Vanda set a glass of water and a napkin on the table. After all youve been through tonight, Id say to hell with the rules.

Marielle nodded as the chocolate melted in her mouth. So delicious. Im not good at following orders.

Brynley sighed. Im going through a rebellious period myself right now.

You dont want to get married? Marta brought two bottles of synthetic blood to the table and handed one to her sister. She and Vanda sat in the side chairs.

I could live for hundreds of years. Brynley slouched in her chair. Why would I want to chain myself to one person?

Your brother did. Marta sipped from her bottle.

Brynley shrugged. Phils in love. She gave Vanda an annoyed look, then grumbled, But he seems to be happy.

Vanda smiled. He is. She took a drink from her bottle.

Marielle continued to eat the cake while she watched the women.

You might change your mind about marriage when you meet the right man, Marta suggested.

Brynley scoffed. No such thing as the right man. Theyre all alike. Mortals or shifterstheyre all interested in the same thing. She drummed her fingers on the table. Not that I have anything against sex. I really like sex. A lot.

Marta winced and glanced at Marielle. I dont know if thats an appropriate topic.

Please dont feel that you have to censor yourself on my account. Marielle took another bite of cake.

Exactly. If were supposed to give her advice on being a woman, then she needs to know about men. Brynley jumped up and headed into the kitchen. Is there any more of that cake?

Vanda looked at Marielle curiously. What do you think? Are all men alike?

No. I believe each human is unique. A vision of Connor drifted across her mind.

Ill admit that they can look and act a little differently, Brynley called from the kitchen. But they still have only one thing on their mind.

Marta shook her head. Not all the time.

Brynley walked back to the table, a plate of cake in one hand and a fork in the other. You havent heard of the Three-Step Rule?

The what? Marta asked.

Brynley set her plate on the table and took a seat. This is how it works. At any given time, sex is only three steps away in a mans thoughts.

Vanda grinned. All the time? What if I ask Phil to take out the garbage?

Brynley counted the steps off on her fingers. One: sure,Ill take out the garbage for her. Two: what could she do for me? Three: blow job.

Vanda burst out laughing while Marta turned pink and gave Marielle an apologetic look. Its not funny, she hissed at her sister.

Vanda covered her mouth to hide her grin. Its just that two nights ago I asked Phil to take out the garbage and then afterward

Dont want to hear it. Brynley lifted her hands to stop Vanda.

Certainly not. Marta took a sip from her bottle.

Whats a blow job? Marielle asked.

Marta choked.

Vanda and Brynley laughed, then looked at each other.

Are you going to tell her? Brynley asked.

You tell her, Vanda muttered. You brought it up.

Brynley stabbed at her cake. Its oral sex, somebodys mouth on somebodys private parts. She stuffed a big bite into her mouth.

So its similar to kissing? Marielle asked.

Mmm. Brynley nodded with her mouth full. She pointed down with her fork. But farther down.

Marielle recalled the image of Connor flat on his back with his kilt thrown up to his chest. Her cheeks grew warm as the full meaning became clear.

No offense, Brynley, but Im not convinced about your Three-Step Rule, Marta announced. There are times,dangerous times, when men have to think about more important things than sex.

Marielle nodded. That made sense to her. Shed been in the company of men tonight, and they hadnt discussed sex.

I have to agree, Vanda said. Ive been around Vamps for years, and if the guys were always thinking about sex, then their eyes would be glowing all the time.

Vampire eyes glow? Brynley asked.

Marielle stiffened, and her heart began to race.

Yes, Vanda replied. You can always tell when a Vamps in the mood for sex. Our eyes glow red.

The fork tumbled from Marielles hand.

Are you all right? Marta asked.

Yes. She quickly picked up the fork. Its just that this is all new to me. Connor had wanted to have sex with her? Three times? Her cheeks blazed with heat.

No need to feel embarrassed, Marta assured her. Youll get used to being human.

II think Im full. She set the fork down.

Marta wrapped up the food and stashed it in the fridge while Vanda bustled Marielle into the bathroom and showed her all the products theyd brought. After Marielle was done, Vanda helped her into a blue silk nightgown.

Any questions? Vanda asked, sitting on the bed next to Marielle.

