Snow Blood: Season 4 by Stephanie McKibben

Snow Blood A Vampire Mystery Thriller (Season 4)

Carol McKibben Troll River Publications Los Angles, California Continuing the paranormal adventures of Brogio, the First Vampire, and his kindred dog, Snow Blood… Just as Snow Blood secures Nova’s love, a dark stranger in the forest warns of impending danger. The vampire clan is forewarned of new approaching threats. This time two daunting enemies return for blood, threatening both Brogio and his beloved children. A Kresnick hunter, out for revenge, is dead-set on Brogio’s destruction and places Snow Blood’s pack in the crosshairs. All the while, another familiar force of evil threatens Brogio’s kindred. As the family comes together to strategize ways on how to overcome this new menacing threat, Snow Blood is led to another intriguing path. He discovers a heavenly interest in the continuing evil that haunts his loved ones. Trying to discover secrets to help in the defeat of the new foes unravels the role of Kane’s friend, Seth. What part does he play in the returning evil? Along the way of these new journeys, he is surprised to discover the white witch’s true nature. Relentless and merciless enemies plague our favorite vampire family at every turn. Snow Blood again fights to protect all of those he loves against destruction. A dangerous plot to draw out the elusive enemy could save innocent lives, as well as their own. All the while, the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, with the exception of a reviewer who may quote passages in a review, without written prior permission from the publisher. This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, events, incidents and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence. Dear Reader, Carol has worked very hard on this particular piece of entertainment. This book was brought to you by hard labor and love. Please respect an artist’s work for the enrichment we try to bring you. I humbly ask that you don’t outright steal this child born on paper and brought to you by love. If you come by this book by nefarious means, and you are simply unable to give the change in your pocket for the purchase price, then take it with my blessing. But if you can purchase it and would like Carol to continue to bring you great books, please purchase a copy to support her. Thank you, Troll River Publications Join the fun with Author Carol McKibben for giveaways, updates and new release opportunities at: http://eepurl.com/bAuq2b

Episode One Foreboding

She was finally mine, in body and soulless soul. Bound together, eternal. Nova pressed her silken fur along my side. Her downy hair tickling my ribs had me almost purring like a cat. Born a domestic Siberian Husky made my fur soft, but Nova’s had the extra fluff of being born a full-blooded wolf. Now we walked together forever as kindred. Her pillow-soft hairs reminding me she was all mine. Snowflakes fell across her salt and pepper coat, making the love of my life glisten with radiance. The tiny jewels hung to her coat as though she wore the finest of diamonds. If I were human, I would bring her any type of gift she wished. She need only ask. But, we were not human. We weren’t even canine anymore. Not really. We were hellhounds, kindred, vampire demons. But love is found in the oddest places, and even the devil has a cherished love of his own. Had she rejected me, I would have wanted the true death. Instead, she gave me her love and devotion. We combed the dark forest, running alongside each other, as we headed homeward after our mating. Taking in the deep forest, I smelled frightened quail and ducked under the evergreen brush housing the birds. They took flight. I did not chase. Though we were looking for prey along the way, Nova provided all the nourishment I needed. Too caught up in the afterglow of our mating, I missed the tell-tale signs of swaying branches and the soft crunch of snow Nova instantly sensed. Something watches us… follows us. Her telepathic message jarred me into alertness. We both circled each other, she-wolf to husky, eyes outward, looking for the intruder. I felt the presence of something… not of this world. Searching the trees with my keen vampire vision, I glimpsed the shadowy outline of a… horse? I sprang in its direction with Nova on my heels only to discover nothing. Our noses to the ground, we searched for a scent around trees, shrubs, and underneath the loosely fallen Nova Scotia snow. Small animals scattered about us, but we remained focused on ferreting out the intruder. After many minutes passed with nothing to show for our investigation, the tension and anticipation of being watched dissipated, and we turned south toward my master’s wine estate a mile away. No signs remained of the hearty celebration of the Titan witch goddess, Hecate’s, defeat from the night before. Brogio’s ever-present but rarely seen servants carted away the last of the multitude of barrels filled with precious blood.

But the large Victorian estate surrounded by my master’s extensive vineyards and winery blazed with light and music inside. Only Ian and Leslie remained of the ten thousand kindred children of Brogio that came to rescue me from the witch. Nova and I watched as we approached them. They crossed the entryway leaving its massive ten-foot-tall mahogany front door hanging open invitingly. Ian’s green eyes glowed into Leslie’s dark ones. He placed his arm around her small waist and stepped into the courtyard, calling back over his shoulder, “We will be here whenever you need us next.” Ian pushed back a strand of dark hair from his eyes and spied us approaching. He raised his free hand and waved and smiled. Leslie gave us a dazzling, dimpled smile that spread across her brown skin. Nova and I barked our thanks to them, and they turned and disappeared into the woods with vampire speed. We crossed the threshold to the estate. The fireplace in the den crackled with its ever-present blaze, and Selene’s tinkling laughter floated through the air, enveloping us with joy. She curled next to her sire and mate, Brogio, my master, in front of the fireplace. Heads together, their long, blonde-silver hair almost intertwined. His deep, purple eyes glowed as they gazed adoringly into her intense blue ones. Both unusually tall, she was dressed in a long, silver dress, and he in his constant black pants, shirt, and jacket. I imagined when humans see them together Brogio and Selene take their breath away. Kane, my human blood brother, sat with his legs draped over one of the plush chairs to one side of the fireplace. His black hair hid part of his sardonic face as he peered into his drink. Spotting us, his dark-brown eyes smiled as he raised his wine glass to us. Tonight he wore the navy-blue tuxedo Brogio and Selene had gifted him. Selene and Brogio glided to our side, knelt down, and greeted us warmly. “It’s about time the two of you drug in.” Brogio tweaked my left ear while Selene rubbed Nova’s head. “We’ve been waiting to celebrate your new union.” Kane leaped to his feet. “Yes, remember, he’s Italian. His heritage demands rituals to celebrate your union.” He bowed from the waist, grinning at his blood father, who ignored his remark. Their relationship combined Kane’s devotion to his sire with his need to apply his intellect to taunt Brogio, while his master could read his every thought or gesture. Brogio more often than not ignored Kane’s barbs just to irritate his firstborn blood son.

