A sharp smack resounded on the side of my face. "Stay with me, Sarah."

Unfamiliar deep voice. Male.

"Who… wh-what—?"

"They won't hurt you again. The stake… it's not in your heart. Almost, but not quite.

You're a very lucky woman. I'd heard that about you—that you're damned lucky. You'll be all right. I promise."

I forced myself to focus my vision enough to see the vague outline of a man close to me, his face mostly covered by a black winter scarf. I couldn't see his features other than a glimpse of his eyes. He wore dark clothes—a long black coat. His hands were encased in black leather gloves. He was tall and strong and he lifted me up into his arms.

"Th… the… st-stake… ?" It wasn't more than a whisper. It hurt to talk.

"I'll let someone who knows how to remove it properly do the honors. I don't want to hurt you. I can't stay, though. I'll get you back to your friends."

I blinked and that hurt, too. "Wh-who are you?"

"They call me the Red Devil."

Frowning also caused pain. "The R-red Devil?"

What the hell kind of a name was that?

"Shh… save your strength. You're going to need it."

The Red Devil—or whatever his real name was—pressed me protectively against his chest and swiftly began walking out of the park. I sensed that we were headed back to Haven, at least I hoped so, but I couldn't be sure since after another moment I passed out from the pain and shock.

It was official.

Being staked sucked.

Chapter 2

"She's dead! Sarah's dead!" It was George's voice. He was a vampire waiter at Haven and one of my very best friends. "No wait… she's not dead! She's still breathing!"

"We need to go to my office," Thierry said tightly. "Now, damn it. Hurry up."