Chapter 7

Once Upon a Time

 

Danielle stretched her stiff muscles, arched her back, and groaned as she awoke. It seemed her body was still complaining about freezing. Colorado could get plenty cold in the winter, still, she had never been that cold before. Ever.

The memory of last night’s shocking events flooded back to her. Her eyes snapped open.

One glance out the window told her the fog from last night was completely gone. Good, she thought, she didn’t much like that creepy soup.

Wondering what time it was, Danielle’s eyes flew to the alarm clock, which she’d forgotten to set, then widened in horror. I’ve got to get moving! she thought, when she noticed how late it was. She sprang from the bed, and forced her body to cooperate while her muscles continued to protest. It felt like she’d actually been hit by that lamppost.

Wanting to look nice, she slid one of her favorite dresses off the hanger. The linen was white and the design was vintage-inspired. She’d purchased it from a trendy boutique that blended modern-chic with an antique twist into their fashion. Of course it was too froufrou for Brianna, but Danielle had an affinity for things of the past. And it seemed the perfect thing for a guy like Ethan.

After yanking off her pajamas and donning her bra, she let the soft fabric glide over her head and then gazed at herself in the mirror. Her fingers traced the delicate lace trim and pin-tucking details, then she frowned. “Hmm, maybe this is too dressy.” Her gaze landed on the denim jacket hanging over the back of her chair and she reached for it, knowing that would dress it down. The forecast promised a warm day compared to the day before, so she selected flats instead of boots.

Danielle could hear Ethan speaking with her uncle. Why couldn't he be late for once? He’ll have to wait this time, but her heart fluttered excitedly at the thought of him actually being there, and she was relieved he hadn’t bailed out. Finally she’d know who or what she was dating and how it seemed like they already knew each other.

She gave her hair one more critique, tucked a rebellious wave behind her ear, and inspected her lip-gloss. Luckily the bath last night had freshened up her tresses, but just in case, she misted herself with an eau de toilette that was a mixture of berries, blooms and musk. She drew one big breath and let it out slowly as she slipped on her shoes and then left to descend the stairs, wondering what his reaction would be to her dress.

Ethan stood from his seated position when he heard her coming down. Apparently it was something ingrained in him—always rise when a lady enters a room—another one of his cultured traits that enchanted her. When she saw his face, a wave of relief washed over her. She’d never seen that look of total captivation on his face before, but as she got closer, she was startled to see deep emotion darken his blue eyes, much like storm clouds taking over a clear sky.

“What’s wrong?” she whispered as that strangely welcome wave of dizziness assailed her.

“Nothing,” he chuckled. “Everything is perfect.” He leaned down to place his lips against her ear. “I nearly fainted when I saw you coming down dressed in white.” He straightened, beaming at her in total awe.

The dancing pixies found their way to her middle again, and—Why is he so familiar?—was the question that continued to slide through her thoughts. Catching her elbow, he obviously noticed how she swayed when he made eye contact. Why was he more open with it now, compared to last night?

“Am I over dressed?” Still thinking the difference between last night and now was puzzling, she stroked her dress to make sure it was laying flat. It was an unnecessary action, it didn’t need it.

“No. You’re absolutely breathtaking. Shall we go?” he suggested, lifting her hand and slipping it around his arm.

“Yes,” she breathed. She must have stared into his alluring eyes a little too long because she was pretty much whirling now. Clearly, Ethan remained aware of this because he let her lean on him as he led her to his Jaguar. Danielle realized then … he knew that he made her feel dizzy and he must know why.

Once they were seated, she asked, “Where are we going?”

“We’re going to the place I grew up, my childhood home.”

“That sounds nice. Is it far?” Anxious to finally get answers, Danielle didn’t want to wait much longer. If she could get him to spill it now—that would have suited her.

“Not really.”

Danielle frowned at his vague reply, as he reached over to hold her hand. He must have been sensing her impatience. He glanced at her while he interlaced his fingers with hers, his eyes raking over every inch of her. “Did I mention you look lovely today?”

