God Of The Grim

GOD OF THE GRIM An Ellora’s Cave Publication, September 2005 Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc. 1056 Home Ave. Akron, OH 44310 ISBN MS Reader (LIT) ISBN # 1-4199-0202-4 Other available formats (no ISBNs are assigned): Adobe (PDF), Rocketbook (RB), Mobipocket (PRC) & HTML GOD OF THE GRIM Copyright © 2005 KATE HILL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. They are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously. Edited by Briana St. James. Cover art by Syneca.

Warning: The following material contains graphic sexual content meant for mature readers. God of the Grim has been rated E–rotic by a minimum of three independent reviewers. Ellora’s Cave Publishing offers three levels of Romantica™ reading entertainment: S (S-ensuous), E (Erotic), and X (X-treme). S-ensuous love scenes are explicit and leave nothing to the imagination. E-rotic love scenes are explicit, leave nothing to the imagination, and are high in volume per the overall word count. In addition, some E-rated titles might contain fantasy material that some readers find objectionable, such as bondage, submission, same sex encounters, forced seductions, and so forth. E-rated titles are the most graphic titles we carry; it is common, for instance, for an author to use words such as “fucking”, “cock”, “pussy”, and such within their work of literature. X-treme titles differ from E-rated titles only in plot premise and storyline execution. Unlike E-rated titles, stories designated with the letter X tend to contain controversial subject matter not for the faint of heart.

GOD OF THE GRIM Kate Hill

Kate Hill

Prologue Matthew Winter tossed fitfully in bed. For the past several hours, he hadn’t been able to sleep. Finally giving up, he disentangled himself from the sheets and stood. He walked to the window and raised the shade, squinting against sunlight that stung his vampiric eyes. The sound of children playing in the trash-strewn alley below mingled with the sigh of tires from the main road. His nostrils stung from the odor of gasoline, damp pavement and burning grease from fast-food joints. Closing his eyes, he pressed his forehead against the window pane and thought how much had changed over the past nine months. He’d had such a happy life—a respectable career, a loving family and a wife he adored. Everything had crashed around him when he’d been falsely accused of placing financial gain over his ethics as a doctor. Driven from his job at a Boston hospital, he had been recruited by a scientist who had opened a private medical center for vampires only. Within weeks of accepting the position, Matthew had discovered that his new boss was secretly torturing a vampire child in the name of research. The boy was an Original—a member of the first race of vampires to arrive on Earth. Matthew’s attempt to rescue the child by contacting the Network—a group that enforced the law among vampires—failed. After serious deliberation, he had risked his life abducting the boy from the center. With the mortal and vampire authorities after his blood, Matthew had no choice but to find a safe hiding place for the child, then disappear himself until he could find a way to reclaim his life. Matthew moved away from the window and glanced at the wedding ring dangling from the cord around his neck. He caressed the gold band, longing more than ever for his wife. Dulcie, I miss you. He pictured her beautiful green eyes and her coquettish smile. The memory of her sweet voice made his pulse quicken and his heart ache. The last time he’d seen her was just before he went into hiding in the New York underground. They had made love with tenderness and passion, creating a memory that would remain with him forever. Then he’d left. Dr. Matthew Peter Winter, idealist and loving husband, had died. He despised the man who had arisen from his ashes. He was part of a society of outcasts, shunned by the very Network that supposedly strove for the good of vampires—a Network headed by the brother he had once cared for deeply.

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To support himself and his new companions, Matthew had become a savage warrior in an illegal fighting ring. He had abandoned his future plans, his home and his wife. Dulcie was too good for him and far too understanding of his need to place his integrity above all else, including, it seemed, their happiness. When he finally overcame his current situation, he swore to spend the rest of his life making these past months up to her—if she still wanted him.

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Chapter One October 31

“Vincent, wake up!” Dulcie shook Vincent’s shoulder hard. He leapt to his feet, his fangs exposed and his eyes tinged red. The entire vicious picture was ruined by his white boxer shorts adorned with purple happy faces. “Who busted in? I’ll kick the shit—” “Vincent, no one’s busted in!” Dulcie snapped, backing away from the bed and covering her nose and mouth with her hand. “Can’t you open a window? It stinks in here!” “Sorry,” he yawned, scratching his beard as his vampiric features subsided and he blinked sleep from his eyes, “but you were the one who made that spaghetti and broccoli. I’ve been breakin’ wind all morning.” Dulcie walked across the room and opened both windows. “You are a pig!” “Don’t tell me Matthew never farts.” “Not in the bedroom, if he can help it!” “I guarantee if you make him that broccoli, he can’t help it. Can’t you close those drapes? It must be high noon out there. What are you bugging me for if you’re not in danger?” “I’m in danger all right. Danger of asphyxiation.” “Hey, I don’t creep into your boudoir in the middle of the day—” “Look, I need your help. You know that art class I’m teaching downstairs in my studio in a couple of hours? The model just called. He’s got food poisoning and is too sick to sit for us. Will you do it?” “Hell no.” Vincent crawled back under the covers and pulled them over his head. “I’m not sitting around so a bunch of yuppie assholes can paint me. Muffy and Fifi and all that. Probably got some guys—I mean weenies—in the class too. No way, honey.” “Vincent, the class is all women, and you’re the only guy I know who’d pose nude on such short notice.” He stuck his head out of the covers. “Who you sayin’ has a short anything? Sweetheart, if I did pose, you all would need extra-long canvases, if you get my meaning.” “Why don’t you come down and show us?” Dulcie urged, trying to sound as sincere as possible. She knew Vincent well enough to use flattery. “I’m sure you’ll be a much better model than that scrawny human boy.” “Don’t you know it.”

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“Then you’ll do it? Please?” Vincent slid out of the bed and walked to the full-length mirror across the room. He drew a deep breath and flexed his muscles. “What the hell?” “Thanks. And make sure you take a shower before you come down.” “Hey, Dulcie, how much do I get paid?” “Paid?” She placed her hands on her hips. “Why you—” “Be nice, honey, or I’ll just crawl back under those covers and pretend I never heard you beg.” Dulcie’s claws extended and her eyes glowed with vampiric fury. “I didn’t beg for anything!” “You know, you’re sexy when you’re mad, and being married to Matthew, you must have been mad all the time.” “I told you not to talk about Matthew! We hardly ever fought!” “I forgot. He’s your perfect gentleman, but he’s managed to hide like a professional criminal. At least Adam got the Network to ease up on looking for him. Just think, a little while longer and you won’t even need me around anymore.” “I’m heartbroken,” Dulcie muttered under her breath as she left. “I heard that!” She walked down to her studio and cleared space for the six students scheduled to arrive later that afternoon. Since Matthew left, Dulcie had been in deep depression and badly neglected her artwork. With urging from Charlie and Mara, she’d begun preparing for a new exhibition and started teaching a few classes out of the house. Still, she couldn’t stop thinking of Matthew. The worst of her despondency had occurred nine months before when she’d had a particularly vivid dream about him. They’d spoken to each other and made love on a bed of black silk. The dream had been so real she’d awakened with the taste of his blood on her tongue, his scent encompassing her, and her pussy drenched and throbbing in the waning of a perfect orgasm. She’d cried for days afterward. Even Matthew’s family had been worried about her. Then one evening she’d picked up her brushes again, and with them her life. She knew in her heart Matthew was somewhere out there, alive. They would find each other. As she’d promised him, she would never stop waiting. Tonight would be especially difficult for her, which is why she’d scheduled a class for that afternoon. Halloween had always been a special holiday for her and Matthew. It was like their personal Valentine’s Day. She always bought a new black nightgown and cooked his favorite dinner—turkey with all the trimmings. Sometime during the day, he’d send her a dozen black roses. Late at night, after the trick-or-treaters stopped arriving, they exchanged gifts and made love all night long. This would be the first Halloween since they’d met that they wouldn’t be together, and Dulcie dreaded it. The first of her students arrived as she started brewing coffee for their break later that night. By two o’clock, everyone had set up their easels. The class consisted of two

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elderly women, a middle-aged mother and her two daughters, and a college student from one of Charlie’s day classes. While they set up their pallets, Dulcie called for Vincent. He stepped into the studio draped in Matthew’s soft, blue terrycloth robe. He ran his hands over his chest. “I like this. Think Matthew’d mind if I took it?” “Yes, I think he’d mind!” Dulcie hissed, then cleared her throat and smiled at her students. “Ladies, this is Vincent. He’s going to model for us today.” The women greeted him, and he smiled broadly. “Ladies.” Dulcie pointed to a couch draped in red satin across the room. “You lie there, and I’ll position you—” He chuckled. “Oh, I like the sound of that.” “Vincent, we’re trying to keep this professional.” “Sure. I understand. That means you’ll be putting the tips in my hand and not up my—” “Vincent!” Dulcie snapped, glancing at the women who stared at him, their eyes wide with shock. “You’ll have to forgive him, ladies. He’s part of an affirmative action program called ‘give morons a fair shake’.” “Hey!” Vincent snapped. Grabbing him by the ear, she dragged him to the couch while speaking telepathically. You sit down and shut up or that’s the last time you get spaghetti and broccoli in this house! Sighing, Vincent let the robe drop to the floor. As she instructed him how to sprawl on the couch, Dulcie heard a quickening of heartbeats from the mortal women. Though a jerk, Vincent was extremely well-built— not as beautiful as Matthew’s long, graceful lines, but wellproportioned and muscular, nevertheless. Broad shoulders and a chest covered with a mat of dark hair tapered to lean, muscle-ridged abs, slim hips and powerfully developed thighs. And he was shockingly well-endowed. His erect cock, thick, ruddy and patterned with veins, rose above a thatch of wiry pubic hair. His balls were rather impressive, too. Dulcie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. He must have played with himself before making his debut. “Unclench your fist,” Dulcie instructed. He did so, wearing a wicked grin as he exposed the gleaming metal ring resting in his palm. “What the hell is that supposed to be?” “Slide it on my love staff.” He wiggled his hips. “It’ll keep me like a rock through the whole session, baby.” A collective gasped swept the room. “Ms. Evans,” began the middle-aged woman, “I’m not sure my daughters and I are entirely comfortable—”

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“Speak for yourself, Ma,” giggled the woman to her left, her seductive gaze sweeping Vincent. “Keep your wig on, cutie,” Vincent winked at the middle-aged woman. “I won’t do nothing you ladies won’t do.” Stop it, now! Dulcie enforced her thought with a savage pinch to Vincent’s lean waist as she snatched the cock ring from his hand and placed it aside. He grunted but fell silent. Dulcie returned to her easel as the class began. To Vincent’s credit, he remained quiet and motionless for a whole hour before Dulcie called for a break. “Great!” Vincent leapt up, stretching. The women stared at him discreetly, but Dulcie knew he sensed their admiration as well as smelled it. As the women turned to follow Dulcie to the kitchen for coffee, Vincent shouted, “Hey, ladies! Look at this.” Dulcie glanced over her shoulder in horror as Vincent stood on the couch, hands on his thrusting hips, his cock bouncing to and fro. The mother grasped her daughters’ arms and shoved them toward the kitchen while the old women giggled and blushed. Only the college student shook her head and muttered, “What an asshole.” Dulcie’s claws sank into Vincent’s shoulders as she held him back before he followed her students. “Vincent, stop it!” she snarled. “Are you trying to put me out of business?” “I was just having a good time. I mean, this is soooo boring! How much longer do I have to lay there like a dead man?” “Another crude display like that and you will be a dead man, and I mean really dead! Like staked through the heart dead!” Vincent shrugged on the robe and cracked his neck. “Touchy. Can I have some coffee and cookies?” “Only if you eat them in here, away from the normal people.” “You know, you’re as mean as you are beautiful. I’m starting to feel sorry for Matthew.” Dulcie shot him a warning look before she joined her class in the kitchen.

***** Matthew’s gaze fixed on the doorway of his house as Geneva, dressed in a hobo costume, approached the well-lit front porch. Two large, carved pumpkins sat on the steps. Matthew squinted to see the detailed faces, knowing Dulcie had carved them. She usually had one in every window, but this year there were only two. He hoped she was well. His stomach clenched at the thought of seeing her. As Geneva walked up the wooden steps and rang the doorbell, he willed his breathing to regulate.

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He hid behind a weeping willow tree in a yard halfway down the street, against the wind so she couldn’t catch his scent. Making the bus trip from New York to Boston was dangerous, but on this night of all nights, he had to see her. Halloween was their special holiday. Memories of past years filled his mind. Dulcie always looked so beautiful in a black satin nightgown. How he loved tearing it from her exquisite body and devouring her. He could almost feel her hands and teeth on his skin. His cock pulsed as he imagined thrusting deep inside her warmth. Repressing a shiver, he longed to hold her again and tell her how much he loved her. But he would have to be satisfied with seeing her. It had been such a painfully long time… The door opened and she stood, wearing a black turtleneck that clung to her full, firm breasts. Black jeans molded to her shapely hips and thighs. High-heeled black boots adorned her feet. Her thick hair hung loose down her back. How soft it felt against his palms! “God, she’s so beautiful,” he whispered. “Trick or treat!” Geneva quipped, holding up a pillowcase. “Hello.” Dulcie smiled at her, dropping treats inside. “Can I have the other kind?” Matthew’s jaw tightened. Stop being a brat, Geneva. “Sure you can,” Dulcie said. Suddenly her head lifted, and she stared directly at Matthew’s tree. He hid behind the trunk, his heart pounding and his mouth dry. He hoped she hadn’t seen him and prayed she had. “That’s a cool wig,” Geneva said to Dulcie. Matthew shot the tiny hybrid a scathing look. Jealous little bitch! The door closed, and she was gone. Closing his eyes, he swallowed past the tightness in his throat. Perhaps seeing her had been worse after all. “You bastard!” Geneva roused him from his self-pity with a kick in the shin. He hissed. “Why did you have to make those stupid comments to her?” “Why didn’t you tell me she was so beautiful?” Geneva snarled, drawing back her foot to kick him again. He picked her up, pinning her arms to her sides, and held her against the tree, her feet dangling. “You little bitch! Can’t you ever be nice?” Geneva smiled snidely and shouted, “Help! Help! Daddy, don’t hit me anymore!” Matthew dropped her hard on her rump. “Shut up, Geneva! Are you trying to get me caught?” “No one can catch you, Matthew Winter. I should know that by now.” He walked away, Geneva at his side. “Did you put it in the candy tray?” “Yes, I tossed it in the tray before I left. You know, I don’t like her. I’m going back to egg her house.” Geneva turned on her heel, but Matthew caught her shoulder. “Hey, that’s my house, too.”

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“Oh, yes. I forgot.” Geneva thought for a moment. “Why should I care? I should egg your face for not telling me what she looked like.” “Why does it matter to you what she looks like?” “When I had the illusion that she was ugly, the thought of you married was easier to deal with.” He raised his eyes to heaven. “Let’s go. We have to catch a bus back to New York.” “I’m going to trick-or-treat a little more while I’m here. This is a rich neighborhood. I bet everyone gives full-size chocolate bars.” Geneva looked in the bag at Dulcie’s treats. “Nice. Candy. A package of chocolate chip cookies and…what the hell is this? Dental floss?” Matthew smiled and gazed back at his house. “She remembered.” “Don’t tell me the damn dental floss is your idea?” Geneva scoffed. “Figures.” “All that candy is bad for the teeth, not to mention what it does to a person’s cholesterol—” “Eat this.” She shoved a piece of chocolate at him, and he took a bite. “Good. Now I know you never talk with your mouth full, so maybe it’ll save me the health lecture.” Matthew gently shoved the back of her head as they continued down the winding street.

***** The doorbell rang and Dulcie reached for the tray of candy, then paused. A small black box with a miniature red bow sat amidst the chocolate, cookies and sample-size dental floss. Where did it come from? Was it a bomb from Jay’s men? If so, how did they get inside? The little girl! It must have been. When she’d opened the door, she thought she caught Matthew’s scent from the little hobo but had passed it off as a psychological reaction to her missing him so much. She knew the girl was a hybrid. It wasn’t all that unusual to see a young child who’d been changed into one of their kind, so she hadn’t thought anything of it. Suddenly Dulcie knew the box wasn’t from Jay. With trembling hands she opened the lid. Inside rested a single, perfect black pearl attached to a delicate gold chain. “Matthew,” she whispered, removing the pearl. Beneath the cotton at the bottom of the box was a folded note, the handwriting painfully familiar. It read, I love you. Happy Halloween.

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She threw open the door, tossed the candy tray at a startled group of children and jumped in her car. The little hobo couldn’t have gone far, and she guessed Matthew was with her. For hours, she combed her neighborhood and the surrounding ones, but as dawn neared, she realized that Matthew, if he had been close by, had disappeared. Sadly, she returned home and lay in bed, her fingers caressing the black pearl at her throat as the sun rose outside.

***** “Damn it!” Paul gritted his teeth as Matthew set his broken arm. The doctor didn’t speak, his thoughts still on Dulcie. He’d seen her just last night, but already it felt like centuries. He and Paul sat in a corner of the training hall while Gareth and several others practiced with their weapons and hand-to-hand combat. “Why does your brother have to be as big and mean as you are?” Paul muttered. “I didn’t even see him coming. I thought I’d made it to the hospital parking lot with those supplies, and bam! There he was like this big-ass bird of prey.” “That’s Adam and his big ass,” Matthew muttered. “And he calls himself a doctor?” “He’s interested in pathology.” “Well, I think he was trying to drum up some business for himself.” Paul’s good hand pressed an ice pack to the back of his neck. “Don’t joke about it. He could have killed you, you know.” “I know. Believe me. I know. If we weren’t so low on supplies, I never would have gone, but with winter coming and all the shootings lately, so many of us have been wounded in the crossfire.” “I know.” Matthew leaned his back against the wall and closed his eyes. “And we have to get food to those people living in the abandoned apartment house down the block. It was a good idea to put them up there.” “Great idea,” Matthew muttered. He never thought he’d see the day he’d advocate squatting, but times were becoming more and more desperate. Nine months ago, he’d only witnessed a bit of the difficulties of Gareth’s underground community. During his medical training, he’d seen the effects of drugs, alcohol, abuse and poverty, but at the end of his shift he could go home to a nice house and a decent family. Since he’d taken to hiding, his views on many things had changed. Now he lived in the midst of the people he once distanced himself from. The insane, abused and unwanted were no longer just his patients, but his friends. “It was better than them freezing on the streets,” Paul said. “Did you manage to get any supplies?”

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“Vick made it out with some before Adam got to us. Your brother’s all heart, isn’t he?” “You have to look at it from Adam’s point of view. We’re stealing from his domain. He’s defending his territory.” “He’s a guard dog for the Network.” Matthew sighed. His gut instinct told him to defend his brother, but Paul’s words held some truth. Besides, part of Matthew was still angry with Adam. “We’re stealing because we’re desperate!” “I know, Paul. Look, the next time we need supplies, I’ll get them.” “Are you nuts? The Network and the cops are still after your ass.” “Things have died down.” “Yeah, but they can pick up again like that.” Paul snapped his fingers. “Especially if you and your brother have it out.” “Let me worry about Adam.” “Paul’s right.” Gareth stood by Matthew, his calm hazel eyes reflecting concern. “You’ve had enough rifts with those you love. It’s not necessary for you to provoke your brother further.” “Me provoke him?” Matthew paced like a caged tiger. “He’s the one who started all this! Him and his stupid Jury! Sage should have been set free.” “Jay is the one to blame for what’s happened to Sage, and not everything is completely bad. At least your name was cleared about that mix-up with the drug company. I couldn’t believe it when I heard on the news that there was another Matthew Winter on the west coast who was the real investor with Fretis Company.” “Who cares about Fretis Company?” Matthew said. “That ridiculous accusation is the least of my worries.” “Wasn’t it that ridiculous accusation that got you into this mess to begin with?” “You’re not helping me, Gareth.” Matthew stalked out of the training hall. “I have a shift down below.” “Take out some of that temper on those wolves!” Paul shouted after him. “I plan on it!” Matthew relieved Vick and Judah at the grate. He and Judah rarely spoke to one another and did their best to stay out of each other’s way. Even after so many months with the Community, Matthew still knew little about Judah. The other Immaculate often disappeared for brief periods of time. If anyone in the Community knew what he did during those absences, they never spoke of it to Matthew. Vick exchanged a few amiable words with Matthew as Judah shot him a scathing look before leaving the room. He’d avoided Matthew more and more over the past months. Geneva had mentioned something about jealousy regarding Matthew’s close relationship with Gareth. Gareth had trained both Immaculates in the fighting arts and

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claimed they were the finest students he’d worked with in centuries. Still, Judah kept his thoughts and feelings to himself, whereas Matthew had finally trusted Gareth enough to open up to him. He’d told Gareth about Dulcie and his family. He’d talked to him about Adam and how he regretted the rift between them. “I believe you and your brother have separated for the moment,” Gareth had told him one night after they’d practiced magic. “Your roots are strongly entwined, and not just because you’re twins.” “I used to think so. There was a time when I’d have done just about anything for Adam. I thought he felt the same.” “You’ve taken different paths and had different experiences, but if he’s anything like you, Matthew, I believe he’ll do what’s right in the end.” “What end? When will any of this end?” “I’m afraid I can’t foresee the future. It’s not my gift.” “Or mine.” “Your skill with magic has progressed considerably, almost as much as your fighting technique.” “Some of the incantations work.” “You have fears regarding magic.” “It can be more powerful than I imagined, and we still know so little about it— scientifically, I mean. We can control the mind and make objects move by invoking spirits—gods and goddesses, so to speak. What would happen if we used a truly powerful incantation, called upon Hecate or Kali?” “You know what happens with a powerful chant. Your magic helped destroy the First Father.” “That much power is unsettling.” “Frightening, you mean.” “Yes. No wonder why humans and vampires alike have sought the power of magic for so many years.” “But few can control it.” Matthew’s thoughts were broken as the wolves charged the grate. He watched them silently, waiting. After so many months, he’d learned the best way to manage a shift, particularly when alone, was to rest while he could and fight only when necessary. He even got some light sleep while the wolves backed away, since he awoke at the first sound of their claws or breath. He’d also been taking detailed notes about the kinds of weapons used against the wolves, the injuries they’d sustained and the length of their recovery time. If platinum could kill vampires, then something could kill those wolves. If only he had more access to Judah’s experiences in the lab where he’d been altered to gain the wolves’ characteristics. From the very little he’d seen of Judah, the man seemed almost all vampire, except his regenerative powers were far more

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powerful than a normal Immaculate’s. He also communicated on a primitive level with the wolves, though it seemed they would kill him as quickly as anyone else. The only way Matthew could think of to destroy the wolves would be to blow them up. He’d even heard stories of them surviving fire. Matthew’s growl turned to a howl as he held shut the bolts on the grate. They’d been repaired a thousand times over. Paul had even managed to find stronger metal. Eventually, from wear and tear alone, the wolves always broke through. He often wondered how the creatures had gotten there to begin with, but no one had ever answered him directly. Perhaps no one knew. Still, he continued to query. He’d never been one to give up easily. In fact, he thought it was about time to approach Judah. Their ridiculous war of silence helped no one. If Matthew was going to find a better way to control the wolves, he’d need Judah’s help to do it.

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Chapter Two Tingling from the scent of blood and the rush of his own excitement, Matthew tore across the warehouse and flipped into the ring. His long thick hair, wound into a braid down his back, snapped in the air. Two months ago he’d started binding his hair before fights after another Immaculate had thrown him out of the ring but kept one hand twined in Matthew’s gray-streaked curls. He’d lost a handful of hair along with part of his scalp. Still, he’d looked better than his competition. The man probably wouldn’t be able to make love for the next hundred years. A particularly large crowd had gathered at Rosa Ferrer’s competition that night. They clustered around the ring and mingled by the bar, placing bets. Matthew and an Australian Immaculate were the highlight of the evening. He felt a rush from the spectators as he and his opponent landed in the ring at the same moment, their fists and legs flying, each seeking to destroy the other. Matthew dodged his competitor’s blows and spun, his fist knocking the other vampire backward. Though shorter than Matthew, his opponent had a weight advantage. His light brown hair was cut short, his smooth-shaven face marked with scars across both cheeks. Matthew couldn’t guess his age, but the man’s movements and strength spoke of experience. Though young, Matthew’s experiences over the past months made him feel centuries older. He’d learned so much from Gareth, and even Geneva. He’d finally developed his own distinctive fighting style that had earned him a reputation in Rosa’s ring. His circular motions and spinning kicks and strikes were beautiful to watch—or so he’d been told. According to Rosa, his strength had attracted a variety of opponents who hadn’t ventured to the ring in years. The muscular Australian landed a hard blow across Matthew’s face and followed it with a sharp kick that nearly knocked Matthew out of the ring. Matthew caught the ropes and howled with rage. It had been months since he’d been knocked out of the ring. The other Immaculate’s strength both thrilled and infuriated him. A thick fist flew at his face, but before the blow struck, Matthew spun and dropped to the mat, one leg lashing out to sweep his opponent’s feet out from under him. The man landed hard on his back but flipped to his feet and sprang at Matthew, who caught him and raised him above his head. Before he flung the man out of the ring, claws tore four stinging gashes from his chin to his temple. The crowd dispersed as the Australian landed with a thud among the spectators. “Come on!” Matthew shouted from inside the ring, beckoning his opponent with both hands. Growling, the other Immaculate leapt back over the ropes. Matthew also sprang, meeting his opponent in midair. Bodies locked, the two dropped to the mat, limbs

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twisting, each trying to wrestle the other to submission. Matthew’s long, muscled legs wrapped around his opponent’s shorter ones, and he pinned him down. He felt the Australian’s thick teeth rip through his shirt and sink into his shoulder. Matthew bellowed with pain. His fangs tore his opponent’s throat, wringing his neck as he swallowed blood. He sensed the other Immaculate’s panic, felt his heartbeat falter. Memories of past kills flooded Matthew’s mind as he pushed the other vampire closer to death. He remembered ripping apart Dulcie’s cousin, felt the rush of power, tasted dying blood— Vaguely, he heard his opponent shriek for mercy. Several pairs of clawed hands attempted to haul him from the other Immaculate. They were hybrids’ hands. Weak. Useless. Matthew threw them off easily and turned back to the vampire crawling out of the ring, a hand pressed to his bleeding throat. Matthew froze, momentarily horrified by his actions. He drew a deep breath and swiped blood from his cheek as he left the ring followed by the red-garbed hybrids. Rosa’s guards watched him warily. Matthew walked directly to the locker room, ignoring Gareth, though he sensed the older vampire watching him from the bar. He caught another familiar scent as well— Judah. But at that moment, he wasn’t up to Judah’s taunts or Gareth’s preaching. Once he’d calmed down after a hot shower, he’d feel more like a human being instead of an animal. But you’re not human, Gareth’s voice spoke in his mind. Part of you has adopted their ways, but there’s still a part of you that’s wild. Matthew threw up a mental barrier and muttered a quick chant to protect his thoughts. He’d learned much about telepathy and magic from Gareth, but he still hated anyone invading his thoughts. In the locker room, Matthew stood in the shower, his eyes closed and face tilted up to the stream of water washing sweat and blood from his body. As always after the fight, he was filled with bloodlust and passion. His cock swelled with it, his heart still throbbing madly. Dulcie, Dulcie, Dulcie. What he wouldn’t give to be with her right now. The need to sate his lust was almost painful. After showering, he dressed in jeans and a sweater. Pushing aside several wet strands of his loose, elbow-length hair, he glanced at the healing claw marks on his cheek. Grasping a handful of his full, wiry beard, he hissed, “I hate this damn thing. I look like a hillbilly.” His jacket slung over his shoulder, he walked out of the locker room. In the ring, two hybrids fought as onlookers watched intently. At the bar, he noticed Judah and Gareth talking. Judah tossed him a scathing look as he approached. Matthew accepted a tall maroon glass of blood from the bartender. “Got a little carried away tonight,” Gareth said to Matthew. “Ever since Halloween you’ve been in a bad temper.” “You mean worse than usual?” Judah said, draining his glass.

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“When are you fighting next?” Matthew asked Judah. “Judah has a match tomorrow night,” Gareth replied. “And I know what you’re thinking, Matthew, but remember the rule—no members of our community fight each other in this ring.” “It’s a good rule, too.” Judah’s eyes glistened mahogany. “Or you wouldn’t have lived this long, Matt.” Matthew met Judah’s gaze. “When are you going to get over yourself?” “Judah.” Gareth shook his head. Judah’s gleaming teeth shone in contrast to his goatee as he pointed at Gareth. “If it wasn’t for you, old man, he’d be dead.” Judah shoved past two hybrids and left the warehouse. Matthew sat on a stool, facing the ring. “You’ve been thinking of her a lot, haven’t you?” Gareth asked. “You saw her, didn’t you?” “That little bitch Geneva. She can never stop talking.” “Geneva didn’t say anything. You don’t discuss much about yourself, but I know you, Matthew.” Matthew nodded slowly, glancing at the hazel-eyed hybrid. “There are only two people in the world who know me like you do, or should I say knew me.” “Dulcie and Adam.” Matthew nodded. “I miss her. What would she think of me now?” “She loves you.” “What’s to love? I almost killed that man tonight, Gareth. Some nights I have taken lives. I know to many of our kind, killing isn’t such an issue, but it is to me. Dulcie doesn’t kill. I’ve been so arrogant. I’m not good enough for her.” “You give of yourself so easily, Matthew, and you don’t even seem to notice. All you concentrate on are your faults, or what you consider faults. Have you always been this hard on yourself?” “I’ve always felt like I’m on the verge of losing control. Like I could surrender to my vampiric side and never free myself, or maybe be too free. I hate injustice. I hate suffering, but—” “What?” Gareth pressed softly. “But I love—” “Matthew!” Rosa Ferrer approached wearing a skintight red dress that exposed her every firm curve. Her black hair hung loose down her back. Tiny, sharp incisors glistened against her red-painted lips. Her body was so much like Dulcie’s. It looked soft and hard, far too enticing. Her nipples swelled, plump as berries, through her red dress. Resisting the urge to adjust his growing cock, Matthew tried ignoring her. “That was a glorious fight! I could watch you move all night.”

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He took a swallow from his glass and noticed her eyes lingered on his throat. “How much for tonight, Rosa?” She tugged the bills from between her breasts and counted them out with her redtipped fingers. When he took them from her, she held on, causing him to tug. “How does it feel to fight like that?” She stepped closer, not touching him, but almost. Her pale blue eyes held his. “It must be far more exciting than just watching a match.” He made a motion to stand, but she refused to move. “Damn you, Matthew! What does it take to get to you?” Her hands slid over his inner thighs. Blood pumped fast through his entire body. The sure, steady, ultrasensual caress of her fingers through his jeans was more pleasant than he cared to admit. Up and down, up and down, she rubbed in tiny motions with her fingers while inching closer to his crotch. His head almost spinning from the blood he’d drank and lingering excitement from the fight, he imagined feeding his craving for sex. The finger tracing the shape of his cock through tightly stretched denim was not Dulcie’s. Rosa leaned closer, her lips almost touching his. “I know you’re attracted to me. I can sense it, smell it. Why don’t you act on it?” Her lips hovered so close he could feel her breath, the warmth of her skin. If he leaned the slightest bit closer, her breasts would touch his chest, her moist, voluptuous mouth would be pressed against his. Without love, lust means nothing. Matthew stood abruptly. Rosa tilted her head to look up at him. He heard her heart throbbing and caught the wicked, wild scent of her lust, but it was a foreign aroma. Foreign and shallow. “I know you desire me,” she pressed. “Only because—in the smallest way—you remind me of my wife.” Rosa’s sensual look turned angry. She hissed at him, her eyes glowing red, before she stalked off. Matthew felt Gareth’s gaze upon him and turned. Neither spoke, but Gareth offered an approving half-smile. Matthew picked up his money, jerked on his coat and left the warehouse. He had plans that didn’t involve Gareth and definitely didn’t involve Rosa Ferrer.

***** Matthew’s boots fell silently as he caught Judah’s scent and followed him through the rain-drenched streets. Because of his merging with the wolves, Judah possessed senses keener than a normal Immaculate. Following him was risky, but Matthew didn’t care. His curiosity about Judah had finally gotten the better of him. He intended to discover the driving force in his rival’s life. Judah was not a typical punk. He was too

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intelligent, too well-spoken. In spite of a temper that blinded him to reason, Judah had depth, and he was loyal to those he cared about. Rain fell heavier. Soon Matthew would lose Judah’s scent completely. He quickened his pace until the scent strengthened again. He stopped in front of a three-family house, surprisingly well-kept for the neighborhood. At such a late hour, except for a few random cars, teenagers mingling on corners and sickly drunks stumbling aimlessly from back alleys, the block was empty. Matthew wandered behind the house and looked up through an open window. A light shone from inside where an elderly woman sat in a rocking chair, a toddler on her lap, a child no more than six at her feet. Judah straddled a folding chair across from the woman. Matthew narrowed his eyes, surprised by the expression on the other vampire’s face. Judah’s countenance bore no sign of vampiric features. Instead of their usual mahogany glow, his large eyes shone rich brown. His incisors were also well-hidden, and he actually smiled. In spite of the increasing wind and rumbling of distant thunder, Matthew listened to the conversation three floors up. “Things have been so much nicer since you stopped going back and forth to Boston, Judah,” the woman said. Boston? What had he been doing in Boston? “The money came in handy.” “But it wasn’t good for you. Every time you came back, you looked more miserable. I keep telling you, happiness is more important than money.” “You need money to live, Mama.” Mama? Judah was an Immaculate! His parents are both vampires, and this woman is as mortal as…as my own adoptive parents. “We’ve always managed,” she continued. “You’ve always been there for us.” “Just like you were there for me.” “The best day of my life was when Gareth brought you to me.” She placed a hand on his knee. “What’s wrong? Is it that other vampire again? Matthew’s his name?” “He’s ruined everything. He and his kind always seem to destroy my life. They out and out killed Leah.” “You won’t ever forget her, Judah, but you have to let the anger go.” “I can’t!” He stood, his fists clenched. The little boy on the floor edged away from him. Sadness flickered across Judah’s face. He sat back down and said softly, “I can’t.” “Years ago, when my husband died, I thought I’d never get over it. Part of me never has, but another part learned how to live again. You have to live, Judah, and by carrying all that hatred, you’re not living. What I don’t understand is Gareth. If this Matthew is as hateful as you say, why did Gareth accept him into the Community?”

