About The Book:
In the Guide, you meet a different breed of vampire. In a world in which becoming a vampire isn't a matter of being bitten, of a demonic encounter or some curse buried in myth and lost lore but a matter of your genetic code, your DNA.
In this world, there is a society where vampire humans and non-vampire humans work together to guide the whole of mankind into an understanding and acceptance of one another. Most non- vampires don't know of the vampires peaceful co-existence. Of course, not all vampires are members of the Guide and share the Guide's views and values. The newest member of the Guide, Eddie Laidlaw, is about to find that out.
CHAPTER 1
Eddie Laidlaw shook his head to clear the fuzz that was supposed to be his mind. He was cold and the room was dark. Eddie could tell he was in bed, but it wasn't his bed. He had a waterbed, and this was a firm mattress. The bed sheets were thin material, and there was no comforter or blanket that he could find by feeling around.
"You are awake sooner than I had expected," a voice said from somewhere in the dark room.
"Who's there?" Eddie demanded, sitting up in the bed. His head started spinning instantly and he had to lie back down. As he felt like he was going to be sick. Someone grabbed his shoulders and steadied his shaking.
"You are too weak to move." It was the voice from the dark.
Eddie forced himself to look at the person holding him. He couldn't see them too well, mostly just a shape. It was a woman though, but he knew that from the voice.
"Be still. You have no reason to worry. You are safe." The woman's voice was soft, calming, almost hypnotic. "Sleep, we will talk when you are stronger." Eddie Laidlaw dropped into a restless sleep almost before she finished speaking.
The woman gently stroked Eddie's ruffled brown hair. As she looked down on the sleeping form beside her she thought back to her first morning after joining the Guide. She wondered if she would be able to make it easier for him than it had been for her. She hoped she could, but only time would tell. He would still sleep for hours, and Rachel could see no reason for her not to do the same. She would know if he awoke. Rachel walked to a chair not too far from the bed and relaxed.
Eddie woke up with a start. He didn't know how long he'd been sleeping, but it felt like it had been a long time. His disorientation was similar to the first waking, but not as bad. He remembered going out to Mick's Night Club with his buddies and drinking heavily, but he didn't remember leaving, or know where he was right now. A hotel, that was simple and easy, but what hotel and where? The furnishings were nice--it wasn't a flea bag, anyway. Eddie sat up and felt his stomach turn, he thought he might throw up, but was able to force himself not to. The room wasn't dark this time. There was a light on next to the bed and some sunlight coming in around the edges of the heavy curtains. The light was enough to see someone sleeping in a chair not far from the bed. The sleeper was female, but that was all he could tell except that she looked- -no that was wrong--she felt familiar. Still, he was sure he didn't know her. Eddie moved to the edge of the bed. Something was telling him it was time to go, and Eddie had made a habit of listening to that little something most of the time. Too bad he hadn't listened to that little something last night. He sure felt like hell right now.
"You are still very weak. It would be better for you to lay back. Rest, even if you don't sleep."
Eddie looked to the woman. She did not stir. "Who are you?" His voice was heavy from his throat being dry.
"A friend. My name is Rachel." The woman rose from her chair. Although there was light, it was stronger on the opposite side of the bed, leaving Rachel mostly in the shadows. Eddie couldn't tell much about her. She was dressed in a black skirt and top, with a black waist coat over the top. "If you insist on staying up, let me get you something to drink. I'm sure you must be thirsty." Turning her back to Eddie, Rachel walked to a small refrigerator in the room, knelt, and opened it. "It will replace some of your strength."
Eddie did feel weak and thirsty, but he wondered how she knew. He heard a soft puncture sound like a hole being made in a milk carton. Then there was the sound of liquid pouring.
Rachel stood up, closing the refrigerator as she turned to Eddie. As she neared, Eddie could see her better and he did recognize her.
"I saw you in the bar last night, didn't I?" He wasn't asking her. "You looked out of place there." He looked around the room. Classy--elegant almost. "Hope you got the bucks for this place, lady."
"Rachel," she reminded him, then smiled. "Drink this." Rachel handed Eddie the glass. Orange juice filled the glass to the rim.
He took a drink and tried to hand it back to her. "There's something in this besides O.J."
"It will help you get your strength back, drink it up, Eddie." She pushed it back towards him.
Eddie looked at her then put the glass on the floor next to the bed. "I don't know you. I'll pass."
"If harming you were part of my plans, don't you think I would have done so while you slept?"
"I don't know. Maybe you get your kicks from drugging people. You see, I've been drunk before, and this hangover doesn't feel like a normal drunk."
"Well, Eddie, you did have quite a bit to drink, but I might have worn you out a bit more, myself."
Eddie forced himself to his feet. He wobbled and Rachel reached out to steady him. Eddie brushed her hands off. He tilted, but didn't fall. After a second or two, he was still and standing straight.
"You seem to be able to care for yourself now. I'll be on my way." Rachel went to a table in the room and retrieved her purse from it.
"Wait," Eddie called out. He wasn't sure why. "How can I reach you?" The question surprised Eddie more than it did Rachel.
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