Because he's a vampire, Jonathon Splinter needs to feed, hungry for blood. He seeks out young men along Lake Erie in the small town of Bitter. As Halloween approaches, Jonathon devises a plan for his next hunt with the help of his mortal lover and personal assistant, Toby Kinks.<br><br>Life grows bitter for Jonathon, though. Someone discovered his true identity and witnessed one of his bloody hunts where he not only fed but also murdered the man. Now Jonathon is being blackmailed.<br><br>With Toby’s help, Jonathon seeks out the blackmailer, and the two devise a plan in which Jonathon will hunt and feed on the man. But on the evening of the planned murder, Jonathon Splinter's bloody life will change forever.

Blood on My Hands

A thick and daunting darkness crept around the small town. Unlimited thunder and relentless lightning performed an enchanting dance in the wet heavens. The evening didn’t feel safe, but what evening would be with a murdering vampire at large? I slinked through the dark, keeping calm and hinged. All my mind could think about was the taste of Kalin McCane’s sweet and luscious blood against my lips and tongue. I grew excited, semi-hard at the thought, and drained.


The lights were out at Hades when I reached the place at six on the dot. The open sign was flipped over and read closed. I entered through the front door, temporarily escaping the rain. Hard- and paperback novels surrounded me like rats on beams in a dilapidated barn; a haunting and nerve-shaking memory of my youth while spending summers in Hungary on a cattle ranch. A narrow pathway led through the many books. I stayed put, though, dripping wet near the glass front door.


Chapter 25