“I didn’t think you had anyone on the inside helping you out,” Corin caught his stare.
Jordon smiled slyly. “I never said that.” He didn’t elaborate.
Corin nodded.
With everything in order, Jordon shape-shifted and took to the sky.
“We’d best be going ourselves if we plan on making it to the estate before dawn.” Corin lifted Angelique from the ground and headed for the truck. “Hopefully, Boldor left the keys.”
“You go ahead,” Tomes motioned. “I’ll walk out with the sheriff. I have the Chevelle parked at the gate.”
“My fully restored 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport?” Corin said.
“The one and only, and she handles like a dream,” Tomes razzed.
“It ought to with all the time and money I’ve put into it. Just remember, you’re sitting behind a bundle. I’d best not find a scratch,” Corin warned, making hast with Angelique, knowing sunrise wasn’t far off.
* * * *
“Vampires, wolves, decapitations, it’s certainly been interesting…a night to remember.” Pierson walked alongside Tomes, en route to the gate. “Does it still feel a little disturbing out here to you?” He felt the twitch behind his left ear, concerned things might not be quite as wrapped up as they believed them to be.
“There’s nothing to worry about. Boldor’s dead. And he’s not coming back.”
Pierson rubbed his ear. “I’ll tell you one thing, after tonight, I’ll never look at a cemetery the same way again.”
“I know what you mean, Sheriff. This past week has completely changed my life.”
Nearing the gate, Corin drove by, tossing a wave as he passed.
“Where are you parked?” Tomes asked.
“Behind those trees,” Pierson pointed out the spot. “You go ahead. I’ll manage just fine.”
“Okay. I’ll see you soon, Sheriff,” Tomes turned back. “What about my folder?”
“I’ll get it to you,” he replied, wanting to do a little more reading before giving it up.
“All right, Sheriff.” Tomes moved on. “I know where to find it.”
Pierson went to his SUV and climbed behind the wheel, glancing at Tomes who left with a blow of the horn. He lit a Marlboro and leaned back. eave, to till Tomes left, returning a blow of the horn.
“Alone at last.” He lit a Marlboro and flipped on an inside light.
With everyone cleared out, he reached in his jacket and pulled out a charm that resembled a large locket. A wide grin stretched across his face as he examined the relic. He wasn’t at all the bumbling back-woods simpleton the others thought him to be, not by a long shot. Tonight, they were the ones royally duped.
Pierson had no idea what power the charm possessed, but he intended to find out. Since learning of the reality of immortals, how could he be content with living such a short life—a mere eighty years if lucky? Knowing what he now knew, he wanted what they had…the immortals. He wanted to live forever, and one way or another, he was going to make that happen.
* * * *
Three nights later, Tomes stirred about the mansion while Corin remained with Angelique, emerging from the basement only long enough to feed.
Falling asleep on the sofa, he woke just before sunrise and stepped onto the lanai. Collapsing in a chair, he thought about Louisa, plagued by her memory. She was gone, but he’d never stop loving or missing her.
Watching the sky growing brighter by the minute—the sun rising to a new day—his thoughts transferred to Angelique.
“You will never see this again, Angel.”
“I will see it from this day forth through your eyes, brother.” He heard her voice in his mind, sending him scrambling to his feet in bewilderment.
“I hear you, Angel. By God, I hear you,” he laughed, then cried.
With Angelique now immortal, he figured the telepathy was possible due to their twin connection, and her new powers. Nevertheless, all that mattered was his cherished sister, whom he dearly loved, was still with him. She was no longer mortal, but she would always be his Angel. And walking with Corin—an immortal he was now proud to call his brother—she would be happy.
EPILOGUE
Tomes sat at his computer and started typing, his fingers flying over the keys as he transposed his memories into words. His story would be both terrifying and incredible, telling of two destined immortals—Corin and Angelique—who reside in a small town called Hixton, located in Jackson County, Wisconsin. There, they inhabit a secluded, sprawling estate, claiming their isolation, hiding the fact that in the day, they rest within the dark confines of the earth, and after the fall of night, they walk, for they are nightwalkers.
It all started one stormy night. Corin von Vadim walked amid the stones….
Continue the story in Book 2
After the Fall of Night:
IMMORTAL CALLING
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherri Lee Claytor resides in Southwest Florida. Her novels include: Left in Silence, Corin & Angelique (After the Fall of Night, Book 1), Immortal Calling (After the Fall of Night, Book 2) and Wakefield: the End of the Ages.
Visit her website at www.sherrileeclaytor.com.
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