Serafina stood in the doorway of the room in the basement of the laboratory, admiring her handiwork.

Everything was as ready as she could make it.

Anthony's crypt rested in the corner.

Two metal operating tables stood in the center of the room. One had been refitted with solid silver restraints to hold the vampire, restraints far stronger than the ones Anthony had once used. As much as

she loved Anthony, she didn't intend to underestimate DeLongpre's strength the way her beloved had.

She had bought a portable crib to hold the infant until she needed it, prepared a second table with leather restraints to hold DeLongpre's daughter, and obtained the necessary equipment to draw blood.

She had considered many ways to wreak vengeance against Roshan DeLongpre, but using DeLongpre's blood and that of his daughter to resurrect her beloved was far superior to any of the others. Letting Anthony destroy DeLongpre once and for all would be the coup de grace. As for DeLongpre's daughter, once Serafina was through with her, Anton could decide whether the chit should live or die.

Even though she had kept all of Anthony's old shoes and clothes, Serafina had bought him a whole new wardrobe, including underwear, socks, and handkerchiefs. He had always been a little vain, and she didn't want him to appear in public in clothes that had been out of style for over twenty years.

She had purchased his favorite blend of coffee, as well as his favorite wine and whiskey. When the day for his return grew closer, she would stock her pantry with his favorite foods. She made a mental note to pick up a bottle of his favorite cologne, a new toothbrush, a new wallet, a new comb, and a razor.

She smiled, thinking how wonderful it had been to shop for him, to fill her dresser drawers with his things.

She had bought new sheets and pillows for her bed, wanting everything to be perfect for their new life together.

She ran her hand over the metal table. If only there was a way to test the spell before she tried it on her beloved.

If only she could make the days and hours pass more quickly!

If only her beloved were there beside her.

"Soon." The word had become her mantra. "Soon."