3

President Swan swore that she would bring justice to everyone in America, and she wasn't lying.

Sure, there are always doubters, and she's got them on both sides. Humans who still think vampires are nothing but literal leeches of the world, and vampires who see us as nothing more than a food source.

She worked side by side with her human counterparts until rules were set in place to benefit all.

Just ask the driver of the flashy red car that almost ran me off the road.

He's currently being pulled over by a state trooper with golden eyes and iridescent skin because he couldn't wait the seconds it would have taken for me to merge so he could get to the vamp lane—a lane dedicated for immortal drivers to drive as carelessly as they want.

The rules bend both ways, and he'll receive a hefty fine for his irresponsibility. His ticket will cost more than my entire house will eventually cost me because money works differently for each species.

Thank you, President Swan.

The trooper waves as I pass by, and I flip the driver off again just because I can and continue my trek home with a big smile on my face despite the day I had at the office.

I wish I could say the smile remains, but as soon as I pull into the driveway and see shadows rushing around the second-story window, it falls and I'm back to being pissy. Livid even.

No one is supposed to be home.

I know for a fact that Angela is at the tutoring center where she volunteers after school because she sent me a picture of the great parking spot she snagged. Not that I'd be worried because Ang is my easy child.

No, I know for a fact that it's Alice even though she told me she had rehearsals for the school play she's starring in. She told me that rehearsals were being held every night for the rest of the week.

With my jaw clenched, I gather my briefcase and coffee cup from this morning before entering the house. Imagine my surprise when I find a red-faced teenager and stoic straight vampire sitting on opposite ends of the couch. The innocent act is just that—an act.

"Dad!" Alice squeaks. "I for sure thought you'd get stuck in traffic."

"Obviously not."

A wave of unwelcome calm washes over me, and it's hard to fight it.