alchemist cannot be trusted. He may try to deceive you." Talisen stared at the golden haze that overtook him. When it cleared, she was alone. She looked around at her empty room, the dusky corners with shadows that seemed to breathe and harbor monsters. She couldn't resist stealing a glance over her shoulder. When she turned back to her plate, she squelched her scream and bolted out of her chair.

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Revenant The Alchemist sat in the chair opposite her. His curly, ebony hair hung in his face, making him look wild and exotic and scarcely older than she was. She backed away and pointed at the door. "Out. Before I rip your heart out—if you have one, that is." He leaned back in his chair, expressionless but for the glint of amusement in his eyes. "Listen to me, Ms. Davies. This is a night for revelation, and time is about to run out for your mate. Shelby loves him. She needs him. I don't want her to grow up without him." Cautious curiosity festered inside of Talisen. His words sounded sincere. They felt genuine. He was Ellory's best chance for survival—if she could persuade him to help them—regardless of what Ellory had to say. The Alchemist prodded her with his gaze. "Believe me, my plan is only for the sake of Shelby's safety and well-being." "I don't care if you knew her eons ago or not; nothing gives you the right to push your way into her life, now or in the future." "I have as much right to protect her as Benedikt has to claim you for his mate." "That's different. We're meant to be together." He gave her a taunting smile. "Is it so inconceivable that the same might be said of me and another?" "Not Shelby." "You see only the child she is, at the moment. I see the woman she has been in times past, long ago, and the woman she will grow to be." He rose and stalked to the other side of the room, head down and hands behind his back again. "In twenty years or so, my hunger will claim my reason, and I will become the depraved monster everyone thinks I am already. No one will be able to destroy me. Hundreds of humans will die before my hunger turns inward and my body devours itself." What did that have to do with Shelby? "So do the world a favor and off yourself before you get to that point." "The thought crosses my mind a hundred times a night. But I must finish my work. I'm almost there now. I can taste it." He looked at her over his shoulder, eyes glinting. "What would you give to walk in the sunlight with Benedikt at your side?" She gaped at the Alchemist. How could he be that powerful? "You've found a way to make vampires human again?" 222

Janet Elizabeth Jones He fixed his gaze on the ceiling. "Not quite. But I can alter them. I can make them less harmful to humanity in that they crave something from humans other than blood." Talisen bit her lip, trying to imagine what it would be like if Ellory didn't need her blood. To wake up in the morning with him, not to have to leave his side, not to face the separation anymore. What would she sacrifice to give them that kind of life? "What do they crave, if not blood?" He wagged a finger at her. "Only my subjects know." She frowned. "Your subjects all die." "Much too soon. That's because I have always needed an older, stronger specimen. This is no longer a problem." His gaze shifted away. "My latest subject will survive the rigors of the experiment longer than the others. But I must live in order to complete my research. And if I am to live, I need a better source of sustenance, someone who can fulfill me willingly." Willing blood? That was what all of this came down to? He wanted Shelby for a meal ticket? Oh, what she wouldn't give to get her hands on one of the shotguns at home. Her head pounded with outrage. "You'll have to kill us first, starting with me." Though his expression didn't change, the room became decidedly colder. His voice was too calm. "You'll be relieved to know, that will not be necessary. Shelby will seek me out when the time comes, not because I control her, but because I know her dreams, her fears, and her hurts. I will be the answer to all her needs one of these days, just as I have been in kinder times we've known together on this earth." He obviously thought Shelby was the reincarnation of someone he'd lost a long time ago. Talisen ground out, "I think they're right about you. You're too far gone already. Stay away from Shelby, or so help me—" "None of you will survive this night without my help. I don't want Shelby to lose the only family she's ever known. Don't you see? I can give her protection, but I am no substitute in her eyes for Benedikt and his fledglings. If I survive to be worthy of her one of these days, I want to be able to say that I guarded her happiness as well as I guarded her safety." Talisen condisdered his words. The look of reverence she'd seen in Neshi's eyes when he'd looked at Shelby didn't lie. And if Neshi wanted to kill them all, he could do so without the use of deception and lies. She didn't trust him, but she had no reason to mistrust him, either. 223

Revenant The Alchemist returned to the table and drew back her chair for her. "Sit. We have plans to make, if we are to save your suicidal mate. Sacrifices must be made. By you and one other. The one of whom I speak has made his commitment already. It rests with you to decide if you can do so as well." What wouldn't she do for Ellory's sake? Talisen returned to her chair slowly. "But we leave the fledglings out of this. I mean it. It's not going to be one of them. Understand?" "Understood. As I've said, I have a perfect specimen, so I no longer require young vampires for my research." So what sacrifice did Neshi want from her? Talisen swallowed hard. Willing blood was the only thing she had to offer. Ellory would never understand. This was exactly what he had forbidden her to do. She let the Alchemist push her up to the table, but didn't wait until he sat down to speak. She couldn't say it if she had to look into his black, soulless eyes. "You want my blood…and…." He slid his hands up the sides of the chair, up her arms, to rest on her shoulders. She could feel his power emanate from his fingertips, resonate to her soul. She waited, scarcely breathing, while all her hopes dangled by a thread above an inferno of fear. "I have done many things, Ms. Davies, but not once have I violated the mark of another. You are not for me. I will not shame either of us so." He bent closer so that his breath brushed her cheek. "However, were you unclaimed, I would relish your sacrifice and see that you had no regrets." When he sat down across from her, his eyes twinkled at her. "That is not the sacrifice of which I speak. But you are truly courageous to be willing. I am grateful that Shelby will grow up in the care of such an exemplary person.” Talisen didn't know whether to be relieved that he had some integrity or exasperated that her attempt hadn't worked. "So tell me what sacrifice I'm supposed to make in order for you to be willing to kill Dylan." "I'm not going to kill him. You are." He was definitely crazy. "Not that I wouldn't like the chance, but you're the only one who can do it." "He cannot die by my hand. I am oath-bound." Talisen stumbled over his words. "You promised someone you won't kill Dylan? Who?" "The one who made him." 224

