Divided Hearts (Excerpt)

Excerpt

Dec 4

Chapter 1 Leisel

Reigning in her excitement, Leis paused outside her best friend’s bedroom holding the two brown envelopes behind her back. She raised her hand to knock but paused at the barely cracked door. She inched it open enough to see Baden sitting at his laptop, the screen black with green letters in neat lines scrolling up as he added text. She could just make out a female avatar in the upper right corner. She pressed the door a bit wider, trying to get a better look when the hinge gave a creak.

She froze as the text and the avatar vanished. Baden snapped the laptop shut and twisted toward her, the surprise on his face easing to annoyance as his brown eyes locked with hers.

“I was going to knock, but it was open,” Leis leaned on the door frame. “Can I come in?”

“Sure.” He exhaled through his nose and rolled his chair back from the desk. “I was finishing up homework.” He cocked his head at the hand she still held behind her back. “What is that?”

“The mail ran.” She held them out, one in each hand. "One for Baden Allen Dietrich, and one for Leisel Rene Gottschalk. Do you think they accepted us?”

"Of course they accepted us.” Baden snatched the envelopes and playfully pushed her toward the bed, away from the computer. As if she knew anything about them.

She pretended to slip and fell to her back on the mattress. “It seems like the answer came too fast to be an acceptance.”

He tore his open and pointed to a red stamp at the top of the page as he dropped onto the bed beside her. “See? Accepted.” His weight dipped the bed, making her shoulders tip toward him. “I knew we would both get in.”

“Of course you wouldn’t worry.” Leis poked him in the ribs. “Your four point oh gets you in anywhere." She snagged hers back and tore it open.

He laid back and scanned the letter. "Not always. Besides, your ACT was higher than mine."

"Whatever." She sat up to lean across him, and his amused brown eyes fixed on hers. "You know what this means, right?"

He tucked a strand of long red hair behind her ear. "What?"

His hand lingered against her cheek, and she wished it would spark something inside her. No matter how many times she stared at his boyishly handsome face in admiration, her body stubbornly refused to respond. The gold flecks in his brown eyes seemed to glitter as his fingers traced her cheek. The question in his eyes as he watched her was obvious, but nothing had changed. She wasn't affected by him at all. Her heart tightened, and she leaned closer to him.

"It means they have to let us go. Mom and Dad said if we both got accepted, they would let us go to any college we wanted for a year." She froze when Baden slipped his hand behind her neck.

"They did." He rose up to kiss her forehead. "It's my grandmother we have to worry about."

She inhaled deeply and felt his smile against her skin. "Maybe getting away will fix me."

"Leis.” He cupped her face. ”We've talked about this.” When he pulled back to look at her, his eyes were soft. “I'm in no hurry."

"I know,” she said. She tucked herself into the crook of his arm, his heart beating steadily against her side. “But I still hope getting away from here will trigger something."

He wrapped an arm around her waist and she sighed. Pressing her face into his soft cotton t-shirt, she drew another breath through her nose. Being born without the ability to smell complicated everything.

"With Andrew and Carol's ceremony tomorrow, I guess ours is on my mind." Her voice came out muffled against his shirt.

"Stop worrying about it. We have plenty of time.” Baden rolled them and braced his hands on either side of her ribs. Their legs tangled together but he arched back to keep space between their bodies. His hair fell in a soft curl across his eyes and Leis brushed it away. She bit her lip.

"I know. But what if—"

"Leisel Rene! Get off that bed this minute!" Leis's mother snapped from the doorway.

Baden’s face flamed red as he shoved himself backwards to stand at the foot of the bed.

"Leisel, you know better!" Her mother’s face was lined with disappointment.

"I'm sorry, Mom."

"I'm sorry, Stephanie."

He reached down to pull her up, and she tugged her shirt straight, mortified it looked far more intimate than it actually was.

"We were just excited to get our acceptance letters,” Leis said.

Her mom glowered from the doorway. "I'm sure you are, but you have rules for a reason. Nothing good comes from breaking the rules." She sighed. "The tailor is here for your final fittings before the ceremony tomorrow. He is finishing up with your father. Come to the study in five minutes. Leisel, you and I will talk about this later." She turned away muttering. "I swear I'm tired of you getting Baden in trouble. "

Leis waited until they couldn't hear her footsteps anymore. "I'm sorry, B. I'm always causing problems."

He sat at the desk and tossed the paper on top of the laptop. "None of this is your fault,” he said and glanced at her.

Leis dropped her gaze to the carpet and said nothing. But it was always her fault.

He rose and crossed the room. "It isn't. I love you." He ticked his head toward the door. "What they say doesn't matter."

She studied his face, as familiar to her as her own reflection. His gaze was distant, and her chest ached. She reached up to smooth the tension away from his taunt jaw, and he leaned into her palm, the light scruff of hair pricked her fingers.

No matter what Baden thought, he was pledged to bond with a female who couldn’t bond. Without her sense of smell she would never be able to respond to him the way he needed her to.

