WARNING!  SPOILERS!  This section consists of actual excerpts from key scenes in the book.  Please do not read if you do not like to know the plot ahead of time.

THEY MET

Jack bowed and kissed Raven’s hand. His eyes never left her face and, as he straightened up, a hue of pink blushed her cheeks.

“Miss Avante, I hope it will not seem terribly forward of me if I ask you to consider reserving a dance or two for me this evening.”

Raven shyly cast her glance downwards, then boldly met Jack's eyes once again as she replied, “Please, call me Raven, and I would be happy to do as you ask.”

The world stood still as their eyes locked for slightly longer than was appropriate. Jack suddenly realized he had not yet let go of her hand and instinctively disengaged his fingers from hers.

THEY KISSED

She leaned into his lips, then kissed him passionately, holding him as if her life depended on his closeness. With equal passion, Jack returned her kiss and squeezed the woman who now shared his name.

Their kiss grew in intensity, until Raven’s lips moved away from his, traveling down his face. They lingered on his cheek, then to his jaw line and his throat.

Suddenly, a sharp stab cut into his throat. When Jack tried to pull away, he realized he was unable to move. His delicate wife pulled him closer, until Jack submissively slumped over. His limbs grew heavy under Raven’s vise-like grip. Raven continued to hold him until he finally slumped flat on the floor. Raven followed him down, gently cupping his head and straddling him. She pulled away from his throat and his strength returned.

Jack looked up at his beloved wife with confusion. “What have you done to me?”

            Raven answered his question with one of her own. “Do you want to live forever, Jack?

THE END OF ONE LIFE

When they reached his home, Jack's joy was short-lived. His father mildly greeted him with a weak embrace. Charles looked tired and disheveled, for a man who had habitually been fastidious. Several days worth of stubble shadowed his chin, and his hair fell whichever way it chose.

Sensing their need for privacy, Raven took her leave when Jack sat down in the parlor with his father. With tears glistening in his eyes, Charles broke the news to his son: “Your mother is dead.”

Even as Charles said it, he spat the words out, as if they were bitter to the taste. Neither spoke for a while, for the words nearly suffocated them both. Tears welled in Jack’s eyes as he stared at his father incredulously.

Jack found his voice once he recovered from the shock of this horrible news.  “No! What happened, Father?”

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW LIFE

By suppertime that evening, Jack had planned the entire conversation with his father. As they took their respective seats around the table, Jack asked his father point-blank, “Father, have you considered our conversation of this afternoon?”

“You were discussing it with Raven, I take it?”

“Raven and I have no secrets, Father. So tell me, did you come to a decision?”

Charles stared at his son for a moment before exclaiming, “You are serious!”

“Very serious, Father; it is entirely possible to live forever. The question is, would you wish to do so?”

Charles firmly pushed himself upright and leaned forward with his fists on the table, his eyes burning with a fire Jack had not seen since their arrival. “If you have the ability to make it so, then, by God, show me the way! I meant what I said this afternoon. No price would be too high for such an opportunity. If you do not have this ability, then stop tormenting me with the possibility. I have been through enough with your mother’s death. Pray, do not offer me false hope as well.”

NEW FRIENDS ARE MADE ALONG THE WAY

It was only ten o’clock in the morning, but the town was already bustling. Jack and Raven walked along, pausing to window-shop here or to admire a garden there. As they walked along the main thoroughfare, they noticed a heap of old clothing lying by the side of the road.

“Who would do such a—” A closer observation stopped Jack short. It was not a pile of old clothes but a man lying facedown on the side of the road. Jack hurried over and gently turned the man over. He expected to find an old drunk, but instead he found a young man who looked as if he had been badly beaten.

“I have no money if that is what you seek,” the young man pleaded.

“I only wish to assist. Where is your home?”

“I have no home. My last sanctuary turned out to be more than I expected as you can see.”

“What is your name?” Jack asked, meeting the young man’s eyes.

“I am Pierre Lafleur, artist, among other things, at your service. You will forgive me if I do not stand?”

Jack had to chuckle in spite of himself. “Come along, Pierre. A sense of humor such as yours should not be wasted.”

