figured it out. We share a lab together. It’s not hard to notice when someone with fangs never eats or
drinks or ever goes to the damn bathroom. Which speaking of, I still need to—”
“He’s not going to say anything,” the vampire insisted, looking to Snod. “I’ve been friends with
Lorenzo for years. He’s very trustworthy.”
“Oh! Yeah! Never!” Lorenzo confirmed, shaking his head. “Frankie is my best friend. I would never
tell anyone!”
Snod stared Lorenzo down, his fingers instinctively twitching. He might not be able to fight this
vampire, but a scrawny mortal would be no challenge.
I will not allow you to hurt him.
Snod flinched. It was the vampire’s voice whispering right in his ear, but his lips hadn’t moved nor
had he budged from his firm stance next to Lorenzo.
The world at large still believed vampires to be a myth. It was vital to their very survival, but it was
also imperative to the survival of the Order.
No one could know that vampires or the sacred organization were real. Working in the shadows was
how they had been able to operate for so long. Anyone who found out the truth and could potentially
put them at risk had to be disposed of.
Without question.
Snod glared, wishing he knew how to communicate back, suspecting it had something to do with their
blood bond. He concentrated, thinking a few short words as hard as he could while staring the
vampire down.
You gonna stop me?
The vampire showed his teeth in a silent snarl. He definitely heard it. He looked at Lorenzo, saying
quietly, “No carpool today. Go without me. I’ll take the bus to keep my carbon footprint down, I
promise.”
Lorenzo frowned, glancing between them. He was obviously no fool, able to clearly see something
was wrong here. He rested a hand on Frankie’s shoulder, asking seriously, “You okay? For real?”
“For real,” the vampire confirmed.
“All right,” Lorenzo said, still not sounding convinced. He stuck out his jaw, saying sternly, “If you’re
just playing hooky to get some nookie, I’m not covering for you.”
“There is no getting of the nookie, I swear,” the vampire replied, patting Lorenzo’s arm. “Go get Amy,
