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  Taking a deep breath for courage, she reached out a second time for the knocker on the front door and sounded it firmly against the solid wood. It echoed through the walls as loudly as her heart beat in her chest.

  Long moments passed without any movement within the stately castle, and her excitement began to fade. Sophia sounded the knocker again and heard it vibrating through the walls once more, but that was all. No footsteps could be heard coming to the door.

  She waited for several long minutes, then finally turned away from the door with a disappointed sigh and started down the steps to go back home. The sun had just set over the hills in the distance, and it was a brisk evening. She pulled her blazer more tightly around herself as a sudden gust of wind hit her, and the movement made her accidentally drop the items she’d been holding under her arm. They fell down the front steps, scattering papers from her notebook everywhere and shattering her recorder.

  “Damn it!” Sophia cried, and tears of frustration welled in her eyes.

  “That is a pity. Let me help you,” a deep male voice said softly from behind her.

  Sophia stifled a scream of surprise and turned to see an incredibly handsome man standing in the doorway of the castle. He was very tall, with a lean yet muscular build, and appeared to be about thirty years old. He had blond hair that hung to his shoulders and pale blue eyes. The moonlight made his skin appear so pale it was practically luminescent.

  No wonder people think the Longfellows are vampires.

  The man saw her smile and took it as consent of his offer to help. He quickly joined her on the front steps, grabbing her papers before they could all blow completely away.

  “Thank you,” Sophia said, as the handsome stranger handed her the pile he’d retrieved. A frown creased his brow as he noticed the documents included articles about the castle. Sophia knew she’d better explain quickly. She extended her hand and put a warm smile on her face. “I’m Sophia Marshall, a student at the university. I’m writing a thesis paper on the history of Longfellow Castle. I was wondering if I could interview you about the house and perhaps take some photographs.”

  “No pictures! No interviews! I did not suspect you were another vampire groupie, or I wouldn’t have helped you! Now get off my property!” The man was suddenly enraged. He swept toward the door, preparing to slam it shut in her face.

  Impulsively, Sophia shoved her notebook into the crack of door, just in time to block him from being able to shut it completely.

  “Wait!” she cried. “This isn’t some article for the gossip magazines about vampires. This is a legitimate thesis paper on the architecture and social history of this castle! It’s beautiful! It’s the most unique and long-standing home in this entire town and I’ve always loved it! I wanted to study its history, know about the people who built it, and let people come to appreciate it and know that it’s not something to be feared and rumored about. Please, don’t lock me out!”

  The man paused and widened the crack in the door enough to look at her. His gaze was penetrating and Sophia felt awkward under his unblinking stare, but she held her head high and let him appraise her. She had no hidden motive, and she wanted him to know that. After a moment, he opened the door fully, stepped back and indicated for her to enter with a sweep of his hand. “Okay, I’ll consent to an interview, but no photographs. I’m Logan Longfellow, the last surviving heir of this castle. I’ll tell you everything I know. Please come in and have a bite.”

  Sophia’s heart was pounding in her chest as she crossed the threshold and the door latched shut behind her. She knew this moment was going to change her life, but she had no idea just how much.

  Chapter Two

  Logan Longfellow was intelligent, witty, and charming. He led Sophia through the castle, room by room, telling her about each one as they went. The rooms were even more beautiful than she had imagined they would be, but it was the rich memories that Logan shared with her that had her utterly enthralled. His stories made her laugh and cry and gave her an even deeper appreciation for the castle and newfound respect for the people who lived there.

  Logan was impressed by Sophia’s knowledge of his home and the intelligence of her questions. It was obvious she’d spent a lot of time researching the subject, and he wondered if she didn’t know more about his childhood home than he did. At first, she scribbled notes on her pad as quickly as her fingers could write, but soon her research was forgotten and they talked as two friends would when both were deeply passionate about the subject they were discussing. It had been such a long time since Logan had talked intimately with someone; he hadn’t realized how hungry he had become for companionship. He drew his stories out, wanting her to stay as long as possible.

  “Is the fireplace functional?” Sophia asked, admiring the brickwork of the large fireplace in the upstairs library, but noticing that it was cold and barren of any ashes. She could imagine residents from long ago warming themselves by the fire on cold winter days as they read the books that lined the walls.

  Logan shook his head sadly. “No. One year a little girl was found dead and drained of her blood in the woods near the castle. The police never found any cause to suspect my family, but the rumors that we were vampires were well established by then and without any true suspects in the case, my family was blamed by many of the townspeople. The girl’s father swore vengeance and one night he climbed onto the roof and collapsed several of the chimneys in an attempt to smoke us out. They were never restored and haven’t worked since.”

  Sophia had read about the incident in her research, but seeing one of the actual fireplaces from the event brought it to life for her in a whole new way. The brickwork was beautiful and intricate. It was a pity to see it cold and unused. “I bet your family was relieved that the girl’s father was arrested for destruction of property.”

