Kai’s words came out with a forced edge. “Are you certain of this? Certain enough not to destroy Janie’s life? She’s never wanted love. She runs from it. What I did suffocated her ability to let someone in, to let someone love her. She’s grown up empty, afraid if she needed anyone too much she would lose them.” He breathed. “Love isn’t worth the risk to her.”
“And you love her?” Albania’s head dipped forward. “You never loved me like that. It was never me. I knew it.” Kai tried to speak. She lifted her gaze and covered his lips with her fingertips. “Don’t. You don’t need to explain. I’ll help you.”
“Thank you.”
Albania pushed her wide, bony shoulders back. He could always count on her to set her own feelings aside and focus on what needed to be done. “I can only grant a few of them access to the sun. Choose the ones you want and have them meet me in the harbor right before sunrise. I’ll find them. They will be given the ability to walk in the sunlight for only one day. After the sun goes down, they will return to the night.”
“You have possibly just saved the lives of many.” Kai kissed both of her cheeks and stood. “You’re not just a witch, you’re a guardian angel.” He hustled over to the door. “I need to meet Janie.” He reached for the doorknob and glanced back. Albania sat, legs crossed under the silk, watching him. “I do love you. I always have and I always will. I’m alive because of you. I can love because of you.”
“Janie,” she whispered.
He nodded and left.
Thanks to one of his gang members, Janie finally found Jerome with Tanya at the Dead Solitarian, otherwise known as the “vampire graveyard,” located within the human graveyard, only their bodies weren’t buried. When vampires died, their bodies vanished, much like Daychildren. So, instead of burying bodies, they lay tombstones of remembrance.
Jerome stood over a cluster of at least twenty new headstones. They were well polished and glossy under the moon’s shine. One read—Bubba Jones, may he finally have a cheesesteak to go with the blood—go Philly.
“Am I too late?” Janie waited for Jerome to finish his prayer. He kissed his gold cross and directed his attention to the sky. Do vamps pray? She knew their aversion to crosses was a myth, but praying? Whatever.
“Seeker,” was all he said.
“Hey, girl.” Tanya draped herself over Jerome’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry about your gang. How many?”
“Twenty-three.” Jerome cleared his throat. “They drained their venom and staked them.”
“Antony wants to strike the high school tomorrow.”
“I heard.” He didn’t look at her.
“Are you still going to help stop him?”
“No,” he said. Anger rose in Janie’s chest. He’d promised. Now that things had changed, he couldn’t just go back on his promise.
Jerome continued. “I’m going to kill him.”
“Tonight?” That would solve everything. They wouldn’t even have to worry about the football players or the sunlight issue.
“No, unfortunately.” Jerome caressed his cross with two fingers. He still hadn’t made eye contact with her. “They just moved their lair. They knew we’d retaliate, so they vanished. I have my gang searching the city. It’s probably useless. Antony won’t hide where he knows we can find him.”
“They will be at football practice tomorrow afternoon. That’s where they plan to Turn the team.”
“Seeker, in case you’ve forgotten, we are vamps; we don’t do daylight. It’ll have to be another time for us.”
Janie skirted a tombstone, stepping closer to Jerome and Tanya with determination in her tone. “How many vamps do you need to defeat Antony and his crew?”
“They’ve got about twenty, so five of us should do, with you and Kai. They ambushed us tonight. That’s the only reason they were able to do what they did.” He kissed Tanya. “Why? It doesn’t matter—we can’t go in the sunlight.”
“I just spoke with Kai. He has a friend who can arrange things so that you can go out in the daylight.” For the first time, Jerome really looked at her. Janie held up her hand before he could speak. “Only for tomorrow. Pick five vamps from your gang, including you, and meet her at the harbor before sunrise.”
“The harbor’s a big place.”
