"Ian, we have to tell them the truth," Toni said. He frowned. "Are ye sure they can handle it?" "Sabrina deserves to know that she was right all along." Carlos looked at Sabrina. "Menina, you
were never delusional." Bri shook her head. "No, I was wrong. Vampires aren't real." Ian glanced at Carlos. "Ye know the truth then?" He gave Toni a disappointed look. "Ye were no'
supposed to tell anyone."
"Carlos needed to know what was going on," Toni said. "And besides, he knows how to keep a secret." Ian regarded Carlos curiously. "Aye, he certainly does." Carlos exchanged a quick look with Ian before turning back to Sabrina. "Menina, remember how
you were attacked by some vicious vampires?" She shook her head. "I was mistaken." "You asked me to go to Central Park and find them," Toni said. "Those same vampires jumped
me."
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Bri gasped. "No!"
"Yes. I was attacked. And I might have died if a guy with a sword didn't come along and save me." "Did he have superpowers?" Teddy asked. "Yes," Toni replied. "He stabbed one of the attackers, and he turned to dust. The other two
vanished. Then the guy with the sword teleported me to Romatech." "Is that another planet?" Teddy asked. Ian groaned. Toni smiled. "It's Romatech Industries. They manufacture synthetic blood. Connor, the guy who
saved me, told me he was a good vampire." "Whoa," Teddy said. "A good vampire?" Bri shook her head. "There's no such thing." "Yes, there is," Toni insisted. "Just like mortals can be good or bad, vampires can be good or
bad." She motioned to Ian. "He's a good vampire." Bri backed away, a look of horror on her face. "He's one of them? He bites people?" "Nay." Ian frowned at her. "I drink bottled blood from Romatech." "And you have superpowers," Teddy added. "That is so cool. I guess you're fighting the bad
vampires?" "We call them Malcontents," Ian explained. "They call themselves the True Ones." "Toni." Bri sidled up close to her and whispered, "Why are you hanging out with...him?" "Ian's one of the good guys," Toni whispered back. "I've been working for them since I was
attacked." "Why? Are they controlling you?" "No. I wanted to find a way to prove you were right. You were never delusional, Bri. Your uncle's
been holding you prisoner and keeping you drugged so he can control your money." "But he--he's my uncle..." It was sad to watch. Toni could see Bri figuring it all out step by step as the emotions flitted across
her face. Disbelief, then shock, then horror, then anger. Her face flushed. "I was never sick." "No, sweetie." Toni gave her shoulders a squeeze. She gave Ian a wary look. "And vampires are real." She closed her eyes and shuddered. "Let's go inside," Ian suggested. "Hugo, these people are with me." Hugo grunted and opened the door.
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Ian strode inside with Carlos and Teddy. Bri hung back, clinging to Toni.
"It's okay," Toni insisted. "This is a nightclub for Vamps." When Bri's face paled, she continued, "They all drink from bottles. It's perfectly safe." Bri let Toni pull her inside. Bright flashing lights and loud music greeted them. Bri stayed close to
Toni, and her gaze flitted nervously about. Toni noted the usual bunch of scantily clad girls bouncing to the music, close to the stage. "Those girls are hot," Teddy said. "Are they all--?"
"Undead, yes." Carlos looked curiously about. The girls squealed when a dancer strutted onto the stage, dressed like a pirate. He tossed his tricorne hat into the crowd, and the ladies scrambled to claim it as a souvenir. More clothes flew through the air till the dancer was down to his bikini underwear. He turned his back to the crowd to show off the skull and crossbones printed on the back of his underwear. He rotated his hips suggestively.
"Oh my," Sabrina whispered. "He's very talented," Toni agreed. "Ladies, are ye coming?" Ian stood by Vanda's office, watching them with a wry look on his face.
Carlos and Teddy were waiting with him. "We're coming." Toni tugged on Bri's arm. She glanced back at the dancer. "I'm starting to feel much better now." Toni laughed. "It's good to have you back." She joined Ian at Vanda's office, and he arched an
eyebrow at her. Her face grew warm. "I was just looking." His mouth twitched, and he knocked on Vanda's office door. She greeted them. "Come on in. I've got everything ready." As Toni entered, she smiled. "Thank you for your help." "No