Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 64030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
I knew nothing about reincarnation other than I didn’t believe in it. If it were real, I doubted you woke up one day with the memories of another person’s life. In any case, I had to keep learning as much as possible about their world. Sitting here, knowing the last ten years of my life could’ve been completely different—way less dark and painful—really pissed me off. We’d been robbed of the truth and Daddy. I wanted to take back control.
“Who were the vampires at Stark’s house tonight?” I asked.
“I didn’t see them.”
“Stuffy. Rich-looking. They were at the restaurant.”
“Then they were the Party.”
I doubted he meant they were fun people. “Are they really ex-politicians?” That was what Stark said.
“Ex? I don’t think so. In their world, there are two hierarchies. The Party are the vampires with all the money. They’re really in charge. They own companies, own powerful people, and some even own entire countries. They control everything and everyone, but it’s all behind the scenes.”
“And the second hierarchy?”
“That’s the superficial structure used to placate the vampire masses—small bloodlines, covens, and co-ops who pool their resources. Everything is supposed to be run in a democratic manner, but really, the Party’s in control. They decide who gets what territories, how many resources, and what the tax rates are. Then there are the smart vampires, who’ve always known the truth. They want things to change.”
Sounded oddly familiar. “How do you know all this?”
“I used to consult on human political strategies for NEVC, the New England Vampire Co-op. A cousin of mine who was turned got me the job. Let’s just say in that part of the country, they’re not fans of the Party. Actually, no one is.”
“You voluntarily worked for vampires before you became Stark’s slave?” Charlie was nuttier than a squirrel turd.
“I’m not his slave. I’m his…prisoner. At least for another few months. Publicly, they don’t believe in letting people or vampires die if they’ve committed minor acts of disrespect. Their justice system demands penance in the form of work. Privately, it’s another matter.”
“Why are you tellin’ me all this?” I asked when what I wanted to ask was why I should believe him.
He pulled up to the gate at the Carlins’ property and turned around to face me. “Masie, I don’t get to meet many people with your level of influence.”
“Influence?”
“Stark doesn’t know that I worked for NEVC, and I’d appreciate it if you kept it to yourself. But if the vampire world believes you’re Anna, then you’d be untouchable. With that power, you can help a lot of people.”
“Help them do what?”
“Vampires are on the brink of civil war, Masie. The movement to live more freely grows every day, but the Party is doing everything it can to keep control behind the scenes, and Stark is their leader. He doesn’t want to share power or come out of the shadows. That was Anna’s vision, to live openly with humans. Some people say that’s why Stark killed her.”
Hello, major bombshell. “If everything you’re saying is true, then why’s Stark tryin’ so hard to prove I’m Anna? Wouldn’t he just want her to stay dead?” Because it sounded like she’d gotten in his way.
“Aside from the rumors that he sees you as his second chance at love? I’m not sure.”
“Guess.”
“Anna was like a god to them. There are books, scriptures, paintings, and songs. They even have holidays to honor her birth, her rebirth, and her death. If Stark can control you, then he could easily manipulate the masses.”
A political puppet to keep his power. “Thank you, Charlie.”
“Just remember me if you end up on the throne. I know a lot of influential vampires who’ll support you taking down the Party. Peacefully.”
Yep. He’s nuts. Hell no would I be getting involved in vampire politics.
I gave Charlie the code for the gate, and it slid open. We pulled forward.
Suddenly, I heard a loud crash, and glass flew everywhere.
A hand reached inside the broken window to my side and opened the door. In my periphery, I noticed Charlie was no longer behind the wheel, but the car was still moving.
“Charlie!” I yelled.
The hand grabbed me by the hair and yanked me out. I tumbled to the ground, rolling away from the car. Tiny sharp rocks dug into my arms and shoulders, but my leather pants kept my hips and knees protected.
My body came to a stop, and I tried to get up, but someone took hold of my neck and was pinning me down.
“You think you’re going to take my man and our power, little human?” the woman growled.
It was Fiona. I recognized her slithery, bitchy tone.
“You can have him,” I whimpered.
“And I will. After he gives up his little obsession.” She growled. “Why couldn’t that useless gas station redneck finish you off?”
Redneck? Gas station? She had to mean Ronnie. It was all Fiona’s doing. She must’ve gotten to Ronnie and given him her blood somehow. She’d told him to kill me.