Once Upon a Sunrise

By Leah Bornstein

After their fathers untimely passing, the Dwight children nineteen-year old Bobbi, fifteen-year-old Parker, and three-year-old Alana are uprooted from their home in LA to move to the town of Lost Hills, California. With grieving hearts and apprehensive minds, they unwittingly embark on an adventure they never thought possible. They befriend five unique vampires, headed by Malachai, who have come together over the centuries to form a cursed coven. The three siblings join them in their struggle to overcome their past with a band of mages thirsty for revenge. Unaware of their connection, their friendship with these five diverse characters leads them on a journey of self-discovery, romance, trust, and the ultimate reward of family ties.

Wrapped with adventure and peppered with humor, Once Upon a Sunrise follows the exploits of Bobbi, Parker, and Alana as they confront with heart-stopping revelations, mind-boggling mysteries, and fast-paced action in the world of vampires. It is a saga that will seamlessly enthrall you with its every erratic twist and unpredictable turn.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 5, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453587829

Book preview

Contents

Eternity

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Epilogue

Index

Eternity

The longer hand of the clock moved sluggishly onward, dragging time forward with each consistent, maddening minute. The receptionist at the desk tried to ignore the boy as he popped his wad of gum yet again from where he sat sprawled out in the uncomfortable office chair and continued typing her report onto the computer. The office was silent, filled only with the sound of keys clacking, gum popping, and minutes ticking by. 5:32 moved on to 5:55. He exhaled heavily and rested a hand over his backpack.

Finally, the door swung open so hard that the window panes rattled. The overweight, redheaded receptionist glanced up in surprise at the scrawny woman that stumbled through the door. She manned a burning cigarette in her mouth and her eyes were bloodshot, lined with heavy bags and dark circles. Ms. Dwight, the woman behind the desk nodded politely and motioned to a seat next to the dark-haired boy sprawled out in the corner, Please take a seat. I’ll let Principal Whaley know that you’ve arrived. The newcomer grunted in acknowledgment and collapsed on a chair next to the teenager, anger in her eyes.

What’d you do now? she demanded, her voice filled with disgust as she took a draw of her cigarette, Always causing a damn problem.

No problems, Alicia. His voice was calm as he raised an eyebrow, examining her with a critical eye, Where were you? The meeting was set for three-thirty.

Alicia Dwight scoffed at him and rudely blew a puff of smoke in his face before turning her gaze to the receptionist, who had returned her attention to her computer screen. I was busy.

Ah, Mrs. Dwight! Kevin Whaley came out of his office, a patient smile on his handsome, middle-aged face. He kindly extended a hand to the unstable woman, who took it.

"Miss Dwight," she enunciated clearly, fluttering her eyelashes at him and offering a flirtatious smile. The principal didn’t seem to take notice of her playful action and helped her to her feet.

Of course, it’s always a pleasure, he assured her, There’s no smoking allowed in here. Could you please put that out and I would then be delighted if you and your son step into my office. He led them past the receptionist’s desk where Alicia smashed out her cigarette on the top of the redhead’s folders before stepping into his office.

So what’d he do this time? she demanded as the principal closed the door to his office and gestured for them to sit down.

Parker’s done nothing, Whaley reassured her, patting the young man supportively on the shoulder before taking a seat behind his own desk, Social services stopped in today and pulled him out of class. Naturally, my curiosity was provoked but Parker’s not sharing here. His caseworker asked me to step in. Is there anything that you’d like to share with me?

Alicia snorted. You expect me to talk about this business in front of my son? Parker rolled his eyes at the affectionate phrase and slumped down in his chair.

Your son is this business, Whaley reminded her calmly, holding her gaze.

Then he can tell you all about it, she snapped, You pulled me out of some very important duties today. Couldn’t this just go through my lawyers?

There’s no need to get lawyers involved, ma’am. This is the final week of school. Throughout the year, Parker has excelled in his studies, but this past month, he’s fallen drastically behind. I don’t wish to put the blame on the parents, but from what I’ve seen today of your late appearance, your countenance, and your refusal to help, I have the power to allow Social Services to remove all three of your children from your care.

Parker sat up straighter. Where would we go? he demanded, his eyes wide in disbelief. Whaley motioned for him to settle down and returned his attention to Alicia.

