Stelian peeked his head out from behind the Golden Nugget to see if the coast was clear.

  A moment ter, so did Caleb.

  Scott, looking exhausted, had killed Renfield. His skeletonized corpse lying on Fremont St, the rest of him blowing away in the desert wind.

  It was over.

  But not without cost.

  "Tess!" said Stelian, who took off running down Fremont St.

  Rationally, Stelian knew she couldn't have made it. There just wasn't enough time.

  But maybe... maybe... maybe there was something he could do. Maybe... maybe he could go even further than that time he did with Philip. Maybe he could pull her all the way back?

  But he knew that was futile. He nearly got pulled into death just to give Philip a few moments. If he even made the attempt, he'd just die trying.

  But that didn't sound too bad right now.

  ---

  Caleb would have taken off running, too, but now that the immediate threat was over, he was feeling every pain, every injury that his undead body had taken. Yeah, vampires healed quickly, but you don't take a beating like that and feel great about it after.

  He limped over to Scott, who, once the deed had been completed, sat down on Fremont St, leaning against a building. His face and arms had a slight redness to them - a sunburn.

  Caleb gingerly sat down next to Scott. They were both too exhausted to say anything for a while. Then finally:

  "Oh yeah," said Scott, in between coughs of blood. "Raincheck on the sudden-but-inevitable betrayal?"

  "Sorry," said Caleb. "We're all out of betrayal. Don't know when we'll have it back in stock."

  Scott sighed.

  "I think I need a hospital."

  Caleb looked over to Scott, bloodied, and beaten.

  Bloodied.

  Covered in blood.

  Tasty, tasty, blood.

  After the fight, Caleb was absolutely running low. His fingers twitched. His fangs ached.

  But he could never bite Scott.

  Almost certainly never.

  Probably almost certainly never.

  Scott turned to Caleb.

  "Caleb?" he said.

  "Yeah?"

  "I don't like the look in your eyes."

  Oh no, thought Caleb. He was giving Scott that look.

  Caleb screwed them shut, trying not to think about it.

  "Yeah, I don't like that look in my eyes either. But don't worry. I'm not going to bite you."

  "Really?" said Scott. "Because it looked like you really wanted to bite me."

  "Oh yeah. And honestly, I... wouldn't mind licking your wounds, if you..."

  "Ew."

  "Right."

  Another long pause.

  "I'm sorry about your friend. The one with the shotgun," Scott finally offered.

  "Pantessa. My childe."

  "How long did you know each other?"

  "A week."

  "I'm sorry," said Scott, then went into another coughing fit.

  "I didn't want her to get hurt. I thought if anyone would die from this it was going to be me."

  "Pretty sure I'm bleeding internally, Caleb. We're not out of the woods yet."

  Caleb winced. "Probably not a good idea to use the b-word right now," he said, barely above a whisper.

  "Yeah," said Scott. "And... Caleb, if this is it for me... let it be it, you know? I can't... I wouldn't be able to live with myself doing what I'd have to do to survive."

  "Wouldn't even consider it. You'd hate being a vampire."

  Right.

  The two sat in silence for the next couple of moments. They were just too tired, too beaten, to do anything else.

  ---

  Stelian had run to the end of Fremont St. He hadn't found Pantessa's body yet. There should at least be a skeleton, no? Where... where was she? Why couldn't he find her?

  "PANTESSA!" he called out, in his grief and frustration.

  He wasn't expecting a response.

  "Stelian?"

  The sound was muffled, but it was Tessa's voice. It was Tessa's voice!

  "Tessa?!"

  He looked to where the sound was coming from.

  He was looking at a garbage can. Tentatively, he approached it.

  And the trash inside moved. Until, finally, an eye emerged.

  Tessa's eye.

  "Stelian? Why am I in a trash can?"

  "Tessa! You're alive!"

  "Yeah. Well, not technically. But what passes for 'alive' these days. Also, I think I'm stuck in a trash can. Why am I in a trash can, Stelian? Why am I not dead-dead, and why am I in a trash c-- you know what, questions ter, it's starting to stink in here and I have no idea how I'm going to get out."

  "How did you get in?"

  "Don't know."

  Stelian tried prying open the lid of the trash-can with his hands, but while he was stronger than most humans, he didn't have Caleb, Tessa's, or Angelina's levels of strength. Tessa might be able to get herself out, if she had any leverage, but she was pretty tightly crushed up in the trash can.

