“So why didn’t you change me?”

  “You were having too much fun as a human. I didn’t want to take it away.” He lets out a dry laugh. “Oh, and there is the small matter of you not having any children either. You were supposed to produce the next heir before dying.”

  “Well, doesn’t that suck.” I wonder if a queen instead of a king is a problem. I suspect century-old vampires are likely to think so, and I ponder what the implications might be. I think about how I ended up becoming a vampire before my time and it makes me wonder what happened to my killer, Liam. I ask, “Do you know if my attacker was caught?”

  “Liam,” says my father with disgust. “One lucky SOB.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “He’s one of Robert Kearns’s guys, and killing him would be a very bold move that could start a war nobody wants to happen.”

  “So the Kearns family is our enemy?”

  Dad nods. “I suspect once Liam heard who you were, he regretted leaving you where a meddling human could interfere. It would have been very convenient if you had died a natural death.”

  I think about how charming Liam was, and the way he made me believe he wanted a relationship. Instead, he was looking for a meal. While I’m grateful I got a second chance by becoming a vampire, I’m still wary of what that means for me. Especially since it’s clear now my existence is going to always be something the Kearns vampires want to destroy.

  I notice a set of promising swells, and my arms move easily as I paddle my way over to them. I ride a wave easily toward shore, and once I finish, I see my father did the same. The two of us smile at each other before we make our way back out for more. After a while, Dad suggests we take a break, and we sit down on the beach to rest.

  Sand is warm under my thighs, and the zipper of my wetsuit grinds as I lower it.

  My father says, “The ruling part. It’s harder than you would think.”

  I recall what I know from history and ask, “Do you hold court to hear cases of wrongdoing and then make your decision like in some medieval justice system?”

  Sun glistens on my father’s muscular shoulders as he shifts his weight and yanks off his wetsuit sleeve. “Close. I try to be less like a dictator than my predecessor and more like a judge. I let the accused have an advocate as well as witnesses to tell me what happened.”

  Law was never on my radar for possible career choices, and being a judge and jury doesn’t sound like fun to me. I ask, “How much of your time does that take?”

  “It depends. Sometimes I feel like all I’m doing is keeping peace in the kingdom. And then I can go weeks without anything needing my attention.”

  Great. The job sounds like being a glorified school principal. “What’s the most common infraction?”

  “Killing humans.” My father studies me for a moment. “Are you aware how fortunate we are that our family’s genes make taming bloodlust attainable?”

  I think about how difficult it is for me to get a grip when I can smell a human nearby, but I know over time I’ll get better at it. If this is what it’s like to be blessed, it makes sense so many other vampires need years to gain control. “I didn’t realize not every vampire can.”

  “Remember that any human can become a vampire and we get all walks of life. Your escorts earlier, Rick and Rufus, are prime examples of men who weren’t successful in the mainstream when they were alive. In and out of the prison system most of their lives, their social graces are... lacking.” He swipes a hand through his wet hair, and I notice the chiseled perfection of his profile. One that was enhanced when he became a vampire. “Neither one of them can control his bloodlust, which makes it too dangerous to leave them in the general public.”

  “So they came here to live?”

  “They came here to be killed, but I had just become king and couldn’t do it.”

  I imagine what they’d do to a human who came to the island. “They are a useful welcoming committee.”

  Dad shakes his head and lets out a noise of disgust. “I was young and idealistic, and now I’m stuck taking care of Dick and Doofus.”

  I let out a laugh. “Dad! Those are horrible names to call them.”

  He grins. “Yeah. Did I mention I wasn’t very mature when I became king?”

  “Seems to me you still aren’t,” I say with a grin of my own, but I know my jab hit home when his eyes widen a bit.

  “Probably not.” He picks up a pebble and tosses it. It flies out over the ocean and lands with a small splash. “There are going to be a lot of things you aren’t going to want to do in this job, Lyndsey.” He gazes at me. “And sometimes we make mistakes. We have to have the wisdom to recognize them and do what it takes to correct them if we can.”