“She’ll find you,” Janie said. “Kai was right. Meeting on school grounds was a bad idea. Meet me at my house—two-thirty. We’ll go together. I’m not exactly sure how Antony plans to execute his plan, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t care about exposure.” She shot Jerome a serious look. “We are going to minimize the exposure—got it.” She brushed a chunk of loose dirt from a freshly buried tombstone to expose the inscription—Brotherhood. “If the Chapter finds out I’ve allowed Daychildren and vampires to invade my high school. . .well, let’s just say I’ll be screwed. Luckily, most of the students will be leaving by three. Only the jocks, a few teachers and maybe students in after-school clubs will be left.”
“Then it’s done. We’ll meet this friend of Kai’s and be at your house.” Jerome knelt down in front of another grave. He bowed his head.
“See you later, sugar.” Tanya fluttered her red fingernails and knelt down beside him.
CHAPTER 16
Janie cornered a stone building. Kai was standing with his back against her car, his arms crossed in front of him. The car seemed to be holding up all his weight. Janie stopped to stare at him for a moment. He was beautiful, even with all his flaws. She realized she loved him because of his imperfections. She also realized she had forgiven him the moment she learned he’d killed her father.
She crossed the road.
“Hey.” He didn’t look up from the ground.
“It’s done. The vamps are in.” She snuggled up next to his ribs. He draped his arm around her. “Thanks for calling. That’s great. . .about Albania.”
“Yeah,” he said softly.
“What’s wrong? Other than the usual Daychild issues and,” she paused, “other things.”
“I’m just thinking about my conversation with Albania.”
“Is she okay?”
“She’s fine. She brought up something I’ve never told you before.”
“What—that she loves you?”
Kai coughed, or choked, kind of a combination of both. “No—I mean yes, but that’s not what I meant.”
“It’s okay. It’s obvious the way she feels about you. The way she looks at you. I noticed the first day I met her.” Janie bit her cheek. She tasted blood. Maybe their relationship affected her more than she had realized. “Do you feel the same? I mean—do you love her, too?”
“I love her. Not the way she’d like me to, but I love her as a very dear friend—the person who saved my life at one time and taught me how to live again. It’s not like how I feel about you. She knows that.” He caressed Janie’s face with his free hand.
“What were you going to tell me?” She leaned into his touch.
“You already know Tavares was my Maker. I was the first Daychild he created. He had high hopes for me.” He laughed. “I guess I wasn’t living up to his expectations. I started to develop a conscience.” His mood deepened. “I became depressed in a way. I was a killer, but afterwards, after I killed, I felt physically sick.” Kai dropped his arm and leaned farther back against the car. Janie was afraid the metal door frame might crack. “He was ashamed of me. He didn’t want to start a race of cowards, so he tried to kill me. Albania found me with a silver dagger through my skull. I was moments from death.”
“So that’s why you react the way you do when you hear his name. He was your Maker and he tried to kill you.”
Kai tilted his head back. He stared at the star-filled sky. “He treated me as a son, in his own screwed-up way, and I let him down.”
Janie couldn’t believe he was saying this. The logic was so twisted. She grabbed his hand. “You can’t feel ashamed. He’s in the wrong. He’s creating a demonic species that can’t even begin to coex
ist with humans. They’re killers. Even the vampires can’t stand them. You are right and he is wrong.”
He brought his gaze down to hers. “I know. It’s just another one of my many issues. I’m broken. You deserve better.”
She bit her tongue. Could he really believe this? “Kai Sterdam—don’t you ever say that again. From a very young age, I set my life on a course of loneliness. I thought it was better to run from love and be alone then to take a chance. Love gets you killed. That’s what I always told myself. I was wrong.”
“Albania told me to stay. That you’d forgiven me.” He angled his body to face her and slid his arms over her shoulders. He pinned her between himself and her car, exactly where she wanted to be.
“Albania was wrong. I’ve already forgiven you,” she said. He kissed her.
Janie did her best to make it through her morning classes. She found herself staring at the clock for most of the morning, making the time creep by even slower. After school she’d be meeting Jerome and the other vampires he picked to help them stop Antony. She glanced out the cafeteria window. Only a few puffy clouds lined the sky. If Albania’s spell doesn’t work, Jerome and his crew are going to be toast.
