Suddenly Darren spun and roared at his sister Annie. She screamed in response. Steve jumped a mile. Darren laughed.

Kuri struggled to regain her breath. Why was it so hard? She coughed. Something was wrong, but she kept it to herself.

"How'd you know?" Annie asked.

"Saw your shadow on the floor." Darren grinned. "Gotta try harder, knucklehead."

Steve snapped his book shut, shoving it in his backpack, eyeing Kuri. "I'm gonna get a soda."

Clueless, Darren waved at him. "Get me one, too."

Kuri, still coughing, said nothing.

Eyeing her warily, Steve got up, stomping out of the room.

In the kitching, Steve opened the refrigerator, looking to see what's in there. At the same time Darren's mother arrived home. Coming in through the kitchen door, she sees saw refrigerator door open, two sneakered feet behind it.

"I know you want to fight global warming, Darren, but that's not the way to do it." Mom said.

Steve leaned back to show his face. "Sorry, Mrs. Shan."

"Oh hi, Steve." Mom smiled sheepishly. "I thought you were, Darren."

"I wish I was." Steve mumbled. "You guys got everything in here." He already had a mineral water in his hand, worrying about Kuri.

"Help yourself." Mom smiled. She set her purse down on the counter. "How's your mother?"

"She's okay... She's been working a lot lately." Steve said, taking two sodas.

A little frown of concern crossed Darren's mom. Something about Steve... His mom... He brought out the drinks.

"Glasses are up there." Mom pointed.

"I know." Steve said.

Darren's mom exited as Steve pulled down three glasses, started to pour drinks. He looked over at the purse. A quick look around, it didn't take him long to decide. Steve stepped over, opens the purse.

A quick rifling found a wallet: $200 in $20's. He peeled off three bills, shoved them in his pocket. BLLEEEP!

A cell phone started going off in the purse. Fumbling, frantic, Steve stuffed the rest of the money back in the wallet, the wallet back in the purse, closed the purse -Darren's Mom was back in. She's hurrying to get to her celiphone, so...

"Hello?!"

It took her a second to realize something's up. Not listening to her call, she watched Steve grab the three glasses and hurry out, leaving the soda bottle on the counter and guilt in the air. As she looked over at her purse...

Steve came up off the stairs. He set two glasses down, then sat next to Kuri, still coughing. He grabbed her head, pouring the cold liquid down her throat.

He was right. She was hot. And the hottest point…was right in the center of her forehead.

So. The stories were correct.

The third, most secret, family of vampires, was real.

He traced his finger on the spot.

"Stay alive," He whispered softly to Kuri. "Don't leave m—us."

Remembering his transgression, Steve stood. "I gotta go. See ya tonight."

"Huh? Tonight where?" Darren stared at him.

Steve zipped the bag, slinging it over his shoulder. "Cirque du Freak."

Kuri stood shakily. "I gotta go too. Meet you guys tonight."

"I'll walk you home." Steve said firmly.

Kuri shook her head. "No."

Steve pressed her, but she wouldn't relent. Kuri wasn't going to let him see her like this. Steve glared at her. Damn her stupid pride, he wanted to protect her.

And see her transformation…

Kuri left before either of them could say goodbye, putting an end to that fantasy.