Arianna walked back up the stairs to their apartment, staring at the key. She hadn't expected to get her own car. Even though she was now basically rich from her inheritance, when she was home with her aunt and uncle Arianna still felt like the normal girl she had been before everything changed a year ago. As she tuned on the last landing, she suddenly stopped, running into someone who had been waiting in the dark.

"Oh, sorry about that," Thomas said, catching her and keeping her from falling backwards down the stairs. "No crew?" he asked, looking behind her. She shook her head no. "Good. I need to talk to you. Preferably without the wolf around."

"Didn't I get everything changed correctly?" Arianna asked. She'd thought she took care of everything that would put Thomas right back to where he was a year ago, before he agreed to be her guard for the year.

"No, everything was fine. I got accepted into two Early Entry med school programs with my new grades. Everything is fine." Thomas sat down on the top step. "Actually, I needed to talk to you about something else."

Arianna sat down and peered up at him. Like her guards and Turner, Thomas towered over her. While it was true that most people were taller than Arianna, who was only just over five feet tall, her keepers were much taller. Thomas was lost in thought. Arianna looked down the dark stairwell. It was easier to read people's hidden feelings when she didn't see their faces to confuse her. Anxiety was written all over his face, but once she had turned away, Arianna felt the hope behind it.

"Can I be your tengu keeper?" Thomas blurted out.

"What?" Arianna was surprised. "You just got out of your bargain with Gabriel. You can go back and have a normal life, become a doctor, get married, have a family and a white picket fence."

Thomas shrugged. "I thought that was what I wanted, but as soon as I got back home, I realized that somewhere along the way things changed. Maybe you remind me too much of my sister. But I feel this overwhelming urge to protect you."

"I have my guards and Devin and Turner," Arianna replied. "You don't have to stay with me for that. Go live a life none of us get to live." Arianna truly wanted that for him. She almost envied that his life was so much more his, than hers was hers. Her life had been planned for her the moment she was conceived. She was the legendary night human everyone was waiting for. Now she just had to live up to it, which was hard to do since she didn't even know what the legend was.

"For once in my life, I'm making my own choice," Thomas replied. "Med school and saving the world was always my dad's dream. I can always go to med school later. Right now, I feel I need to be here. And you need a tengu."

"Need a tengu?"

"Every baku is matched with a tengu at the turning ceremony. It's a lifelong bond. And you never got one. So here I am, offering to be your tengu." The hope was growing stronger the longer they talked. Thomas could see that he was swaying her in his direction.

Arianna was at a loss for words. She felt the seriousness in his voice and the truth in his heart.

"Are you offering to be the tengu keeper of the legend?" she whispered.

"Yes."

"And you do know what that entails?" she continued. He nodded. "I'll have to drink your blood for it." He nodded again. There wasn't a hint of the squeamishness he had before. Thomas had never been comfortable to even be around her when she was feeding. "And you're fine with that?"

"If you'd take me." Thomas stood, still waiting and antic.i.p.ating the answer he wanted to hear.

Arianna didn't hesitate to reply. He had already been the older brother she always wanted, and now he was offering to make the bond permanent. "Well then, you better go home and get dressed for a party, as Gabriel is waiting."

EIGHT.

Arianna paced around the large bedroom. She had been waiting for more than thirty minutes now, but she couldn't enter her party until midnight. People were still arriving and custom dictated that she arrive last. She walked back to the dresser against the far wall and checked her hair for the tenth time. Devin was outside the door, and Turner was downstairs with Molina, observing each guest as they arrived. Gabriel stood at the front door and greeted everyone, also making sure that everyone entered on good terms. Arianna could sense each person as they arrived. In respect towards her, they didn't keep their feelings shielded. She was their leader now. More than half the people that came were genuinely happy to be there. The other half were like starving wolves waiting to pounce. Arianna was fresh meat. She had been trying to keep her emotions hidden once she found out that everyone was feeding off her energy, but it was still hard for her to do. It was even harder when she couldn't concentrate well. Her talk with Devin had her worried. Would she become a mindless beast someday? Would it be accelerated if something happened to Devin and Turner?

