But Jason? He wasn’t playing any games. There was no hidden disrespect, no fake flattery behind closed doors. When he recognized me, he did it wholeheartedly. Even if he teased me in private and let me know exactly when I got under his skin, there was an honesty about it, and a respect that felt genuine.

We started toward the mansion, and as we did, I noticed a vampire heading toward us with purpose. He was young, by vampire standards, looking as if he’d been turned in his late twenties. ...