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“Gareth can be like you sometimes, too nice to people. Do you know how many fools trust the bastar—” The woman’s lips tightened and she lifted a warning finger. “Language.” “Sorry, Mama. Do you know how many in our community trust Matthew, like him? They forget how much Leah suffered. They forget how I begged that Network to help her. Only one of them was willing to try and help me, and he ended up making everything worse, but at least he tried.” “He tried, but he was wrong in what he did. It’s his fault those creatures are in the sewer. Because of him lives are risked every day.” “I know he gets a little carried away with his work, but he means well. Matthew and the Network pretend they’re doing good things for our kind, but they only help certain people. The rest of us aren’t worth listening to. The rest of us are only to be chased down, imprisoned or killed because we don’t follow their rules.” “I thought they were after him, too?” “I say we should turn him over to them. Let him get a taste of their justice. Not that it would matter.” Judah snorted. “His brother is the Network leader—the First Father, they call him. Like he’s going to let anything really bad happen to his own brother.” The woman leaned back in the chair and shifted the sleeping toddler to her other arm. “If that’s true, then doesn’t it make you wonder why he’s running?” “I don’t care why he’s running. I just—” Judah fell silent and lifted his chin as he sniffed the air. “You know, I’m so mad talking about him that I can smell him. He’s here!” Judah raced to the window and stared down, his fangs lengthening as his gaze fixed on Matthew. When he disappeared from the window, Matthew knew he was tearing down three flights of stairs after him. Matthew stood, unmoving. Let him come. Judah’s growls mingled with the thunder as he rounded the corner of the house. “What the hell are you doing here?” he demanded. “Following you.” “For what?” “Because I’m curious about you.” Judah ran several steps and leapt at Matthew. Matthew also sprang. The two crashed, their teeth ripping and claws slashing as they rolled on the pavement. A particularly loud clap of thunder sounded as both Immaculates howled. Judah’s teeth snapped at Matthew’s throat, missing by centimeters as Matthew wedged his knee between them and shoved Judah against the side of the house. The two circled each other, snarling as the drizzle of rain turned to a full-fledged storm. Matthew’s shoulders and face were torn. Judah’s face and chest bore claw marks that sealed almost immediately.

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Judah laughed. “And you thought you healed fast? I can regenerate twice as fast as you. Who do you think will wear first, Matt?” “Do I look worried?” Judah sprang at Matthew and kicked. Matthew dodged the kick and spun, his fist aimed at Judah’s face, but the other Immaculate was just as fast as Matthew. He ducked. Matthew’s fist struck the brick side of the building, pain exploding up his arm as pieces of brick chipped off the house. Judah kicked him into the wall. Matthew, his wrists crossed, fists tight, blocked the next kick aimed at his groin. Judah backflipped. When he landed, a knife gleamed in his hand. Matthew slipped a blade from his boot. The two circled each other, their fangs gleaming and their eyes squinting through the pouring rain. Their fight had taken them to the main street across from Judah’s mother’s house. Above the wind, a small voice shouted, “Judah! No! Stop!” Both vampires turned to the boy who had been in the apartment. “Nick, go back!” Judah bellowed. “Don’t fight!” the boy shrieked, a bolt of lightning illuminating his dark, curly hair, frantic eyes and blue overalls as he darted into the street. A van rounded the corner, speeding toward the boy. “Nick!” Judah cried, springing for the child. Matthew was closer. He leapt, catching Nick by the back of his overalls and throwing him to the sidewalk as the van skidded in an attempt to stop. Matthew felt the impact of the bumper and was thrown several yards into the street. He landed hard, momentarily stunned. “Jesus Christ!” A hefty middle-aged man puffing on a cigar threw open the door of the truck and waddled to Matthew. “What the fuck’s wrong with that dumb kid? Don’t he know not to run into the street?” “I’m fine,” Matthew said sarcastically, pressing a hand to his bruised ribs. “Really.” “You asshole!” Judah grabbed the man from behind and flung him against the side of the van, his eyes glowing and his fangs exposed. Matthew smelled urine. The yellowing liquid mixed with the puddle of rain water at the man’s feet. “Judah!” Judah’s mother, her arms around Nick, screamed from the sidewalk. Judah released the man and hissed, “Get out of here.” The man’s entire body jiggled as he climbed into the van and sped off. Turning to Matthew, Judah narrowed his eyes and shook his head. “You didn’t…thank you.” Matthew nodded. “It was my fault. I shouldn’t have followed you.” Judah’s mother approached Matthew. “Thank you, sir. Nick would have been dead if —”

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“This is Matthew,” Judah said flatly. The woman’s eyes widened. “I see. Are you hurt?” Matthew shook his head. “Would you like to come in?” “Mama!” Judah hissed. “He saved Nick’s life.” Judah’s teeth clenched as he forced himself to say, “Would you like to come in?” “No. Thank you.” Matthew felt three pairs of eyes upon him as he slowly walked away.

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Chapter Three Matthew preferred early mornings in the training hall. While the others slept, he had the entire room to himself. He spent two hours hitting the bags and columns and practicing with weapons. Afterward, he began crunches. When he finished, he sat back on his heels for a moment and thought about the previous night. He wasn’t sure if he and Judah had come to an understanding at last. He’d find out soon enough, so he didn’t intend to worry about it. He stood, and a rat scurried across his boot. He shook the squealing creature from his foot and leapt, grasping the metal bar overhead as he began pull-ups. Over the past months, his physical strength had increased with his fighting skill. He could perform almost twice as many pull-ups as before—even more than Adam. At one time, he never would have thought himself capable of overtaking Adam’s fitness level, nor had he wanted to. Matthew had been satisfied being one of the strongest Immaculates in existence. He didn’t need to surpass Adam or anyone else physically. Though he’d kept himself in good condition, he’d spent a majority of his time on his career. How much his life had changed. Now his very survival—not to mention the survival of others— depended on his strength. He didn’t know how much time had passed before he faltered. Rather than releasing the bar, he called upon his vampiric reserve. Fangs slipped from their sheaths and he grunted, continuing to pull his chin up over the bar until his hands slid from the metal. He squatted, his arms aching, and brushed sweat from his eyes as his breathing returned to normal. He stood, picked up his jacket and left the training hall to wander through the sewers until he cooled down. At the sound of soft footsteps behind him, he stopped and turned. Mindy, wearing a see-through red dress over a crimson bra and matching thong, approached on bare feet. “You make me sick,” she snarled. “Now what?” He wasn’t in the mood for her stupidity. “Son of a bitch. No one should be this handsome, this smart and this much of a prick.” Matthew’s lip curled in disgust as he continued walking. She threw herself in front of him and pressed her hands against his hard, damp chest, her nipples swelling through the mesh dress. “All right, I’ll give it to you for free just this once.” He shoved her hands away. “I get my blood elsewhere.” “Who’s talking about blood?” The hybrid female pulled down the front of her dress and bra. Her full breasts dangled, the silver nipple ring glimmering in the dim light as

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her chest rose and fell with excited breathing. Her gaze devoured Matthew’s body in the black T-shirt molded with sweat to his sleekly muscled torso and his long legs covered in black cotton drawstring pants. Snarling, she clenched her teeth. “I want you to screw the shit out of me, damn it! I’ve never offered it to anybody for free, so you better get your ass over here!” Matthew laughed loudly. “What’s so damn funny?” Mindy’s green eyes spat fury. “Why you laughin’?” Still chuckling, Matthew shook his head and headed for the surface. What was going on with him lately? Growing up, he couldn’t have gotten a date if his life depended on it. Now he had more women coming on to him than—more sluts, he reminded himself. Dulcie was the only real woman who’d ever come on to him, and he’d been lucky. How could whores like Mindy and Rosa think he’d want them after he’d been with his wife? Since leaving Dulcie, Matthew wanted sex so badly he could taste it, but he only wanted it with her. He closed his eyes momentarily as he recalled the times they’d made love. Just thinking about her was enough to incite a massive erection. He shook his head and tried to forget—at least until he reached the privacy of his own room. As he stepped onto the street, he slipped on his jacket and sunglasses. He spent little time in daylight anymore. He either slept by day or stayed down below, so his eyes had grown sensitive to the sunlight. Repressing his vampiric side was also a thing of the past. His eyes shone lavender often, and he kept his incisors unsheathed most of the day and night. In his apartment he undressed, showered and lay on the bed, flipping through a science magazine. It was mild amusement, but he longed for work, for Dulcie, for his old life. He knew enough time had passed and soon he’d have to return to Boston to see if he could find a way to prove Jay’s evils to the Network as well as clear his name in the mortal world. Being so close to Dulcie without seeing her would be torture, but if he ever wanted to return to her permanently, it would have to be done. He closed his eyes and drifted to sleep thinking of Dulcie.

***** Gazing at the harem scene she’d started painting, Dulcie noted the work was hardly her best. It lacked the feeling that usually made her work shine. The problem was Matthew. Thoughts of him always floated in the back of her mind, and at times —like tonight—they pushed forth and overshadowed all else. With a sigh, she removed the painting from the easel and placed it aside. Vincent had gone on a hunt and hopefully wouldn’t return for at least an hour. She positioned a fresh canvas on the easel and opened the pink velvet drapes wider. Moonlight drenched the studio. Dulcie gazed at the sky and imagined Matthew beside

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her, howling at the beauty of the moon. The sound always incited her desire. Just thinking about it had her nipples so tight she couldn’t resist stroking them. Deft fingers unbuttoned her blouse and tossed it aside. Unhooking her bra, she let it drop to the ground. The thing she disliked most about having Vincent around was her inability to paint in the nude when the mood took her. Often she did it just before Matthew arrived home from work. The look on his face thrilled her when he stepped into the studio and gazed at her naked curves, his eyes gleaming lavender and the scent of his lust heavy on the air. “Oh, Matthew,” she whispered. “I miss you so much.” How many nights had she wished for another dream as intense as the one in which they’d made love? Closing her eyes and releasing a deep breath, she ran her fingertips between her breasts and down her belly. She slipped off her skirt, boots and stockings. Wearing only black satin panties, she returned to her easel and picked up her pencil. She couldn’t have Matthew back and couldn’t dream of him at will, but she could paint him. She took a moment to picture him clearly in her mind. Her hand flew as she made a preliminary sketch, outlining his head and body with its broad shoulders and long limbs. He stretched out on a bed, one arm above his head, the other resting on his flat stomach. The background meant little. It was the man who mattered. Picking up her brush, she watched as he came alive beneath her strokes. His broad, primitive forehead matched the animal beauty of his fangs exposed through parted lips. She paid careful attention to his sharp cheekbones and handsome nose. From beneath thick brows, the same black as his hair, stared lavender eyes so intense that even in the painting they nearly stole her breath. As she detailed his body, broad shoulders, the powerful expanse of his hair-dusted chest and the flat abs looking real enough to touch beneath his long-fingered hand, arousal stirred her. She painted his strong hips and the stunning length of his hairy, well-muscled legs. With careful strokes, she formed his cock. Thick, erect, the ruddy head smooth and rounded, just waiting for her lips. The prominent vein on the underside looked ready to burst. How good the long, powerful length of him would feel buried deep inside her! Squirming a bit, her soaked panties clinging to her sensitive, aching flesh, she willed her hand not to tremble as she finished the painting. Drawing the slight down of random hairs scattering his heavy sac, her belly clenched and unclenched, her chest rising and falling with desire. “Oh, God!” she moaned, tossing the brush aside and dropping onto her couch, strewn with an assortment of velvets, silks and satins. Closing her eyes, she spread her legs as her head sank onto the cushions.

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Her finger swirled inside her pussy. Slick with her moisture, she rested her index finger against her swollen clit. It pulsed beneath her touch. Slowly she stroked up and down, her bottom tight and back arched as she imagined Matthew’s hands upon her. Her free hand twisted and tweaked her nipples, arousing the tender-skinned pebbles until the pleasure bordered pain. “Matthew, oh, Matthew,” she panted, alternating between circling her clit fast with one finger and rubbing her soft mound with her whole hand. Imagining his cock head rimming her pussy, she traced the slick opening with her fingers. Her fangs unsheathed and pricked her lip. The taste of her blood and the frantic rubbing of her hand hurled her into orgasm. She shook, moaned and howled softly, drawing out her pleasure as long as possible as she imagined sharing it with Matthew. Finally she lay, satisfied in body though she longed for Matthew more than ever. She wanted to feel his arms around her and his body cradling hers in the aftermath of love. Gazing at the painting, she sighed. I love you, Matthew. I miss you so much!

***** Matthew awoke at dusk, just in time for him to check on the families in the abandoned apartment house. As he walked down the dim streets, he noted the chill in the air and wondered what was going to happen to the families when winter came. They’d have to find a permanent residence, jobs, enroll their children in school. Some of them were teenagers on their own, others recovering drug addicts and alcoholics. How many of them had told Gareth they no longer used controlling substances but were still abusers? The ones who wouldn’t allow Matthew to examine them were probably the offenders, but Gareth had stipulated, as long as no one caused trouble for the others, they would be housed and protected. The Community needed to exercise caution, however, since the newcomers had no idea about the vampires’ existence. Matthew, Gareth and the others disguised their vampiric qualities around them while they tried to decide who could be trusted enough to join the Community. When Matthew arrived, Geneva met him at the back of the building. “Paul is inside. We brought food,” she explained. Her green eyes sparkled with wicked mischief. “Judah’s in there, too.” Trying to ignore her, Matthew brushed past her, but the little hybrid scurried beside him like one of the sewer rats. “I think someday he’s going to kick your ass. Think you’re such a hot shot because you’re one of the favorites in Rosa’s ring? Do you know Judah’s a favorite, too? He’s part werewolf. If you two ever fought, he’d beat your—”

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“Shut up!” Matthew snarled, exposing his thick, white fangs. “Don’t you ever shut up?” Geneva leapt away, her heart pounding with shock. Still, she gloated in singsong voice, “Matthew’s afraid of Judah. Matthew’s afraid of Judah.” “How old are you?” he demanded. “Just because you look like a child doesn’t mean you have to act like one!” “Why not?” she snarled, losing any semblance of humor. “No one thinks of me as old. Do you see any crowd of men around me? You wouldn’t even think about making love with me!” “You look like a child, and even if you didn’t, there’s only one woman I have the desire to make love with, and she’s nowhere near this city.” “Yes, your gorgeous wife. She is beautiful.” Geneva followed him, this time at a safe distance. “But she’s not the only woman you desire. I can smell your lust sometimes when you look at Rosa Ferrer.” He stopped suddenly and glared at her. “And who does Rosa Ferrer remind you of?” “Well, she does have a body like Dulcie. You like muscles and boobs and women with bellies.” “What the hell do you mean, women with bellies?” “You know, like the kind in Greek statues. Not like the actresses on TV or the models in magazines.” “Those women are anorexics with breast implants. Not my idea of beauty.” “Other men think they’re beautiful.” “I’m not other men.” “Yes,” Geneva sighed, “I know.” They climbed two flights of rickety steps to the top floor of the building, where some of the apartments remained in livable condition. Six of them were occupied, four with families, the other two with teens and a few elderly men and women. Matthew knocked on the nearest door and stepped inside. A woman dressed in jeans and a sweater, with two children wearing similar outfits and dirty windbreakers, sat on the floor with Paul, eating sandwiches. He noted that the woman’s husband was not there, and she explained, “He’s looking for a job.” “I told him to try the diner where Laurie works,” Paul said. Matthew nodded. “Good idea.” As he’d suggested, Laurie had enrolled in cooking school at night and had gotten a job as a cook at a nearby diner. Matthew often brought Laurie’s children there for dinner when she worked too late to cook for them at home. “How’s your sore throat?” Matthew asked the boy of about ten who sat next to Paul.

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“Okay.” He shrugged. “Come here,” Matthew said. “Let me have a look.” Grudgingly, the boy dropped his sandwich and approached Matthew. “Sam, you be nice! He doesn’t have to do this, you know!” the woman snapped. Matthew examined the boy, inquiring about the health of the others. When he’d finished with the boy, he picked up the four-year-old girl and placed her on a box to better examine her. She’d had a chest cold, so he used a stethoscope to listen to her lungs—not that he needed one, but humans would surely question a doctor with hearing that keen. The mother asked him a question, and when he turned to her momentarily, the girl screeched into the stethoscope. “Oh, shi…sugar!” Matthew jumped, yanking off the stethoscope, his sensitive vampire ears ringing. “Oh, Doctor! I’m so sorry!” The woman leapt up and grasped her giggling daughter by the arms. “Sara! Don’t you ever do that again!” “Matthew!” Paul whispered, pointing at his own eyes and shaking his head, the motion telling Matthew that his eyes had turned lavender. He quickly pulled on his sunglasses, willing his true nature to subside with the pain in his ears. Matthew finished examining the family, then he and Paul walked down the hall to the next room. “Now I know why I didn’t choose pediatrics,” Matthew muttered. “Don’t blame you. Working on feet all day would stink.” “Paul, that’s podiatry.” Paul shrugged, brushing his glossy black hair behind his ears. “Whatever. You know, we’ve got to get these people out of here. Word is the owner of this building wants to knock it down.” “We really can’t have people living here, anyway.” Matthew shook his head, pausing outside an apartment at the end of the hall. Judah’s scent wafted through the cracks in the door. “Why don’t we go to another apartment?” Paul suggested nervously. Matthew knew everyone in the Community feared the cold war between him and Judah would become an out-and-out battle. Fortunately, no one knew about their fight the previous night. Matthew opened the door and Judah stared at him from where he stood unpacking bags of secondhand clothes. Two elderly women helped him while an old man and two skinny blond teenage boys wandered around the room. Another boy, pale with black hair and so thin his hands and wrists reminded Matthew of a skeleton, sat buried in a coat in a corner. Bandages and several layers of socks covered the boy’s feet. The shoes he’d been wearing—found in a garbage bin—had been too big. The scraping of skin exposed to rain and cold had infected the blisters on his feet. Matthew had cleaned and

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bandaged them and was glad to see the infection had cleared up. He felt particularly sorry for this boy, who called himself Jamie. Maybe because he reminded Matthew a little of himself at that age—tall, pale, dark hair, his face all angles. Matthew had always been on the slender side, but healthy-looking. Jamie was undernourished and prone to sickness. He wouldn’t discuss his family but said he felt like he couldn’t fit in anywhere. Paul stepped nervously between Matthew and Judah. “Now, guys, don’t—” “Judah.” Matthew nodded. “Matthew.” Paul’s eyes widened as he turned to Judah. “You called him Matthew?” “It’s his name, right?” “Yes, but you always call him Matt for spite.” Judah growled, and Paul immediately left the apartment. “My mother organized a collection at her church for this stuff,” Judah explained. “Good idea. When I’m finished examining everyone, I can help you sort it out.” Judah concentrated on the clothes as he said, “I still don’t like you much, but I appreciate what you did for my nephew Nick.” “I didn’t know about her, you know,” Matthew said, stooping beside Jamie, who was dozing. “About who?” “Leah. If I had, I would have helped you.” Judah glared at Matthew. “Get one thing straight. Never mention her name.” Matthew nodded. He understood Judah’s need to protect Leah’s memory. At least they’d made some progress. Eventually, Judah might even provide information about the wolves so Matthew could study them further. Matthew and Judah spent several hours in the apartment before leaving for the night. Paul and Geneva remained behind. “I need a drink,” Judah said. “Me too,” Matthew admitted. “You take yours fresh?” Judah spoke coldly, as if afraid of seeming too friendly. “No. I’m going to Rosa’s.” Silently, they got on a bus and rode across town. During the ride, they sat in opposite seats, each looking out the window at the passing sidewalks and shop windows, each lost in their own thoughts. At Rosa’s warehouse, they ordered drinks at the bar and sat on stools facing the ring where two hybrids fought. Matthew and Judah remained silent, though Matthew had a million questions. You always have a million questions, Matthew, he told himself. If he satisfied his every

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curiosity, he’d never stop talking, but Dulcie had often teased him about his ability to drone on. “Oh, man, did you see that?” Judah leaned forward, a slight smile peeking through his goatee. “How could I miss it?” Matthew’s eyes fixed on the ring. “He has quite a leap for a hybrid.” “I’ve never seen anyone jump back in the ring so fast. Looked like he had springs in his shoes.” “Not doing him much good now. He’s pinned.” The fight ended. People mingled while awaiting the next match. “Looks like Rosa Ferrer has herself a new boy.” Judah nodded toward Rosa’s platform overlooking the ring where the vampiress sat, a tall, blond hybrid male kissing her deeply as his hands caressed her body. “Looks like she finally gave up on you.” “About time.” Matthew drained his glass. He wasn’t thinking about Rosa Ferrer, but about Dulcie. What was she doing? Was she painting? Hunting? Was she with another man? No. He couldn’t consider it, though he knew with her beauty and magnetism, it was a possibility. Even when they had been together, he’d been jealous of every man who so much as looked at her with lust in his eyes. He’d killed her old lover because he’d threatened them, but unless he controlled himself, he could have killed so many more—or at least slapped them around. Now she was alone—worse than alone. Vincent had moved in with her. Vincent. In his house, with his wife. Matthew’s attention riveted to the ring as two more hybrids bounded in and attacked each other. The scent of blood hung on the air. Though the blood Matthew drank tasted a bit cold, it invigorated and relaxed him at the same time. It was a pleasant, heady feeling. By the way Judah lounged against the bar, his large, dark eyes moderately calm, Matthew knew he felt the same. Perhaps now would be a good time to ask about the wolves— Glass bottles shattered behind the bar. Vampires scattered in fear as a group of black-garbed hybrids bolted into the warehouse, waving weapons and firing guns. Matthew noted that most of the bullets weren’t aimed at people—unless the people attempted to fight. “Son of a bitch!” Judah snarled. “Network.” “Shit!” Matthew’s heartbeat quickened. He sensed the truth of Judah’s words. These men reeked of the Network. They were guard dogs, not as high up as Adam or Vincent. Matthew knew just by the way they fought and handled weapons that they weren’t the most highly trained in the Network, but capable nonetheless. “Network doesn’t like this kind of fighting,” Judah explained. “Gareth told me.” Matthew focused on one of the black-garbed hybrids approaching him. The man aimed his gun. Matthew kicked it out of his hand, picked up

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the gunman, and flung him into two other members of the Network who were attempting to tie up several of Rosa’s patrons. Matthew dodged weapons, fists and feet as he fought his way to the back door, Judah close behind. A Network hybrid followed, unable to keep up with the Immaculates, who split up and disappeared down the city streets, racing faster than most of the cars. Matthew leapt up a fire escape and waited on a rooftop, his gaze searching the streets and alleys below. He’d lost the hybrids. Though he hadn’t recognized any of them as Adam’s associates, he wondered if they had recognized him. He looked different, but his picture must have been firmly planted in the minds of every guard dog in the Network. He was also Adam’s twin, and all the Network members knew what the First Father looked like. Matthew waited on the roof for over an hour. He shivered in the frigid autumn rain. The worn jacket was little protection against the weather. Soon he’d have to get himself a coat. He wished for the gray double-breasted wool coat hanging in his closet behind his favorite black pinstripe suit. “Oh, what’s the point of thinking about it?” he muttered, climbing down the fire escape. “No more suits for you. No more silk ties with matching handkerchiefs. No more Dulcie in her black teddies and little lace panties. You’ve got rats, Matthew. Rats, bugs, rusty pipes and clothes from the Army and Navy surplus. Goddamn biker boots and a beard an eagle could nest in. You have sick kids living in abandoned houses.” Matthew’s fist slammed into the side of a building, crumbling bits of brick. “You have crazy hybrids living in sewers and children bringing up children while Adam and his fucking Network have nothing better to do than raid warehouses!” He stepped onto the street, so lost in bitter thoughts that he failed to notice a car rolling toward him. The driver—a clean-cut youth with jock’s muscles rippling beneath his college T-shirt—leaned on the horn and shouted, “Get out of the road!” “Get out of my face!” Matthew snarled, his fangs exposed as he grasped the car under the bumper, lifted the front end and dropped it hard. “Fuck!” The driver’s eyes widened, and he threw the car in reverse, skidding down the street and out of sight. Matthew drew a deep breath and closed his eyes, forcing his vampiric side into submission. What was wrong with him? He’d never tried to intimidate a mortal before. Not only was it against his nature, but he never wanted to expose himself. Now, more than ever, he should be hiding, but he let his temper get the better of him. Yet his short temper had always been a problem. Only recently had he begun to understand how much anger he’d repressed all his life. Anger because he’d been forced to disguise his true self. He’d been terrified of his strength, and he still was. Perhaps more than ever. Since living in the Community, his physical power had been required. He’d developed fighting skills he’d never imagined possible, and part of him liked it. How many times

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had Dulcie told him to explore his wild side? She’d always called him an alpha Immaculate. Now, for the first time, he understood what she meant. Yes, parts of his new life excited him, but he longed for his old life, his stability, his career and, most of all, his wife.

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Chapter Four As Matthew neared his building, the rain turned to wet snow. He splashed through slush on the pavement and kicked his boots clean but wondered why he bothered when he caught the damp odor in the hallway. When he reached his apartment, he found a hastily scribbled note on the table. Dinner is in the refrigerator. Laurie P.S. Gareth wants to see you in the training hall at 1:00 a.m. Matthew opened the refrigerator and took out a turkey pot pie that he heated in the oven while he showered and changed into dry clothes. He glanced at his watch. Twelve-twenty. Just enough time to eat before meeting Gareth. He hoped to discuss a solution to the problem of housing the people in the abandoned building. Matthew wasn’t comfortable with them living there, particularly since he’d suggested it. But at least they weren’t freezing in the street. As he ate Laurie’s turkey pie, he glanced over his notes about the wolves’ behavior. He burned to ask Judah about the wolves but doubted the other man would disclose any information to Matthew, even if it meant finding a way to stop the creatures. Judah could be so damn stubborn. Matthew knew the wolves weren’t immortal. They couldn’t be. There was no such thing. They simply hadn’t discovered their weakness yet. If only they could find someplace safe to contain them. He knew they could be rendered unconscious. If anesthetized, they could be transported. “Transported where?” Matthew muttered as he washed and dried his dishes. He reached for his damp jacket and glanced one last time at his notebook. He’d think about the wolves later. Right now he had to meet Gareth. At night, the sewer was relatively empty, most of the vampires having gone above. He considered how much he’d become like the others, sleeping or holing up underground by day and wandering through the city by night. It seemed he was stretched among fighting wolves, fighting in Rosa’s competitions and training to fight. He spread his free time between helping the Community’s sick and injured and trying to master magic and telepathy with Gareth. Well, I won’t have to worry about Rosa’s competitions for a while. After the Network’s raid tonight, she’ll have to relocate.

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He cursed. The tournaments were now his only way to make money. With winter coming, the Community needed funds more than ever. At home, he and Dulcie had so much money. Between her art and her family’s money, Dulcie was rich. Matthew made plenty of money. Honestly, he thought. I’ve earned it honestly. Not by engaging in worthless street fights. What frightened him most was that even if he didn’t need the money, he’d have the desire to fight in Rosa’s ring. Without Dulcie to relieve his wild nature, he required some form of release. He dropped lightly through the tunnel that led to the training hall. Gareth, Judah and Jimmie awaited him. Jimmie and Gareth sat on the floor playing cards while Judah practiced kicks on the wooden columns. Matthew noted the other Immaculate’s power and speed and wondered who would have won if their fight hadn’t ended so unexpectedly. Though his own feelings of competition sparked at the thought of fighting Judah, part of him hoped they’d never engage in such a battle, especially now that they’d learned to tolerate each other. Judah stopped kicking. His gaze fixed on Matthew, he threw a few punches in the air as his long, sinewy legs practicing bobbing and weaving. Matthew glanced at his watch. “I’m five minutes early.” “Relax, will ya?” Jimmie collected his cards. “You ain’t performing surgery or anything. Come here and take a load off.” Matthew sat on the floor, his back against the wall. Judah joined them, dropping into a straddle position to stretch his legs. “A friend of mine has some rooms for rent in her apartment building on the other side of town,” Jimmie explained. “She’ll give us a break on the price. A couple of the guys have gotten jobs, so they’re okay, but I think a few of those kids ain’t all there. You know—” Jimmie tapped the top of his head, “—sorta like me.” “We’re going to make room down here for them. Just for a while,” Gareth said. “Can we trust them?” Matthew asked. “We’ve run out of choices. Judah has connections who know the owner of the abandoned building. They’re going to be knocking it down.” “When?” Matthew looked at Judah. The Immaculate shrugged his brawny shoulders. “Soon. I’m not too keen on the idea of bringing them down here, either, but Gareth, some of the others and I are good with those mind tricks. Telepathy. You know, Matthew, you’re not half bad at it yourself.” Gareth’s hazel eyes darted from Judah to Matthew. Matthew sensed his pleasure that his two star pupils had apparently called a truce. Judah continued, “We’re hoping to wipe their minds once they find a permanent place to live. That way, we’ll all be safe.”

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“You have to be careful when you do that,” Matthew told them. He well knew the result of a botched memory wiping. Adam’s wife, Mara, had once been the victim of a brutal attack. The vampire who’d abused her had attempted to wipe her memory but had failed. For over a year, Mara had been plagued by nightmarish memories of the attack, until she’d met Adam. He’d helped her work through the aftereffects of her rape, and soon after, they’d married. Matthew sighed. Adam had always been so good at helping people. He’d always thought of others before himself. Deep in his heart, Matthew believed if he could force Adam to look away from his Network duty, he would understand the needs of Gareth’s Community and Sage. So many times over the past months he wished to consult with Adam. His brother was always so calm, reasonable and compassionate. The Network, his new career, maybe even the situation with the First Father so many years ago, seemed to have killed his brother’s compassion. Not killed. It’s still part of Adam. It has to be. But Matthew knew too well how people changed, how much he himself had changed. “Matthew!” Jimmie snapped his fingers several times in front of Matthew’s face. “So are you going to help us get ready down here?” “What?” Matthew asked, distracted. “Oh. To move the apartment people down here? Yes. Of course.” “Then it’s settled. We’ll start moving them down in a few days. Oh, and I have news about Rosa Ferrer’s ring,” Gareth said. “The attack was by the Network.” “Tell us something we don’t know, old man,” Judah said. “One of the hybrids who worked for her was arrested by them.” “Damn.” Judah slid against the wall and drew in his feet, his long, muscled forearms dangling over his knees. “Not good news.” Matthew stood and paced. “Suppose one of them mentions me? I’ll have to get out of here. I don’t want Adam and his guard dogs snooping around because of me. Surviving around here is hard enough for everyone as it is.” “I knew it.” Judah threw up his hands. “First sign of trouble and the vamp takes off.” “First sign of trouble?” Matthew glared. “Every day is trouble. I don’t want to put everyone at risk—” “You’re not going anywhere,” Jimmie said. “We protect each other, or don’t you remember that?” “You’ll be well hidden, Matthew,” Gareth said. “I’m not worried about me.” “We’ll be worse off without you,” Jimmie reminded him. “Who else takes a lone shift with those wolves?”

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“We survived just fine without him before,” Judah said. “We’ll do fine if he wants to go.” “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Jimmie surprised all three vampires with his boldness. “You blame him for all your problems, but before he came down here, he never even saw your face.” “You’re about two seconds away from having your throat ripped out, you crazy old bum!” Judah’s eyes glowed and his fangs lengthened. Jimmie’s heartbeat quickened and the scent of his fear permeated the tunnel. He opened his mouth to speak, but Gareth beat him to it. “Judah, you’re an Immaculate. Stronger than an Immaculate. You have the wolf’s blood. We all know you can crush any of us—perhaps with the exception of Matthew—but those of us who really know you realize you’ll never do it. In spite of all your bad temper and rage, you care about people.” “He was out of line!” Judah glared at Jimmie. “For speaking the truth?” Matthew said. “Everyone knows how you’ve felt about me. You almost had those wolves kill me on my second watch here, but all that’s beside the point. I’ve been here long enough for you to know I’m sincere. I know you’re loyal to this Community. Can’t we put aside our differences and work together? Think of what we could accomplish. I know how much this place has meant to both of us. I’m not saying I like everything about it, but I do know the heart of it is good. You and I don’t mean much alone, Judah, but in this Community we—and everyone else—mean a lot to each other.” Judah yawned, revealing his thick, alabaster teeth as he stood and said to Gareth, “I’ve heard enough. You said all you had to say, old man?” Gareth nodded. “Good night, Judah.” The Immaculate left the training hall. Matthew glanced at the others and shrugged. “So much for asking him about the werewolves.” Jimmie laughed. “Matthew, kid, they busted the mold when they made you.” Not exactly. There was always Adam. Matthew, Gareth and Jimmie left the hall as some of the other hybrids filtered in to practice. The three men sat in an empty corridor and played cards for about an hour before Jimmie retired, leaving Matthew and Gareth alone. Matthew sat, his legs stretched out in front of him, his head resting against the wall as his thoughts drifted. “Have you any children?” Gareth asked. Matthew’s gaze fixed on him and he shook his head. “No. I’d love to have a baby, but I don’t know how Dulcie would feel about it. It’s so difficult for our kind to conceive.”

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Gareth laughed softly. “Next to impossible. You, your brother, Judah—all Immaculates—are nothing short of miracles.” It was Matthew’s turn to laugh. “It’s just biology.” “I know better than to argue science with you.” Gareth held up his hands in mock defense. “But I was referring to hybrid children.” “You mean have I ever created another vampire by biting, blood-sharing and performing that ritual some people think is necessary? No. Never.” “Have you simply tried and failed, or never tried at all? I’m sorry for such personal questions.” Matthew waved his hand. “I don’t mind. I’ve never tried.” “I’ve tried.” Gareth’s hazel eyes looked far off. Matthew sensed his longing. “It’s never worked. I miss them so much. The ones I couldn’t change.” “I’m sorry.” “So I can’t have children in the traditional sense.” “It’s because you haven’t found a partner with whom you’re compatible. When creating a vampire with a bite, there are certain factors—” Gareth laughed. “What?” “My friend—” Gareth touched a hand to Matthew’s cheek, “—I’m pouring out my heart and you give me answers.” “I’m sorry.” “No.” Gareth sat back, a faint smile on his lips. “Your intellect is a big part of who you are. You mean well. I just had to tell you, I always thought I couldn’t have children, but you, Judah, Geneva, Jimmie and the members of this Community are my children. I just want you to know that.” Matthew smiled slightly and nodded, not quite sure of what to say. He wasn’t accustomed to being speechless. Finally he said, “I appreciate all you’ve done. There’s so much to learn from you.” “And from you.” Gareth leaned forward. “So tell me more about this compatibility.”

***** Matthew knelt, meditating in a damp, solitary corridor when Paul approached. “Hey, you busy?” “Does it look like I’m busy?” Matthew wondered if Paul detected his sarcasm. “Nah. You’re just chilling out. My band needs a singer. Our lead was one of Rosa Ferrer’s guards. Since the raid, he took off.” “Why are you telling me? I don’t know any singers.”

