Eternal War Rising to the South: The Beynok Vampire Series by Erika Bradshaw Page A

thought I might disappear and he wanted to study every inch of me before I did.
    “Anya, you look tired. Why don’t you let me help you get comfortable so you can fall asleep?” I was barely able to make out the blur as he quickly made his way towards me.
    “No, I’m good, really.” I sounded like a wimp. What was wrong with me? He was already on the ground next to me, positioning his legs around me. “Really, I have slept on the ground before in colder weather than this. I’m from Russia; I’m sure you know that, too.” I tried to push his body away from mine.
    “Anya, stop fighting me. You know where that gets you. It’ll be more comfortable for you this way. Your eyes are turning extremely yellow, so I know you are tired.” I was tired … tired of this night getting weirder and weirder.
    I felt him pull me against him, scoop my legs over one of his, and bend his other knee to support my back. He cradled me between his chest and legs and pulled me in tighter. He even gently pulled my hair out from under me to make me more comfortable. I couldn’t help but wonder, How does he know my body so well?
    I squirmed for a second, acting as if I were uncomfortable, but leaning against him was far better than what the ground had to offer. He placed his long leather jacket over me. I thought, I might as well die comfortably. Killing him or getting information from him is going to have to wait until another day—if I have another day. Information first, kill him second.
    I nestled against his chest to get situated. I couldn’t help it. The feel of his body and his lavender smell was calming and all too familiar. I felt his hand stroking my arm, and I didn’t shrug it off. Then I felt him place his lips on my temple. He left them there for a long while. When he finally lifted his lips from me, he pulled me even closer into him placing my head in the crevice of his neck and wrapping his arms securely around me. What was I doing? This went against my upbringing and everything I believed in. I opened up just a little to feel his emotions. He was somber and filled with love. Love was the only word I could use to describe it.
    Vladimir and Sorin had caused me to question myself and my place in life. Words like “choose,” “memories,” and “love” filled my brain. Then the most shocking thing of all flashed in my head. It was the dream I’d had of his shadowed silhouette saying, “I’ll find you in your next rise, no matter how long it takes.” There was no way I had ever been or ever would be involved with a vampire. There had to be more pieces to this puzzle and Sorin was the key to putting it all together.
    All the questions were running through my head, and my body started to tense up. Sorin pulled me in and squeezed my body and said, “Relax, there’s always tomorrow for you to get your answers.” He was right about tomorrow, I hoped. I couldn’t help but fall asleep in comfort in the arms of a vampire; a vampire that would protect me tonight and return to being my enemy I hunt tomorrow.

7 - The Challenges Begin
    I woke feeling sore from the cold and hard ground beneath me. It was dawn and the fire was dead. A quick chill ran through my body as I shivered a little. I pulled myself up, brushing the dirt and grass off my body and face. Opening my senses and looking around, I quickly realized I was alone. Good, I thought, I’m glad last night is over. Had I wanted Sorin to leave? For a second, I told myself no, but then I shook it off. Of course, I did. We were enemies, and that was how it should stay. I made a vow to myself to fight Sorin to the death if our paths ever crossed again. He needed to be stricken from this earth for making me question myself the way he did. I stood by the creek, deciding whether to go home or to cross and keep going.
    I had no idea what I would find if I kept going. I had no idea if I would find who I wanted to be if I kept going. Would my path cross more deceptive creatures