Sebastian had since moved out of the Mansion, and the rest of the vampires were perhaps back in Romania, or haunting the Coffin Club several towns away in Hipsterville. We hadn’t gotten word of their whereabouts, and I hadn’t seen any signs of them at Dullsville’s cemetery.

For the week following the love bite, I tried my best to get Alexander’s mind off his disappointment. He was suffering because his best friend’s impulsive behavior had put not only himself and Luna but even Alexander’s secret in possible jeopardy. Happily, tonight Alexander was finally obliging.

We were lying in the grass on a hilltop that overlooked Dullsville. From there we were able to see the glamorous sites of Hipsterville, such as the graveyard, but I didn’t notice them because I was lost in Alexander’s lips.

I hadn’t broached the tender subject of receiving my own love bite with Alexander in a while. But I saw this evening, alone with him and without distractions, as my chance for another try.

Fiddling with a link chain hanging from his black leather belt, I asked, “Do you think it’s easier for Sebastian to fall for a girl and to take her blood?”

Alexander furrowed his brow.

“Or was it easy to do what he did at the party,” I continued, “because Luna is already a vampire?”

“I can’t speak for someone else.”

“But I want to know what you think.”

Alexander paused. “Then yes, I think it’s easier for him. He is very impulsive.” His tone was clear and matter-offact.

I sighed.

Alexander reached for me and guided my hair back from my face with his fingers. “It means more to me than that,” he said directly.

“Me too,” I said, touching his shoulder. “But what if I were already a vampire?” I asked thoughtfully. “What if someone else turns me — not on sacred ground — so I won’t be bonded to them forever. But—” Alexander withdrew his arm. “That’s what you want?” he asked, his voice almost cracking. “To be turned — by anyone? Sebastian? Or Jagger?”