No worries, she laughed indifferently, I’m sending the bunch to live with their aunt by the end of the week. I’ve no need for ’em here.

I’ll hold you to that, Miss Dwight. I’ll let Social Services know and have them check in on the kids by Friday.

Good, Alicia stood up and grabbed Parker’s arm, hauling him toward the door, Nice night Whaley.

Of course. You have a good night now too. He nodded once reassuringly at Parker before Alicia shoved him through the door.

When did you decide to get rid of us? he demanded once they were walking down the silent halls of the high school. He yanked his arm from her grip and glared at her.

Two minutes ago, she told him, lighting up another cigarette, Ever since Will died, you’ve been nothing but trouble. You and your sisters.

So what, you’re just gonna send us away until you come to the realization that welfare isn’t paying you enough without the kids?

I do have a reputation to uphold, you disrespectful brat. You should be grateful that you’re goin’ to live with that wretched sister of your father’s. She’s got less places for you to get in trouble at.

Believe me, Parker murmured as they climbed into her old, beaten Chevy, We can’t wait.

Chapter 1

Lost Hills, California.

The bus jolted to a stop and the fifteen-year-old sighed, raising an eyebrow at the bare, vacant town. He brushed a strand of brown hair out of his green eyes and blinked his eyes against the vivid heat of the pounding sun. Oil drums surrounded the flat desert around the small bus station. There were a few thinning white clouds stretched out strenuously over the sky and there were only two cars in sight, both parked in the dirt parking lot to the left of the station. He sighed and shook his head.

You ready Parker?

His older sister, nineteen-year-old Bobbi Dwight tilted her head in his direction from where she stood at the front of the bus with their youngest sister, three-year-old Alana Dwight, in tow.

Come ON, Parky, the little girl stressed impatiently, running back through the empty bus to tug on his hand eagerly, Auntie Emma is waiting!

I’m coming Alana, he grumbled, letting her pull him to the front of the bus. He grabbed his luggage and followed Bobbi down the steps. The moment that the three siblings stepped off of the bus and onto the platform of the isolated station, it peeled away, leaving behind a large cloud of disrupted dirt. Alana squealed in joy and jumped up to catch the particles. Bobbi sighed and set her suitcases on the ground, taking a few minutes to look around. The only other presence there besides their own was a footman who was nodding off behind the bars of the ticket booth.

Bobbi exhaled deeply and blinked away the heat beating down on the desert, taking a moment to pull off her sweater and stuff it into her duffel bag. She straightened and smoothed her long auburn hair back into place as she looked around the desolate area in which they would live for the next three months of summer, until their mother was found suitable for custody again, if ever. An old Chevy pick-up filled with three teenage boys rumbled by who whooped at her and laughed as they continued down the road. Bobbi rolled her hazel eyes in disgust and pulled her soft hair into a comfortable ponytail.

Where’s Auntie, sissy? Alana demanded, tugging at her sister’s hand to get her attention. Bobbi blinked and smiled down distractedly at the youngest sister, whose pale green eyes shone out eagerly on her face.

She’s right behind you, darling!

The unfamiliar elderly female voice rang out merrily behind them and Bobbi turned to see her father’s middle-aged sister grinning widely at them. She held out her arms as she walked up to the siblings and wrapped Bobbi into a warm and comforting hug. The eldest hugged her aunt back gently and smiled at her when she pulled away. Parker wasn’t so comfortable with her affectionate embrace, having never met his aunt before, but Alana flung herself into the stranger’s arms and toyed with her short hair.

You look like Daddy!

Aunt Emma chuckled in amusement and set Alana back onto her feet. I think your daddy was much more handsome than me, she smiled, And look at the three of you. So beautiful. She rested her hand gently on Bobbi’s shoulder. My, I haven’t seen you since you were what, thirteen? And Parker, she tilted her head and pretended to feel faint, You are far more handsome than the pictures your father sent! I bet you’re a real heartbreaker, eh? When Parker blushed, she beamed and leaned over to tousle Alana’s curly blonde hair, The most innocent of them all, aren’t you sweetheart? I bet your big brother and sister take good care of you.

Daddy said they’re guardian angels! The three-year-old leaned closer to her aunt as if to share a secret, which she whispered loudly, They can fly and stuff!