Janet Elizabeth Jones This was getting way too confusing. She rubbed her temples with both hands. "That would be Aloisia. You knew her?" "Knew her?" His eyes gleamed warm. "I created her." Talisen sucked her lower lip between her teeth. "You?" "And her sister as well." The Alchemist ran his index finger along the rough wood of the table. "I eventually brought them here and helped them establish their own domains. But Aloisia's sister always resented me for stealing her humanity from her. She became a queen of incredible cunning among us, doubtless to empower herself to take her revenge on me. But in her hour of need, I was there for her…as ever I shall be." A powerful queen. The idea took root in Talisen's mind. "Freya? Freya is Aloisia's sister?" The Alchemist nodded. "And now, Dylan's crimes against both Freya and Aloisia has caught up with him." His crimes. Yes, Sartori's. "What did he do to Aloisia?" The Alchemist's eyes blazed. "Aloisia chose to end her own existence. Her hunger was too much of a torment. She sent Dylan to me for something to ease her passing at sunrise. I gave him a euthanasia drug I've made for years." Talisen felt her stomach clench. "What does a vampire need with a euthanasia drug that works on other vampires?” The Alchemist replied as though he were speaking to a child. "Too often my experiments end in the mutation of the subject. I never allow them to suffer." He obviously thought he was being merciful. She looked away, overcome by his ruthlessness. "So, Dylan gave her the drug, but what? He gave her too much?" "No. He gave her too little. He gave her enough to paralyze her, but not enough to taint her blood. While she lay helpless, he drank her dry. And because he gave her so small a dose, she had no protection from the pain of sunrise. He left her to face that agony as punishment for choosing Benedikt over him. Dylan came after Benedikt and his first family, and though he destroyed Benedikt's children, Freya protected Benedikt. So Dylan added Freya herself to his list of targets." Talisen nodded. "He nearly got her at Sartori's." A crackling and shimmering of sparks in the corner caught her attention. Meical materialized and joined them. "What are you doing back here?" Talisen demanded. 225

Revenant Meical didn't answer, but deferred to the Alchemist with a wave of his hand and an elegant frown. The Alchemist's face was once more inscrutable. "I told him to return." "Told him?" She looked up at Meical. The look of resignation in his eyes was enough to tell her who the Alchemist's new "specimen" was. "Oh, Meical...." He lost his usual hauteur, but his voice was full of conviction. "I don't regret my decision. But only you can see that it isn't wasted." Tears stung her eyes at the thought of the suffering he had resigned himself to. He touched her cheek. "Nothing matters but helping you defeat Dylan. Let us think only of the weapons you can wield against him. Neshi? What can you give her?" Neshi's mouth curled in a slow smile as he returned Talisen's questioning gaze. "Give Ms. Davies a moment, Grabian, and she'll think of the very thing she needs." Talisen stared at him, then let her gaze fall. "It has to be something Dylan can't take away from me and use against us." "Yes," murmured Meical thoughtfully. "He'll overpower you, unless you get him first, so it has to be something as strong as Neshi himself." "No. Stronger." Talisen cast a glance at Neshi, whose eyes shone with excitement. "It has to be something even the Alchemist is afraid of." Neshi nodded slowly. "Name it." Talisen's mouth parted. It was simple. Horribly simple. "The sun. It's the one thing that can kill any vampire, no matter how powerful he is." "But that means you'll have to be strong enough to keep Dylan from going below-ground when the sun comes up," Meical pointed out, "and I fail to see how any human can do that, let alone survive his attack. Think of it. Dylan will be desperate to get to safety. He'll hit you with everything he has. You won't last ten seconds." "Precisely," said Neshi. "Even with the help of the chant I'll teach you, Talisen, to bind Dylan to the earth, you can't face him–as a human." That was what he'd meant, a moment ago, when he’d said she had to make a sacrifice. Meical leaned on the table and stared down Neshi. "You can't turn her, Neshi. You absolutely will not. What good would it do? She'd be as 226

Janet Elizabeth Jones susceptible to the sun as we are and die with Dylan. If that's what you're thinking, forget it." No, that wasn't what Neshi was suggesting. What he meant, Talisen realized in a flash of regret, fear and resolve, was a plan so simple and obvious that the only reason she hadn't already thought of it was because Ellory would hate her forever. Talisen caught Meical's sleeve. "What Neshi is saying is I need the power of a vampire, without a vampire's weakness to the sun, so I can detain Dylan long enough for the sun to kill him." "Neither human nor vampire can do such a thing." "That's right," Talisen murmured. "Neither human nor vampire—but something in-between. Meical's voice was soft with realization. "A revenant." The Alchemist snorted. "Of course, that's what she means, you thickheaded nit. It's pure logic." Meical was slack-jawed. "Not for all God's love, Talisen. Ellory will never forgive you." She looked up at him pleadingly. "He can hate me for it after we get through this." "Hate you? My dear, he'll be within his right to kill you for it. I won't let you." The Alchemist pushed back his chair and rose. "You, Grabian, are not in a position to influence the situation in any way whatsoever. Talisen, I will help you do this thing, and we will have Benedikt's cooperation in spite of himself, but you must do exactly as I say." She clutched the table with both hands and nodded. "Fine. May I have a moment alone with Meical now?" The Alchemist looked from her to the big blond and nodded hesitantly. He turned and strode into the shadows. "I need to check on Freya. I'll return in a moment or two." When he'd gone, she searched Meical's face. "Why? Why did you offer yourself to Neshi like a damn lab rat? Ellory needs you. The fledglings need you. I need you." His eyes grew fervent. The lines of strain on his face made him look very human. "We needed this haven to come to while we figure out a way to destroy Dylan. But since Ellory turned down the Alchemist's first offer of asylum, I knew there would be no second offer unless it was a lucrative exchange for him. This way, Neshi won't be getting any ideas about commandeering the fledglings, and we've gained a shelter long 227

Revenant enough to form our plans." He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. "Ellory has taken care of me from the moment I was turned. This is one way I can repay him. Besides, if I survive the Alchemist's experiment long enough to feel the sun on my face again, it will be worth everything." She couldn't argue with that. If the Alchemist could do for Ellory what he hoped to do for Meical, and if it would work for the fledglings, too, then they would see the day when none of them would fear the sun. Ellory could watch it rise and set, with her at his side, and no longer live in darkness. She put her arms around Meical. For a moment, he stiffened. When was the last time anyone had hugged him? He relaxed and then eased his arms around her, more and more firmly, until he was clinging to her. Suddenly he held her away from her and kissed her forehead. "Stiff upper lip, m'dear. You'll need it. What you're about to go through isn't going to be a Sunday outing."