My wolf pack waited until Brogio and Selene stood up and then swarmed us, bombarding me with questions. How’s it feel to wear a ball and chain? You know this is a life sentence; no wait, it’s an eternal sentence. Scrawny, my second- incommand, and Joker interjected unwanted humor that I ignored. Thor, Chase, and Gaspar rolled around on the floor like a bunch of spastic dorks. Only Fergus, the wise, imparted a welcoming comment. It is now as it should be, Snow Blood. May your life together be only joyful. Nova reached out and licked the side of Fergus’ face, and he turned, almost in embarrassment. I thought all my wolf progeny were a little bit in lust with my mate. Striding to the wine bar, Brogio opened a bottle. Only the best for the newlyweds. He poured the golden liquid into champagne flutes. This is Prosecco, an Italian version of champagne. Selene disappeared into the kitchen but returned quickly carrying white porcelain bowls she placed on the floor for us. Opening several more bottles, Brogio poured the yellow liquid and motioned to Nova and me, along with our pack, to taste. He raised his glass. Per cent’anni. It means a century of good luck for the both of you. We communicated on a telepathic level only because we have discovered our enemies – often comprised of gods, goddesses, and Titans - could overhear our conversations. Our silent connection assured us some sense of privacy. Nova and I cautiously approached the bowls and lapped the liquid. Its bubbles tickled our noses, and I shook my head in disgust. Nova paused and then finished the bowl. Joker scurried around behind us sniffing and checking all the untouched bowls the rest of my pack preferred not to taste. After draining his glass, Brogio returned to the wine bar and picked up something that sparkled green in his hands. He held it out in presentation style as he approached Nova and then clasped a green collar with emeralds studded into it around her neck. Italian brides long ago wore green on the eve of their weddings to bring good luck. Nova preened and stretched her neck to show off her sparkling new collar. Thank you for this beautiful gift, Brogio. I will wear it with pride. I sat and scratched at my own collar, a similar gift from my master, and wished hers was red like mine so we matched better. It had become obvious after Brogio turned me that being a vampire meant not having the color limitations I used to have as a dog. In fact, being a vampire had few drawbacks and presented me with numerous “gifts” such as speed, shape-shifting and a protective venom to defend myself.

My master turned to his mate and reached into his jacket pocket. To make up for not having a wedding celebration of our own, I want you to have this. She gasped as he started to place the large emerald hanging from a silver-like chain around Selene’s long, white neck. Before he could, Kane scooped it up. My gods, father, that’s got to be five carats! Kane rolled the chain through his long fingers and took a closer look at the square-cut gem. This stainless steel chain looks almost like authentic silver. Nudging Kane’s arm, Brogio took the jewel from his son’s hands and placed it around Selene’s neck. Before she could thank him, Brogio swept Selene into his arms and recited out loud part of the vampire marriage vows: “I will stand by your side, hunt at your back, and fly within your Soul. I will stand between you and all which would harm you. I will shield you from the Light of Day with my flesh. I will never betray you, for you are my Heart, my Soul, and my Life.” I repeated the vows telepathically to Nova, leaving out the light of day because my wolf pack progeny and I are day walkers. Kane guzzled his champagne and put on a CD of “La Tarantella” or “The Tarantula,” a frenzied dance. My pack played the fools and did a wolf version of the dance. Joker was the first to snatch onto Scrawny’s tail. Scrawny, in turn, tried to snap at Joker but couldn’t catch his nimble-footed pack mate. Gaspar caught Joker’s tail, and Chase did the same to Gaspar. Not to be left out, Thor hooked on to Gaspar. Fergus latched on to Gaspar while Scrawny completed the circle by picking up the wise one’s tail. They ran in a circle faster and faster as the speed of the music increased until Fergus slipped, tripping over a bowl of the wine. The liquid sloshed on the mahogany plank floors. As they ran, each pack member started to slide on the wet surface, losing their balance. They ended up in a dog pile and scattered the empty bowls everywhere. Everyone exploded in laughter, and Nova and I jumped into the pile and rolled around on the floor. The merriment ceased for me when my spine began to tingle with Brogio’s agitation. He and Kane stood as if bolted to the floor. The preternatural bond between Brogio and me linked me to his every thought and feeling. It developed over time and had reached its zenith with us.

Wait! Brogio’s command surged through my mind and invaded all of our thoughts. Kane? Who calls to you? Brogio knew every thought and sensed anything his progeny experienced. Nova jumped up from the dog pile and trotted to one of the front windows, gazing out. I followed her, and she moved to a side window, leaping on the sill. Her body shivered with concern. I peered out the window, searching the surroundings, ready to spring into action. The trees swayed in the soft breeze. The courtyard lights provided no clue. Only our keen vampire senses alerted us to the unseen intruder on our property. The pack surrounded us at the windows, and I alerted them to follow me outside through the open door. Kane’s hand on my collar stopped me in my tracks. No danger awaits us. It’s Seth. He needs my help and has sent a friend. I need to meet him now. Seth? Who is Seth? I had not heard the name before. Seth is Kane’s white-witch friend who helped locate you in Limbo when Hecate kidnapped you, Scrawny interjected. Brogio arrested Kane’s departure by placing a hand on his blood son’s arm. Take Snow Blood and Scrawny with you in case you need reinforcements. Let us know if you need the rest of us. One telepathic message would send everyone to our side. A nod of his head was Kane’s only reply, and Scrawny and I followed on his heels as he headed out the front door and toward the forest to the west. I commanded my pack to stay on guard at the estate. Looking back over my shoulder as we trotted off outside, I spied Nova slinking into the woods east of the house. I stopped short, and Scrawny halted with me. Why would she leave when I gave her a direct order? She has a mind of her own, that one, Scrawny snorted. We sensed a presence in the forest on our way home, and she’s been spooked since then. My gray wolf son turned to me. Perhaps you should scan her mind? No, that isn’t the way to begin our relationship. Perhaps she thinks she is protecting me? I must trust her instead. My mind whirled with misgivings. Our link allowed me to read her if I wished. It would grow stronger over time. I hoped she wouldn’t struggle against my will like Selene did to Brogio in the beginning. Wanting to free his soul from hell, she had secretly made a deal with the devil Hades that brought us to war with the gods once more. Neither Selene nor I realized Brogio, as the father of all vampires, knew our every thought and movement. Her deception might have been the end of their

relationship if Brogio hadn’t let Selene play it out and then come clean to him in the end. Their relationship had lasted for millennia. Ours was just beginning. I didn’t want secrets or mistrust between Nova and me. Ever. I shook my head to push Nova out of my mind and turned and ran faster to catch Kane. Scrawny dogged behind me. The three of us pulled up short about a quarter of a mile west of the estate. I recognized the field where Brogio confronted Artemis and Zeus. Zeus’ presence there had burned the field. No grass would ever grow in it again. The field had become a landmark of sorts to mark our war with the gods. That all seemed long ago, when in reality it had only been a little more than six months. I gawked at the winged horse standing in the middle of the field. He was a magnificent black horse with a long, flowing mane and tail. His hoofs were covered in black feathers, and his black wings spanned what appeared to be ten or more feet each when he spread them out to his side. I realized this had been the “horse” I had seen in the forest earlier. Kane stopped in his tracks and marveled at the creature. He sent a mental message to Scrawny and me as he strode up to the creature. My gods, have you ever seen anything this magnificent? The horse raised its head and almost appeared to preen. He stopped close enough in front of the animal to touch him. “You are a relative of Pegasus, no doubt?” Scrawny and I sniffed the ground and approached cautiously. You may speak to me telepathically so all can participate. The horse tossed his head in Scrawny’s and my direction. Who or what are you? I am Mathias, friend to Seth. Kane’s insatiable curiosity got the better of him. Your breed carried knights into battle, didn't it? What is your origin? Mathias stomped his right foot. I am Friesian. I am guardian for Seth. I told you, I am his friend. He is in trouble. He needs you now. Kane pressed for more information. What has happened? Mathias flung his head irritated by Kane’s questions. Helping you with the aspecting ritual to connect with Hades to locate where Hecate had taken the vampire dog got Seth in trouble with the other white witches in his coven. They strictly forbid the use of dark magic, and Seth has broken that rule. They threaten to take Seth’s abilities from him. They are passing judgment on Seth at his home now. Follow me.