The Cotiere had pledged them at birth, before anyone knew about her disability. And now, there was no one else. She was the youngest of three females, and the Cotiere had been trying for a bonded pair between the Dietrichs and the Gottschalks for almost a hundred years. She and Baden were their last chance because her parents were both over two hundred years old, and no longer able to conceive. His parents could have had more children, but they died in an accident when he was three. No one talked about what happened after he came to live with her and her three brothers.

But he was her best friend. Over the last eighteen years he became her whole world. He defended her, protected her, and he always believed one day, they would be one.

If he could break the pledge, would he? The thought chilled her. A throat cleared, jerking her back before she could follow that thought any further.

"I thought I would warn you both that Mom's in a mood, but I think you just figured that out.” Her brother, Andrew, stood in the doorway, glancing between them.

Tomorrow they would be celebrating his bonding. Leis stepped away from Baden then headed for the door.

He caught her arm. “I’ll go down with you.”

“Dad wants to talk to you, B. He’s in his office," Andrew said.

"Great." Leis pulled away, but Baden didn't let go.

"Don't let her get to you, okay?" He kissed her cheek after she nodded. "Go get fitted." He squeezed her arm gently then followed Andrew toward her father's office.

The study was her favorite room in the house. The dark wood floors and floor to ceiling bookcases welcomed her, but her mother's scowling face stole all the warmth from the room.

"Don't keep Johnathan waiting." She waved toward a screen set up in the corner opposite the huge bay window overlooking their back yard. "Get changed, and we'll talk while he's working."

"Yes, ma'am." Leis nodded to the graying man seated in her favorite wingback chair. His face was unreadable, and she hurried to change into the pure white tunic and pants waiting for her.

She undressed quickly, then carefully put on the crisply starched outfit. Though the outer material was made of stiff, rough spun silk, the satin lining slid against her skin. The tunic fell a few inches past her hips and tucked in slightly at the waist. She grimaced at her reflection. The stark white contrasted sharply with her vibrant red hair and gave her pale skin a slight peach glow. The pants were long, and she gathered them up so she wouldn't trip.

Her mother tsked as Leis obediently stepped onto a stool in front of a trifold mirror.

"You creased the pants," she sighed.

Leis looked down. They had wrinkled where she gripped the pants to lift them.

Her mother huffed. "Your brother's ceremony is important. At least try to be respectful."

Tears burned the back of her eyes, but she knew better than to let her mother see them. I won’t cry in front of her. It’s just a pair of pants.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I'll be careful," she said.

The tailor and her mother poked and pulled at the garment until they were satisfied with the fit of the tunic, then the man knelt to pin up the hem of the pants. The moment his gaze was fixed on the task, her mother crossed her arms.

"What were you thinking, Leisel?" Disappointment dripped from her tone. "Why on earth were you laying on Baden's bed and tempting him like that? You should be ashamed."

The tears she had tried to blink back earlier welled, and Leis turned to the bright sunlight glaring though the windows in an attempt to keep them from falling.

Her voice was a whisper. "I'm sorry, Mom. We were just excited about the news, and I forgot."

"I know your disability makes it almost impossible for anything to happen, but I expect more discretion from you. You are not a human who ruts like an animal!” The tailor stilled then continued pinning. Her mother stepped closer as if he wouldn’t hear the rest. “We made a vow before the Elder that you would be an honorable mate to her grandson. Have you forgotten the privilege it is that she hasn’t broken the Pledge because of you?"

Leis drew in a shaky breath at her mother’s sneering tone. "No, Mom. I haven't forgotten." You won't let me.

"Your father agreed to let you go to Ohio with him if you both got accepted. He assured me you wouldn’t compromise Baden’s status.” She straightened to her full height, though Leis still looked down at her from the stool. “I disagree because you’re careless.” Her eyes narrowed. “Or maybe you’re desperate.”

Leis flinched. “Am I not supposed to want to bond with him?”

“Not without the supervision of the Elder!” Her mother hissed and gripped her hand hard enough to hurt, but her eyes were hopeful. She lowered her voice. “Did your fangs drop?”

Leis shook her head in shame, running her tongue along the roof of her mouth where two narrow grooves sheathed a pair of viperlike fangs. Without her sense of smell, Baden’s scent would never trigger them.

He mother sighed through her nose and released her hand. “That’s good they didn’t.” She was quiet for a moment as she took a step back to survey the tunic and pants. Finally, she said, “Your father is putting a lot of faith in your disability.”

Her mother moved to stand beside her. Seeing both their reflections in the mirror was always startling. They looked so much alike, they could almost be mistaken for twins. Tall and willowy with hair a bright mahogany red and green eyes. Hers were darker than her mother’s, but it was hard to tell now when anger darkened her mom’s expression.

"If it were up to me, I would keep you both here. The Elder agreed." Her mother shook her head when Leis’s tears escaped and fell down her cheeks. She glanced away. "But your father is very persuasive. He is talking to Baden right now to let him know it's all been approved."

“Thank you, Mother.” Leis's heart thudded at the news. "I promise we won't disappoint you."