  Eventually, Angelina came running down the steps of the Pza to join them.

  "Tessa, Stelian, are you alright?"

  "I'm fine," said Stelian. "I think I'm fine, anyway. But Tess is..."

  "Tess is pissed off," Pantessa said from inside her noxious prison.

  "Ah," said Angelina. "Try... thinking bird thoughts."

  Both Stelian and Tessa looked at Angelina like she had lost her freakin' mind.

  "Bird thoughts?" said Tessa. "What the hell are bird thoughts?"

  "Like... being free. Flying through the air. You'll know when it happens."

  "Yeah," said Pantessa, deadpan. "That's real helpful."

  "Seriously," said Angelina. "You turned into a bird. I was watching on the monitors. It was surreal. I mean, I've seen wolves, I've seen bats. I can get all misty..."

  "She's safe, Angelina, she's just stuck, no need to cry," said Stelian.

  "Never seen a bird before," said Angelina, ignoring Stelian.

  Tessa thought back. The st moments. She had taken a leap of faith. She needed to escape. To be swift. To fly, and her vision shifted and...

  The jet-bck hawk emerged from the mouth of the garbage can, shaking off a noodle from a discarded cup-o-soup.

  "Caw!" Tessa said.

  "That... is cool," said Stelian.

  Tessa-bird hopped down from the trashcan, onto the ground, looking around. Different perspective. Different everything. She could see so much more in her peripheral vision. She felt small, but still powerful.

  She fpped her wings a couple of times, felt the air beneath them, It could easily propel her in the air. It all just... came so naturally. It felt good. She took off, circling overhead, dipping and weaving.

  Oh, this was too much fun. It was almost better than sex.

  Almost.

  She flew down Fremont St, the whole length of it in a few seconds. She saw Caleb and Scott -- she had to know that they were okay -- and continued on down to the end, where Mad Tom had found his way to his emergency shelter from the UV rays.

  She wasn't sure, but she thought she saw Mad Tom smiling at her. Did he know that she was Tessa? Maybe the guy could turn into a parrot or something. A question for another night.

  She turned and rolled, swooping, and gliding, back up through Freemont St to head back to Stelian and Angelina, a feeling of freedom unlike anything else in the world. She loved it. And there was her boyfriend, looking at her, cheering her on. She wanted more than anything else in that moment to impress him, so she dived down low, flew through gaps and obstacles like it was the most natural thing in the world.

  I've got this! Tessa thought. I'm a pro at this!

  She decided she'd take a little swing through a clear opening in the Circa, and... oh, there was another bird.

  It was heading straight towards her. "Hello Bird!" she thought.

  She cawed, wondering if that was Birdish for "Sup?"

  Huh, wait.

  Why does that bird feel like it's copying me?

  And why isn't it moving out of the way?

  She panicked and tried to stop, or at least dodge out of the way of the other bird, but it seemed that no matter how she dodged, the other bird matched her movements, until...

  Kthunkd!

  "Tessa!" she heard Angelina and Stelian cry.

  They ran over to her.

  Right. Bird was fun. But right now, she needed some normalcy.

  Okay, thought Tessa to herself. Think... human thoughts. Well, human-form thoughts. Tax returns. Sitcoms. Getting a piece of steak stuck in your teeth. Poking yourself in the eye with eyeliner.

  Tessa's wings disappeared, and her body shifted back to its familiar human form in the same instant. She y on the ground, ughing despite herself.

  "Who was that other bird?" she asked. "What an assho--"

  And then she saw it.

  The window.

  Less than five minutes as a bird, and she had already flown into a fucking window.

  She was never going to live this down.

  Or unlive it down.

  "Are you okay?" asked Stelian.

  "Yeah. And I checked on Caleb and Scott. They look okay. Exhausted but okay."

  "Good," said Stelian, relieved.

  "Right," said Tessa. "I need a shower."

  "Um," said Stelian, scratching the back of his neck, "you're keeping the suit, right?"

  Pantessa closed her eyes and shook her head in disapproval. "Unbelievable." She sniffed herself. "I think it needs to be cleaned though. And I need a shower. Honestly, I think we all need to spend the rest of the night just chilling."