“Yes, you mentioned it…” Don’t change the subject! “I mean how long will it take us to get there?” Danielle asked pleasantly, hoping he didn’t notice her teeth grinding.

Ethan chuckled softly. “Patience, mon chérie.”

“That’s French. What does that mean?”

“Patience, my darling.”

“Right, that’s what I thought.”

“Then why did you ask?” He chuckled again, but his words remained kind, patient.

“I was just making sure.” Danielle pouted, folding her arms across her chest, letting go of his hand in the process. This small talk was getting to her. She didn’t want to be patient. She wanted answers now. Mentally, she stomped her foot.

“Why are you sullen, Danielle?”

She exhaled sharply, but knew he didn’t like the fact that she’d removed her hand from his. “I’m sorry. I’m just not as patient as you.” She kept her petulant expression, but returned her hand, which he took back gratefully.

“Patience comes with time.” Ethan grinned to himself, remembering a joke it seemed. “We’ll be there soon. I’ll tell you everything then. I want this to be special, and telling you in the car simply won’t do.”

Ethan eyed her silently for a moment then suddenly released her hand, slung his arm around her shoulders and tugged her close. After placing one kiss on the top of her head, he took in a deep breath. Not releasing her, he hesitated before saying, “You smell like a vanilla cupcake.”

“Uh, thanks.” That would be the shampoo from last night.

“I like it, although I haven’t eaten cake in a very long time.” Danielle thought she felt his lips pull into a smile. “‘Sugar and spice, and everything nice…. That’s what little girls are made of.’” After quoting the nursery rhyme, he then chuckled to himself.

Recalling the verse, she said, “So are you made of frogs and snails and puppy dog tails?”

“I don’t know. I may be more toad-like than you realize, though I believe the rhyme goes ‘snips and snails,’ not ‘frogs and snails.’”

“Really?” She’d never heard it that way. “What’s a snip?”

“Good question.”

Ethan rested his cheek against her head as he drove. Danielle turned her nose into his chest, as she leaned across the thin center console. She couldn’t resist breathing in his scent as well. After that day in Uncle Nick’s garden, he’d only granted her faint whiffs of it here and there, never allowing her to inhale the full concentrated strength of it by keeping her at a distance. She realized then that he’d been reclusive about sharing this as much as his eye contact.

Until now. Where was he taking this relationship? Not that she minded, because in truth she really liked him, despite the fact she didn’t know what his secrets where yet, she was actually liking the change. Liking the forwardness.

She took full advantage as the musky potion filled her lungs and made her dazed. It was the perfect distraction to her impatience, and she was contentedly quiet the rest of the ride.

Releasing his hold on her, Ethan parked his car at the edge of a lone street, lined with forest on either side. Ever the gentleman, he came around to open the door and help her out. Danielle hadn’t expected such a secluded place. She couldn’t see any homes anywhere because the trees were too thick. He pulled a blanket and a large picnic basket from the trunk. The blanket he draped over his shoulder, then hooked one arm through the handle of the basket.

“Now we walk a ways.”

She looked at him surprised. “Which way are we walking?”

“Through the woods.”

“Ethan,” she said, pointing to her dress, “a white dress, ballerina flats and hiking through a forest? Why didn’t you tell me? I could have dressed for a hike.”

He laughed. “The dress is perfect.”

“But—?”

Ethan continued to laugh as he scooped her up into his arms—which were already loaded—and strode off into the forest. He walked with ease, even under his heavy burden, following no trail through the uneven terrain.

Danielle couldn’t argue, her white dress would be smudge free and she wouldn’t have to tromp through weeds and bugs in a pretty little pair of flats. Resigned, she wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her nose against his delicious skin ... realizing Ethan was dropping the walls of casual courtship between them rather quickly, not that she minded as his fragrance filled her lungs.