Mathias spread his magnificent wings and took flight. Because vampires have the ability to move from one point to the next with lightning speed, we covered the eighteen miles from the estate to Seth’s cottage outside the north end of Wolfville in a matter of minutes. Scrawny and I scampered after Kane, dodging trees, shrubs and even prey we startled as we whisked by them. My memory took me to numerous prey kills at various spots along the way – bear, moose and mountain lion. My mouth watered at the thought of slitting a jugular and drinking in my prey’s sweet nectar. Brogio rarely allowed us to partake of humans, the sweetest of vessels. We skirted the town so as not to draw human attention. Mathias landed just as we arrived next to a cluster of trees in front of a cottage with a vibrant blue door. Smoke curled from the brick chimney, and angry voices tried to shout each other down from inside. “I tell you, if I hadn’t shown Kane the aspecting spell, his friend would have been destroyed.” A strong male voice argued. “What choice did I have but to save an innocent? I…” “Not acceptable.” A strident female voice interrupted Seth’s plea. “You deserve to be stripped of your abilities.” “Yes.” Several other women voiced their agreement. The lengths to which Kane had gone to save me from Hecate became more apparent. “Wait,” a soft-spoken female voice melted through the din of dissatisfaction. “Seth was trying to help save a life. Isn’t that what we do? Granted, he showed another how to aspect Hades, but he didn’t do the ritual himself.” Another husky, unpleasant voice attacked. “Shush, Glenna. You’re being too soft. We have standards for ethical behavior that guides the use of our magic.” Kane waited no longer. He pushed open the door and made his presence known in the sitting room of the cottage. Scrawny followed, but I could not cross the threshold. This was Seth’s home. To enter, I’d need an invitation. I stood outside and watched. Kane and Scrawny found themselves in the midst of a large circle of some twenty witches of all ages – young, old, and in-between. In the circle with them stood a tall, blonde man with the most angelic face I had ever seen. The word good sprang to mind when I looked into his pure, pale-blue eyes. Dressed in a white shirt, slacks and shoes, his fair hair spread out around his wide shoulders. “Ah, Kane, this isn’t a good time,” Seth said.

Before the beautiful man could finish, the tallest of the witches took one look at Kane and shrieked. “Demon! Vampire!” With a wave of her hand, she threw Kane and Scrawny against the wall next to the fireplace. I growled and ran forward to the door only to be knocked back by the invisible barrier preventing vampires from entering without invitation. I rose and shook my head in frustration. Kane sprang to his feet as four other witches rushed forward and, with a wave of their arms, levitated him into the air and tried to choke the life out of him. Unfortunately for them, it had little effect since vampires don’t breathe. While I turned into my demon self, I was still unable to enter and could do nothing. Scrawny transformed and jumped on the backs of two of them but was tossed back and sent crashing to the floor. I snarled my anger and paced back and forth looking through the doorway. Seth jumped in front of the four witches and shouted, “Stop!” Using his power, he froze everyone in place. Kane slid down the wall to the floor and appeared free of the strangle hold the witches had placed on him. Once the fighting stopped, Seth released his hold on him, and the tallest witch erupted in protest. “How have you entered this sacred space?” “They are my friends, Chancellor,” Seth said. “You’re friends with devils and demons? Is this the company you keep, Seth?” “Is this how you treat guests, white witch?” Kane glared at her. “You’re not a guest. You’re an abomination.” “Well, this abomination is going to kick your…” “Kane.” Seth smiled. “No, I won’t stand here while these white witches condemn you.” “Seth,” another of the white council said. “Would it be possible to release our four sisters from their immobile state? “Do you promise to not attack my friends?” “I do.” She looked around. “I can’t speak for anyone else.” Seth looked at his friend. “Kane? Do you promise not to attach the white council?” “I’m here to defend you, but I thought these people were reasonable.” “Kane…” Seth sighed. “I won’t attack if they don’t.” “This is preposterous.” Chancellor said. “He’s a demon.”

“He has always kept his word.” Seth’s challenging words sliced through the air and hung there. Silence. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but Seth seemed the most level-headed of all of us. I seethed with rage wanting only to protect Kane and Scrawny. Had I been inside, I doubt I could have contained my impulses. “Chancellor, this is my home. The rules of the meeting hall do not apply here.” Chancellor looked at Kane, me, and Scrawny and then addressed Seth. “Why are they here?” Kane huffed. “I have a mouth, a mind, and I speak English.” The Chancellor ignored Kane. Seth looked at Kane. “A few days ago I came to Seth to save my friend who had been kidnapped by Hecate to become her familiar.” “Hecate? Nobody’s seen or heard from Hecate for…” “Two hundred years.” A beautiful, young witch wearing jeans and a green teeshirt matching her eyes interrupted the Chancellor. “Yes. She sought to enslave the entire vampire nation to do her bidding and take back the underworld from Hades and gods knows, probably the human race.” “So you used black magic to aspect the devil.” I watched the Chancellor look into Seth’s eyes. “Seth did not perform the ritual.” Kane interjected. “He only showed me how. Because he did, I was able to locate and connect with Hades and save my friend.” “So you’ve brought down Hecate upon us.” “No.” Kane said. “Together, my family, including this dog,” Kane pointed to me standing outside the door, “and his pack of wolves, were able to defeat the goddess of all dark witches and save this planet from her destruction. What Seth did was in the name of goodness, not evil.” The same young witch with green eyes stepped forward. “I propose we overlook this transgression as long as Seth agrees not to use or teach others black magic.” She looked at her fellow witches for confirmation. The witch Seth called Chancellor, who was older with long, frizzy gray hair and a wrinkled face, stepped into the circle. Her blue-gray eyes held a leadership quality. “We all know you are Seth’s friend, Glenna. But, you have brought forth a proposal. We should vote on it. Too much has been made of this all ready.” “If we let this slide, who is to say he won’t do it again?” A short, rotund witch said.