Aunt Emma let out a low chortle and straightened up. Are you ready for your new town, you two? Bobbi gave her a small smile and Parker shrugged indifferently, gripping his bags as Bobbi leaned over to pick up her own. Come along, I know a delightful little diner just up the road. Delicious apple pies!

*

How is your dear old mother holding up darlings? Aunt Emma returned her menu to the handsome young waiter and turned her attention back to her brother’s children. Parker’s eyes narrowed as he toyed with the paper on his straw and Bobbi glanced up with a raised eyebrow at the unexpected question. Alana was infatuated with scribbling on the pages which the hostess handed her when they’d walked in and wasn’t paying attention to the conversation. When none of them replied, their aunt absent-mindedly twirled her fork on the table and continued speaking. The poor thing was a mess when your pops passed away last month. I heard she took up drinking again.

She’s made a few new friends, Parker obliged, avoiding Aunt Emma’s eyes.

She’s never hurt you children, has she? Emma’s voice was filled with alarm and a spark of anger ignited in her kind green eyes, Is that why Social Services was involved?

Bobbi smiled politely at her. Not at all Aunt Emma, she just needed some time alone.

I see. Aunt Emma eyed her skeptically for a moment, but the waiter returned with their meals and broke the moment. He grinned at Bobbi appreciatively but she ignored him and dug into the double cheeseburger he placed in front of her. Had your father been here, you poor children wouldn’t be in this situation. How are you handling his passing my dears?

We’re handling it fine, Parker told her impatiently through clenched teeth as he toyed with his steak.

Well, I most certainly think that you children will be much happier here. I know it seems like a desolate little town, but you’ll find the peace that makes it so lovely.

Can’t wait, Parker mumbled to himself as his aunt finally stopped talking to eat her brunch. Bobbi sighed and nudged him silently, but kept her eyes on their younger sister. Her innocence made the nineteen-year-old smile and when Alana glanced up to giggle at her older sister, Bobbi felt a small bit of the peace that her aunt had just mentioned. It was time for a change.

Chapter 2

The first day we arrive and Aunt Emma has to work. Parker sighed and rested his head in his hands, the look on his face portraying the boredom he felt, You’d think she’d ask for the day off and take us to a movie or something. The three siblings were sitting on the borderline behind their aunt’s lonely house, which rested away from the village on the outskirts of town. Another house couldn’t be seen for miles and all that surrounded them were some decaying trees and a tall mountain, which they had climbed up halfway to explore. Parker and Bobbi sat across from each other on two boulders and they watched Alana playing with the pebbles in the dirt.

Aunt Emma has responsibilities, Park, Bobbi reminded him curtly, She didn’t ask to be burdened by us and we’re lucky she’s even letting us stay. If she hadn’t taken us in, who knows what could have happened. You and Alana could have been separated. Where would the services have placed you?

You wouldn’t have let them separate us, her brother retorted, We could have come to live with you. Or they would have placed us in a rich home with toys for Alana and a pool and a dog.

Or a house with fifty other kids where the only thing to eat everyday would be instant mashed potatoes, Bobbi sighed, I know it sucks Parker, but give Emma a chance. She’s a doctor and she has a busy schedule, but she is taking care of us, so be nice okay?

Yeah, yeah, sure.

The two sat in a silent contentment for a bit as they listened to the call of the birds from high above the mountain. The sun was setting behind the outlines of the rigid mountains, leaving splendid streaks of light smudging the pale sky. Bobbi watched the shadow passing over the peak, darkening a sliver of rock that sat hidden between two stony walls.

Whoa cool! Parker exclaimed, following her gaze and jumping to his feet, I didn’t even see that before! It looks like a cave, doesn’t it Bobblehead?

Bobbi rolled her eyes at his immature nickname for her and nodded, Yeah it does. So what?

So let’s go check it out!

Bobbi was about to protest, but Parker was already leaping over rocks and darting in the direction of where the shadow had settled. She sighed in frustration as Alana sensed his excitement and bounded to her feet to follow her older brother, clumsily crawling over the wobbly rocks. Bobbi swallowed the sharp command settling in her throat and quickly caught up with Alana, gently swinging her onto her back and saving her the trouble of the climb. When the three of them stood at the mouth of the cave, Bobbi set Alana back on her feet and gave Parker a stern look.

Satisfied?

