I make my way over to the bathroom, where makeup has been set out for me. And as I stare at various pots and tubes, a knock sounds on my door. I call out, “Come in!”

  I turn and find Victoria. She smiles slowly as she scans me with her gaze. “Stunning, Lyndsey.”

  I notice she’s in a black silk gown that makes her willowy body appear curvy. Her silver hair is in an updo with tendrils framing her face, and while her makeup is impeccable, there are wrinkles around her eyes that again make me wonder how old she was when she became a vampire. “Thanks,” I say. “Did you pick it out? It’s really beautiful.”

  “I did, and I’m glad you approve. I came to see if you need any help.”

  I let out a sigh. “I do. I can handle mascara and lipstick, but the rest of the makeup on my counter is a mystery.”

  “Yes. I imagine it is for a woman like you. But even natural beauty can be enhanced.” She pauses. “If you’d like, of course.”

  Her hesitation makes me think I should, and since I’m going to be on display, I might as well work every angle I’ve got. “Please.”

  Victoria walks over, and I detect a spicy perfume I suspect men find sexy. A compact clicks as she opens it, and she rubs a makeup brush over pressed powder as she says, “Your father is thrilled to finally have you here. He’s pulled out all the stops for tonight.”

  I chuckle. “You mean you did.”

  She smiles. “At his direction.” She leans in to brush makeup on my cheek. “How are you doing with all of this? I’m sure it’s overwhelming.”

  I’m afraid to dig deeply into my feelings right now. I’m nervous enough about being introduced to the vampire world, and I fear if I start thinking about much else, I will be overwhelmed. I say, “Surfing was fun.”

  “Close your eyes,” she says, and the tip of an eye pencil is cool on my skin as she applies it. “I’m a secret keeper, Lyndsey. If you need someone to talk to, be assured nothing you say will ever be shared.”

  I imagine she has had access to things about my father that must be kept secret, and she wouldn’t have lasted through two kings if she couldn’t. But I also believe her loyalty lies with my father over me. “Thank you for the offer, but I really am okay.” I chuckle. “That may change after tonight. How many pe— vampires are coming?”

  “I invited over five hundred guests, but not everyone will be able to attend on such short notice.”

  “Five hundred!” My stomach knots up as I imagine a crowd that large and wonder how I’m going to meet each one of them. I open my eyes to Victoria’s serious expression. “I hope I’m not expected to remember names.”

  “I’ll let you know the ones you need to learn.” She steps back and smiles. “Perfect.”

  I turn to look in the mirror. She made my cheekbones look more prominent, and my eyes appear to be more golden brown than usual. The pink blush on my skin makes me look human, but I’m not sure how I feel about that. I’ve begun to embrace my vampire side. I say, “Thank you. You did a great job.”

  She lifts up a lock of my hair I’ve left hanging loose. “Shall we put this up?”

  I smile at her in the mirror. “Why not?”

  My tiara clatters on the counter where Victoria sets it, and she works on sweeping my hair up as she says, “Your father will introduce you from his throne, where you will come out to join him. Once he’s made a speech, there will be a receiving line to give everyone a chance to meet you up close.”

  I frown for a moment before I realize what she means. “Oh. Like a wake.”

  “I would have gone with wedding, but wake does seem appropriately gothic, doesn’t it?”

  I smile at her teasing. “Only if you also have coffins and skeletons chained on the walls.”

  “Oh dear. You just reminded me. I meant to get those dusted before the guests arrived.” I chuckle as she says, “I’ll be standing next to you on your left. That way I can let you know who’s important to remember. If I do more than greet the vampire, you should pay attention.”

  “Got it.”

  A hairpin pokes at my scalp as Victoria pushes it into my updo. “There will be music and dancing. I suspect many men will be clamoring for your time. Remember you have complete control over who you choose to speak with.”

  “I’m not sure what that means. Are you saying they have to ask for permission to talk to me?”

  “Not quite. But you should be cold and calculating. It will come off as powerful and serve you well in the future.”