I dont think so. She combed her damp hair, enjoying the flowery scent of the shampoo shed used. The silk material felt good against her skin. I must seem like a helpless child.

Vanda smiled. You dont look like a child. Youre really beautiful, you know. Im sure the men noticed.

Her cheeks warmed, thinking about Connor. When was she going to see him again?

Vanda patted her on the shoulder, then stood. Its almost sunrise. My sister and I need to go. But well come back tomorrow night, if you like.

That would be lovely. Thank you. Marielle followed Vanda back into the main room to say good-bye to Marta.

The two Vamp women disappeared.

Brynley lifted a shotgun off the gun rack on the wall. Ill just get this ready in case we need it.

Marielle nodded, though she wasnt sure how well the human weapon would work on a demon.

A form materialized in the kitchen, and Marielles heart lurched when she realized it was Connor.

She grinned. Youre back!

His eyes widened as he looked her over. She noticed hed changed into a clean kilt and shirt. His hair was damp and tied back neatly. In his arms, he carried three sheathed swords.

Hello! Brynley called from the kitchen table where she was loading the shotgun. You must be Connor.

Aye. Ye must be Brynley, Phils sister. He inclined his head. Thank you for coming.

Not a problem, Brynley said. You came well armed.

Aye. He set two of the swords on the kitchen counter, but kept one. Feel free to use these, if ye need to. He gave Marielle a worried look. The sun is about to rise. I doona have time to teach you tonight.

Ill be fine, she assured him. I still have some of my own skills.

Aye. Ye knocked me out twice with that blast of air.

She tried not to think about how shed discovered him flat on his back with his kilt up. Dont think about it.

He opened the door to a walk-in closet, then went inside and placed the third sword on the floor. He took a blanket off the shelf and spread it beside the sword.

She peered inside. What are you doing?

Ill be falling into my death-sleep soon.

I . . . dont like thinking about you being dead.

His mouth twisted. Usually, I welcome it.

How can you say that?

He shrugged. Ye canna feel anything when yere dead. He gave her a worried look. Tonight I hate it. I hate no being here for you, no knowing if yell be all right.

Ill be fine. She glanced at the floor. Wouldnt you be more comfortable in the bed?

The bedroom has windows. The sunlight would fry me. He tilted his head, studying her. You should use the bed. It has been a long night. Ye must be verra tired.

She nodded. She was beginning to feel weary. And sad.

Ye need to go now, lass, he whispered. Im about to keel over.

She stepped back, then froze when he touched her cheek.

Be safe.

She smiled slightly. You, too. She shut the door. Why did she feel like crying?

Instead of going into the bedroom, she went out the front door and stood on the porch. The sun broke the horizon in the east, shooting glorious rays through the trees and painting the sky with gold and pink.

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,  she whispered. Her vision blurred with tears, and she blinked them away. Shed always loved sunrises in the past.

But now, she could only think of Connor dying in the closet.

A few hours later, she could barely keep her eyes open. Brynley encouraged her to go to bed and get some sleep.

As she brought the sheet up to her chin, she thought of Connor in the closet. Still dead. Her eyes flickered shut.

A moment of panic flared when she felt a dragging sensation on her consciousness. She opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling. Shed never slept before. Shed always rested on the Seventh Day, but shed never slipped away into a real sleep. It was an odd sensation, so peaceful and comforting, yet terrifying as all her control withered away.

Her eyes burned as she tried to keep them open, but in the end, weariness overcame her, and she drifted into sleep.

She awoke with a jerk, then smiled slowly as she realized how refreshed she felt. After using the bathroom, she washed her face and brushed her teeth, grateful that Vanda had shown her how. Then she dressed and went into the main room.

Glorious scents filled the kitchen, and her stomach rumbled.

There you are. Brynley backed away to keep a safe distance. She motioned to the counter. I made some bacon and eggs. And theres toast and jelly.

Thank you. She prepared herself a plate. Did anything happen while I was asleep?

Nope. Brynley settled on the couch with a paperback book. Its been real quiet. The suns already going down.

Marielle smiled at the thought of seeing Connor soon and starting her new mission to help the Vamps. After eating, she went out onto the front porch to watch the sun descending in the west.

