“On the way where?”
“You’re going after your vampire, aren’t you?” Ephraim quirked his brows. “Which means you’re
gonna try to kill the other one.”
“Yes.”
“As long as I get to kill a vampire today, I’ll be happy,” Ephraim grumbled, jerking his head to the
passenger seat. “Let’s go.”
Snod jumped in and Ephraim took off, following his directions to Athaliah’s apartment. He suspected
that they would find Lorenzo there. Along the way, Snod did his best to explain what had happened
and his plan for going after Terrell.
“So,” Ephraim said slowly, taking a few seconds to process everything, “you really think this green
goo is gonna take out an ancient vampire who just ripped over a dozen of our best hunters to pieces?”
“I have to try,” Snod said earnestly. “I’ve seen what it can do.” He paused, looking out the window
before adding, “You don’t have to come with me.”
“I should have listened to you,” Ephraim replied quietly. “You tried to tell me, and I thought you had
been blinded by lust. I had no idea how open your eyes truly were.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
“No,” Ephraim said sternly. “These sins are not yours to carry. The elders will pay for them when
they meet God.” He sighed, pressing a hand briefly to his forehead. “Without leadership, the Order
will certainly crumble.”
Making a sour face, Snod kept his eyes focused on the city passing by as he said, “Maybe it’s better
this way.”
“And all those people left behind?” Ephraim snorted. “Our families at the compound? What about
them?”
“Not my family,” Snod corrected bitterly. “Not mine.”
“You wouldn’t come back to help?” Ephraim demanded roughly.
“Not even an hour ago, you and all our brothers were going to stand by and watch Father Sanguis beat
me to death and murder the man I love,” Snod replied coolly. “Forgive me if I’m feeling a little less
than charitable.”
“Fine,” Ephraim scoffed. “I’ll help you slay this vampire and then leave you to your life of sin.”
“At least I’m free,” Snod drawled, the very words empowering him and smirking smugly. “At least