After what seemed like a good two miles, he shifted her weight. Drawn from whatever spell was holding her, she lifted her head to see ancient ruins nestled amongst the trees, seemingly forgotten. Only a fraction of the crumbling stone structures could be seen as thick green moss clung to what remained. With wild poppies springing up amongst the long grass covering the ground, it looked like an enchanted place where fairies dwelled. The large structure must have had many rooms, but arched doorways were most of what remained. The scene was beautiful, mythical, worthy of a painting.

“Wow,” Danielle breathed.

Immediately wanting to paint it, she was already deciding ... acrylic or watercolor? Danielle began trying to remember every detail. The deep shade of the surrounding trees, the way the light filtered through them and settled on the ruins with a green-tinged glow. She considered her shades of paint as she took in the mottled gray and tan colors of the weathered stone. The browns, the reds, the muted blue of the sky as it tried to show through the clouds.

Ethan had told her what this place was, but she’d already forgotten.

Gingerly, Ethan placed her down on a piece of crumbling stone floor, and moved to spread the blanket out over the grass. Next he settled the basket onto it and then returned to retrieve her. He held her hand as she curled down onto the blanket.

After rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt, he lounged casually on his side, and propped himself up on one elbow. The sunlight glinted off his rich golden hair, creating the illusion of a halo. Danielle’s heart fluttered at the unearthly sight, thinking God could come down at any moment to gather his angel back up into Heaven.

“Hungry?” he said, interrupting her angel-swooning.

Between ogling at him and trying to memorize this place so she could paint it later, hunger was the furthest thing from her mind, but after the mention of it, she realized she was. “Oh ... yes, actually.”

He set a pretty china plate on the blanket in front of her and then reached back into the basket. An array of different gourmet food items followed as he arranged it all in front of her on the plate.

“Where did you get all of this?”

“I prepared it myself.”

Danielle looked at him in total amazement because the items he served looked very complicated and not at all homemade. Could he possibly be any more irresistible? For a short moment she thought she could forget the strange happenings of last night, but just as quickly changed her mind. She did want to know.

“I spent a lot of time with the family cook as a child. She liked having an assistant. I loved learning how to concoct delectable things to eat, and I loved good food. I later went to culinary school.”

Danielle took a bite of the delicious sandwich he’d given her, then froze. His comment reminded her of the reason they came here in the first place. The place he grew up. Swallowing, she set the sandwich down and looked at the ancient ruins surrounding them. She knew Ethan could tell by the look on her face that it was finally registering in her brain. This is where he grew up! This place that was clearly older than him, this structure—which had obviously been in a state of rubble for longer than he appears to have been alive—was his childhood home.

“Ethan? I—”

He set two fingers softly to her lips to stop her, then let them slide away as he spoke. “Danielle, may I do something first?” A mixture of emotions rolled across his expression, so many she couldn’t pinpoint anything specific. “I need you to know something, before I tell you everything.”

Speechless now, Danielle only nodded in reply.

Her gaze lifted to his familiar, magnetic eyes. What did he want to do? Then she knew as he leaned toward her and cradled her face with his hands. He slowly dipped his head, their noses brushing as he aligned his lips with hers. Danielle’s hands rose up to meet his and her lashes lowered as his mouth pressed against hers. His musky scent swirled around her and made the kiss delicious and sweet.

When he pulled away her hands tightened their grasp on his. She didn’t want him to stop because it was like kissing someone ... someone she’d already kissed before? Yes, it was like a first kiss, but also not.... Ethan smiled at her reaction, gifted her with another soft kiss, then brushed his cheek against hers so he could whisper into her ear. “Do you feel it?”

If he was talking about the déjà vu thing between them, she could feel it. “Is that what you wanted to show me, but couldn’t last night?”

“Yes.”

“So that’s it? We recognize each other?” With her brow furrowing, she again considered the events of the night before and couldn’t see how this explained it. “I don’t get it. What happened last night?”

“The two things are separate.”

“What?” Her confused gaze shot his way. He still wasn’t making any sense at all.

Ethan put the sandwich back in her hand. “Eat, Danielle. I can hear your stomach complaining.”