  "And tomorrow night?" asked Stelian.

  She grinned. "Tomorrow night the two of us..." She stopped to kiss Stelian on the forehead. "...raze an entire IKEA to the ground."

  "Woo! Go Tessa!" said Angelina.

  ---

  "Did we get 'im?" asked Diane, running down the stairs of Binion's, and heading towards Scott and Caleb. "Scott, are you alright?"

  "Diane! Stay back!" said Scott and Caleb in unison.

  Diane froze.

  "We didn't get 'em?"

  Caleb’s eyes locked onto Diane’s, and she immediately understood. That hungry look-- she'd seen it before. And she definitely didn’t want to end up on another IV drip.

  Cardi appeared out of nowhere, rushing to Caleb’s side, helping him up as Trey and Jack came down the stairs from Binion’s and Four Queens, carrying what looked like a makeshift stretcher.

  "Cardi. Good to see you," Caleb said, his voice weak but sincere, and considering her habits, actually seeing her felt like a miracle. "Thanks for pulling out the stake."

  "Yeah, sorry," Cardi replied, kneeling beside him. "I didn’t realize how much it would hurt coming out."

  "Well, we’d all be dead if it wasn’t for you," Caleb said. "And you too, Jack, Trey, Diane."

  "Told you it would work," Jack said.

  "You said there was a chance it would work," Trey corrected.

  "I said there was a chance it wouldn't work," Jack shot back.

  Caleb's memory fshed back to st night’s conversation -- none of them had been anywhere near that confident -- but he didn’t care. It was done.

  Trey and Jack id the stretcher down by Scott.

  "Hey," Jack said, his voice steady, trying to keep the mood practical. "We're going to get you on this, then get you off Fremont and to a side street where we can call for an ambunce."

  "Yeah, no problem, eh?" Scott said with a grimace, his voice rough. "Can you do me a favor? Try to keep me awake till the ambunce gets here. In case I’ve got a concussion... which I almost certainly do."

  "Sure," said Trey, his voice already shifting gears into poker mode. "What's your opinion on small pocket pairs in early position?"

  "Well, it depends," Scott said, trying to focus through the pain. "Are we talking cash or tournament? Six-handed or full-ring? And are the effective stack sizes in both situations?"

  "We could run through a few hypotheticals," Jack said, sounding too calm for a man who had just had a major support role in a vampire battle.

  "In early position, it's tough," Scott began, diving into the familiar mental comfort of poker. "It’s unlikely you’re going to be closing the action. If it's a passive table, you could open for a standard raise, assuming effective stacks are 20x your bet size, but at an aggressive table, you're going to get 3-bet a lot, and then the SPR ratios mean it isn't profitable to set-mine... You pretty much have to fold to a 3-bet with small pocket pairs. Medium pocket pairs, though, actually have some showdown value, so you can either call and see a flop, or turn your made hand into a bluff..."

  Trey and Jack had no trouble keeping Scott awake until the ambunce arrived.

  Caleb and Cardi started walking slowly toward the Pza, both exhausted.

  Angelina came running down from the Pza, meeting them halfway.

  "Oh, Caleb," she said, breathless.

  "Hey, honey," he replied with a tired, drained voice. "I'm sorry. I... I’m sorry about Tessa. She--"

  "Tessa’s safe," Angelina cut him off.

  Caleb perked up just a little bit, his eyes searching hers for confirmation.

  "She’s a bird now," Angelina added.

  Caleb blinked, struggling to process through his exhaustion and the hunger cwing at him.

  "A bird? But she’s safe?"

  "Yes."

  "Oh, good."

  He turned to Cardi. "Cardi, I think Angelina can help me from here. Someone should check on Tom."

  "Gotcha," Cardi said, already heading off.

  Caleb leaned on Angelina as they continued walking out of Fremont St.

  ---

  The security team in the Pza was starting to wake up, groggy from ketamine-induced headaches. They squinted at the monitors, their bleary eyes struggling to make sense of the footage. All they could see was a deserted, utterly destroyed Fremont St.

  None of them was prepared to expin what had happened.

  "Well," one of them finally muttered, rubbing his temples, "there's got to be security camera footage of that ha--"

  He trailed off as he turned toward the server rack where the digital files were stored. It had been obliterated. Shredded, as if some massive wild beast had taken a swipe at it with its cwed hands.