No way! the teenager glared at her as though she’d lost her mind, We’ve got to check it out! Where’s your sense of adventure?

Who said I had one? Bobbi snapped, Who knows what’s in there, Parker. We should go back to Aunt Emma’s house and watch television or something.

Television is a one-way conversation, Sis. Come on, if you go in, it’ll feel like you’re the one living the adventure and not sitting in a comfy chair watching it.

Marvelous, Bobbi interjected, But it’s still a no go.

I’ll do your laundry for a month.

No way. You’ll destroy my clothes.

Your chores?

I’m not that lazy.

Alana tugged on her sister’s sleeve and pointed at the cave with enthusiasm. ’Splore, sissy! ’Splore!

Yeah, Bobblehead, let’s explore, Parker pleaded, It’s not as if we have anything better to do.

Bobbi eyed them with a raised eyebrow for a few seconds then gave in with a heavy sigh. Fine. A few minutes, then we’ll go back to Aunt Emma’s house, agreed?

Alana clapped gleefully and Parker headed into the cave, ignoring the negotiation she had offered him.

Piggyback sissy! Alana implored, stretching up her hands for Bobbi to grab. Bobbi kissed her sister gently on the forehead before kneeling down to allow the little one to scramble onto her back. Parker was a bit of a distance ahead of them, but Bobbi cautiously picked her way over the rocks and easily caught up to him with her long stride.

There’s nothing here, she said after a few minutes, boredom lined her voice as the three siblings traveled deeper into the cave. The rocks winded into a twisted path beneath their feet and Bobbi did her best to shove back the prickle of fear that shot up the nape of her neck as they went further into the darkness. When she couldn’t see the cave entrance anymore, the eldest paused and held her ground as Parker turned to face her.

Don’t be a baby, he whined, We haven’t gone deep enough to find anything yet.

We should go back anyways, Bobbi reminded him pointedly, I’m sure it’s dark outside by now and what if Aunt Emma comes home earlier? She’ll be wondering where we are. The cave will be around tomorrow, Parker. Work with me here, okay?

Scary dark, Alana whispered, her pale green eyes large with fear. Parker tilted his head at her for a moment, and then gave a defeated sigh.

Fine. The fifteen-year old grumbled, but did as his sister asked him and they turned around to head back. After fifteen minutes of cautiously picking their way back over the jagged rocks the way they came, Bobbi paused.

Something’s not right, she murmured, We haven’t been in here that long. Where’d the cave entrance go?

We just haven’t found it yet, Parker shrugged indifferently, Come on.

Bobbi adjusted Alana’s weight on her back and started forward again before she felt her little sister tense unexpectedly against her.

Sissy, Alana’s urgent voice whispered in her ear, Sissy, man!

Don’t be silly, Alana, Bobbi told her reassuringly, feeling the prickle of fear again but shoving it back to its depths, We’re the only ones here, but we’re almost home.

No, no sissy! Man! Alana’s voice rose as her chubby finger appeared over Bobbi’s shoulder and pointed into the darkness. Bobbi inhaled deeply and followed her gaze. A shadow passed by so swiftly that had Alana not pointed it out, she never would have noticed. Parker appeared to have seen it as well and he froze in his tracks. Bobbi gripped his shoulder and tightened her hold on Alana, who rested her little arm over her shoulder. The three siblings waited in silence, but no one appeared.

I really wish I had a flashlight, Parker murmured quietly, his heart beating wildly as he peered around them into the gloom. A low chuckle echoed throughout the cave and the fear bit at Bobbi sharply.

I really wish I had a cell phone, she retorted, pulling Alana in front of her and settling the little girl on her hip where she felt the little one begin toying with her long auburn hair anxiously.

Wouldn’t save you, a soft voice echoed around them, bouncing around the cave walls.

Whoa . . .  Parker’s voice was filled more with wonder than fear, but Bobbi kept her grip on his shoulder tight.

Let’s find the entrance and get out of here, she muttered to him uneasily, nudging him gently forward.

A low chuckle resonated around them, There is no entrance.

Bobbi closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing, Just go, Parker.

Go where? Parker snapped at her, We don’t know where we are!