ETERNAL LOVE ENDS IN MADNESS

Tears were coursing down Jack’s face. He said nothing. He held his hands out to Raven and she took them, allowing Jack to pull her to her feet and into his arms. Jack looked into Raven’s eyes. He saw what he dreaded to see. “You have let go of life,” Jack said sadly.

“Not intentionally, Jack. My love for you has sustained me for many years now. Aramis warned you that I may not last forever. Apparently, he was correct. Please end this. You understand there can be no other way.”

“I will end it. I will end it because I cannot bear to see you suffer. I want you to know this, my love. I will love you eternally, and I will mourn this day eternally. The fact that I knew that it might come to this one day does not make it any easier.”

With tenderness Raven kissed Jack. Their lips seemed to cling together forever in a moment that surpassed time. It was a kiss that had to last forever. Jack knew he would remember that kiss as perfectly as the day he received it for all eternity. Their lips parted, and Raven rolled her head back and to one side, exposing her throat to Jack. Jack felt his fangs come out. He held Raven with a viselike grip. Jack hesitated for a moment, trying to find the strength to strike.

Raven whispered, “Now, my love, lest your hesitation turns to days and endangers more lives.”

JACK LOSES RAVEN BUT GAINS HIS BROTHER ETERNAL

Jack crossed the distance between himself and Pierre in a heartbeat. He grabbed Pierre and pinned him up against the wall. “What makes you think I would not rip your heart out if what you say is true?” hissed Jack, his face inches from Pierre’s.

“You would not harm me. You are a good man. That is why I wish to be like you. I want to have eternity to learn, explore, and try new things. I want to know what it is like never having to be concerned about time. I would pledge my eternal service to you in exchange for that chance.”

Jack stared deeply into Pierre’s eyes as Pierre made this vow. The connection of their gaze locked for several moments before Jack finally smiled and let Pierre go. “Very well then, I could use some help tonight.”

IN THE PRESENT, A WAITRESS CAN BECOME SO MUCH MORE

“Your name is Destiny. What a beautiful name. How did your parents know that you would fit such a name when you were born?” Pierre asked her, obviously probing for information. Though Destiny was usually inclined to brush off such advances, this time she felt compelled to play along.

Destiny gave a little laugh. “I’ll have to admit it gets people’s attention. My parents were into being different. They finally decided on Destiny. Considering some of the names I've heard, I expect I was lucky.”

“My name is Pierre. I am the design artist, sometimes photographer and talent scout, for the Hawk Talent Agency. Permit me to give you my card. I would very much appreciate it if you would consider coming into our studio sometime on Monday. I think you could have a career in modeling.”

Destiny’s shoulders stiffened. She attempted to hand Pierre his card back saying, “If this is a line, I’m not biting.”

Pierre looked offended. “Please,” he insisted, meeting her eyes, “call the agency Monday morning. You will see that I am legitimate. I really think you have a look that would sell, if you will pardon the expression. You cannot tell me that this job pays enough.”

Destiny felt herself relax a little and her shoulders released the tension as quickly as it came. “I’m sorry. I have had so many men hit on me here I’m a little defensive.”

“Understandable. Most beautiful women with an ounce of sense are suspicious of a stranger’s motives.”

JACK FINDS DESTINY IRRESISTIBLE, YET STILL HE RESISTS

Jack stopped kissing her and pulled her close, cradling her head against his chest. Softly he said, “Forgive me, Destiny, I did not mean to take advantage of the situation.” His eyes were still closed, avoiding eye contact, desperately fighting to regain control.

Destiny looked up at him and placed one delicate hand against his face. She could see the conflict in his profile; his head was tilted toward the ceiling, his eyes closed. “I was kissing you too, Jack. There is no need to apologize.”

Pierre had been watching discreetly from where he and Brandy were dancing. He decided it was time to intervene. He never used his powers on a human mind as a rule, but he looked now into Brandy’s eyes and said aloud what he was thinking, “Come, I need your help.” The rest was nonverbal, but Brandy understood exactly what he meant.

They danced closer to Jack and Destiny. Brandy placed a hand on each of Jack’s shoulders from behind and was bouncing up trying to see Destiny’s face over his shoulder, teasingly saying, “I saw that, you two.”

