Arwen nodded and said, “It’s a strange thing to think about.”
“Yes, it is. I never really had to deal with that myself, but I know many vampires who have. My sisters were all gone not long after I turned. People didn’t live all that long back then, especially thepoorpeople. My father died, too. We ran shortly after I was turned, but I went back for a brief visit. I was just to check in, and I found out what happened. Cassia never knew.” Iro shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now. In any event, none of them ever had to know about me.”
“I haven’t thought to ask this… Did your sisters have any kids?”
Iro nodded and moved to her, pressing her gently back against the fridge.
“Yes.”
“Do you have family still alive out there?”
“Yes,” Iro answered and slipped a thigh between hers.
“Are you trying to avoid telling me more for some reason?”
“No, but you forget that I’ve got the sameproblemas you, sweetheart.”
“Oh, I see. Again?”
“Always,” Iro replied.
Then, the doorbell rang.
“Who is that?” Arwen asked.
“I don’t know. Let me put on a robe or something and check.” Iro moved away from her and took her hand. “You should get dressed, too. It could be Zara.”
“And you don’t want her to see me naked?” she asked through a giggle.
“No, I do not. But I don’t wantanyoneto see you naked. No one but me.”
While Iro quickly put on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, the bell rang again.
“I’ll be right back,” Iro added.
“I’ll go with you,” she replied, finishing slipping into a pair of borrowed sweatpants and another one of Iro’s shirts.
“No, just stay here. It might be a package. If it’s Zara, I will yell for you. I have a vested interest in keeping you in this bedroom.” She winked.
Arwen smiled and sat down on the end of the bed. She waited for a few seconds and then focused and listened to test her new ears, hearing Iro opening the door.
“What are you doing here?” Iro asked with a strained voice, and Arwen stood.
“I know I used this human to cover up my scent, but I still thought you were better than that, my love.”
Cassia. It was Cassia’s voice. Arwen didn’t know what to do. She heard something snap.
“Cassia!” Iro cried out.
“You think you can just steal my memories?Mymemories! I am the oldest being on this planet and the first real vampire after I killed the snake that turned me into one, and you think you can take what is rightfully mine? My memories of you? Of us? Of my plan to get whatIwant?”
Iro yelled out in pain.
“I know she’s here. I smelled her from down the street. I am stronger than you, Iro. I have always been stronger than you.”
“Arwen, run!” Iro yelled.
“Yes, Arwen, run! I love a good chase! I will find you!” Cassia yelled. “It won’t take long, and it’ll be easy. You’ll be drawn to me because I made you, just like I made Iro here, and I will make you mine. I’ll make you mine the way I made Iro mine all those years ago.”