With a snort, her mom turned away. "Don't thank me. It was Baden and your father that convinced his grandmother to let you go.” She glanced back. "Don't mess this up for Baden. He's going to inherit a fortune and his family business. He needs this education. Don't distract him from his studies, and I expect you to do what he tells you."

Anger twisted her stomach, but Leis didn't respond. There was no point. Baden would never order her around, and she took comfort in the knowledge that in three short months they would be out from under her mother's thumb.

As the last pin went into the hem of her pants, she heard Baden and her father's voices.

"The time away will be good for her." Baden was saying. "I think it will be just what we need."

"I don't doubt it." Her father’s German accent was stronger in that way it got when he worked too much. "I know you'll take good care of her."

"Haydn." Her mother's voice and posture softened when he entered the room. "Baden needs to be fitted. Did you get everything worked out?"

"We did." Her Dad’s shoes clacked as he crossed the floor and kissed her mother's forehead.

Baden's eyes found hers in the mirror, his expression tight. He gave her a small smile and nodded to let her know everything was all right, then turned to her father.

"When I'm done here, I'll call my grandmother to thank her,” Baden said.

Her Dad clapped him on the shoulder as his gaze swung to Leis. He smiled widely. "You look beautiful, Leis."

She might look exactly like her mother, but it was her father she was closest to. She would miss him. His hair was dark blond, not quite brown. He kept it trimmed short, almost military looking. He was a few inches taller than Baden, but standing side by side, she noticed how much they looked alike. They had the same dark eyes and high cheekbones.

Before she could respond to her father, her mother snapped. "You heard them, Leisel. Baden needs to get his fitting done. Go change so he doesn't have to wait."

Lowering her head, she stepped off the stool. "Sorry, Mom."

Baden made a disapproving sound. "Stephanie. I have plenty of time. Don't yell at her."

Leis hurried behind the screen and carefully removed the outfit, making sure she didn't add any new wrinkles. Baden always tried to act as a buffer between her and her mother, but this time her mother lashed back.

"She needs a firm hand, Baden. You'll need it to keep her in line while you're away,” she said.

"Stop talking about her like she's a spoiled child! She's your daughter, and a grown woman. This is why I want to get her out of here."

Leis stifled a sob with the back of her hand as her father intervened. "I don't think she meant it that way." Baden snorted, and her father's voice was stern. "Baden. That's enough. Stephanie, why don't you go down and see if dinner is ready? I'll make sure the tailor has everything he needs."

"Fine." Her mother's heels clicked against the hardwood as she left.

Leis closed her eyes and composed herself before she stepped out from behind the screen. Her father was shaking his head, and Baden sat stiffly in the chair staring out the window. The tailor had busied himself on the opposite side of the room.

"I swear mothers and daughters should come with warning labels." Her father chuckled. "Come here, Leis."

"Thank you, Daddy. I'm sorry I make her so upset." She fell against her father's chest, sighing when his arms came around her.

Baden growled. "Stop apologizing for what isn't your fault." Leis pulled away from her dad’s warmth to see Baden staring at her. "Three months and we are out of here."

"Baden." Her father's tone was sharp. "Let it go."

The two of them shared a look, and Baden sighed. "I know."

He pushed out of the chair and rested a hand on her shoulder. She stepped out of her dad’s embrace and expected Baden to give her a hug, but he backed away stiffly and dropped his hands.

"Go see if your mom needs anything. I'll be down in a little bit." His voice was rough but kind.

Confused, Leis looked up to see her father watching her sadly as Baden turned away and disappeared behind the screen. "Go on. We won't be long,"

With another glance toward Baden, she obeyed.

***

The next afternoon Leis brushed a non-existent wrinkle from the sleeve of her tunic as she followed her mother down the staircase. The carpeted steps muffled their feet, and the hum of conversation floated up from the main hallway as her mother turned a critical eye on her.

"Stop picking at your clothes and stand up straight. A lot of very important people will be here today, and I expect you to be respectful,” she said.

Leis's chest tightened, but she nodded obediently. All she wanted was to get to Baden. After dinner yesterday he had gone to bed earlier than normal. At breakfast, he sat next to her, draping his arm across the back of her chair and stealing food from her plate like he always did. When they parted ways to get ready for the ceremony, he pecked her on the cheek and told her he loved her.

From the landing, she could see the main hallway full of people, all dressed in the same white silk tunic and pants she and her mother wore. The parquet flooring gleamed under their feet, and they milled around admiring the expensive artwork hanging on the smooth plaster walls. When she and her mother reached the bottom of the stairs, the crowd parted to let them through. Her mother's mood turned syrupy sweet as she greeted her guests and shook hands.

Completely ignored, Leis followed her mother down the long hallway toward the ballroom. The glass double doors opened into a brightly lit space with wide floor to ceiling windows on one side, and on the other, three sets of glass doors were thrown open to the outdoors where the Saddleback Mountains rose in the distance.