“Is my word not enough, Chancellor?” Seth’s blue eyes searched the old woman’s face. The chancellor turned beet red. “You… Enough. All in favor of forgiving this transgression?” There were fourteen ayes versus six nays. “Seth, we will forgive this transgression, but know this. If you use or illustrate black magic again, it will not be tolerated.” She stepped back out of the circle along with Glenna. “We will leave you to your friends.” As they filed past me, they displayed all sorts of power. Two, locked arm-inarm, disappeared into thin air. Another ten lifted into the air and flew away. Seven more twirled and turned into butterflies and floated away. Only the young witch Glenna remained behind. Seth then turned to me. “Please, enter my home, Kane’s friend.” The cottage appeared much larger inside than it did from the outside. I stepped onto a blue patterned rug. To the left a coo-coo clock struck the time. It was halfpast nine. To the right I recognized a few of the same books as Kane’s on a floor to ceiling bookshelf. I passed a blue upholstered couch that matched the rugs and a cozy fireplace blending the room into an inviting picture perfect home. A large kitchen expanded to the left. All sorts of pots and pans, hanging herbs, test tubes, and the smell of freshly made stew filled the air with a musty aroma. Glenna stood next to Seth. Her hands clutched each opposite wrist, and she gave an awkward glance around the room. She fidgeted as she turned to smile at Seth, and he took her left hand, gently uncurled her fingers and kissed it. “Thank you for supporting me, Glenna.” She blushed a deep red and backed out of the door into the night. Seth sighed as he watched her go. “It’s a shame she is so humble. She has more power in her little finger than all the other witches here tonight.” Seth turned to Kane as he shut the door. “Thank you for coming.” “I’m not sure I helped, but I owed you, Seth. It was what I needed to do.” Kane slapped Seth on the back. “But really, why bother with them? You don’t need them, and they can’t do anything to you.” “True, but without acceptance in the coven, I would be unduly isolated.” Seth walked to the cluttered kitchen and brought Kane a large glass of red wine in an ornate, crystal glass. Kane sipped the wine and sat next to the fire. Scrawny and I moved closer to him.

“Seth, this is Snow Blood. It is his life you saved. And you know Scrawny.” Kane took another sip of wine. Tell Seth how much I appreciate his help and I am sorry for the trouble it has caused. Tell him it was his action that allowed me to return to my family. Kane repeated my thoughts. He watched his friend over his glass for a moment. Seth turned to me. “You are welcome, Snow Blood. I am glad I could help all of you.” Turning back to Kane, Seth leaned toward his friend. “Not that I’m ungrateful, but how did you know I needed help?” “It seems your god still watches over you.” “Ah, Mathias. I should have known.” Which is his god, Kane? He speaks of what he considers to be the true God, Snow Blood. Not the gods and goddesses with whom we have had to contend. Kane drained his glass of wine and leaned forward toward Seth. “And Mathias? What an incredible creature. He says he is your guardian?” Seth sat back and sighed deeply. “Mathias is my loyal friend and protector. I call upon him in times of need, and he appears whenever he senses I need help. We have a heavenly… connection. Kane stared at Seth and then at Snow Blood. “Mathias is there for you, much like Snow Blood is for Brogio… for all of us.” “Yes, ever since Emma…” Seth paused and wiped at his eyes. “Ever since Emma was killed in that horrible car accident, Mathias seems to have been even more connected. Scrawny abruptly changed the subject. Ask him about his new lady friend. Kane winked at my gray wolf son. “Yes, Seth. Scrawny wants to know how it goes with the new woman in your life.” Seth immediately smiled at the question. “She is amazing, Kane,” he sighed. “But?” Kane leaned forward and peered into his friend’s eyes. “Is something else bothering you about her? Seth scratched his chin and looked down at his hands. His fingernails glistened like pearls. The man sighed and stared at Kane. “She is so mysterious. I have no idea where she lives. She never invites me to her house but always insists we meet here.” “Well, that’s not all that unusual,” Kane responded. “Some ladies just prefer not to have men visit them where they live. Is there more?”

“Yes. You see, I don’t know if I am fascinated with her because of her looks.” Seth took Kane’s glass and went to the kitchen. This time he returned with glasses for both of them. Scrawny and I sat next to Kane and waited for it to play out. Kane smirked. “Well, I have to admit I am always fascinated by most women… for their looks.” “No. It’s not that. It’s just she looks amazingly like… like Emma. In fact, she looks more and more like her every time I see her. I can’t seem to get enough of her.” He sighed again and sipped his wine. “Interesting. Look, over time you’ll be able to decide whether it is because she looks like Emma or if it runs deeper.” Kane stretched his legs out in front of him. “That’s just it. She’s pushing me hard for marriage, like now.” Kane sat up with Seth’s latest revelation. “Do you mean, right now? In the next month?” “No, like in the next few weeks. And, honestly, when I saw her last night, she not only looked just like Emma, she even had her mannerisms. It’s almost too good for me to resist.” Seth looked at his fingers and rubbed them on his knee. “You know how much I loved Emma.” Kane drained his wine and looked over at Scrawny and me. Scrawny’s tail moved too quickly and his eyes grew larger. I knew the same red flags exploded in his head as they did mine. Mathias sent a telepathic warning to Kane, Scrawny, and me. The woman is not right. I sense grave danger in her. Seth is too besotted to listen. You must intervene. Kane sat down his glass on the small table next to him and stood. “Let me suggest you introduce your new lady to me. I will be more able to advise you once I have met her. What do you think?” “Excellent idea, my friend. I will set it up with her, and the three of you could come and meet her.” He sat down his wine and stood. “From what I understand, Snow Blood and Scrawny here are very good judges of character as well.” Seth leaned down and petted each of us on the head and embraced his friend. As we walked to the door, Kane pushed his thoughts into our heads. Who do we know with the ability to take the form of others and also wants to be married to such a decent, kind man of good means? Potentially, Seth is in trouble.

Episode Two Return of the Kresnicks

As we left Seth’s cottage, I sensed Mathias’ presence lurking in the surrounding woods. The winged creature’s telepathic message curled through my brain. Thank you for helping me protect my friend. The link we shared allowed me to know my companions received the message as well. We can only hope Seth’s new lady friend isn’t who we suspect she might be. Kane turned and walked backwards staring at each of us looking for reaction. I think your friend is in mortal danger. I took off running with Scrawny and Kane trailing behind me. We skirted around Wolfville and jogged through the woods at a slower pace homeward, keeping an eye out for easy prey. Scrawny and I cornered a young deer buck and took him down. We sliced his jugular with our sharp fangs. Kane motioned for us to take our fill first. Scrawny stepped back while I took a long draw from the deer. Then, he joined me. When we had sated our thirst, Kane carefully took his turn. As always, he made sure not to spill blood on his new tuxedo. Heading home, my thoughts turned to Nova. I sensed great agitation in her and ran faster. I mentally scanned my pack for signs of distress. I sensed none. Scrawny and Kane both flanked me. It only took us five minutes to make it back to the estate. Nova waited in expectation outside the estate door. I skidded to a stop in front of her while Kane and Scrawny entered the house. What has happened? I rubbed my face against hers in a comforting gesture, but she began to pace around me, her agitation growing. Thomas and his remaining Kresnicks are here. I sense my former master drawing close to the house now. I scouted for him while you were gone. I didn’t find them. Relief from my earlier worry about my mate flooded my being. Her words, on the other hand, sent a shiver through me. Not surprising. He is a master at hiding himself and shape-shifting, all the Kresnick vampire hunters are. We quickly entered and found Brogio, Selene and my pack gathered around the fire. My pack was busy licking away the blood from their nightly foray. Brogio and Selene sat in bathrobes. They obviously had showered after their hunt. They all leaped up when they saw us, sensing the impending danger coursing through us. I shot a warning to them all. Thomas and the Kresnicks approach! Brogio and Selene immediately threw off their robes in preparation for battle. Kane carefully but quickly removed his tuxedo. All of us, along with my wolves, were out the door.