Kai would also be there. It might be the last time she would see him. She still hoped he’d change his mind. Before he came along, she couldn’t imagine doing anything but her job. Now, things had changed; her priorities had changed. One thing stayed true—love complicated things. The question remained, though—was it worth it? Definitely.
Ava and Luke approached her cafeteria table. They’d chosen to eat on campus. Janie felt a need to stay close to school with everything about to take place after classes ended.
Luke cast a smile Ava’s way. His eyes were blue again—colored contacts, no glasses. As they walked, their arms brushed together. Ava giggled nervously and her face shaded to scarlet.
She’d been so wrapped up with Kai and everything else going on, she hadn’t noticed that her two best friends were actually flirting with each other.
“What’s up, you two? You’re looking awfully giddy today.” Janie took a bite out of her apple, regarding both of them suspiciously.
“What do you mean?” Luke pulled out Ava’s chair. She thanked him with a smile.
Janie made a circular motion with her hand. “I mean all of this. The giggling, blushing and pulling out the chair.” She paused. “Come to think of it, yesterday, when Matt asked you about Homecoming, you were acting weird then, too. Is there something you need to tell me?”
“It’s nothing.” Luke looked away. “I forgot a napkin. Do you need anything?” he asked Ava.
Janie breathed in. “No Pippy comments today. Does she need anything? Come on, you’re not fooling anyone. You like each other.” She took another bite of her apple. “You are so going to the dance with us because you like each other.” Janie finished chewing. “It’s kind of weird, but I’ll go with it, if you’re happy.”
“Believe what you want,” Luke said. He pivoted and sauntered toward the kitchen, one hand on his hip. He can’t be into Ava; she’s a girl.
Janie became serious and leaned in closer to Ava. “I’ve got to talk to you before Luke gets back.”
Ava put her un-eaten sandwich down. “What’s up? Did you and Kai, or Matt, or—” She waved her hand around hesitantly, not sure which guy to mention, “—break up or something?”
“For the record, like I told you. . .I Imprinted Matt, so we are not really ‘together.’”
“So he wants to be with you, but you’re just not that into him.”
“I guess.” Janie rolled her eyes. She didn’t know for sure. This Imprinting thing was new to her. “Isn’t that a movie?”
“A good one, but I think it’s the other way around—He’s Just Not That Into You.” Ava popped open her can of soda. “And Kai?”
“I’m into him, and I think he feels the same.” Janie’s heart hurt. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. After today he’ll be gone.”
“What? Why?”
“I’ll tell you about that later. I really do have something serious to talk to you about before Luke gets back.” Janie searched for Luke. He’d stopped at a table full of guys, not jocks or brainers, but somewhere in between. Like Luke. “I need you and Luke to leave right after school today. Don’t hang out in the parking lot, just go straight home.”
“Are you going to give me a reason why?”
“Remember when I told you about Antony and his crew of Daychildren the day you helped me study for my Algebra exam?” Ava nodded. “They’re planning to Turn the football team today at practice.”
Ava’s mouth dropped open. “How are you going to stop them?”
“The vamps have agreed to help us. We don’t really have a plan since we don’t know how Antony intends to carry out the mass Turning.” Luke approached. Janie shoved the apple in her mouth. “Just make sure you’re gone,” she said through a mouthful of chewed fruit.
Ava switched to covert agent. She often did this when they were discussing “secretive” Seeker stuff. “Affirmative.”
“What’s affirmative?” Luke sat, neatly laying his napkin over his lap.
“It’s girl stuff,” Ava said.
Janie stood. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ve got to go.” Her eyes shot over their heads. They traced her gaze. “Oh, no. Matt’s here. I’ve managed to avoid him for most of the day.”
“Oh—come—on, he’s cute. Have you ever seen eyes like that. . .and the hair? Who wouldn’t give to have that hair?” Luke fluttered his lashes. Seriously, girls? No way!