A sea of people in white flowed across the intricately laid hardwood floor as the huge grandfather clock beside the fireplace struck the hour. Leis was swept along with the crowd, rising on her toes to search for Baden. As she was about to pass through the doors, a hand clamped onto hers and pulled her to the side.

"Were you looking for me?" Baden’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.

She turned her hand to lace their fingers together. "Who else would I be looking for?"

His already somber eyes clouded. "Not anyone here."

"What?" She breathed with a laugh.

He shook his head and tugged her toward the doors. "Never mind. Let's find your dad. We'll be standing next to your parents."

"That close?" Leis gripped his hand. "I was hoping we could stay toward the back and sneak out as soon as it was over."

He pursed his lips. "Me too, but the Elder wants all the family in front."

They threaded their way across the flagstones until they found her father. He was talking to a tall red headed man who looked familiar. She thought she'd seen his picture in one of the home builder magazines her father kept in piles in his office, but she wasn't sure.

"Who is that?" Leis tipped her head toward them.

"No idea." Baden's voice lowered. "Just stay close to me, okay?"

Leis held his hand tighter. His words felt like a warning, and her heart rate increased. Until now, she hadn't been nervous, but Baden's demeanor changed when they reached her father's side. The other man was gone, but the tension on her father's face was unsettling. His brown eyes skated across her face and landed on Baden. They exchanged a look she couldn’t decipher.

"Daddy?" She reached for his arm. "Are you all right? Where's Mom?"

"I'm fine." He looked back at her and his expression eased. "Mom will be here in a minute. She wanted to see Andrew before the ceremony." He stepped forward. "Come on. It's almost time."

The three of them emerged from the throng, and Leis looked around. Everyone had formed a large circle around a raised platform in the middle of their back patio. She figured there were at least a hundred people milling around. Baden stiffened when, to their left, a gap opened and her mother appeared, flanked by an older couple.

Leis had met Baden's grandparents for the first time at their high school graduation and felt the same unsettling nervousness that something wasn’t quite right. His grandmother didn’t immediately look threatening. The Elder was a tall thin woman with long grey hair, and though she was dressed in the same garments as the rest of them, she carried herself with such elegance Leis checked to see if she was wearing a crown. Everyone deferred to her, and rightly so. As the eldest of them, her word was obeyed as law. Baden's grandfather trailed behind, almost as a necessary accessory to her wardrobe.

This woman was part of the reason her mother was so hard on her. Leis knew that being chosen as the one who would bond to the Elder's grandson was a great honor. When it was discovered she had a birth defect that could potentially prevent them from bonding and producing heirs, the shame of it devastated her mother, and Leis bore the brunt of her anger.

Baden stood rigid as the trio approached, though his grandmother favored them with a genuine smile.

"Hello, Baden." Her voice was cultured and carried a hint of a German accent. "Leisel."

Leis bowed her head. "Elder."

The woman laughed lightly. "Please, call me Res. You're going to be my granddaughter soon."

Baden flinched and tightened his grip. "Not for another year, Ma'am."

Res patted his cheek. "I know, dear." Something dangerous passed between them before she stepped back to address her father. "Are you ready, Haydn?"

He lifted his chin proudly. "We are." He led her mother onto the platform and the crowd fell silent. "Today we are here to celebrate our most sacred rite. The bonding of two lives and the Exchange of Blood between them that will ensure the continuation of our people."

With a nod, he indicated a family to their right. Carol and her parents stepped onto the platform to stand next to them. Carol’s excited eyes darted between her parents and the opening in the crowd as her father rested his hands on her shoulders.

"We pledged our daughter, Carol Beatrice Fertig to your son, Andrew Simon Gottschalk. Is your son willing and able to take his place as her blood sworn mate and provide the Blood she needs?" he asked.

"I am."

Leis's eyes landed on her brother as he strode from the opening in the crowd. Andrew was tall and impossibly handsome. His brilliant red tunic shocking against the white that surrounded him.

His eyes locked on Carol's as he strode forward, followed by two men carrying a large cloth draped rectangle. Under the edges of the pink and blue cloth peeked the legs of the crib Leis and Andrew’s parents purchased as was custom.

Leis looked at Carol and her eyes welled with tears. Will Baden and I ever make it this far?

She leaned against Baden as Andrew advanced on the platform. The parents backed off the raised surface as Andrew ascended and reached for Carol's hands. Both their hands were shaking.

"Until today, our families have spoken on our behalf. Today, I ask you to leave their care and make the pledge they have made for us not just a promise, but a bond.” Andrew's voice was husky.

The two men set the crib on the platform beside them and melted into the crowd. No one breathed as Andrew cupped Carol's face and pulled her toward him.

"As custom requires, I've brought the crib where our children will rest," he intoned.

Carol turned her face into his palm, and jealousy creased Leis's forehead as she watched the other woman's chest expand, her jaw clenching as she inhaled Andrew's scent. Carol's eyes never left his, and Leis blushed at the way she stared at her brother in hunger. His next words were almost growled.

"Carol Beatrice Fertig, I willingly offer you my blood. Are you willing to take your place as my blood sworn mate?" He leaned toward her, and she gasped in pain. "Will you accept me?"