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Chapter Seventeen Ellory materialized in the soft black shadows of Talisen's chamber, cursing Blazek and the rest. Cowards. They were like hyenas circling two fighting lions, waiting to make a meal off the loser. And where the devil had Meical gone? One minute he'd been right behind Ellory, and the next, he was gone. Talisen had doused all the light in the room, save for a single lantern. She stood in its golden embrace like a little queen waiting for the return of her vanquished warrior. He smiled, feeling weary, and approached her with his arms out. "Alas, madam, I have nothing to show for my foray." He was nearly within arm's reach of her when he felt it. The walls closed in around him, and a heaviness overtook his muscles and bones. He shuddered and reached out to Talisen. She was crying. She looked so sad and frightened. When he tried to speak, his vocal chords froze, and the sound came out in an unintelligible growl, as though he were naught but an animal. He cried out to her telepathically. His words fractured in the silence inside his mind. What was happening? Where was Meical when he needed him? He couldn't get through to him, either. Dread filled Ellory's heart. What about the children? He reached for them, calling each by name. No answer. Only silence, deep and dead. He'd heard that silence before. No. This couldn't be happening again. Not again. They couldn't be gone. He sent his senses in all directions to root out his enemy, but struck an invisible barrier. The Alchemist. 229

Revenant He'd put them all under an enthrallment of some kind, surely— Meical and Talisen, too. Ellory's body went limp, and he poured out his rage in a strangled roar. Someone caught him from behind as his knees buckled. "Easy, Ellory." Meical! Finally! Ellory tried to turn his head to look up at him, but all he could move was his eyes. The Alchemist glided out of a wall. The beast didn't even look at him. "Benedikt, behave yourself, and all will go well. Lay him on the bed, Grabian. Talisen, well done." Meical's voice sounded soft and pleading. "Forgive me, Ellory. Try to understand. It has to be this way." Ellory struggled with the words. Meical's apology didn't make sense. Those who were under a vampire's enthrallment felt neither shame nor remorse. Meical's apology could only mean…. No. Impossible. Meical would never willingly betray him. His friend dragged him to the bed and laid him down on his back, but Ellory kept his gaze on Talisen. He watched fresh tears glitter in her eyes. Tears of guilt. When she turned away again and moved closer to the Alchemist, suspicion gnawed into his frozen sinews. No. She, his heart, his life, his love, would never betray him. Her voice wobbled. "I can't do this to him while he's so helpless. I just can't." Do what? Ellory fought the compulsion that held him down. The Alchemist sounded surprised at her. "He'll try to dissuade you. I thought it might be less painful for you this way, but you may do as you please. You're in control of him, now. I've warded the room so that you can manage him, but only temporarily. There may be complications. By forcing him into this, we're manhandling the process of revenant creation." Revenant, WHAT? No! Ellory snarled and tried to twist himself off the bed. His body defied him and lay like deadwood, unmoving. He growled and bared his teeth. They ignored him. The Alchemist went on. "Normally, it would be he who is the master, and you the slave, not visa versa. It's a powerful thing to tamper with. And as you get further into your transformation, the ward I've placed in 230

Janet Elizabeth Jones this room may not be enough to protect you from a natural tendency to yield to him." Talisen sounded so frightened. "That's my problem." "When you've finished here, I will give you some of my blood to make you stronger and teach you the binding spell that will help you detain Dylan." Ellory struggled to make an intelligible protest, but it came out as a roar. The thought of Talisen playing right into Neshi's hands ripped away his sanity. Couldn't she see? Didn't Meical realize? Neshi had duped them both. The Alchemist called to Meical, but Meical hesitated, bent close to Ellory, and whispered, "Forgive us." Ellory looked deep into his friend's eyes. There was no trace of the Alchemist's enthrallment. This was no vampiric compulsion. They had betrayed him. His bewilderment gave way to anguish, and he bared his teeth at Meical and snarled again. If he got out of this, oh, how he'd make him pay for handing his young ones over to a madman. It tore at him, the thought of the torture they faced, the pain, the terror. He'd promised always to protect them. If there was justice, Meical would answer for every moment they suffered at the Alchemist's hand. Meical withdrew, leaving him alone with Talisen. When she turned to face him, he fixed a scathing gaze on her and screamed inside his silence, Not you! She glanced at the bedside table, and he followed her gaze. A long silver dagger lay there. He closed his eyes, sick with disappointment. How could this be happening? Talisen had no way of knowing that what she was about to attempt was as impossible as it was deadly. Never in all his years had he heard of such a thing as forcing a vampire to create a revenant. It would kill them both. Of course, that was what Neshi was counting on. Ellory burned with anger. He was not weaponless. Timing. The timing had to be perfect, or neither of them would survive. She approached him slowly, white-faced with resolve. So beautiful and strong. He felt the pain of her betrayal, a wave of pity; then, like a backlash, fury ignited inside of him again from his head to his toes. How could she agree to such a thing? She stood over him, but didn't reach for the dagger. 231

Revenant "Before I let you talk to me, I want you to know, if there was another way to protect you from Dylan, I wouldn't be doing this. Dylan cannibalized Aloisia to get her power. That's how he was powerful enough to do what he did at Sartori's. I'm not going to let him get you. Okay, you can talk to me." Now, when he wanted to speak, he was speechless. Dylan cannibalized Aloisia? Then Talisen was right. There was no way he could defeat Dylan. No way. But this treasonous, suicidal scheme of Talisen's wasn't the answer. Even if they survived what she was about to attempt, nothing would be the same for them again. She could not fathom the control he'd have over her if she did this, she, who valued her freedom so dearly. Somehow he had to reach her, make her see what this would cost them. Ellory hid his rage, cleared his throat to make his vocal chords work, and tried to keep his voice as neutral as possible. "My love, you cannot do this thing. Not like this." She reached for the dagger. "We knew you wouldn't agree to make me your revenant. And before you start denigrating Meical for his part in it, he's paid his dues. The Alchemist let us come here because Meical agreed to be his next guinea pig." Waves of sorrow thrummed inside Ellory's soul. So, that was how the Alchemist had gained Meical's cooperation. "What?" "Meical is probably going to die for our two nights of safety here, so I'm not the only one who's making a sacrifice. Be gracious enough to cooperate and let us help you." "Talisen, wait. Just listen to me. Please." She shook her head, stretched his arm out, and pinned it beneath her knee. Why wouldn't she listen to him? Damn her Rudyard obstinacy. He had to make her see, before it was too late. His anger topped the surface of his emotions, but he pressed it down. A show of temper wouldn't work with Talisen. "Did the Alchemist mention that halfway through this, you'll be too overcome to finish it without my help? At that point, you'll have only minutes before the death in me claims your life." She hesitated, but only for a moment. She unbuttoned his sleeve. "You're trying to talk me out of it." So the infernal sorcerer hadn't explained everything to her properly. Her unknowing was Ellory's weapon. He wouldn't even have to lie to her. "Did he tell you that by that time, I'll be so weak from blood-loss 232