The shadow of the mountain, the voice now sounded like it was coming from the right and Bobbi froze, turning around quickly to face the silhouette that sat crouched on a rock in the shadows. His outline was dim but at least she knew where he was now. He chuckled again quietly. I must admit, it is not the most pleasing location to be, but yet here you are. Fate, perhaps.

Who are you? Bobbi demanded, putting herself protectively in front of her reckless brother and clenching Alana’s arm so tightly she heard the little girl whimper. Wisely, she backed them up until she felt the cool wall at her back and shielded them.

"There is no formality here, Bellissima. It holds no greater meaning to know the name of the victim as it does to know the name of the attacker."

My, my, always so selfish, another voice reverberated out of the darkness. The amusement in the tone was light, and Bobbi felt the fear painfully increase inside of her. How many of them were there?

Save some for your comrades, Carmichael, another heavily-accented voice sneered, echoing around the solitary confinements of the rocky cave, We’ve not feasted for more than a century.

Two.

Lady Luck has finally stumbled our way.

And look how many there are!

The many voices piled endlessly on top of each other as more outlines appeared dimmed by the shadows.

"Mon Deui, stop being so childish, an impatient voice sounded coolly from behind the rigidly crouched figures, This is no way to treat a belle." Before Bobbi could adjust to the situation, the faint glow of a lantern drifted slowly towards them from the depths of the cave, held by a calm man who walked so softly that she felt almost calm as he advanced. The voices grew silent as he approached them and he gently set the flickering lantern on a nearby rock.

In the moment of quiet, Bobbi quickly analyzed the circumstances and was stunned to see that she and her siblings were surrounded by four other men, all with hungry, vicious black eyes and intrigued glares. The man who had silently approached them lifted an eyebrow, and despite the voice in her head reassuring her that he wasn’t as dangerous as his companions, Bobbi followed her animal instinct and glared at him boldly, her pose over her siblings still protective. Parker’s interest got the best of him and disregarding his sister’s defensive movement, he peeked out curiously over her shoulder. The newcomer watched her for a moment before he moved forward, closer to the light, and she had the opportunity to observe him.

His wavy hair was raven black and maroon eyes shone out inquisitively from his ruggedly handsome face. His physical appearance was clean-cut and calm, but beneath the depths of his eyes stirred a mystery that Bobbi had no interest in defining. At her roaming eye, he half-smiled at her and tilted his head towards Alana, who giggled when his maroon gaze met her green one. Bobbi shifted pointedly in front of her sister and crossed her arms sternly over her chest, meeting this man’s amused gaze with a defiant one of her own.

Oh, a kicker, one of the other men thought aloud, his grin filled with excitement. With the flickering light that now engulfed the siblings and their attackers, the extraction of fangs from a pair of dazzling white teeth caught Bobbi off guard. She blinked to be sure she saw correctly before she came to her absurd conclusion. They weren’t human.

No way, Parker’s eyes widened and his voice was filled with wonder. Bobbi’s hazel eyes gleamed bravely back to the man’s disconcerting maroon gaze and she tried to hide the wild beating of her heart as her mind struggled to formulate an escape route from these dangerous creatures. In attempt to calm the thoughts racing through her mind, she toyed with the small necklace her father had given her before he passed away.

"I’m perplexed with the hold-up mon ami, Carmichael spoke angrily to who appeared to be the leader, his eyes glinting vicariously in the firelight, During any other century, I would not refuse the pleasure of playing with our food, but it’s been far too long since we’ve had a warm, pulsating meal. Why do you hold us back?"

Like I said, the man standing before her didn’t remove his gaze from hers, That is no way to treat a lady.

I could care less if she was Bigfoot, Carmichael snapped, She is food, Malachai. It is a rare opportunity.

You have let yourselves be consumed by your thirst, Malachai brushed aside his feeble excuses and turned his back to Bobbi and the younger ones, That’s quite a shame. Now back DOWN.

The men around her cowered at his command, shrinking back into the shadows, and the teenager suddenly felt remarkably relieved that his back was to her. Whatever they were seeing, she didn’t want to know and although she couldn’t see them anymore, she could feel their biting eyes glaring from the darkness.

Carmichael was the only one who remained the way he was, ignorant to Malachai, but his gaze was just as ravenous as before with an accent of anger. Despite the threat he posed to her, Bobbi couldn’t help but admire his features. His dark hair was swept across his forehead; his black gaze faded into a softer brown, his annoyed eyes now the color of a mixture of freshly churned chocolate, and his pale complexion was compelling. He grinned at her menacingly, baring the sharper teeth he had, and she quickly glanced back towards the closer man . . . the one they had called Malachai.