When Carol opened her mouth to speak, blood coated her lower lip, and two glittering fangs peeked from beneath her upper. Instead of speaking, she nodded. At her acceptance of him, the entire patio turned their backs and bowed their heads.

Leis squeezed her eyes closed against the sound of Andrew's short cry and didn't allow herself to acknowledge it wasn't entirely from pain when a similar sound came from Carol.

Hot tears rolled down her cheeks, and she flinched when Baden's fingers wiped them away. She met his warm eyes and more tears coursed down her face. His smile was gentle, and he leaned close to kiss her temple. She inhaled deeply through her nose, desperate for a breath of him that would stir the desire she'd just witnessed between her brother and Carol. But there was nothing. Without a miracle, Baden would never see her fangs. Without a miracle, the crib his family purchased would remain empty.

Baden's thumb caressed her cheek, and he whispered, "Stop worrying. Everything will work out."

Heads turned in disapproval and Leis ducked her head as Baden's hand dropped from her cheek. She did her best to do what he asked, but the chances of things working out for them didn't seem possible.

Chapter 2 Koen

Head down and feet dragging, Koen made his way up the sidewalk to the performing arts building. It was his third year on campus and not much had changed. Was he a junior? Or sophomore and a half? He missed enough classes last year because of his breathing issues to make even his counselor wonder if he would graduate on time. Trying to ignore the heat and the growing pressure in his chest, he pushed his earbud in a little tighter and let Demon Hunter's new album rattle his ear drums.

A sudden coughing spell made him grimace, and he shook his inhaler. Every puff reminded him he wasn't going to get better. But he was pursuing what he loved, taking the doctor's advice and making the most of his talent while he was young.

When he reached the building’s entrance, a flash of red drew his attention to a petite girl who stooped down to retrieve an abandoned soda can. She was having an animated conversation with someone on her phone, but the pounding of the drum solo in his ears drowned out any chance of hearing what was said. She disconnected the call and pushed the bag at her hip around to her back while she opened the door.

Through the glass, he watched her pause to compare her schedule with the board that listed the classrooms. He wondered if he should offer to help her, but she turned and disappeared down the hall before he could.

Huffing in the puff of Albuterol, he held his breath before stepping toward the door with a slow exhale. Though the humidity was doing a number on him and beads of sweat were forming on his forehead, he paused another minute. He was not ready to face his co-star for the next few months. Andrea Summers had been cast with him as the romantic leads for the fall production of an original play written by her brother called The Kiss.

He could still hear the piercing squeal she let out when she saw they would be working so closely together. For days afterwards, he tried to replicate the sound on his electric guitar, annoying the heck out of his dorm mates. Grinning ruefully, he admitted he couldn't get his guitar to sound that bad.

Andrea was pretty, and sweet most of the time, but he had no interest in a relationship, and he wasn't into casual hookups. He couldn't play with a woman's heart like that. Leaving the ladies alone just made more sense.

He checked his watch and stepped inside, sighing in relief as the cool building air skittered across his damp skin.

The redhead from outside exiting the auditorium, about to turn the corner toward backstage, and he let his gaze sweep over her figure. A light grey tank top and white shorts hugged every curve, and gladiator sandals wrapped around her trim calves. He smiled a little.

Never hurts to enjoy the scenery once in a while, right?

Their eyes connected for a second, and the flash of amused green in her glance arrested his attention so much that he barely noticed the brush of another student passing him in the wide hallway. Then the redhead and her bemused smile disappeared around a corner.

He shook himself out of it and returned to tapping out the complicated drum solo against his leg.

The school's amphitheater was old, but clean and well cared for. The moment he stepped inside he was assaulted by the smell of hot stage lights and dust. Dull blue carpet ran down the center aisle, faded from years of foot traffic. Plain grey paint and sound reducing panels twisted at different angles covered the walls, and the ceiling soared overhead, crisscrossed with lighting trusses and huge speakers.

The overhead lights were on full, and the few cast members milled around just in front of the stage. He skirted the orchestra pit, avoiding the edge and several foot drop off into the recessed floor below. He studied the new director as he greeted each of the actors.

Eric Tate. The man was about Koen's height and dressed in the red Center College theater polo tucked neatly into black slacks. His dark grey hair was slightly curly and trimmed short.

As Koen crossed the space to introduce himself, an arm snaked around his waist. He looked down, unsurprised to see Andrea Summers beaming up at him. With a shudder, he shifted away when her blonde hair whispered across his arm.

Music still hammered through his earbuds, and though he saw her lips move, he couldn't hear what she said. He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. Annoyed, he looked past her to where the director and rest of the cast stood waiting.

Andrea pulled his earbuds out, shaking her head. "Still trying to ignore me?" she asked.

Even if he did want to date, clingy was not his type and Andrea was the definition of it. Her blue eyes offered him an open invitation, and when she let her hands fall onto his shoulders he removed them and gave her wrists a quick squeeze.