Janet Elizabeth Jones that I won't be able to save you? You won't be able to free me from the restraint you've put on me, so I won't be able to stop my own bleeding. All I'll be able to do is bleed to death while I watch you die. Is that how you want us to end all of this, Talisen? Fine. You make the decision for both of us. Do we live or die?" That got her attention. She looked down at him. Caution glinted in her eyes like the gleam of the lantern light along the dagger at his wrist. Ellory held his breath. She didn't let go of his arm, but she sat down on the bed beside him. "I'm listening." He expelled a sigh. "Just as there are laws that govern the processes of the natural world, there are those that govern the processes in mine. What you are attempting to do is like trying to make the earth spin backwards. There are reasons why a vampire remains in complete control during the creation of a revenant. Both could be lost." "He said there might be complications." "A tidy reference to our end, if ever I heard one." The cost of her own deceit showed on her face, and she turned her gaze away. Her eyes glistened with tears. "I have to do something. You can't face Dylan, and the Alchemist can't kill him, because he promised Aloisia, because he made her, just like he made Freya—" "Hold on. Say again?" "The Alchemist made Aloisia and Freya. They were sisters. Aloisia made the Alchemist promise he'd never lift a hand against any of her fledglings, so he can't hurt Dylan himself. He won't break his oath to her." Ellory cast his gaze at the stony ceiling above. If the Alchemist was oath-bound not to strike at Aloisia's fledglings, that went for him, too. Had the fiend put Talisen up to this scheme to avoid the necessity of dealing him a direct blow? Or did the Alchemist actually want to help them? Regardless, if they did survive, their survival would carry a cost beyond measure. He studied Talisen's face. Once again, pity washed through him—pity for her. In her innocence, she believed that being his revenant would be the same as being his consort. She didn't know about the complete loss of her will, or how she'd be utterly dependent on his life force and hunger for him in ways she had never felt before. She didn't know about the regret she was bound to face every day for the rest 233

Revenant of her life, because she had to become the most despised creature in his world. Was this what they'd come through time for, living and loving together, on and on? Was this the way their endless journey would end, with both of them bound to his darkness? He had to give her one last chance. "It's not too late to reconsider what you're about to do. If the Alchemist succeeds in reviving Freya, I know she'll help us. We can keep on the run until she's strong again and—" "All I have to do is prevent him from reaching his shelter before sunrise, and he'll die, and all of this will be over." "But at what cost to you?" Ellory's rage erupted in a bitter laugh. "From consort to criminal in one night. Very well done, madam. You're throwing away the very best place in my existence I have to offer you, just to make yourself my slave. Isn't that what you've been afraid of all along? That your need for me would deprive you of your free will? You think it's hard to get through the day apart from me now? As my revenant, you will look to me for your next breath—literally. Is that what you want?" Her green eyes gleamed with raw indignation, fear, and pain. "If that's what it takes to keep you safe." No. If she loved him, she wouldn't betray him like this. This was just her way of getting revenge for what he'd taken from her. She'd doubtless resented him all along and was waiting for her chance. His heart broke. He felt the weakness of defeat eat away at all but his anger. She renewed her hold on the dagger. Their gazes locked. He laughed again, aching inside. "Say something magical." The tears dribbled from her eyes and fell on his bared forearm. "I love you." He closed his eyes. The cut of the dagger may as well have been a stake through his heart. He groaned against the pain and sucked in his breath while his blood spilled, spotting the sheets. When he opened his eyes to look at Talisen, she was staring at the crimson fountain. She looked faint and sick. Good. Exploit any sign of weakness. Honor be damned. She was his—soon to be more so than she imagined possible. His bond with her would do well enough as a chain. One yank in the right direction, and she'd topple. 234

Janet Elizabeth Jones "Talisen, if you won't change your mind about this, at least let me hold you." She shook her head. "You'll try to stop me.” She bent and pressed her mouth to his wrist. The feel of her tongue and lips on him…his Talisen, feeding…. Ellory's anger was all but swept away by the exquisite pleasure of it, only to return, hotter than ever, fanned by his desire for her, as he sensed her hold on him weakening. The forces that bound a revenant to a vampire were already asserting themselves. He waited for Talisen to drift into the euphoric in-between state, letting the potency of his blood do the work for him. No way to reverse what she'd gotten them into. He gritted his teeth. The only way to go now was forward. She moaned and sank onto the bed, lapping and suckling. "You taste like chocolate. I never knew…it could feel like this…ohhhh…." Ellory made his voice sound raspy and weak, scarcely more than a whisper. "I…I really need…to hold you…." He felt her pause, and she lifted her head and kissed his mouth. The taste of his blood on her tongue drove him insane. He longed to wrap her in his arms and show her what this moment could really be for them. He caught back a growl. To be sure, he would show her. And she would never, ever betray him again. All her sweet humanity…gone…wasted…. A half-groan escaped him, and she lifted her mouth from his to look at him. Concern knotted her flushed face, and though her eyes were already heavy, he could feel her anxiety through their shared bond. Ellory allowed himself a wan smile, when he felt like howling with laughter and roaring with triumph. Another moment, and she'd play right into his hands. "If you would just let me rest a moment…." She ran a hand over his brow. "I guess that would be all right." She focused her gaze on his wrist. "Stop bleeding." It worked. His blood congealed on his wrist. The Alchemist must have coached her a little. The beast inside of Ellory clawed to free itself of the compulsion that bound him, but outwardly, he smiled at Talisen and blinked and shuddered as though he were on the verge of passing out. "You're so beautiful, my love, and it feels so good to feed you. It's the ultimate intimacy for vampires, you know, to feed our mates." She smiled tenderly at him. "Please don't be angry at me." 235