  The man in the back sighed heavily, slumping in his chair. "I'm taking the rest of my shift off."

  ***

  One week ter...

  Joshua heard the doorbell ring, excused himself with his guests, and headed to the door, opening it to find Pantessa and Stelian, smiling.

  "Hey!"

  "Hey, Stelian! Pantessa!"

  Stelian went in to hug Joshua. Joshua also offered to hug Pantessa, but she politely waved him off.

  "Um. Er, I don't think we're there yet. But, uh, welcome back to Vegas."

  "Gd to be back. Thanks for looking after the house for me. And for the new bed. So, what are you waiting for? A formal invitation?"

  Pantessa narrowed her eyes at Joshua.

  "Kidding. Come on in. You're both welcome-- especially you, Tessa."

  They stepped through, to see Caleb, Angelina, and Scott already at the kitchen table making small talk.

  "Finally finished moving all of my old stuff from the industrial park. Actually, we found Cardi's alpaca! Apparently Renfield thought if Diane died near where I kept my haven, I'd look more suspicious."

  "You would have," admitted Scott.

  "Anyway, the new pce is great. It's a two bedroom with an office in Summerlin," said Angelina. "Bcked out the master bedroom windows, but other than that it gets a lot of natural light during the day."

  "Not that that was a particur selling point for either of us," admitted Caleb, "but if we ever have over-day guests. And we have housepnts. Ladies of the Night. Night blooming, but requires a lot of sun during the day."

  "I set up a little poker table in the office. We even have some home games - have a nice penny-ante mixed game going."

  "I can't get the hang of Kansas City Lowball," said Caleb. "I always seem to make straights."

  "Usually means you're drawing to the wrong hand. I'll get you a copy of my book," said Scott.

  "Hey!" said Caleb, to the new arrivals.

  Pantessa rushed over to hug Angelina, and Stelian, Caleb, until they switched up. Stelian shook Scott's hand, and Pantessa gave him a high-five.

  "So," said Scott. "Caleb tells me this is your two week death-versary?"

  "Second week was much better than the first week," admitted Pantessa. "Think I'm finally getting the hang of this whole vampire thing. Caleb and I go out every other night, do practice hunts. We stalk them, get close, but don’t actually bite. Just to make sure we could, if we had to."

  "It's an important skill," shrugged Caleb. "Better to make the mistakes before the fangs come out, then create a fiasco when it matters."

  "So long as it makes it safer for everyone involved, I'm okay with it, eh?" said Scott.

  "Scott, Caleb tells me that you're vegan?" asked Joshua. "Just want to make sure, I've got some eggpnt parm for you."

  "Yep," said Scott. "I don't eat anything that bleeds."

  Laughter erupted from around the table. It took a moment for Scott to realize what he said, and what company he said it in front of, but even he found the humor in it.

  "Looking forward to sampling your cooking, Joshua. God, it's been too long since I had some proper Italian food."

  "What about those swingers from Min?" said Angelina.

  "Oh yeah. They were really nice. We should keep in touch," said Caleb.

  "Wait," said Stelian. "You and Angelina... swing?"

  "Let's just say we’ve been doubling up on meals with some adventurous folks." Caleb shrugged. "It's a fun thing Angie and I do together. And you get to eat so many interesting people. Oh, before you start cooking -- Josh, can we chat for a sec?"

  ---

  Caleb and Joshua headed out to the backyard.

  "What is it, Caleb?" Joshua asked.

  "I got you your old job back at the Venetian."

  "Really?" said Joshua, shocked. "How the hell did you pull that off?"

  "Let's just say I made a case for you, and me and your boss saw eye-to-eye."

  Joshua raised an eyebrow.

  "Why did you say 'eye-to-eye' in the spooky voice?"

  "The spooky voice?"

  "You know. The spooky-voice. The double-entendre voice. Like when Drac starts talking about his 'favorite vintage of wine.'"

  "Yeah, I might have done a little mind control," said Caleb.

  Joshua frowned.

  "I know, I know, it's a touchy subject for both of us," Caleb said, holding up his hands. "I don't like to do it, but... I'm using the power for good, not evil. I guess that kind of makes it okay."

  "So long as it doesn't become a habit," said Joshua. "You know, you didn't have to do that."

  "There's one other thing. You know Scott?"