“But—”

“Please enjoy the lunch. I want to tell you a story.” He paused, studying her face, then, “Is that all right?”

Staring at him, and probably gaping, she finally said, “Okay?” She had no idea how a story was going to help her understand this connection they had or how he’d been able to physically do what he’d done last night.

Taking another bite, however, she noticed he wasn’t eating with her and asked, “Aren’t you hungry too?”

“No, I’m not ... my taste buds have changed. I don’t have the same love for food that I once did, although I still like to cook.”

Well, that didn’t make any sense either. Danielle decided to eat quietly, growing more puzzled by the minute, but hoping he would start making sense soon.

Ethan slid a container full of fancy, little tarts closer to her.

“Please, Ethan, begin. The suspense is killing me,” she pleaded, and took one of the offered tarts because he’d nudged it even closer. Was he trying to distract her with food? Her eyes wandered back to the ruins—his childhood home. How can that be?

“I’ll start with a story. It’s sort of a fairytale, but it is true nonetheless.”

Danielle nodded, now tasting the tart because he was looking at it in her hand. It was so delicious she couldn’t help the “mmm” that escaped. But then realized from his expression that she’d misled him into thinking she wasn’t listening. “Please, the story…”

Ethan grinned patiently but uncertainty passed over his gaze. “It is a rather frightening tale,” he said, his expression growing troubled.

Danielle sighed and met his eyes, which made her head whirl, but she was learning to fight it. “Ethan, it’s okay, I trust you. Please just tell me.” She wanted him to feel like he could trust her too. She wanted to hear what he had to say, no matter how “frightening” he said it was. It just can’t be that bad, she thought.

Ethan exhaled, his golden brows wrinkled, and then he began. “Once upon a time there was a sorceress who fell in love with a mortal man named Benjamin. He didn’t know she was a sorceress, but when she confessed this to him, wanting him to know the truth, he was disgusted. When he tried to leave her, he told her that she was a curse to humanity. Lilith, that was her name, was so hurt and so angry that she cast a spell on him before he could leave. She said, ‘Now you will forever be the curse to humanity!’ Her spell turned him into a demon, a predator of humanity. She gave him immortality like herself, so he would be forced to wander this earth, forever lonely. And she made him beautiful so women would want to love him, but he wouldn’t be able to love them back without killing them. She also took his heart away from him, by causing it to stop beating, because he had broken hers. She made him into a demonic human to curse humanity … she turned him into a vampire.”

On that one word, the tart fell from her fingers.

No. He can’t possibly be saying.... All of the things she’d read in that vampire book came to mind and she stared at Ethan because none of it fit him. Well, most of it didn’t ... he does seem to have hypnotic eyes, a magical scent, and superhuman strength. This did explain the events of last night. Knowing he could probably guess what was going through her head at that moment, Danielle tried to remain calm.

Ethan picked the cherry tart up and began feeding it to her. “I’m not done with the story,” he said.

He touched the morsel against her lips, but before she allowed it inside, she said, “Er ... p-please continue.” Somehow the food had lost its flavor, she thought, as the bits of pastry and fruit sat like particles of sand against her tongue. She forced it down her parched throat.

Ethan appeared to be more anxious now, but as a spark of determination flickered in his eyes, he continued, “He was horrified, but the curse was so strong he couldn’t fight it. He became the horrible monster who stalks humanity at night. He craved human blood and human affection at the same time; conflicting cravings. That was what Lilith wanted, she wanted him to feel love, but then be forced to destroy his love. It was the darkest kind of revenge.”

As chills washed over Danielle, she shuddered but kept silent. This story was likely to give her way worse nightmares than her uncle’s tale had.

“He walked the earth for many years, killing at night. People believed the monster could only come out after sunset, but that wasn’t true. The curse wasn’t as strong during the day, so he was able to mingle unsuspected with mortals until the sun descended again.

