"Being the victim of a vampire doesn't mean you become one,” he commented softly.
"It does in the movies.” She rested back on her heels and rubbed her arms, wondering why the room had suddenly become so cold.
"In real life, one becomes a vampire by sharing the vampire's blood through a special ceremony.”
Michael shrugged. “And only with consent on both sides."
"Are you saying Monica wanted to become a vampire?"
"To some, the lure of eternal life is powerful."
"Not powerful enough, thank you very much.” Yet she remembered Jasper's mocking assessment of the rich, and wondered. “Besides, we can't be sure Monica went through this ceremony."
"No. But that cut on her wrist looks ominous."
She studied the half-healed wound. How could you tell an attempted suicide from an incision made during a special ceremony?
"You can't.” Michael's voice was grim. “And that is why we must make sure she is dead." She understood the intent behind his words well enough, even if he didn't come straight out and say it.
“Why?"
"If she shared blood, she merely rests, waiting while her body undergoes the transformation."
"And have the movies got the methods of killing a vampire wrong, as well?" He hesitated fractionally, then shook his head. “No. A stake through the heart will usually kill, as will the midday sun. Decapitation is the best method, though."
She raised an eyebrow. “And this is what you intend for Monica?" His gaze searched her face. She wondered why. If he read her mind so easily, surely he could taste her anger.
"It is for the best,” he said after a moment.