Free UNCONTROLLED BURN by Nina Pierce Page B

see if anyone was watching him. Stupid, trusting bastard . Things wouldn’t have progressed in finely tuned precision if the plans laid down hadn’t been exacting in every detail. Knowing and understanding all of the players was what made this whole sordid situation quite a thrilling game of cat and mouse. The fools from RISEN had no idea who was pulling the strings and having all the fun. Of course, the vampires and humans who had died in the course of all the scheming hadn’t been laughing, now had they? Too bad. So sad.
    There was little remorse where traitorous vampires were concerned. And the humans caught in the cross-fire? Well, they were just a casualty of the war being waged—and perhaps a little distraction in some cases.
    Months of long work and snooping had finally culminated last night at the professor’s mansion. Once all the facts had been uncovered, Paul Morgan’s death had been a foregone conclusion. The look on the old man’s face as recognition and understanding had blossomed had been priceless. It would replay over and over bringing much satisfaction and enjoyment.
    But all of this wasn’t just for personal revenge—though that played a significant role in what had transpired—it was about restoring the natural order and preserving the purity of the vampire population. If accolades were thrown at the vampire responsible for the course correction, then so be it. History was filled with people who’d forged the tough path alone.
    Leaving the university grounds, the vampire wondered about Glenn’s next move. Though it didn’t really matter since nothing of consequence could alter the final outcome. Whatever Glenn chose to do after leaving the university was of little concern. Guilt squeezed and a sigh escaped. Killing Glenn Karr, savior of many lost vampires, had not been part of the original plan. But watching the man sort through the charred remains of the professor’s mansion right after the fire marshal had left the scene had left little doubt difficult sacrifices had to made in order to keep identities hidden.
    And now that everything was set in motion, turning back was no longer an option.
* * *
    Glenn took the stone steps into the chemistry building two at a time, looking every bit like someone who belonged there. The only way to hide your activities was to do them out in the open. Though he’d been able to bear the late afternoon sun for centuries, Glenn despised the vulnerability of being out during the day. But fatherly concern had pushed him to this recklessness. Whatever the hell Alex had begun—he needed to finish. And he had no doubt whatever it was, involved the professor.
    Instinct told him the woman was in trouble and once again, she had no one to save her. He’d be damned if whatever was keeping her out at night and making her ill would cause her harm. He’d seen how she’d lost weight over the last few months. He was neither blind nor stupid, though Alex seemed to think he was both. Glenn worried her behavior was somehow tangled with the rash of fires killing vampires.
    Even with the addition of Ronan, RISEN didn’t seem to be making progress in stopping the murderer. If anything, the number of fires was escalating. With the death of the professor, Glenn worried Alex could be next. He refused to stand back and let that happen.
    He hated leaving Alex alone and vulnerable in the cellars this morning. Despite her tough exterior, the woman needed protection and Reese seemed all too happy to be the one offering it. Glenn only hoped that stubborn streak of hers hadn’t sent him away.
    Maybe Reese would also manage to get answers Alex was unwilling to give Glenn.
    He didn’t need to hear the young woman’s thoughts to know she was keeping secrets about the fire at the professor’s mansion. He’d seen the guilt on her face last night as plain as her short red hair and lying smile.
    Like the dark chill in the foyer Glenn entered, cold fear weighed heavy in his gut. Alex was