I do apologize for their frightening you, he smiled sincerely at her, no trace of the hunger the others had expressed. His mesmerizing eyes ran over her tense body appreciatively and Bobbi sighed in disgust at the tempted expression she knew so well. He grinned at her expression and continued without missing a beat. They’ve not tasted fresh blood for many, many years and rarely do they get the chance. But I promise that no harm will come to you and the little ones. We can ration.

They’re vampires, Parker murmured to her, his voice filled with amazement, I know it; I’ve read all about them!

Alana giggled and clapped her hands together, reaching up for Malachai. Vampy!

Bobbi shushed them both impatiently, putting her hands on Alana’s but never taking her suspicious eyes from the man in front of her who hadn’t moved an inch. Alana struggled unhappily against Bobbi’s hold, but giggled when she broke free and stumbled toward the stranger who appeared to be in charge. The eldest gasped in fear and moved after the three-year-old in horror, but for a toddler, she had already darted quickly across the gravelly floor and was inches from Malachai; he was watching her more with alarm and amusement then with resentment. Suddenly, the child clumsily tripped over a rock that jutted invisibly from the surface and fell.

Before she could hit the ground, before Bobbi could bat an eye, Malachai was beside the little girl, helping her to her feet. Alana giggled in delight and grasped at his tunic.

Vampy! she crooned happily, Sissy, vampy! She pointed up at the handsome man who smiled down at her, and Alana stretched her fingers toward him in indication that she wanted him to hold her. Malachai laughed easily and picked up the little girl, who let out a happy squeal. He stepped closer, his eyes on Bobbi who was watching him warily, and handed her little sister back to her before moving away casually to give her the room she needed to breathe. Bobbi relaxed slightly and gripped her youngest sister to her chest in relief. Her eyes were alive with confusion, relief, and apprehension as she watched Malachai stroll heedlessly around the dwelling.

Why don’t you just let us go? she asked quietly after a minute, We didn’t mean to intrude.

"Oh non, Malachai laughed, his voice the resonance of gentle bells, Non, you do not intrude. In fact, it is quite an honor to have guests that survived the welcoming committee. He chucked quietly to himself. The only problem is that the entrance to the cave has been sealed off until the sun rises once more over the mountain, which is something I’ve no control over. In that case, there is nowhere for you to go. He sighed and shot his maroon eyes back towards the siblings, I promise you that no harm will come to you or your little ones, he assured her quietly, moving forward ever so slowly, You have my word that the three of you will walk out of here with no damage to your fragile bodies. Your distrust for us is something you are entitled to, of course. I offer you a bed and warmth for the night, as there is nothing else that I can do to make you feel more comfortable, but please don’t be afraid to keep our company. He stood inches from her now. When she didn’t refuse his offer, his lips stretched into an easy smile, I don’t believe we’ve met, then. I am Monsieur Malachai Encharpe."

Bobbi, she reluctantly permitted, holding up her hand to shake his. His eyes sparkled and he gently kissed the hand she offered him.

"Enchante, he responded lightly, Who are the children?"

I’m not a child, Parker snapped stubbornly. He crossed his arms and glared at the older man.

Zesty isn’t he? Carmichael laughed in amusement and Bobbi glared at him.

This is Parker, she told him pointedly, More brains than brawn, unlike you. Carmichael glowered at her and his crouch tensed, but Malachai laughed at her courage.

"Enchante to you both, he said in delight, And the littlest?"

Alana. She’s three.

"Ah, the stage of innocence. What a mémoire. Malachai turned towards the coven that sat dormant in the shadows watching their exchange with feelings of offense, hunger and anger, but Malachai ignored the sour atmosphere and spoke to them eagerly. Well then, I believe that you are familiar with Carmichael." He gestured to the man whose black eyes grinned menacingly down upon them.

I indistinctly remember he tried to kill us, Bobbi conceded sourly. Malachai raised an eyebrow as he admired her bravery.

Carmichael has been with me for almost five hundred years. He’s my second in command, he smiled brightly, and then spoke to the eyes that now warily watched them from the shadows. Do come out. Our newcomers would feel far more comfortable if they could familiarize the names with the faces.

