Blood Rites
By Elaine Bergstrom, 1991
Series: Austra Family

"Blood Rites is the continuation of the story line begun in Shattered Glass. Helen Wells has shared blood with Stephen Austra, and in so doing, chosen the life of a vampire. Her heritage has allowed her that choice, and given her the chance to rise above her human limitations and realize her artistic potential-- with all the time in the world to revel in her art and her love for Stephen.

As her body embraces the Austra blood she regains her mobility, which was stolen from her by polio years ago. She develops the Family aversion to full sunlight, and her mental powers increase rapidly allowing her to learn at a highly accelerated rate, and enabling her to open the minds of the mortals around her to both read and influence them as needed. Her instinct begins to develop into the involuntary and nearly infallible power which aids the Family in the hunt, and keeps them alive at all cost in a world filled with cunning and dangerous prey.

To their mutual joy, Helen conceives twins and seems to be making the transition into the Family smoothly, if slowly. All seems to be well, and the time is right for Helen and Stephen to divorce themselves from society for a while to seek seclusion in the woods of Maine. Helen uses the time to explore the abilities that come with her new life, and trying to come to terms with the predatory drives that are part of the package.

The world the happy couple left behind intrudes without warning when Helen's human uncle, police officer Dick Wells, arrives in fear of his life after an altercation and shooting involving the only beloved son of a powerful crime boss. Dick was careful to avoid being followed, but danger is close behind and Helen is given a crash course in the most intense aspects of her new nature, both as a mother and a vampire. Dick finds himself facing his darkest fears as he joins forces with Stephen once again to save those they love from a demented and ruthless killer." (from the Official Elaine Bergstrom Web Page)

Paperback Info: ISBN 0441000746 (out of print)

More from Elaine Bergstrom: Baroness of Blood, Mina, Blood to Blood