i couldn't go to the bar when i left the house. i called frey, gave him the all-clear signal, some sketchy details about what had transpired. i know he has a million questions, but something in my voice must have betrayed my weariness because he didn't press. i asked him to call culebra, tell him i survived, and he said he would.

the next day, i met with tracey. i told her david would be in but asked that she not repeat our conversation. i admitted there was no "game," that i wasn't in a position to explain and that the situation was complicated. a nice catchphrase.

instead of challenging me, she looked me straight in the eye. "okay. for now. but i know you aren't what you seem. i can be patient. you need to trust me. you will."

somehow, i believe it.

david came in, still sore, still wondering what happened during his "blackout." he told tracey about his "accident," and she listened to him with wide-eyed attention and said she was glad he wasn't hurt more seriously. she didn't even wink at me.

she lies almost as well as i do.

we had a skip to trace, so we got to it.

i felt back in my element for the first time in a while.

this is where i want to be. this is where i belong. i know i haven't begun to realize the ramifications of being the chosen one. but for now, i've survived. my first year as a vampire. my first challenge from the council. my family is safe. my friends close.

not a bad way to start a new year.