  I recall a boss I had once telling me that he came off as a jerk to the employees under him until he’d established a good working relationship. He believed it was easy to back off once you had the reputation of being tough, but it was hard to crack down when people thought you were a pushover. I nod. “Bitch mode activated.”

  Victoria smiles, and she places the tiara back on my head. “There will be plenty of blood flowing tonight along with alcohol, but I suspect you won’t have much time to drink it. I suggest you have some before coming down. Your father is expecting you in his study in a half hour.” Silk swishes as she walks toward the door.

  “Thank you for all your help, Victoria. I really appreciate it.”

  She stops before getting to the hall and glances over her shoulder at me. “You’re welcome, Lyndsey.” She flashes her fangs at me in a way that makes me think she’s on my side. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  Once she’s gone, I move over to the wet bar in my suite and pour myself a glass of blood. I take my tumbler and walk over to grab a tissue to dab my mouth so I won’t smear my lipstick. My reflection in the full-length mirror catches my eye, and I stop to gaze at myself. I call on my vampire to come to the surface. It rolls up like a cresting wave, and the pleasure that runs through me makes me inhale sharply, as if I need to take a breath. I take another drink of blood and smile slowly. I notice my bloodstained fangs and the trickle of human life dripping down my chin. My eyes flash with exhilaration as my chest flushes with heat. I’m a danger every human should fear. It’s a strong contrast to the fairy-tale princess gown and tiara I’m wearing, and I realize the power I have now makes most vampires afraid of me too. Tonight, I plan to capitalize on it.

  I practice my menacing look before I chuckle to myself as I return to human form. I remember a school guidance counselor telling me I was a natural leader. I didn’t believe her, but I think she was right, because I’m going to enjoy being Princess Lyndsey.

  9

  Lyndsey

  The castle is eerily quiet as I descend the stairs toward my father’s study. I suspect everyone must be busy making preparations for the party, and I wonder when the guests will arrive. The heavy door of my father’s office is hard under my knuckles when I rap on it, and he opens it up to let me in.

  “Wow,” he says as he steps back. “You’ve transformed from Gidget to something regal.”

  My father has a tuxedo on with an emerald-green bow tie. His jacket is open, and I notice a matching cummerbund. A cloak that resembles mine is draped over a chair. “Wait,” I say. “It gets better.” I morph to vampire and offer him my evil grin full of teeth. He raises an eyebrow as I add, “You should see this with blood.”

  Dad nods. “Very effective. I find a small hiss will make them wet their pants too.”

  “Dad!” I chuckle and then sober quickly. “Are you serious?”

  He shrugs. “We’re on this earth for a hell of a long time. Sometimes it gets boring, and you have to find ways to entertain yourself.”

  He walks over to a crystal decanter full of amber liquid, and the top pops when he removes it. He pours two highballs for us as I remove my cloak and drape it over the couch. Dad says, “Tonight is important for many reasons, Lyndsey. This is your introduction into the vampire world, and as my daughter and heir to the throne, it’s imperative you make the right impression.”

  I nod as I take my drink from him. The odor of whiskey floats up to my nose as I say, “Victoria mentioned something along those lines. She suggested I act cool and aloof, as if all other vampires should be lucky to have my attention.”

  “That’s good advice. You’re a beautiful young woman, and the wisdom of age matters in our kingdom. Many won’t take you seriously.” He sips on his drink and lets out a small grunt. “I wish I’d had that advice before I was introduced. It would have helped me immensely.”

  “What happened?” Alcohol burns my tongue as I take a sip of my whiskey.

  “I stood by my throne and grinned like a fool trying to win a popularity contest. I might have even said I was wicked pumped about the new opportunity.”

  I choke on my drink with my laughter before I say, “Oh my god.”

  “Yeah. Believe me, there are a few of our elders who love to bring that up whenever they get the chance, and I suspect you’ll hear the story at least once tonight.”

