I was in America for a year and during that time I acquired a great deal of money from several rich victims. It was easy remaining undetected. I took a risk and gambled in saloons. Fortunately for me, it paid off. When I lost a bet, the human who won mysteriously lost their life. It was as simple as that. In my downtime, I also took the time to study the vampire hierarchy and laws. I also enjoyed reading mystery novels, Sherlock Holmes is my favorite.

The fact was I knew that I would need money and resources and connections if I was to make it in the new country. I also knew I would always have to watch my back as long as Angelica was alive. She would never let me be.

I sought out a man by the name of Russell Edgington. He was the newly appointed King of Mississippi. I met him briefly at one of Angelica's parties and I remember him saying he was looking for vampires who actually utilized whatever special abilities they possessed.

I felt if I could convince him that I would use my gift of perception to help him acquire whatever it has he desired he would in turn provide me with the protection I needed from the Authority. I knew this was a long shot, but if this worked I would be in debited to him for God knows how long, but it would be worth it to be free of her and to no longer be a fugitive. Besides I am sure Russell is just like the rest of us vampires. All vampires are fueled by the need for wealth, power, and sex.

I corresponded with Russell via letters for several years until he finally invited me to his mansion for a meeting. I brought him a gift, a book. To my delight, Russell enjoyed reading as much as I did and we eventually became good acquaintances. Eventually, he hired me and sent me on several test assignments which I successfully completed.

Needless to say, I took well to the job of an investigator, Russell said so himself. Finally, I became like my favorite character, Sherlock Holmes, in regard to my when it comes to my ability to recall precise details, faces, and conversations. I had honed in on my perception and evaluation of any situation. I finally confessed to him my reasons for seeking him out and this seemed to break down the final barrier between us. He gladly offered me protection from Angelica and the Authority and in return, I promised him my loyalty and servitude.

Sent to Georgia in 1850, I had gathered all information that was requested by the King on the werewolves resided there. I had arrived days before my contact expected. I often did that to catch the person I was observing off guard. The technique worked because the werewolf named Jacob was completely surprised I found out how large and well connected his pack truly was. This was the information Russell was looking for. Russell had a feeling that Jacob was not being totally truthful with him.

I would return to Jackson to report my findings after two more nights of observation and interviews. On this particular night, I wanted to have some fun. It was a full moon so most of the wolves had to stop acting human and were on the prowl. I found myself at a birthday party for a wealthy plantation owner. Jacob told me there would be plenty of appetizing people to choose from.

When I arrived, it was as I expected; women with so much perfume on it masked their natural scent. The men, always fat, overeating, and becoming so intoxicated, they are unable to perform in bed. I scanned the place, listening to a few conversations using my keen supernatural hearing.

I smiled and nodded when appropriate. I pretended to give a damn. That was not something I was good at. I scoffed on the inside. Humans were the best at pretending to be civilized when in reality they are actually worse than animals. At least animals kill out of necessity.

I listened to a man and his mistress plan to frame a slave for the theft of expensive watches and other jewels they had stolen from several of their own friends and family. The couple was worried because they had become likely suspects. The male said he gave a pearl earring to a ten-year-old boy and will make sure that his suspicious uncle finds it tomorrow; they knew it was possible that slaves would be beaten or even hung, but they did not care. I was almost in the room where the two were scheming. I wanted to rip both their hearts out and eat it. So I did just that.

After I had taken care of them, I got cleaned up and went back to the main hall.

I was approached by an odd-looking plump young woman; she asked me if I was thirsty.

Certainly not for you lard ass…

I thought to myself.

"No thank you, my lady," I answered politely; I am quite satisfied at the moment. I tried to pass her, the perfume she wore smelled awful.

After a moment, I thought of taking her up on her offer and bringing her to the Kings' lover, Talbot. She was certainly his type. But this one seemed more trouble than she's worth.

"Oh well, I insist." She giggled and called out to a servant to bring me some wine. I was truly annoyed by her and if there were not so many people in the hall I would have drained her where she stood.

"My name is Rebecca Rodgers, my father owns this plantation." She said batting her eyelashes at me. Her face reminded me of swine, fat, and pink.

"What is your name and how can I keep you here?" She carried on.