Arianna's head snapped up at the newest guest entering. She didn't need to see him to know who it was. Edward Lucan was now present at the party. Now the fun can really begin, Arianna thought. Arianna felt the hatred roll off him. He was mad, actually madder than usual. He didn't speak to Gabriel as he entered, and Gabriel didn't address him. Why does Lucan stay here if he hates it so much? Behind Lucan were three more people. Arianna stayed by the dresser as the last person pa.s.sed by Gabriel and walked upstairs to the room she was in. His personal guards stood at the bottom of the stairs.

"Can I come in?" Andrew asked from behind the door.

'Is Devin still there?' Arianna knew the answer, but she couldn't tell what was going on with Devin's steel exterior.

'Oh yes, the Randolph pup is here doing his job, staring daggers at me without a hint of emotion seeping out,' Andrew replied in her head. It was easiest for both Arianna and Andrew not to talk aloud with people around.

"Come on in," she replied for Devin's benefit, as it seemed he wouldn't be letting Andrew by him until she did so.

"I see your uncle has come with all his malice as usual," she said as Andrew entered the room and shut the door behind him. Devin was not happy with that action, but allowed it anyways.

"Of course, it pains him each time he comes to these gatherings and remembers he's not the most powerful. I think tonight might have been extra taxing, knowing that I was going to escort you. Are you ready to be the belle of the ball?" Andrew moved forward slowly as if he were stalking his prey. Andrew's night human qualities were seeping into his day human form. He was more graceful and his appearance more finessed. Greater power than normal was radiating off him.

"I'm never ready for that," Arianna replied.

Andrew eyed her over. He too knew this was the first time they had been alone in a room since the previous year. Instinct told her she should be backing up or moving into a fighting stance at least, but Andrew would never harm her. Instinct could not beat her heart's feelings. Fortunately Devin was just outside the door, keeping them both too cautious to act on the feelings between them.

"It seems like your team planned ahead well." Andrew was standing just inches from Arianna. He slid a finger in the side of the top of her strapless dress. Arianna shivered at his touch, and then was ashamed of herself when she heard Devin move outside the door. Andrew looked up at the door, but only moved his hand to her shoulder.

"What does that mean?" Arianna asked.

Andrew stepped back only inches before his motions sped up. Arianna could see him start to unb.u.t.ton his shirt. As he was almost done, she reached up quickly and stopped him, her blush moving as fast as he was. Startled, he fell back into normal speed.

"How did you do that?" he asked, c.o.c.king his head to the side to view her like she was now doing a new magic trick.

"Do what? What are you doing?" she demanded.

"We have to appear in night human form at the meal. While your group can strategically dress you so that you don't rip your clothing, men's clothing isn't as forgiving." Arianna still stared at him. "I need to remove my shirt so that I don't rip it into shreds." Andrew finally noticed the blush in her cheeks. He smiled and gently touched her red cheeks with the tip of his finger. Arianna didn't move though she wanted to hide her face from the predator in the room. "So now that I've answered your question, what about mine? How did you stop me when I shimmered?" He finished unb.u.t.toning the last b.u.t.ton.

"Shimmer?" Arianna heard new terms every day that people wouldn't explain. Shimmer was a new one.

"When we're in day human form, we can use a little of our baku energy and move quicker." Andrew removed his coat but left his unb.u.t.toned shirt on. "It's called a shimmer. Everyone does it a different way, but one thing is always the same. The person shimmering is always moving faster than the one not."

Arianna shrugged. "Maybe I'm just getting better at this night human thing."

'Maybe you're just getting better at reading me,' he replied.

Andrew smiled his smug smile and moved closer. He took one of her hands and placed it on his bare chest. His heart beat wildly beneath her touch. He seemed to be as entranced with her as she was with him. Arianna wanted to pull away, but couldn't. It was always like that with Andrew. There was something that blocked all logical thought and drew her to him. She had spent the last year denying it, but it was true. Being alone with him could be dangerous.

Arianna felt the day human skin beneath her hand. It was more textured than his baku skin, but just as hard. Even in his day human form, Andrew was a force to be reckoned with. Andrew exhaled as her hand moved across his skin inadvertently. Arianna stopped as her hand moved to his scarred shoulder. She traced the scar with her fingertips. Andrew stood like stone, allowing her to explore. His emotions were almost as tightly controlled as Devin at this point, but a bit of worry slipped through. Arianna traced the scar along the top of his shoulder, pushing his shirt out of the way as she continued over to his back where she stopped. It was strange to see his otherwise perfect skin marred. When they changed into night humans most cuts healed and often disappeared completely. Only very deep cuts would leave scars. She slipped his arms out of his shirt and stared at the crisscross of scars marking up his back. Andrew had been whipped, and more than once.