Pierre plucked Destiny out of Jack's arms as effortlessly as one picks a dandelion from its stalk, and so suddenly that she had no time to find anything unusual with the action. Pierre spun Destiny around and said, “Let me show you how to really dance while Brandy has a waltz lesson with my ever-so-formal brother.

BRANDY TO THE RESCUE

Outside in the hall, Brandy found Pierre just exiting the elevator with a New York Police Department detective, still arguing that this would not be the best time to speak with Jack.

Brandy ran over to Pierre screaming, “Honeeeeeee, I thought you’d never get back.” She jumped up and locked her arms around behind Pierre’s neck, kissing him fully on the lips with abandon.

“What are you doing?” Pierre asked her telepathically, swinging her in circles as if this were a regular routine of theirs.

“Stalling for time,” was Brandy’s simple reply whispered in his ear, which she then began making a production of nibbling on. “Oooh, you taste good enough to eat!” she exclaimed loudly.

Pierre put her down, having to fight to keep from laughing. “No, you do!” he retorted, and he began in turn nibbling on her neck making goofy “yum-yum-yum” sounds.

THE PERFECT BODYGUARD MUST BE WILLING TO RISK EVERYTHING

“You have to understand, Pierre. When you bond with a human there is a price. You always know when they die. You suddenly feel it. You know and remember their last moment of life forever. Do you have any idea what that is like? Do you know how many times I have experienced it? Would you want that responsibility?”

SOMETIMES YOUR “FATHER” DOES KNOW BEST

Jack acted as if he would turn away but Aramis spun him back, grabbing both of Jack’s shoulders and shaking him. Jack tried to brush Aramis’ hands from his shoulders and suddenly found himself pinned against the far wall. “You will not be tossing me around like you did Pierre.”

“Just leave me alone!” Jack spat angrily.

“Never! Not while you are acting like a spoiled child who did not get his way! I made an error, Jack. I should have come to you immediately after Raven’s death. I had no way of knowing that it was driving you away from all that you love. I expected that when I told you that Raven might be running out of time, you would take it to heart and begin to make the adjustment in your mind. Instead, you went ahead through your life with her believing it would never end. You never for a moment accepted the facts until you found Raven there with that dead child in her arms. I felt your pain that night even though the miles separated us. I felt Raven’s peace as well, the peace you brought to her by ending her life. You are strong, Jack. All you ever wanted was life. Stop this ridiculous routine of self-pity and get back on your feet. I swear I will not lose you as I did Raven. Raven could not be helped, but you can. It is time to move forward. A century is too long a time to grieve.”

DAPHNE, PSYCHOPATH IMMORTAL STYLE

“I can’t kill you tonight. If they sense you are dead they won’t pay me all that beautiful money to keep you alive, will they?”

“I don’t think so,” agreed Destiny, trying to keep her voice even.

“You didn’t say anything about killing her,” Alan protested.

“Are you thinking again, baby brother? Do I have to punish you in front of Destiny again? How is she going to think of you as a man if I have to keep disciplining you?” asked Daphne while she took angry steps toward Alan.

“I wasn’t … it’s just that …”

Daphne grabbed him by the ear and shoved him down to his knees. “Come on, Daphne, this is …” Alan protested, but his plea was cut short by Daphne’s backhand, which threw him against the far wall.

Daphne walked over to Alan and picked him up by his shirtfront. Once she had him on his feet, she let go and glared at him for a minute. “Don’t criticize my methods, Alan. If I hadn’t come and got you, you would be an old man now.”

“I wasn’t criticizing.”

“Good. Now that we have that straightened out,” Daphne said, turning to leave, “make sure she stays put tonight. I don’t care what you do to her; just make sure she doesn’t leave. I have some friends to meet.”

The door slammed behind Daphne and Alan looked at Destiny, conflict etching his features.

“Why do you let her treat you like that?” Destiny asked.

“Because she can,” Alan said matter-of-factly before he turned and left the room.

JESSICA’S BELIEF IN THEIR WORLD SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

“Jareth, may I look in your eyes? I mean, I really want to know what it was like for Charles when he found me lying there bleeding to death,” Jessica said as they were about to leave the apartment.

“I don’t mind at all. Just understand that without intending to, I will pick up some of what you are about at the same time.”

