Page 63 of How to Stake a Vampire

“That’s so cool,” Ellie mumbled.

Even Pearl looked impressed.

“The affected vampires are currently recuperating at Springhill General,” Samuel continued smoothly once Daria put away her magic. “Unfortunately, events escalated once more yesterday.”

Cornelius grimaced. “You mean, this gets worse?”

“Yes. A human was bitten and turned into a vampire by the same perpetrator.”

The Tremaines froze. Titania gasped. Melody stilled. Daria’s eyes shrank to slits. Portia made a sound that caused the chandelier to vibrate and put my teeth on edge.

The other Alliance members shifted uneasily in their seats.

“The victim was Ellie Martin,” Samuel continued, indicating my best friend. “She was targeted because the attacker was looking for Virgil.”

Constantia unfroze and shot to her feet. “What?” She turned to her son, her pupils a bright red. “Are you alright?!”

“Yes, Mother.” A guilty note crept into Virgil’s voice.

Constantia swallowed and hesitated before sitting down stiffly.

“You brought a newly turned vampire to an Alliance meeting?” Melody asked in a voice that could have turned lava to ice.

Several Alliance members were looking at Ellie like she had rabies. Portia moved her chair away slightly.

My shoulders knotted at the tension thickening the air.

Barney flashed me a warning look.

“Miss Martin is stable,” he told the Alliance dismissively. “The fact that she hasn’t ripped out any of your throats yet is proof of that.”

“That’s not funny, Barnabas,” Titania huffed.

Daria seemed in half a mind to agree.

“I could really do that?” Ellie whispered warily to me and Virgil. “Rip their throats out?!”

I made a face. “Probably.”

“Definitely,” Virgil affirmed, a steely glint in his eyes. “Let me know if you get the urge and I’ll tell you who to go for first.”

Ellie, Pearl, Bo, and I gave Virgil an admiring look.

“Why my son?” Gregory asked. His voice carried more dread than anger.

“Because Virgil’s blood is something Ludvik Bludworth won’t be able to resist,” Barney said in a deadly tone.

20

FULL DISCLOSURE

The blood drainedfrom Constantia’s face. “Ludvik? You meanthatLudvik?!”

Gregory had gone similarly ashen-faced beside his wife.

Cornelius’s face tightened. “Even I’ve heard of him.”

“Your great-nephew?” Lines marred Melody’s delicate brow.