Sorry sorry sorry! I know, I was lazy. No excuse. Then, when I did decide to, guess what? Midterms. Now I'm behind, and I'm really sorry. Happy belated Halloween!

Chapter 11

I clung to Larten's every word as he explained vampires to me. He held nothing back. He told me the cold facts of vampires and vampaneze. He told me of his life as a General, and also as a human. He even told me he was almost a Prince!

"But I turned them down." He said.

"Why?" I asked. "You would have been great at it!"

"No, I would not have. Maria, there is a part of me, an evil part of me, just waiting to erupt. If I became a Prince, I would be consumed with the greed of holding the power."

"And how would you know?"

"Because Seba is the same way, and we have similar blood. We both have a part in us we do not like. A part that has come out before in me." He did not say any more.

We finally arrived back at my house. It was quiet. My parents and Andy were probably asleep. I sat on my bed and sighed. Larten sat next to me.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked.

"I don't know. I guess I'm trying to take all this information in. I must admit, though, I kind of like the idea of vampirism."

"You do?" He asked, astounded.

"Well, yeah. No worries about mortgages, taxes, or any other human crap I have to worry about every hour." I said. "A life of freedom and choice, of adventure."

He rubbed his scar. "Perhaps…Perhaps you can have that life."

"What?" I asked, but I knew what he meant.

"If you really wish to become a vampire, I can turn you. We can travel the world together. Hell, if you want, I could quit the Generals! I never really liked them anyway." He said, taking my hands into his.

"I don't know…" I began.

"It would be safer for you. I can protect you better from Glalda if we are traveling. If we stay to one area, you are putting yourself, me, and your family and friends in danger, too. I can never force your decision, Maria. But know that I love you, and I want to be with you." And when I saw the sincerity in his eyes, I knew he meant his offer, all the way through. And another thing I was sure of, I loved him, too.

"And my family? They can't fend for themselves. They need the income I can give them."

Larten nodded thoughtfully. "I think I have an idea. I can give them some money as a little head start." He winked, and I smiled.

I smiled. "Larten, I love you, too. You have brought life and adventure to my life. Yes, I'll come with you."

Larten's grin couldn't have gotten any wider as he pulled me to him and kissed me deeply on the lips. I kissed back, wrapping my arms around him, my heart soaring with excitement.

When we pulled back, he grinned. "Tomorrow night, I will help you fake your death. Tomorrow I suggest you say your goodbyes."

I nodded. I knew I'd have to leave Trisha and my family, no matter how hard it was.

Larten stood up and climbed out the window, and disappeared into the night. I went to bed; ready for anything that tomorrow would throw at me.

If only I could prepare myself for it when it came…

Chapter 11, getting ready for chapter 12, when I can type it. Originally, I was gonna have her live in a house and have it foreclosed in this chapter, but I decided against it. Maybe in another story…Enjoy and review!