New Order by Helen Harper Page A

appearing in his cheeks. ‘What can I do for you, Bo?’
    I twist my hands nervously. ‘That promise I made…’
    The smile disappears instantly, as if someone has pressed delete. ‘Yesterday,’ he says flatly. ‘The promise you made yesterday.’
    ‘Well, the thing is, I kind of need to go out. I’d rather not see him right now but I’m sure my grandfather might be able to shed some light on the green feathers and their significance. Plus Arzo…’
    Michael stands up, folding his arms and glowering down at me. I feel very small. ‘The vampire laws regarding recruitment have been in place for hundreds of years. Some people say they’re archaic, but the law is the law.’
    ‘Yes, but…’
    ‘When you join any one of the five Families, you renounce your previous life. You stay within the confines of your new Family’s domain so you can adjust and learn. Until you are strong enough to withstand the sun, you cut all ties to your biological family.’ His expression is flinty. ‘You’ve already broken several of our laws and I’ve bent other ones on your behalf. Your recruitment was unconventional, I know, and you expected to turn Sanguine. However, you still signed the contract, Bo. I’m helping you as much as I can but you need to give me something in return. There’s only so much rule breaking I can allow.’ His eyes travel the length of my body and back up again. I flush. ‘No matter who is doing the asking.’
    ‘I understand all that. I do. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it was important. Besides, I’m no weaker than I was when I was a human. I’m much stronger, in fact. And I managed to wander around on my own then without too many problems.’
    ‘You weren’t part of the Montserrat Family then, were you? You have to accept that things are different now. You’ve already had more leeway than any other fledgling has ever had. The other Family Heads were impressed with your actions at Big Ben but they won’t accept you being out on the streets while you remain under the Montserrat name. It’s not just for your benefit, Bo. There’s a strong risk that you’ll be overwhelmed by bloodlust. We can’t afford any more accidents.’
    ‘I think I’ve shown I can go without blood when I need to,’ I respond stiffly.
    ‘You almost killed someone once.’
    ‘When I was a recruit. Not now.’
    ‘What happens if you spend too much time away and don’t drink? We’ve already proved that you need to be forced into taking the blood you need.’
    ‘I’ll control it. I won’t let that happen.’
    ‘No.’ He shakes his head. ‘This is getting ridiculous and I can’t allow it to continue. I was wrong to let you have more freedom than the others. All it’s done is make you crave more liberty. It won’t stop until I stop it first. You’re a vampire. Accept it.’
    ‘The feather…’
    ‘If you’re that bothered by the feather, then give it to me and I’ll pass it to Arzo to investigate. You can give me the phone and any money you have left at the same time. Enough is enough.’ His face softens for a moment. ‘I know it sounds harsh, Bo. But, believe me, it’ll be better in the long run. I’m being cruel to be kind.’
    The walls around me are awash with red. I step over and slam both my palms down on Michael’s desk. ‘It’s not just the fucking feather! There was someone here earlier about Arzo. He needs help and I promised I’d provide it. I…’
    I blink. Tam’s body writhes between my hands. He tries to speak but he can’t because there’s a gaping hole where his throat used to be. There’s a strange sound behind me and I spin round, ready to lash out. It’s Tansy, the receptionist from Dire Straits. She’s holding a nail file to her wrist and slashing it across her skin. There’s an inarticulate scream. For a second I don’t know where it’s coming from then I realise it’s coming from me.
    ‘Bo!’ Michael reaches out, his hand curving round my arm. I fling him