One moment the group is milling around the farmhouse, discussing directions and exchanging advice. The next moment, they’re a gray blur on the dark horizon. I turn to Gabriel, a fitting name for the vampire with his leathery wings spread wide, waiting to take me to my fate.

“Well, um, let's do this thing,” I stutter as I approach him, a deep blush climbing up my neck and into my cheeks.

He takes me into his extremely muscular embrace, one arm under my hips ...