Broken Heart 09 Only Lycans Need Apply(36)

“Vampires,” clarified Aufanie. “Not zombies.”

“I believe zombies are dead-dead,” mused Tark. “And do not fall under the purview of vampire rulership.”

I didn’t even know what to say. How on earth could I contribute to such a bizarre conversation? “I know that part . . . the part about the pyramid, not the zombies. “

“Yes,” said Tark. “Karn wishes to kill the slumbering vampires, Amahté and Shamhat, and lead the vampires himself. Also, he wants to drink the ambrosia that was buried with them.”

“And then he wants to reveal supernatural creatures to humans,” I said. “I understand all of that.”

“We once lived in harmony with humans, but they eventually turned against us,” said Aufanie. “Even in these enlightened times, we would risk too much—if we reveal ourselves too soon. But with Amahté and his mate returned to the world, we gain ground toward the goal of revelation—and peaceful accord with humans.”

“It’s imperative to our world, and yours, that you ensure their safe return,” said Tark.

I hadn’t even seen the pyramid yet, and here I was being made responsible for its contents. Which were vampires. How did I get into this mess? I scrunched my toes in the grass and sighed.

“Drake will insist that he go in ahead of you,” said Tark. “You must not let him. Your blood opened the first lock and made the pyramid appear. Drake cannot be the sacrifice.”

I thought about Drake, about his eyes, and that body, and those plingy lust vibes . . . oh, wow. “Have you met your son? He doesn’t seem the type to be bossed around.” I blinked. “Wait. What do you mean, ‘sacrifice’?”

I studied their concerned faces. Maybe Drake’s parents were trying to protect him. Patsy had said the pyramid was booby-trapped. So, save him and sacrifice me? I was only a human, after all. Still, it seemed an odd thing to rescue me from Karn so they could use my archaeological expertise to trigger traps. Anyone could be thrown to the wolves . . . um, so to speak. “Why do you want me to prevent Drake from entering the pyramid?”

Aufanie offered me a gentle smile. “You must go in first, Moira . . . because it’s imperative that you die.”





Chapter 14


“Die?” I said.

“Oh, it won’t be right away,” said Aufanie. She took a look at my expression and added hastily, “Nor will it be forever.”

“The blood of the person who opened the tomb is required to get through the traps. That would be you,” said Tark. “If Drake enters first and tries to be the key, the pyramid will reject him and disappear again.”

“And you know that how?” I asked. “Because I thought these vampires were lost, or something.”

“We had a very enlightening conversation with the vampire who helped create the pyramid and its protections,” said Tark.

“And whoever found the damned thing and unlocked it had the dubious honor of being a sacrifice?”

Tark and Aufanie exchanged a look. “Not necessarily.”

“Well, that’s not vague at all,” I said, annoyed. “Can we have some further discussion on the sacrifice part of this business?”

“You will slowly be drained as you progress,” said Tark. “It is your blood that will begin to awaken the Ancients. When you reach the end of your journey, you will be rewarded with the ambrosia.”

“So it’s really ambrosia? Food-of-the-gods ambrosia?” I asked. “Make-me-immortal ambrosia?”

“Yes.” Tark looked at me as though he were questioning my sacrifice candidacy.

“Why would you come to me in a dream? And not tell Drake directly about not going in ahead me?”

“My son is stubborn,” said Tark.

“All of our sons are stubborn,” said Aufanie. She glanced at her husband and smiled. “I fear they come by it naturally.” She patted her husband’s hip.

“Drake will insist on coming with you.”

“Our son is very fond of you.”

“I’ve known him for two seconds,” I said. “Granted, he’s aces at the white-knight stuff—well, so far—but why would he care about some archaeologist he’s never met before?”

“Oh. Well.” Aufanie’s smile crinkled, as though she was trying to prevent a secret from spilling out of her lips. “We know you have questions.”

“Does she ever,” muttered Tark.

“More will be revealed to you, I promise,” said Aufanie. “But for now, we must have your answer, Moira. Will you enter the pyramid first, of your own free will, and traverse time and traps to bring forth the new hope of parakind?”