  I think he’s talking about my mother. My father wasn’t much older than I am when he was thrown into a world he never knew existed. I’m sure learning he was also the ruler had to have been beyond overwhelming. Besides which, Dad had to leave the love of his life and his daughter behind. I reach over and place my hand on his. “A wise woman once told me that admitting you’re wrong and making it right takes courage.”

  “She’s right.” He squeezes my fingers. “Which reminds me, you’re the guest of honor at a party tonight. You’ll find your gown and robe set out for you when we return.”

  “What?”

  “I’m a proud king whose rule has just been strengthened by a powerful princess. It’s important the vampire world know.”

  I let out a sigh. “So Alexander wasn’t joking when he said I’d have a coming-out party.”

  My dad smiles at me. “Courage, my dear.”

  I offer him a wry smile back. “Right. Courage.”

  7

  Maggie

  When we get to the Hart mansion, Mom and I walk to the door with our arms linked. My breathing isn’t easy, and from her worried glances, I know she wishes I had an oxygen tank. Alexander greets us, and the moment he sees me, his face clouds with concern. “Maggie.”

  I lift my hand slowly. “I’m fine.”

  Alexander scoops me up in his arms as he says, “You most certainly are not. I’m taking you up to your room, and I don’t want you to leave it until you’ve slept for a year.”

  “I—” I let out a sigh, because it’s nice to have the man I love holding me again, and I lean my cheek against his shirt. I inhale the faint musk of him. “I am tired. Do you think Bertha would bring Mom and me dinner to my suite?”

  “I’m already on it.” His feet thud softly on the stairs. “And I’ve told her to make filet mignon since I think you are in dire need of iron in your blood.”

  “Goodness. Filet mignon?” asks Mom.

  I smile up at him and say, “The Harts treat me well.”

  Alexander smiles back. “Not as well as we should. I’m afraid Sebastian and I have been called out for the evening.”

  Disappointment fills me because I’d hoped Alexander and my mother would get to know each other better, and I really wanted to spend time with him. “Do you have to go?”

  “Yes.” We’ve reached my suite, and he nudges the door open with a foot. “It’s unavoidable.” He glances over his shoulder at my mother. “But I’m sure you two women will manage without me. Do you share the same love for movies in bed with room service your daughter does?”

  Mom chuckles. “I’m afraid I do, only I don’t think I’ve ever had the room service part.”

  The mattress of my bed sinks under me as Alexander sets me down gently, and he moves to the shadier side of the room as he asks, “Is there anything I can get you?”

  I shake my head, because even though I’d like some of the throw pillows to prop myself up, they’re in the sunny area of my bedroom. Besides, my mother is already gathering them, and I smile as I nod at her. “It’s covered.”

  Alexander chuckles. “So I see.” He comes forward and places a quick kiss on my cheek, and I reach up to put my hand on his face, but he retreats before I reach him. “Take care of yourself, Maggie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Longing fills me along with the pain of rejection. Alexander is pulling away from me. I should be happy, knowing this way he’ll be in less pain when I die, but my selfish side wishes he’d shower me with his love before I go.

  Once he leaves, Mom says, “You rest while I go put my purse away.”

  I lean back and let the pillows hug me as I close my eyes. I sleep and don’t wake until the tantalizing aroma of beef cooked to perfection fills my nose. I blink my eyes open to see Mom with a large tray of food.

  “We have a feast here,” she says as she sets our meal down on the end of the bed, and I sit up as my stomach growls. Stars float before my eyes, and I take a deep breath with the hope oxygen will rush to my lungs in time. It does, but my action doesn’t go unnoticed by Mom. She lets out a sigh. “This is hard for me to watch, honey.”

  I nod as I inhale deeply again. “I know. I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to be able to get away with fooling the Harts.”

  A knife clashes on a plate as Mom cuts steak into pieces. She holds a bite toward me. “I have a crazy idea, so hear me out.”

  “Okay.” I bite a piece of meat and let the rich flavor of filet fill my mouth.