We met the enemy head-on in the large courtyard between the estate house and the winery which were bordered by a semi-circle of thick trees just behind them. Thomas, the Kresnick leader, stood at the edge of the tree line. He glared at us. His stare reminded me of water slowly reaching a boil. He shape-shifted into a giant eagle. His bones cracked as arms became wings. His nose grew into a beak. Feathers sprouted and covered his body. His fingers curled into large talons. “You will all die. I will avenge Mia! I won’t rest until my mate’s murder is avenged! Ahhhh!” His words ended in a violent eagle cry that made my hackles jump to attention. He flew into the air, joined by at least twenty other vampire hunters who morphed into all manner of creatures. He let out a spray of bird droppings. The stink assaulted my nose. One became a griffin, with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, with pointed ears and eagle’s legs replacing its forelegs. Several others transformed into giant black dragons. Their bodies were scaly, with wing spans of ten feet on either side. Their elongated tails swooshed through the air as they rained fire down on us through their mouths and nostrils. My kindred and I leaped away at each targeted assault. A dozen others remained human but grew into large giants with massive hands, arms, legs and feet. A row of six wielded short, curved swords or scimitars. Another row of six held pikes, lances and silver javelins meant to skewer us in the heart. One whizzed past my left ear and burrowed into the ground behind me. Brogio and Kane immediately grew into red dragons, noted for their enormous size and wingspan. On their heads, both had two large horns, which pointed back toward their wings. Kane had once told me red dragons are the most evil of all serpents because they were prone to make snap decisions without any forethought. Supremely confident of their own abilities, the Brogio and Kane red dragons became the most powerful of dragons, creating a cone of fire and delighting in death and destruction. The acrid smell of smoke and sulfur that emanated from them made my eyes water. The griffin scurried to ward off the flames they shot at it, dodging and diving. However, they were too much for him. In red dragon form, Brogio and Kane turned the griffin into a pile of cinders. Nearby trees ignited into flames. My body automatically responded, shifting into my black-demon self. I grew to ten feet. The width of my girth alone allowed me to immediately take down one of the Kresnick giants, ripping out his throat with my long, protruding fangs and claws. His blood and soft tissue covered me, driving me into a frenzy.

My link to all my kindred gave me the ability to see and feel everything that affected them. Their connection with me gave them the same advantage. A quick glance to my right revealed my vision of my master’s mistress was correct. Selene surrounded herself with a moonlit circle and then cast star bombs at one of the Kresnick dragons. The abilities remaining with her from her centuries as goddess of the moon always gave me momentary pause. Glancing to my left, my wolf pack had transformed into demons in their own right and surrounded one of the Kresnick giants. Thor, my valiant gray warrior; Chase, my large brown runner; and Gaspar, our vigilant guardian, sunk their poisonous fangs into the giant’s body. He was brought down by their venom. Tall, lanky Joker with his floppy right ear had become a red demon capable of jumping over the other Kresnick giant, knocking him down. Once down, Scrawny and wise, multi-colored Fergus ripped out his throat with their elongated, deadly fangs. But, it was Nova that amazed me the most. Fighting on my right, her beautiful salt and pepper fur turned into sharp spikes ablaze with fire. She grew to almost my height of just under ten feet tall. She swirled through several of the Kresnick archers who had remained human to shoot us with their silver arrows capable of taking us down and incapacitating us. Her fiery body scorched them, and they retreated back into the forest, screaming in pain. More fire broke out in the surrounding woods. Glancing skyward, I glimpsed Kane re-transforming mid-flight into a water serpent, at least twelve feet long with a large scaled head and an enormous mouth spewing water. The vapor and hiss from the dampened fire rose in the air. Hitting the ground with a thud, he immediately morphed again back into red dragon form and ascended to the sky to join Brogio to take down the other dragon. They took turns biting off chunks of its body and overwhelming it with a barrage of smoke and fire sending it crashing to the ground. Blood and gore littered the earth making it slippery and difficult to navigate. Thomas, the Kresnick leader now giant eagle matching the red dragons’ size, managed to sink his talons into the Kane dragon’s back. The Brogio dragon immediately swooped, biting and chasing him, trying to dislodge him from Kane. I hurled myself at one archer that had remained aloof. I responded seconds late. He took swift aim at first Fergus, then Thor and Gaspar, striking them with the silver arrows deadly to us. Enraged, I took him down, clamping onto his throat. His screams of agony joined those of others. I sprang away from him. Searching through the smoke and gore, I saw another archer hiding in the trees, waiting for an opportunity to take aim at Selene. She ran

to cover the injured wolves, letting down her circle of protection to expand it to them. I took off in a dead run and leaped at the archer, but he released the arrow before I could reach him. She was struck in the shoulder with a silver arrow. Leaping into the trees with my demon vampire strength and agility, I severed his head from his body a second later. I landed on the ground next to his head and sprinted to Selene. Brogio’s dragon roared and ripped the Thomas eagle from Kane’s back, smashing him to the ground. Thomas then morphed back to human form. Brogio instantly landed in human form and his commanding voice cracked as he screamed, “Cease!” The action around Thomas and Brogio froze. All eyes were upon them. I reverted back to my true form, as did my kindred, as we watched them. Brogio grabbed Thomas by the neck and set him on his feet. “Enough! We are only going to destroy each other. Hear my proposal. One-on-one battle – me against you.” He spat the words in Thomas’ face. “Your issue is truly with me. No need for everyone here to die for your single-minded revenge.” Thomas’ dark gaze appraised Brogio’s face. He straightened, and I sensed his arrogance. Master, no! He believes he can defeat the father of all vampires and destroy the vampire race. I squeezed my thoughts into Brogio’s mind. Let me do battle with him. My poison venom will suck the life from him. Selene struggled to sit up. The pain from the silver in her bloodied arm spread across her perfect face. No, my love. Let us all fight. All die together if we must. I can’t allow you to die the true death! Father, Kane interjected as he landed and morphed into human form, let me fight in your place. If anything happens to you, we will all perish. You can’t let that happen. No. This is my battle. Artemis sent the Kresnicks to destroy us because I took Selene away from her. Kane, you escaped from her to return to me. Ultimately, it’s on me. I’ve made up my mind. Brogio swung his head around. His purple eyes shifted to red and bore into the Kresnick’s face. “What say you, Thomas?” Brogio towered over the master Kresnick, but the vampire hunter showed no fear. “We fight. Whoever kills the other, let’s all others go free.” Thomas scoffed. “You are sure of yourself, Brogio, aren’t you? You know when you die, all others of your evil kind will as well.”

