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eyes. Jaelyn watched as her terror turned to shock and she slumped against the brick. Jaelyn reached out to catch her.
    Vlad shoved the other vampire face first against the wall. The dark man thrashed violently in his grasp. Jaelyn heard a muffled curse as Vlad grappled for a better grip. He thrust the vampire's feet apart and leaned against him, using his weight to hold him in place. It was obvious his efforts wouldn't hold him for long.
    Jaelyn tightened her grip on the woman in her arms. I think we have no choice but to call the police now.
    Vlad frowned at the thought. It was plain he still didn't want to involve the law. The vampire renewed his struggles. Vlad shoved him harder against the brick. Who are you?
    What's it to you?
    Vlad nodded in Jaelyn's direction. You bit a woman and left her on my doorstep to die. I'd say it's a lot to me.
    When no response was forthcoming, he shoved the vampire harder. Answer me!
    You! the vampire growled. This is all your fault.
    For an instant there was silence, then Vlad asked, My fault? He leaned into the vampire's back, earning a groan from his quarry.
    You're the worst of us, Leslie, the dark man snarled through clenched teeth.
    Me? Vlad reared back as if he'd been struck. His prey struggled, nearly breaking free before Vlad recovered and renewed the pressure holding him in place. Jaelyn noted he hadn't denied his name was Leslie.
    What have I done that's so bad? I'm not the one attacking innocent women!
    You're a plague on our kind. Dressing in black, sleeping in coffins, reinforcing all the old stereotypes. You alone have thrown us back to the dark ages.
    Vlad opened his mouth to protest, but before he could say anything, the other vampire continued, Not only that, it's working. You're out with a new woman every night. The rest of us have to be stuck with your leftovers.
    The expression on Vlad's face turned from outrage to horror. He glanced at Jaelyn and the woman she still clutched in her arms before turning back to the dark man. You did this because you couldn't score with women?
    No one wants an honest guy anymore. All they want is the theatre. The fangs, the black velvet, the blood-drinking from crystal goblets. As a human, I watched you over the years at different clubs. You always had the prettiest women. You had your pick of them all. Even my ex-girlfriend couldn't resist you.
    Vlad shifted uncomfortably. Look, I'm sorry if I
    You weren't sorry. You never cared what happened among us mortals. Once I'd lost Lori to you, I decided that if I had to become a vampire to get even, then that's what I'd do. Your ex-girlfriend was kind enough to oblige me.
    Jaelyn watched as Vlad blanched a shade paler, if that was possible. Michaela brought you over? Barely able to move his head with Vlad holding him against the wall, the vampire nodded.
    And this is what you did with the gift she gave you?
    What gift? It didn't work. It didn't change anything. All the women still went home with you. Scorn thickened his voice. I realized finally that you didn't score with women because you were a vampire, but because you put on a show.
    Vlad cast a sheepish look in Jaelyn's direction. He didn't look pleased to have his dating habits stated so callously.
    But I never thought you'd bring her over, the vampire continued. I never thought you'd take the responsibility.
    There was silence for a moment. Vlad drew in a long breath. Yeah, well, I guess I've changed. The vampire turned his head as far as Vlad's weight would let him. Have you?
    Jaelyn looked at the crowd gathering in the doorway. People were on their cell phones taking pictures and making calls. Someone had likely notified the police, whether Vlad wanted to involve them or not. Vlad
    Before she could complete the sentence, the door burst open and several uniformed police officers wedged into the doorway.
    We need an ambulance, Jaelyn shouted. That vampire attacked this woman.
    The police relieved Vlad of his quarry, cuffing the vampire