Before I could even think the thoughts, and before Alexis answered, Simione entered the room carrying the unconscious man in his arms.

"Is he okay?" Sam asked. She was the only human who dared to speak, and this was one of the reasons I had chosen her. She had not been abused by a cruel Master and then allowed to bloom again. She would have no memory of the pain that a strong vampire could inflict. Unfortunately I did, and I worried for my family.

Alexis responded to ...