Brogio smiled, but the gesture didn’t extend to his deadly red, glowing eyes. “Then, if you win, you can retire from hunting. You have nothing to lose, do you?” “And should you happen to beat me, you will let my hunters go free?” Thomas motioned to the remaining ten hunters in his group. “No harm will come to them?” “You have my word.” Brogio smiled, his glowing eyes still deadly. “Why should I trust you?” Thomas eyed the master vampire suspiciously. “Your men can go now if you wish. If they retreat, what do you have to lose?” Brogio’s smile widened as he let go of Thomas’ neck. “What about your coven of vampires? They should leave as well.” Thomas shot back when he caught his breath. Brogio swept his arm around the area. “Look at them. Many are injured. The others have their hands full tending to their wounds and trying to help them recover.” “No holds barred? We can each use any method in our power to kill the other?” Thomas questioned. “Of course.” No, Brogio! All of our voices – Selene, Kane, me, and my wolves - protested Please, no! It is done. I will end this. Have faith. Brogio’s words sliced painfully through all our brains and silenced us. Thomas turned to the remaining ten hunters. “Leave. I will end this once and for all and join you at our camp later.” They stood their ground, some near the bottom of trees, others positioned on tree branches. One hunter walked forward, “But, Thomas…” “Go.” Thomas commanded. The hunters positioned in the trees dropped from branches to the ground, and one by one they disappeared into the smoldering woods. Scrawny trotted to the edge of the woods at my command. He watched the hunters leave and sent back a mental note. The other hunters have sprouted wings and feathers, as they often do, and have taken to the sky away from the estate. He turned and trotted back to the confrontation. Thomas and Brogio stood in the center of the courtyard, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Apparently, vampire hunters could not be compelled. At least this hunter could not. They circled each other, assessing and calculating. Chase tugged at Fergus. The wise wolf was down and unconscious. Nova helped pull Thor as he used his front legs to crawl from the battlefield. Gaspar used

Scrawny as support as they both stumbled toward the edge of the estate. The bloody ground made the task easier. I aided Selene to rise and struggle to the side of the winery. She balanced herself on my back until she could lean back. Silver is poison to us. It weakens us, incapacitating us. I needed to get the silver arrow out of her. I grasped the scalding silver arrow with my teeth and pulled it out of Selene. My mouth burned numb. I salivated and licked my lips. The burn seemed to force itself deeper into my throat. Trying to shake my head to rid myself of the fiery sensation, I paused for but a moment. I watched as Scrawny and Nova did the same for my injured progeny. Nova yelped with the pain of the silver. The burning would seep into us, poisoning us slowly until we could feed again. I shook my head, slinging salvia everywhere, then turned and ran to the house and grabbed one of the discarded robes on the floor. I drug it to Selene to use to press into her wound to staunch the bleeding. Kane had already begun to use his magical tongue to stop the bleeding on the three injured wolves to start the healing process. Nova ran over to Selene and me and snuggled close to Selene to comfort her. Her mouth foamed and dripped from the deadly silver. I watched as Scrawny, Chase, and Joker tore at their own legs offering healing blood to their downed brothers. Before I could offer my blood, Brogio used his lightning speed to cross to Selene’s side. He tore open a vein and gave his injured wife a few tugs on his wrist to aid in the healing. As he did so, Thomas picked up a discarded silver blade from the ground and sent it toward Brogio’s head. My master caught it before it reached its target. He spun the arrow and sent it straight back at the hunter. Thomas dived out of the way, righting himself with an impressive backflip. The air appeared to compress around us. It became difficult to breathe. Rather than shape shift, Thomas picked up two swords left on the ground from the earlier battle. He threw one to Brogio, and Kane shot him a warning. Careful, father. The Kilij is made from carbon steel, but it has been coated with silver. Its touch will weaken you. I tossed one aside earlier and touched the flat side with my hand. The burn is still recovering. Fortunately, the hilt has a protective covering. Thomas smirked at his opponent. “Let’s see if you can actually fight instead of shifting into the monster you are. I fought with Prince Borna of Croatia. We delivered crushing defeats with the army of Dalmatian Croatia.” Brogio smiled and swung the sword, testing its weight. He scanned the edges, running his thumb along the sharp end of the blade from pommel to tip. A thin

layer of blood darkened the razor end of the sword. Brogio inspected his bleeding thumb and licked his cut. Thomas snarled, lunged, and they began a duel that was bloody from the beginning. Thomas whirled, slashing at my master in a circular motion. Brogio shifted and thrust with the curved sword, taking a slice from Thomas’ arm. Thomas spun around, slashing right and then left, and then pressed Brogio back. His fast movements blurred the blade to where I could not see the metal. Brogio took small, deliberate and calculated steps backward. But his movement was not in reaction to Thomas, rather he was drawing his opponent in. Thomas took more swings. “This is rather monotonous.” Brogio thrust, delivering another small gash to the hunter’s left side. “I know you have more. Show me.” Thomas couldn’t hide the shock on his face at the ability my master displayed. His swagger faded slightly. He clutched his sword like a lost boy searching for his mother’s hand. His other hand opened and closed. He spat at the ground near Brogio as they circled, “You murdered my wife. I want you to suffer as I have.” Thomas swung at Brogio with all his might. My master transferred his body weight, shifted to the side and let the deadly blade pass in the air in front of his stomach. In retaliation, Brogio pressed Thomas and forced him back. Thomas blocked, but his hands shook. His teeth grit in determination, but even I could see the hunter knew—in his heart, Thomas was failing. Cold moonlight cast no favorites over their naked bodies. One fought for his life, honor, and memory of a lover, the other for family. My family. I searched out Brogio’s thoughts and could feel his reactions. He let his muscles settle into the rhythm of the swordplay. The smile on his face told the story of a being who had honed his swordsmanship over centuries of time. Memories came over our mental link. In a time forever ago, Brogio practiced with a man in Italian dress, padded coat, black pants and calf-high leather boots. Brogio and the man sparred. Swords flung but not only steel was involved in the fight. The man threw fists, kicks and even held the blade as one would a spear for thrusting from up high. The man was Fiore dei Liberi, developer of the Fior di Bataglia. The fighting system he developed was used during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and was revived for World War One. Brogio was his student. While Thomas had fought in battles with his scimitar-like swords in Croatia, Brogio had lived longer, for several millennia, and he knew great masters from