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“Our group is called the Howlers. Couple of the guys howl like you do—just not as loud. Immaculate lungs, you know.” Matthew lifted an eyebrow and stood. Unless he went back to his room, he’d get no meditating done tonight. “So how about it?” “What?” Matthew was almost afraid to ask. “Singing with us. We have a gig in a week. Nothing big. It’s a shitty club down the block, but it means a lot to a couple of the younger hybrids. I figure, with that photographic memory of yours, you could learn a few songs, shout them out. We’ll be all set.” Matthew wrinkled his nose and squinted at Paul. “Are you crazy? Do I look like a rock singer?” “Well—” Paul’s gaze swept Matthew from his wild hair to the jeans hugging his long, muscled legs. “Don’t answer that.” Matthew held up his hand. “Besides, I don’t really sing.” “Ever tried?” He shrugged. “When I was a kid.” “Look, anybody who howls like you do can sing. I know. I’ve studied this. Howlers sing. Period.” “You’ve studied this?” Matthew folded his arms across his chest, watching Paul with amusement. The shorter man nodded, brushing silky black hair from his dark, almond eyes. “Come on, Matthew. Just practice with us a little. If you don’t like it, we can forget about it.” “Oh can we?” “You’re a real wiseass sometimes, you know that? I’m asking for one little favor here. You howl every night of the week anyway.” Matthew sighed. “Why not?” “Great. The guys are waiting down the street. The lead guitar is a mechanic and we practice in his garage.” As Matthew followed Paul out of the sewer, he thought to himself, Matthew, you’re an idiot. What is a professional man your age doing singing in rock bands, fighting illegally and doing everything else you’ve done since coming to this crazy Community? He loved howling, but would he be any good at singing? More important, what would Dulcie think?

***** “That was awesome!” Paul leaned his bass against a spare tire and punched Matthew in the shoulder.

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Matthew, Paul and two other hybrids stood in a two-car garage amidst tools, grease and the faint smell of gasoline. The band members had set up their equipment in the empty space beside a car resting on a jack. “Yeah, cool,” said the blond drummer. Dressed in oversize pants and a gray T-shirt, he smiled, exposing the tiny tips of his incisors. “Once you loosened up and stopped singing like it was a funeral instead of a gig, you sounded fierce.” Matthew leaned close to Paul and murmured, “Exactly how old is he?” “Just turned eighteen. His girlfriend made him one of us.” “Eighteen,” Matthew said. “What the hell am I doing here?” “Chill out.” Paul punched him in the shoulder again. “Your face don’t look a day over thirty. Of course those gray streaks… Sorry.” Paul fell silent at Matthew’s look of death. “So it’s cool for you to practice tomorrow night?” the drummer asked. “For an hour or two.” Matthew shrugged. “But only after we finish getting space ready for those people in the abandoned building.” “Yeah, and I have wolf duty with Vick the next day, so I’ll need some extra sleep and some more time to hunt,” Paul stated. “But I think we should be fine next week. Matthew had no trouble remembering those songs.” “They’re simple. The lyrics rhyme. But now I have to go.” Matthew left the garage, smiling to himself. He thought he might have hit midlife crisis, but he hoped he was far too young for that. As he walked through the empty back alleys toward his building, he howled. Several street dogs joined in. Laughing, he sprang over a chain-link fence and walked to his room just as the sun rose.

***** Two nights later, about an hour before dawn, Matthew practiced with tonfas in the empty lot behind his apartment building. The weapons were a gift from Gareth. Over the past months, he’d begun perfecting his skill and could successfully defend himself against Geneva without resorting to brute strength. The smooth wooden handles felt good in his palms as he twirled and struck imaginary opponents. Suddenly he caught Geneva’s familiar scent and heard the thud of her sneakers on tar. He wondered if something was wrong, since the small vampiress usually made a point to travel soundlessly. The more she crept around, the better she could eavesdrop. “Matthew!” she shrieked as he walked to the front of the building. Her stark face looked frantic, her eyes large and glowing in the moonlight. “The apartment’s on fire! Gareth’s the only one there. The humans—”

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“Get help!” Matthew called over his shoulder, tossing her the tonfas and racing across town. He reached the abandoned apartment house before the fire engines, whose sirens screamed in the distance. Flames sprang through windows on almost every floor, but above the noise and overwhelming odor of smoke, he heard faint heartbeats and caught the scent of mortals—and Gareth. Without hesitation, he leapt, sailing through a second-floor window—the closest one he could see without fire. Smoke rose around him like a wall of death, blinding him, choking him, until his superior physique adjusted. Fire could kill a vampire as surely as a human, but his kind—particularly an Immaculate— could survive much longer in smoke and heat. He’d landed in an empty apartment, so he opened the door to the hallway and was met with even more smoke. Flames scattered the corridor. He squinted, his keen sight saving him several times when he neared places where the floor had fallen through. Ahead, he noticed the mother with the three children. The two younger children wailed. The ashen-faced woman clung to her infant. “Don’t move!” he bellowed, noting that they were blinded by smoke. “Who’s there?” she screamed. “Help us!” Matthew reached them quickly. He placed the woman’s free hand on his jacket and picked up the two children. “Don’t let go of me,” he said to the woman. “Where’s your husband?” “He’s working. A new night job.” Matthew guided them back to the apartment through which he’d entered. He glanced down. It was a long drop. The children could get hurt. He’d have to help them. “Here,” he told the woman, “I’ll lower you and the kids down. I’ll take the baby myself.” Numb with shock, none of them protested. Once the three had safely reached the ground, he leapt, holding the baby, the jump no worse than two steps to his Immaculate frame. “My God.” The woman’s eyes widened with horror as she coughed, staring at Matthew. He knew his eyes shone lavender and his fangs had emerged. He thrust the baby at her. Fire engines had arrived, but the building was going up in flames far too quickly to be saved. Geneva had been staying in the building, so she must have reached Matthew almost as soon as the fire started. It spread too fast to be a random outbreak. He realized it must have been set—and set well. Matthew leapt through the window. The fire had reached the apartment, burning in wicked patches throughout. When he reached the next apartment, he smelled mortals but heard no heartbeats.

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His heart pounding, he kicked open the door of the room shared by the three teens and the elderly man and woman. Inside, the old man and woman sprawled on the dirty rug, halfway to the door. Matthew knew instantly they were dead and forced away his feelings of sorrow. There was no time. The others might still be alive. And where was Gareth? His eyes stung badly and started losing focus as he made his way down the hall. Flames licked his legs. Suddenly he fell, dropping to a smoldering pile of wood a floor below. He rose, stiffly, unharmed though his skin stung. Ahead, Gareth lay on his back. When the floor had fallen, a fragment of wood had pierced the hybrid through his back. Blood oozed from his mouth and soaked his sweater. Matthew threw aside pieces of the floor and ceiling to reach him. He examined the wound and knew the wood had pierced Gareth’s heart, the one sure way to kill any vampire. “Matthew,” Gareth’s voice was almost inaudible, even to Immaculate ears. “Gareth—” he touched his friend’s shoulder, “—I can help you.” “No.” “An Immaculate’s blood can restore a hybrid after death. My brother’s blood saved a friend in this way. Why didn’t he tell me the fucking ritual!” “There’s no time, Matthew. Up—” Gareth coughed, more blood spilling from his mouth, “—others. Paul—” “I’m going to take out the wood…” With the last of his strength, Gareth grasped Matthew’s wrist, tears streaming from the corners of his eyes, mingling with the blood and sooty sweat streaking his face. “My children—” “Goddamn it, Gareth!” Matthew swallowed past the thickness in his throat— thickness only partially caused by the smoke. “Please.” “I’ll be back for you. The ritual will work after death.” Matthew stood, leapt through the hole in the floor and pulled himself up. The smoke and flames had thickened in the hallway, but Matthew never considered the possibility of his own death. He strained to hear heartbeats or catch a scent—any scent—other than smoke. “Matthew!” Paul’s voice sounded across the hall. He stood with one of the skinny blond teens. Matthew made his way to them. “Where’s Jamie?” “I don’t know,” Paul said. “Fire’s blocked those rooms. There’s no way out.” “That way.” Matthew pointed. “Last apartment. Be very careful. Part of the floor has fallen through.” Paul nodded, dragging the youth with him.

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Matthew heard the firefighters shouting and suddenly realized flames surrounded him completely. His heart pounding, he dove through the lowest fiery barrier and into another apartment. Jamie lay face first in the doorway, but when Matthew stooped to help him, he realized he was dead—and not from smoke or fire. His throat had been cut. Unconsciously, Matthew growled with rage and grief. He sprang to his feet as a familiar scent reached him. “Matthew!” Judah shouted, kicking open the hallway door. Flames followed him up the steps. “I got the rest out. We’ve got to go. This place is—” A piece of flaming wood nearly struck Judah in the head. He dodged it, leaping and landing beside Matthew. “Gareth’s back there!” Matthew told him. “Where?” Matthew pointed through a solid wall of fire. Together, he and Judah tried forcing their way through it, but only succeeded in scorching their skin. “Loki! Let us pass your fiery mate!” Matthew shouted, attempting to summon magic to subdue the flames. He had once called up the sun at midnight. Surely he could stop a fire? “Hephaestus, douse the flames of Tartarus’ gate!” Again he bellowed the chant. “It’s working!” Judah called. “Do it again!” As Matthew chanted, the flames subsided slightly, clearing a narrow space for them to pass. “Can’t you put out the whole damn thing?” “I’m trying!” Matthew snarled, his head throbbing. The fire and smoke made focusing difficult. Even with the fiercest concentration, the results of such chanting lasted only a short time. Through the devastating haze, they saw Gareth’s flaming body. Matthew knew no amount of Immaculate blood could save him. In his grief, Matthew’s communication with the fire gods failed. The flames burst around them. Disoriented, it took them several moments to claw their way to a broken window and leap out. They staggered backward, their gazes fixed on the destroyed building. “It was set,” Matthew said. “I know it.” “Son of a bitch!” Judah murmured. “Gareth.” Firefighters approached, but Judah shot them a penetrating look, wiping their minds as he and Matthew raced away.

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***** At dawn, Matthew finally made his way to his room. He and Judah had sent word of Gareth’s death to the Community, most of whom had assembled in the sewers for a brief, sorrowful meeting. Matthew and Judah said nothing to each other after they answered questions and offered what comfort they could—difficult when both felt Gareth’s death more deeply than a stab through their hearts. As Matthew climbed the steps to his room, he was struck by overwhelming guilt. Not only had he suggested that the humans stay in the abandoned building, but he had left Gareth to die. Matthew was accustomed to death. His vocation had seen to that. He’d handled death countless times. Why was this so difficult? Why did he want to deny it ever happened? Why did he want to turn back time and change everything? He swallowed tears. They’d do him no good. Down here, survival depended on strength. Emotion could kill. It had killed Gareth—his love and loyalty to his “children”. Geneva sat outside his apartment, her back against the door, her face pale. “Not now,” Matthew said. He wasn’t in the mood for her. He stepped past her as he opened the door. She followed him inside. “Matthew.” Closing his eyes, he tilted his head skyward and willed himself to remain calm. “Matthew, please.” Her voice shook. He glanced at her. Tears streamed from her green eyes, the tip of her small nose red. “Gareth and I. Six hundred years. He’s the only family I ever… Please don’t send me away. Not now.” She flew at him, hugging his waist hard, burying her face in his torn, smoky shirt. He sighed, almost envying her release of emotions, and sank to his knees, gathering her to his chest as she sobbed. He didn’t like her much, but he did feel sorry for her. For the first time since he’d known her, she was the vulnerable child she appeared to be. When she’d finished, she fell asleep on his bed. He covered her with a blanket, changed his filthy shirt and left the room. Squinting against the sun, his flesh still raw where it had been burned in places, he made his way to the grate where Vick and Paul guarded against the wolves. He threw open the door, his fangs lengthening and eyes glowing. “Get out!” he roared at the hybrids. “But your shift is tomorrow—” “Get out!” They knew better than to argue and swept out of the room, bolting the door behind them. “Come on!” Matthew growled, shaking the metal bars on the grate. “Where are you bastards?”

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He howled until he heard responding howls from the wolves. Fists clenched, he waited for them to come. At least if he fought the wolves, he wouldn’t have to think.

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Chapter Five Nearly two days later, Matthew sat in the corridor outside the wolf chamber. Every muscle in his body ached. Though not as tired as the first time Judah had locked him inside on a lone watch, he was tired enough to sleep in spite of the memories of Gareth, Jamie and the others still haunting him. Having a patient die was, at times, difficult enough, but for him to have been responsible for placing those people in danger… Matthew closed his eyes and leaned his head against the cool, damp wall, close to drifting off then and there. Judah’s scent awakened him somewhat. His eyes opened as the other Immaculate approached, looking grim. “What do you want?” Matthew asked. Judah squatted near Matthew and handed him an envelope. Both his name and Judah’s were written on it. “I found this in Gareth’s room. It was attached to his formal will.” Matthew took the envelope in hands bloody from fighting the wolves and opened it. “Sounds like they’re quiet tonight.” Judah listened for the sounds of the werewolves. “Then maybe I’m not the only one worn out.” “They can’t help what they are, you know.” Judah’s voice held a hint of bitterness. “No more than we can.” Ignoring Judah, Matthew reread the letter twice. Judah and Matthew, I think of you as sons. Like the others, you are my children, but unlike most of them, you have the potential to parent. The others will need guidance. They’ll need strength and they’ll need compassion. They need to be motivated, cared for. They need to be cared about. You both know how that feels. The Community runs in a hierarchy. This is understood. I must name my successor, but I find I cannot choose between the two of you. It’s because you’re both necessary. Trust each other. I know it sounds impossible, Judah, but you won’t find a more caring and loyal friend than Matthew. Matthew, I say the same to you about Judah. You both have other lives to follow. I’d never ask you to give up your dreams and all you’ve worked for. All I do ask is that you guide the Community, and if necessary, find a new leader.

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Neither of you appreciate sentimentality, but I’ll indulge myself this one last time—I love you both. Forever, Gareth Matthew lifted his gaze to Judah. “So now what do we do?” “Live as we have been.” “But he’s right. These people need someone to take up leadership. What I said to you a few days ago still holds true.” “Maybe to you, but just because you saved my nephew’s life doesn’t mean I forget your kind took Leah’s life.” “I told you I never even knew about her.” Both Immaculates stood, glaring at each other. Judah tore the letter from Matthew’s hand and left. Sighing, Matthew took his jacket and walked home. In his apartment, he showered and climbed into bed.

***** “Matthew!” Dulcie spoke into his ear. Her lips brushed his cheek. “Matthew!” He opened his eyes and stared into her beautiful face. Their naked bodies were entangled on the bed of black silk. Her legs felt sleek and smooth against his. The softness of her breasts flattened against his chest. He embraced her tightly. “Dulcie! I miss you so much. I need you, my love.” How true his words were. Between grief, frustration, anger and guilt, he felt on the verge of insanity. “Matthew, I’m so afraid this is another dream. I don’t want to let you go!” “You either.” Nuzzling her neck, he smoothed his palms over her shoulders and back, relishing the sensation of her skin and inhaling her scent. Love and desire clutched him in an unbreakable grip. His cock swelled, pressing against her belly. Dulcie straddled him, leaning forward and covering his chest with kisses. She inched lower, her tongue and hair lashing his belly. She licked his navel and used her fangs to gently nip his hips. Clasping his cock in both hands, she took the head into her mouth and laved it with her tongue. The very tip of one fang pricked the tiny hole and Matthew gasped, his entire body tense as his heart slammed against his ribs. It had been so, so long! She began sucking him deeply into her warm, wet mouth. His cock brushed her throat and her fangs scraped the rod’s velvety flesh. A low moan, then a growl escaped his throat. Burying his hands in her hair, he tightened his buttocks as he tried to keep his hips from thrusting hard. As she withdrew

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her lips, cool air fanned his saliva-slicked cock. She knelt above him, grasped his staff and lowered her pussy, hot and drenched with her juices, onto it. Matthew gazed at her through half-open eyes as she rocked upon him, her fingers stroking his flat belly. Her hair hung thick and dark down her back. Those full, beautiful breasts thrust forward, bouncing as she rode him. Matthew rested a hand on her waist while he used the other to fondle those smooth, warm globes and caress the rose-colored nipples. A sudden shift of his hips and she sprawled on the bed beside him, purring catlike, her fangs exposed as she watched him through eyes glowing with passion. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he hauled her to her knees. He grasped her hips and thrust into her from behind. “Oh, Matthew! Yes, yes, yes! How I’ve missed this!” He growled, thrusting into her hard and fast in an attempt to sate their almost painful desire. Extending a hand for her to bite, he lowered his mouth to her shoulder. His fangs slid into her flesh and the taste of her blood flung him into orgasm.

***** Matthew awoke to banging on his door. “Son of a bitch!” He snarled, his pulse racing and body tingling in the aftermath of orgasm. He searched for Dulcie, but beside him the bed was empty. Tears filled his eyes. He blinked them away, not allowing one to drop. “Let me in!” Judah’s voice sounded from the hall. Pushing aside the aching memory of Dulcie, he flung open the door. “What the hell do you want?” “We have to get organized. I have to go out of town for a little while, but when I come back, we’ll do exactly as Gareth said.” Matthew’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “Why?” “It’s not because of your bleeding heart speech a few days ago, that’s for sure. It’s for the old man. He did for us. We can do for him. I don’t like you, but I know, in your way, you cared for him as much as I did.” “Where do you have to go?” “Business to take care of.” “In Boston?” Matthew prodded. He heard Judah’s heartbeat quicken. “How do you know about Boston?” “That night outside your mother’s apartment, I heard you talking.”

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“What I do in Boston is no one’s business. I’ll say this, though. When I come back, I’ll tell you everything I know about the wolves, if you really think you can figure out what they are and how to deal with them.” “Why when you come back?” “No more questions. It’s snowing pretty hard out there, and Jimmie’s picked up more sick people with nowhere to go. Talk to Paul about supplies and medicine. We’re low again. I have to go. Good luck.”

***** “Do you believe this crap?” Jimmie shook his head, his hands buried in his coat pockets. “A foot of snow and it’s only November. This ain’t supposed to happen, especially when we ain’t ready.” “These sewers are full, and we’re very low on supplies,” Geneva said from where she stood beside Paul. All three looked at Matthew. He leaned a shoulder against the wall and crossed his feet at his ankles, thinking. He had some money saved from Rosa’s competitions and had recently received word that she hoped to relocate within the next month. He slipped off his watch and handed it to Paul. “Sell this and use the money for what we need.” Paul glanced at the timepiece. “Nice. But it won’t be enough. It’s the medical supplies I’m worried about. We have a lot of mortals—” “I know. I’ll take care of it.” Jimmie glanced at Matthew and said, “We can’t ask you to do this. It goes against everything you believe in. I know it.” “Reading my mind?” Matthew sounded irritated. The mortal shook his head. “Just guessing from what I know about you.” “Don’t worry about me. I’m the best person to do this. Remember all the trouble you had last time, Paul?” “You’ll need help, though,” Paul said. “I’ll go with you.” “We’ll go tonight. Late.”

***** Matthew slipped off his coat and left it in the car’s passenger seat beside Paul. Dressed in a black sweater, pants and boots, his hair bound at his nape, he walked through the hospital parking lot and stepped inside. The familiar hospital scents struck him, and he felt a momentary pang of loss and regret. Shaking off the emotions, he continued with what he had to do. He’d only take what they needed.

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Thief. The worst kind of thief. As he made his way through the corridors, he passed only a few random nurses. Most ignored him. When a few stopped to question him, he used the mind control he’d been practicing with Gareth. He sighed with relief when the nurses walked off as if he didn’t exist. The last thing he wanted was confrontation, particularly if someone recognized him from the newsflashes of almost a year ago. He was still wanted by the police. After several discreet trips, he’d stocked Paul’s car with enough supplies to last them until they could afford to buy what they needed. “Are you sure this is enough?” Paul glanced in the backseat. “I mean, you’re great at this. Get what you can.” “This is a hospital!” Matthew hissed. “People in there need this stuff, and they paid for it!” “Right.” Paul cleared his throat, looking slightly nervous as Matthew’s fangs slipped from his gums. “This is cool. Now let’s get the hell out of here—” Both Matthew and Paul glanced at several hybrids—Network members— surrounding the vehicle. “Drive,” Matthew stated, tossing in the last of the supplies and slamming the door just as two hybrids grasped his arms. Paul didn’t hesitate in speeding off, knocking aside two other hybrids who had stepped in front of the car. Matthew kicked aside the ones grabbing him. He spun, his booted foot lashing across the face of a third who flew at him, a platinum-tipped dagger gleaming in his hand. Matthew dove behind a parked van as two of the hybrids pulled guns. He didn’t need to see them to know the bullets were platinum. He should have guessed Adam would have Network members posted in hospitals all over the city. Matthew thought how ironic it was that over a year ago, he’d helped Adam fight off people stealing hospital supplies. Now here he was, one of the thieves. He knew most of the thieves Adam had been fighting were from the Community. A few of them—the Immaculates—had probably been from Rosa’s ring. Matthew darted back into the hospital, the hybrids close behind. His booted feet raced silently over the cold, white floor as he sped past two startled nurses and a doctor, the others in pursuit. They’d hidden their guns, however. Matthew had known they would. It wasn’t the Network’s style to wave weapons around and endanger mortal lives. At least they still retained some scruples. Matthew raced into a room where an elderly woman slept. The hybrids were too close behind for him to stop, so he crashed through the window. Unable to resist a wicked smile, he waved to them from the ledge before leaping off.

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When he struck the ground in a crouch, the impact jarred him. Looking up, he felt a bit rattled. That ledge had been higher than he’d thought. The hybrids stared down at him, two of them climbing in pursuit. Matthew fled, knowing they could never keep up with his Immaculate speed. What have you done? He thought to himself, There’s no way Adam won’t find out about this. He knew his brother would begin searching again. Relentlessly. Adam protected his territory as fiercely as Matthew protected his. He thought, with some regret, this was possibly the final, irrevocable rift clawed out between them.

***** Dulcie sat in the meeting room at Poet’s Manor, once again facing Adam and The Jury, this time without Matthew. She was not alone, however, but sat among her mother, father, aunt and two cousins. She’d spoken to her parents about Matthew’s disappearance and the problems with Sage. They had been understanding and supportive. She knew the assembled members of her family, her parents included, were either part of the Network or had aided them at one time or another. She also knew why they’d been called there. Adam had arrived at her home that morning. Terror seized her as she’d sensed his concern. Had something happened to Matthew? Had they found him? Adam had described a theft at a New York hospital where Matthew had stolen medical supplies and rendered three members of the Network unconscious when they’d tried arresting him. He’d jumped out a window and disappeared, but the Network was now more determined than ever to locate him. To make matters worse, the Network had recently disbanded an illegal fighting ring, capturing a competitor who told of an Immaculate—quite possibly Matthew—who had been a star fighter. “Matthew, steal from a hospital?” Dulcie couldn’t believe such nonsense. “And fight for money? No way.” “I don’t know what’s happened to him, but from what the men who saw him described, he’s scarcely recognizable.” Adam looked almost as concerned as Dulcie felt. “If I can get to him, maybe I can help him. He has to face this.” Dulcie didn’t know what had happened to Matthew over the past year, but she did know the Network wouldn’t help him, no matter what Adam thought. So now they sat in Poet’s Manor. Waiting. Marina, the lovely blonde vampiress, spoke first. “Because of your relationship with Matthew Winter, we have avoided asking all of you to become involved in tracking him. Now, we have no choice. You know what he’s done. He must be found. Dulcie, we realize you’re not a Network member, but we felt you should be present when we asked your family to help us find Matthew.”

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Dulcie glanced at her mother, a slim, beautiful redhead with a face so similar to Dulcie’s they might have been twins. Dulcie’s father and cousins also glanced at Dulcie, engaging in a silent exchange. “We demand your cooperation,” Thomas stated. Dulcie’s father, an attractive man of average height and muscular build, stood. “We can be of no help in this matter.” “You dare to go against the Network?” Arkin’s large fists clenched on the table, his pale cheeks tinged pink with fury. Dulcie held Adam’s gaze for a long moment. She felt no anger from him, only regret. Simultaneously, Dulcie and her family stood, leaving the hotel. Outside, her uncle and cousins dispersed, but her parents remained beside her. “Are you sure you don’t want us to stay with you?” her mother asked, her husky voice laced with a French accent. Dulcie shook her head. “Thank you for what you’ve done, and thank the family for me.” “We’ve worked with the Network,” her father stated, “but our loyalty is to our family.” “It’s a pity Matthew’s brother doesn’t feel the same.” Dulcie’s mother’s green eyes flashed. “Monique, his situation is different,” Dulcie’s father said. “He’s the Network leader, the First Father.” Monique snorted with contempt before she turned to Dulcie. “I know you won’t come back to France with us now that Matthew has been located.” “I can’t.” Dulcie’s parents embraced her before they left for the airport, where they would buy tickets for the first flight back to Europe. “Dulcie!” Adam called before she stepped into her car. “What?” Dulcie wondered if she sounded as bitter as she felt. “I have to find him before the Network does. I don’t want them getting to him first. I have to find out what’s going on, then maybe I can help him.” “Doesn’t the Network have anything better to do than track Matthew?” “He’s gone against them at every turn. I’m not saying they’re right, but The Jury and many Network members have been around for thousands of years. They don’t want someone as young as Matthew challenging them.” “Maybe they need some challenge! They’re so rooted in the old ways that they can’t even see corruption in one of their own. Jay should be arrested for what he did to Sage!”

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“That’s another thing. The Original must still be with Matthew. If he’s everything you say, then no matter what the Network says, he shouldn’t be returned to Jay. It wouldn’t be right.” “Now you think it wouldn’t be right!” “Look, even if Matthew was right about the Original, he’s a criminal! He stole from a hospital. A hospital on my territory!” “Your territory?” Dulcie narrowed her eyes at her brother-in-law. “Are you an animal, Adam? Are you marking your ground now? Are you becoming like the First Father you killed?” Adam’s eyes flashed. “I’ll ignore that because you’re worried about Matthew.” “Don’t do me any favors!” Dulcie slipped into the car, slammed the door and sped off before Adam could speak again.

***** Two days later, Matthew was practicing in the training hall when Geneva and Mindy hurried in. “Hey, you better get your ass out there!” Mindy ran a hand through her sleepmatted hair. “These freaks who walk by day! Interrupting my beauty sleep.” “What’s she talking about?” Matthew demanded, performing pull-ups without so much as glancing at the females. “Your brother is wandering around in the sewer,” Geneva said. “Adam?” Matthew dropped to the floor, his chest tightening. This was the confrontation he’d been dreading. “Unless you have a triplet,” Geneva quipped. “You better get him out of here, Matthew, before he ruins everything!” “He’ll have that damn Network down here faster than we can disappear,” Mindy added. “But he’s pretty cute. Maybe even cuter than you. Wonder if he wants to have some fun?” Matthew didn’t bother explaining that Adam was married and as unlikely to stray as Matthew himself. “Where is he?” “Outside. Turn left,” Geneva told him. “You both stay away,” Matthew called over his shoulder. “Tell the others the same. I’ll get rid of Adam, and if I don’t come back, tell Paul and Judah to be extra careful of the Network snooping around.” “What do you mean if you don’t come back?” Geneva screeched. “Stay put!” Matthew pointed at her. He stared at Mindy. “If you let her interfere, I’ll rip out your throat.”

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Matthew ran silently down the corridors, easily catching Adam’s scent. His heart pounded at the thought of seeing his brother again. For the first time, they would be seriously opposed. “Matthew!” Adam’s deep voice echoed in the corridors. “I know you’re here. I can smell you. And others!” “The others are none of your business.” Matthew stepped into a dank, dim chamber. Adam, dressed in pants and a sweater, his hair as neatly trimmed as Matthew’s had once been, stood just below a closed manhole. Adam’s beard was shorter than Matthew’s, his dark blue eyes penetrating. Matthew had always felt like Adam could sense a person’s every emotion without betraying his own. Adam’s gaze swept his brother. “God.” Matthew could only imagine how he must appear. His curly, gray-streaked hair hung to his waist, his beard only slightly less wild. He wore a black T-shirt that left his arms, scarred from the times he’d been tossed out of Rosa Ferrer’s ring, bare. “Quit with your God. Now more than ever I’m sure there’s not one,” Matthew said, unable to control his anger at Adam and the Network. Though the decision to take Sage and disappear had been his own, he still felt bitterness toward his brother. Perhaps his feelings weren’t justified, but he couldn’t help what he felt. “Matthew, you’re in a lot of trouble.” Adam took a step closer. Matthew drew back and the two circled one another. “I want to help you.” “Then forget you saw me.” “I can’t do that.” He felt Adam’s heartbeat quicken and smelled his growing fury. “Do you have any idea what you’ve put Dulcie and your family through? What you’ve put me through?” “Do you think I give a damn about you?” Matthew snarled, his fangs lengthening. “I care as much about you as you did about me and Sage.” “The Original. Dulcie told me about him.” Adam’s voice remained frustratingly calm, but Matthew knew how controlled his brother could be. He’d managed to repress years of abuse from his adoptive father. Adam would rather accept or forget. You can’t change the past, only the future, was his attitude. “Matthew, I admit I was wrong about him. I will not let him go back to Jay. I’ll fight The Jury.” “You won’t have to. You’re never getting him.” “I’m not here for him. I’m here for you.” Matthew laughed humorlessly and pointed at Adam. “You’re here for me?” “Don’t you care about anyone but yourself? I never thought you were so selfcentered that you’d let Dulcie and your family—” “I love my wife and my family! But there are complications I can’t discuss.” Matthew’s breathing quickened at the thought of Dulcie. He wished he could tell her

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everything, tell his parents. He didn’t want to hurt them, but his life no longer belonged to him. “Adam, are they all right? Dulcie? My parents?” Adam nodded. “I had a guard on them, but The Jury has ordered him off Dulcie because she and her family refused to search for you. It seems they’re far more loyal to you than you are to them. Fortunately Vincent doesn’t care what the Network said and is more than happy living in your house with your wife, so she’s safe.” Matthew ground his teeth, his fists clenching. He knew Adam’s words were meant to taunt him. Adam could be such a bastard when he wanted to be. “You’re going to come with me, Matthew, so we can sort this out.” “So the Network can put me on trial.” “You’ve killed your own kind! You were seen fighting in an illegal ring. You stole from a hospital. A hospital, Matthew! What the hell is wrong with you?” “Do you give a shit?” Adam’s eyes glowed amethyst in his rising anger. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here!” “You’re here because you’re a Network guard dog! Let me tell you something about your Network, Adam, they don’t care about our kind or humankind! Maybe they did once, but now all that matters to them is preserving the old ways! Ancient ones like Jay can do whatever they want to whomever they want! If we aren’t wealthy, old and powerful, then the Network doesn’t care! Do you know how many hybrids there are, young and old, who have nowhere to go? They live one day to the next!” “We all live one day to the next! That’s no excuse to steal, kill and break the law!” “It’s so black and white to you, isn’t it, preacher’s boy?” “What’s happened to you?” “A good dose of reality!” “You think I don’t know about reality?” Matthew sighed and shook his head. “You know that’s not what I mean. There are all kinds of realities, Adam.” “Talk to me, Matthew. Maybe I can help you deal with the Network.” “I went before the Network once. I’ll never go again.” Adam drew a deep breath. “Then I’ll have to take you. I’m sorry, Matthew.” Matthew smiled. “You’ll take me? You’ll arrest me?” Adam nodded and stepped forward, slipping a pair of handcuffs—the insides rimmed with platinum barbs—from his coat. Matthew recognized them. He’d seen Adam use them before to take vampires by force. “Matthew, please.” Adam looked genuinely disturbed in spite of his irritation. “Don’t make me do this.” “I’m not making you do anything. The Network pulls your chain. Not me.” Matthew backed away as Adam advanced on him. “Adam, I’m giving you one chance

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to leave and forget you ever found me. If you fight me now, it will be the worst mistake of your life. I don’t want to hurt you.” Adam shook his head, his eyes narrowing. Matthew knew his brother didn’t believe he was a real challenge. Adam had killed the First Father. He’d killed a tiger with his bare hands. He’d been considered the strongest Immaculate in the world. Nine years ago. Eight years changed a lot. Matthew had changed more than he’d ever imagined. Adam moved suddenly, leaping at Matthew, who spun and kicked Adam square in the back, smashing him into a wall. Adam turned, as if scarcely feeling the blow, and circled Matthew. Both brothers growled, their fangs bared. This time when they lunged at each other, their bodies locked in midair and they crashed to the ground, their teeth ripping and their claws shredding clothing and flesh. Matthew well knew Adam’s strength and skill. His twin was stronger than any Immaculate he’d fought in Rosa’s ring, and more powerful than the wolves, but not the entire pack together, as Matthew was accustomed to fighting. Adam’s teeth sank into his twin’s shoulder. Matthew wedged his leg between them, kicking his brother off. Muscle and skin, still trapped in Adam’s teeth, tore away. Blood flowed down his arm, but he didn’t care. He ran and flipped, landing behind Adam and striking the back of his head. Adam dropped to the ground before Matthew’s fist landed and tried to knock his feet out from under him. Matthew jumped, avoiding Adam’s sweep. As Adam flipped to his feet, twin sai, hidden in sheaths under his coat, appeared in his hands. “Don’t do this, Matthew!” Adam hissed, blood streaming from the corners of his mouth where Matthew’s elbow had struck him during their scuffle on the ground. Matthew tugged his knife from his boot. Again he and Adam attacked. Matthew caught one of Adam’s wrists and his knife blade deflected the sai from his brother’s opposite side. Each attempted to knee the other, but their legs deflected each other’s blows. They broke, but the tip of Adam’s blade slashed across Matthew’s chest. Blood soaked the front of his shirt and Matthew lost the last shred of restraint regarding his twin. He lunged at Adam, dodging the blades even as they sliced his arms and shoulders. Adam kicked the knife from Matthew’s hand. Matthew struck him in the throat, staggering him. His booted foot kicked Adam backward. Springing at the metal ladder leading up to the manhole, Matthew ripped it from the wall. He spun and smashed Adam with the ladder, knocking him face first onto the ground. Matthew leapt like a big cat onto his brother’s back, smashing his face into the floor and ripping the sai from his hands. Adam managed to throw him off and roll to his back, his eyes unfocused, his face doused in blood.