Revenant "No, I…I'm quite contrite, I swear. Just let me hold you." He batted his eyes and moaned. She gasped in alarm. "Okay, but I won't let you stop me." Perfect. He fixed his gaze on hers and tried to dull the edge to his voice. "I will let you drink as much as you want." He watched her eyes narrow and went into a pretend fainting spell to dispel her suspicion. She clutched at his collar and pulled at him. "Ellory?" Now to rub it in. He opened his eyes with another moan. "I'm sorry. It's just that…it's a lot to lose, and you'll need much more…." When he peeked at her out of the corner of his eye, she looked like she was beside herself with indecision. And what could she do? She'd committed them both to this abomination. Let her stew in her own juice over it. He didn't hide the bitterness in his voice this time. "Best get on with it. The Alchemist won't approve of our dawdling." She frowned and pushed her hair behind her ears. "You can't blame him for this. It was my idea." That only made it worse. His anger flared. The beast snapped its sharp-fanged jaws. A few more swallows, and she would be utterly defenseless. "Keep going," Ellory murmured. "You must drink more." She turned to his wrist again with the lantern light gleaming in the rich red and gold of her hair. A ruthless angel. A hungry angel. She murmured over his wrist, bade his blood to rush, and fed again. He sighed and grappled for his control, while his jeans became deliciously tighter. He could tell by the rhythm of Talisen's mouth, by the soft mewing sounds she made, by the way her hands clung to his arm and burrowed in his shirt, that she was passing into euphoria. She'd be feeling the force of his blood any moment now, all her stolen booty in a heady mixture of death and power, and that was when he'd make his move. Either she would resist him, and they'd die, or he'd take her, and they'd live. He hardened his heart to the necessity of deceiving her. One betrayal deserved another. When she nestled closer to him, eased her leg over his bulging crotch and moved against him, he knew she was nearly there. He blew softly on her temple and whispered, low and dulcet, "You're craving a closeness 236

Janet Elizabeth Jones with me. Don't you feel it? Say the word, and I'll give you what you need." Her voice came out in a breathless rush between gulps. "No…you'll stop me…." "You have only to tell me what to do. I must obey you." She nuzzled harder, squirmed against him and moaned. Lifting her mouth from his wrist, she panted, drenched in perspiration, and looked around through half-closed eyes. "The colors…they're so beautiful. But I'm so…hot all over…I can't get cool." The changes were beginning. Already her hold on him was loosening, and as it did, the ward in the room would crumble. "Talisen, you're not finished. You must drink more." She turned her gaze on him, bleary-eyed, drunk on his blood. "Yes, I want more." Her gaze wandered over his face and down his torso. "I want all of you." He smiled slowly, showing his canines so she'd know how eager he was to please her. That was no pretense. "Say it. Give me leave to hold you. Only, you'd better slow down a bit, or I won't last you." She looked at his wrist and murmured, "Bleed more slowly." This time his body was sluggish to respond to her command, but she didn't notice. His control was returning to him. He concentrated on slowing his blood-flow. The longer she thought she was in control, the better. She bent to drink, releasing him from the paralysis that had held him in check. "Hold me close, Ellory. Hold me. Please." He flexed his hands and arms and legs, then wrapped her in his embrace and rolled her onto his chest, so that she lay with her back to him with his wrist in her mouth. She was moving again, whimpering the way she did when they made love. If he could see her eyes, he knew by now they'd be dilated. Lust put his teeth on edge, but he lay still beneath her and waited for her frustration to get the best of her. She turned her head away from his wrist. "Need you…." He whispered in her ear, "Let me make love to you." "He said not to let you." "Then just tell me what you want me to do." She sounded like she could hardly get the words out. "Just t-touch me. That's all."

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Revenant "That's all," he echoed. He eased down her zipper, reached into her pants and stroked her. She was so aroused, so wet. "Oh, my love, let me sate this need of yours the way I should." She followed the rhythm of his hand while she fed, but shook her head. Ellory tested her power over him and found it all but gone. The ward in the room was waning fast, and she didn't even realize it. He moved his hand more deliberately while he focused on her body. Inside, her organs were beginning to change. Her mind was in a turmoil of pleasure, and her will left unguarded. He struck hard and fast, seizing her soul between one heartbeat and the next, camouflaging his coup behind the orgasm he gave her. She shuddered in his grasp, physically and mentally, and yielded without knowing what had happened. The feel of her bottom squirming in his lap made him harden until he hissed. But he could be patient. What he'd given her wouldn't be nearly enough. "M-more…" Talisen breathed. "Give me more." Ellory ran his tongue over her damp shoulder, and she moaned. "I said you can drink all you want." "Not blood. I mean, yes, more of that, but…." He waited. He felt every tremor of hunger that wracked her body, felt it more sensually than ever before. The revenant-vampire bond was weaving them together, forging a new oneness between them that strengthened the first. "I want you to make love to me," she whispered. "I thought you'd never ask." He rolled over so Talisen lay beneath him on her stomach and banished their clothing with a thought. His sudden strength caught her by surprise. He felt her groping inside of herself for her lost control over him, felt her straining against his power even as it closed around her. He abolished her will with a gentle kiss on the nape of her neck. She gasped and arched beneath him. "No! D-don't stop me." "Stop you? No. We're going to finish what you started." He offered her his wrist. She hesitated. He moved against her, pinning her beneath him, making promises with his body that she needed him to make. "It's all right, Talisen. You must have more. You want it. You know you do. Drink." She began feeding again. 238

Janet Elizabeth Jones "Allow me to outline the rules of the game you've been playing with me tonight." He reached down and touched her from behind. Her hips rose up beneath him, and she gasped hard. "Rule Number One—you are my creation. You will not deny, defy, or deceive me again. Rule Number Two—you will never, ever put yourself in harm's way like this again. Rule Number Three—what you take from me, you will give back." He eased her legs apart with his knee and entered her slowly. Her mouth moved frantically at the slit in his wrist. Measuring his thrusts in time to her suckling, Ellory fastened his fangs on the side of her throat and drank deeply. His anger cooled, bathed by the desire and tenderness of the moment. Her sheath tightened on him, and they groaned together. There were no more barriers between them, nor would there ever be. She could hide nothing from him now. All her feelings lay before him. What he found took his breath away. She was ashamed for deceiving him, for siding with his enemy, for not being able to protect Shelby. She felt useless to him. Even with the traumatic changes taking place in her body, her only fear was that after tonight he would see her as a second-class citizen who couldn't be trusted. Wave after wave of her love broke upon the dark shore of Ellory's soul, all he had ever hungered for from her. She loved him so much that she counted the loss of his trust as a harsher cost of her gamble than the loss of her very life. How could he have ever questioned her? After all he'd taken from her, after what she'd willingly given up for his sake tonight, he'd repaid her sacrifice with anger. No apology would ever be good enough. The best thing he could do was never, ever abuse the power she had entrusted to him. Closing his eyes, Ellory moved more slowly and deeply, trying to answer her love with his own. She lifted her mouth from his wrist and rested her forehead on his arm. A soft, breathy exclamation of wonder escaped her. "You're so much closer to me now." The feel of her hot, quick breaths on his skin drove him mad. He kissed her back and shoulders. "Don't worry about Dylan. We'll face him together." She gasped. "But the sun—"

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Revenant "I'll take shelter when I have to and pour my strength into you, so you can hold him bound to you. Now—tell me again that you love me. Don't stop. Please, never stop, Talisen." "I love you. I love you." He plunged himself into her over and over again, until she cried out those three words endlessly and he poured himself into her, blood, soul and seed.

