Eve changed into what Claire thought of as Goth camoblack pants, a black silk shirt with red skulls embroidered at the collar, and a black vest with loads of pockets that could hold things. Things like stakes and crosses, as it turned out. Just in case, Eve said, catching Claires look. What?

Nothing, she sighed. Just dont use them on Michael.

Eve stopped for a second, stricken, and then nodded. She was still getting her head around it, Claire knew. Well, Claire was doing the same thing. She kept expecting to hear Michaels guitar downstairs; she kept wondering about what time it was. Not dawn yetshe checked the Internet and found out that they still had time, but if Michael didnt come back soon

The front door opened and closed. Eve snatched a stake from her pocket, wide-eyed, and Claire motioned to her to stay where she was, then sneaked carefully to the corner.

She nearly ran into Michael, who was moving way more quietly than she was used to. He looked nearly as surprised as she did. Behind him was Sam, but there was no sign of Amelie.

You okay? she asked. Michael nodded. He lookedbetter, in some strange sort of way. At peace. Not going to? She mimed fangs in her neck. He smiled.

No way, kid. He ruffled her hair lightly. Theres a deal on the table for Shane.

A deal? Eve sounded tense as she came around into view, and Claire didnt blame her. Deals hadnt gone especially well for them so far.

If we get Monica back safely, Shane goes free. The Morrells still have influence in this town, even with the vamps. Of which Michael was one now, but he didnt seem to be lumping himself in quite yet. Oliver was willing to trade. Or maybe not willingconvinced.

Shane for Monica? Sweet! Eve realized she was holding a stake in her hand, blushed, and put it away. Neither Sam nor Michael seemed all that bothered. Ah, sorry. Nothing personalso its you two and us against the world, or what?

No, Sam said, and looked at Michael. Its the three of you. I cant go with you.

What? Butyou

Im sorry. Sam honestly sounded like he meant it. Amelies orders. Vampires stay neutralMichaels the only exception because of his agreement with Amelie. I cant help you.

I cant, he repeated, with emphasis, and sighed. Youll get some help from the human communitythats all I can tell you. Good luck. He started to walk away, toward the door, then turned back. Thank you, Claire. Eve.

What for?

Sams smile was suddenly luminous, and it looked just like Michaels. You brought me to Amelie. And she talked to me. That counts.

There was a story behind that, Claire was sure, full of heartbreak and longing; she could see it, for a second, written all over his face. Amelie? He loved Amelie? That was kind of like loving the Mona Lisathe painting, not the person. Presuming Amelie even had enough emotion in her to feel something for Sam these days.

Maybe once she had. Wow.

Sam nodded to Michael, equal to equal, and he left, closing the door behind him.

Hey, Eve said. Did he have an invitation? To get into the house?

He didnt need one, Michael said. The house adjusted itself once Ichanged. Now humans need an invitation. Except for you, since you live here.

Okay, thats stupid.

Its Protection, Michael said. You know how it works.

Claire didnt, but she was fascinated. Not the time, though. Um, he said the town was sending help?

Richard Morrell, Michael said. Monicas cop brother. And hes bringing Hess and Lowe with him.

Thats it? Claire squeaked. Because there were a lot of bikers. Like, a lot. Not to mention Shanes dad, who frankly scared her worse than most of the vampires just because he didnt seem to have any rules.

Funny, the vampires seemed to be all about rules. Who knew?

Im going to want you both to stay here, Michael said.

No, Eve said flatly. Claire echoed it.

Seriously, you need to stay. This is going to get dangerous.

Dangerous? Dude, they killed kids. On campus! Eve shot back. We were there! Dont you get it? Were not safe here, and maybe we can help you. At the very least, we can grab Monica and hustle her skanky ass back to her dad while all you brave, strong menfolk hold off the bad guys. Right?

Not Claire, then.

Claire, Claire said, decides for herself. In case you forgot.

Claire doesnt decide when its something like this, because Claire is sixteen and Michael doesnt want to be explaining her tragic accidental death to her parents. So, no.

Whatre you going to do? Eve asked, and cocked her head to one side. Lock her in her room?

He looked from one of them to the other, his frown deepening. Oh, crap. What is this, Girl Solidarity?

Bet your ass, Eve said. Somebodys got to keep you in line. Her smile faded, because that was true now, not just a funny idea. Michael cleared his throat.

Did you hear that?

What?

A car. Brakes. Outside.