Page 8 of Seph

“Don’t die on me! I’ve only just gotten settled into this town, and it’s where I want to stay. It’s a nice little place!” he hissed, shaking her. “Stay awake. Look at me.”

“Your fangs are out.”

“You’re bleeding everywhere, and it’s late. I’m hungry. I didn’t even want to go to the bloody hockey game, but Mr. Minegold’s been so kind to me, and the Lumberjacks are doing really well this season.”

Emily narrowed her eyes. “You’re right. I am concussed. Are you wearing plaid? Are you talking about hockey?”

“Yes, on both counts.”

“While I’m dying?”I always figured vampires would have better speeches when they’re about to kill off their sworn enemy. Wait, does this mean I’m not his sworn enemy? I don’t know whether to be insulted or relieved.

“You’re not dying! I’m not going to let you die.”

“Why not? You killed enough other people.”

“Only the ones who deserve it—and now... Not even them. I tried to tell you that two years ago, and you wouldn’t listen, you stubborn bitch.”

“You almost killed me then. You kicked me through a window.”

“I panicked.”

Was it the blood loss talking, or did he look just a little bit ashamed at that admission?

A flapping sound that was accompanied by a huge dark shape interrupted the conversation.

A gargoyle. She’d never seen one in real life. Her father said they were evil, demon spawn left on earth to terrorize humans. This gargoyle wascarryinga human. Or at least something thatlookedhuman.

“Oh, my God! Oh, thank God, you got her out, Simeon! We could see the flames from the highway!”

Another vampire. Emily’s unfocused eyes moved from Crow’s face to the face of a man in his forties or fifties with immaculate silvery hair and a kind smile. Still a vampire—she’d been trained to note the signs, the pale skin, the way the pulse never ticked in the neck, and the faint hints of red in the pupil. That kind face could mask centuries. Simeon Crow could pass for twenty-five or thirty. Ha. He’d been born during the Crimean War.

“I’m Jakob Minegold, my dear. This is Genesis Davidson. The ambulance is on its way. Hang on.” He reached out a comforting hand and stroked her hair.

“This is Emily. Van Helsing.” Crow’s voice was carefully flat, but there was an undercurrent of dislike he couldn’t disguise.

“Oh, goodness. Of the Van Helsing family of vampire hunters? Well. I suppose she must crave a bit of peace and safety, too. Don’t worry, my dear. Whatever good things you’ve heard about Pine Ridge are true, and all are welcome. You won’t have to live in fear or face your foes anymore. Unless, of course you’re interested in joining the Night Watch rotation which is rather like a Neighborhood Watch organization. Usually, things are very quiet, but—”

“Jakob. This isn’t the time,” the gargoyle protested, cutting him off.

“Of course. Simeon, you know Miss Van Helsing?”

“We met once.”

“Before you—?”

“No. A few years after.”

“Does she know?”

“I tried to tell her, but she doesn’t believe me.”

“I can hear what you’re saying. I’m not dead yet,” Emily snapped peevishly.

“I can see that,” the older-looking vampire nodded, a gentle smile on his face. “Seeing is believing, Miss Van Helsing, and you’re in good hands. The ones who harm the innocent don’t remain in Pine Ridge. We will not allow it.”

Emily stared at the lined face, now stern, hints of ruby dancing under blue. The gargoyle behind him crossed his massive arms and nodded once.

“Then why is Crow here?”

---