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Chapter Eighteen Talisen knew the first thing Ellory would want to do was reassure himself that the children were safe, but when they got to the door of the sleeping chamber downstairs, she felt her stomach do flip-flops over facing them. What would she see in their eyes? The same cold disdain they'd shown Suvee? Ellory smiled, took her hand and drew her inside with him. Meical was the only one who wasn't there. Talisen felt Ellory's disappointment, his urgency to reconcile with his friend and thank him for his sacrifice. Of course, the fledglings sensed the difference in Talisen the moment she entered the room. They smelled the difference. Sean and Shelby embraced her right away, but the rest of them circled her like foxes. Her heart pounded hard. She wouldn't be treated like an outcast. Regardless of the source of her life energy, wasn't she the same person? Christophe's angelic face paled. "Merde, Ellory, what have you done to her?" Talisen beat Ellory to the answer. "Nothing I didn't want him to do. It was my choice." Ellory's words filled her with comfort and strength. "She has made this sacrifice for us, children. You owe her your respect and affection. Henceforth, there will be no discrimination against revenants in this household. We will amend our misconception for Talisen's sake. All of us will do so, beginning with me." Georgina shrugged. "It might be rather useful having our own revenant." 241

Revenant They clasped hands with one another, and their whispers winged like birds into the shadows. "One vein…." "Damn. I've missed another group hug, have I?" They turned to call Meical into their circle, but his smile faded, and he shook his head. His gaze lit on Ellory. They eyed one another for a moment, and then Ellory went to him and held his hand out to him. Meical took it slowly in his, but Ellory drew him into his embrace. The big blond vampire smiled at Talisen over Ellory's shoulder, then drew back, flush-faced. He cleared his throat and smoothed down his shirtfront. "Neshi has sounded the challenge to Dylan for you. You are to meet him on the beach, about a mile east of here. But wait until you've only an hour before dawn, or he'll wear you down before Talisen can do her part.” Meinrad pushed his way forward. "What about the rest of us? We can fight, too." Ellory shook his head. "You will all remain here. The Alchemist will protect you." His edict met with snarls and hisses, until he snarled back at them. Talisen grinned. Family disagreements were going to be very interesting. "You will all remain here," he repeated. "No one leaves this room until we return." Meical reached for Meinrad's arm. "Except for Meinrad. Neshi says he's to go to the lab at once." Meinrad turned to Meical with a startled gaze. "The lab?" Meical nodded, eyes crinkling with amusement. "It seems there are some rather peculiar developments going on down there, and as Neshi must replenish himself, he can't tend to them himself. He asked if you would see to it yourself. I am to add, my lad, that you aren't to be disturbed. But that didn't come from Neshi. That came from the mouth of another." He raised an eyebrow at Meinrad, who blushed furiously, blurted out a laugh and bolted for the door. He paused on the threshold and turned to look at Ellory. Ellory smiled and waved him on his way. "Never keep your queen waiting." **** 242

Janet Elizabeth Jones Talisen strode from the cover of the woods into the open. Ellory followed. She was amazed how silent they were. The night was so beautiful. The piney smell was intoxicating when mixed with the briny scent of the sea. Moonlight turned the beach a vibrant purple. Bright. Too bright for her sensitive eyes. She blinked and put a hand over them. I need some help here, please. She felt Ellory's amusement, the caress of his will moving within her, and her pupils contracted and refocused. Better? She took her hand away from her eyes and peered around. Much. I'm sorry there's so much I can't do for myself, yet. You'll adjust. She cast a look around her and moved further into the open. Her heart drummed. Was this their last night together? They didn't really know how strong Dylan was. Ellory swathed her with reassurance, forcing her heartbeat to slow until it matched his. I hate to make you feel like a puppet on strings, but it's imperative that you show no fear. He can smell it on you, and he'll use it against you. She grinned. Just don't call me Pinocchio. Where is he, by the way? Did he chicken out? No. He's here. Focus. We must both feel him. They moved closer to the shoreline. Talisen? Hmm? Physical pain will be considerably more intense than what you've been used to. I don't want it to surprise you. She let her gaze fall for a moment, taking in the fragile blades of sea grass at her feet. She could see each little vein without squinting and hear a bird ruffling its wings in the tree twenty feet behind her. Exquisite. If all her senses were this acute, then naturally, she'd feel pain more intensely. She met Ellory's baleful gaze. I won't fail you. I know. She opened her senses and tested the wind. Phew! Can't smell anything but someone's garbage can. Wrong kind of garbage. Remember what I told you about Dylan's signature scent? Oh, right. Aloisia took him from a rubbish heap. He's close, then. Yes, I feel him. 243