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Poised above him, Matthew aimed one of the short blades at Adam’s heart. He heard his brother’s racing pulse, or was it his own? Adam’s eyes widened as Matthew’s arm slammed downward, stopping before he penetrated flesh and bone. “God.” Matthew threw the weapons across the chamber and staggered away. Adam leaned back on his elbows, his eyes closed as he panted with relief. After a second he stood and faced Matthew. Swallowing hard, Matthew felt strangely numb. His gaze met Adam’s, and he said, “I’ll go with you.” Adam nodded, collected his equipment and placed his handcuffs back in his pocket. “You can come home with me.” “Home?” Adam nodded. “I don’t want you talking to the Network before you speak to me and your wife. I want to know what’s going on, Matthew.” “Maybe you don’t want to know.” Adam drew a deep breath. “For a minute I thought you hated me.” “How can you not hate me?” “I just want to help you.” Adam reached out to place a hand on Matthew’s shoulder, but he jerked away. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to accept Adam, but he couldn’t. For the first time in his life, Matthew didn’t know what to do. He did know he’d become something he hated. Perhaps Rosa’s ring, the werewolves, the loss of Gareth and the others or the suffering he’d witnessed had corrupted him, but he wasn’t the person he used to be. He didn’t want to be the sort of man who nearly killed his own brother. Adam was more than a brother. Other than Dulcie, he’d been his best friend. He didn’t want to lose his family, but he also didn’t want to jeopardize the Community. “Come on,” Adam said. Matthew knew by his expression Adam sensed his turmoil. He felt his brother prodding his mind, but with all his practice with Gareth, Matthew was adept at concealing his thoughts. Adam relaxed his invasion, perhaps as drained as Matthew from a fight that had been as damaging emotionally as it had been physically.

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Chapter Six During the ride to Adam’s house, Matthew stared silently out the passenger side window. Memories of the past year flashed through his mind, thoughts of Gareth, Judah, Sage and most of all, Dulcie. He wanted to see her again, hold her, but part of him felt afraid and ashamed. He’d left her. He’d become something despicable. How could he ever hope to regain any semblance of his old life? No matter what Adam believed, The Jury would most likely sentence Matthew to death. He shook his head. Once he’d desperately wanted death, had even tried to take his own life. At that time, he’d been unaware of his true nature and had been naïve enough to think a drug overdose could kill him. This time there would be no awakening. No hope for another chance. The craziest part of it all was that he wouldn’t have changed his actions. He believed he’d been right in freeing Sage, and he also believed the Community was worth protecting. He only wished Dulcie and his family hadn’t been hurt. The car stopped in the driveway, and Adam turned to him, his gaze sweeping the wounds on their chests and arms. “We’re both healing pretty fast, but we can clean up inside and get some blood.” Matthew didn’t respond but followed Adam out of the car. Mara threw open the front door as they reached it, staring at the twins’ bloody faces and shredded clothes. “Oh my God.” She touched Adam’s lips. “What the hell?” Adam shook his head slightly, and Mara stepped back, allowing Adam to lead Matthew to the upstairs bathroom. He left him with antiseptic and bandages. “I don’t think either of us will need stitches,” Adam observed, “especially after we get blood. Do you need help?” “No.” “You can take the guest room across the hall. Get some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow.” Adam closed the door, leaving Matthew alone. He leaned on the sink, looking at himself in the mirror. Dirt and blood streaked his face. His hair and beard hung wild. Matthew turned on the faucet and stared at the running water, too disgusted to look at himself any longer. He removed his shirt and cleaned up before stepping across the hall into the guest room. Adam had left him a fresh T-shirt and pants. He put on the new clothes and sat on a chair by the window, not bothering to open the drapes. He wasn’t sure how long he sat there, thinking about all that had happened, the things he’d done and the people he’d deserted. Dulcie. What would she think? She must be furious with him, and once she heard everything would most likely want a

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divorce. Not that he blamed her. He was a criminal in the mortal world and—even worse—among his own kind. Jay was also a criminal, but the Network didn’t want to hear about that. A knock sounded on the door before Mara stepped in. “Matthew? I brought you some blood.” His sister-in-law approached, her expression curious and apprehensive as she offered him a glass of the enticing red liquid. In spite of his incredible thirst, he shook his head. “You don’t want it? You should—” “No. Thank you.” “If you need anything, we’re in the living room.” As she left, he sensed that she thought he was crazy. He must have looked insane to anyone normal. He didn’t know how much time passed before he caught Dulcie’s painfully familiar scent. His heart pounded when he heard her talking to Adam and Mara. Fists clenched, he stood and stared at the door. Dulcie entered without knocking. “Matthew!” She flew at him, her arms locking around his waist. He embraced her tightly, his face buried in her hair as she murmured his name over and over. Dulcie clung to Matthew, scarcely believing he was actually in her arms and she in his. She thought she might never see him again. His appearance stunned her. She’d never dreamed her Matthew could look so primitive. His hair was longer than hers. A dark, wiry beard brushed his chest. She noted with concern that his face looked extremely pale, far more vampiric than she remembered. Dark smudges rimmed his lavender-tinged eyes. The tips of his fangs shone against his lips. His body had changed as well. Though fit and muscular before, his arms were much more defined, every muscle hard and sculpted. The chest beneath her cheek felt like breathing steel. His heart pounded against her face and he trembled. “I’ve been so worried about you.” “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice strained. “Matthew?” She tried looking up at him, but he wouldn’t let her. He clung to her, his face hidden in her hair, his breathing ragged. Tears seeped through to her scalp, and she tightened her embrace. “Matthew, it’s all right.” “You don’t know—” His voice wavered before sobs rendered him speechless. She tugged him toward the bed and lay down. Dropping beside her, he buried his face in her shoulder. His body draped over hers as if he couldn’t get close enough. Sliding her fingers beneath his hair, she found the bare skin of his nape and soothed his neck and shoulders. “Tell me,” she said.

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“I can’t.” But he did. He told her everything about the Community, except where to find them. He told her about Gareth and Judah. He told her about Rosa’s ring, the people without homes, the hybrids with nowhere to go who lived like animals. For the first time since Gareth’s death, he gave in to the sorrow he felt. “I’m so sorry,” he said, still refusing to meet her eyes. He wiped his face with his fingers. “Dulcie, I never meant to hurt you.” “I know. Matthew, I know you. You have to do what you feel is right. I’ve just been afraid for you. I’m sorry about everything you’ve gone through.” “You’re sorry?” He stood and walked to the window. “Damn it, Dulcie! I left you. I disappeared and caused all kinds of trouble, and you’re sorry? You should hate me.” “It’s kind of hard to love and hate you at the same time.” “I don’t deserve you. You’ve always let me do exactly what I want with no regard for you, and you never complain. Why aren’t you furious with me?” She stood and hugged him from behind. “I knew what you were like before I married you. You get something in your head, Matthew Winter, and you have to see it through. If I wanted a nine-to-five guy, I wouldn’t have picked you. I know you love me, but I also know you have to follow your beliefs. You believed Sage should be free, and you were right.” “What about you? I should have thought about you through all this. And my family. How are they?” “They’re okay. Your parents have been very worried.” “I have to find a way to explain this. Dulcie, I’ve caused so much trouble, and it’s just beginning, you know.” “We’ll deal with it. Adam does want to help.” “I almost killed him.” Matthew turned to her, his eyes glistening. “He’s my brother, and I almost killed him. I’m not the person I was, Dulcie. So much has changed.” “That’s life, Matthew. As long as your love for me hasn’t changed—” “Never!” He swept her into his arms and kissed her. Dulcie’s arms locked around his neck as he carried her to the bed, their mouths still fused in a kiss of such heat and passion that she whimpered. He placed her on her back, his tongue tracing the shape of her lips and teeth, stroking her, devouring her. She tasted so sweet, so achingly familiar. The softness of her flesh, the scent of her skin, and the sound of her voice were the best gifts he could hope for. Dulcie closed her eyes. Unable to wait a moment longer, he ripped the dress from her body. He stood and jerked his T-shirt over his head.

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Dulcie’s pulse raced with excitement, her eyes wide as they fixed on his pecs and abs that looked like something out of a Special Forces training documentary. “Oh my God. My God.” The scent of her lust deepened as she left the bed and spread her hands across his chest, stroking and caressing. Her lips traveled across the powerful expanse, the mat of hair tickling her lips in the most sensual manner. She paused, her fingertips tracing the lines of several faded white scars. Tilting her face up to his, she asked, “Platinum?” “Yes.” “Poor baby.” She rested her cheek against his chest and caressed the scars. Her love and compassion touched him beyond words. This woman made him feel like no one ever had or ever would. His Dulcie. His soul mate. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her throat and nudged her gently onto the bed. In moments he’d discarded his jogging pants and stretched out beside her. Unsheathing his claws, he traced the shape of her breasts and circled her nipples with the utmost tenderness. Bending, he took one of her nipples between his lips, his long hair tickling her skin as he licked and sucked the rose-colored nub. His beard rubbed against her, rough yet oh-so sexy. When the tip of his fang pierced her nipple, she moaned and clutched his head closer, her body arching against him. “Oh my darling, my Matthew! I’ve missed you so much!” “I never stopped thinking of you. Never. Forgive me, my love.” He glanced up, a droplet of her blood glistening on his lower lip, his lavender eyes fixed on hers with need and affection. “Make love with me.” Before sliding down her body, he brushed her mouth with a kiss. He lapped her belly. His teeth nipped the curve of her hips while his fingers stroked the thatch of curls covering her plump mound. She sighed, fingers tightening in his hair as he inched lower, his tongue rolling over her clit. He lapped the swollen bud with long, slow strokes and teased the tip with steady pulsations using the flat of his tongue. The sharp tips of his incisors drew tiny rivulets of sweet blood. She writhed beneath him. Her claws sank into his shoulders, drawing blood as she soared beneath his ministrations. Oh, yes, Dulcie! Your claws! Harder! It feels so, so good! To her surprise, he spoke in her mind. Matthew…telepathy. Her passion made her thoughts a bit incoherent, but he understood. Laughter rumbled in his throat. I’m not as deficient as we thought. She gasped as he shifted position and swiftly covered her body with his. Their fingers entwined as he pinned her hands to either side of her head and entered her with

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a powerful thrust. She gasped, locking her legs around him. Growling with pleasure, he sank his fangs into her shoulder at the same moment she bit his. As he drove into her with long, fast strokes, her hips joined his savage dance. The pounding of their bodies and the taste of blood hurled them both into a perfect mutual orgasm. She felt him harden while inside her. Between his Immaculate nature and his incredible lust for her, he needed virtually no recovery time between erections. Overwhelmed with desire, she trembled beneath him, as he rolled her onto her stomach. One of his steely arms grasped her waist and tugged her body to his. Panting, she sank her claws into the mattress as he entered her from behind, growling, his teeth piercing the sensitive flesh between her shoulder and neck. He drank deeply as his body took ultimate pleasure in hers. “I love you so much,” he panted, tugging her onto him as he relaxed into the pillows and closed his eyes. “I love you too.” She kissed his chest as they rested together, their legs entwined.

***** When Matthew stirred, daylight still bled through the window shades, but he felt Dulcie’s gaze upon him. He kissed her forehead, and she smiled. “I can’t believe you’re here,” she murmured. “But part of me wishes you weren’t. The Network—” “They’ll probably sentence me to death, you know.” “Adam won’t let that happen.” “Adam doesn’t have as much power as everyone thinks. They can vote him out.” “Matthew, if you tell them the truth as you told it to me, they’ll have to investigate. The vampires you killed in the ring—you were fighting for your life.” “What about the people they think I killed at the lab? There’s no way they’ll believe me over Jay. He’s an old, respected hybrid. To The Jury I’m nothing more than a…a juvenile delinquent! It makes me furious!” Dulcie raised herself onto her elbow and ran her fingers though the silvery hair at his temples. “We need proof about Jay. Do you know how hard Adam, Vincent and I have tried to get it? Vincent even grabbed Jay by the shirt. Needless to say, threats didn’t work too well. Jay thinks he’s so far above everyone because he’s in with The Jury.” “I think it’s time for reform in The Jury. Not that we’ll ever see it.” “Well, I’m not going to just sit by and watch you be sentenced to death or imprisonment or—” “Dulcie, you have so much life ahead of you. I don’t want to ruin it. I’ll give you a divorce. It might be better for you if you forgot you ever knew me.”

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“You son of a bitch!” she seethed, her fangs extending and her eyes glowing with fury. He sat up, slightly startled by her expression. “I’m only thinking about you.” “Bullshit! I think you’re just trying to get rid of me because you’re sick of having a wife to consider!” “That’s not true!” “Divorce? You bastard!” Her clawed hand flew at his face. He caught her wrist before her strike landed. Her teeth flashed, and her other hand drew back, but this time he grasped both wrists and pinned her to the bed, growling, his own teeth stark against his beard. She struggled to throw him off, but he was too strong. Panting with rage and hurt, she lay trapped beneath his hard body. “You are so beautiful when you’re mad.” He licked her neck. “How can you say you love me?” Tears glistened on her thick lashes. “Divorce?” “I’m too far into this mess, Dulcie. I don’t want you hurt anymore. I would rather be dead than without you, but I’ve already been selfish enough when it comes to you.” He kissed her damp eyelids and brushed his cheek against hers. She was the last person he wanted to hurt, yet he constantly caused her pain. “From here on out, Matthew Peter Winter, it’s you and me together. I don’t care where we go or what we do.” “I care.” “I’m never letting you go again!” Her teeth snapped at his neck before his mouth covered hers in a crushing kiss. When he released her wrists, she clung to him. His thoughts reflected her words, I’m never, never letting you go.

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Chapter Seven At dusk, while Matthew showered, Dulcie pulled on jeans and a sweater. Not even bothering to dry her hair, she hurried down to the kitchen where Mara and Adam sipped coffee. “What are they going to do to him?” Dulcie demanded of Adam. “Another trial, most likely.” “Jay should be on trial!” “This isn’t about Jay. Not anymore. Now it’s about Matthew.” “That’s crap and you know it, Adam!” Mara touched her sister-in-law’s shoulder. “Dulcie, calm down. Adam is doing what he can.” Dulcie shrugged off Mara’s hand. “Yes. He has to. Just like Matthew did for him when he came to him dying nine years ago!” “I don’t need to be reminded about what Matthew did for me,” Adam stated. “I want to talk to him. Find out where he’s been and see if there’s any way I can convince The Jury—” “You have no idea what he’s been through! How can you think about dragging him before that Jury again? Do you understand how vulnerable he is right now?” “Vulnerable?” Adam’s eyes widened. “He almost smashed by head through the floor!” “That’s not what I mean!” “Dulcie, Matthew is more than able to take care of himself.” Mara’s eyes glowed with rising anger. “He almost killed Adam and all Adam wants to do is help him!” “They’re going to sentence him to death, aren’t they?” Dulcie’s eyes glistened with tears. Adam and Mara exchanged glances. “Not as long as I’m the First Father.” “But they can vote you out, can’t they?” “Yes. They can vote me out, but it’s not simple to unseat a Network leader.” “Even if you’re the brother of a man on trial?” “Dulcie—” Matthew stepped into the kitchen and took her hand, “—I came here freely. Adam certainly didn’t drag me in.” Adam’s jaw clenched as his eyes fixed on Matthew’s. “That’s true. But now that you are here, we have to sort out this mess. I want you to tell me everything, Matthew. Then

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we’ll find a way to get you out of trouble with The Jury. First, if the Original is as intelligent and civilized as you and Dulcie claim, we have to bring him before The Jury. That way Jay will be discredited, and—” “Absolutely not,” Matthew stated. “What?” “You heard me, Adam. I will not subject Sage to The Jury’s hypocrisy. He’s suffered enough.” “Matthew, you have to help me. I’m putting everything on the line for you. My career was on hold for months while I searched for you.” Matthew’s eyes gleamed lavender. “Do I look like I give a damn about your career? I forfeited mine for what I believe in! I hurt my wife, my family.” Matthew sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Look, Adam, I am sorry about the trouble you’ve had because of me, but if you could only see what I’ve seen—” “I’m willing. Matthew, please. We can get through this if you’ll just cooperate.” “I’ll cooperate, but I won’t use others to secure my freedom.” “Matthew—” Dulcie looked up at him, “—those people you told me about, do you think they’d want to see you sentenced for crimes you didn’t commit? Don’t you think they care about you as much as you care for them?” “What people?” Adam demanded. “Adam, if you want to help me, you should investigate Jay.” “I did. As far as The Jury’s concerned, he’s clean. Yes, some of his experiments are extreme, but—” “Extreme? He tortured an innocent child, and I think that’s only a small part of it! The man is evil.” “I’m not saying he isn’t evil, but he has an old, solid reputation. We need hard evidence, and I need to know where you’ve been, Matthew. Why were you fighting? Why were you stealing?” Matthew sat at the table, Dulcie beside him. He drew a deep breath and released it slowly. “I’ll tell you as much as I can, Adam. That’s all I’m able to do at this time.” While Mara served coffee, Adam joined his guests at the table. “I’m listening.” “I met them almost as soon as I arrived in New York…”

***** “Well,” Adam sighed, leaning back in his chair, “at least I understand why you were stealing. Those people need help. You’re right, the Network hasn’t been examining our own kind closely enough. We can’t allow criminal activity to continue, but as you said, not everything is black and white.” “I knew you’d feel that way, if you just understood—”

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“Matthew, you should have come to me much sooner. Hiding hasn’t helped. First, you have to tell me where these people are.” “No. Not until I’ve heard what The Jury has to say. Not until I know the Network won’t cause more harm than good. These people are strong. They take care of themselves, though it isn’t always easy. Yet they’re also fragile. They survive by trusting each other, and I will not disclose their secrets unless I can be sure that trust won’t be destroyed.” “Matthew, it will be hard to convince The Jury without facts. They’re going to want to contact this Community. They’re going to want to interview Sage.” “I’m sorry, Adam, but it starts with me. When I meet with them, then I’ll determine if they can be trusted.” Dulcie reached for her husband’s hand. “Matthew, if you go before them, they might never let you go.” “I know, but I’ve promised Adam. At least now no one can blame him for favoritism. Perhaps there’s a slim chance the Network might be willing to help.” “When will you bring him before The Jury?” Dulcie asked Adam. “I’ll speak with them tonight, but I’m sure they’ll want to see him immediately.” Dulcie and Matthew returned to their room and sat on the bed. “I’m afraid, Matthew,” she murmured. He drew her into his arms and kissed her hair. “I know. So am I. But tonight is ours.” She looked at him and smiled. He touched a hand to the pearl at her throat. “I’m glad you like it.” “I love it. You were there on Halloween, weren’t you?” “I had to see you.” “You were with that little hobo?” “Geneva. She’s quite a character.” “Sounds like you’ve met a lot of characters.” “Most of them are good people, once you get to know them.” “I don’t like the sound of that Rosa Ferrer.” “She’s a bitch, but if it hadn’t been for her, I don’t know what we’d have done for money at times.” “I hate to think of you fighting like that, even though you must have been beautiful. I always knew how primitive you could be.” As his gaze held hers, she noted a wild spark in his eyes. “What bothers me most is how much I liked it.” “It’s just another part of your nature. You’ve always tried to deny what you are, Matthew, but you can’t. None of us can. What makes you different from so many others

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is that you control your urges, they don’t control you. Now if we can only make The Jury see that.” He nodded, running a hand over his beard. “I’m getting rid of this stupid thing. I would have done it earlier, but I heard you arguing with Adam and Mara and thought I should intervene. I know your temper.” “They’re trying to help in their own way. It’s just that I can’t stand the thought of what The Jury might do.” “Whatever happens, we’ll get through it.” “I know.” While she braided her hair, he disappeared into the bathroom. When she walked in several moments later, he’d cut his beard and was lathering his face with shaving cream. “Let me.” She hopped onto the counter and sat, tugging him between her knees and taking the razor from his hand. She gently swept the blade over his cheek, rinsing the razor in water as she shaved, revealing smooth skin randomly streaked with white foam. Pausing, she met his eyes, which were so close she saw the lighter gray ring around his dark blue iris. She ran a fingertip down his slightly snubbed nose. “You’re the most adorable man I’ve ever seen. You didn’t cheat on me while you were away, did you?” “What kind of a question is that?” He took the razor from her hand, finished shaving the last few, hard-to-reach places and splashed water on his face to remove the excess foam. After patting his face with a towel, Dulcie nuzzled his smooth cheek. “Well, did you?” “Of course not! How could I want any woman after you?” She smiled and spoke against his lips. “I just wanted to hear it.” He grasped her upper arms and kissed her roughly, deeply. Her tongue met his in sensual battle as she threaded her fingers through his hair. When the kiss broke, both were slightly breathless. She grasped handfuls of his curly tresses. “Are you going to cut this, too?” “No. I don’t think I will. Unless you’d prefer it short?” “No. I like it. I just didn’t think you’d like long hair.” “I’ve gotten used to it.” “And it’s beautiful.” “You’re beautiful. Take these off.” He tugged the waist of her jeans. Tossing him a coquettish look, she unzipped them and tugged them off. Gazing at her red satin panties, he moistened his lips.

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“Such smooth, thin material,” he observed, resting his hand on the indentation of her thigh and using his thumb to caress the red satin covering her soft mound. “I want to see it dampen.” “Make it happen.” Her lips turned up in a sensual smile. As he grasped the hem of her sweater, she raised her arms over her head so he could pull it off. He took a moment to admire the matching red silk bra filled by her large, smooth breasts. His thumbs rolled over her nipples and they swelled beneath the gentle strokes. Dulcie unsnapped the bra and slipped it off, baring her breasts to his lips, tongue and teeth. Gasping, her legs squeezed closer together as his tongue flicked over one nipple. He rolled it between his lips. Lapping and sucking until her breathing grew ragged, he reached beneath her and clasped her buttocks. He kneaded the firm globes as he moved to her other nipple. Dulcie’s entire body caught fire. Arching her neck, she panted and squirmed, her pussy growing as wet as he’d intended. Stepping slightly back, his gaze swept from her heaving breasts to her crotch, the silk covering it darker red. He brushed a fingertip across the spot, feeling the dampness. “Umm,” he growled, grasping her waist and tugging her even closer to the edge of the counter so her clit pressed against his cock straining through his jeans. “Matthew,” she breathed, her legs wrapping around his waist and her arms locking around his neck as she rubbed her crotch against him. Licking his neck, she savored the clean yet salty taste of his flesh before sinking in her fangs. Mewling, her body pulsing, she came, pressing her damp, silk-covered softness against his steely erection.

***** “Matthew?” Dulcie opened her eyes halfway as her fingertip drew random circles on his chest. “Um,” he murmured, half-asleep. “Do you ever dream of me?” His arm tightened around her. “Dream of you? Over the past year I’ve had vivid dreams of you. So vivid I thought they were real. The first time I fought the wolves alone—when Judah locked me down there—I thought I was going to die. I scarcely remember walking out. I needed blood, but I was too tired to get it. I dreamed of making love with you and taking your blood. When I woke up, I was restored, as if you’d really been there.” She lifted her head and met his eyes. “I had dreams about you so clear that afterward, I was sure I had your scent on my skin. Two in particular, we were in a room of total darkness, on a bed of black silk—”

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For a moment, he forgot to breathe. “I had the same dreams. You told me I had to stay away.” “Because too many people were looking for you.” “It wasn’t a dream, was it?” She shook her head. “It must have been all that practice with Gareth.” “I owe him more than he’ll ever know.” “I’ve noticed your telepathy has greatly improved.” “I still have trouble with it. I can block my thoughts, but sending is still difficult. Gareth always said I wasn’t relaxed enough for the telepathy or the magic to really work. The times I dreamed of you—or at least I thought they were dreams—I was very tired, too tired to be tense.” “I always said you were too uptight for your own good.” She kissed him before he opened his mouth to protest. “Then you must have been relieved to have Vincent guarding you.” Dulcie smiled. “Do I detect a note of jealousy in your voice, Dr. Winter?” He pulled her on top of him so they were nose to nose, chest to breast, thigh to thigh. “You know I’ve always been insanely jealous when it comes to you. Adam said Vincent’s been living with you? Has he come on to you?” “Vincent? No. Not that it would have done him any good. Any man who has his initials tattooed on his butt is not for me.” Dulcie giggled. “So silly, a ‘V’ on one cheek and a ‘D’ on the other. Figures his initials are VD.” Matthew’s smile faded and his eyes glowed lavender. “What call did you have to see his naked ass?” “When I painted him nude.” “When you what?” Matthew rolled her onto her back and pinned her beneath his body. Dulcie’s heartbeat quickened from a tinge of fear, but mostly from arousal at his envy. She forced herself to say calmly, “Matthew, you know I’m an artist. I’ve painted lots of nudes.” “But Vincent? The Sleaze King? In our house? Tell me, what else did you two do? Did you cook for him?” Dulcie glanced skyward. “Goodness, Matthew! Do you always have to think with your stomach? Of course I cooked. We had to eat, and he was doing us a favor by staying with me. Jay can’t be trusted.” Dulcie thought of the hybrid who’d tried to shoot her, but forced the memory away. No attempt had been made on her life since then, and she didn’t want to burden Matthew with more problems when they already had so many to face. “Did you make him a turkey?” “Matthew,” she laughed, “I think you’re getting a little carried away here.”

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His teeth clenched, the white tips of his fangs pricking his lips. “Did you make him poultry of any kind?” “No…well, yes. Only a chicken.” “With cranberry sauce?” “I only bought it because I was thinking of you.” “Right.” He rolled off her and onto his back, rubbing his temples. “You’re thinking of me while you’re painting him nude and cooking him chickens. It serves me right for taking off. If he hadn’t been protecting you, I could—” “What? Kill him?” She tilted her head to one side. She loved Matthew with all her heart and trusted him implicitly, but she also knew the extent of his jealousy. He had killed her last boyfriend. Yet at that time, Matthew had acted in self-defense. Still, she knew that even though he didn’t like to admit it, Matthew had enjoyed that particular kill. It was the nature of their kind to defend their territory, and Matthew was so powerful. The thought of his power made her stomach tighten with desire. A tiny part of her liked the idea of getting back at him—not for leaving to protect Sage, but for so many late nights at the hospital while she was home alone. She stretched out beside him, her fingertips tracing his abdominal muscles as she watched him through half-closed eyes. “Relax, Matthew. Vincent only posed for me because my scheduled model was sick. And I’ll tell you this, Vincent doesn’t look nearly as good as you in your robe.” “My robe?” Matthew pushed himself onto his elbows, his brow creased with anger. “Why the hell did you let him wear my robe?” “I didn’t. He took it out of your closet.” “My closet? Vincent’s grubby hands were all over my clothes? Not that I should worry,” Matthew scoffed, “I don’t think a man who wears snakeskin pants would be interested in my suits.” “No.” Dulcie examined her long, red-painted nails. “He said you dress like a sissy boy. You know how Vincent likes to flaunt his primitive masculinity—” “I’ll give you primitive masculinity.” Matthew growled deep in his throat and grasped her by the back of the neck, kissing her so roughly their teeth clicked and she tasted blood, both his and hers. Her pulse quickened with passion. He drew back slightly, his eyes glistening, and spoke against her lips. “Now I know you’re only goading me, Dulcie. You really can’t be attracted to that tasteless Neanderthal.” Her nose wrinkled playfully. “Maybe I’m teasing you a little. Okay, a lot. Vincent means well, but he drives me crazy. He’s the biggest slob, Matthew. He doesn’t pick up after himself, and he stinks up the house.” “What do you mean, he stinks up the house?” “You don’t want to know.” “No,” he demanded, “I want to know everything that happened while I was away.”

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A sharp knock sounded on their door, and Adam called, “Matthew, we have to leave for Boston. The Jury is assembling tomorrow night.” Dulcie and Matthew held each other’s gaze for a long moment before Matthew said, “Give us a couple of minutes, Adam.” They noticed the shadow of Adam’s shoes disappear beneath the crack between the door and the carpet. “I guess this is it.” Matthew kissed her mouth all too briefly before he stood. Dulcie’s gaze swept over his naked body as he reached for his clothes. Lingering over the taut curve of his buttocks and the sleekly muscled span of his back, she blinked away tears. She’d just found him, and the idea of losing him again was too painful. As he tugged on his pants, he glanced at her over his shoulder. Though her back was to him as she pulled her dress over her head, he noticed she discreetly wiped her eyes. He stepped across the room and tugged her into his arms. The soft, dark hairs randomly scattered over his hard chest tickled her cheek. She breathed his scent, wishing they could remain like that forever. One of his arms encircled her waist while his other palm cupped her head. “Please don’t cry,” he whispered. “I’m sorry.” “Whatever they do to me won’t be worse than knowing how much I’ve hurt you.” She drew a steadying breath. “I’m fine. Really. They’ll have to listen to reason this time.” “Yes,” he lied. “They’ll have to.”

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Chapter Eight A wave of sickness washed over Dulcie as she approached Poet’s Manor. To her, the hotel symbolized the beginning of the worst part of her life. This visit seemed far more horrible than the last. This meeting with The Jury could mean life or death for Matthew. Her gaze remained on her husband, who walked several feet ahead, between Adam and Vincent. Vincent, unwilling to alter himself for the sake of The Jury or anyone else, wore snug lizard-skin pants and a matching coat. The twins appeared far more subdued and tasteful, Adam in a navy suit, Matthew in a gray one Dulcie had brought him from home. The color of it matched the gray on his temples, a striking combination. He wore his long, curly hair bound at his nape and clasped his hands loosely behind his back as he strode through the glass doors. Dulcie willed her heartbeat to slow. Mara touched her arm and she glanced at her sister-in-law. She knew Mara wanted to offer comfort. Just before leaving for Boston, Matthew and Dulcie had overheard a brief argument in the kitchen between Adam and Mara. “You should tell Matthew to go,” Mara had said to her husband. “Say he escaped.” “Then he’ll be running forever, and eventually, the Network will catch him,” Adam had replied. “This has to end. Now.” “It just might end for Matthew! He’s your brother, is that what you want?” “It’s not about what I want, Mara! I’m not the only one who matters!” “And neither is Matthew?” “This will go on forever. You know it.” “I know that if it hadn’t been for Matthew you’d be dead. That’s what I know, Adam Lindsay! That’s what I remember! You can’t play both sides. You’re going to have to decide between Matthew and the Network.” “If I leave the Network, then there will be nobody on the inside to speak for him.” “This is going to be just wonderful. I’m a Network chronicler. I’m going to love writing about how the First Father screwed his own twin!” “I’m not screwing anybody! I’m trying to keep the peace!” “Ms. Evans.” Dulcie shook her head clear of her thoughts and looked up at Marcus, the gentle, blond owner of Poet’s Manor. A pale gray suit draping his slender frame, a pastel pink silk tie at his throat, he gazed at her with sympathy. “I’m sorry to see you again under such difficult circumstances. If you like, I will show you to a room. This interrogation could take quite some time.” “No, thank you. I want to stay.” 72

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“Of course. Your husband will be brought up the back entrance. I’ll escort you ladies by way of the elevator.” Dulcie and Mara followed Marcus to the meeting room. The last time Dulcie had been there, she’d stood with her family and defied The Jury. A lot of good it had done them. The Jury members sat at the semicircular table. Beautiful blonde Marina, Cassia, her gray hair twisted into a severe bun, and Pilar, her plump body draped in an olive- colored caftan, sat on one end of the table. Thomas, wearing his usual kilt, and tall, blond Arkin with the all-seeing pale blue eyes sat at the other end. Adam had taken his place between them. Dulcie tried not to hate him. Vincent stood to the left of the table, leaning one broad shoulder against the wall. His ankles crossed, he rubbed a sharp claw against his white teeth. Matthew sat alone in a chair in front of The Jury. “Matthew Peter Winter,” Cassia began. “You are on trial for your crimes against human and vampire-kind. You are charged with murder, theft, kidnapping and illegal fighting. However, it has been brought to our attention that some of these charges may be false or, if The Jury deems, excusable.” “No shit, you bunch of half-assed PIs,” Vincent muttered. “That behavior is inappropriate!” Arkin’s deep voice bellowed as he pointed to Vincent. “Another comment, Mr. Dilorenzo, and you will be on trial next!” Vincent sneered but kept his silence. Thomas continued, “According to your brother, you have proof that the Original is trainable and was mistreated by Jay Ashford.” “He is not trainable,” Matthew stated. “He is intelligent.” “We would like to hear what’s happened to you—and to the Original—since our trial last year,” Pilar said. “It is not our intention to treat you unfairly.” Marina watched Matthew benignly. “We need to understand your side before we make any decision.” “Will my words really make a difference? At the last trial, my youth was reason enough for you to treat my arguments and observations with skepticism.” “Needless to say, your behavior since has not improved our impression of you,” Arkin stated. “I want to know if I should waste your time and mine by speaking if you’ve already prejudged my case.” The members of The Jury fell silent and exchanged glances as they communicated telepathically. After a moment, Adam said, “By law, The Jury cannot pass judgment without hearing your side. Unless you plead guilty, we must be satisfied that you’ve done everything in your power to defend yourself.”

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“I see.” Matthew sighed deeply. Dulcie froze. She knew as well as he did that The Jury—or at least a majority of the members—were biased against him. No matter what he said, they would see the worst in him. They intended to put him on display, make him bare all, and still subject him to punishment. Dulcie understood at that moment he would not argue his own defense to the best of his ability. Unless something changed drastically between now and the end of the trial, he would never disclose the whereabouts of Sage or the Community. She felt in her heart that his loyalty would be his undoing.

***** Dulcie glanced at her watch, her fists clenched. Beside her, Mara changed the tape in her recorder. Her job as chronicler required her to prepare a transcript of the trial. For nearly four hours The Jury had questioned Matthew about Jay’s lab, Sage and the Community. They repeated questions and asked him to go over every detail, as if trying to catch him in a lie. Matthew answered with calm consistency. He told them everything but the whereabouts of Sage, the Community and the names of the Community members. Dulcie sensed the waves of psychic power as The Jury communicated with each other and attempted to sense truths and falsehoods from Matthew. Throughout the trial, she sensed the unfamiliar aura of Matthew’s own telepathy. She knew his psychic power was still unsteady and imperfect, but through his practice with Gareth, he had developed a strong command of magic. It was his greatest means of protection against The Jury’s probing. She recognized his magic—and his telepathic presence—the same as in the dreams she’d shared with him. Now, more than ever, she was certain they had not been dreams. Finally, The Jury fell silent and exchanged thoughts. “If all you’ve said is true—and we sense that it may be—then you have quite a case against Jay Ashford as well as the means to your freedom, Dr. Winter,” Arkin stated. “However, without solid proof in the form of witnesses, you have no case,” Pilar said. “For your sake, and for the sake of these people you claim to care so much about, tell us where to find them so they may be questioned and justice be done.” “There are two sides to every story.” Thomas leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Matthew. “Jay Ashford has been a loyal member of this Network for longer than many of the members have been alive. His studies have greatly improved the understanding of our kind. We cannot accuse him without proof.” “It’s actually not our intention to accuse him at all,” Cassia said. “We simply want to work through this unpleasant situation and do what’s best for everyone involved. We need you to tell us where to find the Original and the members of your Community.” “I cannot.”

