him. “What am I thinking about right now?”
“Well, you’re nervous,” the vampire answered immediately, “but also excited.” He tilted his head,
smiling wide, his fangs glittering. “Mmm. Yup. Very excited.”
Snod smiled, taking another shot. He didn’t even need the chaser now, warm and fuzzy all over. He
didn’t quite mind the taste of the booze any longer. He felt good. He felt really good. He toyed with
the vampire’s long fingers, laughing, “I’m starting to finally understand the appeal of drinking.”
“Good, right?” the vampire laughed, looking so flushed and beautifully human. He tipped back his
glass, licking his lips as he sighed, “I only drink on very special occasions, you know.”
“Mmm, I’m so glad my life ending is special to you,” Snod drawled sarcastically.
“No! I didn’t mean it like that!” the vampire groaned. “Don’t you get it? Obe! There’s a whole world
out there just waiting for you!”
“Waiting for me to do what?”
“To live! Look, I’m going to help you. Putting together a new identity will take some time, and I meant
what I said about you staying here with me. I have a guest room. Lorenzo usually crashes there when
he’s had too much to drink, but you’re welcome to it.”
Snod felt a ripple of guilt, the happy warmth ebbing. It didn’t feel right taking advantage of such
kindness, especially when he had every intention of returning to the Order as soon as he could. He
had to get back to Athaliah.
“What’s wrong?” the vampire pressed, immediately sensing something was amiss.
“I have a brother,” Snod replied quietly. It wasn’t a lie. He was very concerned for what might
happen in his absence. “He’s still there.”
“With the Order? You’re worried about him?”
“Yes,” he nodded. “Athaliah. He wasn’t born into the Order like I was. My father had many sins of
his own, and he was unfaithful to my mother. We didn’t find out about Athaliah until he was already in
high school.”
“Is he a hunter like you?”
“No,” Snod scoffed, “he’s not worthy to hunt. His right eye is blemished, a deformity from his birth.
He cannot receive the council’s blessing to take up the sacred mission.”
“Wow. Uhm. Does... does he like it there?” the vampire asked hesitantly.
“He’s adjusted,” Snod said shortly.