every walk of life. Thomas’ experience with the curved blade only gave him a better chance of survival against the father of all vampires. Nothing more. Thomas raised his sword and swung. Brogio’s blade met the steel, and then my master raised his elbows, turned his sword, and ran the blade down the flat of Thomas’ sword. The hunter bent backward as Brogio swung the blade, missing Thomas’ neck and head. He tried to retaliate before Brogio could get another blow and swung his sword in a huge arc. The wild motion was telegraphed so far in advance, Brogio was able to block Thomas’ sword arm and bring his own sword up. But instead of running the blade through Thomas, he twirled in a blur. When they separated, Brogio pushed Thomas backward, making space away from the hunter. Thomas touched his cheek. Blood came off on his hand. His eyes burned with anger. Brogio stared back, expressionless. The hunter thrust upward. Brogio blocked, dodged, and cupped the back of Thomas’ neck, throwing him forward. Thomas stumbled into a tree trunk. Snow trapped in the branches above fell. A blanket of white draped over Thomas’ shoulders. He shook off the snow and lunged forward, using his sword more like a battering ram than a cutting tool. “What’s the matter, Thomas?” Brogio taunted. “Have you met your match? Still think I’m some cunning animal that doesn’t deserve to live?” Thomas didn’t reply. He slashed with his sword in a whirl of emotion. It was like watching Zorro and a whirling dervish battle it out. His uncontrolled movements managed to cut the vampire’s left shoulder and carve a deep cut to the abdomen. Master! I stepped forward. Brogio threw up his hand. Stay, Snow Blood. Where the blade had entered, Brogio’s skin turned black. Blood boiled from the cut. Silver. Thomas has a silver blade. Both my master and Thomas lunged for each other. The blades sang with the clash. But Brogio twirled forward, letting one hand release the pommel of his sword and, with one hand free, he grabbed Thomas’ weapon arm, pulled it under him as he kept twirling, brought both blades down in an arc and disarmed Thomas. Then my master punched Thomas square in the face before letting him go.

Thomas ran after his blade. Brogio let him. Once again, the blades began to sing as they clashed. Blood flowed. The hoarse rasp of Thomas’s breath filled the air. I had to temper my blood lust at the sight of them. Why, master? For some unknown reason Brogio held back. His desire to reach out and rip the hunter’s neck sent my own blood lust singing. Why didn’t my master use his vampire speed to defeat Thomas? Why let him have a chance at you? Master didn’t use his vampire speed. It was obvious Brogio could quickly defeat his opponent. His speed alone could overwhelm Thomas. Yet, master allowed Thomas to cut him. Look at him, Snow Blood. What do you see? Thomas stumbled in another attempt to lunge toward Brogio. He turned, swung and managed to force Brogio’s sword down. Thomas snapped his blade up. Brogio twisted before the sword slashed his head off. I see a fool trying to best a master. Ah, much like a captive desperate to get back to his family? Touché. We had fought gods and won. Even through the hopeless odds, we remained victorious. He is hurt and lost. Brogio said. An empty pit fills his core. Vengeance and sorrow are his companions. All from his loss of one he held dear. I cannot blame him. I was him before Selene came back. Thomas’s weapon slipped past my master’s defenses and slashed toward Brogio’s throat. Brogio dodged and laughed, mocking but praising simultaneously, “Wonderful.” He praised out loud, “Excellent.” Thomas slashed backhanded in a return blow, but the vampire thrust his blade vertically and caught it before it cut him in half. Thomas appeared exhausted but continued to go for blood. Brogio again laughed and spouted praise before Thomas’ attack began to ease. Their weapons caught in the air, and they stood bloody, belly to belly, face- to-face. Thomas snarled, “What the hell?” Brogio smiled. “Dying is a bloody, messy thing, wouldn’t you agree? I don’t want to die in front of my lady.” He glanced toward Selene who clinched her hands in painful distress. “So, I think I’ll end this.” Pushing Thomas away, with a quick thrust and slice he slashed at Thomas’ right arm. The hunter fell on his knees to the ground. Blood gushed from his wound, from all his wounds. “It is over, hunter.” Brogio’s previous mirth disappeared. “I have bested you. Leave now, and you shall live. I understand your need for revenge. I am sorry about

your wife, but she was trying to kill my lady. I had no choice.” Brogio threw his weapon down, turned and slowly headed toward Selene, Nova and me. Thomas rose up brandishing his sword with his remaining functioning arm and roared past my master screaming, “Then, I will take your woman. Suffer as I have!” He brought his arm down to cut into Selene. Without thought, without regard, I knocked her aside, leaped for his jugular and ripped out Thomas’s throat. My weight and momentum brought us to the ground. Thomas gurgled. Foam filled his mouth, and I finished him by ripping his head off.

Episode Three Blood Raid

All eyes fixated on me. I had no shame. He had threatened my master’s love, and it was my duty to protect her. Time ceased. Then I lifted my head to the moon and howled out a death knell. The rest of my pack joined in. Brogio, bleeding and spent from the poisonous silver seeping into his body, made his way to Selene and took her in his arms. They both slumped back against the brick wall of the winery. Kane continued to use his ability to heal Fergus, the most severely injured pack member, with his tongue. At intervals he offered his own blood to Thor and Gaspar. I trotted over and bit into my right front leg and dripped my healing blood into Fergus’ mouth. Kane winced as he stood to help attend to Selene as I finished giving my blood to my other injured progeny. I listened in as Kane questioned Brogio. Why were you so easy on Thomas? Brogio sighed. I imagined how I would have felt had I lost Selene. Selene interjected, Compassion. He felt it. Two years ago, I was alone. I had progeny, but I was a bitter being. Today, I have regained Selene and you, and Snow Blood and his devotion has spawned loyalty and a pack of wolf followers. I can’t fathom losing any one of you to the lonely heart Thomas had to suffer. Brogio sat leaning against the wall with Selene’s head on his chest. Kane examined her injured shoulder. She’s lost a lot of blood. I have shared as much of my own blood as I can with the wolves. Kane began to lick her open wound. Here, take my blood, Selene. Brogio bit into his wrist and held it to her mouth. Selene searched her mate’s face. No, my love. The silver has entered your blood stream and depleted your strength. Your blood won’t help and will only serve to weaken me further right now. You need blood yourself to heal. Yes, I need to hunt. Leaning Selene against the wall, Brogio tried to rise but slid back down. Kane stopped his ministrations to Selene and looked up at his sire. Stay put, you two. I’ll take Snow Blood and Scrawny, and we’ll raid the Wolfville Blood Bank. We’ll get enough healing nectar to fix all of you. Scrawny and I were immediately ready to go. We turned to sprint off.

Hold up, you two. Kane held up his hand to halt us. Then he rubbed his chest and wiped his brow as if he had sweat. I need to make a point. Brogio looked up at his eldest blood child knowingly. You know what I’m going to say, right? You suspect Hecate might have sent Thomas to prevent us from interfering with her plans for Seth. Yes, if indeed the white witch’s new love is Hecate in disguise. Kane winced as he rose from kneeling next to Selene and Brogio. I sensed pain. Kane was hiding it. He turned and sped away. Scrawny and I sprinted after him, catching up to his slowed pace as soon as he was out of Brogio’s sight. You are in pain, injured. I shot to my human blood brother. Never mind. That’s the last thing I want on Brogio’s mind. He needs no distractions other than to heal. He would sense my injury if the silver wasn’t seeping through his own body. We dodged pine trees, shrubs, stumps, and snow piles as we took a short cut through the woods to town. The fear I felt for my master and his beloved seeped through my brain. It drove me forward even faster, ignoring all else. The blood bank stood adjacent to the local hospital. Much of the back of the building was shrouded by the birch and pine trees so abundant in this area of Canada. The weathered front of the building was only noticeable from the street. At this late hour, the blinking, overhead entranceway light illuminated the front of the building promising a facility void of staff to impede our progress. Scrawny and I slunk around the back behind Kane into the shadows. Kane surveyed the situation. He grabbed a medium-sized decorative rock from a small garden on the side of the building. With it, he efficiently cracked a back window. The glass splintered and then scattered in shards that tinkled and littered the inside tile floor and outside ground and window sill. Scrawny knocked out the rest of the glass by lowering his head and diving through it. Shards of glass sprayed in every direction. Small cuts dripped black blood from his face. We weren't the subtlest of burglars and had no time to spare. Lucky for us the building didn’t appear to have an alarm. With the number of times Brogio had raided the blood bank, you would think that might be a prudent measure. Kane and I leaped through the window. The three of us immediately began to scout the building for the treasured blood. We were all three drawn through the patient-screening rooms, sterile blood collection area with work benches, tan leather chairs and sofas, and through the processing lab to the refrigerated storage area.