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“Don’t you understand that the Community’s means of survival is dangerous? They live outside of the law of man and of vampire. They need assistance.” “And you’ll give it to them?” Matthew demanded. “Before now, you didn’t care about them.” “We didn’t know about them,” Arkin stated. “All you cared about was arresting those who disrupted the law. You didn’t consider rehabilitation—” “Crimes are meant to be punished!” Thomas snapped. Cassia held up a graceful hand. “Don’t make it seem as if we don’t care about lending aid, Thomas. That was why the Network was founded, to keep peace and contentment between us and humans. If we can stop suffering, we will do it. But, Dr. Winter, in order for us to help, we need to communicate.” “You’re very young.” Pilar looked at Matthew with a touch of sympathy. “You’re very brilliant. Do you really want to end your life before it has truly begun?” “My life is not important in this matter. How can I place myself above so many?” Arkin drummed his claws on the polished tabletop and sighed. “I appreciate your nobility, Dr. Winter. I really do, but it is our duty to find a solution.” “You’ve been quiet throughout this, Adam.” Thomas glanced at Adam whose gaze remained on his brother. “Surely you have feelings on the matter?” “I agree that this Community requires our assistance. They’ve been the cause of much of the criminal activity we’ve handled over the past few years, and probably far longer. It is our duty to lend aid and filter these people into the mainstream. As for the Original, no matter what happens, we cannot possibly allow him to return to the lab.” “If he is all Dr. Winter and Ms. Evans claim, he should not be confined, but nurtured,” Marina agreed. “But we have no way of knowing unless we meet the child,” Arkin said. “Then it seems we’re all in agreement.” Thomas lifted his chin. “Dr. Winter, if you will not volunteer information, we will take it from you by force.” Arkin nodded. “Those in favor of telepathically removing all evidence from Matthew Winter, please stand.” Everyone at the table, save Adam, stood. Dulcie also jumped to her feet, her heart pounding. Several members of The Jury glanced her way. Marcus touched her arm and whispered, “Would you like to go?” Dulcie shook her head and returned to her seat. “Are you all right?” Mara asked her. “No!” Dulcie hissed, but fell silent as she continued staring at the court scene across the room.

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“This will not be difficult,” Cassia reassured Matthew. “Thomas is a powerful telepath and warlock. You will feel no pain, and it will be to everyone’s benefit.” “It’s not our intention to invade or humiliate you,” Pilar said. “But you’ve obviously been damaged physiologically by whatever experiences you’ve endured over the past year. You’re not thinking clearly, Matthew. For the sake of yourself and others, you must be dealt with.” “Come with me.” Thomas stood and motioned for Matthew to follow him through the door behind the table. Matthew walked toward the exit, away from The Jury. Several hybrid guards blocked his path. Matthew tossed them aside and continued down the hall. More guards met him, armed with guns. The Jury followed. “Don’t do this, Matthew!” Arkin’s deep voice bellowed. “From here on out, everything you do will be used as evidence against you. Are you going to give us proof you’re the criminal we believe you to be?” Matthew sighed. He never should have agreed to come before The Jury. “I will not cooperate,” he stated. “You’ll have no choice,” Thomas told him. “Either you come with us now or we rip that city apart from the bottom up to find this supposed Community of yours, not to mention the Original. He’s the son of the First Father, and you know as well as any of us the damage he did before Adam destroyed him.” “Yo!” Vincent held up one finger. “Adam wasn’t the only one who put his ass on the line to kill the First Father. I was there gettin’ my balls busted, and if it hadn’t been for the genius, Adam wouldn’t have been alive to kill the bastard at all. Winter also chanted the spell—” “Any fool can chant,” Thomas said. “It takes years of study to perfect magic.” “Right, but he called up the sun after a few weeks of study.” “That’s true,” Cassia said. “If we don’t deal with Matthew Winter now, there will be future problems. He’s a tremendous credit to our kind, but also a danger.” Matthew shot Vincent a sarcastic look. “Thanks so much for the help, VD.” “This is completely out of hand.” Adam approached Matthew, positioning himself between his brother and The Jury. “You can all sense lies and the truth. You know Matthew has believed what he’s done has been for the good of those less fortunate than himself. Yes, he might take his convictions to the extreme, but is that not what we do when we dedicate our lives to preserving the good of our kind? What is so terrible about him protecting those he cares about? The people of this Community are simply trying to survive. They need our help.” “Which is what we’re trying to give them,” Marina said. “Yes, we’ve sensed truth from Matthew, but it is the truth from his point of view. Just as we don’t want to accuse him without hearing his side, we cannot accuse Jay or this Community without hearing theirs. We need all the facts.”

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“Please don’t turn this hotel into a war zone,” Pilar said to Matthew. “Especially since it’s a war you cannot win. These guards have platinum bullets.” “Matthew!” Dulcie called. “Please!” Matthew glanced at Dulcie, then at Adam. For a long moment he held his brother’s gaze before he walked back through the meeting hall and followed Thomas and several guards to the adjoining interrogation room. “What should we do now?” Dulcie asked Marcus. The slender blond hybrid replied, “We wait.” Dulcie, Mara, Adam and The Jury walked back to the hall and sat.

***** “This is crazy!” Marina said from where she sat beside Marcus. The woman’s words dragged Dulcie from her worried thoughts. “They’ve been in there for hours,” Marina continued. “It should have been over long before now.” “Arkin even went in to assist Thomas,” Pilar said, munching a sandwich from the tray Marcus had ordered. Dulcie had no desire to eat the splendid refreshments sent up from the hotel’s kitchen. Her stomach was a knot of anxiety. She noted Adam didn’t touch the food either, but paced the room like a caged tiger. “You’re going to wear out the floor,” Mara muttered to her husband. “I thought this was supposed to be simple?” Dulcie’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Adam, what the hell are they doing to him in there?” Cassia’s pale eyes stared at Dulcie. “I understand your concern, but we cannot interfere.” “The hell we can’t!” Adam turned suddenly and strode toward the door. “If they haven’t got what they want by now, they’re not going to get it.” “I agree.” Marina hurried after Adam. “This is unreasonable.” “About time you woke up,” Vincent said to Adam as he and Dulcie also headed for the interrogation room, the others following close behind them. “Shut up, Vincent,” Adam growled, knocking on the door, which was locked from the inside. When no one responded, Adam ripped it off the wall. The others gasped in shock and ducked as metal hinges soared overhead. Inside the dark, windowless room, surprised guards drew their weapons. “At ease!” Adam ordered the guards. Vincent cracked his neck and snickered. “Sure. You make it so easy to relax.” The guards obeyed Adam without hesitation and stood against the walls. “Adam, with all due respect, this is inappropriate—” Cassia began. 77

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“Shut up, you old buzzard.” Vincent brushed by her, Dulcie behind him. Matthew sat in a chair facing Thomas and Arkin. All three were deathly pale, their faces lined with exhaustion. Dulcie heard their heartbeats and the unnatural rhythm of their breathing. Matthew’s eyes fixed on the wall behind his questioners’ heads as he chanted in a soft whisper. “He’s calling upon Eris,” Marcus whispered at Dulcie’s confused expression. “The Greek goddess of discord.” Thomas and Arkin had stopped their chanting. While Thomas leaned forward, his elbows braced against his knees, Arkin’s bleary eyes shot fury at Adam. “How dare you! We’ve taken a vote and—” “That’s enough, Arkin!” Marina snapped. “This is cruelty, not justice!” “We’re almost through.” Thomas rubbed his eyes. “You are through.” Marina approached Matthew and took his chin in her hand. Staring into his blank eyes, she shook him. “Matthew!” Dulcie shoved her way past Arkin and grasped her husband’s shoulder. “What’s wrong with him?” she demanded. “It’s a trance,” Marina explained. “His telepathy couldn’t compete with theirs, but evidently his magic can. We didn’t realize he was a practicing warlock—or such a skilled one.” “Skilled! If you hadn’t broken in, we’d have broken him!” Arkin bellowed. “All this would finally have been over! Now we’ll have to start again!” Slowly, Matthew’s eyes regained focus. He tumbled forward, panting, but caught himself before he struck the floor. Dulcie slipped her arms around him and helped him back in the chair. Thomas glared at Matthew. A defiant smile touched the young warlock’s lips. “This is outrageous!” Arkin stood, nearly toppling over his chair. “Unless we control him right now, he will be a danger to us all and himself!” “Himself?” Adam snarled. “You’re the only ones doing damage here!” Thomas stood. “Your brother might not be guilty of all the crimes he’s been accused of, but he is guilty of many. He’s also withholding evidence and refusing to cooperate with matters that are damaging to our kind as well as humans. He’s very young and very powerful, much like you, except you’re reasonable. Or at least you were. This display has not helped either of you.” “We were about to break through and get the information we need,” Arkin stated. “In two hours, we will resume. I also motion that once we have secured the information regarding the Original and this Community, we follow through with our ruling.” “What ruling?” Dulcie demanded. “I can guess,” Matthew spoke calmly though his heart raced. “Go ahead and kill me. I told you what the Community thinks about the Network, that you care only for

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yourselves and not for the ones who need your help most. Make me a martyr and show them how right they are. You don’t really want to help them, but subdue them. You never will, because no matter what you like to think, they possess the spirit of our kind. You won’t crush it. Keep telling yourselves you want what’s best for our kind, but what you really want is to protect the old and the powerful without regard for those who need you.” Questioning looks flickered across not only the faces of several Jury members, but of the surrounding guards. “Don’t worry, Matthew,” Thomas said. “We have no intention of killing you.” “During our telepathic communication, we discussed punishment,” Marina explained. “Since Matthew would not willingly provide evidence for or against himself, it is against our laws to put him to death.” Dulcie sighed, but her relief was short-lived as Marina continued, “If we decided he would be a danger, it was ruled that his punishment would be a wiping.” “Don’t you mean a whipping?” Vincent said. “He can handle that.” “No, a wiping,” Pilar said. “With the combined telepathic efforts of The Jury, his mind will be erased. He’ll have no memory of anything or anybody.” “No memory?” Dulcie breathed. “Are you all a bunch of assholes?” Vincent growled, pointing at Matthew. “This kid cured one of our worst diseases. Before you turn the genius into a vegetable, you’ll have to go through me!” “Fine.” Arkin waved his hand. “The moron will go on trial next.” “Who you callin’ a moron?” “Vincent—” Matthew held up a hand, “—don’t bother.” Adam protested, “Matthew is not a danger. Jay is a worse threat.” “Jay is not on trial at this time, but Matthew has withheld evidence and has hindered Network business,” Thomas stated. “Therefore he must be punished.” “Not without another vote,” Adam said. “Another vote?” Thomas raged. “You’re allowing your feelings for your brother to interfere with your judgment.” “And you’re allowing your jealousy of him to interfere with yours!” “Jealousy?” Thomas scoffed. “This is ridiculous,” Cassia said. “Why should any of us be jealous of a child?” “Then why are you so anxious to give him a wiping? Is it because he’s hindered the Network or because you’re afraid of him?” Arkin laughed. “Afraid? Of one so young?” “Yes—” Adam strode around the room, his gaze falling on each member of the Network, “—it’s because he is so young and already has such a command of magic. That’s the reason, isn’t it?” 79

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“You might be the First Father,” Pilar said, “but this attitude will only serve to call up a second trial and get you unseated.” “The only way you’ll succeed with this wiping or a continuation of this interrogation will be to unseat me. And while you’re discussing unseating me, think about the real reasons you want me replaced and Matthew wiped.” “I’m afraid I must agree with the First Father in this matter,” Marina said quietly. The other Jury members stared at her, and she continued, “We don’t have sufficient reason to wipe Matthew Winter. Unless he is a direct threat to us, such a punishment would be tragic, especially considering his brilliance. He can do much more good for our kind with his research than he can as a zombie.” “Zombie!” Dulcie looked horrified. If possible, Matthew’s face paled even more. “I’d rather be dead.” “Exactly,” Thomas said. Cassia shot the Scotsman a discerning look. “Perhaps another vote is a wise idea. It seems we need order among ourselves before we can judge this case.” “Fine.” Arkin’s square jaw set. “It’s dawn now. We’ll resume at dusk. Guards, please escort Dr. Winter into the high-security cell—unless you’ve somehow managed to perfect telekinesis as well?” Arkin’s tone was sarcastic. Silently, Matthew embraced Dulcie before he was taken by ten armed guards.

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Chapter Nine Matthew sat alone in a carpeted, steel-enforced room in Poet’s Manor. The unfurnished, soundproofed cell resembled the inside of a bank vault. He leaned his back against the wall, crossed his feet at the ankles and closed his eyes. Had his mind not spun, he might have slept. He thought of everything, his childhood, medical school, his work at the hospital. He remembered the first time he’d met Adam, the births of his nephew and his younger brothers and sisters. It hurt that he hadn’t managed to explain everything to his parents. They’d given him so much, and he’d repaid them with anguish. Most of all he thought about Dulcie. He couldn’t imagine never recognizing her again, never holding her. A sad smile touched his lips as he recalled the first time they’d met. She’d been so beautiful, but he’d learned that beauty was the least of her attributes. She was kind, caring, considerate and his best friend. The door opened and he stood as Dulcie and Marina entered. Dulcie flung herself into his arms. The blonde hybrid glanced at the husband and wife. “I’ve arranged for her to stay with you tonight.” Marina left them behind the heavy, locked door. “I can’t believe this,” Dulcie murmured against his chest. “They have no right!” “Try telling them that.” “Adam is still trying to convince them, but I think they’re going to vote him out.” “I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done—” “Matthew, don’t—” “No—” he took her hands and held them to his chest, “—please let me speak. I have so much to say, but there aren’t strong enough words. I love you so much, Dulcie. Before you, I had no idea what it meant to be alive. You awakened a part of me that I never knew existed.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Matthew.” “I wanted you to know that. Tell my family I love them. Tell Brett and Mercedes I’m grateful for what they’ve done.” “I can’t stand this,” she whispered. “I can’t.” “Neither can I.” He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. I’m afraid, he thought, I’m so afraid. I know, she replied, closing her eyes as she hugged his waist.

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They sat on the rug, their bodies entwined and their thoughts entangled. He’d finally learned to communicate telepathically and now it—and all his skills and knowledge—would be taken from him. Matthew didn’t know how much time passed before Dulcie drifted into a light sleep. Though tired from the bout with The Jury, he couldn’t rest. As dawn neared, so did the end of life as he knew it. The idea of existing, mindless, was absolutely unbearable. The door opened, and Adam stepped inside. “Come on,” Adam said quietly. Matthew narrowed his eyes in question as he stood and tugged Dulcie to her feet. She blinked sleep from her eyes as she stared at Adam’s tense face. “It’s not time yet.” “Keep quiet and hurry.” Outside, the guards lay unconscious. “Marcus left the door to the back steps open. Mara parked a rented car a block to the left. Tan. The keys are in the ignition. Get out of here fast.” Matthew glanced at the guards, then back to his brother. “You’ll get in trouble for this.” “Let me worry about that.” Adam glanced out the door to make sure the corridor was empty. “They’ll wipe you over my dead body.” Dulcie embraced Adam. “Thank you.” He pushed her toward the door. “Go.” Halfway down the hall, Arkin, Thomas and several guards blocked their path. “Where do you think you’re going?” Thomas demanded. The guards lifted their guns and Matthew shoved Dulcie behind him. Suddenly the door leading to the back steps burst open, and three wiry, hirsute creatures leapt inside, howling. Matthew’s heart pounded as he recognized the werewolves from the New York sewers. The guards fired their guns in the direction of the wolves, who leapt at them, apparently unhindered by the bullets as their teeth and claws ripped and tore. Above the scent of the wolves, Matthew caught another, more familiar scent. Judah’s tall form filled the doorway as he shouted, “Come on! We don’t have all night!” Matthew noted the wolves weren’t attacking him or Dulcie, only the guards and The Jury members. Adam threw off one of the wolves and kicked it across the face. The creature attacked again. Matthew grasped it, shouting to Judah, “Call them off him!” At a growl from Judah, the wolf turned from Adam and pounced on Arkin. Matthew grasped Dulcie and thrust her at Adam. “Take care of her!” “Matthew!” Dulcie screamed, fighting Adam’s grasp as Matthew and Judah disappeared down the steps, the wolves following moments after.

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***** Behind the hotel, the wolves leapt into the open back doors of a black van. “Get in!” Judah ordered. Matthew dove into the van and slammed the doors shut behind him as Judah leapt into the driver’s seat and sped off. Matthew, staring warily at the wolves, made his way to the passenger seat beside Judah. “What’s going on?” Matthew demanded. Judah glanced at him from the corner of his eye. “Looks like I’m breaking you out. I thought you were supposed to be a genius or something?” “Why would you want to break me out? You hate me, remember?” “I was wrong about a lot of things.” Judah’s jaw set as he focused on the road ahead. The wolves’ panting filled the van. One of the hairy, bipedal beasts approached Judah and nuzzled his face. He reached up with one hand to stroke a face that, Matthew noted, possessed oddly human features. He gazed at the others and noticed they also appeared far more human than the other wolves Matthew had seen. They had elongated noses and overhanging brows, but their cheekbones appeared humanlike and their eyes gleamed with intelligence. Their bodies, though covered with hair, moved with equal ease on two legs as well as four, though their gait seemed more ape than wolflike. Two of the creatures were distinctly male, their long, shaggy organs dangling between their furred thighs. The one closest to Judah was female. Her body was leaner than the others, her legs sleek, her firm breasts covered with short, chestnut fur and crowned with dark brown nipples. “How is this possible?” Matthew asked, staring at the creatures who studied him with interest. “I told you I share their blood. Some of the higher forms listen to me.” “We haven’t fought ones like these.” “They live deeper underground. They don’t want to fight us any more than we want to fight them.” Judah shook his head. “Damn it. We have a lot to talk about, Matthew. Jay Ashford screwed us both.” “Jay Ashford? What do you know about Jay Ashford?” “More than I ever wanted to know. Enough to want to kill him.” Judah pulled the van to the side of the road. He stepped out, calling to Matthew over his shoulder, “Let’s go.” “Where?”

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Judah released the wolves, and the group hurried down the dark streets. They climbed to the roof of a boarded-up restaurant and dropped into what had once been the kitchen. Blankets and a sleeping bag covered the floor, along with cartons filled with Chinese food, several thick books and a laptop computer. The wolves sprawled on the blankets in one corner of the dark room. The two males slept, but the female watched the vampires through half-open eyes. “What’s all this?” “I hang out here when I’m in Boston.” “What exactly is it you do in Boston? I know it has to do with Jay Ashford.” Judah picked up a paper bag and tore it open in front of the wolves. The creatures began munching dozens of spare ribs, the bones cracking between their sharp teeth as the scent of the flavored meat wafted throughout the room. Judah sighed and sat on the sleeping bag. He picked up a box of fried rice, pushed another box toward Matthew and began eating. “Come on. Yours is boiled. I know you don’t eat that pork and MSG shit. You’re not touching my chicken fingers, though, but the spare ribs are fair game.” Matthew picked up the box and looked in, sniffing the contents. Judah laughed. “If I was going to kill you, I wouldn’t use poison. I’d do it like we did back in New York. Hand to hand.” Matthew, his stomach grumbling, dug into the food. It had been nearly two days since his last meal. For some stupid reason, he thought of Dulcie’s roasted chickens. “About a year ago, my wife, Leah, bit a mortal who was infected with the poison that almost killed your brother—the same poison you created a cure for. Gareth had heard about the Network from some acquaintances of his. We knew the headquarters was in Boston, so I went there right away. Leah was an Immaculate, like us, so the poison didn’t kill her immediately, as it would a hybrid. I asked around about the Network, and Jay Ashford approached me first. He claimed to be in tight with some of the most important members.” “He wasn’t lying about that,” Matthew said. “Many members of The Jury know him. They’re the ones who ordered my arrest.” “Your brother is on The Jury?” “You know he’s the Network leader, so he’s automatically part of The Jury.” Judah grunted and continued, “Ashford said the Network wouldn’t hear me because I wasn’t part of them, but he would plead my case. He told me they refused to help, but he was more than willing to lend aid. Said he was a doctor who specialized in the study of our kind.” “Also true, but I can’t imagine the Network ignoring you. I don’t agree with many of their decisions, but I’ve never known them to turn away someone who approached them in good faith, particularly with a life-or-death matter.”

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“He never went to them.” Judah’s eyes shone mahogany in his rage. “He lied to me, though I didn’t know it at the time. He said in order to help Leah, he’d need to experiment on us. When we got to his lab, we went through all kinds of tests, many of them painful. He had the werewolves—the ones like the creatures we fight—and said that they were a key part of the cure.” “That is such utter garbage,” Matthew said. “I didn’t even know these creatures existed, so how could they have possibly been used for the cure?” “I didn’t know that. I was desperate. Leah was dying before my eyes and I couldn’t do a thing to help her. I would have gladly died for her—or worse. Well, it certainly ended up worse. He blended us with them, them with us.” “And Leah ended up dying anyway?” Matthew put down his fork. “I’m sorry. If I had known, I would have helped you.” “Leah’s not dead.” Judah held Matthew’s eyes for a long moment. The horrible realization came to him as he turned to the wolves. He stared at the female and shook his head. “No.” “Oh yes.” Judah dropped his food and stood, pacing the room. “That’s what’s left of my wife, Matthew. And the others in this room—all mortals and vampires he’s used as experiments.” “Son of a bitch. Where did these wolves come from—the pure-blooded ones?” “That kid you broke out, that Original? He was the son of the First Father. Jay knew the First Father, did some research for him.” “God.” Matthew ran a hand through his hair. “The First Father had a wife, another Original. They were the only ones left, as far as I know. She was not like him. She tried to sway him from his evil ways, but he didn’t want any of it. From what I was told, he killed her and gave their six-month-old son to Jay, along with several of the wolves. The werewolves came from our home world. They were used by the Originals as guard dogs for military police. The First Father felt his son had too much of his mother in him and was useless. Immaculates fascinated him. Thought we were superior to Originals because of our strength and our ability to walk in sunlight and breed with humans in the traditional way.” “The First Father gave Sage to Jay?” “Sage?” “It’s the Original’s name.” “I saw the kid a few times. Thought he’d been mixed with the wolves, too. He was as vicious as they were, but it wasn’t his fault.” “He’s not vicious at all.” “I heard about how you broke him out. That took guts.” “So did rescuing me tonight. Thank you.”

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Judah’s dark eyes held Matthew’s. “You’re welcome, but I admit I didn’t only do it for your sake.” “Then why?” “Because if anyone can help them—” Judah pointed at the wolves, “—it’s you.” Matthew glanced at the creatures and drew in a deep breath. “I don’t know what I can do. I’d have to go over all Jay’s experiments. I mean, he’s created a whole new species—” “I’m not looking for miracles. I’m just looking for someone who’ll try to understand them. Maybe it will give us a better understanding of who we are and where we came from, too. I know you’re interested in that.” “Look, unless we prove to the Network that Jay has done all of this, I’m never going to be able to work again.” “There’s more to my story, Matthew. Things you have to know before we can do whatever we have to do to bring Jay in.” “What?” “I worked for Jay Ashford. All along, I was under the impression he was doing his best to help Leah. I was willing to sacrifice for her, and I thought Jay was helping me when no one else would or could. He needed someone to get rid of the wolves because they were becoming impossible to contain. I transported them to New York and secured them below. That’s why I traveled back and forth to Boston. I did work for him every now and then, such as helping him get rid of his ‘waste’.” “I can understand your confusion. If anything ever happened to Dulcie, I would have done the same as you. When you love someone that much, it can blind you.” Judah drew a deep breath and said, “After you stole the Original—Sage—your wife was snooping around the center and threatening Jay. He hired me to kill her. Your brother intervened.” Matthew stared at Judah, a growl rumbling in his chest. “You tried to kill Dulcie?” “I know how angry you must be right now, and I don’t blame you, but remember, back then all I knew was that my wife had been dying and you and the Network did nothing.” Matthew stood, his fists clenched and his fangs lengthening. “But you never came to me, so how could you really know I wouldn’t have helped?” The wolves stirred, and the female stood between the Immaculates, her eyes fixed on Matthew, her wolfish fangs bared. Judah placed a hand on her back, stroking her short, sleek fur. “It’s all right, babe. Go back over there.” Matthew sighed, pressing his fingertips to his temples. By rights he should tear out Judah’s throat for attempting to harm Dulcie, but instinct told him Judah’s words were true. After what happened to Leah, it was no wonder Judah’s rage blinded him. Seeing Dulcie in such a condition would have driven Matthew to madness.

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“Matthew, I know saying I’m sorry isn’t enough, but I am sorry. I was wrong about you and wrong about Jay.” “I’m surprised you didn’t kill him once you found all this out.” “I tried.” Judah’s eyes flashed reddish. “I got all this information from a couple of his assistants. Jay took off. He’s hiding somewhere. And there’s one last thing.” “I’m almost afraid to ask.” “The fire in the abandoned building where Gareth died, Jay had it set. He owned the building and thought it would be better for his wallet to make it look like an accident and collect the insurance instead of having it knocked down.” Matthew’s fists clenched so hard his claws cut into his palms. If he had Jay, he’d rip out his throat, but a show of temper at that moment would help nothing. He and Judah had to think. “You know if the two of us go to the Network with this story, they won’t even let us get far enough to talk. They’ll kill us on sight.” Judah nodded. “We’ll have to find Jay on our own. Give him our own brand of justice.” “But first things first. We have to get back to New York and make sure the Community is all right. The Network will be looking for them because of me.” “All we have to do is make sure they keep quiet for a while.” Judah and Matthew sat and continued eating in silence. Matthew picked up several of the books beside the laptop. They were technical books dealing with astronomy. He laughed. “What are you, some kind of rocket scientist?” “Yes.” Matthew’s startled gaze fixed on Judah. “Really?” “When Leah got sick, I was preparing for my Ph.D. I want to study space, maybe find out where our kind came from. Ever since I learned we’re derived from an alien life form, I’ve had to know more about us.” “You should finish your studies.” “I plan on it, once I get this business with Jay settled and find a safe place for Leah and the others.” “Then I suggest we get moving.” Judah called for the wolves, and the five of them headed back to New York.

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Chapter Ten “So you’re saying the Network is after us now?” Mindy folded her arms across her chest and tapped her booted foot on the floor. “Thanks a lot, Matthew.” “Lay off him.” Judah pointed in Mindy’s face. “He could have saved himself a lot of trouble by giving us all away.” “He’s done a lot for us,” Jimmie said. “All we have to do is lie low for a while. Go about business as usual.” Most of the Community members were assembled in the training hall. The ones who weren’t present would be informed of the meeting by word of mouth. Judah and Matthew’s main concern was to make clear to the members that they were disbanded for a short time, so they’d be untraceable when the Network came searching. “This will be the last meeting we have down here, at least for a while,” Judah said. “Shifts for the wolves will continue as usual, and everyone who lives down here can stay. Everyone else should keep out.” “What about you and Matthew?” Laurie asked. “You both are in a lot of danger.” “We’ll work that out,” Matthew said. “What matters most is that you’re all safe. I don’t believe the Network has any intention of harming you, but until they’re ready to really listen to us, we don’t want them interfering.” “So that’s it,” Geneva said. “Everyone take off.” Still murmuring amongst themselves, the crowd dispersed, leaving Matthew, Judah, Jimmie and Geneva in the hall. “So what are you guys really going to do to protect yourselves?” Geneva asked, her hands on her hips. “We have to find Jay Ashford,” Judah said, “and kill him.” “Killing him won’t clear us,” Matthew told him. “We have to use our heads, Judah.” “You use your damn head. I want that bastard’s blood on my claws!” “Think about Leah and the others. Unless we can clear ourselves with the Network, neither of us will be able to work.” Judah’s eyes glowed mahogany and his teeth ground, but he nodded. “All right, Winter. We’ll clear our names, but when all this is over, I’m going to kill him.” “I don’t blame you.” Jimmie raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t sound like you, Matthew.”

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“When it comes to revenge, I’m not one to talk.” Matthew turned from his companions and walked out of the hall. “I have to move out of my room. Judah, I’ll meet you back here at dawn.” Matthew left the sewer and walked the dim streets toward his building. Suddenly a car swerved, crashing into him. He was thrown through a shop window. Glass shattered, cutting his hands and face, the impact almost knocking him senseless. Tires screeched as the car sped toward the building. Matthew leapt out of the way just before the vehicle smashed him. He knew by scent the four armed men inside were hybrids. This isn’t the Network’s style, he thought. They had to be employees of Jay. After Judah’s display in Boston, Jay must be terrified for his life. He planned to destroy Matthew and Judah before they could kill him. As the car backed out of the debris, Matthew yanked off the door on the driver’s side and ripped the driver from the car, punching him in the face. He tore the gun off the man’s holster and fired at the hybrid in the front passenger seat, who had also drawn a gun and aimed at Matthew’s heart. The hybrid shrieked as the bullet pierced his chest. Matthew had no doubt that the bullet was made of platinum. He dropped to the ground and rolled under the car as the two in the backseat fired. Matthew kicked the legs out from under the nearest thug as he stepped out of the car. After crawling from under the car, Matthew fired his gun, striking the hybrid in the shoulder. The remaining hybrid fired several random shots, but Matthew dove behind the store’s counter, his heart pounding. He was sick of being chased and sick of violence. The hybrid he’d punched had regained consciousness and leapt on one end of the countertop while the other armed attacker advanced from the opposite end. Matthew sprang onto the counter and ran for the door. The hybrid with the gun fired a second after Matthew leapt down from the counter, striking his partner instead. A police officer, hearing the car crash and gunfire, approached the store. Matthew shoved him aside as the hybrid fired. Pain exploded in Matthew’s side, but he spun, his own shot embedding in the hybrid’s heart. The police officer, his weapon drawn, approached Matthew, who fixed his eyes on the human’s. The policeman stared blankly for several moments, coming back to consciousness as Matthew rounded the corner and disappeared. Matthew paused, leaning against the side of a building, and looked at his side. He was bleeding profusely and his abdomen felt like it was on fire. “Fucking platinum,” he panted, pressing a hand to his side. He knew he had little time before the platinum rendered him completely helpless. His apartment was several streets down, but by the time he reached the building, his breath rasped painfully and he trembled in spite of his body’s rising heat.

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In the bathroom, he examined the wound more closely. The platinum bullet had exploded into several shards on impact. He had no way of knowing how many pieces were inside him, ripping bone and muscle. Though he managed to remove several pieces himself, he felt far too lightheaded to continue. Besides, the position was impossible. He staggered to Laurie’s apartment and knocked. Looking sleepy, she answered the door in a faded jogging suit, her hair disheveled, but snapped awake upon seeing his condition. “What the hell happened?” “I was attacked. I need help. I can’t do this myself.” He staggered, and she caught him before he hit the floor. “Shit, you weigh a ton!” She grimaced, helping him to lean against the wall. “Can you make it back to your apartment? I’ll go below and get Jimmie and Judah.” He nodded as she raced off. His room seemed miles away, but he finally reached it. Moments later, Judah and Jimmie burst in. “Shit.” Judah snarled. “Jay’s men. It had to be.” Jimmie examined the wound and shook his head. “I spent years in the military and the police force. I know first aid, but I’m no doctor. You need a hospital.” “I can’t. The Network…I’ll talk you through it. As long as you get out all the platinum, everything else will heal.” Even Judah looked skeptical, but he agreed, “You’re right. This place is crawling with Network and now Ashford’s thugs.” “You don’t want me doing this, Matthew,” Jimmie said. Matthew stared at him. “Have you been drinking?” “No. I’m sober.” “Then you’ll be fine.” It’s me I’m not so sure about. Within moments, Jimmie was following Matthew’s strained instructions as he searched for the shards of platinum. “I see one.” Jimmie attempted to extract the glistening barb. Matthew nearly bolted from the pain, but Judah held him steady as Jimmie probed, cursing under his breath. “Tell me about Dulcie,” Judah told Matthew in an attempt to keep his mind off the task at hand. “You saw her,” Matthew said through clenched teeth, his fingers tightening on the sheets. “Yeah, but what’s she like?” “She’s beautiful. She’s fun.” Matthew’s voice sounded unsteady. Tears of pain slipped from the corners of his eyes. “She has a great sense of humor… Jesus!” 90

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“Tell me more.” Judah’s grip tightened on Matthew. “Does she work, or is she just your sex slave?” “She’s…a great artist.” Matthew panted with relief as the probing stopped. “That’s one.” Jimmie sighed. “Gotta look for more. What’s next?” “Tell me what you’re seeing,” Matthew said. Jimmie described the bloody mess in front of him, and the operation continued. “I can’t do any more.” Jimmie shook his head. Judah glanced at Matthew’s side. “You better have gotten it all.” “I don’t think so.” Matthew, scarcely conscious, forced his eyes open. “Close it.” Jimmie nodded vigorously. “How?”

***** “This is very bad.” Geneva’s voice filtered through Matthew’s semiconscious mind. “He’s getting worse.” “I know,” Judah agreed. “Must be the platinum. There’s some left in there.” Matthew tried opening his eyes but the lids felt like steel. His entire body was aflame. No matter how he forced himself to breathe, his lungs couldn’t seem to expand enough. “Matthew!” Judah spoke loudly as he placed a cup to his lips. “Drink this. It’s more of my blood.” Matthew swallowed with difficulty, his throat swollen. His eyes opened halfway, and he saw concern on his companions’ faces. Geneva placed a cool cloth on his forehead as Judah said to her, “We don’t have any choice. We have to get his brother and his wife. He needs proper medical attention, or…” “Don’t say it, Judah!” Geneva hissed, pointing a finger at the Immaculate. “It’s a fact!” “Don’t bring Dulcie,” Matthew rasped, trying to stand. “Too dangerous…” “Okay, okay.” Judah pushed him back onto the bed with little effort. “Just relax.” Matthew closed his eyes. Moments later, he heard the door shut. “I’m sure Dulcie can take care of herself.” Geneva removed the cloth from his forehead and dampened it with fresh water. “She seemed strong to me.” Matthew was too tired to argue, too tired to protest against Geneva’s care. Just as he felt himself drifting off, a soft, chaste kiss brushed his lips. He opened his eyes slightly and found himself staring into Geneva’s youthful face.