"What are these?" she whispered, afraid to say it in her head as he might not answer her. Four new lines ran horizontal on his back over the scarred tissue. Arianna wanted to cover them up and pretend they weren't there, but she couldn't help but stare at them.

'Punishment,' Andrew replied silently.

'Why?' She still couldn't break away from looking at the torn skin. It should have been healed. No night human she knew would let cuts go so long unhealed that they could scab over. All he needed to do was change into his night human form.

'For seeing you.' Andrew kept his back to her but she could feel the worry as he answered.

'Me?' Arianna was horrified that Andrew would be punished for seeing her. She felt tears beginning to build in her eyes. His uncle, Edward Lucan, was truly a monster.

'Don't worry. They go away when I change.' Andrew pulled Arianna back in front of him, sensing that she was getting sad on him.

'You haven't changed in two weeks?' Arianna fed at least every other day, and had to change to do it.

'I haven't had enough blood to do so. I had to be present for tonight, which forced my uncle's hand.' Andrew picked up her hands and held them in his own. He placed one of them back on his chest. He liked the feeling of her hands on him as much as she liked to touch him.

'Why would he keep you from blood?' Arianna asked, horrified at the thought. The thirst could overpower even strong night humans, making them do things they regretted.

'I think he suspects that I'm hiding my power.' Andrew brushed a calloused finger across her cheek and wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye. 'Don't worry about me. I have a plan to take care of everything.' Arianna numbly nodded, still trying to understand how an uncle could be so cruel to his own nephew. Andrew leaned down and pressed his lips to Arianna's before she could move away or protest. He was so gentle she barely felt it before he pulled back.

"I think they're ready for us." Andrew pointed at the door where Devin was shifting again. "We best be getting down there to appease the ma.s.ses." Andrew was completely back to his normal arrogant self, with only a hint of sadness behind his eyes. Arianna wanted to stay upstairs and talk more. Her time with Andrew was constantly cut short. Their physical connection was always obvious, but she wanted to know more about him. Andrew intrigued her; he had as many secrets as Devin. Their connection intrigued her even more, and she had a feeling Andrew knew more about it than he led her to believe.

"You have to teach me how to do that someday," Arianna added as she quickly changed into her night human form. Her features refined as she grew taller, her skin paled and even glistened in the moonlight, but her blue eyes remained. Andrew followed by turning into the monster she first saw over a year ago. His frame doubled in size and his hair turned white. Even though she first though all baku looked the same in night human form, Arianna now could see the differences. His long white hair still had a hint of the waves from his naturally black hair. The muscles that were now shown off in his shirtless outfit, were the same as his day human form, just larger. In fact he now just looked like a larger, paler version of his normal self.

"Do what?" he asked in his now lowered voice.

"You and Devin keep your emotions so covered. I need to learn how to do that. Become more like a robot." Arianna checked the mirror, and Andrew had been right. Her team had tastefully chosen a dress that would expand enough with her night human body. The tea-length skirt was even still coving her thighs, thankfully, and the top kept everything else in place too. She would have to thank Molina later. Having a girl on her team was beneficial, even when she choose the most horrible frilly pajamas to put her in, like the night not too long ago.

"I could always be more like you," he suggested as intense emotions. .h.i.t Arianna. In an instant she was in his arms, meeting him halfway with her lips. It wasn't the gentle kiss from a moment ago. She couldn't help but be drawn to him. Everything she felt, and was hiding inside, was being reflected back to her by Andrew. Now she needed him close and pressed against him. Andrew's hands traced the bodice of her dress while her hands cupped his face. Intense happiness came off him in waves. Arianna felt the same emotions well up inside her. Everything between them was mutual and perfect in that moment.

"But then we would be late to your party." Andrew stepped back at the sound of the door opening.

Devin stood just outside, in the hallway, without speaking. Arianna tried to straighten out her dress as a blush crept up her face. She regretted her actions immediately at the sight of Devin. He'd just told her a day ago he loved her, and now, she was caught kissing Andrew. She wanted to tell him that she couldn't help it, but it wouldn't make a difference. She needed to learn how to control her emotions like everyone around her.

"I think the dog has grown impatient. We must be needed downstairs," Andrew said, staring at the open door.

