Right away I noticed the trashcan. It was at the curb and was filled with garlic wreaths and rosaries. All that stuff from the house was now outside. I pulled out my gun.

Mo’Lock and I made our way up the path to the front door. Lights were on inside. The door was closed but when I checked it, unlocked. I pushed it open and went inside, leading with my gun.

We found the Griffins in the living room. They were on the floor writhing in pain and pulling out their hair. They had been fed on. Blood caked on their necks. They were turning and were in that stage where their bodies were dying. They were in so much pain they didn’t even notice us.

I stepped in and stood over them. I put three bullets in each of their heads, blowing their skulls apart. They flinched and twitched and then finally came to rest. I felt bad for them. They died because they loved their son.

I pointed to the ceiling. The ghoul nodded and we headed upstairs. I led with the gun. The ghoul was right behind me. There was a short hallway at the top. Straight ahead was the master bedroom. The door was open. To the left was a room with a Keep Out sign on the door. Mo’Lock took one side of the door. I took the other. I silently counted off with my fingers then I spun and kicked in the door.

Ellis was waiting.

He stood with an open window to his back. He was completely bald now, completely transformed. All that blood must have rushed the process right along. On his shoulder the last baby was perched. Its black eyes glared at me, but Ellis seemed composed.

“You killed my parents?”

“I saved them.”

“Like you saved the master and his wives?”

“How did you—”

Ellis rubbed the baby’s head. “This little fella is more advanced than you’d think.”

“You want to tell me exactly what the hell that thing is?”

“The future. Born of flesh and blood, immortal, all powerful.”

Blamm!

I shot the baby on his shoulder. I hit the body. It fell off his shoulder but wasn’t dead. Not even close. It flew at me and barreled into my stomach so hard I doubled over. It felt like a bowling ball was thrown into my gut.

Ellis took advantage and kicked me right in the face as he backhanded the ghoul. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Mo’Lock flew back against the wall. The kid was strong. Really fucking strong.

I was on the ground. My nose bled profusely. I was dazed and couldn’t react fast enough. I’d dropped my gun. I was out of stakes and holy water. Basically I was screwed.

Ellis grabbed me by the back of my jacket and stood me up. “Because of you I am the last of my kind.”