It was tempting to drown my sorrows, but that would have taken a whole hell of a lot of liquor. Vampires can consume alcohol - and just about every other human comestible, as far as I know, contrary to popular belief - but it has a very minimal effect on us. I'd have to drink the whole top shelf to get wasted.

My cell phone rang. Recognizing the ring tone, I picked it up to assure Ariana that I'd made it here okay and everything was fine. I may have been a bit harsh when I ...