Aurelius woke stealthily—eyes shut, body still, and confused. Where? A quick inventory told him that his backside was numb, his feet were cold, and someone was drooling on his shoulder. Why?

Recollection rushed in. The hunt. The pitfall. The girl. Ulrica. Aurelius resisted the urge to pull away, even though his partner’s face was pressed against his neck. Considering the proximity of her fangs to his vitals, he weighed his options with care. Startling her might leave him w...