was the source of vitality, and so they smeared their bodies with blood, and sometimes they drank it."
He paused, imagining the warm, coppery taste on his tongue. "Vampirism has been documented in Babylon, Rome, Greece, Egypt, China, Hungary. In ancient Greece, the people believed in the lamia, who were reported to be demon-women who lured young men to their deaths in order to drink their blood."
Kara shivered. She had never believed in such nonsense, but Alexander spoke with conviction, as though he actually believed such creatures existed. But he would have to believe at least a little, she thought, in order to write such convincing books.
She glanced at the novel he had given her the night before.
Alexander followed her gaze. "Dare I ask if you've read any of it?"
"I've read half of it," Kara replied. She had spent the better part of the day reading. Once she'd started, she had been unable to put it down. It was a dark book, and yet she had been touched by the vampire's love for a mortal woman.
"And?"
"I can see why it made the best-seller lists. I didn't think I'd like it. Not after the other one. But this . . ." She frowned. "The vampire seems so real, so tragic. I can't help feeling sorry for him."
Alexander nodded, pleased that she had seen the humanity in his hero.
"It's quite different from what you usually write, isn't it?"
"Quite."
"Does it have a happy ending?"
"Do you really want me to tell you?"
Kara shook her head. "No, although I must confess, I was tempted to read the end to see how you resolved the conflict."
"How do you think it should end?"
"Happily. There's enough misery in the world."
Alexander nodded. More than you can imagine. For a moment, his thoughts turned inward, and then he stood up as he sensed Kara's sister and grandmother approaching.
He turned toward the door as Gail and her grandmother walked into the room. Both came to an abrupt halt when they saw him.
Alexander grinned wryly as Gail stared at him. He didn't need to be clairvoyant to read her thoughts. She was wondering what he was doing there, wondering what her grandmother would say if she found out Gail had gone to see him alone, late at night.
Alexander winked at the girl, hoping to put her at ease, and then realized Kara was making introductions. He shook her grandmother's hand and smiled at Gail, who looked relieved when neither her sister nor Alexander divulged her secret.
He stayed a few more minutes, aware of the older woman's curiosity. Kara's grandmother, Lena, was too polite to stare or ask impertinent questions, but he felt her furtive glances, knew she was wondering where her granddaughter had met him, and why he was visiting her.
As quickly as possible, Alexander bade Kara good night and took his leave.
He was not often trapped in such a small space with mortals. That close, he had been all too aware of them, acutely conscious of the differences between himself and humanity, of their weaknesses and frailties.
Outside, he drew in a deep breath, his nostrils filling with the myriad scents of the night.
He thought of Kara, and cursed the dark loneliness that inhabited his soul.
As soon as he was gone, Nana fixed her attention on Kara. "Who was that man?"
"You mean Mr. Claybourne?"
"Of course I mean Mr. Claybourne," Nana retorted. "What does he do? Where did you meet him? How long have you known him?"
"Really, Nana, you sound just like Sergeant Joe Friday," Kara exclaimed, grinning. "Just the facts, ma'am," she said in a fair imitation of Jack Webb.
"Don't be impudent, Kara Elizabeth Crawford."
Kara sighed. When Nana used that tone, Kara felt like a child again instead of a grown woman.
"I just met him a couple of days ago. He donated some blood, and he came by to see how I was doing." She waved a hand toward the book on her bedside table. "He's an author."
Gail picked up the book and read the title. "A. Lucard! He's A. Lucard?"
Karanodded.
Gail shook her head. "I don't believe it."
"Well, it's true."
"Are his books as scary as everyone says? Can I read this when you're done?"
"Yes, his books are scary, and no, you can't read it."
"Why not?"
"Because you're too young."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Girls, that will do. Gail, why don't you go get mea cup of coffee?"
Gail lifted her eyebrows. "Do you really want a cup of coffee, or are you just trying to get rid of me?"