Free Dark Days (The Childe Series, #2) by C.A. Kunz Page A

Erika and William.” Ròs pulled a gold chain from around her neck and showed it to Cat. “I also wear the same locket. If you look at the back, you’ll notice an intricate Celtic knot. That is the sign of our coven in Ireland, the Dearga. Now, this locket is very special, please take good care of it,” she explained with a smile.
    “So, this might be a dumb question, but how is there a picture of my father in the locket? I thought vampires didn’t cast a reflection.”
    “Ah yes, well you’re mostly right. A vampire has a way of controlling what they want others to see. Most vampires hate to be seen or known to exist, so they remove their reflection,” Ròs explained.
    “I wish I would’ve known that like five yearbook pictures ago.”
    Ròs laughed. “Oh no, your vampire powers have only fully manifested in the last year or so, Catherine. You were still mostly human up until the day you turned sixteen. Besides, a Childe is different from a regular vampire anyway. You generally have no control over what the outward world sees. Your vampire side does, and sometimes you might find yourself fighting it for control. Kind of like a split personality.”
    “Great, that’s all I need right now…a split personality,” Cat groaned.
     “But you have nothing to worry about because you’re on quite the appetite suppressant, or so I’m told. I’m not sure how I feel about those pills they make you take, but if they stop your vampire side from completely taking over, then I guess it’s a good thing you take them.”
    “So, are there any other things that I should be made aware of? You know, just so there are no more surprises?”
    “Not that I can think of now,” Ròs replied, searching her memory, with her hand about her chin.
    “Well, we best be off, got a lot of ground to cover you know,” Trevor stated while wrapping his arm around Ròs’ shoulders.
    Cat smiled. “I don’t know how to thank you guys. I hope you’ll keep in touch with us and come back to visit,” Cat said, looking at them hopefully.
    “Rest assured, Cat, we shall return,” Trevor replied.
    Cat stood on the porch watching as Michael’s car pulled out of the driveway, and made its way down the hill. She felt sad until she turned and found her parents standing in the doorway, looking so happy. Yes, I’ve definitely made the right decision.
         
    Standing in the Parliament’s Great Hall, Andrei tried to control his temper and avoid the eruption of his fangs. The impossible woman before him made it a difficult task.
    “So, when did you arrive back at the castle?” Lisbeth inquired.
    “A few days ago,” Andrei replied.
    “And you are just now seeking me? What news do you bring from your trip to Astoria?” she asked, her patience wearing thin.
    “I still have no leads on the Childe, if that is what you are asking.”
    “What do you mean you still have no leads on the Childe? What have you been doing this whole time?!” she asked in frustration, and bared her fangs. Andrei gave her a withering look. “What of my brother Lucien then? Has his condition improved?”
    “No, he is still as stubborn as always, and has yet to rid himself of his drinking addiction,” he replied with a smirk.
    “This is no joke, Andrei! You are seriously trying my patience!”
    “Now, now, Lisbeth, calm yourself,” Valdir said placidly as he strolled up to the pair. His footsteps on the white marble floor echoed throughout the vast space. “There is no reason to shout, my dear. Andrei seems to be doing his best to locate the Childe. Is that not right, Andrei?” Valdir asked looking pointedly at him. Andrei nodded. Lisbeth crossed her arms in anger and let out a huff of annoyance. “See Lisbeth, there is nothing to fret over. Time is on our side. Neither our master Cain, nor the Parliament are aware of this situation. As long as we keep on top of it, we can rid ourselves of this issue before it escalates.”
    “But my visions are becoming