Revenant And then suddenly he was there, less than ten feet away from her. Gross. He smelled like death, which was totally out of sync with the solid white jeans and white silk shirt he wore. His power filled the night. So much. So strong. How could they defeat him? He laughed and hooked his thumbs in his pockets. "You've brought your newborn revenant along for the fun? How droll." Ellory's voice was cool and even. "Dylan, this night is your last. Your life is forfeit on behalf of Freya, our queen, and Aloisia, our creator." Dylan's eyes narrowed, but he didn't look any less smug. "Aloisia pined for her eternal rest. I helped her to it." "You helped yourself to her blood." He dismissed the charge with a wave of his hand. "What do you say we all call it a night before I have to hurt you? It's much too close to dawn for this sort of thing. Run along back to Neshi and tell him we'll play tomorrow night. Maybe he'll face me himself." Talisen felt a zing of satisfaction. Dylan was afraid. He felt the dawn coming. An itchy sting flew up her spine. That was Ellory gathering his power, just like a lion preparing to spring at an intruder. She moved closer to Dylan to keep his attention off of Ellory. This close, she could smell what Dylan had done to his most recent prey before drinking her dry. Bile rose in her stomach, and she swallowed against it. "You're scared." Dylan's voice dropped to a lull. "You've turned out rather well. I didn't know Ellory had it in him. Not that I couldn't improve you." He held out his hand. Lust flickered in his eyes, the kind that would hurt. "I can be gentle. You needn't fear me. Come. You can be mine." Ellory struck his first blow, swift and clean. He was a blur of movement. That was probably the only chance at surprise they were going to get. Dylan's mouth gaped like the hole in his gut. He cursed and bent double, clutching his stomach. When he straightened, he roared and stretched out his bloody fist, not at Ellory, but at Talisen. Her left knee exploded under the leg of her jeans. She felt the ice-hot pain everywhere. For seconds, she waited to pass out. But revenants couldn't faint. She struggled to get control of herself. Ellory needed her. She had to fight the pain. She lay flat on her back. High above her, Ellory was rocketing into the sky on Dylan's heels. She could rest for a moment, gather her strength. 244

Janet Elizabeth Jones She closed her eyes tight and tried to isolate the pain, but that only drained her. Talisen, move! Her muscles jerked of their own accord in response to Ellory's command, and her body rolled aside before she realized what was happening. She cried out in agony over the sudden movement. Dylan fell out of the dark with bared teeth and slavering jaws. The force of his dive drove him into the earth and out of sight, right where she'd been laying seconds before. Tears streamed down her face, and she reached down tentatively with her hand to feel for the damage. Her fingers came away wet and warm. She searched the skies overhead for Ellory. No sign of him. The beach was quiet, but for the rumble under the earth that told her Dylan was making his way to the surface again. She could feel the ground vibrate under her as Ellory tunneled along in Dylan's wake. Dragging herself in the direction of the woods, she fought the excruciating throb in her knee. How much time did she have? Was it her imagination, or was the horizon a little lighter in the east? Dylan broke from the ground in a whirlwind of dirt, heat and hatred. She propped herself against a tree and bent her concentration on latching onto him. He dropped to his feet and stalked toward her. "I think I have just enough time to break every bone in your body before I kill you." Talisen focused on him. She wouldn't have the strength to hold him for long. He put out his hand as he approached her, and a bolt of blue fire leaped from his fingers and struck her other knee. The leg of her jeans tore along with her flesh and sinew. If she screamed, she didn't hear it over the roar in her ears. Talisen, hang on. Hang on. Don't think of the pain. Ellory? Warmth flooded her soul. Where are you? About four feet below you. She dug her fingers into the cold grass and dirt, opened her eyes, and settled her gaze on Dylan again. He was looking eastward. Yes, he felt time eluding him. This was the moment. Yes! Ellory shouted inside her mind. Do it now. Feeling the rush of Ellory's energy encompass her, Talisen reached for the compulsion the Alchemist had buried deep within her and unleashed 245

Revenant it. She felt it leave her like the last of her breath going out of her and could hardly say the nonsense words the Alchemist had taught her. If the words meant nothing to her, their meaning wasn't lost on Dylan. He spun around and glared at her with his eyes wide. "N-no…." Talisen repeated it twice more before he struck her again. And again. While she listened to her bones crack and felt her blood spill, she chanted the words breathlessly. When the pain overtook her, she clung to the words. She could feel Dylan twisting in the grip of the invisible chain that bound him. She poured the last of her strength into it, all that the Alchemist had bestowed on her, and all that she could get from Ellory. Blow after blow fell, while Dylan screamed, and she screamed, and the sun seemed trapped in the ocean. She clung to Dylan like a dead thing. It would be so easy to let go. She could hardly feel her hold on him. Had she let go of him already? She was so numb. Voices rose around her. Whispers at first, they swelled into a sound like wind and rain. They took up the chant. Who were they? Talisen, don't let go. We have help, but you have to hold him. Hold on. Talisen opened her eyes and faced her enemy. He was down, finally. He writhed about six feet away from her, while the sky lightened from black to dark blue. The voices chanted on, harshly beautiful, like a choir of angels full of righteous wrath. Where were they coming from? It didn't matter. She would let them take over. Focus, Talisen. I know you hurt, but you must hold him. She felt Ellory open his innermost being to her. He became a river of power that joined her own, and the two together were so strong, her body seemed too small to contain them. Light and energy swept through her body. She screamed as their combined power peaked and burst out of her. It struck Dylan hard, spearing him to the ground. But still he struggled. He lifted his arm, even as his body began to smoke and swell at the first glimmer of the pink above the ocean horizon. Ellory gasped inside her mind. Talisen, come to me. Now! But her body wouldn't move. Too much damage. No strength left. She watched Dylan's death blow leave his putrid, crumbling body, could see every glistening spark of it as though it moved in slow motion. She whispered her love to Ellory. They'd be together again. Look for me. No, Talisen! You will come to me! She sensed him straining, churning the earth to get to her. But the sun…"Elleroy! Nooooo!" 246

Janet Elizabeth Jones The explosion stole her voice away. She was impaled on a torch. Someone cried out in agony, but it wasn't her. She didn't have any screams left. Her body seemed to fragment, even while a vice clamped over her ankle and jerked her downward. But it was too late. She could feel herself disintegrate. The earth devoured her. **** When the fist in her throat dissolved, Talisen sucked in a deep breath of air and groaned in the cool, damp darkness. For a moment she lay still and just breathed. No more pain? It was gone. She felt divine. Energy tingled through her body like quicksilver. Ellory… His chest rose and fell under her cheek, and his muscled arm tightened around her. They lay skin to skin. But he felt so cold. Then she remembered. "Oh, Ellory." She felt for his charred arm, felt her way down to his blistered wrist and found—nothing. She nearly gagged. "Ellory...your hand...." His voice came in a shuddering gasp. "It'll grow back." Tears stung her eyes. "You spent your strength healing me first, didn't you? Let me feed you." He shook his head, then shook all over again and gritted his teeth. "A few hours from now, I'll be better, and you'll be stronger. You can replenish me then. And we'll go home when night falls again. Everyone is going to be all right." She closed her eyes. "Except for Meical." "He's tough. I taught him everything he knows." Talisen drew a deep breath of soil-fragrant air and laid her head on Ellory's chest again. "I thought Dylan killed me. I felt my body explode." "It did. But that was my doing, not his. I caught your ankle and pulled you down to me, while commanding your body to dematerialize. I've always heard it's possible for a vampire to do that with his revenant, but I wasn't sure it would work. And when it did, it was like holding your soul in one hand and a handful of sand in the other." "You must have known what you were doing. Your Humpty Dumpty feels fine." He gave her a gentle squeeze. "And I got everything in the right place." 247