Devin turned to lead the way, but Arianna caught the sigh behind her. It seemed that Andrew didn't want to leave the room upstairs as much as she didn't. Arianna concentrated on Devin's back. There was still no c.h.i.n.k in his emotional armor. Maybe he hadn't actually seen what she'd been doing with Andrew. She hoped he didn't, but knowing Devin, he already knew. Somehow, he always knew. Arianna continued to blush on the dark stairs as she descended behind him. It was so hard. Behind her was one man who freely gave her his emotions any time she asked, and in front was one that wouldn't ever be free from his past. Neither asked her to choose, but it felt like she was leading them both on.

NINE.

Clouded by the feelings of Andrew, Arianna didn't see Devin slip beside her until his knife was at Andrew's throat. His two guards down the stairs moved to jump into the action, but Molina and Turner held them both at bay. Everyone was frozen and staring at Devin and Andrew. Andrew's large fingers grasped at Devin's neck, setting the two at a standstill. Devin's eyes flickered to Arianna during their silent conversation, but his concentration was always on Andrew.

"What are you doing?" Arianna asked Devin, as neither Devin nor Andrew moved. Andrew opened up the conversation.

'It seems your dog here thinks I'm the root of all evil, and planning to do something to harm you,' Andrew replied, fingers never leaving Devin's throat.

'What now?' Arianna asked Devin. Exasperated, she tugged at his sleeve. She could easily overpower him, but with his blade so close, and Andrew's hands at his throat, she didn't want to put either in more danger.

'We've got surveillance of Edward Lucan planning to overthrow Gabriel. He has been planning this for almost a decade,' Devin replied. 'And since his entrance at the party, we're now more certain, he plans to do it tonight.'

'There are no plans that I know about,' Andrew replied.

'The other purebreds will not stand for a change in the system,' Arianna replied, still unsure how to get them to both relax. 'Gabriel already explained this all to me.'

'They may not stand for mutiny, but from his smug att.i.tude, I think Lucan has found a way around it,' Devin replied. 'I was just so kindly asking your escort here what the plan is, and how he plans to hurt you.'

'Andrew would never hurt me,' Arianna snapped back. That was one thing she was absolutely sure of.

'Can you be certain?' Devin tried to get her to see reason. Andrew was the nephew of her only baku enemy, power-hungry Lucan. Andrew had nothing to gain by being with Arianna.

'Yes.' Arianna replied. Andrew gave a smug smile at Arianna's remark.

"Now everyone, let's go," Arianna commanded. Molina and Turner slowly backed away from the two fully-transformed baku. The will of the lesser night humans was easier to command. Stronger night humans would willfully go against her command, but it still took energy. Devin and Andrew continued to stand ready to hurt each other, still both fighting the urge to listen to her.

"It would be so easy to just squeeze," Andrew said to Devin in a low voice. "Do you think you'd have time to put that blade in far enough before I had time to squeeze?" The two baku guards both snickered, knowing the answer.

"I don't think you'd want to try me since the blade is laced with nightshade," Devin replied. It was now Turner's turn to snort. "I wouldn't come to a baku party without it." Devin's smile was deadly. Even a knick from that blade would incapacitate Andrew. Arianna reached up between the two men and unpeeled Andrew's fingers while, at the same time, lowering Devin's blade. She'd had enough with their excessive male bravado.

"Touche," Andrew replied with a smile and a bow. Arianna gave a disapproving glare to each of them. Andrew offered his arm to her, and she reluctantly took it, not wanting to choose sides. "Guess I'll escort your girlfriend to her birthday party for you." Devin glared at him as they walked past. Even Devin couldn't hide the slight jealousy showing through his normal calm.

Arianna winced at the bright lights as they walked onto the back porch and into the brightly lit nighttime party. While the dearg-duls feared bright lights for their burning effects, the baku seemed to bask in them. Arianna was glad to reach the tent until she realized that she was under the gaze of the hundred hungry people sitting there. All eyed her greedily, wanting a bit of the emotional energy she always threw off. Arianna was to the baku like a light is to insects. Thankfully, she was under Andrew's aura and away from the constant emotional pull the baku all did, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Under the tent it was just as bright as the walkway, but Arianna's eyes quickly adjusted. Andrew led her to the head of the table next to Gabriel. Andrew then moved to the empty seat beside her. Lucan smiled at his nephew. Arianna tried to ignore his joy, but obviously Andrew could not. Arianna felt the tension in Andrew as his arm muscles tensed beneath her hand. Lucan was talking to Andrew, but Andrew clearly didn't approve. Everyone stopped talking as Gabriel stood.

