Answers, questions, and a decision.

She grinned at him, her teeth brilliantly white.

"I am exactly what you think. And we have much to discuss. You are Henry Dunnigan's heir," she said. "I am Lucinda Hart. Perhaps he mentioned me? No? I'm not really surprised. We didn't exactly see eye to eye."

"He mentioned another...one like him. He didn't mention a name."

"I thought not. A very odd man, our Mr. Dunnigan. Very wise, but also very foolish. We could have been great friends, but he would not have it so. Perhaps we can be friends Mr.....Collins, is it not?"

Hunter nodded, unwilling to commit too much to this enigmatic woman.

"There are great possibilities before you Mr. Collins, very great. You have only to reach out and seize them, claim them, take them." She grinned at him again, her teeth sparkling. "What did he tell you, our oh so proper Mr. Dunnigan?"

"A lot. Enough."

"And you have been enjoying the benefits, I detect. The human bitches who cannot resist you, the strength and power. Those were yours in the park last night I assume? I thought as much." She grinned again. "Savour them as you will. Enjoy them. Prey on them. But you can have so much more, Mr. Collins. So very much more. Henry Dunnigan told you only a fraction. No, don't deny it, I know it because I know him and his foolish beliefs. There can be so much more Mr. Collins."

Hunter looked at her with surprise, and she laughed again, her white teeth flashing. "I see you doubt me. Dunnigan no doubt told you that the ageing process is slowed, but not ceased. He told you a partial truth. We can, if we choose, slow the process to the extent where it barely exists. How old do you think I am Mr. Collins?"

"You appear to be in your mid-thirties, but Henry told me he was one hundred and eighty three years old, and he looked to be in his sixties. I'd hesitate to guess.

"I became Were on a fine spring afternoon in 1658. In a town called Salem. I am over three hundred and fifty years old, and I have every intention of living forever. Oh I see the doubt in your face. But I do not lie Mr. Collins. We of the Strain can live indefinitely, have we the will and the courage to act. Those like Dunnigan are weak, falling prey to human morality that no longer applies to us.

For we are not human Mr. Collins. Not any longer. We are Were. We are of the Strain. And we are born to rule."

She grinned at him, her eyes wild and wicked.

"Together we can rule. Rule through all eternity."

Hunter looked at her in surprise that bordered on shock. Her eyes held a chilling flickering light in their depths, and her smile seemed to have the touch of madness.

She may be Were, he told himself, but that does not mean she is not insane.

He took a step back from her. His eyes watching her carefully.

"I want nothing to do with this," he answered flatly. "I will deal with this in my own way."

Her lip curled slightly, her eyes narrowing. Her body seemed to vibrate with sudden tension. Hunter could swear that she was eyeing his throat, but then she seemed to regain control of herself.

"I will give you time to consider," she said softly. "We will speak again."

Without a further glance at him she turned on her heel and strode away.