Author's note: Okay, I wasn't clear in the last chapter. Where it says "Mark woke suddenly, stifling a cry," is directly linked to the first chapter, where Alaura is on trial with her vampire clan. If that's still not clear, the first chapter-while it did actually happen in Alaura's life-is Mark's dream. It shows a direct link between the two of them, which sets the scene for the entire story.
Roger pulled Mark away from the party. "Can't believe you invited someone you just met to Maureen's birthday."
Mark shrugged. "Maureen doesn't even care."
"Because she's too drunk to notice! How do you guys know she's not, I don't know, a serial killer or something?"
"I trust her, okay? I don't know why, I just do. Roger, I haven't even dated anyone since Maureen. Give her a chance. I really like her. Please, Rog?"
Roger looked away. "Fine. But I still think she might be hiding something from us."
Out in the main room, Maureen-happily buzzing, as usual-had started an impromptu dance contest. She and Joanne were bumping hips on the table, and Angel was keeping a beat on the table. Alaura stood off to the side, her pale hair glinting in the moonlight. Her eyes were closed, and her hand was to her heart. Mark rushed to her side, instantly feeling protective of her. "Are you alright? You seem tense."
Alaura smiled. "I'm perfectly fine, Mark. I just feel out of place. I should go. Roger doesn't like me, anyway."
"Oh, no!" Mark took her hand. "He has trouble trusting anyone. He's had a rough life. He just lost his girlfriend a few weeks ago. He's not over her yet. He'll come around."
Alaura nodded, smiling. "If you're sure…okay, I'll stay."
Outside, someone watched the happy couple warily. The girl's red eyes glowed, and she traced the nearly full moon with her finger. She smiled. "You ruined my life, Alaura. You turned me into a creature shunned by all. But you will pay. Any humans who help you will pay. You have no Clan to hide behind anymore. You may have ruined my life, little sister, but soon, I will take yours."