Each refrigerated storage unit was locked. Kane smirked. As if that will stop us. A quick squeeze broke the lock on the first two units. Kane pulled blood bags from shelves. Scrawny and I attacked the second unit, gently nudging the bags onto the floor. My excitement at the smell of blood triggered my demon-self to the point my fangs elongated. I broke open a bag labeled Type A. The blood splattered across the floor. Scrawny and I went wild lapping it up. We don't have time for this nonsense. Kane admonished. But, at this point, Scrawny had started to roll in the red nectar, particularly after I got carried away and bit into another bag. Yuck! What is that? I thought it was a bag of AB Neg. It tastes foul. Kane yanked the bag from the floor. That’s glucose, you idiot. Scrawny grabbed another bag and flipped it up, slicing it with a fang. It landed on his head and splattered all over the three of us. We were like puppies that couldn't help ourselves. Our delight was infectious. Kane couldn't resist picking up a bag of O Neg and sucked on the contents. He savored it like a man enjoying a juicy T-Bone steak. A firm voice startled us as the lights were flipped on. “What the hell?” The three of us must have looked like deer in car headlights. Oh, shit! Kane almost dropped his bag of O Neg. He grabbed for it, but its gooey surface slipped out of his hands. He squished it against his stomach. The plastic bag popped with the pressure of his strength and his long nails that had extended with his blood lust. Blood splattered all over his abdomen and ran down his legs. Scrawny and I slipped and fell twice trying to rise up from rolling on the slippery tile floor. I couldn't keep my legs together. They kept sliding apart causing me to do a split with my front legs. I banged my chin on the floor. Then Scrawny fell on top of me. I snapped at him to get off. Kane tried to keep a straight face but couldn't help but laugh when he said, “Glenna, what are you doing here?” He uncharacteristically grabbed another blood bag and covered his manhood. It split open and squirted out toward Glenna. She jumped back as it almost landed on her blue tee shirt. “I work here, Kane. Doing inventory. The question is what do the three of you think you’re doing? “Why, stealing blood. What does it look like?” He lost it and bent over double with laughter. The bag of blood he held over his crotch squirted toward Scrawny and me. We took turns trying to catch it, like puppies fighting over a teat. “I don't find this amusing, Kane. There are people in need of what you are stealing.” The white witch scowled at him and crossed her arms.

“Well, we are in need. Our master and his mate are injured. It’s a long story, but they need blood to heal. Just like the people you help.” He gave her his most seductive smile and raised his free hand in an upward, submissive motion. “Well, it doesn't look like anything more than an after-hours fiasco to me. Look at this mess.” Glenna motioned to the smeared floor and stopped and shook her head at Scrawny’s and my blood-stained coats. Her eyes went round as she looked at Kane. “And, you’re naked. For God’s sake cover yourself!” She picked up a lab coat on a shelf next to the door and threw it at him. Kane gave her his most seductive smile and donned the coat, tying it in the middle to cover his manly member, which had grown somewhat larger at the sight of her. To brighten her disposition, he changed the subject. “Listen, Glenna, we are all worried about Seth.” Glenna’s face immediately changed from anger to concern. “What do you mean?” “Seth’s new girlfriend. We think he needs protection from her. We suspect her motives aren't love for him. She’s pushing him for a commitment.” Glenna’s face turned beet red. “Yes. I… I too, am concerned. He is so vulnerable after losing Emma. I haven't met her. Just know from what he’s told me.” “Listen, if you rat us out tonight, we won't be in a position to help him. We really need to get blood to my sire and his mate. And, we might be able to use your help with Seth’s situation. Will you help us? He took a step forward, and Scrawny and I gave her our most adorable puppy faces. If she doesn't agree, boys, I’ll compel her. But, we can’t compel witches. I shot back at him. I can. It’s one of my gifts. So can Brogio. He’s the father. He can compel anyone or anything. What about the vampire hunter? He chose not to compel Thomas. Glenna smiled. “Of course, I will do anything to help Seth. Quickly. Take this sack and load up on what you need.” She reached for a large canvas bag. “Several more people are coming to help with early morning inventory. I’ll have to clean up this mess and doctor the inventory before they arrive.” She handed Kane the large canvas sack and started to help him load it. Selfishly, Scrawny and I put in a few requests. Could you squeeze in an extra dozen for the pack and us? I really like the taste of O Neg. How about a couple bags of B Pos?

Kane looked at us with raised eyebrows and shot back give me a break. Scrawny and I each picked up blood bags of choice and slipped them into the bag. “Take these now and go out the back.” Glenna motioned for us to hurry as she scribbled down what we had taken on a clipboard. “Uh, there’s one more thing. We broke a window getting in the building.” Kane stared at her sheepishly. “Wow, could you have made this anymore difficult?” Glenna threw up her hands. “Never mind. I’ll figure out something. “Maybe rather than fixing the inventory, I will report I scared off a couple of burglars absconding with the missing blood. It’s happened before here. We’ve never caught the culprits.” She eyed us suspiciously. “This time, it will have been that they were escaping, and I didn’t get a look at their faces.” “Thanks, Glenna. You’re a gem.” Kane wrapped his arms around her and kissed her full on the lips. The witch stiffened in his arms, and he released her after smearing blood all over her shirt. He took a step back and shook his head. “You’ve got it bad for Seth. It’s a shame. We could have fun.” Glenna flushed red and turned. “Bring the blood and show me the broken window.” Scrawny and I jumped ahead of her, eager to get back to our loved ones and embarrassed by our selfish behavior. But, when you give a demon a smorgasbord of what he desires most, what could you expect? As we raced through the trees and shrubs, kicked up fresh fallen snow that had piled up around the lake, and scattered terrified rabbits and squirrels, I prayed that we would not be too late to help our injured kindred. The blood that I had ingested relieved the burning in my throat. I knew that the silver poison that seeped through Brogio, Selene, and my progeny could very well be fatal to them. Thank you for reading a sample of Snow Blood: Season 4. If you would like to download the book, please see more information here.