"I'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight to celebrate with us on the birthday of my niece, and our leader, Arianna Grace. Since she has taken over in the past year, we've had fewer conflicts with the dearg-dul and one might say she has even brought peace to our lands. We are lucky to have such a great diplomatic leader," Gabriel began. Arianna blushed and tried to ignore Gabriel talking. Her only diplomacy was her birth. Gabriel continued his speech, while Arianna talked silently to Andrew.

'What's your uncle planning?' she asked.

'No clue. His decisions never involve my opinion.' Andrew continued to stare at his uncle. 'I guess I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut, according to him.' Lucan's glare was evident to both Arianna and Andrew.

Arianna looked back up at the crowd as they all proclaimed "Happy Birthday!" together. Most of the people were genuinely happy. As everyone sat down so that dinner could be served, Lucan continued to stand. Gabriel nodded for permission to talk as there was no reason to deny him.

"What a great occasion this is to celebrate," Lucan began. "But why stop there at a birthday celebration, but at a change of power." The crowd began to murmur their disapproval. Gabriel was correct in guessing that no one approved of mutiny.

"Are you suggesting a rebellion? Are you making a challenge?" Gabriel asked, his baku form expanding a bit as he stood. Not a single person seated at the large table seemed to agree with Lucan.

"Never, great leader," Lucan said with sarcasm. "I'm speaking for my nephew, since he's seated at the left hand of the leader, Andrew a.s.sumes second-in-command for tonight." The talking grew around them from murmurs to talking over each other. Arianna strained to listen to the conversations and understand what was happening. Andrew's seat meant nothing to her. The males were all seated on the left of the females dates of each baku at the table. It was etiquette to have them there.

'Please explain,' Arianna asked her uncle, but Gabriel didn't reply as he stared daggers at Lucan. Arianna looked around the room, still confused. Everyone else seemed to get what Lucan meant even if she did not.

Andrew reached for her hand, but Devin suddenly stood between them. Devin's blade was pulled out, and it was obvious that he planned to use it as soon as he could. Andrew didn't hit back this time. There was none of the bravado of power. Andrew sighed and returned to their silent conversation.

'At all times, the second-in-command can challenge the head of the families to a duel for the right to be in charge. The person seated to the left of the leader at formal functions is considered the number two in command. I should have been this coming. My uncle might not be strong, but he's clever when he wants to be. Gabriel should have been seated here, but since you're a female, they seated me here as your date.' Andrew dragged his hands through his hair, wanting to be face-to-face with Arianna, but instead finding himself staring at Devin.

'This was all a set up?' Arianna asked Andrew. Disbelief filled her face. Andrew had always been honest with her, at least she thought. She counted back to all the times she had been alone with him in the past year. Not one time did she feel unsafe around him. Was she supposed to? Devin seemed to think so, and now, Devin was correct.

'Never by me. I truly just wanted to be your date,' Andrew tried to beg for her to listen to him.

'And you can't just decline?' Arianna demanded. The tension in the tent was mounting, and they were sitting at the core of it. Gabriel was now fuming over having been caught in a trap. His anger wouldn't hold much longer.

'My uncle speaks for my family. His word is law in our house.' Andrew hung his head in defeat. He couldn't protect Arianna after all.

For ten minutes straight, the people around Arianna argued over the circ.u.mstances. All saw that it was a complete set-up by Lucan to gain power, but the rules were the rules. Lucan supporters, who did not support him in a revolt from the current leadership, now easily agreed with Lucan, while most others, who were neutral, or even supported Arianna, did not. There had never been a female baku, let alone a female leader, so there was no real protocol on how to handle the situation. Females always sat to the right of the male they were with. Gabriel was too incensed to calm the people around them; so, they rattled on all their opinions while Arianna sat and watched with Devin standing between her and Andrew. Andrew looked around Devin but made no attempt to talk with her. He was busy in his own conversation and growing increasingly irritated. Arianna felt the fury start to come off him. Devin's hand rested on the sheathed blade he brought, ready to pounce in a moment's notice to defend her as the crowd's arguing grew.

"What's going on?" someone asked Devin, joining the already growing voices trying to be heard.