Armageddon studied the woman opposite him over the rim of his wine glass with a mixture of fascination

and awe. When he had first met her, he hadnt realized just how beautiful she really was. She had the ability to make all other women look plain simply by existing Armageddon, ever the ladies man, had to admit that hed been completely and utterly taken in by her spell. Gods, he thought as he swallowed the last of his drink. If Geric could hear me now, hed kill me for hypocrisy. And Id be obligated help him. Julie pursed her lips, leaning forward. What are you thinking about? A faint smile crossed Armageddons lips as he smelled the lilac scent coming from her beautiful, midnight black hair. Oh, a great many things, he waved his hand dismissively, but made a face. No, wait. Im not. Im thinking a great many things about one person. Julie laughed a sound Armageddon simply adored. Every time he heard it, he couldnt help but join in. Oh, Alec, she touched his arm affectionately. Youre so sweet. He grinned, setting his wineglass back down on the table. He had figured that Alec was as close as he would come to a modern-day version of Armageddon. His pale hand covered Julies, stroking her skin softly. Truly, he had never felt anything quite so soft. Not even Karthinian silk, which hadnt been in existence for some six thousand years now, could compare. He should have known that something was going to happen sooner or later. Nothing could go as smoothly as his life had been for the past month. Not his life, anyway. Hello, Geric, a soft, feminine voice came from behind him. Or are you calling yourself Alec now? Armageddon stiffened involuntarily as the woman pulled out a chair, sitting down with them. Julie looked at her questioningly. Can we help you? You? The woman gave a soft smirk. Youre a little less than useless to me. Geric, on the other hand Amber for that was who the woman was, there was no mistaking her reached out to gently rub Armageddons neck. He responded by slapping her arm away, but not before Julie had drawn away as well. Alec, who is this? Whats going on? What, Geric hasnt told you? Amber asked, her patronizing smirk fixed on her face, Youre old news now. Hes with me. You were going to tell her tonight, werent you, baby? Armageddon shot a glance at Julie, who had paled visibly, then let out a great sigh. He gritted his teeth, attempting to restrain the urge to reach out and snap Ambers neck. Get out of here, you little Immortal whore. Oh, thats harsh, Amber put mock sorrow in her voice. Youre going to make me cry, Geric. Why does she keep calling you Geric, Alec? Julie asked, and Armageddon could hear the note of desperation in her voice. Is what shes saying true? Armageddon wasnt exactly thinking straight. Here, before him, was the woman who was responsible for the destruction of all of Visaran.

Amber, he growled, his hand instinctively dropping to the .45 in his waistband, give me one good reason why I shouldnt splatter your brains all across the wall right now. Amber laughed. Well, that would certainly estrange your little girlfriend here, now wouldnt it, Geric? Armageddon chuckled dryly. Im sure I could explain it. Youre a murderer, after all. And not just any kind of murderer. Youve killed more people than me, my father, my brother, and his son combined. And thats pretty damn impressive. He turned in his chair to face Amber. I really should shoot you. But youre not going to, are you Geric? Ambers smile remained fixed. What are you talking about? Julie exclaimed. Geric would never shoot you, Armageddon growled. Hes a blind fool. He still loves you, you know that? Ive never seen women throw themselves at a man like they do for Geric, but he turns every last one of them aside because hes still in love with you. He returned her smirk. But me? Personally, Ive always thought you were trash. And it turns out you werent just any kind of trash you were Immortal trash. Amber blinked. Geric, you can deny it all you want, but youre still the same person. You can change your name and your clothes, but you cant change you. Armageddon spat in her face. Youre not even worth the bullet it would take to kill you, whore. Besides, its not my place. Your life belongs to Geric, not me. You are No, Amber, Armageddon let out a small grin. Im not. I am the thing your father sees in his nightmares every night. Im the oldest being still in existence except for my brother and what few First creatures still draw breath. My name is Armageddon. Amber went stark white. Youve heard of me, then? Armageddon grinned. Run then, little girl. Run, and you might get far enough that I cant catch you when I change my mind and decide to hang you from the top of the Empire State. And while youre at it, tell your daddy something. He leaned closer to her ear. The Scourge of the One is back, and this time hes going to take the heads from all the Immortals. Not just a few. Amber took off like a wounded animal, shoving past a waiter in her haste to get away, knocking over a platter of steaming food on another couple. Armageddon watched her as he left, his hands balled into fists. Letting her go was the right thing to do he knew that. If anyone was going to kill Amber, it would have to be Geric. Still Alec, what just happened? Armageddon turned back to Julie, who had drawn back against her chair. He ran his fingers through his hair with a soft curse. He knew he should call this in as soon as possible but this was much more important. Julie, let me explain She kept calling you Geric. And then you said youre Armageddon? What Julie was on the brink of tears. What have you been keeping from me? Armageddon glanced around. People were looking at them Amber had made something of a scene. This isnt the place, Jules. Lets go for a walk No. Im not going anywhere until I know Julie shook her head. You two were involved?

Gods, no! Armageddon was sickened by the thought. I mean, Im like, what, five thousand years older than her? Oh. Wait. Youre only about ten years older than her Um. Im really not starting this off right, am I? He cleared his throat, wishing he had some more wine. Alright, lets get the big one out of the way. Im a vampire. Julie blinked. Im sorry? Vampire? You know, lives by night, drinks blood, that kind of thing? Armageddon rubbed his chin, marking the unbelieving glare he was receiving from the woman who he had, until two minutes ago, been planning to ask to marry. Yeah. You see now why I never told you. Especially with all the bad press weve been getting from Twilight. Alec, Im not joking, Julie said. Im not being irrational I just want an explanation. If you cant handle this maturely That woman, Armageddon ignored her, was married to my great-nephew for about three weeks before she stabbed him in the back literally and caused the destruction of the realm of Visaran. It just so happens that Geric thats my greatnephew and I have exactly identical bodies. That story is a whole lot longer and way weirder. Julie just stared at him in stony silence. Armageddon sighed and pulled out his phone, hitting the first speed-dial button. Geric, he said as the phone clicked. Armageddon, his great-nephew replied. I thought this was your day off? It is. Youll never believe who just decided to crash our date, though. Amber. It was Am- well, uh, yeah. Howd you know? Ive got a lot of people, Armageddon. Chieftain of the Shadow Clan, remember? Well, uh, yeah. I was just thinking youd have you know gone to find her and stop her from doing whatever it is shes planning on doing? And save my love life in the process? Oh, One. Did she think you were me? Yup. And now Julie knows about vampires, but she doesnt believe me. And what do you want me to do about it? Oh, I dont know. I figured that saying this guy looks exactly like me sounds a lot more credible when youre actually standing next to him. Well, uh, Im a little busy at the moment. Doing what? Oh, you know. Stopping Amber from doing whatever shes doing. Armageddon blinked. You took my call while you were in the middle of a fight? Its really nothing. I mean, Im kinda just toying with her right now. Shes nowhere near as strong as I remembered. Armageddon sighed and shook his head. Kid, you are going to get yourself killed one of these days. Been there, done that. Multiple times, actually. Hey, good luck with Julie, though. I hate you.

Bye!