  I imagine how embarrassed he must have been when he got scowls from hundreds of vampires and how difficult it had to have been without a predecessor alive to train him for his job as king. “Then I guess tripping over my heels and ripping my dress up to my waist won’t be a big deal.”

  Dad smiles. “You’d get a whole different response. Believe me.”

  I flash to the way I was in my nympho mode of change and say, “I suppose I would.”

  My father walks over to the couch and lowers himself to sit, so I perch myself on the edge of a chair across from him. He lifts his glass up to the light and swirls his whiskey slowly as he says, “Tonight is going to be mentally exhausting.” He trains an intense gaze on me. “Robert Kearns and a few of his men will be here.”

  “Liam.” I hiss. The vision of Liam as he lowered his mouth to my neck in an attempt to suck me dry runs through my mind. I recall the way he flirted with me and treated me like a silly girl who would let a sexy bartender pick her up over a drink. Of course I was an idiot, since I did let him lure me to my death. Anger explodes from me as I snarl out his name again. “Liam!” A burst of power explodes from me as I throw out my hands in some ancient instinct I didn’t know I had. Wind swirls around me, and tears at my hair yanking out the pins Victoria used. The glint of jewels flickers before the crash of something against the stone wall cracks, making me think it was my tiara. I close my eyes and let the remnants of my anger retreat like the tug of a tidal pull.

  When I open my eyes again, my father’s voice is full of amusement as he says, “Try not to kill him tonight. Please?”

  I smile back, pleased with my newfound power. “He deserves something more painful.” The aftereffect of adrenaline makes me shudder. “Besides, I haven’t learned how to fight yet.”

  “Smart girl. You have decades for payback. Take your time.”

  Dad stands up when we hear a knock, and Victoria cracks the door open to stick her head in before he can answer the door. She pauses when she sees me, and I reach up to my tangled hair.

  She says, “The Harts are here. Should I bring them to you?”

  “Yes. Thank you.” Dad turns to me. “I thought you might like to see your creator and friend before the party.”

  My lingering anger over Liam is quickly replaced with happiness. “I would. Thanks.”

  I walk over to the mirror behind the wet bar and finger-comb my locks up into a loose bun as my father hands me my hairpins. Moments later, Alexander and Sebastian walk through the door, and I turn to greet them. Alexander lets out a wolf whistle, and I laugh even though Sebastian and my father glare at him. He says, “Sorry. I know that was rude to do to a princess, but I couldn’t help it.”

  I wave my hand in dismissal as he steps forward to kiss my cheek. “It’s fine, but do that in public, and I’ll throw you in the dungeon.”

  “So there is one,” says Alexander as his eyes dance with mischief. “I’m happy to spread that bit of gossip and help build up some fear if you need me to.”

  Dad says, “That won’t be necessary, Alexander. Lyndsey has this under control.”

  My father’s tone is a bit sharp, and Sebastian interjects quickly as he steps in and kisses my cheek. “Lyndsey, you look beautiful, and you have a sophisticated air that makes you appear older than you are. You will be magnificent tonight.”

  Pride rushes through me, and I suspect it’s because I pleased my creator. I smile. “Thank you. But I have to admit I’m a bit nervous.”

  Dad says, “Then I don’t think either of these gentlemen will mind helping out.” He glances at the Hart brothers. “You both will keep an eye on Lyndsey and help her transition away from any awkward situations that arise.”

  Alexander says to me, “Snap your fingers at any time, and I’ll be by your side like a puppy dog.”

  Sebastian bows slightly. “At your service, Princess.”

  I take in the appearance of the two brothers. Both have dark hair and vivid green eyes that make them very attractive, and even though they tend to be polar opposites personality-wise, they both have sex appeal I suspect makes them popular with women. I say, “I appreciate your help. Thank you.”

  “Very well,” says Dad. “Can I get you gentlemen a drink?”

  After the men and I settle down on the couches with a cocktail, I tell Alexander about surfing earlier today, and then Dad gets serious. He says to Sebastian, “I heard about the break-in at the Maine Vein.”