"Franklin Mott," I clipped, stifling the urge to speed away before she could blink an eye.

I was interrupted again, this time by the voice of an angel, it was ever-so calm and soft-spoken. I inhaled, not for air, but for scent. I could smell the scent of honey, mild, sweet, and natural. I turned my head.

"Her ya wine sir." The soft angelic voice called me like a sweet siren song.

She was beautiful. Without even a touch of rouge, her face bares natural alluring and sensual features. Our eyes met and I could have sworn she was glamoring me. When I looked at her, I sensed something different about her; it was dangerous, mysterious and it called out to me. I wanted her, needed her.

I realized after several moments that I was just staring at her so I quickly took the glass of wine, shyly smiling at her. I could tell I was confusing her. She wasn't used to a white man showing her interest, at least not in public. I wanted to tell her to put that tray down and take a walk with me. I knew I would get her in trouble with her owners if I did so. So I had to think of something else.

I had completely forgotten Rebecca, who stood there, appalled as she witnessing me falling in love with her slave. This made for a problematic situation.

"It took you long enough, god you darkies are so slow and stupid" the dumpy girl barked at her pretty servant. I couldn't believe how uncouth she was; proof that money cannot buy class.

"Sorry Miss Rebecca, Massa Steven wanted more beer." The pretty girl looked down at her bare feet in shame. I felt for her, she had nothing to be ashamed of. Rebecca looked like she wanted to beat her like a dog as she pointed her fingers at her head, yelping out her racist rhetoric at her servant. It was Rebecca who should have been ashamed.

"Did I ask what father wanted?" Fatty snapped.

"No Miss Rebecca." The pretty servant replied sorrowfully.

"You need to learn your place girl! Now get your ugly face outta here."

I watched a lovely woman walk away and continue her duties. My eyes were glued to her as I watched her serve drinks to the beast who called themselves people.

The servant felt my eyes on her as she slowly looked up at me, sending waves of excitement coursing through my cold body. She could see my curiosity and concern. She seemed just as curious about me too.

There was something unique about her. I felt it, I knew it. She wasn't like any woman I've ever met. Certainly not like these southern belles who constantly threw themselves at me or any other human. Most of them wouldn't know true passion if I strangled them with it.

The woman was flawless, such a lovely heart-shaped face, and her lips looked so soft and inviting. Her jet black curly hair parted in the middle and braided into two large braids that fell on her shoulder, each braid tied with a tiny white ribbon. Her ebony skin and eyes were in perfect contrast with the white peasant dress she wore. I struggled not to look down at her pretty bare feet I was already becoming aroused. She kept glancing over at me at every chance, when she did time stood still, her eyes penetrated me, I was taken.

Rebecca scowled; she was envious at the attention that I gave to her servant. As the pretty servant made her way back to us, Rebecca grabbed her by the arm causing her to drop the glasses of wine off the tray.

"Clean it up you stupid clumsy nigger."

I was done with being polite to the boorish wench before me. I craved to snap Rebecca's neck for talking to her servant that way. Instead, I decide to let this cow live in her misery. I smile charmingly "Is there someplace we can go to get better acquainted, Rebecca?"

I pull her off to a quiet room, once the door is shut; she wraps her heavy arms around me.

"Look, Franklin, I can tell you have a yen for darkies, but I can cure you of that."

I heard enough, I glamor her, I command her to disrobe that smelly gown, place her large bloomers on her head and I sent her into the billiard room butt naked, full of drunken men. She humiliated her father and brothers.

The drunken men looked upon at her fat body, some laugh, while others stare in shock. My pretty woman stops cleaning and runs to the miserable sow's aid, covering her with a table cloth, proof that, the woman I was falling for truly was an angel.

"Thank you April," Steven, says as he examines his glamoured daughter, concluding that she is intoxicated. "Take her to her room."

"Yes, Massa Steven."

April - he said, her name is April. April, lovely, blossoming like a spring morning.

I wanted to know her. April needed me to help her discover how wonderful she truly is. She needed to be protected.

She needed to be mine.

I feared the delusional tart Rebecca would make April suffer for getting my attention. I had to do something.

I needed to get April alone with me and there is no way Rebecca or her father will allow me to do that. But no one stands in the way of what I want.