“He was terribly bitter and lonely. But one day, when he was in the process of killing a man, he was interrupted. He fled to avoid capture and left the half-dead man lying in the street. The people who found him thought he was lucky, and would later recover. He did recover, but no one knew the venom coursing through his veins would also turn him into a vampire. The first vampire was surprised to hear of a death that he knew he didn’t commit. He then remembered the man he hadn’t killed, and searched the city to find him. When he did, they forged a friendship, regardless of the circumstances behind it. He also realized he didn’t need to be lonely anymore."

Ethan gently brushed a tear from her cheek. She hadn't been aware of it until now, and looked away as her face heated with a blush. Ethan hooked a finger under her chin, pulling her attention back to him as he went on, "Soon after that, he chose a woman to be his mate and turned her. The curse has spread throughout the centuries by the venom which may’ve been an unintended side-effect to the curse. Lilith had envisioned fangs like a snake. Venom naturally went along with that.

“We are predators to any mortal human. That’s what Lilith intended. That is why we are beautiful, why we can hypnotize with our eyes, and why we smell good to you. So you can easily be lured into our trap. But…”

He said we, he just admitted that he is a vampire! Danielle felt the blood drain from her head. As she grew pale, she also felt faint. Her heart filled with fear—had she just walked into a trap?

But only kindness and sadness emanated from Ethan. She couldn’t understand it. She didn’t expect a vampire to be like that. She expected a vampire to be like ... like.... “Lucas!” she said aloud.

Danielle noted the look of surprise on his face, clearly not expecting that response. “Yes, Lucas is a vampire ... I am like him.” He studied her face again, as if trying to read what she would do. Danielle knew she looked like she was getting ready to run, which she was actually. His tone growing desperate, Ethan added, “But I am not like him.”

“I—I need a minute.” Danielle stood and ran, but not without stumbling as she went.

A pang of regret pinched her heart when she glanced back and saw his head in his hands as though upset. Grateful, however, to see that he wasn’t pursuing her, she ran into the forest, ducking and pushing branches out of her way. She didn’t stop until she had to catch her breath, and bent over with her hands on her knees, leaning back into a tree for support. Frowning, she noted that she’d managed to twist her ankle. Stupid shoes! Why hadn't she worn more appropriate forest-running gear, like a chunky pair of boots made to navigate bad weather and rough terrain? Danielle swiped at her wet cheeks, tears which had little to do with the throbbing pain in her ankle.

She had to think alone. She had to understand the conflicting information spinning in her head.

He’s a vampire? Is that the only reason I’m drawn to him, because of his magical powers designed to lure me in to his murderous trap? But, he seemed like a good person: noble, kind, heroic even. It appeared so genuine. And why would he save her only to kill her later? It made no sense.

He said it’s a curse, and it’s stronger at night…. That’s why he avoids her then, and why he hid his eyes from her.

Danielle ran fingers through her hair, feeling baffled and completely stunned.

Was the recognition between them simply another trick? A trick designed to soften the blow from the truth? His broken posture as she’d fled returned to her thoughts. He couldn’t have been faking that too, could he?

Looking around at the thick woods surrounding her, Danielle realized she was probably lost. But even if she did manage to find her way, could she really walk away? There were still too many unanswered questions. The main one being, why was he so familiar to her? She knew him, how well she didn’t yet comprehend but.... And somehow her soul knew the intent of his heart without a shadow of doubt. Danielle couldn’t fathom how she understood such a thing, but she did trust him.

After a few deep cleansing breaths, Danielle resigned herself to her fate. She pushed away from the tree and turned to go back, but was startled by the figure looming behind her. “Oh!” Ethan was standing only inches away. “Don’t do that!” she admonished hotly.

“I’m sorry, were you coming back then?” He seemed eager to know, and hopeful.

“I guess,” Danielle responded weakly.

Ethan didn’t hesitate to snatch her up into his arms and begin the walk back to the ruins.

“How’s your ankle?”

Figures he’d notice that. Danielle rolled her eyes. “It aches.”

“I have ice in the basket.”

Hm, he sure seemed like the same sweet Ethan.... Why was she doing this? Why did she trust this guy? His gaze collided with hers again and she knew why. It was that darn familiarity.