Revenant "The people on the beach, Ellory, who were they? They knew the chant Neshi taught me and helped us bind Dylan." "Ah. Blazek and the rest of our good-for-nothing Enclave apparently heard that Freya's revival was imminent and decided mending their ways was better than facing her with a charge of treason on their heads." She listened to the rush and whoosh of his heart pumping the blood through his body. That was the lullaby she wanted to hear forever. There was only one thing she wanted more right now than to simply be in his arms. She needed to see to his sustenance. She felt the thrum of power from the Alchemist and from Ellory's recent healing surge through her. "Ellory, I don't want to wait." She moved against him. He groaned. But it wasn't a groan of pain. "I feel quite capable." "Yes…you do feel…quite capable." "I can make you forget your pain. I can heal you.” Ellory's kiss was answer enough. Talisen gave herself to him on this, their first night of eternity together.

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Janet Elizabeth Jones

About the Author Janet Elizabeth Jones writes paranormal, contemporary and fantasy romance for adults and teens. As a reader, writer and librarian, she is dedicated to the eco-friendly future of Epublishing and the concept of Print-on-Demand. Her professional goals include the empowerment of young writers, whom she regards as the future of industry, encouraging reluctant teen readers through the enjoyment of graphic novels, and on a more personal note, the fostering of a greater understanding of empaths and other psychically-gifted people. Her research interests include history, women's studies, vampires and rubber duckies, all of which either steered her through graduate school or have provided vital escape from stress. Janet lives with her extended family of rubber duckies, parents, brother, and daughter Carina Celeste Jones, who is also a writer.

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Witch’s Moon by Tabitha Shay Ru-Noc: A magical world teetering on the edge of destruction Excited about her first Beltane, the feisty and strong-willed Princess of Ru-Noc makes plans to find her ideal mate. But Princess Kali’s world is turned upside down when finds herself whisked away and trapped in the mortal realm of vampires. Captain Koran T knows he’s in serious trouble when the King of RuNoc orders him to kidnap Princess Kali. He’s no different than any other male of his species at mating time, so the urge to breed Kali is strong. But Koran T has a dark secret of his own, one that could have him banished from the coven. Fall under the spell of a Witch’s Moon—when dark forces gather to threaten the very existence of Ru-Noc—and Princess Kali and Captain Koran cross swords in a fierce battle only a witch can win! Kali caught her breath as Koran suddenly leaned close to her and snapped, “Stop looking at me like that.” She blinked, jarred back to her surroundings by his sharp tone. “How am I looking at you, Captain?” Kali caught herself on the verge of clutching her run-away heart. Gods, his scent assailed her senses. Heat curled in her stomach in a tangled knot. She clenched her thighs and tried desperately to ignore the dampness that pooled there. “Like you want my mouth all over you.” He skimmed his gaze over her breasts, lingering on the stabbing buds of her nipples. His eyes flickered. He shifted his gaze to her mouth. “Is that your desire, Princess? You want my mouth on you? Everywhere?” 250

Janet Elizabeth Jones

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Dracula Doesn’t Live Here Anymore by Brian L. Porter Alan Dexter is an investigative reporter sent to far off Romania hoping to discover the truth behind the so called "vampire murders". After meeting his contact, Christina, a mysterious journalist with much knowledge of Romanian vampire lore, he's led deep into the Carpathian Mountains. The truth Dexter was sent to find could be closer then he realizes. But then so is the danger Her lips tightened, and she looked away. "There are things you should know before we go any further. Forget about the vampires described by such men as your Bram Stoker. He was very clever in his mix of truth and fiction, but the people here take vampirism quite seriously, and Stoker was inaccurate in much of his data." "In what way?" Dexter frowned. "Well, for a start, vampires, contrary to Stoker, can actually move about in daylight, though their powers are greatly reduced. Secondly, they do not feed exclusively on human blood. They can take cattle or fowl, or indeed any living thing, though of course human blood is the ultimate feast for the undead. Most of the time they eat whatever they can get. Often the same food as ordinary humans. It keeps them alive, but in a weakened state. It is said that all vampires must feast on human blood every so often in order to maintain their human form, so a vampire may go months, maybe years, without tasting human and then go on a feeding frenzy when the need becomes imperative. If they are unable to fulfil their hunger, they become shriveled, and eventually nothing more than amorphous entities, condemned to inhabit a sort of half-world between the light and the darkness, losing forever the ability to hold onto their corporeal bodies. It must be a tragic sight to see a vampire losing its hold on bodily substance, Dexter, or at least, so the story goes." 251

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Sword of Anubis by Brittany Kingston Morgan de Ventana has got a chance to avenge the murder of his father. His archenemy, the vampire Nicolai Kesslanski, is at last in his grasp. India has protected a secret all her life. The same secret her parents were murdered by Nicolai Kesslanski for keeping. Connected by their knowledge of a common enemy and the mystery surrounding him, can the two find a way to defeat Kesslanski and keep their own lives? “Please, India, tell me what you know.” She raised her chin and looked into his eyes. “I know nothing.” Morgan shook his head. She was lying. Frustration welled up inside him. He wanted to scream. He wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake the information out of her. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair. Most of it pulled free from the tie at the back to fall across his face. Violence would not get him what he wanted. He made a placating gesture with his hands and took a deep breath. When he spoke again, his voice was ragged with the strain of the long, hard road he’d taken to find the vampire. “Nicolai was once my father’s friend. He murdered him the same way he killed your grandfather. For months I have tracked him and tried to get close enough to kill him. I almost had him in London. He must not escape again.” He stared at her, willing her to see the pain and the need in his eyes. “Tell me what you know, please. I will avenge your family as well as my own.” 252

Janet Elizabeth Jones India shook her head. “I don’t know that I can trust you, Morgan. It could mean the end of my life. Or worse. Nicolai Kesslanski might get his hands on the one thing that has the power to make him invincible. That same power is the only thing capable of destroying him. If he gets his hands on it...” She shuddered. “No. I have to protect it.” “Please, India.” Morgan’s eyes beseeched her. India hesitated. “I am sorry. I cannot tell you what you want to know.”

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