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“Sorry,” she murmured. “I had to do that. I know you don’t feel the same, but I love you, Matthew. I have to tell you in case you croak.” Matthew closed his eyes, his head spinning. “Leave me alone, Geneva.” “Yeah.” She sighed. “Just what I thought you’d say. You hate me.” He tried moistening his dry lips with an even drier tongue. Geneva held a glass of water to his mouth, and he swallowed, then lay back, his side throbbing. “I don’t hate you,” he whispered. “You don’t love me.” “I love Dulcie.” I love Dulcie with all my heart.

***** Dulcie’s gaze swept the scratched floor and stained carpet as she, Adam, Brett and Jules—Matthew’s former employer from the research hospital—followed Geneva up the steps of Matthew’s building. The hallways smelled musty and the floors creaked. Lights flickered in the cracked ceiling. She’d never imagined Matthew living in such a place. It was only a day after Matthew’s escape, and Dulcie had traveled back to New York with Adam and Mara. They’d gone there in search of Matthew because, just after he’d fled, Brett and Mercedes had arrived with Sage. News had reached them about Matthew’s capture. The Original had insisted on speaking to The Jury. Mercedes and Brett, fearful for Matthew’s life, had agreed. The Jury had been astounded by Sage. Dulcie could understand why. She’d been shocked by the Original and his words, but at the moment, Sage was not her concern. It had been midday when the childlike vampire, Geneva, knocked on Adam and Mara’s front door and demanded help for Matthew. She said he’d been attacked and was dying. Brett, who had left Mercedes and Sage in Boston and come to assist in finding Matthew, helped Adam “borrow” hospital supplies. Together with Jules, they followed the girl to the ghetto where Matthew lived. Ahead, Jules, a small, timid-looking hybrid, jerked his foot as a roach ran over it. Jules had run the research hospital where Matthew had been falsely accused of taking bribes. Dulcie thought to herself, Had Jules not been out of the country conducting private research, this entire situation never would have occurred. But for over a year Jules had been unreachable. Now that he’d returned, changes were definitely in order, providing Matthew survived. Geneva’s description of his condition was unsettling. Dulcie’s fears were justified when they opened the door to the one-room apartment.

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Matthew lay on a bed pushed against a peeling wall, his breathing shallow and his sweat-beaded flesh as pale as the sheet covering him to his waist. A bandage swathed his stomach and chest. A tall, muscular black man—the one who’d broken Matthew out of Poet’s Manor— sat by his bedside but stood as Dulcie’s group entered. From Matthew’s descriptions, Dulcie guessed he was Judah, but she was shocked that he was also the same man who’d hired someone to kill her last year. “Adam?” Judah asked, wary as his gaze met that of Matthew’s twin. “He got shot with platinum. Lots of shards. We tried to dig out as much as we could, but there’s got to be more in there.” “Apparently,” Brett said as he, Adam and Jules surrounded Matthew’s bed while Judah stepped out of the way. “When this is done, I want to know what the hell’s going on with you.” Adam glanced at Judah. “Dulcie and I both know you tried to kill her.” A moan from Matthew drew their attention. His eyes opened, momentarily unfocused. “Adam?” he murmured. “Just relax.” Adam rested a hand on his shoulder. “We’re going to get the rest of that platinum out of you.” Jules started an IV in Matthew’s arm as he said, “But this time we’ll put you to sleep.” “Good,” Matthew murmured. “Jules, where the hell have you been?” “Away. Sorry about all this, Matthew.” Jules motioned with his head toward Judah. “Why are most of you male Immaculates so damn big?” Matthew turned his head slightly, his gaze fixed on Dulcie. Looking fearful, he tried sitting up. “Why did you bring her here?” “Stop moving,” Brett ordered as he prepared to assist Adam and Jules in removing the platinum. “You know, for a doctor, you’re a lousy patient.” Matthew paid no attention, his heart racing from fever and agitation. Jules motioned for Dulcie to approach. She stroked matted hair from Matthew’s perspiring forehead. His dark blue eyes searched her face and her stomach twisted. “You’ll be all right,” she told him. “This time I know everything will be.” “Why is Brett here?” Matthew’s voice grew softer as the drug Jules had administered took hold. “Sage…” “Sage is fine,” Brett assured him. Matthew’s eyes slipped shut as he fell unconscious. Dulcie stepped aside as Adam, Brett and Jules worked. Folding her arms across her chest, she paced in front of the doorway, the aroma of Matthew’s blood filling the room.

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Usually she loved the scent of it, but not now, not when it was brought forth by a nearfatal injury. “So you’re Dulcie?” The stunning black Immaculate spoke. “So you’re Judah. You tried to have me killed.” Dulcie glared at him, though it was difficult for a five-foot-four-inch female to appear intimidating while looking up to a six-foot-five Immaculate male, but she didn’t care. She was so furious and worried about Matthew that she felt like she could fight Judah herself. “Adam and I caught the guy you sent to do it. When we searched his mind, we saw you. I don’t understand why you want me dead but risked so much to rescue my husband.” “What I did to you was a mistake. I explained it all to Matthew.” “Care to explain it to me?” “When Matthew’s better, I’m sure we’ll all have to talk.” He dragged a chair toward Dulcie. “Sit down. This might take a while.” Watching Judah cautiously, she sat. He leaned against the door, one hand stroking his goatee. Dulcie glanced at the bed, unable to see much behind Adam and Brett’s backs. She left the room and stood in the hallway, willing her hands to stop trembling. The door of the neighboring apartment opened and out stepped a young mortal woman dressed in baggy overalls. “Hey.” The woman offered Dulcie her hand to shake. “You’ve got to be Dulcie.” Dulcie nodded. “And you are?” “Laurie. How’s Matthew? He’s had us scared shitless. I never seen him look so bad.” “He’ll be all right. I hope.” “Sure he will. He’s strong as a horse. Probably stronger, being what he is. A lot of us owe him so much. He’s a real good guy. If it wasn’t for him, I’d never have gone to cooking school. I never would have thought of it, but one night when I brought dinner over—” “Dinner?” Dulcie lifted an eyebrow. “Sure. I cooked for him a lot. All’s he can make is peanut butter and jelly. I guess he never had no time to learn how to cook with such an important job.” “Or when he has a wife and mother to do it for him,” Dulcie muttered. If she hadn’t been so worried about Matthew, she’d have been furious. All those months she spent thinking about him, and he had some woman cooking his meals and heaven knew what else. “So you cooked for Matthew a lot?” “Me and my kids was starving because I had no money. He helped us out and I did his cooking.” Laurie’s face flushed. “Man, this probably don’t sound too good to you. Look, there was nothing going on.” Dulcie lifted her chin. “I didn’t think there was.”

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“I mean, all’s he ever talked about was you. My kids like him a lot.” Laurie fidgeted with the buttons on the side of her overalls. “You want to come in and have some coffee?” Dulcie sighed. Having someone to share her concern at the moment sounded good, so she stepped into the woman’s apartment. “If you want I can spike it with some whiskey,” Laurie said. “You look like you could use it.” “No thanks.” Dulcie glanced around the apartment, which had three rooms to Matthew’s one. A toddler played with blocks on the floor while a young boy sat on the couch watching cartoons. “Hey, Ma,” the boy asked, “who’s she?” “This is Matthew’s wife.” “Cool!” The boy jumped up. Laurie pointed at him with the mug she was carrying. “You just keep your butt on that couch. Don’t bug her right now.” Dulcie nearly smiled. Though rough around the edges, Laurie seemed okay. Still, she didn’t like the idea of a strange woman cooking for Matthew. Laurie poured the coffee and brought it to the table with a strudel. She nodded toward the pastry. “I’m practicing for a test. The first few times it didn’t come out too good. I don’t know how Matthew ate the first one.” “Was he distracted? When he’s distracted, I’ve seen him eat things the garbage disposal would reject.” Laurie laughed. “He said you had a good sense of humor. You’re an artist, huh?” “Yes.” “Good at people?” “Some say so.” “Maybe you could do my kids someday?” Dulcie pulled a sketchbook out of her purse, grateful for something to distract her from her worry. “I’ll do them right now.” She turned and began sketching the scene across the room, the toddler on the floor, the little boy on the couch, the television and the window above it. Laurie watched silently over her shoulder as she worked, commenting gleefully on how much the drawing looked like her children. When Dulcie finished, she handed Laurie the picture. The woman stuck it to the refrigerator with a magnet. “I have to buy a frame for that. Will you do my daughter? She’s taking a nap in the bedroom.” Dulcie followed Laurie to the next room where a chubby girl with dark curls slept.

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“She’s so cute,” Dulcie commented as she tried to capture with her pencil the softly rounded cheeks, thick eyelashes and serene expression. “That’s how I first met Matthew. She was really sick and I couldn’t get to a doctor. He took care of her.” Dulcie smiled, a pang of love and sadness piercing her breast. That was Matthew. So many times he thought of other people before himself, just as he had with Sage. Ironic that his caring nature might just kill him. No! He will not die! But if he did, she’d kill Jay Ashford herself.

***** Matthew’s eyes focused on Dulcie, who sat beside him sketching in a notebook. He called to her, annoyed by the weakness in his voice. She placed the sketchbook aside and smiled. “How are you feeling?” “All right.” He moved slightly, wincing. “Sore.” “You should be.” Jules approached and rested a hand on Matthew’s shoulder. “We pulled a lot of platinum out of you. You cracked a few ribs, too. It’ll take you a few days to recover. I want you to rest.” Matthew nodded as Jules left. Already he felt sleepy again. Glancing at his fingers entwined with Dulcie’s, he thought how small and soft her hand was. The glint of her gold wedding band caught his attention. Suddenly he wanted his, now that he was finally able to wear it again. He reached for his throat, realizing his ring was gone from his neck. Sitting up, he stretched for the nightstand drawer, his bandaged side smarting. “What do you want?” she asked. “My wedding ring.” She opened the slender drawer and half-smiled. The contents—a notebook, magazine and wallet—were neatly arranged. The entire apartment appeared spotless. Beneath the fading scent of blood, she smelled cleaning fluids. There were times when Matthew’s neatness drove her crazy, but after so many months of living with Vincent, she could scarcely wait for her husband to come home. The gold wedding band sat on top of the magazine. She removed it from the makeshift necklace and turned to him. “Let me.” She slipped the ring onto his large, graceful hand and held his palm to her cheek. “I love you, Matthew.” “I love you too.” He traced her lips with his fingertip. “Why is Brett here, and what’s going on with Sage? Come here and sit beside me.” She settled next to him on the bed, her cheek resting against his shoulder. “When Sage found out you were on trial, he wanted to speak on your behalf.” “But that was so dangerous. Brett and Mercedes never should have allowed it.”

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“Brett and Mercedes were as afraid for your life as the rest of us, and it’s a good thing they brought him to The Jury. The Network knows what a mistake they made regarding him and you. As soon as you’re recovered, they want to speak with you and Sage, as well as Jay. The only problem is Jay seems to have disappeared.” “It figures. Because of Judah and the wolves.” “Judah told us some of what happened. Jay is a monster. He deserves to be dead.” “I’m not sure I want to go before The Jury again. I can’t take any more accusations and threats. I can’t live like that anymore.” “Matthew, if I didn’t believe with all my heart you’ll finally be treated fairly, I wouldn’t suggest returning to Boston. Sage is remarkable. You did a wonderful thing by saving him.” “I did what anyone else would have if they’d seen what I had seen.” “Other people saw it, people who worked for Jay. They didn’t have the courage to do anything about it. Since Jay’s disappeared and The Jury’s been questioning the employees at his center, you wouldn’t believe how many of them have spilled their guts about what he’s done. The Jury is badly split. Many of the members of the Network are on your side.” He shook his head. “I honestly couldn’t care less about the Network.” “Me either, but regardless of what we think, they’re a powerful organization. They’re in need of reform. What you’ve done has finally brought it about—or at least the beginning of it.” He sighed, closing his eyes, his head throbbing. The remains of the fever and weakness still lingered. “I’m sorry. You need to rest.” She kissed his cheek and tried moving away, but his grip tightened on her. “Please stay.” She slipped back beside him, her body close to his, until he drifted to sleep.

***** Careful not to wake Matthew, Dulcie slid from the bed and picked up her sketchbook. She’d just started drawing when the apartment door opened. Geneva approached, her arms folded across her thin chest. She glanced at Dulcie before focusing on Matthew and approaching the bed. “He is so beautiful. You’re a lucky bitch.” “Excuse me?” Dulcie let the sketchbook drop to her lap. Geneva sighed. “No wonder he never gave me a second look. You’re beautiful, too. What’s it like, Dulcie, being able to seduce any man you want without resorting to mind control? You must have seduced him. Is that how you got him?” “You are jealous and rude and certainly no kid in spite of how you look.”

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“I’m much older than you.” Geneva lifted her chin. “But I think I’d give all my experience just to look like you for a moment—just to have him look at me the way he looks at you. But it’ll never happen.” Dulcie picked up her pencil and began working. She disliked Geneva’s pushiness, her arrogance, but she was honest, and Dulcie certainly couldn’t hold that against her. After several moments, Dulcie tossed aside her pencil and snapped, “Will you stop staring at him like that?” “Why not? Soon he’ll be going and I’ll never see him again. You’ll have him for centuries—maybe longer, if you don’t get tired of each other. What’s he like in bed?” “That’s enough!” Dulcie snarled. “If you want to stay, then act civilized!” Geneva glared at Dulcie, turned on her heel and left. Dulcie glanced at the closed door for several long moments. It was a strange world Matthew had become a part of. The Community members she met were all so different, some mortal, some hybrid, some crazy, some sane, but all simply wanting the same thing—to survive. She found Geneva and Judah the strangest of all, both torn between two species, one between vampire and wolf, the other between vampire and a human child. Part of her felt sorry for Geneva, but the little hybrid was so flippant, so hateful. And she would have to be in love with Matthew. Not that Dulcie blamed her. Once a person got past Matthew’s outward stiffness and severity, he was easy to love.

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Chapter Eleven Matthew’s cheek brushed a mass of soft, perfumed hair. Smiling, he opened his eyes. Nothing felt better than awakening beside Dulcie, even if the bed was too small for both of them and his side still ached from the attack two days ago. He felt much stronger, though, restored by the removal of the platinum and drinking so much blood from both Dulcie and Adam. As he slipped out of the bed, Dulcie uttered a sleepy moan and snuggled back into the warm covers. He rested his hand lightly on her shoulder before walking to the bathroom, where he inspected his healing side, showered and shaved. He left the apartment to buy coffee and bagels in the shop across the street. When he returned, Dulcie was showering. Wearing a robe, her hair wet, feet bare and her exotic face looking fresh and makeup-free, she stepped out of the bathroom. She smiled at him, slipping into his arms. She tilted her face up to his, her chin brushing his chest. “You look better.” “I feel better. Sick of being cooped in this room.” “Thank you.” Sarcasm laced her voice. “I didn’t say I’m sick of being cooped with you. Had it not been for you, being stuck here would have been unbearable.” “Smooth, Dr. Winter. Very smooth.” “Smooth enough to get you back into bed?” His hands slipped beneath her robe and caressed her breasts. Dulcie sighed, arching into his palms. “Are you sure you’re up to it?” A coy smile played around his lips as he glanced at the bulge in his black workout pants. “In every possible way.” Dulcie grasped his hands and tugged him toward the bed. Matthew had just begun to kiss and nip her throat when a knock sounded on the door. “Who is it?” Matthew growled. “Us!” Paul shouted from the hallway. Matthew and Dulcie playfully locked fangs before she sat up and belted her robe while he answered the door. Outside, Jimmie and Paul stood smiling. “Figured it was about time we saw how you were doing,” Jimmie said. “After that butcher job I did on you.” 99

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“You did fine. It was my fault, anyway. I should have called Adam first thing. I’ve just gotten used to hiding.” “Well, we’ve missed you in the sewers,” Paul said. “And the band’s been asking about you. Said you were a pretty good lead singer.” “Lead singer?” Dulcie stared at him. “You sing?” “All the howlers can sing.” Paul shrugged, his gaze fixed on Dulcie. “Damn. This is one fine woman.” “That’s my wife,” Matthew snarled. Paul backed up, his hands raised in defense. “Sorry. I shoulda known. It’s just he never said you had the…” Paul cupped his hands in front of his chest. “And the legs and shit.” “Say goodbye, Paul.” Matthew shoved him toward the door, and Jimmie followed. Dulcie couldn’t resist a smile of satisfaction as Matthew closed the door. “Well, at least you know there are men attracted to me.” “Of course men are attracted to you. You’re beautiful.” “Oh, so I’m only beautiful?” She placed her hands on her hips. “One woman is as good as another for things like cooking your meals.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “I forgot to mention I met your neighbor, Laurie.” “Laurie? She’s a nice kid.” “Why didn’t you tell me you were playing house with a mortal?” “What do you mean, ‘playing house’?” “Don’t give me that innocent look with those blue eyes of yours. I’m home worrying about you, and you have this woman cooking for you and who knows what else—” “Wait a minute! I never did anything with any woman but you…and I mean ever!” “Then why didn’t you tell me about her?” “Because I didn’t think it was important! When was I supposed to tell you? We’ve only been together about three whole days since I left. I didn’t think of every little detail. Besides, I’d never sleep with anyone but you.” “Really?” “And I’ve had opportunities.” Matthew thought briefly of Rosa Ferrer. Dulcie’s eyes widened as she picked up his mental picture of the voluptuous Hispanic woman. “You bastard! Who is she?” “Who?” “Come on, Matthew! Stop with the naïve act! You’re a warlock and a halfway decent telepath now. Who’s that black-haired bitch with the big boobs? God, you lust after her! I can smell it!”

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“Only because she reminded me of you…I mean her body did. You’re much more beautiful and worthwhile.” “Well, gee, thanks!” Dulcie snapped, attempting to pry deeper into Matthew’s thoughts. She wanted to be certain he hadn’t cheated on her. “Stop it!” he hissed, thrusting her out of his mind. “I can’t believe you think I’d sleep with any woman while I’m married to you! That’s more your department, if I remember correctly. You’re the one whose premarital hobby was sleeping with men!” “You son of a bitch!” Dulcie’s fangs slipped from her gums as her temper flared. “It’s not my fault you were a virgin when I met you! If you got your nose out of your research, you might have had some experience, genius!” “Oh, so now you’re saying I was lousy in bed?” “I didn’t say that!” “And don’t call me genius! You sound like Vincent.” Matthew’s eyes widened. “Speaking of Vincent, I’m here defending myself to you when that bozo was living with you and eating my chickens!” Dulcie’s anger faded suddenly and she laughed. “What?” he demanded. “Oh, Matthew.” She laughed so much she could scarcely talk. Resting her hands against his chest, she tried to control herself. “Your chickens!” A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “It’s true.” “I love you, Matthew.” She hugged him and felt his arms tighten around her. “I’m sorry. I just got jealous when I thought of another woman spending so much time with you.” “It was only in friendship. I swear.” “I believe you.” “What about you and Vincent?” She looked up at him, her humor fading. “It’s Vincent we’re talking about.” “Then I guess it’s safe to say you didn’t have a torrid affair?” “The only man I want a torrid affair with is you.” He dragged her to his chest and said, “I can definitely oblige.” Unfastening the belt on her robe, he parted the fabric and knelt in front of her. Grasping a soft, warm breast in each hand, he gently squeezed and stroked them while kissing her ribs and belly. Dulcie’s eyes slipped shut as she ran her fingers through his hair, feeling the thick curls grasp her fingers. She’d been so terrified of losing him forever that she appreciated the time they shared as mortals must treasure their limited time with loved ones. His warm, moist tongue stroked her clit, rubbing up and down, then in tender circles. Dulcie trembled, her legs weakening as her passion grew. “Oh, Matthew, I love you so much,” she murmured.

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I love you too, he spoke telepathically as his lips and tongue continued their intimate exploration. His hands slid down her sides and around her back. He cupped her buttocks, his fingers stroking and squeezing as the tip of his tongue traced the sides of her clit. “Ah!” she cried out, stumbling a bit toward the door. He followed, supporting her with his hand, his mouth never leaving her clit. His clever tongue knew exactly how to touch her, precisely how much pressure to use to drive her wild. She panted, her shoulders and head braced against the door, her legs supported almost entirely by his strength. “Please, please, oh, please!” she murmured breathlessly. Please? his psychic voice teased. Please ram your cock in me! The sound and feeling of her desperation excited Matthew to the point of explosion. His bulging cock strained against his jeans. He kicked off his boots and tore off the constraining denim. Dulcie’s eyes opened halfway and she gazed at him from where she leaned, panting, against the door. His cock stretched against his white briefs that he slashed off with a swipe of his claws. The sight of his steely, veined erection made her mouth go dry. She licked her lips as he approached. “Hold me,” he ordered, his voice rough with desire as he bent his knees and thrust his cock deep inside her. Dulcie wrapped her legs tightly around him as her arms clung to his neck so hard she hoped she wasn’t choking him. No, it’s perfect, he told her, bracing his hands against the door and thrusting deep and fast as he bit her. Her fangs sank into his throbbing neck and she came. I missed you so much, Dulcie! I love you, Matthew! I love you! His affectionate thoughts tumbled through both their minds as passion overwhelmed him and he climaxed, spurting into her hot, wet pussy.

***** Matthew growled as he performed one final pull-up before his hands slipped from the bar. He landed on his feet, a hand pressed to his injured side, his blue Tshirt clinging to his perspiring flesh. “You shouldn’t push yourself this soon.” Matthew’s gaze shifted to the training hall entrance as Adam ventured inside. Matthew had caught his brother’s scent as soon as he’d entered the sewer. Had Adam been searching for him or merely snooping around?

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“I feel better.” Matthew brushed unruly tendrils of hair from his face. “I have a lot of energy to burn after being stuck in my room for the past few days.” Adam walked to the wall where the weapons hung—swords and staffs, tonfas and daggers. Adam touched one of the tonfas. “I hear you’re very good with these now.” “I’ve had good teachers.” “I’m sorry about Gareth. I would like to have known him.” Matthew approached the wall and ran his fingertips over the platinum-tipped staff that had belonged to Gareth. Gareth had left the staff to Judah and his tonfas to Matthew. “He probably would have liked you. You’re diligent, single-minded.” “A lot like you.” “Considering we’re twins, I don’t think we’re much alike at all.” Adam tapped one of the metal cylinders with a test jab. “Your friends have shown me all around these sewers, except for where the wolves are kept.” “I’ll take you there myself. You have to see it to believe it.” “I saw the ones Judah brought to Poet’s Manor.” “They were civilized.” Adam lifted an eyebrow. “What do you plan on doing about them? Judah said you’ve been conducting research.” “Yes, but it’s hard to gather information in this setting. I wish I could get them to a lab.” “We’ll have to do something with them. We can’t have them trapped below, hoping they won’t escape. I’m told they’re virtually impossible to kill.” “I have no intention of killing them. I want to understand them, but I need help. You’re right in saying we need to find better containment for them.” “As soon as we’re back from Boston, we’ll deal with them. I promise.” Matthew folded his arms across his chest. “Boston.” “This time it will be different for you. The Jury is fascinated with Sage. He’s remarkable.” Matthew’s eyes met Adam’s with a tinge of bitterness. “I told you that a year ago.” “I was wrong. I should have listened to you more closely. When I realized my own parents had been lying to me to keep Sage safe, I knew how wrong I’d been, how blinded by my own position with the Network.” “I didn’t intend to create problems between you and Mercedes and Brett. I was surprised when they agreed to risk so much to help me.” “They care for you very much. And they knew you were right and I was wrong.” “When are we leaving for Boston?” “Tonight.”

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Matthew nodded, lifting his tonfas from the wall and twirling them. “I’m not finished here. I’ll meet you and Dulcie for lunch later.” “Matthew, things have changed for you. I can only imagine what you’ve gone through down here. The Network should have known about this Community and done something to assist—” “You have no idea what I’ve been through, Adam.” Matthew turned to his twin. “I notice how you say ‘down here’. You speak of it as I once did, before I lived here for a while. Do you want to know why the Network doesn’t care about what happens to us ‘down here’? It’s because this Community is made up of childlike hybrids, the insane, the poor, the uneducated. Most of them are very young. And there are humans involved. Imagine that! The almighty vampires living as equals with human beings! The Network doesn’t want to know about this Community because it’s made up of outcasts who destroy the Network’s illusion of vampiric power. I’ll tell you something else, Adam, I’m more like them than like you or any member of the Network because I know what it’s like to be an outcast. I spent most of my life hiding from my vampire side. I know what it feels like to be different from everyone else around me. I’ve been on the outside.” Adam took a moment to speak. Finally he said, “I haven’t exactly fit in throughout my life either. I know the Network has made wrong decisions, but I think their original purpose was good. Their intentions are good. They’ve just forgotten their beginnings. Many of the members have become too old and too powerful. The Network is in need of reform. Now, because of Sage, this Community and you, they’re ready for change. The Network can be a formidable resource for our kind. I want to see them back on the right track. However, a rift has been dug between us, Matthew, and my association with the Network is responsible for a large part of it. I never thought I’d see the day when we’d try to kill each other.” Matthew sighed deeply. “You’re right, Adam. I have changed because otherwise I wouldn’t have survived. When I almost killed you, I realized there’s a lot I don’t like about who I’ve become. That’s why I surrendered to you.” “I want to continue working with the Network because I think it’s worthwhile. I swear I will fight them to ensure they act fairly from now on. I want to help them change and become the symbol of justice they once were, but not if it means losing your friendship. If it comes between you and the Network, there’s no decision. I’ll resign my position. You’re much more important.” Matthew paused for a moment. “I don’t know what to say, except that for you to leave the Network would be a disservice to everyone. They need a strong, open-minded leader. They need you.” “I’m very sorry about what happened this year. I know that’s not enough, but—” “It’s enough.” Matthew smiled. “It’s good to hear.” “I’ve really missed you.” “I’ve missed you, too.”

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The brothers embraced roughly before stepping apart. Matthew placed his weapons aside and said, “So do you want to fight now?” “I don’t know.” Adam began stretching his legs. “You’re still injured.” Matthew winked. “Then it evens the odds.” “Once I can cut down my hours at the hospital, we’ll see who the odds favor.” The twins touched fists before they dove into a friendly match that lasted until Dulcie sought them out and scolded them for missing lunch and dinner.

***** Matthew’s heartbeat quickened as he stepped out of the elevator at Poet’s Manor and approached the doors to the meeting hall. He made a conscious effort to control his breathing, since the hotel’s atmosphere evoked feelings of anxiety. Dulcie gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. It’ll be all right this time, she told him silently. Sorry if I have trouble believing it, he replied. Together, they entered the room. Matthew noticed Marcus, Brett and Mercedes among other Network members seated in chairs around the room. The Jury, all except Thomas, assembled at their semicircular table. Directly across from The Jury stood a slight, pale-haired youth dressed in a tan suit. The boy turned in Matthew’s direction and smiled. Sage. Matthew scarcely recognized him. In less than a year, his appearance had changed from child to teen. About Jules’ height, he was very small, yet his bone structure had thickened. His sculpted face looked pale, almost seraphic. Large, dark eyes fixed on Matthew’s before turning back to The Jury. Matthew and Dulcie sat side by side in chairs a short distance from where Sage stood. The trial began. “Matthew Winter, since your departure last week, new evidence has come into light regarding the charges against you. We also realize The Jury itself might have been wrong in decisions made regarding the Original—Sage. To satisfy formality, we must proceed in the dictated manner and ask the Original to speak on your behalf and describe his treatment by Jay Ashford so that charges may be brought against him.” During a brief pause, several guards escorted Jay through the doors. He sat on the chair beside Sage. The boy cast him one searching look before settling into his chair. Matthew tensed at the sight of Jay, his claws biting into the arms of his chair. He willed his anger into submission, forcing himself to remain seated and not rip his adversary apart. He noted that Jay’s face was gray with fear, but in spite of his terror, rage flashed through his mind.

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“Sage, you may speak.” Arkin nodded to the Original who, in a soft yet powerful voice, eloquently described his treatment at the hands of Jay Ashford. He also detailed experiments he’d witnessed on the werewolves, as well as hybrids and mortal victims. The room remained silent, except for the frantic beating of Jay and Matthew’s hearts, each rivaling the other in fury, though Jay’s also throbbed with terror. He knew that in the face of Sage’s keen intelligence and profound expression, nothing he said in his own defense would justify his imprisonment of the Original. “I owe the new life I’ve found to Matthew Winter,” Sage concluded his statements. “He rescued me and ensured my safety at tremendous risk to himself. I’ve heard the accusations against him. I can clear some of them by confirming that during his rescue of me, he harmed no one except himself. As for the manner in which he’s been forced to live while in hiding, I cannot judge, but I can offer my opinion. He might have made some mistakes and committed wrongdoings, but he had good intentions. He has stood for the weak. He has done his best to defend those who cannot help themselves. I’ve read about this Network. Brett and Mercedes have told me about it. From what I’ve observed, Matthew Winter embodies the original purpose of the Network. He reflects its spirit. To destroy him would be to destroy yourselves.” The Jury members communicated telepathically. Suddenly Jay burst out, “Surely you don’t intend to place the words of these children, particularly the son of the First Father, above me? I’ve been with this Network for over a thousand years! At one time or another, my research has helped you all. To learn, we must sacrifice and that’s what I’ve done! How can you punish me for seeking knowledge that will develop our kind?” “In what way does mixing werewolves with vampires and mortals help our kind?” Adam demanded. “The First Father knew the importance of seeking a superior race. He knew that Immaculates are so powerful because they combine creatures of this world with the Originals. Imagine how powerful we can become if we harness the natural strengths and instincts of the wolves and combine them with the skills and instincts of the vampire? We were meant to rule this world, not share it with mortals!” “Why do we need to rule the world?” Marina asked. “We live comfortably, peacefully. I know something of the Originals. I lived in Atlantis when they first came to us. I know they were basically a peaceful people. They didn’t kill for blood. They only wanted to survive.” “Aren’t you sick of hiding from humans?” Jay stood, his teeth clenched. “We live in secret and humans walk around like they’re the superior animal!” “We know we’re superior,” Arkin stated. “Why should we waste time proving it to them?” “Thomas was the only one who really understood.” Jay shook his head. “He knows what it means to be a vampire.” “You have no remorse for what you’ve done?” Cassia asked.

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“Remorse? For research?” Jay snorted. “Did Michelangelo apologize for painting the Sistine Chapel?” “You didn’t create a masterpiece,” Matthew’s voice resounded through the room, “you destroyed countless lives. You’re not a doctor. You’re a monster.” “Aesculapius speaks!” Jay snarled. “Warlock or physician? Immaculate or human? You have no idea what you are, Matt!” “I’m all of the above. I don’t have to decide.” “You’re not human,” Jay snarled, his eyes glowing red. “You’re an Immaculate who has a perverted affection for your pet family!” “That’s enough, Ashford!” Arkin slammed his fist on the table. “You will sit down and control yourself!” Shaking his head, Jay dropped onto his chair. “Thomas was the only one who understood what it is to be a vampire, and what have you done with him?” “Voted him out of The Jury, if you must know,” Pilar said. “After your crimes were made known, he hid you from us.” “Why don’t you punish those two?” Jay pointed to Brett and Mercedes across the room. “They’ve been hiding the Original!” “Citations have been recorded in their files,” Cassia said. “Considering the fault of The Jury itself in regards to the treatment of Sage, we feel that is sufficient punishment for Brett Jiminez and Mercedes Machado.” Jay’s mouth dropped open. “Sufficient… What are you going to do with me?” “Do you confess to the crimes you’re accused of?” “No!” “Then we cannot kill you,” Marina said. “The only alternative is a wiping.” “No!” Jay shouted. “What right have you to turn me into a zombie?” “We’ll give you a choice,” Arkin stated. “What choice?” “We have several witnesses from your research center who saw you kill the employees you accused Matthew Winter of murdering. You must go to trial in human court and confess your crimes. You will also confess to the murder of those people who died while using the drug approved by Matthew Winter.” “I had nothing to do with that!” “We have witnesses who know you researched several people throughout the country who were being treated with this drug, had your associates give them—quite unknowingly—another drug fatal when combined with the one from Fretis Company. You also planted an investor with the same name as Matthew Winter to buy stock in the drug company, therefore sealing the implications against him. We have witnesses who are willing to speak in human court.” “Why should I do this?” Jay demanded.