  “What if I took you home?” When I open my mouth to protest, she holds up a hand. “I promise I won’t force you to go to the hospital or fight to live.” When I scowl, she says, “Really. I accept your decision, Maggie, but please let me make you as comfortable as possible. If we were at home, I could bring in oxygen, and you wouldn’t have to pretend.” She glances around the room. “I know it’s wonderful here, but wouldn’t you rather sleep in your own bed?”

  She’s right. I would rather be in my own bed in my small room, where my mother can take care of me away from the curious eyes of the Hart brothers. I’d get to see Kristi one more time too. Tears come as I nod. I croak out, “What about the Harts? How do I say goodbye?” My heart clenches with fear, and Elizabeth brings forward the truth. Can I even leave?

  Mom’s brow knits as she studies me for a moment. “I’m afraid you shouldn’t see either Hart man again. Alexander knows you’re more than tired, and he tried to get information from me. I got the impression Sebastian brought me here because he knew you needed a nurse.”

  I close my eyes when I realize she’s right. Sebastian is a smart man, and while I thought I was being clever leaving the hospital and pretending all was well, I think he knows I lied. Elizabeth fills my heart with the warmth of her love for him. He let me go anyway. The overbearing man who I’ve been at odds with since the day I arrived let me decide to die. Now my tears roll down my cheeks, but I swipe them away quickly. I do need to leave, but I also need to say goodbye. “Mom. I need you to go see if the Harts have left yet.”

  “What are you thinking?”

  “We should leave tonight. Before they realize just how sick I am and won’t let me leave.” We’ll have to be clever, though. The Sebastian I know won’t let me out from under his control even if he is allowing me to die on my terms. He’ll think he can do it better from here than my Mom could do it at home. “But I can’t go until I see Sebastian and Alexander one last time.”

  “Should I ask them to come up and see you?”

  I shake my head. “No. That makes me look weak. Just find out.”

  She nods as she gets up to go. “I’ll be right back.”

  After Mom leaves, I manage a few more bites of steak before she returns. A spoon clatters on the tray when she sets it down, and I think she got it from the kitchen as an excuse to be downstairs. She says, “They’re in the study, but I think they’re about to go.”

  “Did you eavesdrop on them?”

  She smiles. “Something like that.”

  I fluff my hair up with my fingers. “How do I look?”

  She frowns as I get out of bed and says, “Change into yoga pants and a T-shirt.” While I dress, she goes into the bathroom and returns with my makeup bag. I sit on the chair by my vanity and gaze at my pale face in the mirror. My eyes appear bigger than usual, and it occurs to me that the pale skin I’m looking at is what I’d see if I were a vampire. A shiver runs down my spine, and I shake it off before I let my mother fuss over me. She says, “A little pink on your cheeks makes you look human.”

  Human? My heart skips a beat before I realize there’s no way Mom could know the Harts are vampires, and I smile. “Thanks.”

  She holds out her hands to help me up. “I think you’re ready.”

  Mom supports me as we walk down the stairs slowly, and we pause before the entry of the study for me to take a deep breath. I paste on a smile and knock on the door, which is slightly ajar, before walking in. “Hey.” I stop as I take in the Hart brothers’ appearance. They’re dressed in tuxedos, and Elizabeth sends a twinge of envy through my heart that I echo. I wish I were going to their fancy event with them. “Wow. You guys look amazing.”

  Alexander puffs up his chest a bit as he smoothes out his shirt, and Sebastian says, “Thank you, Margaret.” He squints his eyes at me. “What are you doing out of bed? I thought Alexander ordered you to stay there.”

  “I had a long nap, a great steak, and am feeling much better.” I turn to Mom, and she gives me a slight nod of encouragement before I return my attention to Sebastian. “So much so that Mom and I are thinking about driving to Portland tonight for a quick visit with my friend Kristi.”

  Mom cuts in. “I booked us a hotel near the mall, and we’ll do our movie marathon there. Just like when the girls were little. After pancakes in the morning, Maggie and I will be back.”

  I’m impressed with how well my mother can lie, and it makes me wonder how many times she deceived me over the years. Sebastian frowns and says, “Kristi is more than welcome to come here. I—”

  Alexander could be nervous about one more unsuspecting human hanging around, because he interrupts. “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. Like a sleepover.”