  "Yeah, I mean this is the first time we're meeting, but he seems like a really nice guy."

  "He's gay."

  "Oh?"

  "He's single."

  "Oh?"

  "He's also, as you know, a vampire hunter. And when I told him you took me out, armed with nothing but a nine-iron, he was very impressed and mentioned something about 'compatibility' and 'mutual interests.'"

  Joshua looked back at the table where the rest of the group was sitting. Hmm... Scott really did have a nice face. And he was very well toned. And friendly.

  "You're already picturing what he looks like with his shirt off, aren't you?" Caleb said.

  "Ayup," admitted Joshua.

  "Yeah, me too, sometimes. Anyway, I told him you work out. Have fun!" Caleb cpped Joshua on the back and strolled back inside before Joshua could think of a retort.

  ---

  "It's called Xeroderma Pigmentosum," said Scott. "It's a rare skin condition. Affects about one in every 250,000 individuals in the U.S and Canada. Basically, you instantly sunburn. Much higher risk of skin cancer. It's actually kind of nasty. But if you need an excuse, it's a viable one. Probably twelve people in the Vegas metro area already have it. Only thing is, vampire hunters already know about it. And if word gets around you say you have XP, some vampire hunters might think: Hey, is this really XP, or just a vampire ciming to have XP?"

  "So what you're saying is, use it sparingly," said Pantessa.

  "Very. Unless someone like, asks you for an official term for your condition, just say that you're 'extremely sensitive to sunlight,'" said Scott. "It's technically the truth, anyway. Jeez, I can't believe I'm giving vampires survival tips, but here we are."

  "It's appreciated," said Angie. "Any other tips?"

  "Carry a little tube of sunblock with you, in your purse, your pocket or something. Even if you don't actually use it because it doesn't do anything, it sells the story of being light sensitive better," said Scott.

  Stelian got a ping on his phone, and checked it.

  "Hey, Joshua, do you mind if I use your TV for a moment? Something just popped up, and it might be important."

  "Go right ahead," Joshua said. "I've been putting it off, but Scott, you should probably do that thing you were telling me about with the Eye of Stroganoff. I'm about to start dicing the garlic."

  "Strigoi," Scott gently corrected.

  Stelian turned on the TV. The mayor of Las Vegas was speaking at a press conference.

  Pantessa turned her head. "Oh, this should be good."

  ---

  "Do you have any idea how the initial sewer leak happened?" asked a reporter.

  "Not at this time," said the mayor. "Though we are working with the Las Vegas fire department, and police departments, and they have ruled out arson."

  "How much will it cost to repair Fremont St?" asked another.

  "We're estimating about 32 million, not counting the lost revenue from keeping the pce closed during the repairs, but most of that will be picked up by the insurance companies. The cost to the Crk County taxpayer should be minimal."

  "What about the damages to local businesses, like Las Vegas Jewelry and Gifts, which lost an estimated sixty thousand dolrs in product?"

  "Looters will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the w, that's all I can say at this time, due to an ongoing investigation."

  (Stelian giggled at that. He wasn’t sure, but knowing Mad Tom, there was no way he hadn’t taken advantage of the chaos. And if a man could smuggle a whole cannon across town, what were a few extra baubles?)

  The mayor called on the next reporter, one from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

  "Mr. Mayor, with all due respect, you’re saying the city has no idea how the sewer leak started, no expnation for a massive explosion and an electrical surge, and despite Vegas being one of the most heavily surveilled cities in the world, you have no leads?"

  The mayor got a gssy look in his eyes. He spoke in a ft monotone voice.

  "I'm going to have to direct your questions to the man in the ugly denim jacket with long brown hair."

  Silence filled the room.

  "Who?" asked the reporter, indignantly.

  "I... uh... I..." The mayor looked extremely confused, looking around the room. "I, don't think I actually know."

  The mayor audibly gulped. "No further questions. Thank you."

  ---

  Caleb didn’t particurly like the heavy feeling of being more-or-less human, but it was better when he knew it was coming and could brace for it. He took a few test breaths, adjusting to the strange sense of vulnerability.

  “Whoa,” said Tessa. “I kind of feel like my old self. That’s weird.” She shifted in her seat, fidgeting a bit. “Everything’s all familiar, a little... loosey-goosey? Like I’m walking around in an old pair of shoes that I thought I threw out?”