“That’s okay. I want you to know. I want the rest of the family to know how much I have wanted this and for how long. I always believed that immortals were out there and now I know.”

SAMANTHA IS ALIVE!

Jack started off at a brisk pace down the street, weaving between the various paces of foot traffic. Out of the corner of his eye, the sight of a woman across the street caused him to do a double take as she disappeared into Macy's. Jack hesitated for a moment, then made up his mind and trotted through the next intersection toward the store, adeptly dodging traffic. He saw the woman again just as she was rounding a corner, and he hurried after her, having no idea what he would say if confronted about his behavior.

The woman had stopped to examine a handbag and Jack very nearly plowed into her as he turned the corner himself.

“Oh, I beg your pardon,” Jack apologized.

The woman looked up, and Jack’s eyes shot wide open; his jaw dropped. Certainly this couldn’t be …

“That is quite all right, I …” The sound of her voice confirmed his suspicions.

“Mother?” Jack said softly, a look of disbelief etched on his face.

ANTONIO MARRACCINI, "FALLOUT" FROM DAPHNE’S CROWD

“So, Daphne’s little idiot brother is out by himself. Where’s your sister, boy?” a vaguely familiar voice cut into his thoughts.

Alan turned to see a young man with dark hair and eyes looking at him intently, mere inches from his face. The man was not particularly tall but good looking in a rugged sort of way.

“Antonio Marraccini—I guess I should have figured you would be hanging around here,” Alan answered evenly.

“Where is your sister? I can’t believe Daphne let you off your leash.”

“I’m a solo agent now.”

“Daphne would never have let you go. What happened to her?”

“If you must know, she decided to jerk the wrong chain, so the person took the chain, wrapped it around her neck, and hung her with it. If she couldn’t prevent it, I don’t suppose you think I could have.”

“I can only guess you mean Daphne’s dead. So why didn’t whoever it was kill you, too?”

“They were intelligent enough to see that I really didn’t have anything to do with her actions.”

            Antonio’s eyes narrowed. “You seem to have become a great deal wiser in the process.

ATTACKING THE FAMILY IS A FATAL MISTAKE

Suddenly a thrashing movement caused all eyes to turn to the bed. Swaddled in his curtained enclosure, Antonio realized they were indoors.

“I think our friend has an objection,” Charles said, looking at the bundle on the bed.

“Objection?” Antonio exclaimed, finally breaking free of his curtain. “You’re damn right I have an objection. Who made you people judge and jury?”

“You did, when you decided to blind my son,” Charles said angrily.

“Your son! Do you mean Alan? His sister turned him, that I know,” Antonio blustered.

“I consider him my son. It makes no difference who actually gave him this life beyond human.”

“Gave him what? Life beyond human? What the hell are you talking about? His sister made him a vampire. You guys are crazy.”

Aramis winced as if he had been struck at the sound of the word “vampire,” then a look of profound sadness shadowed his face. “A vampire? That would explain the coffin, and the arrogance as well, I expect,” he said, almost to himself.

“I tried to warn you, Antonio,” Alan cut in. “You didn’t want to listen. All you could think about was what you might gain if you learned who had taken me in. I can see why my sister thought so much of you; you’re a lot like her. Now you’ll be exactly like her,” Alan said in an even, calm voice.

VICTOR AND CRYSTAL MEET, IT’S NOT EXACTLY LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Crystal turned her head and Victor suddenly buried his fist in her hair, snapping her head all they way to one side. “Have it your way,” he hissed and pierced his fangs into the flesh of her throat.

When Victor pulled away moments later, the fire had gone from his eyes and he was holding Crystal up against the wall now, having made her too weak to stand on her own. He picked her up and carried her over to the bed, dumping her unceremoniously down onto it. Crystal tried to roll over on her side, but Victor’s heavy mass found its way on top of her, pinning her flat on her back.

“Just leave me alone. I’m too tired to pucker now,” Crystal pleaded, squirming in an attempt to free herself from Victor.

“Interesting effect, isn’t it? Kind of like having too much to drink.”

“Just leave me …”

“Not for a minute, little one. Your ass is mine!” Victor said nastily, planting a kiss on her lips and suggestively pulling her hips up against his.