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“Because they’ll most likely give you a prison sentence, and isn’t that better than a wiping? Our witnesses have already cleared Matthew’s name publicly. He is no longer wanted by the mortal authorities, so this confession will merely be for your benefit.” “You can imprison me! You’ve done it before.” “Imprisonment is no longer an option. A wiping was unanimously decided,” Adam said. “It’s your choice, Jay. Either confess to the human justice system or lose over a thousand years of memories.” “Do I have time to think about this?” “Of course.” Pilar turned to the guards. “Take him to maximum security for twenty-four hours. As for our last order of business, all charges against Matthew Winter are dropped. We apologize for any inconvenience, Dr. Winter. Adjourned.” Dulcie flung her arms around Matthew and squeezed him. “I told you.” He nodded, burying his face in her hair. “Finally.” While the guards escorted Jay out of the room and The Jury dispersed, Sage approached. “Thank you for speaking,” Matthew told him, staring at the youth. “My God, I can’t believe it’s you.” “Marina explained I’ve changed so much because I’m an Original. We reach vampiric puberty at a much younger age than Immaculates, and we age quickly until the end of it. If you want to study me—” Matthew gently cupped Sage’s chin. “Thank you for the offer, but haven’t you had enough experiments?” “But you wouldn’t hurt me. I want to help in any way I can. I’m very grateful to you, Matthew.” Sage embraced him tightly. Matthew held him, knowing without a doubt everything he’d endured over the past year had been worth it. “Matthew!” Mercedes called. She kissed him and placed a hand to his cheek. “You still don’t look very good. Take care of yourself. Platinum is very damaging.” “Thank you so much.” Matthew returned her kiss and glanced at Brett. “Both of you. I’ll never forget this.” “I won’t let you,” Brett teased. Mercedes elbowed him in the stomach. Still arguing, the two left with Sage, who would be living with them permanently. “I think they’re happy to have another child to raise,” Dulcie said to Matthew. “They missed out with you and Adam.” “I’m glad we finally got to know them, but I was lucky to be adopted by my family. And speaking of them, they deserve an explanation.” “You’re going to finally tell them?” “I think I should see them right now.” Dulcie took his hand. “Let’s go.” 108

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Chapter Twelve “Matthew! Jesus Christ!” Buck shouted as he opened the front door of his home to find his oldest son standing there. Buck embraced Matthew hard and shouted, “Julie! Get out here!” Matthew returned his father’s hug. “Dad, how are you?” “Lousy! Where the hell have you been and what’s going on—” “Oh my God!” Julie stepped into the hallway, tears springing into her eyes as she threw her arms around Matthew. “Oh, God!” Matthew held her, feeling sick at what he’d put his family through. They were only mortals and getting no younger. He noted that both his parents looked a little haggard, but Dulcie had said no matter how much she’d tried to reassure them that Matthew could take care of himself, they hadn’t stopped worrying. Neither had Dulcie, he thought, glancing at his wife who stood quietly beside him. But he knew she could talk a good show. “We’ve been so worried about you,” Julie said, her arms still around Matthew. “What the hell happened?” Buck demanded, wiping his eyes with a handkerchief that he shoved in his back pocket. “First the police are after you for murder, then we hear everything’s a mistake and you didn’t commit any crimes.” “Of course he didn’t commit any crimes!” Julie said. “It’s a very long story. I have so much to tell you.” “We’re all ears.” Buck motioned for them to step into the living room. Matthew sat on the couch, Dulcie to his right, Julie to his left. Buck dragged a chair in front of them. His parents stared at him, waiting. “I’m not sure where to begin. There are things you have to know about me. Things that will seem unbelievable, but I have proof.” “What things?” Buck said. “You never had trouble talking a blue streak before.” Julie snapped, “Stop it, Buck! Let him talk.” “What did I say?” Buck looked genuinely perplexed. Matthew ran a hand through his hair. “It all started a long way back. Do you remember when I was a kid and I had to go for a lot of blood tests because no one was sure what was wrong with me?” “Remember?” Buck snorted. “I had about ten years’ worth of medical bills—” “Buck!” Julie said. “I’m not complaining. I would have paid anything to make sure he was all right, but they never did find anything wrong with him.” 109

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“There’s nothing wrong with me, for what I am.” “For what you are?” Julie asked. “What do you mean, honey?” Matthew looked from his mother to his father and nearly reconsidered what he was about to tell them. Still, they deserved an explanation. “I’m not like you.” “No shit.” Buck laughed. “No one else in the family has an IQ that’s off the charts.” “That’s not what I mean.” Matthew shook his head. “This is not easy.” “Just tell us.” Julie took his hand. “You know you can tell us anything.” ‘“I’m not human. I’m part of an alien race.” Julie and Buck stared at him, speechless. Matthew continued, “I’m what human beings call a vampire—” “Oh, God.” Julie’s eyes brimmed with tears as she touched Matthew’s hair. “My poor baby. Dulcie, what’s happened to him?” “It’s okay, son.” Buck rested a gnarled hand on Matthew’s knee. “We can get you help. The yellow pages are full of shrinks. There’s probably some at that hospital you worked at. Damn it! I knew all those brains meant something was wrong with you. It’s just not normal—” “I’m not crazy,” Matthew stated. “I’m an Immaculate vampire.” “An Imm…” Julie’s eyes widened. “Oh, God. Dulcie…” “It’s all right,” Dulcie reassured Julie and Buck. “He’s not crazy. He’s telling you the truth.” “Whatever he’s got, it’s contagious.” Buck rubbed the back of his neck. “What the hell do we do with two nuts?” “We’re not nuts. I know this is hard to believe, but look.” Matthew unsheathed his claws. “And these.” His lips parted, revealing the tips of his fangs. “Holy shit!” Buck sat back in the chair, staring. “What the hell!” “How is this possible?” Julie said after a moment. “What about your brother, Adam?” “Adam is the same as me. We also know who our biological parents are.” “Vampires?” Buck tried to sound sarcastic, but couldn’t quite make it. “Yes.” “Dulcie, what about you?” Julie looked at her daughter-in-law, as if pleading for her to admit that Matthew needed professional help. “How do you feel about him being a…a…” Dulcie extended her hands, her claws lengthening. She wished she could make their revelation easier. “I’m like him. That’s what attracted me to him when we first met.” “Oh, man.” Buck slapped his hand over his face. Julie’s hand trembled in Matthew’s, but she didn’t pull away.

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Matthew sensed fear and apprehension from both his parents and felt a pang of sadness. He didn’t want to push his family away, but they had to know the truth. “Please don’t hate me,” Matthew murmured. “I don’t want to lose you, but you deserve to know about what I am and what’s happened while I’ve been away.” “Hate you?” Buck scoffed. “Don’t be stupid.” “You’re our son and we love you,” Julie told him. “Nothing can make us stop loving you. But we really need some kind of explanation.” Matthew drew a deep breath and exchanged looks with Dulcie. “Adam and I are twins, Immaculate vampires. That means we were born of two hybrid vampires…vampires who were human but were changed. Our race originally came from another planet. Our kind calls these vampires Originals. They sought out human beings to interbreed, but found that most mortals couldn’t use vampiric power responsibly, so the Originals chose to destroy themselves and the hybrids they created. They sank the island of Atlantis where they’d settled. Unfortunately, there were some survivors, and among them was an evil Original called The First Father.” “Tell them about the prophecy,” Dulcie interjected. “I’m getting to it.” Matthew glanced at her, then back to his wide-eyed parents. “The First Father created centuries of suffering for human—and vampire—kind. He was involved in the Holy Wars, World War II, and countless other catastrophes. There was a legend that said only an Immaculate could destroy him. Immaculates are very rare—” “Like you?” Matthew nodded. “Every Immaculate who tried to destroy the First Father was either killed or captured by him and used as his slave. When Adam and I were born— twin Immaculates, which are virtually impossible to conceive—it was believed that one of us was meant to destroy the First Father.” “And you did?” Buck asked. Matthew shook his head. “I helped, but Adam did the actual killing. The point is, our parents separated us at birth and had us raised by mortals to protect us from the First Father until the prophecy could be fulfilled. That’s how you got stuck.” “Stuck?” Julie narrowed her eyes. “We adopted you because we wanted you. You’ve brought us nothing but joy—” “Except this year,” Buck muttered. Matthew sighed. “About this year. It’s an even longer story.” “Don’t stop now,” Buck told him. “And I also want to know how you managed to keep this hidden from us all your life,” Julie said. “Well,” Matthew began, “I didn’t reach vampiric puberty until I turned eighteen…”

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***** “I can’t believe it,” Buck said quietly. Matthew sat back on the couch and looked at his and Dulcie’s entwined fingers. For the past hour and a half, he’d told his parents everything about his first years of discovering what he was, about his difficulties maturing as a creature of another race living among humans, and finally of the events of the past year. As he recounted the stories, he realized how impossible they seemed. Had he not lived through it, he might not have believed it. “I’m sorry,” Matthew said. “I never meant to hurt you in any way.” “No, we’re sorry you didn’t come to us sooner,” Julie said. “We might have been able to help you. I hate to think of you going through all that alone.” “You know now, and that’s what’s most important. Thank you for all you’ve ever done for me, and for accepting me.” “This isn’t so bad.” Buck looked thoughtful. “You were always a weird kid, but that’s okay. Now you’re a weird guy, but you’re a great son.” “If I am, it’s because I had a great example.” Matthew embraced his parents. For the first time in his life, he felt total relief. He was who he was, with no more lies to those he cared about most. “I’m curious to meet your biological parents,” Julie said. “Brett and Mercedes?” “I’m sure they’d love to meet you, too.” “Why don’t you come to our house for dinner tomorrow night?” Dulcie suggested. “Sounds good.” Buck stretched. “By the way, is Vincent part of all this?” “Vincent?” Matthew asked. “What do you know about Vincent?” “He was hanging around a lot. Dulcie said he was a friend of yours.” “He’s been protecting Dulcie and watching over you while I was away. Adam asked him to do it. Vincent and I aren’t exactly what you’d call friends.” “Too bad,” Buck said. “He’s a helluva nice guy. Helped me fix all the downstairs pipes.” “He is a nice boy,” Julie remarked. “Dresses a little flashy, but he made me laugh.” “He’s good for a laugh all right,” Matthew muttered under his breath, but admitted aloud, “It was nice of him to stay around while I was gone.” “Yes, and your friends Jocelyn and Charlie were very helpful, too.” Jocelyn! Matthew thought. He’d have to thank him for placing the protection spell on his nephew. He wondered how Lisa and his other brothers and sisters would take the news. They’d either accept him, or else he’d never get another invitation to a family party. It was nearly dusk when Dulcie and Matthew left his parents’ house. Matthew was relieved that when his siblings arrived after a call from his parents, they had been as receptive as Buck and Julie—stunned and curious, but accepting. 112

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“I’m so glad they know,” Dulcie said as they drove home. “So am I.” She buried her fingers in his hair and said, “It’s your first night home. I can hardly wait.” “Neither can I.” He glanced at her, a growl of desire in his throat. “Stop at the market first. We have to get food for dinner tomorrow and I want to cook you something special tonight.” “What?” he asked, his stomach already growling. “Turkey?” “With cranberry sauce. And red potatoes.” His moan was playfully sensual. “And peas. Stewed tomatoes.” “God, I’ve missed you.” “Sure,” she scoffed. “You’ve had a woman in chef’s school cooking for you every night.” “It’s not the same.” He released one of his hands from the wheel and slid it over her knee and thigh. After shopping, they drove home. The pleasant, familiar sensation struck Matthew as he approached the door. He turned the key, and as they stepped inside, he said, “It feels so good to be home.” “Yo! The genius is back!” Vincent shouted from the top of the steps. He leapt to the bottom, landing with the poise of a cat, his silent, graceful movements a complete contrast to his black and red tiger-striped pants and black shirt open to the navel. “I heard Jay Ashford finally got what he deserved. By the way, Adam called and said the bastard decided to surrender himself to the human authorities. What a pussy. Dulcie, what’s for dinner?” “Vincent,” Matthew tried to keep the annoyance from his voice, “thank you for all you’ve done for Dulcie and my family.” “No sweat. This is a nice house. It’s been like a vacation.” Vincent gave Matthew a thumbs-up. “You’ve got a cool home gym, and your underwear is cool. I like the boxer shorts with the happy faces. Didn’t think you had it in ya, Doc.” “What were you doing looking through my underwear?” Matthew demanded. “I was bored one day when there was nothing good on TV. You know, you could do with a couple of cartoon character ties. All those solids, stripes and dots are kinda dull. You wouldn’t want to get rid of that blue robe, would ya?” “Vincent, I think maybe you should go,” Dulcie said, sensing Matthew’s irritation. She knew how particular he was about his clothes. The idea of Vincent snooping through his closet must be driving him insane. “I can’t have any dinner?” “You can take all the leftovers in the fridge,” Dulcie told him.

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“The pie too?” “Just take it all!” Matthew snarled, his fangs sliding from their sheaths. “Touchy!” Vincent snorted, walking toward the kitchen. “I bust my hump taking care of your wife and family for a year, and this is the thanks I get? A pile of leftovers. It’s always the same for me. Never get any gratitude.” Vincent muttered all the way to the kitchen while Matthew and Dulcie followed with their bags. “How has everything been around here?” Matthew asked as they put away their groceries while avoiding Vincent, who piled plastic containers of food into an empty paper bag. “Okay, but everything will be much better now that you’re back.” Dulcie kissed Matthew as they met at the cupboard. “Awww,” Vincent crooned. “These touching reunions choke me up. Come on, genius, slip her the tongue.” Matthew jerked Vincent against the wall, pressing a zucchini under his chin. “Shut up, Vincent. I’ve been about as gracious as I can be. Thank you for all you’ve done, but you’ve been paid back a little by eating my wife’s cooking and playing with my underwear.” Vincent shrugged, smiling easily. “You haven’t calmed down at all. If anything, you’ve got a worse temper than before. You have to learn to chill—not that I’m saying I can’t be a little aggravating.” Matthew released Vincent and dropped the zucchini in the crisper. “Darling, I can finish in here. Why don’t you relax,” Dulcie said to Matthew, motioning for Vincent to hurry up and leave. “By the way, now that you’re back, you can take over paying the bills again. That’s such a pain in the butt. I hate balancing the checkbook. And you know, I never realized how expensive our phone bill is.” “What do you mean, expensive?” Matthew asked. “Most of my calls went through on my cell phone, and I know there couldn’t have been many since I’ve been gone for a year.” “I just think several hundred a month seems like a lot.” “Several hundred a month?” Matthew raged. “Dulcie, where the hell have you been calling? You’d have to be talking to your parents in France every day in order for it to be that much.” “I hardly ever call France.” Dulcie wrinkled her nose. “You know my parents call me more than I call them, and it’s usually when Mama gets mad because Papa flirts with the hybrid girls before he drinks their blood.” “Didn’t you look at the bills to see where the calls were going?” “No. They’ve been that much since you left, so I thought it was normal. Go look yourself, if you’re so upset. They’re in your study.”

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As Matthew turned toward the study, Vincent snatched up his bag of food and hurried to the front door. “Gotta run, guys. Talk to you later. I gotta be somewhere fast…like a date or something.” “Poor woman,” Matthew muttered as he entered the study and sat at his desk, taking the bills from his file drawer. He noted Dulcie had kept his system for the household paperwork. Glancing over the bills, he noticed dozens of calls to a pay- phone line. “What the hell is this?” He picked up the phone and dialed the number. A breathless voice on the other end of the line said, “I know you’re sexy. I’m so sexy too. I want you to…” Matthew hung up after the first string of vulgarities. He crushed the phone bills in his fist and bellowed, “Vincent!” “What’s wrong?” Dulcie glanced in the study. Matthew flew past her and headed for the door. “Matthew, what’s wrong?” “That two-thousand-year-old teenager used our phone to call a sex line! That’s what was so damn expensive!” Dulcie laughed. “You think that’s funny?” “Yes, I think that’s funny.” She giggled. “He is such a jerk.” Matthew’s blind fury faded, though he still couldn’t see the humor of the situation. “He’s gone now.” Dulcie slipped her arms around Matthew’s neck and kissed him. “Why don’t you go upstairs and relax while I start dinner. While it’s cooking, we can…have dessert. I guarantee you’ll forget all about Vincent.” She traced his lips with her tongue. Matthew’s hands slid up her back, enjoying the sensation of her breasts against his chest. “All right. Don’t be too long.” “We have all night, and I plan on enjoying it.” “I’ll try to make it as memorable as possible.” His teeth nipped her throat and he lapped the two drops of blood that welled on the shallow wounds, a foreshadowing of the lust-filled night to come. “I won’t be long.” She shivered as his claws sliced through the back of her dress, teasing her flesh. Soon they’d be alone in their bed.

***** Matthew stood in the shower and closed his eyes, the warm water relaxing each muscle and soothing every inch of his flesh. Nothing felt better than enjoying his own shower, except sleeping in his own bed and making love with his wife. When he’d finished washing and dried off, he walked naked to the bedroom and flopped on the bed. His eyes were nearly closed when the phone rang. He reached for the receiver. “Hello?” 115

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“Matthew?” “Jules. How are you?” “Fine. I wanted to let you know that tomorrow the hospital is issuing a public apology for how you were treated. That man who replaced you—the one who lied for Fretis Company—he’s been fired. Your job is open for you, if you want to come back. It would mean a lot of catching up. I understand if you need to think about it.” “Extra work doesn’t bother me.” “I didn’t think it would.” Jules’ smile came through over the phone. “But there’s something else you should know. I’ve bought out Ashford’s center. I’m looking for someone to run it, so you have your choice.” Matthew sighed. “Wow. This won’t be an easy decision.” “If you decide to keep working with mortals, Ashford’s center will still be at your disposal for your personal use.” “Before I make any decisions, there’s something I have to do,” Matthew said, remembering his promise to help Judah with the wolves. “In fact, now that you have Jay’s center, you might be able to solve a problem for me.” “What can I do?” “You know about those werewolves Jay was experimenting on? The ones contained in the New York sewers? I have a plan regarding their situation.”

***** As soon as Dulcie had dinner cooking on the stove and the table set, she hurried up the stairs to the master bedroom, anxious to be with Matthew. She caught his scent and heard the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat. He sprawled, naked, on the bed, his eyes closed. For a moment she simply stared at him, her stomach tightening at the erotic thrill his long, sleek body evoked. His sinewy limbs appeared relaxed. Freshly washed hair grabbed at his muscled shoulders. One arm was raised behind his head, the biceps hard and curved. Sparse, dark hair dusted the beautifully shaped armpit. She growled deep in her throat, wanting to feel his embrace and experience the thrill of his steely chest against her soft breasts. Opening his eyes halfway, he smiled. “Come here.” As she undressed slowly, he gazed at her, focusing on her full breasts tipped with spiky rose-colored nipples. His cock rose as he stared at the curve of her belly and the curly thatch covering her mound. Naked, Dulcie crawled onto the bed. In one swift motion, he jerked her on top of him. His mouth opened against hers, his tongue demanding, his teeth gently pricking her lips.

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Dulcie buried her hands in his hair and kissed him with matching passion. Her eyes closed, she concentrated on feeling the softness of his lips, the moistness of his tongue and the sensation of his hard, hairy chest beneath her breasts. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered, his hand sweeping her buttocks and back. Nuzzling her neck, he growled softly, then bit her smooth, warm flesh. Rolling her onto her back, he grasped her hands and held them above her head. To Dulcie, the world had stopped. All that existed was Matthew and his penetrating kisses, his virile body, his husky voice against her ear. “I love you,” he told her. Edging slightly aside, he traced the shape of her breasts and hip, his touch barely a tickle yet it was enough to quicken her pulse. “I love it when you touch me,” she breathed. “And I love touching you.” His large, warm palm cupped her belly and swept lower, covering her soft mound while his open mouth claimed hers. One of his long, sensitive fingers slipped inside her, stroking and caressing where she was so hot and wet, while his thumb stroked her clit. Dulcie moaned but he caught the sound in his mouth. He sucked her tongue while her pleasure built beneath his stroking hand. Shivers of desire ran through her from head to foot. Her pussy felt hot and her clit pulsed with every circular sweep of his thumb. How she wanted him! She forced her mouth from his and panted. “Now, Matthew! Oh, please, right now!” Growling, his lavender gaze wandered over her writhing body then fixed on her face. “Look at me. I want to look into your eyes when you come.” Her desire heightened at his suggestion. The idea of climaxing while gazing deeply into his eyes thrilled her. His body covered hers, possessing her completely. “Oh, Matthew!” She gasped, her claws sinking into his back as she arched her head into the pillow. “Dulcie! Look in my eyes!” She did as he asked, seeing her passion reflected in his gaze. Her hips moved in time with his as she wrapped her legs around him, her heels pressing into his calves while her nails raked him from shoulder to buttocks. Damn, he felt so hard, tight and big! As his motions increased, his eyes half closed, but he continued holding her gaze. The sensation of his thick, velvety cock sliding in and out of her pussy had her trembling on the verge of shattering. He kissed her, his teeth piercing her lip, the taste of blood driving them over the edge. Matthew lifted his head from hers, panting as he licked blood from his lips. Dulcie came, moaning and writhing, struggling to keep her eyes open as her body quivered and pulsed in wave after wave of orgasm. 117

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Desire stabbed her as he came, his entire body stiffening, the tendons bulging and taut in his powerful neck, his broad, steely chest tight. His eyes were beautiful. Lavender and glowing with bloodlust, then turning almost black as his pupils dilated. Finally he relaxed atop her. Their chests heaved together, their bodies entangled. “Until I didn’t have you, I never realized how deeply I love you,” Matthew murmured, brushing his cheek against her face. “I’ll never leave you again, Dulcie. Never.” “Never is a long time for us.” “A billion years with you still wouldn’t be enough, but if I died tomorrow, I know I’ve experienced perfection because I’ve been lucky enough to spend my life with you.” “Matthew.” She smiled, deeply touched by his words as she curled against his chest and closed her eyes. “Dulcie?” “Uh-huh.” “Do you smell smoke?” “Damn it!” She jumped out of bed and rushed for the kitchen, not even bothering to put on a robe. “The chicken!” Matthew followed, watching as she pulled the charred bird from the stove. “Oh, Matthew, I’m sorry.” She sighed. “I really wanted tonight to be special.” He tugged her into his arms and kissed her. “It already has been. It’s been the most perfect night of my life.”

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Chapter Thirteen “Well, I never thought I’d see you again.” Judah smiled slightly as he stopped hitting the heavy bag and approached Matthew. Matthew glanced around the training hall, the scent and feeling of the sewer as familiar to him as his own home. It was close to two weeks since his name had been cleared. So much had happened since then. His mortal family had met his vampiric one, and to Matthew’s relief, they got along well. In between catching up with family happenings, he and Jules had worked diligently in preparation for Matthew’s promise to Judah. “So you thought I was a liar and an ingrate?” Matthew asked, humor glistening in his sapphire eyes. “I just thought that since you don’t have to hide out anymore and got your old life back, you’d forget about us. Any sane man would.” “Whoever said I was sane? Besides, one of our biggest problems is solved. A friend of mine—my employer, actually—has bought out Jay’s company. He’s going to keep the research center for our kind, only now it will be run properly. We can start trying to help your wife and the other wolves.” “We can?” Judah sounded skeptical, but his eyes belied his excitement. Matthew knew that was what Judah wanted more than anything, to improve the quality of Leah’s twisted life. “I started thinking that if Jay had performed these experiments, he must have been able to contain the wolves in the lab. We found observation rooms and cells strong enough to keep the wolves. We’ve improved them and are ready to transport Leah and the others.” “Transport?” Matthew nodded. “My brother and I have rented vans. We’ll anesthetize the wolves and bring them to Boston.” “That won’t be easy. There are so many down there. We’d have to drive them all up while making sure none of them escape. Leah and some of the more reasonable ones can help.” “Can you contact her?” “Of course.” “Adam and another network member, Vincent, have come to help us. I thought I’d take the two of them on a watch, just to show them what we’re dealing with. While we’re on duty, it might be a good time for you to find Leah.”

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Judah shrugged. “Sounds like a plan. The next watch starts at midnight tonight. You guys up to it?” “We are.” Matthew turned and headed for the corridor. “See you tonight.” “Matthew.” Matthew glanced over his shoulder. “Thanks.” “I pay my debts, especially to friends.”

***** “This is awesome.” Vincent gulped a mouthful of chicken pie and belched. “I could eat here every night.” Dulcie wondered if her disgust was visible as she sat at the table in Laurie’s apartment with Vincent, Adam and their hostess. The young mortal’s eyes were wide as she stared at Vincent’s muscled arms in his black tank top as he shoveled in the meal she’d prepared. “Vincent.” Adam discreetly handed him a napkin. “Huh?” “There’s gravy and peas stuck in your beard,” Dulcie said through clenched teeth. Absently, Vincent dragged an arm across his face. Dulcie sighed. At least he got off all the food. “Would any of you guys like some more?” Laurie asked. Adam accepted another piece of chicken pie while Vincent reached for whatever remained. “It was real nice of you to come and help out Judah,” Laurie continued, switching her gaze to Adam. “It’s so weird how much you and Matthew look alike. If Matthew didn’t have gray hairs and hadn’t shaved off his beard, there’d be no telling you guys apart.” Adam winked. “It works that way with identical twins.” “They smell different,” Vincent commented. “They smell?” “Nah.” Vincent laughed. “They don’t smell as in stink. It’s a vamp thing. Everybody has his own scent. These two boys are way different.” “All my years with vampires and I never knew that.” Laurie gazed at Vincent. “You’re cool and cute.” To Dulcie’s surprise, the tips of Vincent’s ears turned a bit red. “You ain’t so bad yourself.” Dulcie and Adam exchanged disbelieving looks. Tell me she doesn’t really like him? Dulcie asked Adam silently. 120

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He replied, I’ve seen a lot in my lifetime, but very few things make me as sick as watching Vincent flirt. Vincent’s message interrupted, I heard that! You guys just shut up and watch a master at work. Vincent spoke aloud, “So, Laurie, you looking for a man?” Laurie’s smile faded. “Excuse me?” “This was a real nice meal and someone ought to pay you back. You’re single. I’m single. The kids are asleep and Dulcie and Adam here can go for a walk. You want a little…” Vincent stood and gyrated his hips. Laurie stared at him in dumb shock for a moment, but Dulcie credited her for a quick recovery as she said, “Not from you. I already got rid of one dickhead. I’m in no mood for another one.” “Dickhead?” Vincent narrowed his eyes. “I thought I was cool?” “And slick, too,” Adam added. “Quiet, Doc.” Vincent pointed a finger at Adam, brushed crumbs off his chest and headed for the door. “I can take a hint. Didn’t mean no offense, baby. I just heard your thoughts when you were sizing me up and thinking that it’s been over a year since you had some nookie.” “Nookie?” Laurie narrowed her eyes in question. Adam laughed. “You’re dating yourself, old man.” “Ahh!” Vincent waved his hand in disgust and headed for the door, then paused. “Matthew’s almost here.” Dulcie caught Matthew’s scent as well. Moments later, he stepped into the apartment. “How did it go?” Adam asked. “Well, you, Vincent and I will take the next watch starting at midnight while Judah contacts his wife and the higher wolves. It’ll give you both a feel for what we’re dealing with.” “And you say these watches are pretty tough?” Vincent asked. “They can be. It’s a lot of physical work. A pair of hybrids lasts about twenty-four hours before they tire too much to defend themselves. I can last forty-eight by myself, so with two other Immaculates, it shouldn’t be bad.” “No problem. I’m ready to kick hairy werewolf ass!” Vincent slammed one fist into the opposite palm. “Are you sure you don’t want me to help?” Dulcie asked. Matthew bent and kissed her mouth. “No. Even with three it will be crowded down there. Just hang out with Laurie. Is that chicken pie?” Matthew glanced at Dulcie’s plate. She pushed it toward him. “You can finish mine. Vincent ate everything else.”

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“Vincent? Only Vincent?” Vincent said, his hands opening in a helpless gesture. He jerked his thumb toward Adam. “This string bean over here ate a couple of pieces.” “Vincent, it was a nine-by-eleven pan,” Dulcie said with disgust, “and more than half of it is in your belly.” “Look here.” Vincent flexed one of his enormous biceps. “You don’t get arms like that by eating celery sticks, baby.” “Had your cholesterol checked lately?” Matthew lifted an eyebrow. “Cholesterol? Who gives a shit about that? I’m an Immaculate. We don’t get normal diseases.” Vincent scoffed, then added, “Do we? Answer me, guys.” “No, Vincent, vampires don’t seem to be affected by things like cholesterol,” Matthew said. “But we can become obese.” “You might just be on your way,” Adam added. “Obese?” Vincent laughed. “Dulcie called me that a lot while you were away, Matthew.” The twins glanced at Dulcie. They’d only been taunting Vincent, who was built like a model in a weightlifter’s magazine. “That wasn’t obese, Vincent,” Dulcie said. “It was obscene.” “That’s the one! I’m obscene. Sounds kinda sexy, doesn’t it?” “Maybe we can just feed him to the wolves?” Adam asked Matthew. “Now that sounds like a plan.”

***** “Vincent, shut the grate! Shut the damn grate!” Adam snarled, kicking one of the wolves across the face and sending it crashing to the other side of the grate. Matthew grasped another creature by the muzzle and tail, picked it up over his head and threw it into two more wolves running up the tunnel. Vincent slammed the grate shut as hairy hands clawed his arms bloody. Matthew slammed the lock into place. Several moments later, the wolves dropped back, howling their anger. Matthew released an answering howl of triumph. “Will you stop that?” Adam hissed. “You’ll make them worse!” “Just marking our territory,” Matthew replied. He understood Adam and Vincent’s tension. He’d seen their faces when the first of the attacks began and remembered a time when he must have looked as edgy. In truth, he still felt edgy around the wolves. To become complacent would mean certain death. However, he was far better adjusted to the wolf watch than he had been a year ago and was—along with Judah—the most competent of the guards.

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Matthew rolled his sore shoulders. It had been a few weeks since he’d taken a watch. He’d tried forgetting what it felt like to be slammed against a wall by two- hundred-fifty pounds of snapping fangs and solid, hairy muscle. With half the watch over, all three were sweat-soaked, their fangs and claws exposed. Below, there was little point in disguising their vampiric nature, particularly when the wolves attacked so often. “Take a break,” Matthew said, dropping to the ground and leaning his back against the wall. “Or else you’ll get tired fast. Believe me, I know.” “Take a break?” Vincent said, his eyes glowing. “I don’t even think I could take a piss right now.” “They won’t be back for a while. I’ll know when they’re coming. If you were down here long enough, so would you.” “This just stinks,” Vincent muttered. “And you were all ready to kick hairy werewolf ass,” Adam said sarcastically. “These things are as strong as tigers, except tigers don’t regenerate.” “At least now you know I’m not crazy,” Matthew said. Adam glanced at him. “I never thought you were crazy. I believed you. It’s just that experiencing these wolves is different than hearing about them. I’m impressed that you take these watches alone.” “Didn’t think you had it in you,” Vincent said to Matthew. “But I always knew you had potential as a warlock and a telepath.” Matthew remembered how it was Vincent who suggested he read the incantation to raise the sun at midnight when they had fought the First Father. He guessed for once, Vincent had been right.

***** The following evening, Paul and Vick relieved Matthew and his companions on the watch. Vincent yawned as they walked through the dank corridors and out of the sewer. “Tired?” Matthew looked amused. “Nah.” Vincent shrugged. “I just want some blood and a good long sleep for the hell of it.” “Don’t worry, old man—” Matthew glanced over his shoulder at Vincent as they climbed onto the street, “—those shifts take some getting used to.” “Thinks he’s such a hotshot,” Vincent muttered. “Brains and now he’s got muscle. Makes me want to upchuck.” “I wonder if your friend Judah managed to explain to his wife what we have planned?” Adam asked. “I hope so.” 123

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“I don’t know how he can stand seeing her like that.” Adam shook his head. “If anyone did that to Mara, I’d…I guess it doesn’t really matter what I’d do. The damage has already been done.” “I don’t get you, Adam,” Vincent said. “I’ve seen you fight like a maniac, but you have this stupid forgive and forget attitude. I know you were raised by a preacher man, but he treated you like shit and it never seemed to get to you.” “That’s none of your business.” Adam stared hard at Vincent. “How I felt about him should have been obvious since I didn’t avenge his murder that you committed.” “I’m just saying it ain’t natural.” Vincent shrugged. “The genius here I can understand. He’s always giving in to his temper—” Matthew snarled. “I do not!” Vincent smiled and jerked his thumb toward Matthew. “See what I mean? He’s like a friggin’ grenade and anybody can pull the pin—” “I keep my temper when necessary. If I didn’t, I never would have excelled professionally.” “Speaking of career, have you decided what you’re going to do?” Adam asked. “The hospital or the center?” “I’ve been agonizing over that,” Matthew said. “Agonizing?” Vincent laughed. “I love how he talks.” “And?” Adam asked, he and Matthew completely ignoring Vincent. “After what happened, it made me see how easy it is to be manipulated. In the mortal world, we can be ruined by a lie—in the vampiric world, the Network tries to monitor our every decision and judge it according to their morality. In short, no matter what I choose, I’m not the true master of my own destiny.” “Who is?” Adam smiled wryly. “Do you think I wanted to spend my whole life training to kill the First Father? After that mess was over, I chose my own way. You can’t let this past year ruin you, Matthew. I’ve never known you to be intimidated by anything or anybody—” “Intimidated?” Matthew snorted. “That word is not in my vocabulary.” “Mine either,” Vincent said. “What the hell does it mean?” “Remember about nine years ago when we were enemies?” Adam asked. “Sure,” Vincent replied. “Remember how I tied you up so you couldn’t move and Matthew was so pissed he wanted to rip your throat out?” “Yeah.” Vincent shook his head at the memory. “How you felt was intimidated.” “Now I get it.” Vincent smiled. “Intimidated is another word for having the runs.” The twins exchanged anguished looks and continued with their conversation. “So what are you going to do?” Adam asked Matthew. 124

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“I’m going back to the hospital. Jay was right about one thing. I do have a strong attachment to mortals. Maybe in a few centuries, after my family has been dead, my feelings will change, but right now, it’s how I feel.” “It might not change.” Adam shrugged. “Some of our kind just feel that way about people. We are part of them, and whether they know it or not, they’re part of us.” “Jules has also given me unlimited access to the center so I can work with Judah’s wolves and continue studying our kind.” “You know you’re a workaholic?” “I guess it’s like my feelings for humans—beyond my control, but I’m not a total fool. Being separated from Dulcie made me realize how lucky I am to have her. I’m saving one night a week just for us, and I’ve promised she can stake me herself if I don’t take her on one vacation a year.” “One night a week?” Vincent narrowed his eyes. “I got the idea that you two did it a lot.” “It’s none of your business how much we ‘do it’, Vincent,” Matthew said, smiling inwardly. Since they’d met ten years ago, if he and Dulcie didn’t make love at least six times a week, they’d get withdrawal symptoms. Already he tingled just thinking about her. He wondered how he’d survived the year. “She thought about it all the time, too,” Vincent told him. “What?” “Before she remembered to block her thoughts from me, I got more mental pictures of you buck naked than was good for my mental health.” “Looking at Dulcie’s nude painting of you wasn’t exactly my idea of entertainment, either,” Matthew muttered. “She did a good job on that.” Vincent’s chest swelled. “Captured on canvas all my good looks. I knew I was a stud, but my dick is a beauty, ain’t it?” “Body parts don’t faze us, right, Adam?” “Right. A hand, a penis, a breast. No difference.” “No difference?” Vincent laughed. “Glad neither of you are my doctor. You’d probably put an enema in my mouth.” “No, nature beat us to it,” Matthew said as they stepped into the apartment building and walked to his old room where Judah awaited them. “Is it set?” Matthew asked Judah, who stood by the window, staring up at the full moon. He sensed Judah’s excitement, his desire to howl. The moon had always affected Matthew in such a way, and he knew the lunar pull must have been even stronger in someone who shared the wolves’ blood. “It is,” Judah replied. He smiled wickedly at Adam and Vincent. “So how did you two like your first watch?” “First and last,” Vincent muttered. “Can we work out the details? I want to crash.”