  “I know, right?” said Angelina, shaking her head. “I can barely stand it. It’s like being trapped in a skin that doesn't quite belong. Worth it for a meal, sure, but how does anyone live like this? Seriously.”

  She caught the stares from Scott and Joshua, both looking at her like she’d just suggested that the solution to wealth inequality in Enlightenment France was a dedicated cake budget.

  “But it’s good for short moments,” Stelian said, gncing around the table with a smile. “Worth putting up with for a good meal, for sure. And hey, it’s not like we don’t get to go back to being us afterward.”

  Joshua started serving the dishes with careful attention, his movements smooth as always in the kitchen.

  “Alright,” he said, pting the food with a practiced hand. “Eggpnt parm for Scott, no cheese, no meat.”

  Scott nodded his thanks, leaning back in his chair and tallying another mental note as to why he was very gd he didn't murder Caleb after all.

  “Osso buco for Caleb, extra-extra garlic, just the way you like it,” Joshua continued, smiling at Caleb as he pced the veal in front of him.

  “Ooh. Smells so good,” Caleb said, leaning in, the rich scent of garlic practically making his mouth water. The craving was familiar, like an old friend.

  “Angelina, Risotto al Minese,” Joshua said, lifting the bowl with a flourish. “I called up that pce you used to love in New York. Vito’s, on 37th? Got the recipe straight from them.”

  “Vito’s? You are the best, Joshua,” Angelina grinned, her eyes lighting up with appreciation. “This... this is why I’m marrying you.”

  "Hey!" said Caleb in mock offense. "Wait a minute!"

  "You never got me Vito's"

  "I gave you the gift of eternal life! That's gotta count for something!"

  Joshua ughed. It was all in good fun. “Stelian, grilled shrimp, mushrooms, and fettuccine alfredo, your favorite. And Pantessa...” He turned to her with a wink. “Grilled California quail with lemon and herbs. It was nice to try something gamey for once."

  Pantessa leaned back in her chair, a gleam of pride in her eyes. “Ah. Nothing like food you’ve hunted yourself with your own two talons.”

  “And st but not least,” Joshua said, grabbing the final dish. “Chicken cacciatore. For everyone. Make sure to leave room for the tiramisu, folks, or I’m locking it up in the kitchen.”

  Everyone dug in, the warmth of food and family washing over them in a moment of peace, a rare and precious thing.

  ---

  After dinner and dessert, the conversation shifted to the future. Caleb, with a sly grin, reached into a little backpack and pulled out a few envelopes.

  “Got some good news,” he said, tapping them on the table. “Our new IDs came in.”

  “Great!” said Angelina, leaning forward eagerly. “Goodbye cash-under-mattress, hello bank account!”

  Caleb passed out the envelopes -- driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates -- naturally, with some creative dates for Caleb, Angelina, and Stelian. He also handed two gift-wrapped packages to Scott and Joshua.

  “Can’t say I was expecting this,” Scott said, raising an eyebrow. “What is it?”

  “A little gift from all of us,” Caleb replied. “For being our friends, and more importantly, for being our allies when we needed you during the hard times.”

  Scott and Joshua unwrapped the gifts at the same time. A pause, followed by a burst of ughter.

  “No!” Joshua excimed, holding up a pair of fake pstic fangs.

  “Really?” Scott said, cracking a grin.

  “Joshua Reynolds, Scott Lupescu, you are hereby honorary members of the Vampire Society of Las Vegas,” Caleb said with a mock-serious tone. “With all rights and privileges therein.”

  “Oh, c’mon!” said Angelina, ughing. “I want to see how you two look with them on!”

  Scott and Joshua grinned and popped the fangs into pce, both of them trying to hold back ughter. Pantessa, never one to miss a moment, pulled out her phone.

  “Could you two get a little closer?” she asked, holding up her phone.

  They scooted closer together.

  “Closer,” she insisted.

  They complied.

  “Even closer.”

  Scott draped his arm around Joshua, and Joshua returned the gesture.

  "Now if you could tilt your heads together?" she asked.

  They did, which made the smile a little more natural.

  “Perfect,” Pantessa said, snapping the picture. “I’ll make sure it’s framed.” She really did have an eye for composition. The eyes of a hawk, really.