They settled back onto the quilt. Ethan pulled ice from the basket, wrapped it in a cloth napkin and placed it on her now swelling ankle.

“I’m afraid I wasn’t exactly the Prince Charming of subtlety, Danielle, I’m sorry.”

Danielle sighed. “I—I know...” She swept the hair from her forehead. “That really was a scary story though.”

“I tried to warn you ... you seemed too interested in the tart,” he said with a teasing tone.

“You’re the one who brought tasty tarts.”

A bit of gentle laughter escaped him at her words. Danielle loved that sound and the infectious smile on his face, but it was gone again too quickly. The small smile holding her lips slipped as well. “There’s a lot I still don’t understand,” she said.

“I’ll answer any question you ask.”

“I—I don’t—could you explain this curse to me?” she asked, wondering if it was similar to how the Frog Prince had been cursed, if such a tale was even true.

“Well, we are human and we still remember our humanity, and for some of us, those memories make it so we can’t bring ourselves to kill mortals. I guess it’s a loophole in the curse. Lilith should have taken away memory too, but she wanted him to remember her.”

Ethan took her hand into his then, and began stroking her palm with his thumb as though he meant to comfort her as he continued with his disturbing tale of murder. “Her intention was for us to kill mortals, so she made the thirst for mortal blood very strong. But herein lies another mistake in her spell. Any blood will satisfy the thirst of a vampire, even though human blood is the most temping. A vampire who is basically good will hunt animals instead, to preserve humanity. I’m sure Lilith didn’t mean for that to happen, she must have forgotten that humans aren’t the only beings with blood to drink; maybe because she placed the spell hastily in her fury.” Ethan mused silently for a moment, flicking at a bread crumb on the blanket with his free hand. “I’m glad she made that mistake, I’d hate myself otherwise.”

After another moment of silence, he went on, “The fact that we are human works to make us the ultimate curse to humanity, the ultimate predator to mortal humans.”

Danielle winced at his use of the word “predator.” Ethan eyed her curiously, probably trying to figure out why she’d winced. After a moment’s pause, in which she offered an encouraging smile, he continued, “We no longer need to eat food, although we do when we’re in front of mortals, so they won’t suspect us. It doesn’t taste the same as it did, the flavors aren’t as rich. We no longer feel hunger, just thirst.

“Our hearts don’t beat at night, so we aren’t warm then.” Ethan chuckled darkly, noting, “I suppose Lilith did it that way so we’d be trapped between the two worlds, unable to fully belong to one or the other.” Then he returned to expound on his first bit of information, “We take on the temperature of the air surrounding us when the sun is set. That’s why you couldn’t get warm next to me last night and that’s probably why you didn’t notice a difference the other times we went out. Well … that and the fact that your hands are actually quite a bit colder than mine are.” Ethan grinned like he seemed to think that was a bit ironic.

It was true, Danielle didn’t have the best circulation and her fingers and toes were frequently as cold as ice. “So what you’re saying is that my hands are basically colder than a vampire’s even though I have a beating heart?”

“Cold hands—warm heart … isn’t that what they say?” Ethan asked, a smirk twisting up the corners of his mouth.

“I guess.” Danielle lifted her fingers to her cheek. They felt as chilly as usual. She smiled an impish smile and placed her frosty fingers on his cheeks playfully.

Ethan faked a shiver and laughed, “Ooo, glacial!”

He gathered her fingers into his hands and tried to warm them with friction. She was unable to ignore the fact that his hands felt normal and definitely warmer than hers.

“Wait, you said your heart doesn’t beat at night? It just stops as the sun sets?”

He nodded. “I’m guessing since we still have blood in our system, our hearts beat during the day when we’re mostly mortal … to keep it circulated. At night it is completely still.” Ethan then took her hand and placed it over his heart. “Do you feel it?”

Danielle focused in on what she was feeling ... he definitely had a beating heart and she nodded in reply. After a moment of silence he lifted her hand to his lips, placed a kiss on her fingers and then released her.

