The men were still making plans for their rebellion when Lilith left the tavern. Darrick always had such big plans, but he was all show and no go. All that talk about wolves and sheep had aroused her hunger.

A thought took her to Freeman's house. According to Saintcrow's rules, she wasn't supposed to feed on any of the sheep more than a couple of times a week, but she didn't like to feed on the women, and there were only a few men. And Carl was her favorite, simply because he hated her the most.

She didn't bother knocking on the door.

"Good evening, Carl," she purred. "Ready for a little fun?" She couldn't hold back a malicious grin when she saw the look on his face. "Surely you've been expecting me?"

He sat frozen on the sofa, his eyes reflecting the horror he knew was coming.

Holding out one hand, she beckoned him, felt her excitement rise when he tried to resist. She loved being a vampire, loved the power it gave her. Try as he might, the fool could not ignore her summons.

Falling to his knees, he crawled toward her.

"What a good boy you are!" she exclaimed, and dropping down beside him, she tore off his shirt, her long nails ripping the skin off his back. He shuddered with revulsion when she ran her tongue over the bloody furrows. She always loved a little taste before the main meal.

She bloodied his chest and his cheeks, licking the wounds dry, knowing her saliva would heal them by morning.

He shuddered again when she took him in her arms, a wail of pain and helplessness exploding from his lips as she buried her fangs in his throat.

One night, she might take it all. But not tonight.