  I glance at Alexander, and he winks at me as I suppress a smile over the name of what I suspect is their blood bank. It’s a business that pays humans to donate blood the Harts then sell to vampires, and I don’t have to guess which Hart brother named it.

  Sebastian says, “Yes. It’s disheartening to find you’ve employed traitors.”

  “You have them in custody?”

  Sebastian nods.

  “Then we’ll deal with it tomorrow.” Dad looks at me. “You will see how our justice system works.”

  When I notice even Alexander’s expression is hard, a chill runs down my spine. It’s easy to get caught up in the finery, and as I glance around the room, it strikes me we do appear to be something out of a fairy tale. But evil lurks beneath the surface of each one of us, and that’s something I won’t let myself ever forget. I need to stay aware of my surroundings at all times. While I didn’t know it at the time, I’ve spent a lifetime training for this, and I believe I’m ready.

  Alexander walks over to where my tiara is resting on the floor. He picks it up and brings it to me with a bemused grin. It’s bent from the impact of hitting the wall, and I use my vampire strength to return it to the original shape. The adornment might appear to be girly at first glance, but I know the precious gems and metal are a symbol of my power. I lift my chin and say, “I look forward to it.”

  10

  Maggie

  After I have a good cry on my mother’s shoulder, I get up to pack. My bag lands on my bed with a soft thud, and Mom places her hand on my arm as she says, “I’ll get my things.”

  When she leaves, I walk over to my dressing room. My eyes burn from crying as I riffle through the dresses, blouses, and skirts. I won’t be wearing any of them again, but it seems a shame to leave them behind. I stop when I get to the green silk dress I wore the first night I arrived. I recall the way Sebastian looked at me, and Elizabeth swells my heart with a rush of love for him. I remember Alexander’s approval too and replace the emotions for Sebastian with my love for his brother. I remove the dress from the hanger and fold it carefully. I want to take a piece of the Harts with me, and this is what I want to be buried in.

  I wander over to the bureau, and when I open up my underwear drawer, I notice the plain cotton bras and panties I brought when I came to work for the Harts. I leave them as I grab the lacy undergarments I’ve grown accustomed to wearing instead. The naive version of me is long gone, and I think about all the ways I’ve grown in my short time in Port Porpoise. I’ve crammed a lot of life in the last few weeks.

  Another drawer rasps open, and I pull out my casual clothing to pack. I recall my first book signing and smile at how much I enjoyed my brief stint with fame. I think about Joan’s bookstore and how kind she was to me. After I finish with my clothing and toiletries, I go to the sitting room and glance around. The book Teach Me is on a shelf, and I pull out the first Hart brothers romance I read. I chuckle as I remember how Alexander teased me over the sex scenes, and the paperback is hard on my chest when I clutch it tightly. I decide to pack that too. My mom walks in as the zipper of my duffel hums while I tug it closed. She grabs my bag and hoists it over her shoulder as I glance around my white-and-purple room with the faint scent of lilac in the air. I let out a sigh before I turn to follow my mother toward the stairs, and a tear rolls down my cheek before I sniff and keep myself from crying more.

  When we get outside, my mother suggests we take her car, because even though it would be fun for her to keep my Alfa Romeo, the car isn’t practical for winters in Maine. I settle back into the cloth seat of my mother’s Subaru and close my eyes to sleep for the trip home.

  It’s the middle of the night when we arrive, and I barely wake to stumble into my bed. My breathing is labored now, and Mom places a mask on my face as I wonder how she managed to finagle oxygen at this time of night. But I don’t have the energy to ask as I bask in the small comfort it provides. As my mother moves to leave my room, I lift the mask from my mouth to speak. “Mom?”

  She stops in the doorway, and the light of the hallway illuminates her hair. It reminds me of when I used to see her there when I was a little girl. I imagined my mother was like an angel with a halo. “Yes?”

  “Would you sleep with me?” I think she’s crying when she nods, and her voice is hoarse when she says, “Let me put on my pajamas, and I’ll be right back.”