  Logan shook his head. “You would think so, but Mr. Murray had been a beloved man in this town, and the death of his daughter made him even more so. The townspeople hated us more than ever after he was arrested, even though we’d asked the police not to press charges. When he was sentenced to jail, we feared a lynch mob would try and kill us all.”

  “You talk as if you were actually there.” Sophia giggled, knowing the event had taken place half a century before Logan had been born.

  He smiled at the sound of her laughter, and they were both relieved to have the serious mood in the air lightened.

  Logan leaned in close, wanting to kiss her soft rosy lips, but suddenly caught himself and crossed quickly to the window where the curtains were drawn tightly closed. “That’s when the original fence was removed and a new, taller security fence installed. It wasn’t as pretty, but it worked wonders at keeping out unwanted guests.”

  Sophia joined him at the window, disappointed that he hadn’t kissed her, and pulled open the drapes so she could peer at the fence with him. As they curtains opened, they were both startled to discover the night sky was just beginning to lighten with the coming dawn. The black sky was morphing into a deep purple, and lowest on the horizon, the first hues of fuchsia heralded the rising sun.

  Sophia gasped. “Have we really been talking all night long? I can’t believe the time went so fast!”

  “Me neither.” Logan looked alarmed. He quickly pulled the drapes closed and turned to Sophia with a look of terror in his eyes. “I’m afraid I must ask you to leave.”

  “I know; I’ve got class in just a few hours!” Sophia said, rushing down the long staircase to the entrance hall. “Thank you so much for the interview! Is there any way we can continue it tomorrow night? There was so much more I wanted to ask you and your stories are so amazing. I’ve always known this was an incredible building, but talking to you has shown me that it’s much more than that. You’ve shown me that this castle is a home.”

  Logan flushed inside. He had never intended to let this girl into his house or his heart, but he’d been impressed by her enthusiasm and drawn by her passion. He’d meant to give her a fast to
ur, maybe answer a few questions, then kick her out the door; but each question she’d asked was more intelligent and inspiring than the last. He’d felt moved to tell her in-depth stories about each room, which somehow turned into a heartfelt talk that had lasted all night long. Even now, he didn’t want to see her go, but circumstances dictated that he must.

  Logan knew he should shut the door on her and never let her in again, but it was already too late. Just looking at her bright blue eyes, sparkling with hope, he couldn’t bear the thought of turning her down. She was so full of life and enthusiasm, that it was contagious. Being with her made him feel, young, vibrant and alive in a way he hadn’t felt in a very long time. He wanted to see her again, desperately, even though he knew he shouldn’t. The risks to both of them would be too great, and yet he couldn’t resist the longing he felt to see her again.

  Thinking only with his heart and not his common sense, Logan caressed Sophia’s cheek as he opened the door to let her out. “Be here right after sunset tomorrow night. I’ll cook you dinner and tell you enough stories to fill ten thesis papers.”

  “Deal!” Sophia said with a happy squeal as she bounded out the door.

  She met him again the following night, and the night after that, and then every night that week, staying from sunset to sunrise every time.

  They couldn’t get enough of each other’s company, and quickly gave up the pretense that she was still gathering research for her paper. They had fallen in love and wanted to be together as much as possible, although that proved difficult at times.

  Sophia had classes during the day, so it was fine that Logan only wanted to meet at night, but she wasn’t getting enough sleep and it was beginning to take a toll on her.

  “Don’t go yet, the night is young.” Logan held her softly in his arms on the antique loveseat in his sitting room. They had been kissing, and her lips tasted so sweet and delicious, he wanted more. He knew she was still a virgin, so he took things slow with her, satisfied to just make-out and let her set the pace.

  When she slid her hands up under his shirt to feel his hard pectoral muscles, he followed suit and gently moved his hands under her blouse to cup her breasts. They were firm and round, and she gasped with surprise at the sensation of feeling a man’s hands upon them for the first time.

  Moving slowly, so as not to scare her, Logan caressed her soft flesh and a moan of pleasure came from her lips. Feeling daring, Sophia undid the buttons of the white cotton blouse that was part of her school uniform, giving him easier access to her breasts. She hadn’t worn a bra that night, in hopes that their making-out might lead to this.

  Logan delicately put his lips to her exposed flesh, kissing her breasts as he cupped and massaged them. It was the most incredible sensation Sophia had ever experienced, and thrills of sexual excitement pulsed through her body. Her breathing quickened and soft moans of pleasure escaped her lips. When he brought his mouth to her dark pink nipples and suckled her there, the pleasure was so intense, she gasped and threw back her head, arching her back and panting.

  She became aware of a wetness growing between her legs and her panties grew sticky with it. Something deep inside her, that she’d never felt before, yearned to have him enter her, and she began to spread her thighs.

  Suddenly, the alarm on her watch began to beep, breaking the magical spell of the moment. She had an important test at school the next day and had set the alarm as a way to make sure she got enough sleep. Now she almost regretted doing so, although she still realized it was for the best.

  “I have to go,” she said regretfully, pulling herself slowly away from Logan’s embrace and buttoning her blouse closed again.

