Free Reborn Vampire Romance: Blood Courtesans by Michelle Fox Page B

“Seriously? You really knew my dad? And he’s The Maker? Of what?” The questions tumbled out in a rush, reflecting the chaos in my mind. "Wait. Are you saying my dad was a vampire?"
    “Yes. Your father is a vampire. An ancient, powerful one. And I knew him once. Vampires live so long, we all meet one another sooner or later.”
    My father was a vampire? What? I frowned and rubbed my forehead trying to make sense of everything. Losing my virginity was not supposed to end in a paternity test. This wasn't some cheesy talk show, it was my life, but everything had gone Jerry Springer on me anyways.
    What the hell?
    How had the father I never met suddenly become relevant  How did it turn out he was a vampire? I couldn't believe it.
    Kristos crossed his arms, a thoughtful expression on his face, reflecting he wasn't the only one trying to process the news. “The thing is, knowing he's your father, I don’t think I was the target that night at the restaurant.”
    I blinked at him, unsure of how much more I could take. “What are you saying?”
    His eyes locked with mine again. “It was you they wanted.”
    “Me?” My voice was a squeak now. I clutched the sheet tight in my hands. “Who would want me dead?”
    “Your father’s enemies,” he said his voice flat. “Or perhaps opportunists looking to build up their power base.”
    I put a hand to my forehead to try and stop the panic swirling inside. “Kristos, please make sense. I don’t understand.”
    “I thought there was something about your blood that seemed familiar, but I couldn’t place it.” He tapped his chin with a finger, thinking. “The attack...well, I never suspected they would want you. You’re human.”
    “What does my father’s name have to do with this? I've never even met the guy. He’s missed every milestone in my life and now he's causing people to shoot at me? It's  all so random."
    “Your father is one of the first vampires that ever walked.” Kristos’ eyes caught mine again. “The last time I saw him, he was going by Devon Desanto. It can’t be a coincidence.”
    “Oh my God.” My words came out in breathless gasps. With one trembling finger I touched my teeth, checking for fangs. Just in case I’d failed to notice them these past twenty-five years. “What are you getting at, Kristos? Why would they want me ?”
    “You’re his blood and some would do anything to have you.”
    “Alive or dead?” I couldn’t keep a small quiver out of my voice. The things Kristos said terrified me.
    He nodded. “That would depend on their agenda.”
    I took a deep breath. “So half the vampire world wants to shoot me and the other half wants to kidnap me?” It sounded insane. This couldn’t be real.
    He gripped my shoulders and gave me a little shake. “You don’t understand, you have the blood of the old ones in you. Whoever has you would control you and add to their power.”
    “Making me the most valuable pawn on the board. Is that it?” I didn’t play much chess, but the analogy seemed to fit.
    “Yes.”
    We were both silent for a moment. Kristos watched me, his expression contemplative while I tried not to hyperventilate. This was just too much information. I couldn’t take it all in.
    “Wait,” I said as a thought occurred to me. “If my dad’s a vampire does that mean vampires can have babies?”
    Kristos shook his head. “No. The Maker was special. Somehow undead yet still able to make life. There’s no other vampire like him and that’s what makes you so special.”
    I blinked some more, struggling to absorb it all. “Do I have brothers and sisters?”
    He shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s possible.”
    “That’s just crazy. I don’t believe any of it.” I crossed my arms, holding on to myself as my heart raced like a cornered animal. “It was just one shooting. How do we even know it has anything to do with me?”
    He wrapped an arm around me and I leaned into his strength. “I know vampires, Myra.