One by one, each man appeared from his defensive location behind the gloom. Each individual was ruggedly handsome and the black in their eyes had faded, each pair now a softer and more human color which was lined with both curiosity and scorn. Malachai motioned for them to introduce themselves and the one closest to Parker tilted his head.

Jagger. His golden-green eyes glimmered curiously out of the darkness.

One by one, each of the handsome males introduced themselves.

Felix.

Gavyn.

Very good! Malachai grinned in delight and put his hands behind his back, Now that we’re all acquainted, I’d be pleased to satisfy anything that you want.

Bobbi’s gaze drifted doubtfully around at the five strangers that watched her and her siblings then her hesitant hazel eyes met the dark maroon ones of Malachai and she sighed. I want to know why you people reside in a cave instead of in a mental institution. I want to know why you won’t let us go and why my brother seems to think that you’re vampires. I want to know . . . 

Carmichael’s wry chuckle cut her off as he straightened up against the wall. Curiosity killed the cat, he tsked at her, shaking his head in disappointment.

Satisfaction brought it back, Bobbi replied coolly, standing her ground against his desire to make her angry. Alana yawned widely, her intake of breath distracting the quarrel and Bobbi bounced her on her hip soothingly, her unruly gaze never wavering. The child’s eyes struggled to stay open as she rested her head lightly on Bobbi’s shoulder and gave a deep sigh of comfort.

Malachai sighed heavily and shot Carmichael a frustrated glare before returning his gaze to Bobbi’s. Let us put the children in a comfortable place to sleep and I will describe everything to you with full detail.

We’re not sleeping here, Bobbi shot at him, Just take us to the entrance and we’ll never bother you crazies again.

"Belle, you are at the entrance," Jagger smiled at her, his white teeth glinting in the flickering firelight of the single lantern.

Well if it was the entrance, there would be a hole, Parker reasoned logically, rolling his eyes.

Jagger lifted an eyebrow and dimples deepened attractively in his full cheeks as he smirked at the fifteen-year-old. He crouched to his level and slanted his head at the young child. "Well if there was a hole, you and your guardian wouldn’t be standing in front of us right now, would you monsieur?"

FYI, old guy, she’s not my guardian, she’s my sister.

Laughter rumbled around them as Parker piped up bravely and Jagger straightened back up, his eyes meeting Bobbi’s. His gaze focused on the pendant that rested gracefully across her shoulder blades and he moved forward. She tensed and pulled Alana out of his reach but he ignored the little child completely and touched the gem on the pendant with a calloused finger.

Now you understand, Malachai told him quietly. Jagger backed away, his eyes flickering with excitement and hope. Bobbi’s own fingers grazed the necklace her father had gifted her with.

You are their sister?

Bobbi stared at him as though he’d just asked the dumbest question she’d ever heard.

Please, let us put the children to slumber and I will explain, Malachai implored her, You can waste time searching for a way out or you can take my word that you and the children will walk away in the morning completely unharmed.

*

He sat silently watching the minute hand tick ever more closely towards the six on the face of the clock that hung on the wall before him. It was almost five-thirty. It seemed to be on edge, as though frightened to disturb the eerie silence that surrounded him in his gloom. He sat motionless. He waited.

He waited for them to carry the coffin to the car. He waited for them to reassuringly pat his shoulder. He waited for those dreary words everybody seemed so anxious to offer when there was a death that so closely offends the heart . . . It’s alright, they would say, He’s in a better place. You’ll get along. Death is a part of life. He loved you, never forget that dear. It’ll all be back to normal in a few weeks.

But it wouldn’t, and he knew it. And they knew it. He knew that they knew, but he still wondered about why they would offer such lousy words of comfort when they knew that it wasn’t true. He pulled himself from his thoughts when he felt the tears start to blister in the corner of his eyes. He couldn’t cry. He WOULDN’T cry. He had to be a man. At least that’s what his father had always told him. Be a man. Be a MAN. You have responsibilities. You have obligation to take care of your sisters. BE A MAN. So, he would just pretend that his father’s passing didn’t affect him as much as he knew it truly did. He would do it. He would be a man for his mom and his sisters.

His mind started to wander again. He found himself wondering about the way