That summer was perhaps the shortest summer I had ever known. All summers pass quickly for the children of the night, obviously, but this one went by in a blur. The brief nights were spent learning everything I could from Nicholas or hunting and feeding. I usually was able to spend one night a week with Brad, generally Friday night.

Speaking of Brad, Nicholas was so... well, conceited I guess. He couldn't imagine that anyone could possibly dislike him. He was sure that Brad would get over his "snit", as Nicholas called it, once I moved out on my own. Brad was just suffering from a little jealousy in his opinion, and everything would be just fine as soon as he realized he had nothing to be jealous about. I knew better, but Nicholas had the tendency to be blind to the feelings and emotions of others.

It was on one of those brief nights that Nicholas first really talked about Kindred society. "There are two things you should beware of, little one. The first is obvious - the hunters, those who seek to destroy us. For the most part, mortals believe that vampires are just some superstition. There are those, however, who believe. This, " he added with a grin,"is why I told you to avoid feeding in trailer parks.

"The second thing is politics. A true artist should never become involved in politics, mortal or kindred. I am not saying that the occasional 'cause' is bad. On the contrary, it is expected to some extent. But the manipulation of others is best left to the experts, those who have no other talents. And staying out of kindred politics can almost certainly ensure a longer existance. Granted, there are those that say we are all being manipulated by the Innconnue which will lead ultimately to Gehenna. Gehenna is a term that you'll become familiar with in time. It is rather like Armageddon."

Normally, I enjoy learning as much as I can from Nicholas. That night, though, I was relieved when Brad showed up. Nicholas in a cynical, arrogant mood is more than I can handle sometimes.

Mystic Quest was a sort of occult/New-Age shop. It had been one of my favorite spots to hang out, kill some time, browse, and buy. They may not have had as many books as the big chain stores, but they had a better selection if you know what I mean. Besides the books, you could find incense, tarot decks, herbs, candles, aromatherapy, crystals, Native American items, T-shirts, and the best jewelry. Sherry owned the place, and you could almosy always find her there. She'd hold mini-psychic fairs once in awhile. She was psychic to some degree, and I was worried about seeing her again. I had been coming in on nearly a weekly basis, and I hadn't been in an over a month and a half.

She was sitting at the table in the front of the store when we came in. Her face, initially lit up with a smile, turned to a look of concern. "Are you ok, Morgan?"

This was what I had been afraid of. I just wasn't sure how much of a lie I could get away with. "I've been diagnosed with lupus."

She nodded, apparently satisfied with my answer. "I was getting worried. I hadn't seen you in ages."

"I know. I just haven't been feeling up to it."