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received my,” he paused, “gifts?”
    They swung around to face the man who had been killing her people and leaving them as presents.
    “Vlad,” Amalia greeted him. “Taking your Dracula act a bit too far, are we?” She waved her hand in the direction of his clothing. Was the vampire wearing a cape ? Unbelievable.
    “I see you are charming as ever. And we have a guard dog today, how quaint. I don’t think you’ve ever needed—” he trailed off with an audible gasp. “You,” Vladimir accused. “You are dead. I killed you centuries ago. I saw it with my own eyes. You died! I will not have anyone stand in my way. I will have her!”
    All logic left him as Nevin faced the man who had cut his throat, nearly severing his head, several centuries ago. With a roar, he leapt for Vladimir, drew his dagger, and returned the favor. But his prey was fast. A gasping Vladimir materialized on the other side of the bed, his bloody hands wrapped tightly around his throat. The gaping wound would kill him if he bled out, but he staggered to the form on his bed and tore the sheets off. The pale woman had time to do little more than blink before Vladimir savaged her neck.
    Amalia and Nevin were quick, but they were not fast enough. Vladimir had gotten enough blood to start healing and was already across the room. Nevin reached over his shoulder to draw his sword, but Vladimir was gone. Amalia had a candelabra in hand and was inspecting the woman. He caught her gaze and she shook her head. The human was dead.
    Within seconds, Vladimir was back, sword in hand, fresh blood down his shirt. Nevin raised his sword, and found Amalia at the end of it. It hadn’t gone through, thank the goddess, but Vladimir had fisted her hair and used her as a shield. The coward.
    “You bitch! This is my favorite castle,” Vladimir wheezed out.
    Pulling his sword back from her chest, Nevin calculated how quickly he could materialize behind the Russian king when the smell of smoke thickened in the room.
    All three of the vampires looked at the fully engulfed bed. Amalia must have dropped the candelabra when Vladimir grabbed her.
    The momentary distraction was all he needed. Nevin materialized behind Vladimir and, once again, swung his sword. His momentum was so great, that when Vladimir disappeared, Nevin spun a full circle before standing in front of Amalia. He knew Vladimir was gone, but he also knew he’d turn up again. Whether it was another several centuries or only a few hours, Vladimir would not let this go.
    Alerted to the sound of Amalia choking on the smoke-filled air, Nevin embraced her and dematerialized. They appeared outside the fortress walls and watched the morning sky fill with smoke.
    Sebastian sauntered towards him, the weak daylight apparently didn’t bother him.
    “How is it you’re out in the daylight, Sebastian?”
    “Oh, don’t let my stunning good looks fool you, Highlander. I’m weak as a kitten.”
    “Right,” said Nevin. A kitten with really big teeth.
    “My Lady,” Sebastian bowed. “We should return to the stronghold. Your people will want to know of Vlad’s death.”
    “He isn’t dead.”
    “What? But his bedroom is on fire.”
    “I know, but he got away.” She laid her hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry, Sebastian. I know how much his death would mean to you.” Of all people, Sebastian perhaps had the most reason to want Vlad dead.
    “All the more reason to get you back home. You need to be protected.”
    “I know.” She turned to look up at Nevin, who was watching the dark cloud of smoke.
    “You should go back with him.”
    “Aren’t you coming?”
    “You know I can’t.”
    “I know no such thing. I don’t understand. My people will accept you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
    Nevin shook his head, “It’s not that.”
    “Is it,” her voice cracked, so she cleared her throat and began again. “Is it because you’re still angry that I turned you?”
    Her eyes were bright with