I’d fallen for the one vampire in the world who didn’t put his needs above his morals. This only made me love him more. And I couldn’t imagine that Alexander’s fear might be right—that I might not like being a vampire after all, that something I’d desired all my life in its reality might not live up to my grandiose expectations. But how could that world be bad if I was sharing it with him?

And now, with the arrival of Sebastian, two immortals were partying it up in the Mansion without me.

At this point, as I was being driven home by Jameson, I was as much disappointed about not being a vampire as I was just being me and not being included in my boyfriend and his best friend’s sudden plans.

This situation would have to be fixed—sooner rather than later.

2

The Heart of a Vampire

The following day, I was bursting to tell my best friend, Becky, the news of Alexander’s surprise visitor. I waited impatiently by the swings in Evans Park until I finally saw her heading down the hill.

“Where have you been?” I asked, catching up to her.

“I had to drive Matt to practice. I hate saying good-bye. And yet I love saying good-bye—if you know what I mean.” She giggled, still in swoon mode.

I knew what she meant and how she felt about kissing her favorite guy. But for once, I had other things on my mind.

I intently led her toward the bottom of the yellow plastic double-wide slide.

“What’s so urgent?” she asked as we sat down.

“First it was Alexander’s parents. Although you know I adored them….”

“Yes…. What’s up?”

“Now Alexander’s best friend has invaded the Mansion.”

Becky was puzzled. “I didn’t know he had a best friend.”

“Neither did I.” I sighed.

“Wow…Alexander’s so mysterious.”