"No. Do you ever stop chasing what you'll never have?" he taunted. He quirked a smile in an effort to soften the sting, but he didn’t need to worry. She didn’t notice his sarcasm or at least didn’t respond to it if she did.

Her infatuation with him began when he met her brother, Taylor, last year. Koen hung out with him when their weekends allowed, and the few times Koen visited the Summers' house, Andrea thought he was showing interest in her. Which put Koen permanently in her sights. The more he discouraged her the harder she tried.

Unfazed by his attempt to brush her off, Andrea caught his hand as he headed back toward the stage. His skin itched where she touched him, but he was unwilling to create a scene and allowed her to hold on. Director Tate watched them approach.

"Koen. Andrea. Hope you're ready to hit the ground running. We've got a lot to cover today.” Tate’s curious eyes dropped to their clasped hands then back up to assess Koen.

Though the man was smiling, his tone let him know he was at least annoyed by their late arrival. He hadn't directly auditioned for the man, but Koen knew the director saw his performances last year and was impressed. He hated making such a poor impression today and hoped the director was the forgiving type.

"Sorry I'm running behind, Mr. Tate." He disengaged himself from Andrea and stretched out his hand. "It's an honor to be working with you this year."

"It's good to have you. Try not to be late for rehearsals." Mr. Tate stepped back and began handing out the practice schedules.

“Great first impression.” Koen mumbled under his breath. He took one of the schedules and leaned against the stage. Mr. Tate came to stand to his right, and Andrea leaned inches from him on his left. He could hear the stage and tech crew talking on the other side of the curtain, but he tuned them out until a laugh from behind the heavy velvet drapes made every hair on his body stand up. It was a voice like his mother's.

He once asked his mother why she sounded different from the other females he knew. She explained it was only the males of their kind who could distinguish any difference.

“Our kind?” he asked.

“We are Vampir,” she patted the seat beside her on the porch swing. A note of sadness on her face. “You’re growing up so fast, but if you are old enough to hear the echo, you are old enough to know who you are.”

At ten, he’d barely understood all she told him that day. Happy stories of mates, blood bonds, and long lives. Then sadder stories of division, control, and hiding when humans misunderstood our rituals.

“We never harmed humans,” she brushed the hair from his eyes, ruffling the curls on top of his head. “But the moment they saw our females’ fangs, we were feared. So, we’ve hidden among them for centuries. As neighbors, friends, and co-workers. But there aren’t many of us left.” She smiled sadly at him. “Unless you are blessed to meet your mate, you may make the choice to take a human wife.”

He scrunched his nose. “Eww. I don’t want a wife.”

She laughed, hugging him close. “Give it time, Ko. You’ll change your mind.”

His heart launched against his ribcage. He’d never heard another Vampir female, and this one did strange things to his breathing. He closed his eyes to listen and hopefully pick out the emotions in her echo like he learned to with his mother. There was joy, freedom, and a hint of uncertainty, inciting similar feelings in his chest. As he let the echo of her voice roll over him he realized there was more. The freedom ringing in her laugh called to him in a way no other’s voice had, bringing him to a startling revelation as hope charged its way through his system.

She's un-bonded!

Whoever she was, she had not yet met her mate.

Without thinking about what his actions must look like, he spun around and hoisted himself onto the stage. Crossing it quickly, he pushed at the heavy folds of the curtain until he found an opening and leaned through the gap. Hoping she was close enough to scent him, he fisted the fabric in his hand as the group of students turned a corner off stage right.

Frustrated that he would have to wait until after class, he whipped the curtain back in place and tried to rein in the desire to chase after her. He turned to see Mr. Tate watching him curiously.

"You okay, Koen?” he said.

Dropping to sit on the edge of the stage, Koen grinned. "Just curious." His mind reeled with the possibilities. "Who's our crew this year? Anyone new?"

"They told me there was one transfer. A makeup artist, I believe." Mr. Tate’s eyes narrowed before he looked up, thinking. "There's Aiden, Casey, and Alison working sound and lights. Kim and James for the set. And we have Jessica again for costumes." Everyone groaned. Koen couldn’t blame them.

Jessica had only helped him with one outfit for his appearance in the musical, but her body odor was the stuff of legend. When she had helped him get in and out of a shirt and vest while keeping his microphone wires in place, he nearly gagged when she leaned in close to adjust his collar.

"Huh. Well at least we don't have a bunch of rookies," Koen said.

Andrea joined him on the stage. "Jessica shouldn't have a whole lot to do. This year the costumes should be pretty simple." She leaned against his arm. "Taylor wanted the love story to be the focus, not the costumes or props."

She pushed closer to rub her shoulder against his, but this time he hardly noticed. While Mr. Tate laid out the times and expectations for each rehearsal, Koen's mind replayed the mysterious laugh over and over.

An un-bonded Vampir here? How? He tried to pay attention, but instead, his eyes kept watching the clock.

The backstage area was empty by the time Koen got away from Andrea, and his disappointment made concentrating in his next class nearly impossible.

Feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time, he hummed quietly on his way to the dorm. As he bounded up the stairs, a new song wove its way through his mind. The tiny dorm room was empty when Koen pushed the door open.