  “Please, just stay a little longer,” Logan pleaded

  “I can’t. I have an exam tomorrow, and I really need to get my sleep. You might be fine to stay up till dawn every night, but I just can’t do it anymore. I’m going home to sleep, and I’m not going to come here tomorrow night. If you want to see me, meet me in the afternoon, after my last class of the day. We can have a picnic in the park and enjoy the sunshine. It will be a nice change from all this meeting in the dark and hiding indoors all the time.”

  Sophia was smiling, excited about her idea, but Logan looked oddly concerned. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. I want to see you, but it has to be after sunset. We can have a picnic under the moonlight, instead.”

  “Why?” Sophia asked, her enthusiastic smile turning into an annoyed frown. Sleep deprivation was making her impatient and easily aggravated. “I come here all the time, but you never meet me anywhere or go places with me. Are you ashamed to be seen with me?”

  “No, not at all! I couldn’t be more proud of you, and it’s an honor that you allow me to be your boyfriend. I just can’t meet you during the day.”

  Sophia’s nerves were frayed from exhaustion, and she refused to be placated. She stormed to the front door in a furry.

  “That’s what you always say! You’re happy to have me come here to your house so we can make out, but anytime I suggest we go someplace, you refuse! I’m not some cheap call girl who will show up at your door, so you can take advantage of her! I’m never come back here again! If you want to be my boyfriend and have a real relationship with me, it has to be on equal terms! You have to come to me, out in the real world! I’m not going hide with you, locked away in this castle, any longer! Goodbye!”

  “Sophia, wait!” Logan called after her, but it was too late. She slammed the door behind her and ran into the street, sobbing with her broken heart.

  Logan hesitated, torn between his heart and his fears. If he didn’t want to lose Sophia, he would have to reveal his secret to her. Of course, once she knew the truth about him, he might lose her anyway. It was a risk he’d been aware of from the very beginning, even though he’d told himself he kept the secret as a way to protect her from the dangers knowing the truth might place her in.

  Logan loved Sophia too much not to try and make things work between them. Her life was in danger now anyway, just because she’d been in his company for so long. There could be denying they were in a relationship, and his enemies knew that. Telling her the truth now was the best way to keep her safe, for at least then she would have a fighting chance. Whether or not she could accept him for what he was, once he told her, was completely up to her. In his heart, Logan thought he knew what her reaction would be.

  Chapter Three

  Sophia was blinded by her tears as she ran down the sidewalk. She knew she had over-reacted, but staying every night that week had left her utterly exhausted and overly emotional. She didn’t really want to break up with Logan, she loved him, but something was definitely going to have to change between them if they were going to continue this relationship. She hoped desperately that he would chase after her and they could form a compromise together. When she heard the sound of male footsteps behind her, she smiled, hoping it was him. When she turned around, however, she got a nasty surprise.

  It wasn’t Logan behind her at all, but a gang of six large men. She recognized them as being the troublemakers who frequented the bars near the university campus. It was obvious they had been drinking as they laughed and joked with each other. They were often rowdy and rude, harassing girls as they walked down the sidewalk. Sophia knew she wouldn’t be able to outpace them, so she stepped to the side, pretending to adjust her jacket, hoping they would pass her by.

  The plan nearly worked, as the gang strolled by, but then the last one in the group stopped and turned around to look her up and down crudely.

  “Hey, sweet thing! What are you doing out all alone on a night like tonight? Are you looking for a little action?” he called out to her.

  The rest of the gang took notice, and they all joined him, encircling her on the sidewalk.

  “I’m just joining my friends. In fact, I’m late and they’ll be looking for me if I don’t get there soon, so I’d better hurry,” Sophia said in a trembling voice, but the lie sounded weak even to her and she k
new they wouldn’t believe it.

  “You don’t need to join your friends. You’ve got plenty of friends right here,” the gang member said.

  One of his buddies stepped closer and caressed Sophia’s hair. “Yeah, we’re real friendly. Why don’t you come be friends with us tonight?”

  The other members of the gang followed suit, closing in on her in a tight circle, grabbing at her hair, clothes and body.

  “No! Let me go! Leave me alone!” she screamed, as two of them grabbed her by the arms, dragged her into the nearby alley and pinned her down onto the ground. She struggled with all her might, but they were too strong. She realized with terror that they were going to rape her.

  Suddenly, there was a flash of movement. The gang members were thrown away from her, flung powerfully into alley walls and out into the street by a force too quick to be seen by the human eye.

  “What the hell is going on?” the lead gang member shouted, his eyes wide with fear.

  The moving blur came to a stop in front of him, revealing the form of Logan Longfellow. Sophia gasped and stared in shock and wonder.

  Logan faced off to the man, casually appraising him with the air of someone who had all the time in the world. His light blond hair flowed softly in the breeze and his deathly pale skin looked white as snow in the moonlight. His muscles rippled, and he reminded her of a cat preparing to kill a mouse it was toying with. His pale blue eyes looked deadly, and a smile of delight curled the corners of his lips.

  “What are you?” the gang member gasped, sensing his opponent wasn’t fully human.