“As you noticed last night, we have superhuman powers, making it easy for us to catch our prey. Not that we need them, but Lilith wanted us to be a beautiful monster that was not easily escaped. Those powers exist only at night: our urges, our senses and our magic. We never hunt during the day. In fact, we couldn’t even if we wanted to. Our fangs will not emerge then.”

His expression transformed with worry. “Are you okay with this information? Do you need to run again, or get away from me? I wouldn’t blame you if you did.”

Thoughtful, she mused. Even now knowing his deep dark secret, the familiarity overshadowed any bad and she just didn’t want to get away from him. “No, Ethan, I don’t want to get away from you, and no, I’m not going to run again. I needed to do that earlier, but I’m fine now.”

Ethan nodded and exhaled with relief as one hand raked through his golden mop of hair. Vampire, she thought as she watched him drag his fingers through his hair another time. And she’d thought of him as an angel? Mr. Darcy didn’t even fit. Granted, he was probably from the same time.... Oh, man, it was the Frog Prince scenario that fit best. She wasn’t dating some superhero, or an angel, or an Austen dreamboat, she was dating the toad.

Danielle took a deep breath. She was nervous about asking the next question in her head. But she could picture that—in however long he’d lived with the temptation to kill mortals—he could have slipped at least once. “Um, have you ever killed a mortal?”

Ethan winced at the bluntness. “No,” he said.

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“In how many years?” Danielle glanced at the ruins that had been his childhood home.

“In over a hundred and fifty years."

“How?”

“Danielle! Do you not believe me?” he asked, sounding hurt.

“I’m sorry. No, I do believe you. I’m just trying to understand how you managed to resist the curse for so long.”

“I never was a murderer, and never wanted to be. Many of us don’t, which is why Beon and another man named Seth began the Order. We believe that if you never taste mortal blood, it will be easier to resist it. That is what’s worked for me. I have never tasted human blood, and I don’t plan to. If I am out amongst mortals at night, I make sure I’m well-fed first.”

“The Order?”

“Ah, yes. The full name is the Order of the Curse-Bound Knights. We call it the Order for short.”

“You’re kidding.”

He shook his head. “I’m quite serious.” His left hand moved to the ring on his right. A thick band adorned with a crest. The image depicted a lion facing a dragon, with two swords crossing above a crown-topped shield in the middle. “Even though we haven’t been able to reverse our ... condition, we’ve decided to fight it instead. I suppose the best comparison would be the Knights of Templar.”

“Vigilantes?”

Draping his arm over one bent knee, he said, “I suppose it’s like that, but there are no laws for vampires. We simply rebel against what the magic tries to make us.”

When he took in the fact she was still looking at his ring, he removed it and passed it to her. The heavy weight of the gold settled against her palm. It was warm from his skin. She ran a finger over the ornately designed band. With the lack of conversation, Danielle noted the sounds of birds chirping and the trees rustling. As she returned the signet ring to him, her gaze caught on to his lack of a smile and she thought of the teeth she couldn’t see, then wondered aloud, “Why have I never seen your fangs? I’ve seen you at night ... and I thought vampires were pale, you don’t look pale to me … and I thought your eyes were supposed to be a strange color.”

“The fangs are retractable and only come out when we need them. And unless we’re thirsty, our eyes and skin will maintain their natural color.” His gaze touched onto hers. “I’m sure you noticed that Lucas was pallid and his eyes were silver and slightly reflective?”

How could she forget? She nodded, realizing it hadn’t been just a trick of the light. His eyes really had been glowing, but not so much that she recognized the difference then.

“He was only a little thirsty, but even so, he was extremely dangerous. Your defense skills never would have worked on him, no matter how good you were.”

This conversation was a bit too serious and she decided to lighten it up with one silly question prompted by something she’d read in that vampire book. “Um, do you like to count?”

Laughing loudly, “You can’t be serious!”

She laughed too. His features rearranged into an incredible smile that melted her heart. That was so much better than the intense frown wrinkling his brow earlier.