He and his roommate were almost never in the room at the same time, which was a good thing since the room was more like a closet than a dorm room. With a set of bunk beds, two small desks and chairs, and two narrow closets on either side of the tall window, space was cramped even without people in it.

He dropped his bag next to his bunk and sank onto the thin mattress, picking up the guitar from where it rested in its stand at the foot of his bed. He slipped the strap over his head and after a quick tuning, allowed the words to come. He gave the instrument an open string strum, then let his fingers fret the new song.

A joy that lit my world

You ignited a bonfire in my heart

Just the laughter from your lips

Brought light to a darkened life

I can't stop thinking about the sound

The sound of your sweet voice

You woke something in my soul

You shined a spotlight on my heart

He was so engrossed in the melody that it took him a moment to realize his phone was ringing.

"Hello?" He propped the phone between his shoulder and ear and stood to close the door he'd left open in his hurry to get to the guitar.

"Hey, Koen." His Dad's thick voice made him smile. "How's class?"

"It's going great." Koen laid the guitar across the bed and reached for the bag he’d shoved aside. "I was just writing a song." He pulled a notebook free and jotted down the lyrics before he forgot, only half listening to his dad. "What's going on at home? Anything new?"

His Dad chuckled. "You might say that." Koen heard his mom’s nervous laugh as they put the phone on speaker.

He dropped the pen to the bed as his heart picked up speed. His Mom hated talking on the phone. When she did something was wrong.

"Mom? What's going on?" he asked.

"Hi, Koen. Your Dad and I wanted to wait until the next time you were home to tell you, but we couldn't." His mother's voice echoed with confusing emotions. She was excited, scared, and nervous, and his own emotions immediately mirrored hers.

"Mom, Dad, tell me." He held the phone tightly in one hand, the other reflexively going to the charm hanging at his neck. He tensed before he heard the happy sigh from his mother.

"Your mother is pregnant," his dad said quietly.

"That's awesome! How long have you known?" Koen's surprise swelled through him as a relieved grin broke across his face. He released the pendant and glanced at the guitar.

"We're past the dangerous part. It's why we waited to tell you." Her voice coiled calmly around him.

"Eileen and I didn't want to worry you like last time," his dad said.

His mother's previous pregnancies had been difficult for all of them, but hardest on his father. She miscarried four times that he knew of. All near term. Koen was sure there were some earlier on they hadn't told him about. Because it was the male’s blood that enabled a Vampir female to conceive and carry a child, his father carried the guilt for each loss.

He pushed his questions about the female from the theater aside for the moment.

"I wish I were there. My practice schedule and rehearsals won't let me get away, but maybe you can come for a visit. What does the midwife think?" he asked.

"She believes the baby is fine. And so do I." The peace in his mother's voice reassured him she agreed.

Ultrasounds and traditional exams were unnecessary. A Vampir mother is always connected to and aware of the condition of her child while in the womb.

"We were planning to come as soon as we got the okay. I think we can convince her six hours is a trip I can handle." The smile in her voice was obvious even without her echo to tell him she was thrilled.

He drew a breath as it occurred to him how far along she was. His fingers sought out the charm again.

"Mom...do you know?" he asked.

Laughter from both of them brought tears to his eyes. It could only mean one thing.

"It's a girl!" They shouted in unison.

He sank onto the bed again. Tears of relief trailed down his cheeks. "Oh, Dad," he whispered, then repeated louder. "Oh, Dad. You're going to have a daughter!"

He heard the sounds change as his dad switched the speaker off. "I know, son. It's a miracle. Pure and simple." His already rough voice shook with emotion, and he began to cough violently.

Koen closed his eyes and waited for the coughing spell to pass, some of the happiness ebbing with the reminder his father was not well. When his father regained his breath, his voice was barely audible.

"I need to go. We're proud of you, Koen. We'll let you know when we're planning to visit," he rasped.

"I love you, Dad. Take care, and I'll see you soon." Koen hung up, dropped the phone beside him, and reached for his guitar. In seconds he finished the simple melody.

With all my heart

With all I am

I will love you 'til I die

I give my heart

Give it all to you

You are my miracle

He wished his brothers were here to celebrate. Neither of them ever met their mate and married human wives. If he chose to, he could do the same and at least have a family. But his brothers had both died of respiratory diseases before they reached the age of forty, leaving their families without a father. He couldn't find it in himself to do that. He couldn’t marry knowing he would never see his kids grow up.

His fingers changed position, and the notes became haunting as the familiar pang of fear edged into his thoughts. He was happy for his parents to be sure, but would he ever get to experience that kind of joy? Harsh notes rose from his guitar as he plucked more violently at the strings. There was nothing he could do but cling to the thinning thread of hope that every day he survived there was still a chance for him to find her. His mother believed his mate was out there. He wanted to believe with her, but with every day that passed, it became clearer it would take a miracle for him to find her. Maybe the voice he heard behind the curtain was his miracle.

