Shadow Born: Book 1 of the Shadow-Borne Chronicles by Paul A. Cagle Page B

that?” Alec asked tiredly.
    “They now know that you are exhibiting some sort of abilities.   After the attack tonight, at least.”
    “So?” Alec said shrugging.   “Silas is going to tell the council.”
    “Yes but the council can decide to keep the information quiet until they decide what to do.   Individual vampires may not be so tight lipped with their information.”   At Alec’s blank stare he continued.   “Alec, there are vampires out there that would try to use you as a weapon.”
    Alec’s brow furrowed and he looked at Marcus.   “I don’t understand.”
    “Okay, as a newly made vampire, any other vampire out there should be able to best you in a fight.   But you defeated two much older vampires tonight.   That should’ve been impossible.   You can also walk in the daylight without being killed.   You are a newly created vampire-like being with unheard of strength who can walk in the daylight.   What could stop you?”
    Alec looked dumbfounded.
    “Some would see you as a powerful ally.   You could attack a vampire’s stronghold during the day, kill their human guards and drag the vampires out into the sunlight and voila! No more enemies.   If you are stronger than other vampires, who could actually stop you?”
    “Why wouldn’t the guards just shoot me?”
    Marcus chuckled.   “You’ve obviously never tried to shoot a vampire before.”
    “But I’m not a vampire,” Alec argued.
    “No, but it is possible that against all the odds of the universe, you are something different.   Alec, I know what I saw tonight.   You took on two full vampires and beat them.   You also dodged the second vampire’s blows so quickly that I never even saw you move.   The other vampire was fast, but I saw his punches.   I never saw you move.   You just…weren’t in his way anymore.”
    Alec just looked at him.
    “A lot of vampires will either see you as a tool they can use or see you as threat to their way of life and their existence.   You’ll either be used or killed if we aren’t very careful.”
    “We?” Alec asked, raising one eyebrow.
    Marcus rolled his eyes.   “Yes, we.   I told you I’m your friend.   And believe it or not, Silas is trying to help you too.”
    “But what can he do?   If unapproved vampires are killed…”
    “Well,” Marcus said drawing out the word, “he could argue that you aren’t actually a vampire and that our laws do not pertain to you.”
    Alec considered that.   “From what you’ve told me though, others will still try to use me.”
    “Possibly,” he said shrugging.   “But he could also argue that you are something new and an entity of your own and maybe new rules would need to be put into place.   A lot depends on what Doctor Schubert determines about you.”
    “You think this might wear off?”  
    “No.   Once you go through the Change, you don’t un-Change.   Once you are a vampire, there is no turning back.   Your body has changed, your blood has changed and your organs have changed…well mostly.”
    Alec just grunted.  
    “If Silas can convince the council that Doctor Schubert is studying you and that he doesn’t see you as a threat, then maybe after awhile things will calm down.   But right now Alec, and this is very important, every vampire with an agenda out there will be after you once they hear about this.”
    “Great,” Alec said sounding tired and defeated.
    “Silas is a good man to have on your side, Alec.   He’s fair and honest and most importantly he’s on the council so he has a voice and a vote.”
    Alec shook his head.   “I just can’t believe that I would be killed just because Clarissa turned me…or almost turned me…whatever.   I didn’t ask for this.”
    “I know.   And trust me, I agree with you.   But it’s not up to me or people like me.   It’s way above my pay-grade.”   He laughed.   “So listen, later this evening when I get up I’ll get you some clothes.   I have a