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“Leah and the higher wolves are willing to help us,” Judah said. “They’ll hold off the others so we can work with one group at a time.” “How many are we looking at?” Adam asked. “About fifty.” “Fifty!” Vincent and Adam shouted together. “Matthew, we don’t have enough lab space for them,” Adam said. “We won’t be taking the higher wolves,” Matthew stated. “Judah and I have already discussed it. Leah and the ones like her will remain here unless we’re to perform specific tests. They’re not dangerous if they’re left to themselves.” “I don’t want her caged.” Judah shot Adam a hard look. Adam nodded. “I understand. However, if there are attacks or deaths, the Network will be involved, and there’s little I can do to stop it.” Judah’s teeth ground. “The Network—” “Was not actually responsible for what happened,” Matthew spoke softly. “I’m not saying they haven’t ignored their duties, but Jay acted on his own in what happened to Leah and the others.” “I know that,” Judah said. “And all he has to do is serve time in a mortal prison.” “When his time is served there, The Network will have another trial,” Adam stated. “He should be dead! But that’s beside the point. Right now all I care about is helping Leah and the others. Tomorrow night, we’ll run the wolves to the grate.” “From there, Adam and I will anesthetize them with darts,” Matthew continued. “And Vincent, Paul and Vick will help us load them into the vans and drive to the lab in Boston.” “Then it’s settled.” Vincent flopped onto Matthew’s old bed and closed his eyes. “Hey, guys, pull the shade on the way out. I don’t even want any moonlight.” “No problem.” Matthew smiled, pulling the shade and flicking off the lights. He, Adam and Judah stepped into the hallway. Matthew smiled. “That place is loaded with roaches. With no lights, he’ll be crawling by dawn.” Judah departed for his mother’s house while Matthew and Adam made their way to Adam’s home, where Dulcie and Mara awaited them. In less than two days, the wolves would be safely at the research center in Boston. On Monday morning, Matthew would report to work again. His heartbeat quickened at the thought. He could scarcely wait to resume his normal life, even though after what had happened during the past year, things would be different. He’d have the wolves to deal with, changes at the hospital to catch up on and relationships to resume. His family knew what he was, and though they accepted it, they still had so many questions. Matthew’s experiences and injuries while hiding had given him a new empathy with mortal suffering. He felt those experiences would make him a better doctor.

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Matthew and Adam ate dinner with their wives, then retired as dawn neared. “How was it with those wolves?” Dulcie asked as she and Matthew prepared for bed. She stood naked in front of the dresser mirror and brushed her hair. Matthew discarded his clothes and stood behind her, taking the brush from her hand. He ran it through her soft, thick locks. “It was fine. Adam and Vincent did well, considering they aren’t used to it. They have experience fighting big cats, so it wasn’t too shocking for them. Not like it was for me at first.” Matthew placed the brush aside and embraced Dulcie from behind. She closed her eyes and leaned against him, loving the feeling of his hard, hair-dusted chest against the smooth flesh of her back and shoulders. “I always knew how wild you were. The first time I saw you, I thought to myself, ‘Under all those classy clothes and cologne, there’s a real animal.’ And I was right.” “I’m an animal?” She turned so they were eye to eye. Her claws bit into his steely pectorals. “You are the worst kind of animal, so why don’t you show me?” He growled deep in his throat and jerked her into his arms, his fangs lengthening and his eyes glowing lavender. Matthew dropped onto the bed, Dulcie in his arms, and gazed at her. A half-smile played around his lips as his fangs extended. “You are so adorable,” she said, touching every inch of his face with her fingertips. She smoothed his brow and stroked his cheekbones and jaw. With gentle sweeps of her fingertip, she caressed his eyelids and lips. Her lips brushed his cheek and mouth. Grinning, she tugged away just before he nipped her lower lip. Dulcie’s hand caressed his chest, her claws lengthening and scraping his steely pecs. “Damn, your body is unbelievable,” she said, slashing her tongue over his nipples and running her lips over the mat of hair covering his chest. “So strong and sexy. I could make love with you all day and all night.” He growled and grasped her arms, pushing her gently onto her back as his mouth covered hers in a soft kiss. You’re so beautiful, he told her, his tongue stroking hers, one hand dipping between her legs. Her pussy felt so warm and slick with her juices. He groaned as she squirmed beneath him, thrusting her soft mound against his rubbing hand and exploring fingers. Moving to his side, he placed a hand on her hip and rolled her to face him. Easing his hard inches into her with a long, slow thrust, his fingers massaged her buttocks, holding her close. Dulcie draped her leg over him, purring softly in her throat, her green eyes focused on his. Brushing his cheek against hers, Matthew inhaled her luscious scent. His chest expanded, pressing closer to her breasts as he drew a deep breath and licked her throat.

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When his fangs pierced her flesh, she gasped and clung to him tighter, her hips following his rhythm. Closing his eyes tightly, Matthew ran his hand over her soft curves as he lapped her smooth, salty flesh. Dulcie nipped his shoulder and licked it before sinking her fangs in deep. God, Dulcie, this feels so good! Oh, Matthew! Their thoughts entwined, they came together in a pulsing, blood-red haze of pleasure.

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Chapter Fourteen “I never realized the sewers went so deep,” Matthew said as he and Judah walked the dank, narrow chambers leading to the lowest levels of the city. Though the wolves didn’t show themselves, Matthew smelled them and felt them watching. Several times he heard soft howls and the scratch of toenails. “We’re almost there,” Judah told him, then stopped so suddenly Matthew almost smashed into him. The vampires waited silently. Seconds later, a tall female werewolf stepped through a jagged opening at the end of the corridor. Matthew recognized Leah, and the wolf remembered him as well. She approached, her dark eyes meeting his before she looked at Judah. Her body swept close to her husband’s as she brushed his cheek with hers. Judah caressed her back. “Ready, baby?” Leah growled deep in her throat. About twenty hirsute, bipedal creatures similar to her slipped quietly into the corridor. Their yellowish eyes fixed on Matthew. They circled him. As one predator surrounded by other predators, his innate instincts took over and he struggled to control the rise of his vampiric nature. “The others are about a quarter of a mile away,” Judah explained. “You’ll be the bait. We’ll hold back the stampede.” Matthew nodded, following Judah and the pack to another chamber where the more primitive wolves lounged among scraps of food, dead rats and bones licked clean. They howled upon smelling Matthew, their fangs bared. “Ready?” Judah asked. The higher wolves stood between Matthew and the primitives. “As I’ll ever be.” Matthew finally allowed his fangs to slip from flesh sheaths. Judah and his companions stepped aside, baring Matthew to the wolves’ eyes. Matthew howled long and loud, then ran. He knew he was fast, but the wolves were just as fast. No, faster, Matthew thought, his blood pounding as he felt their teeth gnashing at his calves. Matthew leapt, putting a bit more distance between himself and the wolves chasing him. He turned a sharp corner and saw the grate looming ahead, Adam and Vincent behind it, their darts ready. The wolves growled and whined. When Matthew was several feet from the grate, he leapt, his front foot braced against one of the corridor walls, his back foot against the other. The wolves, not predicting his move, smashed headfirst into the grate. He

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dropped to the ground and ran to the end of the corridor, pulling a dart from his jacket. Adam and Vincent had already shot two of the wolves, and Matthew shot the third. “You sure there’s enough in those darts to dope them?” Vincent bellowed, throwing open the grate since the wolves, not yet affected by the drug, had again turned on Matthew. Vincent whistled. “Over here, doggies!” Matthew, Adam and Vincent wrestled the wolves for a few seconds before the beasts became groggy and finally fell unconscious. “They’re fast,” Matthew said. “Almost got me a couple of times. Adam, have you clocked yourself lately?” “I still run weekly,” Adam said. “I haven’t let that slip. Mara timed me last month. Just under fifty-one miles an hour.” “Still faster than me,” Matthew said. “Vincent?” “He’s faster than me, too, but not by a helluva lot.” “Maybe we can alternate as bait?” Matthew suggested. “Fine with me.” Adam stepped into the corridor. “Which way?”

***** It took the Immaculates almost until dawn to sedate all the wolves and transport them into vans, which Paul and Vick drove to Boston. Adam and Matthew traveled with the hybrids to ensure the wolves were properly settled at the research center. “What fascinating animals,” Jules said as he stared at a group of wolves through the window of an observation room. For close to an hour, the wolves, freshly awake, had tried breaking through the thick glass and metal-enforced walls, but they were too solidly made. Matthew and Adam had waited with the small hybrid doctor to be certain the wolves would be safely confined. Satisfied, they retired to Matthew’s house. “It’s been quite a night,” Adam said, rubbing his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. “That’s an understatement.” Matthew rolled his tired shoulders. “Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow night we’ll go back to New York.” “I wonder what Mara and Dulcie are doing? When we left they were going hunting.” “Umm.” A growl rumbled in Matthew’s chest. “Hope they don’t find too handsome a refreshment.” “You’re the last person who should worry about that.” Adam clapped his brother on the back. “You and Dulcie are madly in love. She’d do anything for you.” “And I for her.”

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“That goes without saying. Until I met Mara, I didn’t know how much I could love another person.” “We’re lucky,” Matthew said as he retired to his room while Adam took one of the guest rooms. After taking a long, hot shower, Matthew flopped into bed just as the sun rose outside the thick black drapes. His eyes closed, halfway between wakefulness and sleep, he stretched the relaxed tentacles of his mind toward Dulcie. Dulcie? Silence. Dulcie? Matthew? I love you. I can’t wait for you to come back. Want to hear what I’m going to do once we’re alone together? Well, duh! Matthew smiled, his mind still touching his wife’s.

***** The following dusk, Dulcie sat on the steps of Matthew’s old apartment building, Laurie and the children beside her. All were bundled in hats, coats and gloves. Dulcie smelled the snow in the air. “We’re sure going to miss Matthew,” Laurie said. “And it was good getting to know you, too.” “We can keep in touch,” Dulcie told her. “We’ll visit when we come to see Adam and Mara.” “Vincent won’t come with you, will he?” “No.” Dulcie laughed. “You don’t have to worry about him.” “Too bad he’s such a jerk. He’s really good-looking.” “Less looks and more class might help him.” Dulcie was about to continue when she caught the scent of fear and excitement on the air. She recognized the smell of hybrids. One of them she knew personally. “I’ll be back.” “Something wrong, Dulcie?” Laurie asked. Dulcie shook her head. “You and the kids better go inside, though.” Without hesitation, Laurie did as she was told. She’d lived long enough among vampires to trust their sense of danger.

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Dulcie’s pace quickened as she made her way down the block, following Geneva’s scent. In an alley, the childlike vampire hissed and lashed out with her claws at two large male hybrids who had her cornered against a brick wall. “Here, kiddie, kiddie, kiddie,” one of the hybrids sneered, grasping Geneva by the hair. She kicked him hard between the legs. When he dropped her, she started to run. The second hybrid caught her by the back of the neck and flung her against the wall like a vicious kitten. “Why don’t you perverts try that with a real woman?” Dulcie snarled. The two young hybrids turned in her direction and stared at her with curious eyes. She knew they thought her scent was strange, but they had no idea what an Immaculate was. She smiled inwardly. Let them find out the hard way. “Look at those boobs,” the slimmer, sandy-haired youth said. His dark-haired companion also ogled Dulcie’s breasts beneath her fitted gray sweater. “I’d like to take a bite out of those.” “Well, don’t just stand there talking about it.” Dulcie wrinkled her nose, her fangs lengthening. The hybrids flew at her. She knocked one aside and grasped the other by the wrists. Holding him immobile, her teeth sank into his neck. The terrified hybrid struggled futilely against her Immaculate strength. His eyes wide with horror, his companion fled. Still, Dulcie continued drinking until the hybrid sank to the tar, dizzy and nearly unconscious. Dulcie wiped her bloody lips on her white knit gloves. “Damn.” She tugged off the soiled gloves and tossed them in a half-full trash can. “Ruined those. They were angora, too.” “I didn’t have my tonfas with me,” Geneva said, her face still pale with fear. “I usually bring them when I hunt. It was stupid of me since I’m such an easy target.” “You’re okay?” Dulcie asked, looking down her nose at Geneva. She didn’t like the little hybrid at all but didn’t have the heart to let a couple of rogues rip her apart. She imagined it was difficult for Geneva, being so physically vulnerable. Dulcie began walking out of the alley and back to the apartment where Matthew might already await her. They had plans to have dinner with Laurie and her children before retiring to Mara and Adam’s home for the next couple of days. “You didn’t have to help me,” Geneva said, falling into step beside Dulcie. “Why did you?” “I felt like it.” “Well…thank you.” Dulcie glanced at Geneva, knowing how difficult it was for her to thank a woman she considered a rival.

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“It hasn’t been good for me since Gareth died,” Geneva said. “I hang out with Paul a lot now. He’s nice enough, but not too swift. Can I ask you one thing and then I won’t bother you again?” Dulcie looked hesitant. “What do you want to ask?” “Is Matthew as wonderful as I think?” “More,” Dulcie said. “Much more.” Dulcie paused, catching Matthew’s scent. He dropped suddenly from a fire escape. “Are you all right? Laurie said you took off in a hurry.” “Nothing I couldn’t handle.” Matthew grasped her shoulders and ran a fingertip over her cheek, wiping away a smear of blood. “You’ve been hunting?” “She took on two hybrids,” Geneva said. “She was great, but watching her made me hungry. I have to go. Oh, Paul wants to know if you’ll sing with his band at the end of the week. Something about a last-minute gig and they need a singer. Practice is tomorrow at dusk, if you’re interested.” “I don’t think I should—” “Come on,” Dulcie interrupted, clinging to his arm. “I have got to hear you sing. I still can’t imagine my egghead singing in a rock band.” Matthew curled his lip. “Egghead?” “Tell Paul he’ll be there,” Dulcie said to Geneva as she disappeared down a side street. “I don’t want you to watch me sing in some dive. I’m not even that good.” “Come on.” Dulcie scratched his chest. “All howlers can sing, according to Paul. And it’ll turn me on.” Matthew glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “In that case…” Dulcie grinned as she snuggled closer to his side. For as long as she’d known him, Matthew had always succumbed to two sure temptations—turkey dinner and sex. It was a comfort to know that not everything had changed over the past year.

***** For the next few nights, Matthew and Dulcie explored New York while Adam, who was cutting through red tape due to the problems of the past year, had finally been accepted as a fellow in one of the city’s hospitals. For a couple of hours each night, Matthew disappeared to practice with Paul’s band. He wouldn’t allow Dulcie to watch in spite of how she pleaded, so during that time, she and Mara hunted, shopped and helped Laurie and her children settle into their new apartment. Since graduating from cooking school, Laurie had gotten a great job and begun a new life with her family.

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“I know it’s hard with all these kids,” Dulcie said as she and Mara helped Laurie fold clothes one evening before dinner, “but you’re lucky to be able to have them. I know how much Matthew would like a child, but our kind so seldom conceive.” “Yeah, you guys just take a bite out of someone and boom! Instant adult child,” Laurie said. “Just think, no diapers, no formula and no labor pains.” Mara laughed. “It’s not as easy as you think to make a hybrid. Just ask Dulcie. She made me.” Laurie stared at Dulcie. “I didn’t know that. Sounds like quite a story.” “A very long story,” Dulcie smiled. “Anyway, it was extremely risky because the only way to make a hybrid is if the vampire and the human involved are compatible. If Mara hadn’t been able to accept my blood, she wouldn’t have turned and most likely would have died.” “But you did it for Adam, huh?” Laurie asked. “Yes.” Mara looked far off with the memory. “For Adam. It’s the best decision I ever made.” Dulcie glanced at Laurie’s daughter, who had toddled by her feet. “Do you mind if I pick her up?” “Here.” Laurie scooped up her daughter and handed her to Dulcie. “Someday you might get lucky. This is good practice.”

***** On Friday night Dulcie and Mara sat at a table in the dingy little club where Paul’s band was setting up to play. Dulcie sipped her drink and tried not to laugh as she watched Matthew stepping over wires and helping the three young hybrids plug in their instruments. The last place she ever expected to see her husband was on stage in a dive. But, she reflected, he did look kind of sexy in those jeans and that black T-shirt with his hair all wild. She doubted anyone back home would recognize him. “This is too weird.” Mara giggled beside her. “Adam thinks he’s flipped his lid.” Dulcie shrugged. “Maybe he has. I don’t care. He has a cute tush in those jeans.” “I just wonder what he’s going to sound like. I can’t imagine Matthew singing in a rock band—” Mara was interrupted as the band began to play. The drums beat a primitive rhythm, the guitar shrieked and finally, Matthew sang. Dulcie’s smile faded as she felt the first stirring of desire deep in her belly. His voice had always turned her on when he howled during lovemaking, and just the sound of it when he spoke turned her legs to liquid. She never thought about what he’d sound like singing. His voice was deep, strong, a raw reflection of experiences tinged with lust and evil. “He’s good,” Mara whispered.

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Dulcie nodded, unable to tear her eyes from Matthew. Her incisors pushed at her gums as desire rose. Her heart fluttered when she noticed his fangs gleaming against his lips. Behind his sunglasses, she knew his eyes shone lavender, just as she knew they were fixed on her. The audience seemed to enjoy the performance as much as Dulcie. Afterward, as they were driving back to Mara’s house, Dulcie spoke to Matthew silently. Do you have any idea how much hearing you sing turned me on? I hope you plan on giving me a night to remember. I’m looking forward to it, he replied. When they reached the house and Mara retired to her study to catch up on some work, Matthew and Dulcie slashed off each other’s clothes and stepped into the shower. Steam rose around them as Dulcie melted against Matthew’s chest. He enfolded her in his arms. For several moments they stood beneath the hot water, allowing it to warm and soothe them. Dulcie closed her eyes, intensely aware of the rise and fall of Matthew’s chest beneath her cheek and the sound of his heartbeat. It was slow and steady, though a bit quicker than usual as she sensed his aroused thoughts mingling with hers. His cock swelled against her. A low growl of desire, scarcely audible, rumbled in his chest. How she loved exciting him! Her hand stroked his ribs and caressed his hip. Moving slightly aside, she curled her fist around his cock. Tightening her grip, she pumped the soft flesh covering the steely rod. She slid down his body and squatted, taking his cock in both hands and rolling her tongue over the head. As she teased the underside, one of her hands strayed to his buttocks. Grasping one rock-hard cheek, she kneaded and caressed. Her hand slid to the back of his thigh. His muscles were so powerful, touching his leg was like stroking warm, hair-roughened marble. His pulse increased as she sucked his cock head, the motions short and fast. When the tip of one of her fangs slid into the little hole atop the smooth knob, he groaned with need. His fingers gripped her hair and his hips thrust forward, his buttocks like steel, his breathing ragged. “Oh, Dulcie!” he gasped, his heartbeat filling her ears, or was it her own? Knowing that he was so ready had her so wet—and not from the shower. It was the sultry, sexy, deep inside, drenched-to-her-core wet. The kind that begged for a hard cock to dampen and tease. “Come here!” he panted, shutting off the faucet, grasping her shoulders and dragging her out of the shower. Lying on his back on the rug just outside the shower, he gripped her waist as she lowered herself onto his cock. Flexing her legs, she rode him fast and hard, her claws scoring his chest, her eyes glowing and fangs glistening.

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Leaning over him, her breasts dangled above his lips. Matthew lifted his neck and captured one of her erect nipples, nipping it with his fangs. At the taste of her blood, his hips lifted, his cock impaling her even deeper. As he came, his heart threatened to burst through his chest. His cock spurted with near-painful passion. Dulcie’s fangs pierced his neck and she exploded, her body convulsing atop his. his.

Sprawled across Matthew’s chest as they caught their breath, her legs locked with “I can’t believe everything is really over,” she murmured. He kissed her hair. “Thank you for waiting for me for so long.” “I’d have waited a thousand years for you, Matthew. Longer if I had to.”

Overwhelmed with affection and gratitude, he tightened his arms around her and kissed her mouth.

***** On Saturday evening, before Matthew and Dulcie left for home, Geneva arrived. “Before you go, we want to see you in the training hall,” she told him. Geneva climbed into the backseat of the car as Matthew drove, Dulcie beside him. “Are we ever going to see you two again?” Geneva asked. “Us two?” Dulcie glanced over her shoulder at the childlike hybrid and raised her eyebrow. “Or just him?” “You, too.” Geneva shrugged. “You’re okay, even if your body must be a reflection of evil.” Dulcie and Matthew exchanged looks and rolled their eyes. Geneva, it seemed, would never grow, in any direction. Matthew parked in front of his old apartment and glanced at the building. It was one thing about the Community he certainly wouldn’t miss. He only hoped he hadn’t carried home any roaches with his belongings. Together, the three dropped into the sewer and made their way to the training hall. Matthew was surprised to find Paul, Laurie, Vick, Mindy, Jimmie and nearly every member of the Community—human and vampire alike—assembled. “We weren’t going to let you go without saying goodbye.” Vick slapped Matthew on the back. Mindy’s gaze swept Matthew, who wore a simple black suit with a pink and gray tie and a black wool coat. She whistled. “You don’t look like no bum.” Dulcie grasped Matthew’s hand, repressing a warning growl. “Don’t worry, honey.” Mindy bent to pull her stocking up her leg, which was mostly bare beneath a tight red miniskirt. “We heard what you did to those hybrids chasing Geneva.”

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Nice to know you can protect me, Matthew teased. You better believe it, Dulcie replied. it.”

“Where’s Judah?” Geneva demanded, her hands on her hips. “He’s the one who has

“Here I come,” Judah snapped, crossing the room with several long strides. He extended his hand to Matthew. “This is from all of us down here, to say thanks and to wish you luck.” Matthew glanced at the gold watch in Judah’s hand. “It’s not as good as the one you hocked, but it’s the real thing,” Paul told him. Matthew took the watched and turned it over in his palm. Underneath the watch had been inscribed. To Aesculapius from the Citizens of the Underworld “Gareth used to call you that sometimes,” Geneva said. “Never to your face. He said you wouldn’t like it, but we thought it fit.” It took Matthew a moment to speak as his throat constricted with emotion. Funny how that name sounded so different when Jay had used it in hatred than when the Community used it in love. “You didn’t have to do this,” Matthew finally said, glancing at them. “Thank you.” “Thank you,” Vick said. Dulcie took the watch from Matthew and fastened it on his wrist. “It’s beautiful.” “Well, enough of this shit,” Paul sighed. “This ain’t goodbye forever, right?” “Of course not,” Matthew told him. “You know where to find me, and I know where to find you.” The Community dispersed, except for Judah, Paul and Geneva. “I’ll be talking to you,” Matthew said to Judah. “There’s a lot of work ahead of us.” “See you,” Paul said. “It won’t be the same without you, but at least we don’t have to take guard duty anymore.” “Good luck,” Geneva said, her arms folded across her chest and her eyes fixed on Matthew. Matthew stooped and hugged her. Geneva clung to him tightly for a moment. She looked up at Dulcie. “Take care of him.” Dulcie smiled. “It’s what I do best.” Together, Dulcie and Matthew left the sewer and drove home, ready to begin their new life.

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Chapter Fifteen Boston Nine months later

“We know more than we did, but we’ve still got a long way to go,” Matthew said, glancing up from a microscope at the vampire research center. “It’s not fast work,” Jules agreed, “but at least it’s a start. Judah will be coming by tomorrow with Leah so we can take some samples.” “I take it there’ve been no problems in New York?” Matthew glanced over his shoulder at Adam, who concentrated on the blood sample beneath another microscope. “Not from the wolves, anyway,” Adam replied without looking up. “A couple of hybrid attacks here and there.” “I’m glad you and Mara came,” Matthew said. “What better way to spend a long weekend? Just don’t let anyone at Poet’s Manor know I’m here. I don’t feel like dealing with any Network business.” The phone rang and Jules picked it up, then turned to Matthew. “Dulcie’s here.” “Good.” Matthew smiled. “She’s giving us another blood sample. She’s one of the only Immaculate females in the vicinity—at least that we know of. Then we’re going to dinner.” Matthew walked to the elevator and met Dulcie in the lobby, where she was talking with one of the technicians. “Hello.” Matthew kissed her. “How did your class go tonight?” “Okay. At least I’ve got Vincent to stop doing that stupid dick dance in front of my students.” “I can’t believe you actually hired him again.” “He doesn’t know the going rates, so he’s cheap.” “He’s cheap anyway.” “This time he wore a bikini. I wasn’t taking any chances.” “And there were how many people in the class?” “Don’t worry.” Dulcie playfully pinched his cheek. “I’ve never had him pose for me alone. I’m not crazy.” “And I’m sure Vincent values his life.” The couple paused as the glass door opened and a familiar scent blew in. Dulcie and Matthew turned as Thomas entered the building. The ancient hybrid’s eyes glowed in his pale, drawn face. His unbound hair and kilt waved in the January

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wind blowing through the open door. He squeezed the trigger of the gun clutched in his hand, aiming at Matthew’s heart. Instinctively, Dulcie flung her arms around Matthew. She shrieked, pain exploding in her back and chest as the platinum bullet pierced flesh, muscle and bone. “Dulcie!” Matthew eased her onto the ground. Another shot rang out, just missing Matthew’s shoulder since the technician jumped on Thomas’ back and wrestled the gun from his hand. Thomas shoved the technician to the floor and ran, disappearing into the snowy night. Matthew’s attention focused completely on Dulcie as he shouted for help and attempted to stop the bleeding. Dulcie had already slipped into unconsciousness. Her heartbeat was frighteningly slow, even for an Immaculate. Matthew prayed the bullet hadn’t damaged her heart. Vampires rarely survived a heart injury, and unlike hybrids, there was no blood that would revive a dead Immaculate. Adam and Jules were the first to arrive. “What happened?” Adam demanded. “Thomas shot her in the back. He was after me.” Matthew willed his hands not to tremble. He’d never been unsteady before, but he’d never worked on someone he loved. “Sit down.” Adam nudged him out of the way. “We’ll take care of her.” Matthew stepped aside as Dulcie was taken upstairs. There was no better place for her to be cared for than the center. “Damn it, Dulcie!” Matthew said through clenched teeth. Matthew would rather have been shot himself than have her life endangered. If she died because of him, he’d never forgive himself. Never.

***** Matthew paced Jules’ office, his arms folded tightly across his chest as he waited for some word about Dulcie. “You’re wearing a hole in the carpet,” Buck said from where he sat with Julie and Mara. “Honey, why don’t you sit down?” Julie said. “It’s been three hours.” “Three hours on an Immaculate vampire,” Matthew murmured, running a hand through his hair. “That’s not a good sign.” Matthew, she’ll be all right, Mara told him telepathically. You know Jules and Adam are doing their best. Other than you, no one knows more about vampire medicine than Jules. Matthew glanced down at his lab coat. It was covered with Dulcie’s blood. He ripped it off and stalked out of the lab to dispose of it. Adam, still in scrubs, joined him just as he returned to Jules’ office. “She’ll be all right,” Adam said. “It was a platinum bullet, and it grazed her heart.” 139

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“Grazed?” “Matthew, she’ll be fine.” Adam placed a firm hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Jules is still with her. It’s going to take her at least a good week for recovery.” “Of course.” “Oh, and the baby is fine.” Matthew held his brother’s eyes. “What baby?” “You didn’t know?” Adam looked as startled as Matthew. “She’s pregnant. About two months. Congratulations. You two did the nearly impossible. Must be all the fertility on her side. They have babies about every five hundred years or so, right?” Adam tried his hand at humor, but Matthew was too stunned over all the events of the evening. Just moments ago, he was terrified that he’d become a widow, now he was going to be a father. “I want to see her.” “She’s still unconscious.” “I don’t care.” When Matthew stepped into the room where Jules had taken Dulcie, the slender hybrid stood at the foot of her bed. “Matthew. Did Adam explain?” Matthew nodded and tugged a chair by Dulcie’s bed. He stared at her pale face. Delicate blue veins shone beneath her eyelids. Her soft lips parted slightly as she breathed. He’d never seen her look so vulnerable. The thought that he’d almost lost her was unbearable. He was accustomed to death, but when it came to Dulcie, he wasn’t prepared for any of the common occurrences life flung at people, no matter what their species. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, stroking her cheek with his fingertips. “I should have protected you, not the other way around.” Protected her… Thomas. The rogue vampire, once a member of the Network, wanted him dead. Tonight wouldn’t be his final attempt. He had to find Thomas before Thomas found him again. Matthew would not place his family at the mercy of a fiend’s vendetta. Matthew brushed his lips chastely across Dulcie’s before stepping out of the room and into the hallway. He opened the door to Jules’ office where his family still waited. “You should go home,” Matthew told his parents. “You’ve been here most of the night.” “You’ll be all right?” Julie squeezed Matthew’s hand. He nodded. “Thank you so much for coming.” “You need anything, you call us.” Buck offered Matthew a brief hug and a slap on the back.

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Matthew walked his parents to their car. As they drove off, Adam appeared beside him. “I have to go,” Matthew stated. “You’re going for Thomas, aren’t you?” Matthew glared into Adam’s eyes. “Don’t even think about trying to stop me, you or your fucking Network.” Adam shrugged. “I was just going to ask if you wanted any help.” “Thanks anyway, but I can do this very well on my own.” Matthew’s fangs lengthened as he raced off, following the residue of Thomas’ scent.

***** “I can smell you, you young warlock bastard!” Thomas snarled from the basement of the abandoned building where Matthew had tracked him. Outside the sun rose high above the ice-covered city. The ancient hybrid had never trained himself to endure the daylight and was forced to seek shelter a few blocks away from the scene of his crime. “I’m armed!” Thomas continued. In spite of his strong words, his heartbeat was quick as a mortal’s and his breathing shallow with fear. “I’ll destroy you as I did your wife!” Thomas bellowed, his gun firing randomly as the rickety wooden ceiling dropped out, showering wood, nails and bits of concrete as Matthew dropped from above. He grabbed Thomas hard from behind, snapping the arm that held the gun and ramming his knee against the hybrid’s lower back. “Why did you do it?” Matthew snarled, saliva dripping from his fangs, his claws biting into the hybrid’s throat. Thomas’ feet dangled as Matthew pinned him to the wall so that they were eye to eye. “The Network was mine…” Thomas choked out, “long before…it belonged to you two children…and Jay was mine.” “Jay?” Matthew demanded, his fingers tightening. He felt Thomas attempting to pry into his mind, but the man’s fear and rage hindered his telepathic abilities. “What about Jay?” “There are many who will…remain faithful…to him. Even in prison.” Thomas’ fingers pried at Matthew’s, but his strength was nothing compared to an Immaculate’s. “You shot my wife for Ashford? You risked your life for that madman?” “Love is to kill for…or to die for. As you’ll find out…” “I already know.” Matthew’s teeth ripped through Thomas’ throat, draining him to unconsciousness. He dropped the hybrid’s body in the pile of debris, picked up a jagged shard of wood and plunged it through Thomas’ heart.

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***** “Lovely accommodations, aren’t they?” Judah loomed over Jay, who awakened on his back deep in the New York sewer. “Oh, my head,” Jay muttered, pressing a hand to his badly bruised temple. He pushed himself onto his elbows, still not quite comprehending his situation. “Up!” Matthew bellowed, causing Jay to start. Ashford leapt to his feet, swaying from dizziness as his bloodshot eyes darted from Judah to Matthew. A long, black leather coat over jeans and a sapphire T-shirt covered Judah’s powerful frame. Matthew wore a wool coat over a gray suit. “Where is this place and what am I doing here?” Jay demanded. “This is where Leah and the results of your experiments have been living, so you should feel right at home,” Judah said. “One of the family.” “As for what you’re doing here, Vincent Dilorenzo had some friends in prison who were more than happy to assist us in breaking you out,” Matthew said. “Now, onto business. Dr. Jay Ashford, your trial has begun.” “What trial?” Jay stammered. “You can’t do this! Only The Jury can try me.” “Down here we are The Jury,” Judah told him, his fangs lengthening. “We say you’re guilty of murder. Guilty of lying. Guilty of cruelty and abuse. How do you plead?” Jay’s eyes flashed red. “I don’t have to plead anything to you!” “Now you’re charged with contempt of court!” Matthew hissed, swiping his claws across Jay’s face. The force of the blow knocked Jay into Judah’s waiting arms. Judah clutched him and took a deep bite from his shoulder before tossing him back to Matthew. “You can’t do this!” Jay trembled from head to foot. “This is murder! Matthew, you claim you want to defend the weak! Judah, would Leah want you to do this?” “Mention her name again and I’ll rip your tongue out before you die!” Judah leapt at Jay, picked him up and flung him at the grate. Both Matthew and Judah stared as Leah’s hairy, clawed hands fastened on Jay. The hybrid screamed as his creation tore the heart from his chest and devoured it. “Leah.” Judah opened the grate and tugged the wolf into his arms. “I didn’t want you to get involved.” Matthew’s eyes met Leah’s dark ones before he left the two alone.

***** “Matthew?” Dulcie’s gaze fixed on his as he stepped into her room at the research center. Jules had advised her to remain at the center for a couple of days, due to the seriousness of her injury.

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Matthew noted she looked better already. When she kissed him, it was with wonderfully familiar urgency. “Dulcie,” Matthew warned, gently grasping her arms as he broke her passionate kiss. “You have to rest for at least a week. I don’t want anything happening to you.” She sat back on the pillows, her fingers linked with his. “You killed him, didn’t you?” “Don’t think about what happened.” He traced her lips with his fingertip. “It’s all in the past. Thomas is out of our lives.” “I meant Jay.” He let his hand drop but didn’t reply. Dulcie continued, “I can still smell him on you. I know you tried to scrub him off. I heard he broke out of prison, but it was you, wasn’t it?” “Dulcie, please, forget about Jay.” “You’ve never lied to me, Matthew.” “I won’t lie to you. Jay is dead. I intended to kill him, but I didn’t.” “I believe you.” For a moment they were silent. Then she smiled. “Are you happy? You finally get to be a daddy.” “Yes, I’m happy.” He couldn’t control his smile. “I never thought it would happen, at least not so fast. However, with all the work I’ve been doing regarding fertility—” “Don’t be a doctor, Doctor.” She smiled, beckoning him closer. “Right now I want a lover.” “I’ll always be that.” He buried his fingers in her hair and kissed her. “Everything else in the world might change, but that, Dulcie Evans, is forever.” The End

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About the Author Kate Hill is a thirty-something vegetarian New Englander who likes heroes with a touch of something wicked and wild. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in publications both on and off the Internet. When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out, and researching vampires and Viking history. Kate Hill welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at 1056 Home Ave., Akron, OH 44310.

Also by Kate Hill Ancient Blood: Darkness Therein Ancient Blood: Deep Red Ancient Blood: Immaculate Ancient Blood: In Black Ancient Blood: Infernal Ancient Blood: The Blood Doctor Ancient Blood: The Holiday Stalking By Honor Bound anthology Forever Midnight anthology Horsemen 1: Dream Stallion Horsemen 2: Captive Stallion Horsemen 3: Highland Stallion Knights of the Ruby Order 1: Torn Knights of the Ruby Order 2: Crag Knights of the Ruby Order 3: Lock Midnight Desires Moonlust Privateer Vampires at Heart anthology

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

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