Setting aside the instrument, he finished jotting down the rest of the song he'd written. Staring at the page, Koen fingered the charm at his throat and repeated his father's mantra: “As long as your heart beats, there is always hope."

Chapter 3 Leisel

Leis swung her messenger bag onto the coffee table in the empty apartment and sank into the couch with a groan.

"Ugh! My shoulders are killing me." She jumped as a door creaked open behind her. Twisting her head toward the sound, she laughed, holding a hand over her chest. "Geez, Kay. I didn't know you were here.”

Kay dropped onto the arm of the couch. Leis couldn’t help being envious of Kay. She was pre-med and looked like a model with a perfectly spiked pixie haircut and a lithe dancer’s body.

"Lab was easy today, and I needed a break. So, I skipped out early. How was your day?" she asked.

"Since the fall production doesn't call for any elaborate makeup, I've been assigned to help with props until we start dress rehearsals." Massaging her upper arm, Leis grimaced. "We had to drag out a living room set that was buried under a couple of years’ worth of stuff. Then I got the lucky job of scrubbing it with upholstery cleaner." She blew a wisp of hair out of her face. "I guess when people know you can't smell they give you the nasty jobs. I don't want to know what might have been done on that couch!" Leis shuddered.

"Well, that’s gross." Kay tilted her head thoughtfully and ran a hand through her gelled-up hair. "You hungry? I was planning to eat at Osha's. Want to join me?"

"Yeah, I do." Leis glanced at her phone and typed out a quick text. "Baden has class until at least nine. I'll let him know he can meet us there." She dropped it back into her purse and pushed up from the couch. "I need a shower but go ahead if you're hungry. I'll find you."

"I'll wait. We can walk over together." Kay picked up a discarded magazine and glanced at her watch. "You've got half an hour.”

Leis grinned, shut the bedroom door behind her, and stepped out of her flats. After showering quickly, she dried her hair straight and let it fall just past her shoulder blades in soft red layers. It was still warm, so she pulled on a black maxi skirt, a white fitted tee, and wrapped a yellow and white scarf around her neck. She slipped into her gray ballet flats, snapped a hair tie around her wrist, snagged her purse, and headed out.

KOEN

Why does music theory have to be so complicated? Koen leaned back in the restaurant booth and pushed the sheet music aside, wondering why he'd ever chosen Music Theory and Composition as his major.

He came to Osha's because on a Friday evening, most people would be out partying, and, as expected, the place was almost deserted.

He glanced around at the chipped and worn booths that lined the walls. Filling the center of the room were square four tops with brown vinyl chairs that looked retro and were probably original. Along the back wall was the kitchen opening and a short bar with four chrome stools covered in the same brown vinyl. Though obviously older, the place was clean, and the food was better by far than the cafeteria across campus.

Ellen, Osha’s only full-time waitress, smiled at him when she came through the kitchen door carrying a tray of food. He discovered Osha's early last year and hung out at the diner frequently enough that he became friends with the older woman. He sometimes thought of her as his mom-away-from-mom.

Ellen delivered the food to a couple sitting all the way in the back who were completely focused on the textbooks in front of them.

Like I should be.

Between his frustration with theory, and the laugh still haunting him, he wasn't getting much accomplished.

He absently glanced through the large front window to the congested traffic of Main Street. Swiping a finger across the phone screen, he switched tracks from the concerto he was studying to something a little more his style. His shoulders relaxed as the thrum of a motorcycle gradually blended with a bass guitar through the intro to his favorite song, “The Man Named Hell,” by The Showdown.

Turning up the volume, he pulled out the script for the play. He was supposed to have his lines for Act One memorized by Monday, and he was once again behind. Mr. Tate would not be pleased.

He flipped the cover open and skimmed the opening lines. His character, Jackson, was a rich Texas lawyer who returned to his tiny hometown to help his high school sweetheart, Emma, manage the estate of her recently deceased parents.

Koen thumbed through the pages, admitting Taylor Summers was a talented playwright. Taylor's sister Andrea was on his nerves even more than usual though. He shoved the script aside, struggling to balance his thoughts between the girl he couldn't find, the one who wouldn't leave him alone, and the gorgeous red head who haunted his dreams.

He glanced up, and his heart stopped as the redheaded girl walked in. She laughed, then turned wide eyes toward a short haired blonde he hadn’t noticed come in with her. Still laughing, the redhead swung her gaze down the line of booths, and he nearly lost his breath along with his heartbeat when her sparkling eyes slid across his. He was closer to her this time, and they were a soft shade of green he'd never seen before.

Trying not to stare, he watched the two of them until they were seated across the restaurant in a corner booth. He forced himself back to his script.

Don't go there, Koen. Cute or not, you know better.

But as he read through the first scene it wasn't Andrea he imagined kissing. It was the green-eyed girl across the room.

As the music screamed in his ears, he wondered what her voice sounded like. She was in the theater building the other day. It could have been her voice he heard. With a shake of his head, he quickly discarded the idea.

Get a grip, Lockton. You couldn't be that lucky.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locals, persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Michelle Bolanger