Where Secrets Lie

Michael spotted her, "Ready?" he asked. Michael didn't speak as they walked to the show. He stared off into the distance, practically ignoring Kara, focused on something. "Kara, I hope you remember what was in that portfolio that I asked you to summarize."

It was not what she expected to hear. "Yes, I remember most of it, why?"

She studied him as they walked arm in arm. It was bizarre to see him vulnerable and nervous. He looked so human at that moment, and she felt that if she knew how to alleviate that worry, she would do it.

"I need you to help me impress some new clients tonight."

Kara nodded but didn't speak. She still wondered why these new clients made him so anxious.

They arrived at the gallery. Michael escorted Kara inside, but once inside, he left her side. Hours passed while she made small talk with the guests and sipped red wine, slowly growing tipsy. Finally, she spotted Michael across the room. He talked with the CEO she met at the company. The man seemed as nervous as ever, but it was Michael who worried her. His skin was always pale, but under the low lighting of the room, it looked sickly. What was more, his movements seemed slow and strained.

At first, she wondered if it was just him being high strung about the new clients; however, then she remembered the conversation with Kate and Amy. He hadn't fed in at least three days. Kara walked toward Michael. The alcohol in her system made her temperature rise and caused the room to spin around her, but she stayed focused on him.

"Excuse me, do you mind if I borrow Michael for a second?"

The C.E.O. thin, chapped lips stretched across his teeth as he spoke. "Of course, Ms. Everitt, take all the time you would like. Might I say that you look lovely tonight?"

"You might," she responded with a pleasant smile.

She took Michael by the arm and led him away. He made no motion to stop her, and when she looked closer, it seemed he had no idea what was even happening. It was as if he was completely drunk, and while she wasn't sure if vampires could get drunk, she knew he hadn't drunk anything that night. As they walked, Kara grew more and more concerned over his condition.

She pulled him into an empty room and shut the door. He stood in front of her, staring at her. His eyes looked past her as if in a trance.

"Michael, are you ok?" she asked.

Her voice reached him. With a jerk of his head, he snapped out of it and turned his attention to Kara. The mischievous grin that was his trademark started to form when he realized that they were alone together.

"Kara, if you wanted to be alone with me, you should have just asked."

"Michael..."

He began to sway and stumbled forward. She lunged toward him and caught him before he fell to the floor, but the combination of the wine and heels caused her to stumble under his weight. They fell backward and landed against the wall.

"Michael, what is wrong with you? Is this what happens when you don't feed for days at a time?"

He looked up at her, his eyes were narrow slits. His voice was a whisper. "Don't worry about it. Henry just left to get me a blood pack."

"Michael, the client you have been waiting for could arrive any minute now. You don't want him to see you this way. We should go to your room." She attempted to help him, but he pulled away.

"No! He is important to this company, I have to speak to him. I just need some blood. Henry will be here soon."

She stared at him, irritated at his stubbornness. However, she was more concerned about what she was about to suggest. She looked him deeply in the eyes. "Michael, drink from me."