“Leave her alone. She has her reasons.” Ava tapped him on the leg. Her hand rested there longer than Janie felt comfortable. They can’t be together. It’s practically incestuous.
“Kai,” Luke said. “He’s pretty hot, too. The motorcycle thing is bitchin’.”
“Bitchin’?” Janie and Ava said.
“I’ll tell him you said that.” Janie smiled.
Luke glared at her and turned a deep shade of tomato red. Janie laughed. “I’ll see you later.” She whispered in Ava’s ear. “Remember what I said.”
Ava saluted.
She had to do it. She’d avoided him all day. He stood next to his locker getting ready for his next class. His varsity jacket hid part of his very nice butt. Focus. All she had to do was tell him to leave school on time. She’d feel horrible if anything happened to him. He’d already been attacked twice and Imprinted. Here we go. She continued forward.
Janie greeted Matt at his locker. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Matt turned, dropping his books. He bent over and picked them up. After righting himself, he said, “Are you avoiding me? I’ve hardly seen you today.”
“Nope, I’ve just been kind of busy.” She noticed Molly over his shoulder, standing with a pack of cheerleaders, smacking her gum and shooting Janie looks that could kill. I don’t have time for her. Ignore her.
“Are we still on for Saturday?” Matt looked so excited, it broke her heart. What had she done to him?
“Do you still want to go?” It was worth a try.
“I do. . .I just wanted to make sure it’s still cool with you and all.” He placed his hand on hers.
“It’s cool.” Kai is leaving. I can go with Matt as a friend. There is nothing wrong with that.
“Do you want to do something after school?” He moved closer to her.
“That’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.” She stepped back against the locker.
“Go ahead.” He waited.
“Do you remember the undead things that attacked you, twice?”
His face went blank. “The ones who turned Billy into a zombie thing?”
“Yes, them, but they aren’t zombies. . .never mind.” Janie drew in a deep breath. “What I’m trying to say is, they are planning to do something here at school this afternoon. I’d like it if you left right after school. You’ve already been attacked more than anyone should be in a lifetime.”
<
br /> “What are you going to do? Come with me.” He reached for her as if grabbing her physically would convince her to flee with him.
She pulled back. “I can’t. I’m the Seeker. It’s up to me to stop them.”
“But you could get hurt.” He moved closer again. She could smell his cologne—spices and musk.
“I’ve got help.”
“Who Kai, Albania?” A hint of jealousy in his tone.
“Among others, yes.” She didn’t feel she had to explain herself. She only wanted to warn him, not explain her relationships or the reasons for her actions.
“You like him—Kai.”
“I’m not going to lie to you. I do,” she finally said. Maybe he’ll drop it now.
“He’ll never feel about you like I do.”
“You’re probably right.” You’ve been Imprinted, he hasn’t.
“Promise you’ll be safe. Use those tiny Bruce Lee moves.” His demeanor turned playful again.
“I will.” She smiled. He was a good guy. “So then you’re leaving, right after school.”
“Stop worrying.” He grabbed a book from his locker and closed the door. “I’ve seen you kick vampire-zombie ass. You’ll do great.”
Thanks for the support. “Well, then.” She tapped him on the shoulder.
He roped her into a one-armed hug. “Be safe.”
She held him for a moment. It hurt not knowing if she didn’t make it through the fight she’d never see Matt again. She stepped out of his embrace. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 17
Janie accelerated into her driveway and parked behind Abram’s Lexus. Crap. What’s Mom doing home? And Abram. This isn’t good.
She entered the living room. Kai stood in the doorway to the kitchen. His hand rested on the wall. He looked pale and somehow thinner. She couldn’t read his face; he looked somewhere between ready to fight, worried and exhausted. Deep circles ringed his eyes, making the green appear duller. The only brightness around him were the white highlights streaking through his sandy hair from the sun pouring in through the kitchen window behind him.
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