  “Hey,” said Stelian, gncing at Pantessa’s new ID, “I see you picked a st name.”

  “Yeah,” Pantessa said with a smile. “I know, it’s a little vampiry, but I couldn’t resist. Pantessa Nighthawk.”

  “Bit on the beak, don’t you think?” Caleb teased.

  “You should talk,” said Tessa, smirking. “Caleb Tryst?”

  “Hey, I didn’t name myself Caleb Pinetar!” Caleb protested.

  “You know, if you pronounced it the French way,” Scott chimed in, “it’s not that bad. ‘Pin-e-tar.’ Like Pat Benetar?”

  “Don’t worry,” said Angelina, winking at Caleb, “I’ll get him to change it soon enough.”

  Caleb raised an eyebrow.

  “‘Caleb Nuit’ has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

  Caleb raised both eyebrows, his expression a mix of amused and intrigued. Angelina fluttered her shes in response.

  “What about you, Stelian?” Pantessa asked, turning the spotlight. “What’d you go with?”

  “Stelian DuPrix,” he said, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.

  “Good choice,” Joshua commented. “Very vampy.”

  “Uh, no,” Stelian replied, shaking his head. “That’s my actual st name. My mom’s Catherine DuPrix. Dad’s Edgar DuPrix.”

  “Ah, lucky you,” Joshua said with a shrug.

  “I know we only started dating a week ago,” Pantessa said, half-smiling, “but if we ever get to that stage, I’m keeping ‘Nighthawk.’”

  “You sure you’re going to be okay without us for the next few weeks?” Angelina asked Tessa.

  “If another massive vampire problem comes up, we’ll call you,” Stelian said with a grin. “Enjoy your trip.”

  “Where are you headed?” Joshua asked, eager to know more.

  “First Reno,” said Caleb, “to see my parents, like I promised them. I’ll get you in touch with them. You’re family, after all.”

  “Twenty-four years,” said Angelina, shaking her head. “I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to meet your parents, Cal.”

  "Sorry. Things came up."

  “Then, we’re going to spend some time in New York,” Angelina said with a smile. “Check out Coney Isnd, catch a show, do some sightseeing, listen to some jazz up in Harlem. You know, all the touristy stuff you never do when you actually live there.”

  “Sounds like a dream,” Caleb added, his voice softening with the excitement of the idea. “Maybe first a hansom cab ride in Central Park, under the full moon?”

  “Ooh,” she said, eyes sparkling, “we absolutely have to do that!”

  ***

  It really was magical. The horses seemed a little spooked at first.

  “Sorry, I don’t know what’s up with them tonight,” the hansom cab driver said, shaking his head. “They’re not usually this jumpy around new people!”

  Angelina knew her home was wherever she id her head during the day, but there was just nothing like New York -- especially when you get to spend the nights together with your lover, best friend, and, uh... vampire sire? Yeah, the retionship with Caleb was weird, but it was a good weird.

  Suddenly, the horses reared up, bucking into the air. The driver cursed under his breath, pulling back on the reins.

  “Whoa!” he yelped. “I think you better get out, folks. I’ve never seen them like this. No charge.”

  Caleb stepped out first and extended a hand to Angelina. She took it, gracefully stepping down.

  That’s when they saw them. A young couple, running and screaming.

  It was instinct by now. They moved toward them without thinking.

  “Hey!” Caleb called, trying to catch up.

  “What’s wrong? What’s going on?” Angelina asked, her voice calm but urgent.

  “I-- I don’t know! Something attacked us, but I didn’t see it! I think... I think one of them bit me!” The man’s voice was panicked.

  Caleb looked down. There was no mistaking it now. Those were fang marks.

  “We need to get out of here,” the woman gasped. “You need to run!”

  “Go,” said Angelina, gently pushing them toward safety. “We’ll catch up.”

  Caleb’s eyes narrowed as the couple bolted. “God, I hope this isn’t what I think it is...”

  The two vampires finally crested a small hill in Central Park.

  And were unpleasantly surprised to find out it wasn’t what Caleb had thought.

  They looked down, from a distance, at the chaos unfolding below. It was a moment before either of them could speak.

  “That...” Caleb’s voice caught in his throat. He swallowed, eyes wide. “…is a shit-ton of werewolves.”

  ###

  fin -- but the book's not quite over yet.