as he tossed the stake after the crucifix.
Maurice couldn't speak. Cold sweat beaded his brow and trickled down his back as he stared at the monster lying on the bed.
Sara's voice, crying, pleading, filled the silence.
"What have you done to her?" Gabriel asked, his voice low and silky and dangerous.
Maurice opened his mouth, but no words came out, and he shook his head vigorously, his whole body trembling. He winced as Gabriel tightened his hold on his arm.
"Fool," Gabriel said. "Did you truly think a puny mortal like yourself could destroy me? I've survived for over three hundred and fifty years, little man."
"But..." The word squeaked past Maurice's lips.
"You thought to find me helpless," Gabriel mused. "You should not have put your faith in those silly stories about vampires. Only the very young ones are totally helpless during the hours of daylight." A wry grin twisted Gabriel's lips. "As you are helpless."
"Please..."
Gabriel arched one brow. "You don't wish to die?"
"No."
"Neither do I."
Maurice licked lips gone dry. Gabriel was toying with him as a cat might play with a mouse before the kill. He tried to look away from those horrible blood-red eyes, but he couldn't move.
Drawing Maurice closer, Gabriel reached up with his free hand and wrapped his fingers around Maurice's throat. He could feel the blood rushing through the man's veins, smell the overpowering scent of fear that rose from every pore. He had not fed in several days...
"Have you ever thought of being dinner?" he asked mildly.
Maurice shook his head, his stomach churning at the thought of Gabriel feeding on his blood.
Gabriel grunted softly. "Have you ever thought of being a vampire? I could arrange it, you know."
"No!"
"Careful, little man," Gabriel warned. "You're in no position to offend me."
Maurice glared at him, his eyes filled with fear and defiance. "Go ahead, kill me, you bastard, but do it and get it over with."
Gabriel regarded Delacroix for a long while, faintly amused by the man's unexpected show of courage.
"I'm not going to kill you," he said, loosening his hold on Maurice's throat.
Horror darkened Maurice's eyes. "You don't mean to turn me into what you are?" He shook his head. "I would rather be dead."
"Listen to me, Delacroix, listen very carefully. Sara's life is in danger." He saw the accusation in Maurice's eyes. "Not from me, but from another vampire. A very old, very vindictive vampire."
"I don't understand."
"There's no reason you should. Suffice it to say that I'm afraid of her..."
"Her?"
Gabriel nodded.
"And you're afraid of her?" Maurice asked incredulously, unable to believe that Gabriel was afraid of anything, living or dead.
"The female of the species is always more dangerous, more deadly. Nina is vexed with me, and she intends to get even with me by hurting Sara. I can't protect Sara from Nina during the day."
"What can I do against a vampire?"
"Nina is no threat during the day. But she's been known to hypnotize others to do her bidding. And that, my friend, is where you come in. I'm letting you live so you can protect Sara while I rest."
"I understand." Maurice swallowed hard. "And when the threat to Sara is past, what then? Will you kill me for what I tried to do today?"
"Only if you try it again."
"And what of Sara?"
"What about her?"
"You aren't... you wouldn't..."
"Make her what I am? No, I would never do that." With a sigh, Gabriel released his hold on Maurice's arm. "Get out. And take your cross with you. You might have need of it."
With a nod, Maurice scooped up the crucifix and fled the room. Closing the door behind him, he slid to the ground, the heavy silver cross clutched tightly in his hands. Never, he thought, never had he been so afraid. So close to death. Or worse.
Gradually, he became aware of Sara's cries. Pushing himself to his feet, he walked on unsteady legs to the bedroom and unlocked the door.
Sara studied Maurice's face, her heart heavy in her breast. "Did you?"
"No."
"Oh, thank God," Sara murmured.
She started to step past Maurice when he caught her arm. "I thought he was going to kill me."
Sara's eyes widened. "What happened?"
"He woke up when I put the stake to his heart." Maurice shivered with the memory. "I've never seen anything so awful as the look in his eyes."
Sara nodded. She, too, had seen that look. It had chilled her to the depths of her soul.
"He could have killed me," Maurice said, "but he let me live because of you."
Taking her hand, Maurice led her