A new adventure awaited her. She would help the Vamps destroy the Malcontents. The world would be a safer place. The Archangels would be so pleased, they would vote her back into the Heavenly Host.

She strode back into the cabin and headed for the closet.

Are you sure thats a good idea? Brynley asked from the couch.

Ill be fine. She let herself into the closet, turned on the light, then closed the door.

Connor was stretched out on his back with his hands resting on his flat stomach. She knelt beside him, admiring his handsome face. Even though his hair was a bright golden red, his eyebrows were a reddish brown. His eyelashes looked thick and dark against his pale skin. He must have shaved, for the stubble along his chin was gone.

He wore a dark green shirt that hugged broad shoulders and went well with his red and green plaid kilt. Even his knee socks were green. She smiled at the dagger hidden beneath his right knee sock. Hed tried to take on a demon with that weapon.

His chest suddenly expanded as if a burst of energy had struck his heart. His hands jerked, and his eyes opened.

Good morning. She grinned. Or rather, evening. Its confusingagh! She gasped when he seized her by the arms and shoved her onto the floor.

Connor, what are you She gasped again when he leaned over her, his eyes glowing red. Good heavens! Hed been awake for only two seconds. Was he already thinking about sex?

His hand slid up to her neck. Lass, ye should never wake a sleeping vampire.

You woke yourself. She shoved at his chest. And I dont care about the Three-Step Rule. Im not giving you a blow job.

Chapter Eleven

Connor reeled back. What the Had he actually heard those words come from the mouth of his innocent angel?

He stared at Marielle, so stunned that he forgot for a moment how hungry he was. Or how much the sight of her had instantly incited a hunger for her body as well as her sweet-smelling blood. Ye dinna What did ye?

Theres no need to act so surprised. Vanda told me what the glowing red eyes mean. Marielle scrambled to her feet and gave him an indignant look. Youre thinking about sex. Again!

Bloody hell. He jumped to his feet. And what were ye thinking? Ye never close yerself up with a waking vampire! I could have bitten you!

She crossed her arms. I dont think it was food that was on your mind. I know about the Three-Step Rule now.

The what? His stomach twinged as a hunger pain jabbed at him, demanding blood. Never mind. I have to eat. He threw the door open and rushed straight to the fridge.

He shot her an annoyed look as she exited the closet. Doona ever do that again. He grabbed a bottle of blood, wrenched the top off, and stuffed the bottle into the microwave. His gums ached with the strain of keeping his fangs from springing out.

Why are you fussing at me? she asked. You were the one with the glowing eyes who shoved me onto the floor.

He heard a gasp from the couch. Bugger. Now Phils sister knew what was happening. He seized the bottle from the microwave and guzzled down some blood.

Relief poured through him. The pain in his gums melted away, and his vision returned to normal.

Marielle stepped closer, peering at him. Your eyes stopped glowing.

He groaned inwardly. Lass, a Vamps hunger is verra powerful when he first awakens. It has a way of triggering lust. And thanks to Vandas interference, Marielle now knew that hed lusted for her last night. There was no point in denying it. I find you verra tempting and . . . beautiful.

When she smiled, he gritted his teeth.  Twas no meant as a compliment, lass. Im giving you a serious warning. Ye must stay away from me until Ive had my first bottle of blood. I could be dangerous.

Her smile lingered. Ive never thought of you as dangerous.

Vampire. He gave her a wry look and drank some more.

She shrugged. I dont believe you would harm me. Even in the closet, with all your hunger and lust, you didnt bite me or demand sex.

He choked on the last swallow of blood. He glanced toward the couch where he could hear some smothered giggles. Bugger. Had he made a big mistake asking Vanda to bring along a few women so they could give Marielle some female guidance?

He set the bottle in the sink. What did ye talk about with the ladies?

Lots of things, she replied. The Three-Step Rule, oral sex

Holy Christ Almighty. He pressed a hand to his brow. They were supposed to teach you how to shampoo yer hair, no give you instructions on oral sex! His heart lurched at the thought. Did they?

Did they what? she asked.

Laughter erupted from the couch, and he shot an angry look at Brynley. He turned to Marielle, and as usual, her beauty took his breath away. He lowered his voice, hoping the female shifter couldnt hear. Did they give you . . . instructions?