  Sebastian speaks to my mother in a stern tone. “You won’t let her stay up all night.”

  Mom gives him a look that is the equivalent of an adult eye roll. “I believe my years of motherhood have trained me for this job.”

  “Of course,” says Sebastian as he shakes his head. “Of course. Go, ladies. Have a lovely time.”

  “You too,” I say. I focus on how attractive he looks in his tuxedo as Elizabeth fills me with sadness. I glance at Alexander and commit his appearance to my memory too, and now grief threatens to take over. It’s appropriate that they’re both dressed this way for the last time I’ll see them. “You two look very handsome. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful night.” I force a smile onto my face and blink back my tears.

  Alexander sighs dramatically. “Professional duties. But we’ll make the best of it.”

  I nod. “I—” My voice cracks, and I clear my throat. “I just wanted to say that I have loved… I love working for you guys.”

  On impulse, I throw my arms around Sebastian’s waist and hug him tightly. “Margaret?” he asks. “What’s wrong?”

  I pull back from him and embrace Alexander as I say, “It’s nothing.” I squeeze him tightly, as if I’m holding on to the last bit of life I’ve got, which strikes me funny considering he’s not really alive, and I begin to laugh. I’m afraid I’m about to give way to sobs as I step back and control myself. Mom puts her arm around my shoulders. “Maggie gets emotional like this when she’s run-down.” She looks at me. “Right, honey?”

  I swipe at a stray tear. “Yeah. It’s kind of embarrassing. Sorry.”

  “I see,” says Sebastian as he frowns, and Alexander looks at me with the same confusion clouding his face.

  I chuckle. “I’m fine. Really. Have fun tonight,” I say as I begin to back out of the room.

  “Goodnight,” my mother calls out as we leave. We don’t speak, and once we’re out of the study, she grabs my arm to help me up the stairs to my suite. When we get there, she asks, “Do you think they believed us?”

  “I hope so,” I say before I finally let my sobs escape. I thought I was okay with dying, but I didn’t count on how hard it was going to be to say goodbye. I walk over to the window and glance out at the water as the sun hangs low in the sky.

  “Honey,” Mom says as she takes my shoulders, and I turn toward her so she’ll hold me while I cry.

  8

  Lyndsey

  A tiara glitters on the top of my head as I inspect my reflection in the full-length mirror. I hate to admit it, but I look like a princess. Beads are slippery under my fingers as I slide my hands down over my hips and admire the way my gown lies smoothly on my body and makes my butt look good. The dress is pale blue and strapless, but the bodice is tight enough I won’t spend my night tugging it up. Instead, I won’t be able to take a deep breath, which is why I’ve never been a fan of tight dresses. Fortunately, the need to inflate my lungs no longer exists.

  I stride across the room to where a robe is also set out for me. Fortunately, there are two slits in the front of my gown that not only show off my toned legs when I walk, but allow me to move with regular steps. As dresses go, this one is fairly functional. I lift up the heavy emerald-green velvet wrap lined with shimmery silk. It’s designed to drape over my shoulders and button at the neck. A hood hangs down my back, and there is enough material I could wrap the cape around myself like a blanket for warmth. Even though it’s summer, the castle is chilly.

  I move across the floor of my bedroom as gracefully as I can in the heels I was given to wear. I’m not exactly a novice to high heels, but I’ve never been one to wear them since they limit my ability to make a quick getaway if the need should arise. I chuckle at my thought, because I’ve never had to run away from a situation, and the desire to prepare for it is unfounded. I recall sharing my quirk with my mother once, and she teased me that I must have been an outlaw in a previous life.

  It’s funny, but now I think I may have always sensed I was more than a human girl. While my friends like Becky and Jenna go through life accepting most of what happens around them, I question odd situations like what happened the night of Matt’s party when a vampire hunting party sucked blood out of my friends and me. Maybe all this time I wasn’t the alarmist I was accused of being. Maybe something inside me knew I was destined to be a vampire ruler who would always be in danger.